Tag Archives: Boston Massachusetts

Asa White

Daguerreotypes, ,

1843-1847       20 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1848-1851       36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. [1]

1854                36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

Asa White was recorded in seven advertisements in the Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts)  and one advertisement in the Liberator (Boston, Massachusetts.) 

1.  1847.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 179. Asa White, Soda Manufactory; also Pipes, Ornaments, &c., No. 10 Market square, Boston.

2.  1847.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 179.  Real Turkey Oil Stones ready shaped for mechanics.  A superior article.  Asa White, No. 10 Market square, Boston.

3.  1847.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 179.  Miniatures Daguerreotyped. Price $1.50.  Asa White, No. 20 Washington street, Boston.

4.  1848.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts). P. 181.  Asa White, Soda Manufactory; also Pipes, Ornaments, &c., No. 10 Market square, Boston.

5.  1848.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 181.  Real Turkey Oil Stones ready shaped for mechanics.  A superior article.  Asa White, No. 10 Market square, Boston.

6.  1848.  Boston Almanac (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 181.  Miniatures Daguerreotyped. Price 75 cts. Including case Asa White, No. 36 Washington street, Boston.

7.  1850-1851.  Boston City Directory (Boston, Massachusetts), P. 43.  Asa White’s Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 36 Washington Street, Boston.

The advertisement in the Liberator (Boston, Massachusetts) ran from May 26 to October 13, 1854.  Whites’ Daguerreotype Rooms.  No. 36 Washington St., Established A. D. 1840, Still continue in successful operation; and having been recently refitted and improved by the addition of a large northern sky-light, (the only one of the kind in the city,) the proprietors feel confident that they can now offer inducements unsurpassed, if not unequalled, elsewhere.  No person is expected to take a likeness that is not perfectly satisfactory. 

Remember the old place, 36 Washington street, near Cornhill. 

This is probably Asa White who was active according to Boston City Directories from 1843–1851.  From 1843-1847 he was at 20 Washington Street and from 1848-1851 at 36 Washington Street.  He was not listed in the 1852 Boston City Directory and possibly subsequent directories.  It is possibly White’s name is used to further the business opportunities, or White was still connected to the business.  If the advertisement in the Liberator is correct then he was active as early as 1840, but no other documented proof has been found to collaborate this information.  Below are the Daguerreotypists or Photographers who were listed at 36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Charles E.  Hale 1842; Asa White 1848-1851; Peter G. Clark 1851-1852; Justin M. Hunting 1852-1857; John D. Fowler 1854; and Freeman J. Amsden 1858-1859. To confuse matters there is also an A. F. White in 1855 at 121 Court; Austin F. White in 1856-1857 at 121 Court and Abiel F. White from 1857-1862 at 121 Court and 1862 at 27 Tremont Row. 

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Leland Howard Wakefield

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

C.1847-1848   257 Washington Street, Boston

1848                Rooms over D. Turner, Jr.’s Store, Ogdensburgh, New York.

1849                Rooms over L. Myers’ Store, Plattsburgh, New York

1852                Address Unknown, Portland, Oregon.

Leland Howard Wakefield was recorded in four advertisements.  The first and second advertisement appeared in the Daily Sentinel (Ogdensburgh, New York), the first ran from August 17 to September 1, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures, Messrs. Wakefield & Childs, from Boston & Burlington, will open miniature rooms over D. Turner Jr.’s store, Ford st. about the 25th of August.

P. S.  Those wishing Miniatures will do well to wait and examine specimens before obtaining elsewhere.                                                                                 

The second advertisement ran from September 2 to 14, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures, Messrs. Wakefield & Childs, from Boston & Burlington, have opened rooms over D. Turner Jr.’s store, Ford st. and are prepared to execute likenesses in the latest and most approved styles, and neatly set them into Frames, Pins and Lockets.

All who feel an interest in the Art will please call and see specimens.           

The third advertisement ran from March 24 to April 21, 1849 in the Plattsburgh Republican (Plattsburgh, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  L. H. Wakefield, recently from Mr. Chase’s celebrated rooms in Boston, will remain for a short time in Plattsburgh.  Room over L. Myers Store.

