Tag Archives: Albany New York

George S. Rugg

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1854-1856       Fairbanks’ Block, corner Arsenal and Court-sts., Watertown, New York

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

1859                480 & 482 Broadway, Albany, New York.

George S. Rugg was recorded in six advertisements and five announcements in two different newspapers.  The first advertisement ran from August 31, 1854 to May 17, 1855 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  George S. Rugg’s Sky And Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  The subscriber would respectfully say to the citizens of Watertown and vicinity, that he has opened in Fairbanks’ Block Splendid Daguerrean Gallery, convenient in every respect for executing pictures of all sizes, from the smallest ever taken to the largest.  His rooms are all separated from each other, so that no one branch of the business shall interfere with the other.  He will keep constantly on hand every variety of the Latest and Best Styles of Daguerreotype Stock.  Artists Supplies With Stock on most liberal Terms.

A cordial invitation is extended to all to visit his Gallery, and examine his stock, specimens, &c. No Picture will be considered sold until perfect satisfaction is given.  he has all the Latest Improvements in the Daguerreotype Art.  He has lately discovered a new Chemical Compound for cleaning plates, which excels every other article for that purpose now in use, enabling him to produce better and more Life Like Pictures Vignette and Stereoscopic Pictures will be neatly executed if desired.  Also Pictures taken on Ornamental Back-Ground.

Opinions Of The Watertown Press.  Daguerreotyping.—We were more than ever impressed with the beauty and utility of this invention, while lately visiting the pleasant suit of rooms expressly fitted up for the execution of this art, by our friend Rugg, in the Fairbanks Block, and examining the specimens of his handiwork.  We there saw the likeness of some of our townsmen, that if anything was wanting to render perfect we were not able to detect it; pictures that spoke highly of the skill of the operator.  Mr. Rugg has spared no pains or expense in fitting up this suit of rooms, and we hope he will receive a share of the public patronage.  A trial of his ability to give satisfaction, will convince all who may favor him with a call.— The New York Reformer.

Rugg’s Gallery.—In the very top of Fairbanks’ Block, is the best place to take likenesses we ever visited.  A man may let his face out there to double in a few seconds.  If any one shall desire that there should be any more faces in the world, that appear just like his own, let him call on Rugg, up, up, up stairs at “Fairbanks.”—Democratic Union.

Fairbanks’ Block, on the Corner of Arsenal and Court-sts., (opposite American Hotel,) Entrance to Daguerrean Gallery, on Court and Arsenal Streets.  Geo. S. Rugg.  Watertown, April 10, 1854.

The second advertisement ran from February 7, 1856 to April 30, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  S. S. (sic.) Rugg, Artist in Patent Ambrotype and Photographic Pictures.  Corner of Court and Arsenal Streets, Opposite the American Hotel.

The Ambrotype was invented by Mr. Cutting, of Boston, and is patented in the United States, Great Britain and France.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass, and permanently secured between two plate of glass, and permanently secured between two plates of glass; is bold, clear and distinct, not reversed, and will not change in any climate—taken from the smallest to full size.

The Public are cautioned in purchasing pictures taken on glass as Ambrotypes, that do not bear patent stamp.

Pictures taken on single glass, and covered with black paint, are not Ambrotypes.

Notice.  G. S. Rugg has this day purchased the exclusive right, for making Cutting’s Patent Ambrotype Pictures, in the Counties of Jefferson and Lewis, N. Y..—Shaw & Clark, Att’ys for Company.  Watertown, Jan. 1st, 1856.

The first announcement appeared on March 5, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Removal.—G. S. Rugg, Artists, has removed his Daguerreian Gallery from Fairbanks’ Block, Court-st., to Washington Hall Block, where he has fitted up rooms with new and elegant furniture, and is prepared to take pictures in the best styles of the art.

But his old rooms are not deserted:  Mr. Oscar Button, an operator of experience, has engaged the same rooms in the Fairbanks Block, vacated by Mr. Rugg, and will continue the business in all its branches.

The second announcement appeared on May 6,1857 in the  Northern New York Journal (Watertown, New York.)  Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

The third advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal.  

Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them. Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, March 7, 1857.

The third announcement appeared on May 7, 1857 in The New York Reformer. Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

The fourth advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

The fifth advertisement was recorded from August 12 to September 30, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal.  Bought Out!  Having Purchased The Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  (Known as Rugg’s Gallery, in the Fairbank’s Block,) the undersigned would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that after many additions and improvements, in which he has spared no pains or expense, he is now fully prepared to execute Pictures in the very best style and finish the art is enable of producing.  He has had many years experience in the art, and during the time has been in many of the larger cities of the Union, North and South, East and West.  All work taken by him is warranted and unless entire satisfaction is given, the money will be refunded.  Of Cases, Frames, &c. he has an entirely new lot of every possible variety.

Remember, Fairbanks Buildings, Corner Court And Arsenal Streets, Opposite The American Hotel.  O. P. Button.  Watertown, April 29, 1857.

The sixth advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857 in The New York Reformer. 

Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.   G. S. Rugg, O. (sic.) S. Fowler.  Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  S. G. Rugg.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 1, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  Premiums Awarded…Pictures…

Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Thos. Waite, Pamelia, book.

Best Specimens Photographs, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. & $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Photographs, G. S. Rugg, Watertown, book.

Miss Alice Smith, Watertown, recommended, $3.00.

Hart & Hose, Watertown, recommended, $2.00

Those recommend a discretionary premium of $3.00 to No. 207 for best Ambrotypes, also one of $2.00 to No. 65 for 2d best Ambrotypes.

The committee would recommend that, at the next annual exhibition there be one premium for the best ambrotypes and one for the 2d best, and also a premium for the best ambrotype views.  A large portion of the pictures exhibited were of this character, and as they form a very interesting part of the exhibition the committee have recommended premiums to be given, and that greater inducement be offered by the society hereafter for the exhibition of specimens of art.  E. Q. Sewall, T. C. Chittenden, Jr., E. H. Smith, Judges.

The fifth announcement appeared on January 13, 1859 in The New York Reformer.  Fire In Broadway.—The only really alarming fire that has occurred in this city for six months, broke out a little before 9 o’clock on Saturday evening, on the third floor on Nos. 480 and 482 Broadway, in a room occupied by G. S. Rugg (late of Watertown) as a photographic gallery.  The origin of the fire is not known definitely, but is supposed to have been either a spontaneous combustion or taken from a spirit lamp in his laboratory.  When discovered, the room was enveloped in flames, and in a very short space of time the fire had crept through the lath and plaster partitions into the fourth story and thence to the roof….

George S. Rugg is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a G. S. Rugg in 1854 without a business address or location, it is unknown if this is the same person.

Walker & Gavit

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1845                15 Dow’s Building, Albany, New York.[1]

Walker & Gavit was recorded in one advertisement that appeared in the Auburn Journal and Advertiser (Auburn, New York) on December 3, 1845.  Daguerreotype.  Daniel E. Gavit, Premium Photographist, late of the firm of Walker & Gavit, Albany, respectfully informs the citizens of Auburn, that he has opened his Gallery at No. 85 Genesee street, up stairs, for a limited term of Ten Days, and will be happy to wait on those who require his services and will favor him with their patronage.

The Gallery contains perhaps, the largest and most unique variety of specimens ever exhibited in Western New York; containing many of our most eminent statesmen and others, all taken from life, viz: Hon. Henry Clay, Hon. Martin Van Buren, Hon. John Quincy Adams, Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, Hon. John C. Spencer, Hon. John C. Spencer, Hon. Silas Wright, Hon. Wm. H. Steward, Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, Hon. Wm. C. Bouck, Hon. C. Morgan, Gov. Briggs of Mass., Judge Miller, Judge Bacon, Nathaniel S. Benton, A. C. Flagg, Hugh Halsey, Gen McNeil, Edwin Croswell, Horace Greeley, Henry Phillips the Vocalist, Bishop Heding, Clark Robinson, and a great number of Ladies and others too numerous to mention in an advertisement.

