Tag Archives: Cincinnati Ohio

S. Rea

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                23 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1851                Rooms in Sharpe & Yandee’s Building, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1852                Address Unknown, Indianapolis, Indiana.

S. Rea (probably Sampson Rea) was recorded in one advertisement and five announcements.  The advertisement ran from January 15 to February 14, 1850 in the  Cincinnati Commercial Tribune (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 23 4th st., between Main and Sycamore.  Mr. Rea respectfully informs his patrons and the public generally, that he has recently at a very heavy expense, remodeled and re-fitted his splendid suit of Daguerreotype rooms; in doing which he has ad an eye specially to the comfort and accommodation of the ladies, and he pledges himself that neither pains nor expense shall be spared on his part to render his gallery one of the most fashionable and genteel resorts in the city.

Those calling on Mr. R. for pictures, either single or in groups, are positively assured that they shall have entire satisfaction in every sense of the word, or no charge.

Pictures taken of all sizes, and at all prices, the price ranging according to size and put up in every variety of style.

Hours for operating from 9 o’clock A. M., to 4 o’clock P. M., without regard to weather.

The five announcements were recorded in the Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis, Indiana).  The first appeared on February 6.  Mr. Rae’s Portrait Gallery of members of the convention is rapidly filling up.  Amongst the portraits already taken, we observe those of many of the most prominent members of the convention.  These likenesses are perfect, and we have never seen them equaled as works of art.  When completed, the picture will be a beautiful and enduring specimen of the perfection to which the delicate art of Daguerreotyping has been brought by an Indiana artist, and will be alike creditable to the State and honorable Mr. Rae.

Mr. Rea proposes to get up a similar picture of the members of the Senate, to be deposited with this one in the State Library as the property of the State.  If the Senators will call at his rooms and examine his pictures, we are sure they will all willingly do their part towards getting up the picture.

The second announcement appeared on June 12, 1851.  Mr. Rea, the Daguerrean Artist, has removed to the State Library his portraits of fifty members of the Convention.  Taken altogether they are the best specimens we ever witnessed of the perfection to which the beautiful art, originated by Daguerre, has arrived.  Each portrait is a perfect likeness, and shows the features of the face, the hair on the head and each freckle or mole, which marked the original, with a distinctness and truth to nature which could be attained by no other process, and which we never saw before, even in a Daguerreotype.  The gift is an enduring monument of Mr. Rea’s skill and proficiency as an artist.

The following are the names of the gentlemen whose portraits are embraced in Mr. Rea’s Collection: 

T. W. Gibson, Robert Dale Owen, W. F. Sherrod, A. P. Hovey, Geo. W. Carr, W. H. English, Secretary, Daniel Kelso, H. P. Biddle, H. Allen, W. M. Dunn, W. S. Holman, W. R. Haddon, J. B. Foley, Smith Jones, S. P. Mooney, B. F. Brookbank, J. S. Newman, T. A. Hendricks, Jonathan Harbolt, J. P. Chapman, D. Reed, James Lockhart, J. E. Blythe, H. Prather, James Elliott, Jefferson Helm, H. E. Carter, Allen Hamilton, T. I. Bourne, J. F. Carr, W. March, J. B. Niles, R. H. Milroy, C. W. Barbour, M. G. Bright, H. P. Thornton, J. W. Borden, C. C. Nave, J. L. Spann, J. G. Read, J. Rariden, P. M. Kent, D. Kilgore, E. D. Taylor, N. B. Hawkins, O. P. Badger, S. Hall, M. A. Duzan, J. P. Dunn.  **Only 49 names appeared in the article.

The third announcement appeared on October 9, 1851.  “Here Life Seems Speaking From A Hundred Frames.”—The new and beautiful Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. S. Rea are completed, and are now open for the reception of visitors.  The quality of Mr. Rea’s pictures has always been greatly admired, but since he has introduced the improvement of his new sky-light, and side-lights, he is enabled to give a much better finish to Daguerreotypes, and to produce a more perfect picture than heretofore.  By his new arrangement of light, the difficulty heretofore experienced in taking the likenesses of children, aged persons, and those with light-colored or weak eyes, has been removed, and an impression is taken on the plate in a very short space of time.  We have seen several of his pictures taken by the new light, and for beautiful gradation of light and shade, clearness in the image, and the softness of tone, we have never seen them equaled.

The Metropolitan Gallery consists of two large rooms, in Sharpe & Yandee’s building.  One is used for operating, and the other as the gallery and reception room.  The latter is tastefully and splendidly furnished, the pictures being arranged on each side of the room, and also in the frame-work of a circular moveable case, placed on a pedestal in the centre of the room.  His beautiful assortment of fine gold lockets and breastpins for miniatures, occupy a portion of this case.

Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore, an experienced operator, and he pledges himself that not a picture shall leave his establishment that does not give entire satisfaction.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 28, 1852.  The State Fair.  It is supposed that fifty thousand persons visited the Fair yesterday….

S. Rea, of this city, exhibited in two large frames, Daguerreotypes of the members of the last Senate and House, of this State.  Also, likenesses of many of the young ladies of this city—beautiful, of course, or they would not have been likenesses.  These Daguerreotypes were executed in Rea’s best style, which is equivalent to saying that they cannot be excelled in the world.

Mr. Weibling, from Connersville, also exhibits some excellent Daguerreotypes.  Many of his pictures very nearly, if not quite, equaled Rea’s, and were highly creditable productions.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 4, 1852.  Premiums Awarded at the First Annual State Fair of Indiana, 1852, as Reported by the Several Committees….Manufactured Articles….

Daguerrean Art, four frames, from the studio of S. Rea, Indianapolis.  The crowd of admiring spectators who constantly surrounded these pictures, attested the approbation of the public.  They were justly regarded as admirable specimens of the art, in style of finish, posture, coloring, and design.  They are worthy the general commendation they received.  Premium $10 and diploma.

Daguerreotypes, a case from W. Weibling, of Connersville, containing several creditable portraits, and exhibiting a good degree of taste and skill in the artist.  $2 and diploma.

Fancy Label, attached to Rea’s Daguerrean collection, from the same.  The committee pronounce them creditable specimens of the art.

S. (Sampson) Rea is recorded in other photographic directories (Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.)  Further research is needed on Rea, I have only scratched the surface of the Ohio and Indiana newspapers, but preliminary research suggests that they are the same person.  

Several questions remain unanswered, does Rea have a connection with the Plumbe Gallery in Cincinnati?  Recorded in the Cincinnati newspaper the gallery is referred to as “Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery”  the similarity to “Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery” comes to mind.

In the same advertisement dated January 15, 1850 he refers to his patrons and the public generally.  This suggest that he may have been operating earlier than January 15, 1850.

In the third announcement dated October 9, 1851 states that “Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore” to work with/for him.  While in Baltimore he did work for Plumbe.  Is this another connection to Plumbe, or just is it just coincidence?

Moore

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereoviews, , , ,

1859                Near the Ferry Landing, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Moore was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on November 14, 1859 in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Art Palace.—We hope our citizens desirous of procuring likenesses of themselves and family will call at the “Art Palace,” near the ferry landing, and let Mr. Moore demonstrate to them that his pictures are of a superior order.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Stereoscopes are executed in the best style.  In this latter branch, in particular, he has been experimenting for the last ten years, and has now one of the best instruments in the country.  Let everybody call and examine the likenesses taken with it.

Moore is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cincinnati.  William H. Moore was active in Cincinnati in 1857 to 1897 his address in 1859 was 10 W. Fifth Street,[1]  which is several blocks from the waterfront.  One might speculate that “near the ferry landing” might suggest that his Art Palace was a boat?

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Lewis W. Bloom

Photographs, , ,

1857-1858       14 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.[1]

1859                Fourth and Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.1

1859                Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Lewis W. Bloom is recorded in one announcement on September 17, 1859 in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Gone To Frankfort.—Lewis Bloom, the excellent photographist, has gone to Frankfort, Ky., where he has formed a connection with the Clark Daguerriean Gallery.  He is a young man of no small merits, and his works must soon induce him to the good people of that meridian.

Lewis W. Bloom is as being active in Cincinnati from 1857-1859 but not in Frankfort, Kentucky. C. A. Clark is recorded as being active in Frankfort in 1859-1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

A. S. Bloom

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

N. D.               14 Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1859                22 West Fifth street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1859                Corner of Fifth and Western-Row, Cincinnati, Ohio.

A. S. Bloom advertisements were recorded under the heading of Home Interest fifteen times, once in The Daily Press and fourteen times in the Penny Press.  Bloom ran Henry Y. Cowen’s and Harrison & Collins galleries.  The first advertisement ran from March 22 to 26, 1859 in The Daily Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Home Interest…Mr. Cowen, of No. 22 Fifth street, has lately associated with him Mr. Bloom, formerly of No. 14 Fifth street.  Two such artist as these are sufficient guarantee as to the quality of their work.

The second advertisement appeared in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio) on August 22, 1859.Home Interest…Cowen’s Gallery, No. 22 West Fifth-street.—If you want a superior Ambrotype, Photograph, Mezzograph, or a good picture of any style, go to Cowen’s, No. 22 West Fifth-street.  Bloom has charge of the gallery.

Third advertisement ran on August 29 & 30, 1859.  Home Interest…Photographic Gallery—Cowen’s No. 22 West Fifth-street, under Bloom’s management.  If you want a magnificent Photograph go to Cowen’s; for a Ambrotype go to the same place.  Remember, pictures of all styles taken at Cowen’s, No. 22 West Fifth-street.

