Category Archives: Stereoviews

Beckers, Alexander

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1845-1850       201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1852                201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1855-1856       264 Broadway, New York, New York.

18571861        411 Broadway, New York, New York.

1845 April 7.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 7, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 96, Whole No. 4058, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from April 7 to May 3, 1845.

1845 May 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 13, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 131, Whole No. 4093, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from May 13, to June 27, 1845.

1845 July 3.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 3, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 181, Whole No. 4043, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from July 3 to August 27, 1845.

1845 October 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 5, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 254, Whole No. 4136, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus.  Besides a new supply of the above Apparatus, the subscribers have received best Plates, Chemicals and Polishing substances, and the newest improvements in the Art.  Instructions given in the Art, and orders from every part of the country promptly attended to, by addressing (post-paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia Exchange.  Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                                                                                          

Advertisement ran from October 5 to January 5, 1856.

1845 October 30.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 30, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 279, Whole No. 4151, P. 3.

Improvement In Daguerreotype.  By a Mathematically Correct Mirror the subscribers are now Producing Portraits without reversing the image, showing the parting of hair, watch chains, finger rings, &c., precisely as they are worn; but what is more important their portraits cannot fail to be in every respect correct likenesses, whereas, in the usual mode of Daguerreotyping it is impossible to obtain a perfectly correct portrait of any one, they being reversed.

N. B.—Our pictures, taken with this instrument, were awarded a Silver Medal by the American Institute, at its late fair.  Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway. 

The only agents in the United States for Voigtlaindes Instruments, are W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, and Langenheim & Beckers, New York.             

Advertisement ran from October 30 to November 9, 1845.

1846 January 10.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 10, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 9, Whole No. 4222, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Several Furnishing Establishments and Sole Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus. 

The genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, also the best plates, Chemicals, Polishing Materials and Morocco Cases, &c., &c. may be procured at the subscribers’, wholesale and retail, by addressing (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia, or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, N. Y.

The following gentlemen have agreed to act as Agents for the sale of the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus:–

Messrs. Litch & Whipple, Boston, Mass.

Mr. James L. Lyon, Richmond, Va.

Mr. S. Broadbent, Columbia, S. C.

Mr. James P. Perry, Charleston, S. C.

Mr. S. Noessel, New Orleans.

Messrs. Johnson & Jacobs, New Orleans.

W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.                                

Advertisement ran from January 10 to February 19, 1846.

1846 April 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 5, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 94, Whole No. 4307, P. 3.

Langenheim & Beckers, Daguerreotypers, 201 Broadway, Below Fulton Street, have enlarged their Atelier, and are now provided with the best kind of light—the style and quality of Pictures they produce with it are like those made at the Exchange in Philadelphia, by W. T. Langenheim, their partners.

Their new mode of deadening the background of Pictures, by sundry permanent colors, is now patented, and gives such beauty of effect to Daguerreotypes, as to be for the public very inviting, at least to examine specimens of this art.

Langenheim & Beckers, Agents for Voigtlaender & Sohn’s German Cameras and L. Beckers, Daguerreotype Chemicals, &c.

Advertisement ran from April 5 to June 13, 1856.

1846 June 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 25, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 175, Whole No. 4398, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Sole Agency for the Sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus, Philadelphia, Exchange Rooms 26 & 27.

The Subscribers have just received a new supply of the above Apparatus, of all sizes, and warrant them to be genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus.  They also have on hand best French Plates, Chemicals, Polishing Substances, and every other article used in this art.

Orders from any part of the Union, South America and the West Indies, shall be promptly attended to when accompanied with remittances, address (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, or to Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                         

Advertisement ran from June 25 to July 2, 1846.

1847 January 6.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 6, 1847, Vol. XII, No. 5, Whole No. 4602, P. 3.

Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  A New supply of the different sizes of the above apparatus, just received.  W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia; or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, New York.                                                                 

Advertisement ran from January 6 to February 11, 1847.

1847 April 7.  Delaware Gazette.  (Delhi, New York.)  April 7, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerrian Atelier.  Langenheim & Beckers, No. 201 Broadway, two doors from Franklin House, New York, sole agency for the sale of Vorgslander’s Daguerreotype Instruments and L. Beckers’ Chemicals.

Advertisement ran on April 7 & 14, 1847.

1847 November 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 24, 1847, Vol. XIII, No. 322, Whole No. 4919, P. 3.

Voightlaender’s Quick Daguerreotype Instruments, with four times intenser light; lenses of three inches and a quarter diameter, to work on medium plates, for $140.  At Langenheim & Becker, 201 Broadway.  Camera Box extra $5.                                                                  

Advertisement ran from November 24 to December 3, 1847.

1849 April 24.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 24, 1849, Whole No. 5436, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age are taken at Langenheim & Beckers’, 201 Broadway, instantaneously and without difficulty.

1849 May 1.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 1, 1849, Whole No. 5443, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age, taken at Langenheim & Becker’s. 201 Broadway, instantaneously, and without trouble, from 11 o’clock, A. M. until 3 o’clock, P. M.

1849 June 15.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 15, 1849, Whole No. 5483, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Instruments, with improved arrangements, for sale at the agency of Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, above Earle’s carpet store.

1849 September 25.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  September 25, 1849, Whole No. 5589, P. 3.

Dissolution.—The Firm Of Langenheim & Beckers is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business of the concern will be settled by A. Beckers.  W. & F. Langenheim.  A. Beckers.

We have conferred the Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Optical Instruments on Mr. E. White, 217 Broadway.  W. & F. Langenheim.  Alex. Beckers will continue the Daguerreotype business, with all the facilities and instruments as before, at 201 Broadway; above T. Earle’s Carpet Store.

1849 December 18.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 18, 1849, Whole No. 5673, P. 2.

Beckers & Piard, Daguerrean Artists, may be found at 201 Broadway.  Alexander Beckers, Late firm, Langenheim & Beckers.  Victor Piard, Late with Anthony, Clark & Co.

Advertisement ran on December 18 & 25, 1849.

1850 April 23.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 23, 1850, Whole No. 5798, P. 2.

Important to Daguerrean Artists.  To Mr. Victor Bishop, No. 23 Maiden lane, N. Y.

Dear Sir—We cheerfully testify that we have used for some time Louis L. Bishop’s plates, and that they are decidedly superior to all others, either imported or manufactured here.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

Those plates are marked in full with the name of Louis L. Bishop, and are for sale only at Victor Bishop’s, No. 23 Maiden Lane.

Advertisement ran from April 23 to 30, 1850.