“Particular attention is invited to the distinct mild, and life-like expression of the eye, and to the mellow and warm tone peculiar to his pictures.”

Taken in any weather, with or without colors, singly or in groups, and at the shortest notice—warranted better than can be obtained elsewhere.

Price of common cases $1.25.                                                                       

The fourth advertisement ran from June 26 to July 24, 1852 in The Weekly Oregonian (Portland, Oregon).  Beautiful and Life-Like Daguerreotypes Mr. L. H. Wakefield From Chase’s Celebrated Rooms, Boston, And recently from New York, has opened a Sky-Light room in Coffin’s Block, for a short time, and will execute likenesses, which for beauty and finish, life-like appearance, and artistic arrangement, are superior to any taken in the Pacific coast.  Mr. W. invites all connoisseurs and lovers of the art to examine his specimens and judge for themselves as to their merit.

P. S. Particular attention will be paid to taking groups, suitable to send to the States.

Charges Moderate.

Leland Howard Wakefield was not listed in the Boston City Directory, resident section for the following years 1846/1847; 1847/1848; 1848/1849; 1849/1850; or 1850/1851.  He is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Portland, Oregon. He is also recorded in Oregon Photographers; Biographical History and Directory 1852-1917 by Thomas Robinson.

Joseph H. Turpin

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                138 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Joseph H. Turpin was recorded in one advertisement in The North Star (Rochester, New York) that appeared on January 28, 1848.   Would invite the attention of his friends and the public to his Daguerrian Gallery 138 Hanover Street where he pledges himself to execute miniatures with a life like finish and on as moderate terms as any other [in] the profession.  Joseph H. Turpin.

Joseph H. Turpin an African American daguerreotypist is recorded in other photographic directories.  His occupation was not recorded in the 1848 Boston City Directory, residence section.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Charles D. Taber

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                1 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1855                2 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts. [1]

1855                Corner of Winter & Washington Streets, Boston, Massachusetts.

1855                245 & 247 Notre Dame Street, Montreal, Canada.

Charles D. Taber, is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Boston, Massachusetts in 1855.  Additional information comes from a  9th plate advertising card, in my collection, ca. 1855.  Taken with the Double Camera.  For 25 Cents.  By Taber & Co.  Successors to Tyler & Co. Cor. Winter & Washington Sts., Boston.  600 Daily.  Beware Of Imitators.

Taber was also recorded in two announcements in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts).  The first announcement appeared on March 17, 1855.  We were daguerreotyped a few days since, at the 25 cent rooms of those enterprising Artists Messrs. Taber & Co., at the corner of Winter and Washington streets.  Give them a call, and we think you will be satisfied that they can do it up right.

The second announcement appeared on March 24.  Daguerreotypes.—We take this opportunity to call the attention of our friends to the fact that Tabor & Co., cor. Winter and Washington streets, take the best daguerreotypes for 25 cents of any artist in this city.  If any one doubts this let them call and examine their specimens, and then have their own picture taken, and they’ll doubt no more.  A good miniature for 25 cents! And a medium size for $1.00!  They take hundreds of them every day with the double camera, by which they take two at a time.  We recommend them for cheap daguerreotypes.

Research and published CD by Graham W. Garrett A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypist in Canada 1839-1871.  List C. D. Taber active on June 11, 1855 at 245 & 247 Notre Dame Street, Montreal, L.C.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Gardner W. Stone

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1849                8 Merchant’s Row, Lawrence, Massachusetts.

1850                113 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1850                7 Main Street, Taunton, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Gardner W. Stone was recorded in three advertisements.  The first advertisement appeared in The Lawrence Courier (Lawrence, Massachusetts) on April 4, 1849.  G. W. Stone’s Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms No. 8, Merchant’s Row, For A Few Days Only.

Ladies and Gentlemen of Lawrence and vicinity wishing to procure a correct likeness of themselves or friends, or copies from portraits, miniatures and engravings, are invited to call and examine a variety of specimens.

Those sitting for a picture will not be asked to take them unless perfectly satisfied.

American and German Cameras for sale, and instruction given in the art on liberal terms.