Fourth advertisement ran on September 13 & 14, 1859.  Home Interest…For fine Photographs, Melainotypes or Ambrotypes, call at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom, He warrants to please.

Fifth advertisement Appeared on September 19, 1859.  Home Interest…Good Photographs, plain or colored, can be had cheaper than elsewhere at the Central Gallery. Corner Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Sixth advertisement appeared on September 29, 1859.  Home Interest…For a good Photograph, Melainotype or Ambrotype, don’t fail to call at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Seventh advertisement appeared on October 5, 1859.  Home Interest…For $5 you can get a fine Oil colored Photograph in a good gilt frame at the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Eighth advertisement appeared on October 13, 1859.  Home Interest…Good Photographs, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes are taken at the Central Gallery cheaper than elsewhere in the city, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Ninth advertisement appeared on October 24, 1859.  Home Interest…A S. Bloom, the well-known Daguerreian, has in charge the Central Photograph, Melainotype and Ambrotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.  He is making Pictures cheaper than elsewhere in the city.

Tenth advertisement appeared on October 26, 1859.  Home Interest…Bloom’s Photographs never fail to please.  Call on him and have your Photograph, Melainotype or Ambrotype taken, at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

Eleventh advertisement appeared on October 29, 1859.  Home Interest…We have no hesitation in directing people not the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery for a truthful and artistic picture.  A. S. Bloom is an artist who understands the magic effect of light and shadow.

Twelfth advertisement appeared on October 29, 1859.  Home Interest…Cheap Pictures, and of the best style of art, you can get at the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, under charge of A, S, Bloom.

Thirteenth advertisement appeared on October 31, 1859.  Home Interest…Bloom’s Photographs. Melainotypes, Ambrotypes can not be excelled in beauty of art in the city.  Prices moderate at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

Fourteenth advertisement appeared on November 3, 1859.  Home Interest…Pictures that won’t fade are made by A. S. Bloom, and cheaper than elsewhere, at the Central Photograph, Melainotype and Ambrotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

The fifteenth advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859. Home Interest…Harrison & Collins’ Central Bee-Hive Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.  Photographs, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes taken cheaper than elsewhere in the city.  Oil Colored Photographs, made of all sizes, from life to the smallest miniature.  Pictures neatly set in Lockets, Breast-pins, Finger rings and Bracelets.  All work warranted.  A. S. Bloom, Artist.A. S. Bloom is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. S. Bloom is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1859 or before.  Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 by Diane VanSkiver Gagel does list Bloom as being active in Cincinnati in 1861 & 1862.

Willian West

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, ,

1843-1844       Address Unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Willian West was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York.)  The first advertisement ran from June 22 to September 5, 1843.  Philadelphia Daguerreotype Establishment.  Exchange Building, Rooms 26 & 27.  The Subscribers, having procured the agency for the sale of Voigtander’s Daguerreotype Apparatus, constructed according to Professor Petzval’s calculation, have on hand a large assortment of these Apparatus, and artists as well as amateurs of their art, wishing to procure a good apparatus, will find it to their advantage to procure instruments of this construction.  They also have lately imported a large quantity of German and French plates, and all the chemicals used in their art, which they warrant in every respect, as they are made to their order.  Polishing substances, and morocco cases, and all necessary materials, are sold on the most reasonable terms.  The following gentlemen have agreed to act as their agents, viz:—

E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y. P. Haas, Esq., Washington, D. C. Dr. A. Caspari, Richmond, Va. P. Laurens, Esq., Savannah, Ga. William West, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio.

All communications (post paid) and orders, accompanied with remittance, will be promptly attended to, and should be directed to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange Building, Phila.

The second advertisement ran from October 17, 1843 to January 26, 1844.  Philadelphia Daguerreotype Establishment.  Exchange Building, Rooms 26 & 27.  The Subscribers, has received a large supply of Voigtander’s celebrated Daguerreotype Apparatus, large and small sizes, with achromatic lenses made according to Professor Petzval’s calculation.

Also a new supply of the best plates and chemicals, which he warrants good and sells at reduced prices.

The following gentlemen have agreed to act as their agents, viz:—

E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y.  P. Haas, Esq., Washington, D. C.  Dr. A. Caspari, Richmond, Va.  S. Broadbent, Esq., for the Southern States.  William West, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio.         

All communications (post paid) and orders, accompanied with remittance, will be promptly attended to, and should be directed to William Langenheim, Exchange Building, Phila.

William West is not recorded in other photographic directories.  William West is possibly a retailer of photographic supplies or a druggist but no other information has been found to date.