1852 December 14.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 14, 1852, Whole No. 7348, P. 4.

The Great Invention of Daguerreotypes.—Now is the time for persons to make their Christmas and New Years gifts, and there is nothing prettier, or more appropriate than a daguerreotype.  Of course, you want one the beauty and perfection of the great new discovery, by which persons are taken with the speculum, without being reversed , in actual position.  Call, them, at the only place to get an elegant daguerreotype picture.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

1852 December 30.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 30, 1852, Vol. XII, No. 3652, P. 7.

New Years Gift.—A new and elegant style of Daguerreotypes is taken at Beckers & Piard’s, No. 201 Broadway, by speculum instruments, avoiding reversion of the picture—a fault so detrimental to all other Daguerreotypes—and children are taken by their treble achromatic instrument instantaneously.

1855 December 22.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 22, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 4579, P. 8.

Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway;  Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

1856 January 1.  Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  January 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 1, P. 19.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Beckers & Piard — This is an excellent gallery. I was really pleased with their specimens of stereoscope ambrotypes. These gentlemen excel in this branch of the art. The gallery contains a large collection of stereoscopic views which are worth looking at. Both these gentlemen have been connected with the art ever since its first introduction into this country, and their talents in an artistic point of view, as well as their skill in manipulation, is proverbially of the highest order.

1857 November 7.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  November 7, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 5164, P. 6 & 7.

Premiums Awarded at the Twenty ninth Fair of the American Institute…Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c.

M. B. Brady, No. 359 Broadway, N. J., for best plain and retouched photographs.

………………………………………………………………………………….Small Gold Medal    

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for plain and retouched Photographs (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)……………………………………………………………………..Diploma

M. M. Lawrence, No. 381 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Daguerreotypes and Miniatures in Oil

…………………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway, N. Y., for instantaneous Daguerreotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Aquerille.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Aquerille.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

S. C. Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographic Views.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

B. Hafnagel, No. 413 Broadway, N. Y., for photographic Views and copies of Prints.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

Phillip E. Bogart & Co., No. 58 Pine street, N. Y., for Photographs by the Solar Camera.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….Diploma

G. N. Bernard, Syracuse, N. Y., for Photographs on Wood.

…………………………………………………………….…………………………Bronze Medal

C. C. Harrison, Fifty-third Street, near East River, N. Y., for Photographic Cameras (a Silver Medal having been before awarded………………………………………………………Diploma

Robert A. Werner, No. 25 East Broadway, N. Y., for an ingeniously planned Diaphragm.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

A. Beckers, No. 411 Broadway, N. Y., for a Stereoscopic Panorama.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

R. Newell & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., for three delicately tinted Portraits.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

1889 March 9.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  March 9, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 5, P. 144-146.

Fifteen Years’ Experience  of a Daguerreotyper.  By Alexander Beckers. Read before the Society of Amateur Photographers of New York, January 31, 1889.

In response to the request of your Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Duffield, I hereby give an outline of my experience ‘in the history of the daguerreotype, for a period of fifteen years.

The details of this antiquated, senior branch of your art can interest you only in such parts as are similar. A comparison of the two, however, will show the progress of the half century we commemorate to-day, as also the centennial of the birth of Daguerre.

The first daguerreotype I saw, was made by Robert Cornelius, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous. On the outside could be seen a large mirror, swung on a bracket, for illuminating his sitters with reflected sunlight The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840, but Boudine introduced it soon after. In the same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering four and a half dollars per pound, stating that the French article cost over five dollars to import, although still impure. Thus the first hypo was made here at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other chemicals followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture photographic chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

In the same year I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Fred Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see nowadays in a photographic art gallery. A kind of a hiding-place for a dark room, and a spyglass-like camera were all the indications of the mystery 1 was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set-screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground glass and round daguerreotype plate, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring, and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of the focu?, there was the rack and pinion, as Voightlander’s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. It had been sent by young Voightlander to his college-mate, WiHiam Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also the warning not to try daguerreotyping, unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing with the first hundred pictures. William Langenheim, a lawyer, did not have the courage, but his brother Fred had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera.

The manipulations of preparing a daguerreotype plate will not interest you much. I should state, however, that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver, is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light, but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice.

At Langenheim’s necessity soon introduced a square camera, with square plates and holders. A high tripod was also used instead of the table. In the summer of 1843 dozen of small Voightlander objectives, such as are still on tlie market, were imported. Soon after, four larger ones, for 6 x 8-inch pictures, arrived. In the fall of that year, Phillip Hass, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Soon after the picture was made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it. In that winter the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, worked by a treadle, the wheel being cushioned and covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor and many experiments, we succeeded in making the first good large daguerreotype of 6 x 8 inches, called whole size; half and twothirds size were advertised and made with success. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which had been considered impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voightlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotypes in this city at 175 Broadway. There were then but a few daguerreans here. They were I. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Augustus Morand, Van Loan, Burgess, Brush, Weston, Artho, Insley, Plumb, and others I cannot recall.

I remained with Edward White until December, 1844, when it became impossible to make a picture in his operating room on account of the extreme cold, for Mr. White would not allow a fire in the place over night. Then I commenced business for myself, at the comer of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voightlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voightlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a large, near picture, the lenses were moved out one-eighth of an inch, while for usual work the ground glass was set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer than the plate. That summer I look a view of High Bridge before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was taken for the engineers, and was perhaps the first one ever taken here in aid of architecture. By taking out-door views I discovered that the plates increased in sensitiveness with the time between the preparation and exposure, and in 1848 obtained a sharp picture of a procession in motion.

In 1847 I began to use a speculum metal mirror, in order to have my pictures not inverted. For very unsymmetrical faces this arrangement was quite indispensable in order to get a likeness. The mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of 4 5 degrees. The use of the mirror required double the time of exposure. It was made by Fitz, Senior, the optician, and was used for years after.

In 1848 Fred Langenheim bought the Fox-Talbot patent for the United States, at six thousand dollars. He introduced it here and failed in the undertaking. Our daguerreotypes were taken so perfect that they were preferred to any Talbotype. Abroad the superiority of our pictures was attributed to our clear atmosphere until American Daguerreotypists, as Dentists, took the lead all over the world.

In 1849 “*y firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, we succeeded in substituting machinery for cleaning our plates, and thus obtained cleaner and better plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 M. M. Root, of Philadelphia, made two pictures on one plate. We succeeded m making four on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. It was then a great relief, as locket pictures were in fashion. In 1856 Mr. Ormsbee patented this same multiplying plate holder and collected considerable money on it, until my priority made his claim void.

The production of stereoscopic portraits was the next task. Marchner, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these pictures in a very neat way. In 1854 F. Langenheim had commenced to manufacture stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen of his make, to find sale for them here. At the first exhibit of these pictures one dozen of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to find an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus I was relieved from satisfying the vanity of each individual beauty of this world, and ended my career as a daguerrean.