Copies taken from any of the above for those who wish it at a reasonable charge.

He will add that his pictures have received the Highest Honors wherever they have been exhibited, and at the late Fair of the American Institute, in New York, they were pronounced Superior To All Others, by 20,000 visitors.  A visit to the establishment is respectfully solicited from All.

Every article used in the business, for sale on the most reasonable terms.  Instructions thoroughly given, and Pupils advanced as fast as practicable.

Views of Buildings, Cattle, Horses, and most any thing taken correctly.

Portraits of sick or deceased Persons, taken at their residences when required.  From a list of recommendations from the Press and others, please call at the Galleries.  Auburn, Dec. 3, 1845.

Walker & Gavit are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, unfortunately the identity of Walker remains unknown.

[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Mr. Reynolds

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

ND                  Address Unknown, Albany, New York.                                                                          ND                  Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                            1850               Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.

Mr. Reynolds was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 3 to 17, 1850 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  Mr. Reynolds, of New York who formerly operated for Meade & Bro. of Albany, has taken rooms over Rose’s store,—and having availed himself of the recent improvements in the art, the finish of his Pictures will in no way inferior to Brady and other artists of New York who are working after this late improved process.  Pictures finished by this process have a beauty of tone, roundness of features and distinctness of outline that far surpass those by the old method, and may readily be seen in any light.

Mr. Reynolds has brought with him his full gallery of over 100 specimens, containing portraits from life of some of our eminent men among which is one of the late President Taylor.

He has on hand a supply of Lockets and Fancy cases.  Having one of the best instruments he is enabled to take correct Likenesses in any weather—and children of any age, that can sit still five seconds.

Please call immediately, as he will remain but a short time.  Peen Yan, Aug. 27, 1850.

Mr. Reynolds is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Morse

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850-1851       271 Main Street, Waldo Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Morse (partnership of Aldrich & Morse) was recorded in an advertisement that ran from January 1 to March 14, 1851 in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  Now Is The Time, And Waldo Block is the Place.  In order to introduce our Types to the public, we shall sell them for a few days for fifty cents.  In the Best Cases for One Dollar, such as are sold for $1.50 at other rooms.  We intend to attract the public to our Rooms by making good Miniatures at fair prices, rather than by a display of Stained Glass, costly Mirrors, Tapestry Carpets, &c.  Beware of humbugs, and remember our Rooms are up only one flight of stairs, and that we have decidedly The Best Light in the City.  Aldrich & Morse.  Worcester. Nov. 2, 1850.

Morse is not listed in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list the partnership as being active in Albany, New York in 1851-1852.

Jacob H. Lawyer

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1848                #2 & #4 Exchange, Second Floor, Albany, New York.[1]                                              1849-1850     37 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.

Jacob H. Lawyer of the partnership of Lawyer and Clark was recorded in an advertisement that ran from August 22, 1849 to February 13, 1850 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  Albany Daguerrean Gallery.  The Subscribers would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and vicinity, that they have opened a Daguerrean Gallery, in the room lately occupied by Messrs. Watson & Ryder, No. 37 Owego-st, where they will be at all times in readiness to furnish the public with better work than ever before done in Ithaca.

Being in possession of all the improvements in the art, they fear no competition, and invite the strictest examination and criticism.  The idea held out by indifferent operators that light eyes cannot be well taken, and linen cannot be made white is expelled at once by an examination of the work in this Gallery.

Miniatures can be obtained here of any size or price, at which they ought honestly to be afforded, but always of a superior quality.  The senior partner of the establishment have been employed as the operators in Meade & Bro’s. Gallery in Albany, in 1848, the best in the state feels confident of being able to give the public better Miniatures than have ever been furnished, and satisfy all that they have heretofore been outrageously humbugged.  The following recommendation is from Messrs. Meade, Albany:

We confidently recommend Mr. J. H. Lawyer to the public as a first rate Daguerrean Artist, understanding all the late improvements in the art.  Mr. L. has taken pictures in our establishment and has given general satisfaction.   Meade & Brother.  Albany, July 10, 1848.

