Tag Archives: Claremont New Hampshire

Simeon Williams

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1848                Clinton House, Clinton, Massachusetts.

1849                82 Main Street, Waits Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                Address Unknown, Claremont, New Hampshire

Simeon Williams was recorded in two books, two advertisements and one announcement.  The first book he was mentioned in was the History of the Origin of the Town of Clinton, Massachusetts 1653-1865 by Andrew E. Ford, 1896.  Daguerrean Artists.  P. 397…S. Williams, who had a saloon near the Clinton House [Clinton, Massachusetts].

The second book he was mentioned in wasThe Worcester Historical Society Publications  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  New Series Vol. I, No. 8, April 1935, p. 438…During the year 1846 we find the firm of White and Andrews located in the Central Exchange.  They appear to have remained in business only for a brief period.  Other men in the field before 1850 were Lewis Babbitt, Simeon Williams and M. S. Chapin.

The first advertisement ran from January 8 to April 18, 1849 in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes for 75 Cents, S. Williams, the proprietor of the City Daguerreotype Gallery, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by A. Morse, in Wait’s Block, No. 82 Main Street, nearly opposite the Eagle Hotel, and fitted them up with new and Enlarged Lights, arranged and perfectly adapted to the business, is prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses superior to those taken or exhibited at any other establishment in Worcester.  This is the only place in this City where a first rate Daguerreotype can be obtained for Seventy-five Cents—notwithstanding the advertisements to the contrary by Boys who are employed to clean plates at a certain other establishment, the proprietor of which has, for the past seven or eight months, been floating upon the reputation of another Artist.

The object of this advertisement is to inform the public where they can procure a Daguerreotype for the above price, executed by a skillful Artist; instead of being made subjects for the practice of inexperienced Youths.

The announcement appeared on October 23, 1851 in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotypes.  In another part of this paper may be found the advertisement of Messrs. Bundy & Williams, Daguerreotypists.  We have seen some specimens of their work, and they are certainly very fine.  We know not that we ever saw Daguerreotype pictures so clear and life-like, as may be found among their specimens.  Call and see them.

The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1851 in the National Eagle.

Daguerreotypes.  The citizens of this village and vicinity are respectfully solicited to visit the Daguerrian Gallery of Messrs. J. K. Bundy and S. Williams, now stopping in this place, where may be found a better assortment of Specimens of the Daguerrian Art than has ever been exhibited here before.  The artists guarantee that every judge of Pictures that will call shall feel satisfied that this is the fact, and they shall be shown pictures of some of the most distinguished men of the age, and also some of the most beautiful ladies in New England.

The subscribers are prepared to take and pit up pictures in every variety of style, from the miniature for a finger ring up to as large a size as desired, and at such a reasonable rate that all shall be satisfied.  For clearness of tone and strength of likeness, no picture taken in the country have ever surpassed them.  A dull, smokey, greasy looking Daguerreotype is worse than nothing, and we wish our pictures compared with those formerly taken in this place.—Will Ladies and Gentlemen give us an early call, as our stay must be very short.

Testimonials of the most flattering character will be shown if desired.

Copying of every description done to order.

Ladies and Gentlemen, will be better satisfied with Pictures in dark drapery.

Children should sit in mid-day in fair weather—all others in any weather and at all hours.

We are also acting agents for the sale of Smith & Green’s Seraphines and Melodeons, a beautiful instrument, manufactured with Carkart’s Improvement, and we are authorized to sell them at a more reasonable rate than they can be purchased at any other place.  We have one specimen at our carriage.  Also for sale, Sheet Music.  J. K. Bundy, S. Williams.

Simeon Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.

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

Whitmore & Porter

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1842                Rooms at the Tremont House, Claremont, New Hampshire.

1843                Rooms at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, Middlebury, Vermont

1843-1844       Room at the American Hotel, Room 6, 2d floor, Burlington, Vermont.

Whitmore & Porter (also spelled Whittemore) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in three different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 22, 1842 I the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).   Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We would call attention to the advertisement of Messrs. Whitmore & Porter in another column.—Those of our friends who may wish to have an exact impression of their faces transferred upon steel, can now have an opportunity.  We know nothing about the operation of the Daguerreotype, but the specimens show us are exceedingly beautiful, and such as could only  have been produced by one having a through practical knowledge of the instrument.  There is no quackery here, and if our citizens will favor the above gentlemen with a call, we will guarantee them a gentlemanly reception.