1889 April 13.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  April 13, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 7, P. 209-211

The Daguerreotype Experience.  By Alexander Beckers.  Read before the Photographic Section of the American Institute.

In response to a request of your Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. J. B. Gardner, I hereby give you a brief outline of my daguerreotype experience.

The details of this senior branch of photography can interest you, I presume, only in such parts as have a bearing on the more recent modes of picture making. A comparison of these will show the progress of the half century we commemorate and also remind us of the centennial of the birth of Daguerre. The first daguerreotype I ever saw was made by Robert Cornelious, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous, for on the outside could be seen a large mirror swung on a bracket to illuminate his sitters with reflected sun-light

The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840 ; but Boudine introduced it soon after. The same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering $4. 50 per pound ; stating that the French article, though very impure, cost $5 per pound to import. Thus the first hypo was made here, at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other daguerreotype chemicals quickly followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture these chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

The same year (1843) I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Frederick Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see now in a photo gallery. A kind of hiding place for a dark room and a spyglass-like camera were the only indications of the mystery I was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground-glass and round daguerreotype plates, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of focus there was the rack and pinion, as Voigtlander ‘s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. One of these instruments was sent by young Voigtlander to his college mate, William Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also with the warning not to attempt daguerreotyping unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing in the first hundred pictures. This young lawyer, William Langenheim, proved not to have the courage, but his brother Frederick had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera. The preparing of daguerreotype plates will not interest you much, though I should state that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light ; but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice. The round plates were used only for a short time, and so far as I know Langenheim was the first to introduce a square camera, plates and holders; also a tripod in place of a table. In the summer of 1843 the first dozen of small Voigtlander objectives were imported. One of these, 1 believe, is still in the possession of Mr. J. B. Gardner. Soon after four large ones, for 6×8 pictures, were imported. In the fall of that year Philipe Haas, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Shortly after this it was found that the picture could be gilded in much less time and made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it, and so Fizeau’s method went entirely out of use. During the winter of 1843 the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, the wheel being cushioned and then covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor, we succeeded in making the first 6×8 daguerreotype. At this time the only sizes used with any degree of success were 3×4 and 5^ x 4 J. There were also many plates used two sizes smaller that were designated as sixths and ninths. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which was then deemed impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voigtlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotype in New York City, at 175 Broadway. There were then only a few daguerreans in the city. They were J. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Van Loan, Burgess, and a few others I cannot recall. I remained with Mr. White until December, 1844, when it was impossible to make a picture on account of the severe cold, for my employer would not allow a fire in his place over night Then I commenced business for myself at the corner of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, at 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voigtlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voigtlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a picture sharp the lenses were moved out one eighth of an inch. This we soon after rectified by having the ground-glass of the camera set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer the lens than the sensitive plate.

That summer 1 took a view of High Bridge, before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was made for the engineers, and was perhaps the first taken in this country in aid of architecture.

By taking out-door views, I soon discovered that the plate increased in sensitiveness by not exposing it immediately after sensitizing. I found, however, that any very long delay (say for three hours or more) made the plate entirely useless. In 1847, the optician, Fitz, Sr., made for me a speculum metal mirror, with which I was enabled to avoid the inversion of my pictures. For many faces and objects this was a great advantage, though it doubled the time of exposure. This mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of forty-five degrees, and “So well did it serve my purpose that I continued to use it for a number of years.

In 1848 Langenheim bought Fox Talbot’s patent for the United States at six thousand dollars, but financially it proved a failure, as this process never became popular in this country. Why it should not prove a success is quite evident when we remember how infinitely superior the daguerreotype was to any sun picture made on paper. In England Talbot’s process could be received with greater favor, as it did not come in competition with the daguerreotype as made in America. It is true that the daguerreotype was made in many of the large cities of Europe, but in none of these could it compare with the work of this country. The daguerreotypists here took the lead in the beginning ; and up to the time when the collodion process became popular, never allowed themselves to be excelled by any other nation.

In 1849 my firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, ‘we succeeded in constructing a machine for cleaning plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 we contrived a method for making four pictures on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. To us this was a very useful improvement, for locket pictures were then in great demand. In 1856 Mr. Ormsby obtained a patent for this same multiplying plate-holder, and collected considerable money on it, until my priority claim proved his to be void. The production of stereoscopic pictures was the next task. Mascher, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these portraits in a very neat manner. In 1854 F. Langenheim commenced the manufacture of stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen, to find sale for them in New York. At the first exhibition of these pictures one-third of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to contrive an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus being relieved from catering to the vanity of humanity, my career as a daguerrean was ended.  Hoboken March 4, 1889,

Barnum, DeLos

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1857                2 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1858                335 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1858                230 Commercial Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1859                365 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1860                Address Unknown, Roxbury, Massachusetts.1

1856 April 5.  Manuscript.  Letter from D. Barnum to Scovill Manufacturing Company.  Collection of Scovill Manufacturing Company Records, Scovill II, Incoming Letters, vol. 2, p. 104.  Baker Library, Harvard University Graduate School in Business Administration.

Mr. Humphrey, Dear Sir In you (sic) journal for March 15, I Noticed a Call for a first class Daguerreotypist to go to California.  being desirous of visiting that Country I resolved to Answer your notice.  I have been in the business now 5 years & for the past year I have been at work for Messrs. Southworth & Hawes and I am at work there at present. & Shall continue to unless I go to California.  I am a Married Man & Shall take my wife with me.  If you have not found the man you want, And should you think fit to Answer this Stating particulars

Address.  D. Barnum 5½ Tremont, Row, Southworth & Hawes’ Daguerreotype Rooms, Boston

1857-1875.  Stereo Views.  By John S. Waldsmith, 1991.

List Delos Barnum as being active from 1857 to 1875.  Made early photographs of Boston

(ca. 1857) on ivory mounts with blind-stamped identification.  Most notable is his “American Historical Series” (1859) of more than fifty views of Revolutionary War landmarks in and around Boston.  These are on ivory mounts with ornate and fancy descriptive backs.  He also did a fine series of Saratoga and Niagara Falls Plus a series of Washington, D. C.

1858 January 22.  Waltham Sentinel.  (Waltham, Massachusetts.)  Vol. 3, No. 4, P. 3.

Wyman & Co., Photographic Artists, 335 Washington Street, cor. West Street, Boston.

Photographs, Ambrotypes, and every picture in the Art, executed in the neatest and most approved style.

Photographs colored in oil, or tinted in water colors in any style.  Particular attention given to copying.  H. Wyman.  Ja 22.   D. Barnum.

Advertisement ran from January 22 to February 19, 1858.

1860 September.  Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.

Awarded a Bronze Medal at the ninth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Fair for Stereoscopic Pictures.

