Tag Archives: Bath Maine

Dupee, Isaac H.

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

1851-1854       Rooms over Morrison’s Carpet Store, Front Street, Bath, Maine.

1854-1855       Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Maine.

1856                Z. Hyde’s Building, Front Street, Bath, Maine. 

1865-1870       122 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1870                Address Unknown, Saccarappa, (Westbrook) Maine.

1851 August 21.  Eastern Times.  (Bath, Maine.)  August 21, 1851, Vol. VI, No. 9, P. 2.

New Daguerreotype Rooms.  Mr. I. H. Dupee has lately fitted up new rooms over the Furniture store of J. W. C. Morrison, where all who wish for a first rate daguerreotype, will be sure to call.  His pictures are taken by top-light, his arrangements for which are second to none in the country.  His card will be found in another column.

1851 August 21.  Eastern Times.  (Bath, Maine.)  August 21, 1851, Vol. VI, No. 9, P. 2.

I. H. Dupee, Daguerreotype Artist, Rooms over Morrison’s Carpet Store.  I. H. D. respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has fitted up Rooms over Morrison’s Store, Front Street, where he will be happy to wait upon all who may favor him with a call.  Pictures neatly put up in Pins, Rings, Lockets and Cases of every description, and in the best manner, at the lowest prices, and warranted to suit.  All work done with a large sky-Light.

Advertisement ran from August 21, 1851 to September 16, 1852.

1852 September 23.  Eastern Times.  (Bath, Maine.)  September 23, 1852, Vol. VII, No. 14, P. 3.

I. H. Dupee. Daguerreotype Artist, Rooms over Morrison’s Carpet Store.

Advertisement ran from September 23, 1852 to December 28, 1854.

1854 June 22.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  June 22, 1854, Vol. XXII, No. 26, P. 3.

Photographs, Stereoscopic Crayon, Crystalotypes, and other Styles of Pictures, May be found at Isaac H. Dupee’s Rooms, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  I. H. Dupee respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Pierce & Williams, for the purpose of Daguerreotyping.  Having on of the largest Cameras in the city, he is prepared to take large pictures, and especially groups, (no matter how many,) arranged in the most appropriate style.  Having paid particular attention to taking Children, and being provided with a quick working Camera, he can take small children in one quarter of the usual time.  Hours for Children from 9 A. M. till 2 P. M.  Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted perfect, for the low price of $1 and upwards, including case.  Also inserted in Rings, Pins, Lockets, Seals, &c., a large assortment of which he has on hand at all times.  H having had long experience in this business, solicit a share of your patronage.  All work entrusted to his care will be promptly attended to and warranted as good as the best.

A large assortment of Daguerreotype Materials for sale to the trade at Boston prices.  Operators furnished with every thing necessary to carry on business with.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases.

Sick and deceased persons taken at their houses, if wished, as well as at his rooms.

Portraits, Daguerreotypes and Engravings, copied accurately and put in cases or frames.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.  Mr. Dupee, by attention to business, and keeping his rooms open at all hours, hopes to secure Miniatures of all who call and are in want.

I take this opportunity to return my thanks to my friends and patrons for their liberal patronage.  I have sold my Rooms to Isaac H. Dupee, formerly of Bath.  I can recommend him to all who may wish for a good Daguerreotype of themselves or friends.  Mr. D. has had long experience in the Daguerreotype business; he comes well recommended as an artist and a gentleman.  S. N. W.

Advertisement ran from June 22 to September 21, 1854.

1855 April 12.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  April 12, 1855, Vol. XXIII, No. 16, P. 3.

25 & 50 Cent Daguerreotypes.  Great Reduction In Prices.  If you wish a good Daguerreotype of yourself or friends, call upon Isaac H. Dupee; he will give you a good picture for 25 or 50 cents, other kinds of Cases, Frames, Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c. &c. at a lower price than ever have been sold before.  Please call and examine for yourselves.  Nearly opposite the Stanley House, Water Street, Augusta, Me.

Advertisement ran from April 12 to June 7, 1855.

1855 June 7.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  June 7, 1855, Vol. XXIII, No. 24, P. 3.

Isaac H. Dupee, Daguerrean, And Dealer In Daguerreotype Materials, Granite Hall, Water St., Augusta.

