Tag Archives: Dowagiac Michigan

John Piper

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, , , ,

1858                            Daguerreian Car on the Railroad Square, Dowagiac, Michigan.                1858-1859                 Rooms over F. J. Baum & Co.’s Clothing Store, Dowagiac, Michigan.

John Piper was recorded in three advertisements and one announcement in The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan).  The first advertisement ran from May 6 to November 4, 1858.  John Piper, Ambrotype Artist.  Likenesses taken on short notice, and warranted not to fade.  Children’s pictures taken in one second.  Operating in Baldwin’s Daguerreian Car, on the Railroad Square, near the liberty pole, Dowagiac, Mich.  Also fine boots made to order

The second advertisement ran from May 6 to June 24, 1858.  Fine Boots.  Mr. J. Piper, at the Daguerreian Car, Respectfully announces to the citizens of Dowagiac and vicinity, that he is prepared to manufacture to order Fine Boots! Of all description, in the best style.  All work warranted.  Dowagiac, May 6, 1858.

The third advertisement ran from November 11, 1858 to July 21, 1859.  John Piper, Ambrotype Artist.  Likenesses taken on short notice, and warranted not to fade.  Children’s pictures taken in one second.  Operating in Rooms over F. J. Baum & Co.’s Clothing Store, Dowagiac, Mich.  Also fine boots made to order

The announcement appeared on September 29, 1859.  List of Premiums Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Cass County Agricultural Society, held September 21st and 22d, 1859….Class 21—Paintings And Drawings…

best ambrotypes, John Piper, 50.

John Piper is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George P. Blakesley

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

The address and location of George P. Blakesley in 1858 is unknown at this time.  The information comes from a newspaper article in the The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan) announcing the premiums awarded at the Cass County Agricultural Society Fair held in Cassapolis Michigan on October 8th and 9th…Class XVI—Painting, Drawing, &C….Best case of ambrotypes, L. D. Smith.  2d best case of ambrotypes, George P. Blakesley…Trans.

On March 3, 1859 he is reported in the following advertisement in The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan.)  The advertisement ran from March 3 to July 21, 1859.

Ladies and gentlemen, don’t you know                                                                                                        At G. P. Blakesley’s the place to go,                                                                                            Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes he does take,                                                                                                And seldom, if ever, an error does make.

Lithographs and other pictures too, we find,                                                                                            are taken in a style to suit the mind,                                                                                                            For a few weeks only, at half price,                                                                                                                He will take your picture, and that in a trice.

Then walk right up to the Daguerrean Car,                                                                                                You Ladies and Gents that come from afar,                                                                                                  And you that live near should never delay,                                                                                                But quick get a likeness, for you it will pay.

His Car is opposite the Canada Store,                                                                                                        Where many likeness he has taken before,                                                                                                And the Canada Store is on Front street,                                                                                                Where George will be happy his friends to greet.

No difference it makes in regard to the weather,                                                                                        If it is cloudy or bright or as light as a feather,                                                                                          For in the business he has been for three years past                                                                              And every improvement has learned to the last.

Now, in himself, he has great confidence of late,                                                                                    No Artist before in this village so great,                                                                                                  Could ever with him begin to compare,                                                                                                        For all them he can beat, is the truth, I declare.

Particular attention to children is paid,                                                                                                    From 9 A. M., to 4 P. M., so don’t be afraid                                                                                                      To bring along your children, and your money likewise,                                                                      And get a nice picture that will please your eyes.

All are invited to call and examine specimens. Geo. P. Blakesley, Artist.  Dowagiac, March 3d, 1859.

Blakesley is recorded as an Ambrotypist in Dowagiac in 1860.  Information from the Directory of Early Michigan Photographers (David V. Tinder)

Click to access tinder_directory.pdf