1860 September 24.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 24, 1860, Vol. XXXI, No 9331,  P. 2.

Stereoscopic Views.  Mr. Delos Barnum of Roxbury has a fine show of Stereoscopic Views in Mechanics Exhibition.  These views are not only of a very high order of merit, but the subjects selected for illustration have special interest to our citizens.  Mr. Barnum last year published an historical series of 21 pictures of noted places in Eastern Massachusetts, which we commended to public attention at the time.  His list, besides those above named, now include eight views of the College buildings and private residences in Cambridge, sixteen views of Mount Auburn, three at Nahant, twelve of places at Franconia, twelve of Niagara, twelve of Buildings and squares in Boston, and others representing noted objects  in Canada, Michigan, Vermont, Greenwood Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, etc.  The whole forming a collection of about a hundred and twenty American views of great beauty and national interest.  Thomas Groom & Co. and the other dealers have these views for sale.

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographs, 1839-1900.

Barker

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1858                Minnesota Avenue, Over Vedder & Co.’s Store, Wyandott City, Kansas.

1858 June 17.  Western Argus.  (Kansas City, Kansas.)  June 17, 1858, Vol. 1, No. 13, P. 1.

Excelsior Ambrotype Rooms, Minnesota Avenue, Over Vedder & Co’s Store, Wyandott City, K. T.

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereoscopes etc., etc., put up in the most artistic style.  Call And See Us.  Barker & Co.  May 20, 1858. 

H. N. Wevere

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1855                Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

H. N. Wevere was recorded in three advertisements in the Daily Express (Petersburg, Virginia.) The first advertisement was recorded on September 25, 1855.

“Blest be the art that can immortalize,

The art that baffles time’s tyrannic claim.”

H. N. Wevere having taken the well known and popular Whitehurst Gallery, recently occupied by Wm. G. Edgar, is prepared to accommodate all those in want of life-like and durable Daguerreotypes on reasonable terms and at the shortest notice.  Having had an experience of seven or eight years in some of the principal Galleries in the Union, he flatters himself that he is perfectly competent to produce Pictures equal to any made.

Customers will receive at all times every attention, and no exertion will be spared to render their Pictures satisfactory.  Stereoscopic and Crayon Pictures made in the highest style of the art.  A large assortment of Jewelry and Fancy Cases, made expressly for Daguerreotypes, kept constantly on hand.

Pictures of deceased persons taken at their residences in the most approved style.

No difference on account of the weather, except for small children.  Our motto is, “Exce’sior.”

The second advertisement was recorded on November 29.  1855. M. E. Conference.—Members of the Conference wishing to have their Daguerreotypes taken during their stay in the city, can do so at a liberal reduction from the usual prices, by calling at the old Whitehurst Gallery, over Noah Walker & Co.’s Clothing store, Sycamore street.

No Picture is allowed to be taken from the Gallery unless entirely satisfactory.  The Artist has a reputation second to none in the country.

Pictures fitted in Rings, Pins, and Lockets on the most reasonable terms.  A call is respectfully solicited.  H. N. Wevere, Proprietor.

The third advertisement was recorded on December 25, 1855.  Hurrah for The Holidays!—Nothing is as suitable for a Christmas and New Year Present as a Daguerreotype of those we love.  It is the most beautiful and appropriate souvenir that can be imagined.

H. N. Wevere, at the old Whitehurst Gallery, will be pleased to accommodate all those in want of Daguerreotypes for a reasonable consideration:  His Daguerreotypes are universally admired.  The beauty of tone, the excellence of finish, and arrangement of drapery, combined with the faultless position, render them perfect in every respect.

The Artist needs no further recommendation than that already given by the press.  A large variety of Cases, plain and fancy, kept constantly on hand.  A call is respectfully solicited.  H. N. Wevere., Proprietor.

H. N. Wevere is not recorded in other photographic directories.

T. L. Nurse

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1852-1856       Corner of Jefferson & Third Streets, Over W. H. Mauro’s Store Burlington, Iowa.

1856-1858       Corner of Jefferson & Third Streets, over Swan’s Store, Burlington, Iowa.

T. L. Nurse was recorded in six advertisements (plus one he was mentioned in) and five announcements in three different newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared on August 19, 1852 in the Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot (Burlington, Iowa).  T. L. Nurse, Daguerrean Artist, Has just received a new supply to his already extensive assortment of stock; and persons wishing Daguerreotypes, can always find at his room the latest style and best quality of cases, lockets, &c., with pictures to correspond.  Please call at the corner of Jefferson and Third streets, and examine for yourselves. 

N. B.  No pains spared to give entire satisfaction to every customer, and no charge if he don’t succeed.  Burlington, May 12, 1852.

The second advertisement was recorded from September 19, 1854 to May 16, 1855 in the   Hawk-Eye (Burlington, Iowa).  Daguerreotypes By T. L. Nurse, Of Chicago, Ill.  He has returned to Burlington with an entire new apparatus and a much better assortment of cases, than were ever before brought to this place, and has fitted up a very Pleasant Room Over W. H. Mauro’s store, (on the south side of Jefferson street, east of Main,) where he has a light second only to a sky-light, a far superior in every respect to the one used while here before.

All are respectfully invited to call and see for themselves.

N. B.—All Pictures warranted perfectly satisfactory or no charge.

Don’s forget the place, on the South side of Jefferson [a few] doors east of Main Street.  August 24, 1854.

The third advertisement ran from May 14, 1855 to February 27, 1856 in the Hawk-Eye. 

Daguerreotypes By T. L. Nurse, Over W. H. Mauro’s Store, (On the south side of Jefferson Street, east of Main.)  He has just returned from Chicago, with a complete assortment of Cases, of all styles, from the cheap $1.50 to the finest French, Also a fine assortment of Gold Lockets, f4om the small shells and Scallops, to those with four openings, which he will sell at lower prices than ever before offered in this city.

Please call and see for yourselves whether you wish pictures or not.

All Pictures warranted perfectly satisfactory or no charge.

Artists supplied with Instruments, Apparatus and tock, at reasonable rates.

The first announcement appeared on January 2, 1856 I the Hawk-Eye.  Beautiful Pictures.—We have examined some of the pictures taken by Mr. Nurse and find them very fine.  They are taken upon glass, are durable, can be seen in any light and altogether superior to the Daguerreotype.  See advertisement.