Advertisement ran from June 7 to October 6, 1855.

1856 January 31.  Eastern Times.  (Bath, Maine.)  January 31, 1856, Vol. X, No. 33, P. 3.

Ambrotypes.—The attention of our readers is invited to the advertisement of I. H. Dupee, in another column.  These beautiful pictures are got up by him in a style probably not surpassed, as may be seen by visiting his rooms.  He is thoroughly skilled in the daguerrean art, and can give you a daguerreotype likeness true to nature.

1856 January 31.  Eastern Times.  (Bath, Maine.)  January 31, 1856, Vol. X, No. 33, P. 3.

Isaac H. Dupee, Daguerrean & Ambrotypist, Z. Hyde’s building, Front St., Bath, Me.  Having bought the right of Sagadahoc County, is now prepared to take these beautiful pictures, which are admired by all who see them.  By this method it only requires one third of the time required for a Daguerreotype.  Children can be taken in one second.  Persons wishing likenesses of their children have no treason now for saying they can not get them. All they have to do is to bring them to me.  I can take them in any weather, and get them natural and good; the stormy weather is just as good as a bright day. These pictures are not reversed as a daguerreotype—are more durable, and are seen in any light, and are more natural than any other picture.  You can have pictures copied from others in this way to any size.

All are invited to call and examine specimens at my rooms, and see for themselves.  Every attention paid to persons in want of daguerreotypes or ambrotypes at my rooms.

On hand a good assortment of Cases of all kinds, Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., sold at the lowest prices, and warranted to be as good as the best.

All work entrusted to my care will be attended to with promptness and dispatch.  No work will be allowed to go away with any blemish or spot on it.

Price reasonable.

Advertisement ran from January 31 to April 24, 1856.

1856 August 14.  Bath Daily Sentinel.  (Bath, Maine.)  August 14, 1856, Vo. 1, No. 4, P. 4.

Something New.  Ambrotypes Or Pictures On Glass.  Isaac H. Dupee, having bought the right of Sagadahoc County, for taking these beautiful and life-like pictures, is now ready to furnish the public with them at his old stand in Z. Hyde’s Building, Front-St., Bath.  These pictures should only be seen to be admired; they are taken on the best of plate glass, and secured between another glass by an indestructible gum, enabling the picture to retain its brilliancy for years. They will not corrode, or change in any climate, can be seen in any light, and are as enduring as the glass upon which they are taken.  They are not reversed, but are taken in the natural position of the sitter: they require only about one third of the time of a daguerreotype; by that a person gets a more natural picture.  The worst of weather is as good as the best.  By this method young children can be taken in one second, thus securing a picture of your little ones as perfect as themselves.  Pictures can be copied by this way from daguerreotypes, magnified to any size.

The public are invited to call and examine specimens at my rooms, where they will be shown to any person who will take the trouble to call and see them.

All work entrusted to my care will be executed with promptness and dispatch.  Copying done for rings, pins, lockets &c., and warranted.  On hand a good assortment of Cases, Frames, &c. such as are usually found in an establishment like this, which will be sold cheap for cash.  Bath, Jan 28, 1856.

1857 November 12.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  November 12 12, 1857, Vol. XXV, No. 47, P. 2.

On Tuesday night, the clothes line of I. H. Dupee was robber of several shirts and other articles.

1865 September 1.  Portland Daily Press.  (Portland, Maine.)  September 1, 1865, Vol. 4, P. 3.

I. H. Dupee, Photographer!  May be found at No. 122 Middle Street, where he is ready to wait upon any one wishing for pictures of themselves or friends, at reasonable prices, for as good work as is to be had at any room in the city.  Copying done of all kinds of pictures, and worked up by a competent artist at the rooms.  Especial attention paid to Children’s pictures; also to pictures of sick or deceased persons out of town or in the city.

T have the negatives of Mr. Morrison’s at my rooms, taken when he was in business; friends who had them there will find them here, from which copies can be taken without recopying, at the lowest prices.

The public are requested to call and give me a try, as I am bound to make as good work as can be found.

An assortment of Frames, &c., will be found here.  Patronage solicited.

