Tag Archives: Brooklyn New York

Allen, William A.

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1848                            Corner Bridge and Tillery Street, Brooklyn, New York,[1]

1849                            313 Sixth Street, New York, New York.

1850-1851                   204 Chatham Street, New York, New York.

1851                            270 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.1

1852                            308 Broadway, New York, New York.

1849/1850.  Doggett’s New York City Directory.  (New York, New York.)  1849, Vol. 8, P. 26.

Allen, William A.—daguerreotype—313 Sixth. 

1850/1851.  Doggett’s New York City Directory.  (New York, New York.)  1850, Vol. 9, P. 27.

Allen, William A.—daguerreotype—204 Chatham, h. 275 Third.

1851/1852.  Doggett’s & Rode New York City Directory.  (New York, New York.)  1851, Vol. 10, P. 27.

Allen, William A.—daguerreotype—204 Chatham, h. 307 Fifth.

1852 January.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  January 1852, Vol. 3, No. 1, P. Frontispiece.

Engraving of “Allen’s Improved Camera Stand.”

1852 February.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  February 1852, Vol. 3, No. 2, P. 130.

Gossip—Mr. W. A. Allen, in connection with his brother, will open, in a few days, rooms at 308 Broadway, New York city.  They are being fitted up in the handsomest manner, and from the reputation he has heretofore enjoyed, we have no doubt of his success both in getting good pictures and in doing a fine business.

1852 April.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  April 1852, Vol. 3, No. 4, Frontispiece.

Engraving of “Allen’s Improved Camera Box.”

1852 April.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  April 1852, Vol. 3, No. 4, P. 258.

Allen’s Improved Camera Box.  We give this month our second plate of Improved Daguerrean Apparatus.  This box is most beautifully finished and presents several advantages over those heretofore sold. The focus is drawn upon the spectrum by means of the crank A—shown in the engraving—on the outside of the box, an when the focus is obtained the extension box is fixed by means of the thumb-screw B, attached to the crank, also on the outside.  The advantage of this arrangement will be seen at once, as the operator is enabled to keep his eye steadily upon the image drawn on the spectrum and fix the focus at the exact point and prevent the variation of a single hair’s breadth.  Another decided improvement in this box, is, that there is no necessity for removing the spectrum, as the dark slide can be shoved into its place by simply throwing back the spectrum half an inch, the grooves for the reception of the plate holder and spectrum being constructed for that purpose.  The relative position of the spectrum D, and the plate holder C when in the box, is seen in the engraving. 

1852 April 27.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 27, 1852, Whole No. 7118, P. 4.

The Maine Liquor Law is creating a great excitement throughout the whole length and breath of the land, and the indications are that Connecticut has decided most emphatically in its favor; but not less emphatically have the people decided in favor of W. A. Allen & Bros.’ daguerreotypes, taken at their elegant rooms, No. 308 Broadway.

Advertisement ran on April 27 & 28, 1852.

1852 June.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  June 1852, Vol. 3, No. 6, Frontispiece.

Engraving “Allen’s Union Head Rest.”

1852 June.  Photographic Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  June 1852, Vol. 3, No. 6, P. 383-384.

The Union Head Rest—Mr. W.A. Allen has in this chaste and beautiful article—an engraving of which we give in this number—presented his daguerrean friends with a piece of furniture for their operating rooms, unsurpassed by anything of the kind in this country.  It is a befitting companion for his elegant camera stand, a description of which we gave in our March number.  His Union table stand is equally rich, and in the same style, to correspond.

1852 October 22.  The Long Islander.  (Huntington, New York.)  October 22, 1852, Vol. XII, No. 8, Whole No. [628], P. 3.

New and Beautiful Daguerrean Gallery, No. 308 Broadway, NY Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, Successors to Messrs. W. A. Allen & Brother, would most respectfully call the attention of their friends and the public to their New Rooms, at the above number.  The long experience of Messrs. R. & H. in the art, they flatter themselves will enable them to obtain Daguerreotype Portraits unsurpassed by any Daguerreans in the United States leads them to hope they will receive a liberal share of public patronage.  The Rooms are large, elegant and convenient. 