The fourth advertisement ran from January 2 to May 21, 1856 in the Hawk-Eye.  Glass Pictures, Or, Improved Ambrotypes, At Nurse’s Daguerrean Rooms, over W. H. Mauro’s Store.  These Pictures are a late improvement on the Patent Ambrotypes, being taken in the same manner, but put up differently.  Pictures by this process, instead of having the tone of the Patent pictures, are warm and life-like in tone, possessing a brilliancy never before obtained, and are pronounced by all impartial judges, to be far superior.  Please call and see fo4 yourselves, and remember the place to get Good Pictures, cheap, is a few doors east of Coolbaugh & Brooks’ Bank.  Satisfaction warranted in every instance, or no charge.  A large assortment of Plain and Fancy Cases, Gold Lockets, etc., constantly on hand.

P. S.  Don’s be humbugged into purchasing anything, just because it is patented, especially when you can get a superior article at a less price.  dec. 27.  T. L. Nurse, Artists.

The second announcement appeared on September 3,1856 in the Hawk-Eye.  Stereoscophic (sic.) Ambrotypes.—We were shown recently, by Mr. T. L. Nurse, a number of new style Ambrotypes, which it appears to us, were superior to anything we have met with, growing out of the wonderful discovery of Daguerre.  The principle distinction of the new improvement, is the seeming prominence of the figure, and the boldness of every line and shade.  They are worth attention from those who admire and appreciate every new feature of this graphic art, and all who desire a likeness of self or friend should give Mr. Nurse a call.  They will find his room worth a visit.

The fifth advertisement ran from September 10 to December 24, 1856 in the Hawk-Eye.  Something New!  T. L. Nurse would respectfully inform the public that he is ow taking a new and very superior Picture on Glass, called the Sphereoscopic Ambrotype.  They are pronounced by all to be as much superior to the Ambrotype, as the Ambrotype is to the Daguerreotype.  The objection of a Picture being too dark is entirely removed; for while they are lighter than the Ambrotype or Daguerreotype, they are at the same time more distinct than either.

Please call and see for yourselves.

He is still taking Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs, either plain or colored in oil colors.

Ambrotypes set in Pins, Lockets, &c.

All work warranted satisfactory, or no charge.

The Spereoscopic Ambrotype is Patented, and can only be had at the rooms of T. L. Nurse, corner of Jefferson and Third streets.  Entrance to rooms on Third street.

The third announcement appeared on December 31, 1856 in the Hawk-Eye.  A Good Gift.—If “a thing of beauty is a joy forever,” as it probably is, just step into the Gallery of T. L. Nurse, and take a look at his beautiful Ambrotypes and Photographs, that need but the breath and spirit of life to move them to speak.  There is nothing more suitable as a present to your friends about the Holidays, than a likeness of yourselves, and nearly as acceptable.

The sixth advertisement (the one  that he was mentioned in) first appeared on December 9, 1857 in the Hawk-Eye.  Now is the time to get a Good Picture!  Ambrotypes, Photographs, Holotypes.  Prices To Suit The Times!!  H. N. Twining having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by T. L. Nurse, corner of Third and Jefferson street, will be happy to see all who are in want of a fine Picture, a real artistic gem.  Pictures [of] all styles with all the late improvements.  Particular attention is given to taking likenesses of small children.  From his long experience he is satisfied he can please all, even the most fastidious.  Call and see.  Remember, Thining’s Gallery is the only place in the West where you can get the Holotype or large views.—He has the mammoth instrument expressly for this purpose and the exclusive right of Des Moines County.—Prices to suit the times.  Perfect satisfaction given, or no charge.

The seventh advertisement was recorded from January 1 to February 14, 1858 in the Daily Iowa State Gazette (Burlington, Iowa).  Removal.—T. L. Nurse, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype And Photographic Artist, has removed his room to the corner of Jefferson and Third streets, over Swan’s store, where he has fitted up a fine suite of rooms and added many new improvements.

His operating room is furnished with the best sky light west of Chicago, ad provided with all the necessary apparatus for working any and all the branches of the Photographic art.  His reception room is open at all times to visitors who may wish to examine specimens or obtain pictures, and he extends a cordial invitation to All to call and judge for themselves if he has not the best rooms and the best light in the country; all will be treated with civility and politeness, whether they contemplate sitting for their pictures or not.

Ambrotypes made in the highest and best styles of the art, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  All kinds of pictures copied with neatness and dispatch.  [may20’56.

The fourth announcement appeared on August 17, 1858 in the Hawk-Eye.  Died.  Yesterday afternoon, of consumption, Mr. T. L. Nurse.

The fifth announcement first appeared on August 24, 1858 in the  Hawk-Eye.  Administration Notice.  Estate of T. L. Nurse, Deceased.  The undersigned has this day been appointed by the County Court of Des Moines County, Iowa, Administrator of the estate of T. L. Nurse, deceased, late of this county.

All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make payment to the undersigned, and persons having claims against said estate, are herby notified to present the same to said Court for allowances.  J. M. Broadwell, Administrator. 

T. L. Nurse is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1856 in Burlington, Iowa.

Moore

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereoviews, , , ,

1859                Near the Ferry Landing, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Moore was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on November 14, 1859 in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Art Palace.—We hope our citizens desirous of procuring likenesses of themselves and family will call at the “Art Palace,” near the ferry landing, and let Mr. Moore demonstrate to them that his pictures are of a superior order.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Stereoscopes are executed in the best style.  In this latter branch, in particular, he has been experimenting for the last ten years, and has now one of the best instruments in the country.  Let everybody call and examine the likenesses taken with it.

Moore is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cincinnati.  William H. Moore was active in Cincinnati in 1857 to 1897 his address in 1859 was 10 W. Fifth Street,[1]  which is several blocks from the waterfront.  One might speculate that “near the ferry landing” might suggest that his Art Palace was a boat?

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Samuel E. Moore

Retailer, Stereoviews, , ,

1858                49 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Samuel E. Moore was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on November 6, 1858. 

Stereoscopic.—One of the pleasantest, cheapest and most easily obtainable amusements for a family circle is a set of stereoscopic views.  They are beautiful specimens of the optician’s and daguerreotypist’s skill and taste, and afford never-wearying variety. 

Messrs. S. E. Moore & Co., 49 Camp street, have just received a fine assortment of these views which are more particularly described in their card elsewhere.

The advertisement first appeared on November 6, 1858.  Stereoscopic Views.  We have just received a fine assortment of these most elegant and instructive Parlor Ornaments, comprising of

Views in Paris.

Views in Rome.

Views in Switzerland.

Views in Vienna.

Views of Domestic Life, &c., &c., &c.

And of all qualities—upon Glass, Illustrated Paper and Plain.

The prices are very moderate, and no more desirable evening entertainment for the members of a family can be conceived than a study of these beautiful Scenes, which have the effect of transporting the observer to the very spot whence they were taken.  Sam’le E./ Moore & Co., 49 Camp street.

Samuel E. Moore is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Albert M. McKenney

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1848                7 Batchelder’s Block, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1852-1855       86 Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1853                Address Unknown, Biddeford, Maine.

