Tag Archives: Brandon Vermont

H. Wilcox

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

N.D.                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

1844                Rooms over Fisk & Kese’s store, Keeseville, New York.

1845                Rooms in the Brick Store, a few rods east of Titus’ Inn, Brandon, Vermont.

1845                Rooms over Peck & Spear’s Drug Store, Burlington, Vermont.

H. Wilcox was recorded a total of five announcements and four advertisements.  Two announcements and one advertisement in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York); Three announcements and two advertisement in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont); and one advertisement in the Burlington Free Press  (Burlington, Vermont.)  The first announcement appeared on June 26, 1844 in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York).  We called yesterday at the Daguerrean Gallery of Mr. Wilcox, and are pleased to say that the likenesses shown us were distinct, well shaded, and strikingly correct.  Mr. Wilcox seems to be a through master of his art, having spent some time in New York in acquiring a complete knowledge of the business.  Specimens can be seen at the rooms of the artist, over Fisk, Kese’s & Beach’s store.  Give him a call, and if he does not give perfect satisfaction in the shape of correct likenesses he will charge nothing.

The first advertisement ran on June 3 & 10, 1844.  Daguerreotype.  H. Wilcox respectfully announce to the citizens of Keeseville and vicinity, that he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses rooms at his rooms over Fisk & Kese’s store, with the greatest perfection and facility.

Having operated in the city of New York and practiced under the best Daguerrean artists in that city, he has availed himself of all the recent improvements in this beautiful and wonderful art, which imparts to the likeness the distinctness, durability and finish of the finest miniature painting with far more truth of expression.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at his room and examine the specimens, whether they contemplate sitting for a picture or not.  To those who wish to procure a correct copy of their own features or those of their relations, this art offers a cheap and invaluable facility.  A deduction from the ordinary price will be made where several in the same family are taken.  June 26.

The second announcement appeared on July 31, 1844.  Mr. Wilcox the photographic artist is still in town, and ready to attend upon those who wish correct Daguerreotype likenesses.  The very liberal patronage which he is receiving from a judicious public speaks the strongest praise of his pictures.  Those who wish good likenesses will not fail to improve their opportunity of procuring them.

The third announcement appeared in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont) on March 20, 1845.  Daguerreotype.  In an another column our readers will find an advertisement of Mr. H. Wilcox, Daguerreotype artist, who is prepared to take miniature likenesses, true to nature.  We have examined several miniatures taken by Mr. Wilcox, and pronounce them perfect in workmanship and, so far as we are acquainted with the individuals, correct likenesses.  Those wishing to procure miniatures of themselves or friends will do well to call on Mr. Wilcox and procure a lasting memento of friends, both near and dear, at a cheap rate, and in a most beautiful style. 

The second advertisement ran from March 20 to April 10, 1845.  Daguerreotype.  H. Wilcox respectfully announces to the citizens of Brandon and vicinity, that he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses at his rooms in the Brick Store a few rods east of Titus’ Inn, (entrance on south side,) with the greatest perfection and facility.

Having operated in the city of New York and practiced under the best daguerrean artists in that city, he has availed himself of all the recent improvements in this beautiful and wonderful art, which imparts to the likeness the distinctness, durability and finish of the finest miniature painting with far more truth of expression.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at his room and examine the specimens, whether they contemplate sitting for a picture or not.  To those who wish to procure a correct copy of their own features or those of their relations, this art offers a cheap and invaluable facility.  A deduction from the ordinary price will be made where several in the same family are taken.

Likenesses taken in fair or cloudy weather.  March 18, 1845.

The third advertisement ran from April 3 to 10, 1845. Daguerreotype.  Mr. Wilcox would inform the citizens of Brandon that he is still in town, and would express his thanks for patronage already received, and solicits more—as he will remain a few days longer.  And he confidently challenges any person to produce a better Daguerreotype picture, or likeness, than he has taken in Brandon, either as regards the boldness of the impression, or finish of the picture; and he says this, knowing there are pictures in the place, taken in Boston, New York and Troy.  Call and examine.  Brandon, April 1st. 1845.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 17, 1845.  Daguerreotype!  The Last Chance.  Mr. Wilcox informs the citizens of Brandon and vicinity, that he has concluded to remain one week longer, to give all who wish, an opportunity of getting a good and cheap likeness of themselves or friends; and he hopes those who do not improve the opportunity, will not complain of not being notified.