U. S. Daguerreotype Company

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

N. D.               30 & 32 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1855                105 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

N. D.  Ninth Plate advertising card in C. L. Branch’s collection, posted on Facebook.

U. S. Daguerreotype Company, Tyler & Co., Nos. 30 and 32, West Fourth St., Cincinnati.

Thirty operators employed in making 800 Portraits daily, by a new German process connected with machinery, and the triple Camera, which takes three likenesses at one sitting.

Superior Daguerreotypes for 25 cents and upwards.  Tyler & Co.

1855.   Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  By Diane VanSkiver Gagel. 

United States Daguerreotype Co.  103 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

Tyler & Company are recorded in many photographic directories.  It is unknown at this time if Tyler & Company were involved with the 1855 gallery in Cleveland. 

J. A. Templeton

Photographs, ,

1859                            Corner of Fifth and Western Row, Cincinnati, Ohio.

J. A. Templeton was recorded in four advertisements and one announcement in The Daily Press  (Cincinnati, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from February 22 to 28, 1859.  Home Interest…J. A. Templeton has recently refitted his new Gallery of Art, corner of Fifth and Western row.  He is now fully prepared to take all kinds of pictures at reduced prices.

The second advertisement ran from March 1 to 9, 1859.  Home Interest…J. A. Templeton, cor. Of Western Row and Fifth, is now taking pictures which are so life-like that they are the admiration of all.

The third advertisement ran from March 11 to 14, 1859.  Home Interest…J. A. Templeton, Artist, Corner of Fifth and Western Row, is the place to get a really beautiful Photograph.  They are warranted to please.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 15 to 19, 1859.  Home Interest…For fine Pictures, of any kind, the place to go is on the corner of Fifth and Western Row, where Templeton will always be found.

The first announcement appeared on March 21, 1859.  Home Interest…It is generally admitted that Templeton takes perfect pictures—Photographs in particular.  One need only see his sample to be convinced of this fact.

J. A. Templeton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William P. Swain

Daguerreian Case Maker, ,

1845                23 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

William P. Swain was recorded in one advertisement that ran on August 7 & 14, 1845.  Morocco Case Manufactory.  The subscriber has taken the stand at No. 23 East Fourth street, Cincinnati, lately occupied by Mr. J. A. Kimball, where he will manufacture to order, Surgical, Dental, Jewelry and Daguerreotype Miniature Cases, of the very best style and quality, and at the lowest eastern prices.

Miniature Cases of all sizes constantly on hand and for sale, wholesale and retail.

Orders from the country respectfully solicited and promptly attended to.

William P. Swain is not recorded in other photographic directories.

G. W. Stillman

Melainotypes, ,

1859                            146 Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

G. W. Stillman was recorded in five advertisements in The Daily Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  The  advertisement ran from February 23 to March 1, 1859.  Home Interest…The Union Gallery, now under the supervision of Mr. Stillman, is one of the best in the city.  Stillman’s pictures astonish the natives by their beauty and cheapness.  Don’t forget to give them a call.  No 146 Fifth street.

The second advertisement ran from March 4 to 10. 1859.  Home Interest…G. W. Stillman, late Hoag’s Gallery, 146 West Fifth street, is prepared to take Pictures at much reduced prices.  Give him a call; you are sure to be pleased.  His motto is “Excelsior.”

The third advertisement ran from March 10 to 19, 1859.  Home Interest…G. W. Stillman is doing a rushing business at his Gallery on Fifth street.  His Pictures are proverbial for their beauty and originality.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 21 to 26, 1859.  Home Interest…Stillman’s is the place to get your phiz taken.  His style of taking pictures is generally admired.

The fifth advertisement ran from March 28 to 31, 1859.  Home Interest…To get a good Melainotype, Stillman is the gentleman to apply to.  He insures a correct Picture always.

G. W. Stillman is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a George H. Stillman in Cincinnati in 1855, and in 1859-60.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

E. Shewell

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854    Address unknown, Portsmouth, Ohio.

E. Shewell was mentioned in an advertisement that ran from December 15, 1854 to July 13, 1855 in The Portsmouth Inquirer (Portsmouth, Ohio).  Portsmouth Daguerrean Gallery.  Mr. Lamartine would respectfully announce to the citizens of Portsmouth and vicinity that he has purchased the entire stock of E. Shewell, deceased, and will carry on the above business at the old stand.  Mr. L. intends making this a permanent location, and he would say to those wishing pictures, call in and look at our work, as we give satisfaction or no sale.

Pictures of all sizes taken.  Also, Lockets, Rings, Broaches and Pins taken at the shortest notice.

Open from 8 A. M., to 4 P. M.  Instruction in the art given, and apparatus furnished.  Dec. 8th.

E. Shewell is recorded in Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Cincinnati in 1853 and Portsmouth in 1853-1854.