1855                163 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1856-1857       130 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1858-1860       122 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.[1]

1861-1864       122 Middle Street, Portland, Maine

1864                284 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.

Albert M. McKenney was recorded in five announcements and sixteen advertisements in four different newspapers. He was in the partnership of Macomber & McKenney; S. T. & A. M. McKenney; McKenney & Scribner; and by himself.  The first announcement appeared on  October 31, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  From the Union.  Show and Fair.  York County Agricultural Society.  We proceed to fulfil our promise made last week to give an extended account of the Show and Fair held here, Oct. 11th & 12th.  In order to get the proceedings into a reasonable space, it will be necessary to omit so much of the reports of the adjudging Committees as are merely formal, giving in such cases, the list of premiums awarded, only…

Miscellaneous Articles…Macomber & McKenney, Saco, specimens of daguerreotypes, $2.00

The second announcement appeared on October 31,1848 in the Maine Democrat.  From the Union.  Observations Taken At The Fair.  …Messrs. Macomber & McKenney of our place, presented some excellent daguerreotype likenesses, to which we are bound to pay our especial regards, our own likeness, a complete counterpart of ourself, having been elevated to the high dignity of being criticized and passed upon by a competent committee, with the view of awarding to the artist, if deserved, the tribute due to skill.  We are happy to see by the list that the lot, with the editors thrown in, obtained a gratuity of $1.50.

The first advertisement ran from May 11 to July 13, 1852 in the Maine Democrat.  Portable Daguerrian Saloon!!  Mr. A. M. McKenney, Respectfully announces to his friends and the public, in the vicinity of Saco, that he has arrived in this place with his Portable Daguerrian Saloon, And will remain a few weeks.  It is now on Factory Island, Saco.

He would say to them, he is an old and experienced hand at the business, and keeps up with the times by obtaining all of the Latest Improvements in the Art, and by the aid of his Splendid Saloon, which he has built at great expense, expressly for the business, with a large top light, he feels confident he can furnish those who favor him with a call, with as good or better miniatures that any other operator. 

Perfect and durable likenesses, with or without colors, single, or in groups from two to twenty.  Copies taken from other Daguerreotypes, Portraits, Engravings, Paintings, &c.  Sick Persons taken at their residences.  Particular attention paid to taking Corpses.

Plated and Gold Lockets from $1 to $15.  Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.  Terms Reasonable. 

N. B.—I would correct an idea which is prevalent, that Miniatures cannot be taken as well in cloudy weather as clear.  I will take as good a Miniature when it rains or snows, as when perfectly clear.  Saco.

The second advertisement ran from February 8 to May 10, 1853in the Maine Democrat. Not Premium Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber, grateful for the liberal patronage bestowed upon him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford and vicinity, and induced thereby to establish himself permanently in Saco, has the pleasure of informing them that he has purchased the rooms and fixtures of A. H. Beal, recently fitted up on Factory Island, Saco, opposite the Post Office.

The rooms are new, and with the best of Apparatus are inferior to none in the state.

He would say to the public that he commenced the Daguerreian business in its infancy, and has been in the business longer than any other Artist in the County, having made it his constant study for ten years, and devoted much of that time to experimenting in the Art.  He also has a chemical peculiar to himself, and superior to all others, he feels confident he can make a Better picture than any other Artist in this vicinity.

Not wishing, however, the public to rely on his word alone he would be pleased to have ladies and gentlemen visit his rooms and judge for themselves, as he has no intention of deceiving by offering to Wager five hundred dollars that he can take a better miniature than any other Artist.

I have been in Saco and Biddeford, operating in my saloon, about seven months, and in that time have made about 1,000 miniatures, and should have no fears in submitting them to the test of comparison with pictures made by other Artist, not excepting Premium Pictures.

My rooms will be open for visitors all hours of the day.  A Lady will be in attendance in the receiving room to wait upon ladies who favor us with a call.  One and all are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens and sit for pictures, perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no charge made.

I have a large and beautiful assortment of cases, frames, and lockets.  Miniatures taken in all styles, singly or in groups, and in all kinds of weather, equally as good in stormy as in pleasant weather, and at prices that cannot fail to suit.

All kinds of copying done at short notice and in the best manner.

Miniatures taken of sick persons and corpses, at their residences.

Particular Attention Paid To Taking Likenesses Of Children.  A. M. McKenney.

N. B.  I wish to have it distinctly understood by all that I am not connected with any other rooms in Saco or Biddeford.  Be sure to call at A. M. McKenney’s rooms, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, if you wish a perfect likeness.

Copartnership Notice.  The subscribers have entered into a copartnership this day, under the firm name of S. T. & A. M. McKenney, for the purpose of carrying on the Daguerreotype business.  Their place of business is on Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, where they will be happy to see all those in want of Portraits.  A. M. McKenney, S. T. McKenney.  Saco, Feb. 4, 1853.

The third advertisement ran from June 14 to October 25, 1853 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  A New Whole Size German Camera.  The only one in the County of York.  Messrs. S. T. & A. M. McKenney would inform the citizens of Saco, Biddeford and vicinity, that they have recently purchased a Whole Size German Camera, for the purpose of making Large Miniatures & for Grouping.

It is double the capacity and more than twice the power of those we have been using.  We can now furnish our customers with as nice a miniature as can be obtained in Boston or elsewhere.  We have also made large addition to our Cases And Frames.  We have the most splendid assortment ever offered in this vicinity.  Please give us a call and examine for yourselves.

Don’t forget the place, S. T. & A. M. McKenney, No. 86, Factory Island, opposite the Post Office, Saco.

The fourth advertisement ran from October 25 to November 8, 1853 in the Maine Democrat. 

Dissolution Of Copartnership.  The Copartnership heretofore existing between S. T. & A. M. McKenney, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  S. T. McKenney, A. M. McKenney

The fifth advertisement ran from October 25, 1853 to April 4, 1854 in the Maine Democrat. 

Albert M. McKenney, One of the most experienced Artists in the State, will continue to make Good Daguerreotypes at the old stand, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, Opposite the Post Office.

He returns his most sincere thanks for the liberal patronage bestowed on him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford, and vicinity, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same, feeling confident of his ability to take a better Miniature than any other Artist in York County, notwithstanding Bragging Circulars, Chlorine Gas, Advertisements, or Premium Pictures.

I have every facility for taking good Pictures, equal to any other Artist, and have recently obtained some very important improvements in the art, (which are unknown to other Artists in this vicinity.)  Likenesses executed in all styles, Singly, or in Groups, large or small.  Also, several entirely new styles, specimens of which can be seen by calling at my Rooms.  I respectfully invite all to call and examine them.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge made.  Pictures copied in an entirely new and superior manner.  A large assortment of Frames, Cases, and Lockets constantly on hand.  Pictures sold as cheap as at any other place in Saco or Biddeford.