Office in the three story brick building, a few rods from Bartlett’s Inn.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 1, 1845.  Daguerreotype Again.  Mr. Wilcox informs the public that he has sent to Boston for more materials, and will remain a few days longer only, when he will positively leave unless detained, as he has already been, by an increasing business.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 13 to 27, 1845 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Pictures.  H. Wilcox Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Burlington and vicinity that he has taken the room over Peck & Spear’s Drug Store, (lately occupied by Mr. Fielding, Portrait Painter.) where he is prepared to take likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, colored or not, I a style unsurpassed, either as regards the distinctness, durability or finish of the Picture.—Having been exclusively engaged in the business between two and three years, during which time he has operated in New York and other cities, and having the best of apparatus, he feels confident of being able to please all who may favor him with their patronage.  Objections are sometimes made that these pictures will fade, but no daguerreotype that has been colored was ever known to fade, the chemical process before a picture can be colored prepares it to resist the action of the air, imparts to it brilliancy, and renders it impossible for it to fade of change.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine the specimens whether they contemplate sitting for a Picture or not.  Sitters will be warranted a distinct picture and correct likeness or no charge will be made.  Pictures can be taken as well in cloudy as in clear weather.  Portraits and other paintings copied with great accuracy.  Complete instructions given in the art on moderate terms, and apparatus furnished if wished.

Prices of Miniatures. 

Single Pictures, in case or frame, medium size, $2.50; Duplicates$1.50; Two persons on one plate in case $3.50; Small size Pictures, in cases $1.75

Pictures fitted into Lockets if wished.

A fair deduction will be made where several pictures are taken in the same family. 

H. Wilcox is not recorded in other photographic directories.

C. E. Tapley

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852-1853       Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

1854                Address Unknown, Brandon, Vermont.

C. E. Tapley was recorded in five advertisements and mentioned in two other advertisements in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont). The first advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to February 23, 1853.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  C. E. Tapley would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury that he has taken Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, and fitted them up in a respectable manner, with a large Sky-light suitable for securing first class Daguerreotypes.  Mr. T. would therefore solicit the patronage of all who wish to obtain a good likeness of themselves or of friends; and in soliciting this favor he would assure the public that no pains on his part will be spared to afford entire satisfaction.  The demand for first class Daguerreotypes still continues, but it is a demand which can only be satisfied by the life-like, speaking likeness, well secured and well defined—a likeness which will remain fresh and beautiful when the lips of flesh in dust shall rest, and death’s pale film o’erspreads the beaming eye.  People are not satisfied with a mere shadowy representation of their faces—they say, give us a bold, well defined impression, or we want none; and I am glad it is so, for the people have in many cases been villainously imposed upon by men whose ignorance of the principles of this beautiful Art, and imbecility in its execution, are only equaled by their unrivalled impudence and assurance.—Mr. T. boasts not of any particular merit which he may or may not possess in this Art.  He respectfully asks the citizens of this place to call at his rooms and satisfy themselves by sitting for “a picture.”

By the aid of a large Sky-light, pictures can be taken in cloudy as well as fair weather.  Prices, from $1.00 to $5.00.  Sick or deceased persons attended at their residences. 

The second advertisement ran from March 2 to April 20, 1853.  Addison Skylight Daguerrean Gallery, In Mr. Stewart’s Building, A few steps South of the Post Office.  Likenesses taken at this establishment at all hours of the day, and in any kind of weather.

Daguerreotypes of children taken in from four to eight seconds.  The subscriber keeps constantly on hand a neat assortment of the best cases that can be found in the Daguerrean market, and he will put into them pictures which, for faithfulness of outline, depth and brilliancy of tone, and durability, he respectfully asks, not “all creation of operators,” but the operators of this section of the creation, to equal.  C. E. Tapley.              