Their Fine Sky Light enables them to take Pictures in the most perfect manner, and in the quickest time, entirely obviating the necessity of a long sitting, and correcting the defects so disagreeable to a refined [     ], in the harsh outlines and color tones so prevalent among the picture taken by the Daguerrean Process.  The Operating Room is well calculated for taking, in a finished and beautiful manner,

Large Groups of Families or Collegiate Classes and also for taking portraits.  For Children—three seconds only being required.

Messrs. R. & H. will give their personal attention to visitors, and most assiduously endeavor to please them with good pictures and perfect Likenesses.

No charge made unless the pictures are perfectly satisfactory.

Their prices are from $1,00 upwards, according to the size, style and finish.

Richmond & Hawkins, 308 Broadway.  Over E. Anthony’s Daguerreotype Depot, East side Broadway, between Pearl and Duane Sts. N. Y.                          

Advertisement ran from October 22, 1852 to February 25, 1853.  

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

William Henry Franklin

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

N. D.               251 Broadway, New York, New York.

1845 Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

1847                138 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.[1]

1848                138 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

William Henry Franklin was recorded in one advertisement and one advertisement.  The   Advertisement ran from May 5 to July 17, 1845 in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.)  Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumbe’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven, Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.—Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please.  No picture will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

The announcement appeared on September 11, 1848 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat (Brooklyn, New York).  The Doings Of A Night.  Awful conflagration—two hundred dwellings and stores destroyed—three churches burned—immense destruction of property.

The calamity which has fallen on our city is so sudden, so wide spread and so deeply afflicting that we know not how to begin the record of its fearful events.  On Saturday night our citizens retired to their beds without apprehension of danger, without a thought that the destroying angel had stretched forth his arm over our devoted city.  But when the sun arose on Sunday Morning he looked through the chambers of the east on such a scene of devastation as never spread itself open to his eyes in the annals of this young city.  In the brief space of six hours the devouring flame had swept over eight entire blocks in the densest portion of our city, consuming about two hundred buildings and turning into the streets, from their warm beds, probably not less than four hundred persons. As near as we are now able to arrive at the facts the amount of property destroyed may be worth nearly a million dollars……..

138 Fulton Street.  John C. Smith, Lawyer; Charles J. Lowry, Lawyer; Sam H. Cownwell, Copyist; William H. Franklin, Daguerreotypist; L. H. Jousberry, piano fortes; John Rolf, lawyer and city surveyor; Cyrus P. Smith, lawyer.

Carey’s Buildings.  S. Adams, drugs; M. Nevin, books; Silas Ludlam, city surveyor; G. King, Architect; H. A. Moore, attorney; W. C. Halsey, portrait painter; McDevett, portrait painter; U O of Am. Mechanics; Brooklyn Freeman; Schermerhorn, daguerreotypes; Brooklyn Star.

William Henry Franklin is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Brooklyn in 1847-1849 and possibly in New York City in 1850-1851.  The new information is that he was active in Newport, Rhode Island and before worked for John Plumbe, Jr. in New York City, the fact that William A. Judson was active as early as 1845 in Connecticut with Thurman Hart means that Hart might have been active earlier.  Also Schermerhorn is possibly A. B. Schermerhorn recorded in Craig’s without an address or location. 

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Fanicke & Kraft

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, ,

1852                Vanderbilt and Charlton avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

Fanicke & Kraft (A. Fanicke & Kraft) were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on December 16, 1852 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Pacific Chemical Laboratory, Pacific street, between Vanderbilt and Charlton avenue, Brooklyn.—Office No.  11 Wall street, third floor, room No. 16.—A. Fanicke & Kraft, manufacturers of pure chemicals.  Reagents daguerreotype apparatus, acids, ethers, ammonia, metallic oxides, and other fine chemicals, &c….

Fanicke & Kraft are not recorded in other photographic directories.

William White

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Corner Fulton & Front Streets, Brooklyn, New York.

William White was recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 23 to 26, 1842 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat (Brooklyn, New York).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.—Wm. White, corner Fulton and Front streets, up stairs, executes Miniatures by the Daguerreotype process, in a few seconds, and on moderate terms.  The patronage of the public is respectfully solicited.  Specimens may be seen at his rooms, as above.       