Card Pictures $3.00 a Dozen, as good as any one makes.

Corner of Middle and Union Sts.

1868 November 28.  Daily Eastern Argus.  (Portland, Maine.)  November 28, 1868, Vol. 35, No. 252, P. 3.

The Great Land Slide.—Mr. Fred. Hale, with characteristic enterprise, has secured some excellent stereoscopic views of the great land slide near Cumberland Mills last Sunday, taken by Mr. Dupee.  They are good pictures and convey a very accurate idea of the convulsion.  They may be had at Hale’s picture and framing establishment, No. 23 Free street.

1870 January 12.  Portland Daily Press.  (Portland, Maine.)  January 12, 1870, Vol. 9, P. 3.

Saccarappa Items.  This flourishing village is steadily developing its own resources and attracting capital from outside…Dipee, the well known photographer of Portland, takes up his headquarters in Saccarappa this week, and id ready to hold the mirror up to life.

1870 January 29.  Portland Daily Press.  (Portland, Maine.)  January 29, 1870, Vol. 9, P.4.

The banks of the Presumpscot last Wednesday morning were strikingly beautiful in their ice mantle.  Mr. Dupree, the photographer at Saccarappa, secured some stereoscopic views of the same, which are really very fine and possess a permanent value.  Lowell & Senter and Morrison have them.

H. M. Stuart

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1856                Main Street, Harden’s Block, Belfast, Maine.

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

H. M. Stuart was recorded in two announcements in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine) and mentioned in one advertisement.  The first announcement appeared on March 7, 1856.  Daguerreotype Notice, Every Likeness Warranted!  Mr. Stuart, Daguerreian Artist would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by My. Quimby, in Haraden’s Block, Main Street, Where he will be prepared to furnish customers with Likenesses as perfect as can be obtained elsewhere and put up in neat and fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins At the Most Reasonable Terms.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day.

He would also say that with the aid of a Quick Camera of the best manufacturies (Sic.) in the United States he is enabled to take Likenesses of Children in the shortest possible time.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, of various styles and sizes.  H. M. Stuart.  [50]

The second announcement appeared on November 14, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Mr. Stuart, At Haraden’s Block, Head of Main Street, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses of Superior Quality, For 50 Cents, Warranted Not To Fade!  In as good style as can be produced in New England.  Having tested to its utmost, the advantages of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype, both in Richness of Tone and Durability, he feels confident that he can give entire satisfaction to all who wish for Perfect Life-Like Minatures. (Sic.)  Those in want of good and lasting impressions of themselves and friends, are invited to call and sit, but a few seconds at most, to be convinced that such is the case.

These Pictures are Taken on Glass, and to be convinced that they are the most life-like and durable pictures ever taken, persons have but to see them-therefore, all are invited to call at Stuart’s Daguerrean Rooms, Haraden’s Block, Opposite the New Custom-House, and examine specimens.

He also continues to put up Daguerreotypes, in the usual manner, and in every style yet discovered in the art, such as Crayon and Stereoscope Likenesses, formerly admitted to be the most Life-like of any miniatures produced in the Daguerrean art, and but little inferior to his new and lasting Photographic Pictures.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day, by sitting from one to ten seconds only, and put up in the most fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, At the Most Reasonable Prices.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of cases, Frames, Lockets, and Pins, of the various styles and sizes.

Remember—Office in Haraden’s Block, Main street, opposite the New Custom-House.  W. M. Stuart. [18]

The advertisement which he was mentioned in appeared January 11, 1859 in The Age (Augusta, Maine) ad ran for three weeks.  Photographs!  J. S. Hendee Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Augusta, and the public generally, that he has made arrangements with W. M. Stuart, One of the best Photographist in the country.  To stop in connection with him at his Picture Rooms, for one or two weeks; where they will be prepared to make Photographs of the various styles and sizes, from the smallest to the largest.

Mr. Stuart, having had long and successful experience, and having made a number of useful discoveries in the art, which he is now using, will make Photographs that cannot be excelled in the country.