P. S. Prices from $1.00 to $5.00.  Liberal deductions made to families.

The third advertisement ran from May 25 to July 13, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  The citizens of Middlebury are invited to call at the above Establishment, and examine the subscriber’s specimens of the Daguerreotype Art, many of which are faithful likenesses of respectable gentlemen residing in this village.  I would inform the people of M., that I have at considerable expense obtained, and am now using a chemical compound discovered by Mr. Hill, of New York, a man who has probably done more than all others towards bringing this beautiful Art to its present state of perfection.  I have used many compounds for producing the Daguerreotype but have never before used anything that would produce so fine a picture as the above; for proof of its superiority please call and examine some of my late work and if you wish for stronger demonstrations of its virtues just take a seat under my Sky-light, and in a few seconds I will give you an opportunity of convincing yourselves beyond a doubt.  C. E. Tapley.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from July 6 to November 9, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, In Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  As good a Daguerreotype Likeness can be obtained at this Establishment as at any other Gallery in Vermont.  C. E. Tapley, Artist.             

The fifth advertisement ran from November 2 to December 7, 1853.  Just Received At C. E. Tapley’s Daguerrean Rooms!  A New And Neat Assortment Of Miniature Cases which will be sold at prices which cannot fail to suit those who are in want of a picture of themselves or their friends.

Mr. T. would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and the surrounding country, that he shall positively close up his business here the 1st of January, 1854.  All therefore who wish for one or more of his faithful Daguerreotype Likenesses, should give him an early call, and he will guarantee to give them as good Pictures, as can be purchased at any Gallery in the State.

Remember The Place Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery Stewart’s Building, Over R. L. Fuller’s Store.  Remember Also, that I leave Middlebury soon, and that now is your only chance of getting your Pictures put up in the best style at prices that cannot fail to give satisfaction.  C. E. Tapley. 

First mention in an advertisement that ran from February 15 to October 25, 1854.  Daguerrean Gallery!  Doct. Brockway, has taken into partnership with him a young man, who will practice this Art and assist in Dentistry.

They have obtained the latest and most expensive and approved instrument and apparatus, and will have both Northern and Sky-Light, (regarded as the most perfect,) as well as a first rate assortment of Cases, both single and groups.  They will be in readiness to wait on Gentlemen and Ladies in this department after the present week.  Having the good will, the influence and instructions, of Mr. Tapley, known as a skillful artist, they expect to please, and of course enjoy the patronage of this community.  Josephus Brockway, Wm. W. Ormsbee.         Middlebury, Feb. 14, 1854.

The second time he was mentioned in an advertisement ran from October 25, 1854 to January 31, 1855.  The Best Daguerreotypes.  At the late Fair at Middlebury, the committee on Paintings, &c., Mr. Battell, chairman, (the celebrated portrait painted, Mr. Mason, by invitation, advising) made the following Awards:

1st best Daguerreotypes, W. W. Ormsbee, $2

2d best (being but two exhibitors) Gillmore, 1.

The pictures exhibited by Ormsbee were his 2d best, as they were duplicates; persons sitting having taken their choice.  Several were likenesses of the last graduating class.  This class were at great pains to obtain the best, as they were to be multiplied and perpetuated by lithograph copies.  The reputation of Tapley attracted them to Brandon; but not quite satisfied, some of them set to Gilmore, but after full trial a majority sent to New York for lithographing were of those taken by Ormsbee, the rest were by Tapley.

Five only of the sixteen exhibited were taken with any reference to the Fair.  To judge of pictures, the difference in the eyes of Ormsbee’s and Gillmore picture could not fail to attract attention.  Ormsbee’s present a clear, well defined eye, Gillmore’s owing probably to his instrument, doubly refractory quality, besides giving an eye imperfectly defined, produces one or more extra white spots apparent in all the pictures on exhibition by Gillmore with one exception.

Ormsbee’s rooms are at the dwelling of Doct. Brockway, Dentist.

N. B.  Ormsbee’s Camera is one of the most modern and perfect furnished by the Present market.

C. E. Tapley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Charles E. Tapley is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857-1860.  See tomorrow’s post.

A. S. Scott

Daguerreotypes, ,

1844                Rooms at L. C. Scott’s, Brandon, Vermont.

A. S. Scott was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Voice of Freedom  (Brandon, Vermont).  The first announcement appeared on March 14, 1844.  Daguerreotype.  The attention of the citizens of Brandon and vicinity is called to an advertisement of A. S. Scott’s, to be found in another column of this paper.  Judging from the Miniatures I have seen of Mr. Scott’s taking, I can assure the public that they excel in beauty and elegance any before exhibited in this place.  No one has any excuse now for leaving friends without accurate portraits.—D. S. M.