N. B.  No. 86 Factory Island, is the only place “bearing the name of McKenney,” that I am concerned in. 

The sixth advertisement ran from February 3 to April 7, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal  (Biddeford, Maine).  Albert M. McKenney, One of the most experienced Artists in the State, will continue to make Good Daguerreotypes at the old stand, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, opposite the P. O.  He returns his most sincere thanks for the liberal patronage bestowed on him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford, and vicinity, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same, feeling confident of his ability to take a Better Miniature than any other Artist in York County, not without standing Bragging Circulars, Chlorine Gas, Advertisements, or Premium Pictures.

I have every facility for taking good Pictures, equal to any other Artist and have recently obtained some very important improvements in the art, (which are unknown to other Artists in this vicinity.)  Likenesses executed in all styles, singly, or in groups, large or small.  Also, several entirely new styles, specimens of which can be seen by calling at my Rooms.  I respectfully invite all to call and examine them.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge made.  Pictures copied in an entirely new and superior manner.  A large assortment of Frames, Cases, and Lockets constantly on hand.  Pictures sold as cheap as at at any other place in Saco, or Biddeford.

N. B. No. 86 Factory Island, is the only place “bearing the name of McKenney,” That I am concerned in.

The third announcement appeared on April 7, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Please notice the advertisement of A. M. McKenney, Daguerrean, Factory Island, Saco.  He has some very fine specimens of Stereoscopic Pictures, a new style, which are executed in the highest style of the art.

The seventh advertisement ran from April 7 to June 16, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal. 

Stereoscopic Pictures!—Made At—A. M. McKenney’s Daguerrian Rooms!! No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.

This style of Daguerreotype, which is entirely new and very beautiful, can be obtained at no other place in York County.  By this process, two pictures are taken at the same time, of the same person, and when finished, blend together as one, which is magnified to the size of life.

Every kind of Daguerreotype executed in a superior manner.  Copying done at short notice in any kind of weather.  A large assortment of cases, frames and lockets constantly on hand, for sale as cheap as by any other Artist in this vicinity.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine some fine specimens of the Stereoscopic Pictures.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 11 to August 22, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  Stereoscopic Pictures!—Made At—A. M. McKenney’s Daguerreian Rooms!!  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, This style of Daguerreotypes, which is entirely new and very beautiful, can be obtained at no other place in York County.  By this process, two pictures are taken at the same time, of the same person, and when finished, blend together as one, which is magnified to the size of life.

Every kind of Daguerreotype executed in a superior manner.  Copying done at short notice in any kind of weather.  A large assortment of cases, frames and lockets constantly on hand, for sale as cheap as by any other Artist in this vicinity.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine some fine specimens of the Stereoscopic Pictures.

The ninth advertisement ran from August 29 to December 26, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  The Best Place—to get a—Daguerreotype Is At A. M. McKenney’s No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.

The tenth advertisement ran from January 2 to October 9, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  January 2, 1855, Vol. XXVI, No. 22, P. 3.

Latest News, From The Saco Daguerreian Gallery, No. 86 Factory Island.  A. M. McKenney makes better Miniatures than any other Artist in this vicinity, and at prices to suit all, from Fifty Cents up-wards.  He has better facilities for making them than any other Artist in this County, (although Brother Artists make false statements to mislead the Public.  All are invited to call, and he will show them a Patent Machine for polishing plates, equal to any in the United States.

Remember the place, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  Where will be found a largen assortment of Cases, Lockets; Pins &c., &c., Constantly On Hand.

The eleventh advertisement ran from January 10 to October 26, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Latest News, From The Saco Daguerreian Gallery, No. 86 Factory Island.  A. M. McKenney makes better Miniatures than any other Artist in this vicinity, and at prices to suit all, from Fifty Cents up-wards.  He has better facilities for making them than any other Artist in this County, (although Brother Artists make false statements to mislead the Public.  All are invited to call, and he will show them a Patent Machine for polishing plates, equal to any in the United States.

Remember the place, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  Where will be found a largen assortment of Cases, Lockets; Pins &c., &c., Constantly On Hand.

The twelfth advertisement ran from August 28 & September 11, 1855 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Ambrotypes, Pictures Taken On Glass. At R. Adams & Co., No. 163 Middle Street…Portland.  These Pictures differ essentially from the Daguerreotype, as they can be seen at any angle, are not reversed, will not corrode or change by time, are as permanent as the glass on which they are made, and will retain their brilliancy for ages.

Letters Patent have been obtained for the United States, Great Britain and France, by Mr. Cutting, the Inventor.

R. Adams & Co. have the exclusive right for making these Pictures in this city.  A. M. McKenney.  Rufus Adams.

The thirteenth advertisement ran from October 19 to November 16, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The fourteenth advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The fifteenth advertisement ran from September 30, 1856 to October 21, 1856 in the Christian Mirror (Portland, Maine).  Notice Photographic.  Having secured the services of that old campaigner in the Daguerreotype business, and oldest Ambrotypist in the State, A. M. McKenney, Esq., I am now able to give more of my personal attention to the production of first rate Photographs Pictures from Life, or Copies of Daguerreotypes, executed at short notice.  J. W. C. Morrison, 130 Middle Street.

The sixteen advertisement ran thirteen times between October 12, 1858 to January 25, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Photographs.  Wonderful Discovery!!  I am prepared to execute Photographs By An Entirely New Process, In A Style Never excelled in this Country.  When finished they resemble a Fine Steel Engraving, Though Far Superior!

Life Size Photographs, In Oil, Water Colors and India Ink.  Photographs of any desired size. 

Copies from old Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes.

Particular attention paid to Ambrotyping, and all work warranted.

Notice the Sigh of the Big Picture f Daguerre!  122 Middle street, Come And Be Convinced.  A. M. McKenney. 

The fourth announcement appeared on March 8, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Photographs Of The Police.—We have seen at our Police Station some fine photographic likenesses by McKenny and by Burnham of the members of the police department of our city government.  Those by Barnham are taken on two sheets, sitting and standing in a group.  Those by McKenny are taken separately half-length.—They are admirably executed, and being glassed and framed, present an appropriate ornament to the room.  The arrangement of the photographs in the frame is very tasteful.  The Marshal occupies the centre position flanked by his deputies, while the members are arranged around in an elliptical (Sic. form.  By the way, a more efficient and gentlemanly set of men it would be hard to find than those constituting our police force.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 10, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Court House.—As this old structure is about to be demolished, those who may wish to keep alive the association and memories connected with it, had better procure a photographic image of it.  An excellent one has just been taken by Mr. A. M. McKenney, and copies can be procured at his rooms, 122 Middle street.