He has one of the improved, large, double-whole cameras, which enables him to make Pictures nearly Life Size!  As fine and  nice as smaller ones.  These large pictures are everywhere preferred; they are made perfect, and when colored, are as beautiful as Oil Paintings.  They can be seen in any light, and are the most durable pictures ever taken, and one sitting only is requisite for any number.

There Never was so large an instrument in the place before.  Now, therefore, is your time, To secure Memento that will withstand the ravages of time.  Any size Photographs made from small pictures and finished with colors and enamel, or plain.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes Made at these rooms, that cannot be excelled in the Union. 

Pictures taken in cloudy as well as in fair weather.  Come in and examine specimens.

Remember, for a few days only!  Terms Reasonable.  Augusta, Jan. 10, 1859.

H. M. Stuart is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Belfast. Maine in 1860.  Which brings up the question did Stuart have a second studio in Augusta, Maine.

Silsbee & Morrison

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1846-1847       Address Unknown, Bath, Maine.

Silsbee & Morrison (George M. Silsbee (variant spelling of last name Silsby) & J. W. C. Morrison) were recorded in one announcement that appeared on January 2, 1847 in the Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette (Hallowell, Maine).  Smart Day’s Work.—Twenty Daguerreotype likenesses were taken, finished and delivered yesterday by Silsby & Morrison.—Bath Tribune.

Silsbee & Morrison are recorded in other photographic directories, but not the partnership.  The variant spelling of Silsbee’s last name (Silsby) is recurring throughout the Maine newspapers.

Charles Thomas Rogers

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1849                12 Phenix Row, Belfast, Maine.

1850                Union Block, Front Street, Bath, Maine.

c. 1850-1852   Address Unknown, Portland, Maine.[1]

1853                Address Unknown, Gardner, Maine.1

1854                39½ Fourth, St. Louis, Missouri.

Charles Thomas Rogers was recorded in three advertisements and one entry in a regional directory, and one entry in.  The first advertisement ran from December 14 to 21, 1849 in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine).  Daguerreotype Rooms.  The Subscriber would respectfully inform this and adjoining towns, that he has taken rooms over No. 12 Phenix Row for the purpose of giving the ladies and gentlemen an opportunity of obtaining Miniatures of Themselves and friends.

Having practiced with one of the best artists in the country he feels confidence in himself, that he can give perfect satisfaction to all who may feel disposed to call.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Instruction given in the art, and every thing pertaining thereto furnished on the most reasonable terms, and warranted of the best quality.  C. T. Rogers.  Belfast. Dec. 7, 1849.

The second advertisement ran from May 9 to July 11, 1850 in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine). 

New daguerreotype Gallery.  C. T. Rogers Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Bath and vicinity that he has taken Rooms in Union Block, Front Street, Over D. Larrabee’s Bonnet Saloon, for the purpose of giving the Ladies and Gentlemen an opportunity of obtaining pictures for themselves and friends in superior style,  Neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or cases.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens. 

Mementoes Of Life, while under the trying circumstances of final separation no price can purchase.

N.B.  Instruction given in the Art, and every thing pertaining thereto furnished, warranted the best quality, at the most reasonable prices.

Perfect satisfaction given or no pay.  Bath, May 6, 1849.[2]

The third advertisement appeared in the Montague’s Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855.  C. T. Rogers, Would respectfully inform his friends and the public, that he has recently removed from his old rooms, on the corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, to 39½ Fourth Street, Directly opposite the Planters’ House, St. Louis, MO., Where he has far better facilities for producing First Class Pictures, than at his former well known stand.  Mr. R. invites the attention of those desiring something Superior and Unique, in the way of Daguerreotypes, To Call At His New Rooms, Where he keeps constantly on hand a excellent assortment of Common and Fancy Cases, Frames, Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., and will be happy to wait on all who may favor him with a visit.  His rooms are Easy of Access, being up only one Flight of Stairs.

He has also the advantage of a Large Skylight, and every improvement that can facilitate the making of Photographic Likenesses equal to any made in or out of St. Louis.  And without the aid of Foreign Operators.

Charges Reasonable.

The entry from regional directory from Montague’s Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855.  Business section under Daguerrean Artists.  Rogers, C. T. 39½ Fourth.