Rooms Open From 7 A. M. To 6 P. M.

The second advertisement ran from August 16 to August 22, 1850 in the Taunton Democrat  (Taunton, Massachusetts).  Colored Daguerreotypes.  Messrs. Gove & Stone from Boston.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that they have taken the new sky light Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by H. S. Dunshee & Brother No. 7 Main St., where they will be happy to wait upon all who may be in want of good likenesses of themselves or friends, being provided with a superior German Camera and every other facility for making good pictures, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing themselves of every improvement they feel confident that they can furnish as good pictures as can be produced in the art.  Miniatures taken in any weather single or in groups, plain or colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Bracelets, in Pins, or Cases, and warranted to give satisfaction.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken. 

Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.

They would respectfully invite all, whether they wish to sit for their Pictures or not, to call and examine their specimens, that they may be enabled to judge for themselves.

The third advertisement appeared in the 1851 Boston City Directory (Boston, Massachusetts).  Stone’s Daguerrian Rooms, No. 34 Tremont Row.  The facilities for executing likenesses,—single and in groups,—at the above rooms, are unsurpassed in the city.  Please call and examine specimens previous to sitting elsewhere.  J. Stone.  G. W. Stone.

Gardner W. Stone is recorded in other photographic as being active in Boston, Massachusetts in 1850-1851.  He is not recorded in 1849 in Lawrence, Massachusetts or in the partnership of Gove & Stone in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1850.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Starbird & Dodge

Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

Starbird & Dodge (Charles H. Starbird) was recorded in one announcement in Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine) on  September 30, 1859.  Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland…

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta occupy the next space and have a fair collection.  Their portraits of the Augusta Clergymen were very fine.

S. W. Sawyer, of Winthrop…

[Simon] Wing of Warterville.

Starbird & Dodge are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Augusta, Maine in 1860.

M. Stamm

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

Ca. 1847-1849            96 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1849-1850                   East Water Street, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.           

M. Stamm was recorded in two announcements in the Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). (Announcements provided by Greg Drake.)  The first announcement appeared on November 21, 1849.  Daguerreotype Rooms—M. Stamm, for several years an operator in Whipple’s Daguerrian Gallery in the City of Boston, has taken the rooms occupied by Mr. Wood, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store and offers his services to the public in the art of taking portraits at a moments sitting.  We spent an hour in Mr. Stamm’s rooms yesterday, looking at his Gallery of pictures, which embraces excellent likenesses of Gen. Taylor, Daniel Webster, and other distinguished men.  Mr. Stamm is a skillful and obliging operator, and when he sets about taking a face, never gives up till its done to his and the subjects liking.  He has all the materials, and of the best quality, for the practice of his art and deserves a liberal patronage.

The second announcement appeared on April 6, 1850.  Daguerreotypes;—We saw some capital likenesses yesterday at Messrs. Stamm & Co.’s Rooms on East Water Street, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store.  They were taken by a new and improved instrument; are of larger size than the usual miniatures, and quite superior in design and execution.

Recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as Willian Stamm.  Stamm was not listed in the Boston City Directory between 1845-1851.

Alonzo I. Snow

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

ND                  At Plumbe’s, Address and Location Unknown.

1845-1846       257 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1849                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

Alonzo I. Snow was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 13, 1845 in The Boston Daily Bee (Boston, Massachusetts).  Chase’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 257 Washington Street, Boston.  The most desirable location for this business in the city; first floor over Haskell & Howland’s large Silk and Shawl Store, in the new and splendid stone building, just erected, and entirely free from the many objections and annoyances inseparable from procuring likenesses at many other places.  The proprietor’s aim will be to make his rooms a genteel and fashionable place of resort, where the public are guarantied as good pictures as this beautiful and valuable art can produce, and his object being to Excel, no pains or expense will be spared to secure the most competent skill in every thing appertaining to the business, and he would be glad of every opportunity to compare his work, or put his skill in competition with others.

Mr. Snow, direct from Mr. Plumbe’s, where his long experience and unparalleled success prove he Cannot be Excelled, will conduct the operating department.  Persons desirous of having likenesses are respectfully invited to call, and the most fastidious shall be suited, or no charge.