Albert M. McKenney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Saco, Maine in 1855 and in Portland, Maine from 1858-1860.  I have not included advertisements after 1860 because the research is incomplete.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

McKenney & Bowers

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1852-1854                   6 Central Block, Biddeford, Maine.

McKenney & Bowers (Enoch H. McKenney & W. H. Bowers) were recorded in seven advertisements and one announcement. The first advertisement ran from February 3 to April 27, 1852 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  New And Splendid Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers Respectfully announce to the public that they have just fitted up (without regard to cost) a Daguerrian Establishment inferior to none in New England.

With the Largest and best arranged Light of any Daguerrian Room in the State, and having procured an Instrument of the Largest Size, They are prepared to execute pictures Twice As Large as any hitherto made in Biddeford or Saco.

By means of this large and powerful Instrument, and with the aid of their immense light, they can execute Family Groups of any number, in a superb manner, on small or the largest sized plates.  In these days of mortality, heads of families should secure the likeness of every member of their family circle before it shall be broken by the rude hand of death.

McKenney & Bowers can now make pictures far superior to those of any other establishment in York County, and they throw their rooms open for public inspection and criticism, willing that a discerning public should judge whether they speak in a manner too boasting or to confident.  Their lng experience in the Daguerrian Art, and their new and not to be surpassed arrangements render it reasonable that they should excel, and they assure those who patronize them that they shall not leave their rooms dissatisfied with pictures or prices demanded.

Grateful for the past liberal patronage bestowed upon them, and more grateful for the many expressions of approval they have received, they respectfully invite a continuance of the=at patronage, as their whole object will be to please their customers.  E. H. McKenney, W. H. Bowers.  No. 6 Central Block.  Biddeford, Jan. 28, 1852.

The second advertisement ran from May 11, 1852 to March 29, 1853 in the Maine Democrat.  Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers have the best arranged Daguerrian Establishment in the State, and with their Apparatus can take pictures of the largest size.  They are now executing exceedingly Fine Likenesses in Groups or Singly, And if better ones can be produced than they take, theirs will be given gratis.  The public are invited to call and examine for themselves.  Biddeford, April 1852.

The announcement appeared on October 12, 1852 in the Maine Democrat.  Cattle Show And Fair.  The annual Cattle Show and Fsir of the York County Agricultural Society took place in this town last Wednesday and Thursday…

On Manufactures.  Your committee having attended to the duties assigned, ask leave to report:…

E. J. Cole, Saco, Daguerreotypes, diploma and .50.

McKenney & Bowers, Biddeford, do.  Diploma.

The third advertisement ran from March 29 to November 1, 1853 in the Maine Democrat.  Something New!  McKenney & Bowers, Have obtained a quick instrument with which they can take Miniatures in much less time than ever before.  They would say to those having Children of which they would like to obtain Daguerreotypes, that they are now prepared to take them With little or no Difficulty.

They can also take perfect likenesses of the Sick at their residence with this instrument, it being so constructed as not to require so much light as those of any other kind.  Copying of all kinds done to perfection.

McKenney & Bowers take this opportunity to return their thanks to their friends and patrons for their liberal patronage, and respectfully solicit a continuance of the same.  Having a better light, larger and better instruments than can be found at any other establishment in this vicinity, they are able to make better Daguerreotypes.  All are invited to call whether they wish for Miniatures or not, and examine our specimens and facilities for making them and judge for themselves.  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Me.

N. B.—E. H. McKenney, who was established in Biddeford, long before any of his neighbor artists took a Miniature in this vicinity, would have all understand that he is not connected with any other Saloon or other Daguerreian establishment in Saco or Biddeford, except the old Gallery in Central Block, where he may be found with additions and improvements.

The fourth advertisement ran from November 1, 1853 to April 4, 1854 in the Maine Democrat. 

McKenny & Bowers Daguerreotypes, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford.  Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken of all sizes, and in any style desired, and warranted equal to the Best.

We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be found in this vicinity.  An examination of which will well pay for a visit to our Rooms.  Also, the best collection of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place McKenney & Bowers.

N. B.  It is with reluctance that we refer to the advertisement of a brother artist, but justice to ourselves prompt us to say, that the late County Fair the Highest Premium was awarded to our Daguerreotypes, and not to Mr. Cole’s as his advertisement leads people to suppose. 

The fifth advertisement ran from February 17 to April 14, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal (Biddeford, Maine).  McKenney & Bowers, Daguerreotypes!  No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford. Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken in all sizes and any style desired.  We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be seen in this vicinity.  Also, the best assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases, at the lowest prices. E. H. McKenney, W. T. Bowers.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 11 to May 9, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  Stereoscopic Pictures!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Took and exhibited the first Stereoscopic Pictures that were taken in “York County,” And the are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscopic two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life, and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “Thing Of Life,” instead of a Picture.

Daguerreotypes, –Of All—Styles & Sizes, Taken in the most perfect manner.

Fine Gold Lockets!  Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases and Frames of every Description.  Call And See!  Call And See!

The Seventh advertisement ran from April 14, to May 5, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Stereoscopic Pictures!!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford, Took And Exhibited The First Stereoscopic Picture!  That were taken in “Your County,” and the public are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscope two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life; and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “thing of Life,” instead of a picture.

Daguerreotypes Of All Styles And Sizes, Taken In The Most Perfect Manner, Fine Gold Lockets.

Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers, if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases And Frames, Of Every Description.  Call And See!  Call and See!!

McKenney & Bowers are not recorded in other photographic directories as being in a partnership. Enoch H. McKenney is recorded by himself in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry Bowers is also recorded in Craig’s (without a first name) in the partnership of Macomber & Bowers.  I did blog W. T. Bowers on February 21, 2022.

S. B. Martin

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Rooms with Dr. Cutliff, Shreveport, Louisiana.

S. B. Martin was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The South-Western  (Shreveport, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on February 6, 1856. Those wishing to procure daguerreotypes, of a superior order, are referred to the advertisement of Mr. Martin.  He has taken many fine pictures.

The advertisement ran from February 6 to March 5, 1856.  S. B. Martin, Daguerreotypist, Has taken rooms with Dr. Cutliff, where he is well prepared to furnish likenesses in a superior style, put up in stereoscopic, magnifying or common cases, single or in groups.  Also in lockets, pins, rings, &c.  Paintings, daguerreotypes, etc., correctly copied.—Taken in any weather and in a manner never surpassed here or elsewhere.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

Instruction given in the art.   

S. B. Martin is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a S. B. Martin in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1853,it is unknown if they are the same person.