Tag Archives: Clearfield Pennsylvania

William T. Purviance

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1854                2nd Street, two doors North of Powell & Co.’s. Store, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. 1854-1855     Graham’s Row, two doors east of the Journal office, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. 1856                Rooms at the Town Hall, Curwensville, Pennsylvania.                                                    1858                Address Unknown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.                                                                    1858                Address Unknown, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.                                                                    1859                Address Unknown, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

William T. Purviance was recorded in five advertisements and three announcements.  The first six entries are from the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  The last two entries are from the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from August 23 to November 15, 1854.  “Secure the shadow, ‘ere the substance fades,” and call at Purviance’s Daguerrean Gallery on 2nd st., two doors north of Powell & Co.’s. Store.

The second advertisement ran from August 23 to November 22, 1854.  Business Item:  Purviance’s Daguerreotype Gallery, Second St., 2 doors north of the Powell & Co.’s. Store, Clearfield, Pa.

The third advertisement ran from December 13, 1854 to January 10, 1855.  Removed:—Purviance’s Daguerrean Gallery to Graham’s Row, two doors east of the Journal office, up stairs.  He will be happy to see his friends, and furnish them vivid, life-like pictures.  Give him a call.

The first announcement appeared on June 4, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—By an advertisement in today’s Journal, it will be seen the Mr. W. T. Purviance is at present engaged in taking ambrotype likenesses.  There is one quality about these likenesses that is preferable to the daguerreotypes—and that is, they cannot be easily destroyed.  A visit to Mr. P’s rooms will well repay any one who may be desirous of having likenesses taken.  We would state that Mr. Purviance is a good artist, and will undoubtedly render satisfaction.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 4 to 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  Mr. W. T. Purviance, Photographist, begs leave to announce to the citizens of Curwensville and vicinity, that he has opened Ambrotype Rooms at the Town Hall in Curwensville where he will be happy to receive the calls of Ladies and gentlemen, whether they wish pictures or not.  The Ambrotype may be regarded as the ne plus ultra of the photographic art, and is rapidly superseding every other style of picture wherever introduced.—Its brilliancy of tone, beauty of finish, delicacy of expression, and deep luster of drapery, have won for it the highest encomiums of the people and press everywhere.  Combining the highest artistic beauty with absolutely Unfading Durability! It must take the place of all other processes.  It is also worthy of mention that Mr. Purviance does not reverse his pictures.

Landscapes, Views of residences, &c., taken in the highest style of the art.  Paintings, Daguerreotypes, and engravings beautifully copied at reasonable prices.  Small children taken by an Instantaneous Process, with unerring certainty and accuracy.  Ambrotypes beautifully colored if desired.  No difference on account of dark or cloudy weather.  Please call soon, as I shall be able to remain but a week or ten days.

The second announcement appeared on June 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—The attention of the citizens of Curwensville and vicinity is directed to the advertisement of Mr. W. T. Purviance in today’s Journal.  Mr. P. is a good artist and has rendered entire satisfaction here.  The ambrotype is a much more desirable picture than the Daguerreotype, for the reason that it is more clear and distinct, and possesses the quality of “unfading durability.”

The fifth advertisement ran from August 18 to September 29, 1858 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Wm. T. Purviance, Ambrotypist And Photographic Artist of Pittsburgh, Will visit Clearfield on a professional tour, on or about the 15th of September next, where he will remain a short time.  Those who wish to get Ambrotypes, or other Photographs, taken in the best style of the art, will than have an opportunity of indulging their taste.  Mr. Purviance brings with him the experience of many years close application to this beautiful art, in and about the City, and all the improvements which have been introduced.  He therefore flatters himself that he will be able to give the most ample satisfaction to those who may give him a professional call.

The third announcement appeared on February 16, 1859 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Artistic.—We are requested to state that Purviance, our old artistic friend and fellow citizen, has again come to life and revived his business as an ambrotypist.  He has procured fresh chemicals, and new stock, and is now producing, we are informed, brilliant and life-like specimens of the photographic art.  He engages to give entire satisfaction in regard to work and prices.

William T. Purviance is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Pittsburgh from 1857-1863.

Parker C. Purviance

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Stereotypes, , , , ,

1856-1859       At his residence on 2nd Street, one door South of Merrell and Carter’s Tin-                                       ware establishment Clearfield, Pennsylvania.                                                          1859                   Corner of Second and Cherry Streets, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

Parker C. Purviance is recorded in three announcements and four advertisements in the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  The first announcement appeared on June 18, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—By reference to card of P. C. Purviance, it will be seen that he is now prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses, as well as Daguerrean.  We have seen several of his pictures, and would say that they are, truly, most magnificent.  Persons desirous of having a good likeness of themselves, or friends, can procure the desired object, by calling at Mr. Purviance’s Gallery at his residence, on 2d street.

The first advertisement ran from June 18 to December 3, 1856.  P. C. Purviance, Ambrotypist and Daguerreotypist, Clearfield, PA.

Gallery at his residence on 2d Street, one door South of Merrell and Carter’s Tin-ware establishment.

The second advertisement ran from December 10, 1856 to June 15, 1859.  Ambrotypes.—P. C. Purviance, Professor of Photographic Chemistry.  Gallery at his residence on 2d Street, one door South of Merrell & Carter’s Tin-ware establishment, Clearfield, Pa.  Days of operation:  Friday and Saturday of each week.