Instruction given, apparatus and stock furnished, and warranted such as represented.  Pictures taken in any weather.   

Alonzo L. Snow is recorded in other photographic directories.  New information is the connection to John Plumbe, Jr. (probably Boston, Massachusetts) and Lorenzo G. Chase.

Seaver & Butler

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853-1856       140 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Seaver & Butler (Chandler Seaver, Jr. & George H. Butler) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts).  The announcement appeared on July 12, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, that Messrs. Seaver & Butler have established themselves at No. 140 Washington street, where they would be happy to see their friends and the public, and to serve them in the line of their art.

The advertisement ran from July 12 to 25, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  140 Washington Street, Seaver & Butler, having recently purchased these rooms, and neatly fitted and newly furnished them throughout, till they are surpassed in convenience and elegance by none in the city, are now prepared to take Likenesses with promptness, in the very best style of the art, and in every size and mode of finish.  The public are respectfully invited to give them a call.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Mr. Seaver having been employed as Operator at Ives’s Establishment, for over a year past, would be pleased to see his numerous friends and acquaintances at his new place of business, where they will meet with entire satisfaction, as heretofore.

Chandler Seaver, Jr and George H. Butler are both recorded in other photographic directories.  The new information is that the partnership started in 1853 and that Seaver worked for Loyal Moses Ives in 1852.

[1] 1854-1856 A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Joseph Ropes

Daguerreotypes, Landscape Painter, Portrait Painter, , , , , ,

1841                Exchange Building, Portland, Maine.                                                                                1843                5½ Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                                      1843                Manning’s Building, Salem, Massachusetts.

Joseph Ropes was recorded in one notice, one advertisement and one biographical entry.  The announcement appeared in the Portland Transcript (Portland, Maine)[1] on August 14, 1841.

Daguerreotypes.   We have not before called the attention of our readers to the opportunity now afforded of obtaining a Portrait from life by means of the Daguerreotype.  Mr. Ropes has taken rooms for a brief period in the Exchange, where he attends to Photographic Miniature painting.  A sitting of from two to four minutes will give one a perfect likeness—a portrait of wonderful beauty and delicacy.  Our readers generally have doubtless heard of this surprising art, by which a faithful transcript of one’s features may be obtained, drawn by Nature’s own finger, and it is well worth their while to visit Rope’s Room and look over the different portraits taken in this way.  When Nature paints, she paints correctly and minutely.  One cannot help being astonished at the exquisite finish to be observed in these drawings.  Every minute figure of the dress—every thread even may be detected‑‑and so with the features—every line is completely shadowed forth.  Mr. R. is always happy to see his friends at his room—who have but to speak the word to obtain from him their counterparts.

The advertisement ran from July 3 to August 17, 1843 in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts).  Beautiful Specimens of Photographic Miniatures.  May be seen at the room of the subscriber in Manning’s Building, 3d story.  He has been connected several months with the establishment of Southworth & Co., Prize Photographers, and is familiar with their process of taking and coloring pictures.  Those who wish for a Daguerreotype likeness in the most pleasing and popular style will do well to call.

Room open to visitors at all hours of the day.  J. Ropes.

The biographical entry is from The New-York Historical Society’s Directory of Artists in America 1564-1860.  Ropes, Joseph (1812-1885).  Landscape,. Miniature, and crayon artist and drawing teacher.  Born at Salem (Mass.)  In 1812, he did not seriously study painting until in his mid-thirties when he took lessons from John R. Smith and at the National Academy.  He exhibited at the academy in 1848.  From 1851-1865 he had a studio in Hartford (Conn.).  In 1865 he went abroad for eleven years; on his return he settled in Philadelphia.  He died in NYC in 1885.  Ropes was the author of Linear Prespective (1850) and Progressive Steps in Landscape Drawing (1853) [ ] French, Art and Artists in Connecticut, 79; Bolton, Miniature Painters; Cowdrey, NAD; Swan, BA; Hartford CD 1855; Tuckerman, Book of the Artists.

Joseph Ropes is recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[1] Transcribed from DagNews.