Charles Thomas Rogers is recorded in other photographic directories, the activity dates from 1849 in Belfast, Maine; 1850 in Bath, Maine and the c. 1853-1854 St. Louis, Missouri dates have not previously been recorded.

[1] Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865.

[2] Date may be a typo first available issue to be looked at was March 14, 1850.  The advertisement did not appear between March 14 through May 2, 1850.

Benjamin Franklin Upton

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1850-1856       45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

N. D.               Rooms over Mr. Baker’s Store, Brunswick, Maine.

1852                Rooms over Mr. Baker’s Store, Brunswick, Maine.

Benjamin Franklin Upton was recorded in twelve advertisements and eleven announcements in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine) and one Patent announcement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement ran from July 18 to September 26, 1850.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  B. F. Upton respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen of Bath and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. J. W. C. Morrison, where he will be happy to supply any in want with superior Daguerreotype Miniatures.

All are invited to call and examine specimens.

The first announcement appeared on August 8, 1850.  We had the pleasure, a few days since of examining  some excellent specimens of the Daguerreotype art, executed by Mr. B. F. Upton, at the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Morrison.  They were of superior finish—and not excelled, in any respect, we believe, by any specimens we have seen.  Mr. U, is now preparing several pictures for the purpose of exhibition at the Mechanics’ Fair, soon to be holden in Boston.  We are satisfied that those already prepared, are not, to say the least, inferior to any that have formerly taken the prize.

The second advertisement ran from September 26 to October 31, 1850.  B. F. Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

The third advertisement ran from November 7 to December 19, 1850.  Daguerreotypes, Upton 45 Front Street.

The second announcement appeared on December 19, 1850.  Upton’s Daguerreotypes are now acknowledged to be superior to any produced in our city; and inferior to none in the country.  This is clearly attested by the crowds who visit his rooms, 45 Front street.  Give him a call, and—our word for it—you will not be disappointed.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 19, 1850 to February 20, 1851.  The Union Meeting Having passed off to the satisfaction of all true friends of the constitution, public attention is now being directed to Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street.  Mr. Upton respectfully informs his customers that he has reduced his prices, so that none who wish for pictures can find an excuse for not embracing the present opportunity.

The fifth advertisement ran from February 27 to May 8, 1851.  Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street 45.

The third announcement appeared on March 13, 1851.  Mr. B. F. Upton is without doubt one of the best daguerreotype operators in the country.  He has for many years given this business his entire attention, and none who visit his rooms at 45 Front St., can for a moment question his facilities for producing a perfect picture.  Strangers visiting the city will do well to give him a call.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 17, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.  In procuring a daguerreotype of yourself or friends, it is important that you employ an artist who thoroughly understands his business, and who is in every way capable of giving you a perfect picture.—Mr. B. F. Upton, 45 Front street, is a gentleman who has become celebrated for his beautiful and lifelike daguerreotypes.

The sixth advertisement ran from May 15 to August 21, 1851.  Upton’s Picture Rooms 45 Front Street.

The seventh advertisement ran from August 28 to September 18, 1851.  B. F. Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street.  45

The fifth announcement appeared on January 8, 1852.  Mr. Upton Will be at his old Daguerreotype Rooms over Mr. Baker’s store in Brunswick, next week, commencing Jan. 12.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 8 to July 29, 1852.  Daguerreotypes, By Upton, 45 Front Street, 45.

The sixth announcement appeared on May 6, 1852.  Portrait Painting!  Swift, The Artist, Will open Rooms on or about the 10th of May, where he will be happy to receive orders from any who may wish to patronize his beautiful style of painting—a specimen of which may be seen at Mr. Upton’s Daguerrean Rooms.

Paintings true to life from Miniatures. Perfect satisfaction warranted.

The ninth advertisement ran from August 8 to September 2, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Upton is now at his rooms in Bath, No. 45 Front Street.

The tenth advertisement ran from August 5 to October 14, 1852.  Commencement.  Mr. Upton will be in Brunswick again some days previous to, and after commencement.  A fine opportunity will thus be presented for visitors to obtain Daguerreotypes.  This will probably be the last time he will visit Brunswick.  Terms as reasonable as can be found anywhere.