The advertisement ran from March 14 to 21, 1844.  Daguerreotype.  Mr. A. S. Scott Respectfully announces to the citizens of Brandon and vicinity, that he has taken a room at L. C. Scott’s, where he will be found constantly ready to serve those who may be so liberal as to bestow upon him a share of their patronage.

To those desirous of procuring correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, a favorable opportunity is now presented of gratifying their wishes, at comparatively trifling expense.  Photographic Miniatures can be taken, that will exhibit their features as perfectly as nature itself.  In point of durability, these impressions are decidedly superior to any painting that can be produced, as they are taken on plates of Silver, and are less affected by time and the atmosphere, than paintings.

The Daguerreotype is decidedly superior to any other invention which the ingenuity of man has sought out, for delineating accurately the human features, or natural scenery.  The advantages of this process, over the ordinary method of taking miniatures, are numerous and important; among which may be particularly specified, the moderate cost, the very great rapidity of the operation, and the true and perfect resemblance of the impression on the plate, to the original.  These impressions will never be affected, neither by time, nor climate; but the bright hues, and delicate tints of the pencil, are often dimmed and sullied by the effects of age and temperature.

A. S. Scott is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Reed & Hendee

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845-1846       Rooms at the Bratlett’s Hotel, Brandon, Vermont.

Reed & Hendee (S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on December 18, 1845.  Daguerreotyping.  Messrs. Reed & Hendee are operating very successfully and satisfactorily to those who employ them, in taking Daguerreotype likenesses.  When Mr. Wilcox was operating in this way, last spring, I though he took the lead in Perfecting miniatures; but on seeing the work performed by Messrs. Reed & Hendee, I am confident that they go before any who have preceded them in this line of business.  Those desiring convenient likenesses for presenting to their friends will do well to call and see for themselves.

The advertisement ran from December 18, 1845 to January 1, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee, Would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Brandon & Vicinity that they have taken rooms, for a few day at Bartlett’s, where they are prepared to furnish Daguerreotype Miniatures finished in the Latest Improved Styles, by which they are rendered perfectly distinct, and prepared to resist the action of air and light without the possibility of being faded or changed.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.                                                    Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to weather.                                                  For the small sum of Two Dollars a perfect likeness will be done up in a handsome case.        Lockets furnished at a low price.

Reed & Hendee are not listed in other photographic directories.  S. W. Reed is also not listed in other photographic directories and E. B. Hendee is not recorded as being active in Brandon, Vermont.  It is possible that this is Edwin B. Hendee for more information on him see Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

C. R. Macy

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Rooms at F. Scofield’s Inn, Brandon, Vermont.

C. R. Macy was recorded in an advertisement that ran from August 6 to 13, 1846 in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont). C. R. Macy, Photographer, would respectfully inform the citizens of this place and vicinity, that he will take Likenesses By The Daguerreotype Process, in a style and finish unsurpassed. His Miniatures possess all the colors of life, and are warranted durable, as well as well as being perfect copies from nature and art.  Specimens may be seen at his room, at F. Scofield’s Inn, where he will remain a few days to furnish all those who may favor him with their patronage, at the reduced price of one dollar fifty cents each.  Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine for themselves.       Operations in all weather, from 8 A. M., until 4, P. M.

C. R. Macy is not recorded in other photographic directories.

E. B. Hendee

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845-1846       Rooms at Bratlett’s Hotel, Brandon, Vermont.                                                                  1846                   Rooms at Scofield’s Hall, Brandon, Vermont.

E. B. Hendee was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont). The announcement ran on December 18, 1845. Daguerreotyping.  Messrs. Reed & Hendee are operating very successfully and satisfactorily to those who employ them, in taking Daguerreotype likenesses.  When Mr. Wilcox was operating in this way, last spring, I though he took the lead in Perfecting miniatures; but on seeing the work performed by Messrs. Reed & Hendee, I am confident that they go before any who have preceded them in this line of business.  Those desiring convenient likenesses for presenting to their friends will do well to call and see for themselves.

The first advertisement ran from December 18, 1845 to January 1, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee, Would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Brandon & Vicinity that they have taken rooms, for a few day at Bartlett’s, where they are prepared to furnish Daguerreotype Miniatures finished in the Latest Improved Styles, by which they are rendered perfectly distinct, and prepared to resist the action of air and light without the possibility of being faded or changed.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.  Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to weather.  For the small sum of Two Dollars a perfect likeness will be done up in a handsome case.  Lockets furnished at a low price.  Brandon, Dec. 16, 1845.