The second announcement appeared on March 10, 1858.  Those who wish to secure a truthful likeness on glass, (i. e. an ambrotype,) would do well to call at Purviance’s Photographic Gallery, on 2d st., as he is now supplied with good chemicals, &c.  His terms are cheap and accommodating; he never charges unless the picture is satisfactory.  Remember the place: 2d St., next door to Merrell & Carter’s Iron and Tin-ware establishment.

The third announcement appeared on June 15, 1859.  We direct attention to the new Photographic Gallery of Mr. Purviance on the corner of Second and Cherry street—otherwise designated by the sign of the Red Flag—where the constant attention of Mr. P. is devoted to the business.  We are authorized to say that life-like and beautiful Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Niellotypes, &c. are taken at this Gallery at very low prices, and entire satisfaction given to customers.

The third advertisement appeared on June 22, 1859.  Ambrotypes For 15 Cents.—The subscriber has opened a new Picture Gallery on the corner of Second and Cherry streets, Clearfield, at the sign of the Red Flag, to which he devoted his whole attention, and where Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Ferrotypes, Stereoscopes, Nielloyypes, and in fact all varieties of Photographs on Glass, Iron and paper are taken and put up in a superior manner.  Don’t trust his word, but call and examine his specimens, and judge for yourselves.  Being connected with one of the leading Galleries of Pittsburgh, he will be constantly in the receipt of every new and variety of Sun-Light pictures together with such aid and such information as will enable him to produce the most Life-Like and best toned specimens of the Art.  In order that all may have an opportunity of procuring copies of their faces he has determined to be reasonable as to prices; 15 cents and upwards according to size, fixtures and case.  Remember the place, the sign of the Red Flag, corner Second and Cherry streets, directly opposite Judge Moore’s.  Parker C. Purviance.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 3 to December 21, 1859.  P. C. Purviance, Ambrotypist, corner of 2d and Cherry streets, Clearfield, Pa.

Parker C. Purviance is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. M. Hall

Ambrotypes, ,

1858-1859               Rooms in Shaw’s new Row, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

A. M. Hall was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania) on September 29, 1858.

Ambrotyping.—In our advertising columns will be found the card of Mr. A. M. Hall photographic artist who is now operating in our town.  We have not yet seen any of his specimens, but has the reputation of being a good artist.  The best way to find out is to have your picture taken at once.

The first advertisement appeared in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  On September 29, 1858.  Ambrotypes for 50 cts!  The undersigned would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Clearfield and vicinity, that he has fitted up Rooms in Shaw’s New Row where he will remain for a few days only.  All who would desire a lifelike likeness of the latest and improved style will please call.  You that have beauty should to Hall take it, You that have none, should go let him make it.  A. M. Hall.  Sept. 24th, 1858.

The second advertisement ran from September 29, 1858 to February 16, 1859 in the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes for 50 Cents!!  The undersigned would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Clearfield and vicinity, that he has fitted up rooms in the new row of Judge Shaw, opposite the “Raftsman’s Journal” office where he will remain for a few days only, prepared to present pictures to all who may favor him with a call which will exceed the expectations of the most fastidious.  Photographs of every description taken when called for.  Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.                     A. M. Hall.

A. M. Hall does not appear in other photographic directories.

William H. Crandall

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Room’s in Shaw’s New Building, Clearfield, Pennsylvania,

William H. Crandall was recorded in an announcement on June 8, 1859 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes!  There is now an opportunity for all to procure pictures of themselves and friends.  The undersigned has fitted up Rooms in Shaw’s new building, where he will remain a short time.  Plating in fine gold or silver done on reasonable terms.

He was also recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 8 to July 11, 1859 in the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes.—The undersigned has fitted up rooms in Shaw’s new row, where he is prepared at all times to take pictures in a workmanlike manner.  He will remain until after the coming Courts.  Call and examine specimens.  N. B.  Planting with fine Gold and Silver, done on short notice and reasonable terms.

William H. Crandall is listed in Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 in Berwick, Pennsylvania without activity dates or address.  The distance between the two towns are about 140 miles.

Henry L. Bridge

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1854    Rooms in the Store Room formerly occupied by Isaac Smith, Curwensville,        Pennsylvania.

Henry L. Bridge was listed in an announcement and advertisement on August 23, 1854 in the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania.)  Business Items:  Our friend Bridge, who is a cleaver fellow and deserving of patronage, has opened a Daguerrean Gallery, at Curwensville.  He takes beautiful pictures, and we have no doubt those of our readers who give him a call, will receive entire satisfaction.

The advertisement ran from August 23 to September 20, 1854.  Daguerreotype Gallery, At Curwensville.—The undersigned, would inform the public that he has opened a Daguerrean Room, in the Store Room, formerly occupied by Isaac Smith, in Curwensville, where he will take some of the best, cheapest, and most life-like pictures, that can be obtained in the country.  H. L. Bridge.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a Henry Bridge as a daguerreian in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania from 1854-1860, and later was also reported to work in Pine Grove and Clearfield, Pennsylvania.  John’s only reference to his entry was the city directories provided to him on microfiche by the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts. In all probability this is the same individual.  One could hypothesize that since Bridge shows up in the city directories in Bellefonte that this was his home base.  He probably was only listed in the residence section as a daguerreian without a business address, since John did not include an address in the entry.  In looking at a map of the area it is possible that Bridge made a circuit going from town to town.

The above is speculation on my part.  This is the only entry I have for Henry L. Bridge from the Raftsman’s Journal or any other newspapers in the area.  But, together with John’s work a pattern begins to emerge.  Further research might help to get a clearer picture of his activities.