Tag Archives: E. H. McKenney

Davis, A. R.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1855-1856       86 Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1855 December 25.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  December 25, 1855, Vol. XXVII, No. 21, P. 3.

A. R. Davis & Co.’s Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 86 Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.  We would call attention of the public especially to the new style of pictures known as Ambrotypes.  For durability and life-like distinctness, and indeed every quality which goes to make up a good picture.  They are much superior to anything that has ever preceded them.  To sustain this assertion, we are now prepared to make for every person who will favor us with their patronage, an Ambrotype or Daguerreotype put up in the best style of the Art.  A. R. Davis.

Advertisement ran from December 25, 1855 to September 9, 1856

1856 January 1.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  January 1, 1856, Vol. XXVII, No. 22, P. 3.

A. R. Davis & Co., Ambrotype & Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 86 Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.  Better Pictures can be obtained here than at any other place.  Call And See!

Advertisement ran from January 1 to April 8, 1856.

1856 October 7.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 7, 1856. Vol. XXVIII, No. 10, P. 2.

York & Co.  Agricultural Society.  Reports of Committees made at the recent Cattle Show and Fair…

Report on Paintings, Statuary, Drawing and Daguerreotypes.  Your Committee would respectfully report that the exhibition in their department was meager: nevertheless, it was such as indicated that the Fine Arts were not entirely neglected in the County….

To Ambrotypes marked 175—E. H. McKenney, Biddeford, $3.00

To Ambrotypes marked 25—by Davis & March, Saco, $2.00

1857 October 27.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 27, 1857. Vol. XXIX, No. 13, P. 1.

Reports of Committees, Made at the Cattle Show and Fair of the York County Agricultural Society, held at Saco, Oct 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, 1857…Paintings, Drawings, &c.  The committee appointed to examine Paintings, Statuary, Drawings and Daguerreotypes. Have done so, and submitted the following report:…

Daguerreotypes.—The only entries made under this head were by E. H. McKenney of Biddeford and A. R. Davis & Co., of Saco.

Mr. McKenney entered a large lot of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes and Photographs, which we believe are superior to any lot ever exhibited at our county fairs.

For Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes we award Mr. McKenney the first Premium of $2.00; and for Photographs $1.00.

Some of the pictures of Davis & Co., were well taken, but owing to defective finishing, several of them were considerably spotted.—Awarded $1.00.

Of the colored crayons and glass pictures not already named, the committee have nothing to say.

Thos. L. Kimball, T. Gilman.} Com.

1858 October 19.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 19, 1858. Vol. XXX, No. 12, P. 2.

Cattle Show and Fair.  Our Expectations in regard to the Agricultural Fair were fully realized last week…Ambrotypes, &c.—Three entries.  First premium, E. H. McKenney, Biddeford, 3.00; A. R. Davis, Saco, 1.00.  The other entry was by Adams, Biddeford.

1858 November 2.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  November 2, 1858. Vol. XXX, No. 14, P. 1.

Reports of Committees, Made at the Cattle, Show and Fair of the York County Agricultural Society, held at Saco, Oct. 13th, 14th and 15th, 1858…On Paintings…

The Ambrotypes and Photographs were entered by E. H. McKenney, and Adams, of Biddeford, and A. R. Davis, of Saco.

Mr. McKenney, though unfortunate in the loss by fire, in the Spring, of his instruments, and consequently working under a disadvantage in the use of new ones, has succeeded in entering for exhibition, twenty or ore pictures, which won the admiration of your Committee, In tone, truthfulness, and beauty of finish, we look upon Mr. McKenney’s pictures as being in the highest style of the art.  We award to Mr. McKenney the first premium of $3.00.

To Mr. A. R. Davis. Whose pictures, many of them, were really meritorious, particularly a Photograph of Mr. Milliken, we award a premium of $1.00.

Burnham Brothers

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1855-1856       19 Main Street, Bangor, Maine.

1855-1856       3½ Strickland’s Block, Bangor, Maine.

1859-1860       96 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1855 December 20.  Bangor Daily Journal.  (Bangor, Maine.)  December 20, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 100, P. 2.