The second advertisement ran from September 17 to October 8, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  E. B. Hendee, respectfully informs the inhabitants of Brandon and vicinity, that possessing all the latest improvements in the art, and a very superior apparatus, he is now prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, in a style that equals the finest engravings, and with a truthfulness to nature that surpasses the best paintings.  They are rendered perfectly distinct, are prepared to resist the action of air and light, and are not liable to fade or change.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens, and improve the present opportunity to obtain a true and life like copy of their own features or those of their friends.  No charge unless the likenesses are satisfactorily taken.  Rooms at Scofield’s Hall.

E. B. Those who have had likenesses taken by the old process can have them retaken at a trifling expense. Instruction given, including all recent improvements in coloring, &c. Apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.  Brandon, Sept. 14, 1846.

E. B. possibly (Edwin B.) Hendee is recorded as being active in Sonora, California in 1849, in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. He may also be associated with the firm Hendee & Brothers.

Francis Burrows

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848                Rooms at Miss Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.                                            1848                Rooms at Mr. Button’s Building, on door east of his store, Brandon, Vermont.    1848                Rooms at Miss. Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.                                            1850                Rooms at Miss. Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

Francis Burrows and F. Burrows are probably the same person, but because there is no conclusive proof this is only speculation on my part.  To date three announcements and three advertisements have been found for him in Vermont.  The first announcement appears in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont) on September 19, 1848.  F. Burrows, Daguerrean Artist, Will visit Middlebury in about a week, and will be ready to execute work in his line at his old stand in Miss Adams building.—ladies and gentlemen are invited to give him a call.  All work warranted to give satisfaction.

On August 30, 1848 the first advertisement is recorded in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont.)  Burrow’s Superior Portraits.  Mr. Francis Burrows would announce to the citizens of Brandon that he has secured pleasant rooms at Mr. Button’s building, one door east of his Store, where he will be ready at all hours from 8 o’clock A. M. till 4 o’clock P. M., to accommodate all those who may favor him with a call.  Mr. B. will render his pictures entirely satisfactory and he is confident with his long experience and superior skill and apparatus, that he can produce an article in life-like appearance not surpassed by any.  His pictures are of a deep soft tone and beautiful lights and shade.  Gentlemen and Ladies are invited to call and satisfy themselves.  Miniatures will be put up in any style and in any weather.

Any instructions will be given on dressing for the occasion, when called for.  N. B. Instructions given to those who wish to learn the business, and apparatus found.

The second advertisement appears On October 3 & 10, 1848 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Portraits Mr. Francis Burrows Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity that he has returned to this village after an absence of a year , making investigations and improvements in the Daguerrean Art—having visited the principal establishments of the kind in the cities-that he is now prepared to render his pictures entirely satisfactory.  He is confident, from his long experience and the success he has had in the art, that he can satisfy the Most fastidious.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine for themselves.  N. B. A superior article of quick stuff for sale.

This is followed by two announcements the first on October 17, 1848 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Burrows, Will Take Portraits at his rooms during This Week.  All wishing anything in his line of business will govern themselves accordingly.

The second from the same newspaper on October 24. 1848.  Burrows Will Take Portraits This Week & Next And No Longer.

The last advertisement found for Francis Burrows in Vermont appeared on January 1 & 8, 1850 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Daguerreotype Pictures!  F. Burrows Having returned to this village, proposes to stop about two weeks, and take pictures.  He trusts that his former customers, and all who desire Daguerreotype Pictures, will call at his rooms in Miss Adams’s Building, where he will be ready to take pictures in a superior manner, and on reasonable terms.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens of pictures and prices.

Question remain concerning the activity of Francis Burrows.  In the first announcement on September 19, 1848 it says that he is at his old rooms.  Which can only mean that he has visited Middlebury before.  Middlebury is close to the New York boarder it’s possible that he is traveling back and forth staying in various towns spending two to three weeks and then moving on, this is based on F. (Francis’s) Burrows activity in New York.  The other possibility is that he is traveling around Vermont and I just have not found the newspapers to verify his activity.

*See second post today F. (Francis) Burrows.