The experience of the senior partner for the last three years in the business in the best Galleries, is sufficient to entitle him to the confidence of public when those around him are but beginners in the business without experience or taste.  Instructions given in the art on reasonable terms, and chemicals, &c. kept constantly on hand for sale.  J. H. Lawyer.  F. C. Clark.  Ithaca, August 20, 1849.

J. H. Lawyer is listed in other photographic directories, but is listed here for the information in the advertisement.

[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Myron E. Judd

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1851                   Address Unknown, Albany, New York.                                                                          1852-1854       41 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York.                                                                        1853-1856       3 Hathaway Building, Lansingburgh, New York.

Myron E. Judd was recorded in four announcements and one advertisement in Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York).  The first announcement appeared on December 1, 1853.  It is currently reported that a new Daguerrean Saloon is to be opened in a few days in Hathaway’s building.  Judd of Albany is to be the artist.

The second announcement appeared on September 21, 1854.  The Country Fair…In the Daguerrian Gallery of Mr. Judd, we recognized many familiar faces, which gave the Fair quite a “home” aspect.

The advertisement ran from March 29, 1855 to March 6, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.  All persons Wishing To Secure good Daguerreotypes are again reminded that Mr. Judd takes the very best of Pictures in all kinds of weather.  He keeps constantly on hand a good assortment of plain and Fancy Cases, and his prices are strictly in accordance with the times—at the lowest rates.  It is needless to say, only to such as are not acquainted, that Mr. Judd takes the utmost pains to please.  Remember that life ins uncertain.  Secure the shadow ere the substance perish.  Put it not off until tomorrow, or you may regret it when too late.

The little laughing, loving child, in life so sweet                                                                                      Father, Mother, sister and brother, in a loving group do meet;                                                          But suppose that either or any by nature is taken away—                                                                        Quick! Then, be up, go over to Judd’s, and get their shadows to-day.

Yes and how dear is one of those daguerreotypes when any of our friends are suddenly taken away;—perhaps a father—perchance a mother.  How dear is the smile retained in a shadow when you see the originals no more.—Those persons wishing Good Likenesses of their Children should not wait until Saturday the most hurrying day of all the week.  Put by all, school not excepted.  Come when the light is good, to give the artist a good chance, and in return you will have a good picture.  Dress at all times in something dark.  Avoid as much as possible all light colors.  Wear brown, green, red, check or black.

Judd’s Rooms, No. 3 Hathaway’s Block, are as pleasantly located as could be desired.—Independent entrance, only one flight of stairs, easy of access to old people.  Mr. Judd is truly thankful for the liberal patronage bestowed upon him by the citizens of Lansingburgh and vicinity.  With increasing confidence in his ability to please, he would again invite all to his rooms, and solicit a continuance of the patronage so liberally bestowed upon him for the past year.  Myron E. Judd.   Lansingburgh, March 29, 1855.

The third announced appeared on April 19, 1855.  The more we examine the daguerreotypes taken by Mr. Judd, the more we are convinced that he has no superior as an Artist in this section of the State.  We have in our private daguerrean gallery perhaps forty specimens, taken by different artists, some here, some in Troy, New-York, and the far West, and we venture to say that no judge of a good picture would fail of arriving at the conclusion that Judd’s are clearly entitled to the premium.  His rooms are very tastefully fitted up, and he has every accommodation for visitors.  Another advantage in dealing with him is that he never lets a poor picture leave his hands—a person, therefore, who is no judge, stands an equal chance with those who are connoisseurs in the art.  One more fact we must mention—his charges will be found to be very moderate.

The fourth announcement appeared on November 15, 1855.  The Daguerrian Saloon formerly occupied by Mr. Judd, has passed into the possession of Mr. Clark, who is ready at all times to secure “the shadow, ere the substance perish,” for all those who wish it.—We noticed an Ambrotype of one of our active citizens hanging at his door a few days since—and if we can form an opinion from that, we judge that Prof. Judd’s mantle has fallen upon no unworthy successor.

Myron E. Judd is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry from 1851 to 1854 while in Albany, New York.