William White is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Alexander B. Weeks

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1852                137 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Alexander B. Weeks of the partnership of Fredericks and Weeks was recorded in two advertisements. The first advertisement ran from October 13 to 30, 1852 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  In all conscience enough has been said about Daguerreotypes; but, friends, just called at the new Rooms, opened by Fredericks & Weeks, (second floor,) No. 137 Atlantic-st., between Henry and Clinton-sts., Brooklyn, and without saying much, we will show you pictures that we rather guess will please you.  C. D. Fredericks.   A. B. Weekes.

The second advertisement ran from October 25 to November 29, 1852 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York).  Something New—The attention of the citizens of Brooklyn are respectfully invited to the Daguerreotypes taken daily at the new rooms of Fredericks & Weeks, (second floor,) 137 Atlantic Street, between Clinton and Henry streets, South Brooklyn.  C. D. Fredricks, A. B. Weeks.

Alexander B. Weeks is recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him apparently working for J. Gurney between 1848-1854.

Turck & Elting

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854-1855       57 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Truck & Elting (J. Turck & A. Elting) were recorded in two advertisements and one poem in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York).  The first advertisement ran from December 7, 1854 to January 6, 1855.  Holiday Presents.—Daguerreotypes.—57 Fulton street, Brooklyn, opposite Hicks st., where the subscribers are prepared to execute likenesses of a superior tone and finish in all the variety of styles for Holiday Presents at low prices.  Having a large assortment of fancy cases, the[y] flatter themselves that they can please all who may favor them with a call.

Their Daguerreotypes are not to be excelled by any others in this city or New York.  J. Turck, A. Elting.                

The poem ran on December 22, 1854.  Santa Claus; Or, A Directory For The Holidays….

Daguerreotypes.

When the friends we loved in another day

Are keeping the holidays far away,

And we, though longing, cannot be there,

The pleasures and festive joys to share,

What else can such enchantment lend

As the likeness of an absent friend?

A daguerreotype any taste to suit,

Such as Elting & Turck can execute.

The second advertisement ran from February 9 to May 14, 1855.  Turck & Elting’s Daguerreotype Rooms. 57 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, opposite Hicks st., where we intend offering to the citizens of Brooklyn, and all who may favor us with a call, Daguerreotypes equal to any taken in this city or New York, at the low price of Fifty Cents—including case.

We possess advantages, that few can boast of—our rooms are easy of access, we have a large and beautiful Sky Light, which is admitted to be the best in this city; this, together with twelve years experience in the Daguerreotype business, will be sufficient inducement to all those in want of a pleasing, soft toned, life like and unfading picture to give us a call.

Pictures of Adults take[n] in cloudy as well as clear weather.  J. Turck.  A. Elting.       

Turck & Elting (J. Turck & A. Elting) are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Jeremiah Turck, possibly in Hudson, New York in 1850 recorded as J. Surck and in Troy New York in 1851-1852 as Turck & Forshew and again in Troy in 1857-1858.  It is possibly that they are the same person based on the time line.

Mr. Tarr

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853    283 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Mr. Tarr of the firm Harrison & Hill was mentioned in one announcement for Harrison & Hill on August 27, 1853 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York).  …Then long live Harrison and Hill’s Daguerreotype Establishment say we, with young Mr. Tarr, too, whose operating is capital, and his pictures likewise.  As to any flippant criticisms from some New York press, the writer whereof gives up about a quarter of a minute to look at the object criticized, and lets out the decision just as accident or interest turns it, why, the same critic, talking by word of mouth in an assembly of intelligent people, wouldn’t be thought worth any further answer than a pretty broad smile.—Why, old friend, Elizabeth, whose polite and honest face greets us so smilingly at your door, and into whose lap the children, we fancy, are always willing to sit quiet—she may have a far better eye for a good picture than even a Crystal Palace critic has.

Mr. Tarr is nor recorded in other photographic directories.