The seventh announcement appeared on April 28, 1853.  Patents.—Among the list of patents just issued, we noticed one to our townsman, B. F. Upton, for Improvement in Mercury Baths for Daguerreotyping.  [9,666][1]

The eleventh advertisement ran from September 9, 1852 to November 22, 1855.  Daguerreotypes, By Upton, 45 Front Street.  45.

The seventh announcement appeared on October 1, 1854 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). New Patents Issued…for week ending September 19, 1854.  Benjamin F. Upton, of Bath, Me., for improved apparatus for polishing daguerreotype plates.  [patent No. 11,709.]

The eighth announcement appeared on January 4, 1855.  The nearest thing for a New Year’s Present is one of Upton’s Daguerreotypes.  He is the prince of artists in this community, as is generally conceded.

The ninth announcement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Sagadahoc County Fair.  The Cattle Show and Fair of the Sagadahoc Agricultural and Horticultural Society, at Topsham last week, was a very creditable affair…

Daguerreotypes.—All the specimens of this beautiful and truly valuable art, which enables us to carry with us always the faces of our friends, were presented by the well known artist, B. F. Upton—his portraits may without suffering be compared with any which adorn the celebrated galleries of our larger cities.  The committee noticed the whole sized portrait of Dea. A. R. Mitchell as remarkable for accuracy and distinctness; a whole sized representation of two ladies as showing great taste in arranging the posture and catching the living expression of subjects, and also half sized portraits of Rev. Dr. Tappan and Elihu Burrett as remarkable for depth and richness of tone.

The tenth announcement appeared on November 8, 1855.  Photographs.—Messrs. Upton & Smiley, at the old Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. Upton, have recently introduced a photographic department to their establishment.  We have seen some specimens, colored in oil by Mr. Harris, which, for correctness of delineation and beauty of finish can’t be beat.  We say this without fear of contradiction, and any one who will take the trouble to visit the rooms, and examine the likeness of our venerable fellow citizen, Judge Clap, we are sure will agree with us.

The twelfth Advertisement ran from November 29, 1855 to April 17, 1856.  Daguerreotypes By Upton & Smiley, 45 Front Street 45.

Benjamin Franklin Upton is recorded as B. F. Upton in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Bath, Maine in 1855-1856. Craig also references unknown dates in Chicago, Illinois and St.Anthony, Minnesota.  

[1] American Photographic Patents The Daguerreotype & Wet Plate Era 1840 – 1880.

Upton & Smiley

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1855-1856       45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

Upton & Smiley (Benjamin Franklin Upton & Smiley) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine).  The announcement appeared on November 8, 1855.  Photographs.—Messrs. Upton & Smiley, at the old Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. Upton, have recently introduced a photographic department to their establishment.  We have seen some specimens, colored in oil by Mr. Harris, which, for correctness of delineation and beauty of finish can’t be beat.  We say this without fear of contradiction, and any one who will take the trouble to visit the rooms, and examine the likeness of our venerable fellow citizen, Judge Clap, we are sure will agree with us.

The advertisement ran from November 29, 1855 to April 17, 1856.   Daguerreotypes By Upton & Smiley, 45 Front Street 45.

Benjamin Franklin Upton is recorded in other photographic directories but not in the partnership.  While Smiley is not recorded with a first name, this is possibly G. S. Smiley who was active in Brunswick, Maine in 1854.  For more information on Benjamin Franklin Upton see tomorrows post.  

Samuel S. Sullivan

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1841-1842       Elliot House, Bath, Maine.

Samuel S. Sullivan was recorded in four announcements and two advertisements in the Lincoln Telegraph (Bath, Maine).  The first announcement appeared on September 16, 1841.  Lecture on the Daguerreotype.  We have received a letter from Mr. Purkitt, a gentleman well and favorably known to our citizens as an able and eloquent lecturer, of which the following is an extract, which we commend to the attention of our readers.

“Permit me my dear Clarke, en passant, to inform you that Mr. S. S. Sullivan, of Boston, is intending to visit your place for the purpose of delivering one or more lectures on the novel and exceedingly simple and beautiful discovery of Daguerre.  Mr. S.is well educated, a gentleman of fine talents, of vivid imagination and an excellent writer.  He will be listened to, I am persuaded, with great interest by the intelligent citizens of Bath.