The first advertisement ran on April 22 & 29, 1842 in the National Eagle.  Pencil Of Nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Claremont, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at the Tremont House and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Claremont, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.  Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.                     

The second advertisement ran from June 28 to July 12, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Pencil of nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Middlebury, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of Nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.              

The second announcement appeared on July 5, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.—As our citizens have never before had an opportunity to witness specimens of this kind, and the manner in which faces and objects are painted by nature, as perfect as life, they will do well to call at the rooms of Messrs. Whitmore and Porter at Huntington’s where they will remain a few days.

When it was first announced to the world by the light of Heaven alone the most perfect and minute similitudes of nature’s works could be painted, it was deemed almost incredible.  But its reality is now as certain as human existence, and as like every other art in its infancy it is susceptible of vast improvements, it is likely to produce as great a revolution in pictorial productions, as steam in maritime operations.  Let the people gratify a laudable curiosity in relation to this wonderful art, by calling upon the gentlemen now at Huntington’s, who promise to render every attention necessary for the information of visitors. 

The third advertisement ran from December 15, 1843 to January 12, 1844 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont),  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mess. Whittemore & Porter, Respectfully inform the citizens of Burlington that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures at the American Hotel (Room No. 6, 2d. floor) and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Burlington specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s Pencilings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art—the light of heaven alone is the Pencil used.

N. B. Copies of paintings engravings &c. by the same process.  Instructions given and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.

Whitemore (Whittemore) & Porter are not recorded in other photographic as being active in  

New Hampshire or Vermont.

Turner & Reed

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Union Block, Main Street, over David S. Dutton Store, Claremont, N. H.

Turner & Reed (first names not known) were recorded in two advertisements in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire.)  The first advertisement ran from April 19 to June 14, 1849. Daguerreotypes.  Turner & Reed, Daguerrean Artists, would respectfully announce to the ladies ad gentlemen of Claremont and vicinity that they are to remain here but two or three weeks.  Persons wishing for perfect likenesses of themselves or friends, would do well to give us a call; for we have every improvement in the art that the day affords.  We use none but the best materials.  Pictures neatly set in every variety of style.  Persons having pictures with which they are dissatisfied can have them retaken for half a dollar.  Perfect satisfaction in all cases or no charge.  We invite all to call and see fore themselves.  Rooms over David S. Dutton’s store, Union Block, Main st., Claremont, N. H.

The second advertisement ran on June 14 & 21, 1849. Notice.  We take this opportunity to inform the Ladies ad Gentlemen of Claremont and vicinity that next week is our last week in this place, and we would cordialy invite all who wish for a perfect likenesses of themselves or friends, to give us a call within said time.

All persons that are not interested in our or other’s business, say that our pictures are the most natural, especially the eyes, that ever was out in this country.—Ladies and Gentlemen please call and see.  We express our sincere thanks for patronage already received.  Turner & Reed.

Daguerrean Artists.—Rooms over D. S. Dutton’s Store.  Claremont Lower Village. Turner & Reed are not recorded in other photographic directories

G. B. Parker

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847-1848       Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store, Claremont, New Hampshire.

G. B. Parker was recorded in two advertisements in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).  The first advertisement ran from October 29 to December 3, 1847.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  G. B. Parker, Daguerrian Artists; Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store.  Persons desirous of obtaining likenesses of themselves, family or friends, are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Pictures taken singly or in groups with or without coloring, [regardless] of weather.

G. B. P. having availed himself of the many recent improvements in Chemicals and Apparatus, feels confident in saying his pictures can be surpassed by none.

Portraits, Paintings, Engravings and Daguerreotypes copied.

The second advertisement ran from December 31, 1847 to March23, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures executed in a clear, strong, bold character at Parker’s Daguerreotype Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store.  Those desirous of obtaining an elegant and correct Daguerreotype are respectfully invited to call at my rooms and examine numerous specimens of my work, executed in this place.

Prices varying from $1.00 to 5.00.

A Perfect Likeness warranted in any weather.

Instruction given and Apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.

G. B. Parker is not recorded in other photographic directories.