Skinner

Daguerreotypes, ,

1844                57 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Skinner was recorded in one announcement that appeared on March 12, 1844 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat (Brooklyn, New York).  The Ne Plus Ultra.—We have recently been shown some Daguerreotype miniatures, taken by Skinner, 57 Hicks street, which surpass in beauty, distinctness, and life-like expression, the best specimens yet produced in this line of art—so far, at least, as our observation has extended.  The somber aspect of the countenance and dazzling surface of the plate, which have hitherto been considered objections to Daguerreotypes, are obviated in the specimens referred to by tinting and gilding.  The figure is rendered permanent by the same process, and hence not liable to be destroyed by an unlucky slip of the glass, or a trace of the finger.  Indeed it seems as if improvement could no further go; and we can recommend all who wish to procure fac similes of themselves, or friends, at a very moderate price, to call upon Skinner, as above—who, by the way, is a dentist, and practices the art as much from love as for money.

Skinner is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Brooklyn in 1844.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list John Skinner in 1846-1847 in Troy, New York, it is unknown if they are the same person.

A. B. Schermerhorn

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1848                Carey’s Building, Brooklyn, New York.

A. B. Schermerhorn was recorded in one announcement in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat (Brooklyn, New York).  The Doings Of A Night.  Awful conflagration—two hundred dwellings and stores destroyed—three churches burned—immense destruction of property.

The calamity which has fallen on our city is so sudden, so wide spread and so deeply afflicting that we know not how to begin the record of its fearful events.  On Saturday night our citizens retired to their beds without apprehension of danger, without a thought that the destroying angel had stretched forth his arm over our devoted city.  But when the sun arose on Sunday Morning he looked through the chambers of the east on such a scene of devastation as never spread itself open to his eyes in the annals of this young city.  In the brief space of six hours the devouring flame had swept over eight entire blocks in the densest portion of our city, consuming about two hundred buildings and turning into the streets, from their warm beds, probably not less than four hundred persons. As near as we are now able to arrive at the facts the amount of property destroyed may be worth nearly a million dollars……..

138 Fulton Street.  John C. Smith, Lawyer; Charles J. Lowry, Lawyer; Sam H. Cownwell, Copyist; William H. Franklin, Daguerreotypist; L. Hjousberry, piano fortes; John Rolf, lawyer and city surveyor; Cyrus P. Smith, lawyer.

Carey’s Buildings.  S. Adams, drugs; M. Nevin, books; Silas Ludlam, city survear; G. King, Architect; H. A. Moore, attorney; W. C. Halsey, portrait painter; McDevett, portrait painter; U O of Am. Mechanics; Brooklyn Freeman; Schermerhorn, daguerreotypes; Brooklyn Star.

An A. B. Schermerhorn is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry without activity dates or address.

Miller Brothers

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                Corner First and South Seventh, Williamsburg, New York.

Miller Brothers were recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 26, 1854.  Elegant Daguerreotype Establishment For sale.—The subscriber offers for sale at a great bargain, the most beautiful daguerrean rooms in Williamsburg, located in the most central and public part of the city.  The finishing and embellishment of the rooms will favorably compare with the best Broadway establishments, there being a splendid gallery of the celebrities of Europe and America, all handsomely framed, with everything requisite for caring on the business.  Price $2,000.  Apply to Russell W. Westcott, 72 Eighth avenue, New York.

The second advertisement appeared on November 1, 1854.  For sale—A Daguerrean Gallery, The Best location in Williamsburg, fitted up in fine style, long lease and cheap rent, will be sold for half its value.  Apply on the premises, over the Farmers’ and Citizens’ Bank, corner of First and South Seventh streets, Williamsburg.  Miller Brothers.

The third advertisement appeared on December 19, 1854.  Russell W. Westcott, Auctioneer.—Elegant daguerreotype establishment at auction on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11 o’clock, on the corner of First and South Seventh streets, Williamsburg, over the Farmers’ and Citizens’ Bank.  Splendid location.  The rooms are gorgeously furnished—velvet carpets, rosewood chairs, marble top chairs, writing desk, show cases, &c.; with over 250 European and American portraits, including Shakspeare’s Seven Ages, all richly framed, full sized cameras, and everything in fine order for carrying on the business; with five year lease from May next, at a low rent.  The rooms can be examined at any time previous to the sale, which will be peremptory, rain or shine.

Miller Brothers are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1854 on First and South Seventh Streets, Williamsburg.  William H. Miller is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1854 over the Farmers’ and Citizens’ Bank, and is likely one of the brothers, but no reference to who the other brother is.  Craig does reference J. & D. (James & David) Miller in 1854-1855 at 687 6th Avenue, New York City.