The discovery of Daguerre is new and wonderful.  But strange to say, like many other discoveries, it has fallen into bad hands—into the hands of men who have never investigated, and therefore, cannot be supposed to understand either its principles or its details—men, who are as ignorant of Photography as a science, as a horse is of the principles of the Steam engine—in a word, it has fallen into the hands of men whose only qualification to teach it is, their—ignorance.  Though there be many who practice the Daguerreotype as an art, yet how few are competent to explain it!  Their knowledge appears to be all in their fingers—and alas! that it appears so badly there—no in their heads,—I am persuaded that your citizens need only exercise their own discernment and sound practical good sense to perceive the difference toto caelo—between truth and fiction, knowledge and ignorance, merit and pretension.

I believe I am correct in saying that there never has been but one gentleman who has lectured upon this subject in this country, and he, I think, was a foreigner.  The fact is, there are no books upon the subject; those, therefore who investigate it must have resources within themselves—must be able by a knowledge of details to establish general principles and to carry them out into practice.  It is for this reason that I think that the lectures of Mr. S. will command the attention and receive the approbation of gentlemen of science and all the lovers of the arts.  I hope the good citizens of Bath will give him a hearing, as I doubt not they will find their evening spent in an agreeable and instructive manner.

I understand he intends to lecture on Monday evening next, of which I presume due notice will be given.

With respect to his Daguerreotype Portraitures I can only saying the language of one of your contemporary journals, “they are wonderfully perfect, and surpass in correctness and beauty any that I have ever seen; they as far exceed those that have often times come under my notice, as an exquisitely finished steel engraving does one coarsely and clumsily executed on wood.  Indeed, I can conceive of nothing which can be added to make his pictures more life-like, unless it be the colors and tints of nature itself.  In this respect only, if at all, can a painted portrait be preferred. In all others, in accuracy and and minuteness of delineation, in the striking correctness of the features, in the delicate alternations of light and shade, the Daguerreotype Miniatures is as much superior to a painting, as the veritable productions of Nature are to the pencillings of the most accomplished artist.  These superiorities, together with the ease with which the likenesses are taken, (requiring a sitting of only a few seconds,) and the low price at which they can be obtained, must render them exceedingly popular.”  But your citizens will be able by an inspection of his specimens, to satisfy themselves of the wonderful results of this process.

I doubt not that many of your friends and neighbors will embrace the opportunity that will be presented to them of  ‘seizing the shadow ere the substance fades’—of snatching from oblivion some faces, that are worth saving from the corrosions of time.”  Yours truly. 

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1841. The Daguerreotype.  The lecture on this new discovery, alluded to in our last, will take place on Monday evening next.  The reason it did not occur on Monday evening last was owing to the providential detention of the Lecturer, Mr. Sullivan, in Boston.  We trust our citizens will give him a full house.    

The third announcement appeared on October 14, 1841.  The Daguerreotype.  We have taken the trouble to examine several specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures in Mr. Sullivan’s room at the Elliot House, with which we were much pleased.  The weather since he has been here has been exceedingly unfavorable, requiring considerable experimenting, in order to turn off perfect likenesses.  His specimens to day are very nearly perfect; and to-morrow he will probably be able to make them first rate.  Every body should call and examine this truly wonderful process.           

The fourth announcement appeared on October 21, 1841.  Particular attention is invited to the advertisement of Mr. Sullivan, who is now prepared to take first rate miniatures at the Elliot House.—Call on, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The first advertisement ran from October 21 to December 2, 1841.  Photography. Mr. Sullivan would inform the citizens of bath and its vicinity, that he has made arrangements to take Daguerreotype Miniatures. at his rooms in the Elliot House, where he will remain for a few days only; and will be happy to show specimens of this beautiful art to any who may favor him with a call.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1841 to March 10, 1842.  Photography—Once More.  The Subscriber has returned to Bath, and having availed himself of some recent improvements in the Daguerreotype Art, offers to take Miniatures, better, quicker and cheaper than has been done before; and without regard to weather.  His stay will be short.—Please give him a call, at the Eliot House. 

Samuel S. Sullivan is not recorded in other photographic directories.