Particular Notice. Something New at Burnham’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 19 Main Street and 3½ Strickland’s Block.

Likenesses made upon Glass, showing all the delicacy and smoothness which the glass surface presents.  These pictures are truly beautiful.—Come and sit for one.

—Also—Crystalotype Likenesses , (Or Pictures on Paper.)  These Pictures, which have been gaining in public favor for some years past in Boston and elsewhere, are now presented for the consideration of those who wish for a large number of Pictures at a small price.  They resemble Engravings, are not reversed, and may be painted in Oil or Water Colors. Small Daguerreotypes may be enlarged by this process to almost any size.  This we consider a very valuable consideration, as many persons who have small Pictures of deceased friends would be glad to have them enlarged, so as to be hung in frames upon the wall.

The subscribers have recently secured the services of T. R. Burnham, who has been operating in the vicinity, and has collected a large number of specimens of persons in the following towns, viz:—Oldtown, Orono, Hampden, Frankfort, Frankfort Marsh, Bucksport, Prospect, Searsport and Belfast, which may be seen at the Main-st. room.

With the above named arrangement we feel better prepared than ever before to wait upon our friends, and we respectfully solicit a continuance of the patronage which has been so liberally bestowed for the past ten years.  Burnham Brothers.

Advertisement ran from December 20, 1855 to January 5, 1856. 

1855 December 25.  Bangor Daily Journal.  (Bangor, Maine.)  December 25, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 104, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes are suitable for Holiday gifts, and the new pictures of the Burnhams, and those beautiful lockets and the pictures Jordan puts in them, cannot be excelled.

1858 October 15.  Zion’s Advocate.  (Portland, Maine.)  October 15, 1858, Vol. XXXI, No. 42, P. 3.

The New Jail.—Mr. Burnham has a photograph of the New Jail it gives a correct representation of about one of the finest buildings we have in our city.  Some people object to the new jail, that it is to handsome for the purpose for which it is intended.  We sat nay to that.  Our public buildings, for whatever purpose erected, should be eyesores to the community.  Even so gloomy an edifice as a jail should be made attractive to the passer-by: to the passer in, however fine the exterior, we opine the interior would appear anything but attractive.—Advr.

1858 October 26.  Portland Weekly Advertiser.  (Portland, Maine.)  October 26, 1858, Vol. 58, No. 43, P. 3.

The County Cattle Show At Standish.  Awards…Miscellaneous…

[ ? ] Burnham, Portland, best photographs, diploma and 8.00

Messrs. Lowell & Senter, Portland, for their “Stereoscope” with its interesting views, diploma. 

1859 March 8.  Portland Weekly Advertiser.  (Portland, Maine.)  March 8, 1859, Vol. 59, No. 10, P. 1.

Photographs Of The Police.—We have seen at our Police Station some fine photographic likenesses by McKenny and by Burnham of the members of the police department of our city government.  Those by Barnham are taken on two sheets, sitting and standing in a group.  Those by McKenny are taken separately half-length.—They are admirably executed, and being glassed and framed, present an appropriate ornament to the room.  The arrangement of the photographs in the frame is very tasteful.  The Marshal occupies the centre position flanked by his deputies, while the members are arranged around in an elliptical (Sic. form.  By the way, a more efficient and gentlemanly set of men it would be hard to find than those constituting our police force.

1859 June 14.  Christian Mirror.  (Portland, Maine.)  June 14, 1859, Vol. XXXVII, No. 46, Whole No. 1918, P. 3.

Burnham Brothers’ New Daguerreotype, Ambrotype and Photograph Rooms, 96 Middle Street,…..Portland, ME.

The above Rooms are now in complete working order, having made extensive additions to accommodate our increasing business.  We have two large sky-lights perfectly managed, so that persons calling for Pictures will not be obliged to wait.

We are prepared to execute in the finest manner the above kinds of pictures, and warrant satisfaction in every instance.  Special attention is given to Copying Daguerreotypes.  They may be large or small, and colored in oil or watercolors.  Also Worked in Ink, and thus made fine likenesses.

Persons from a distance wishing such work can send their Pictures by mail or express, and depend upon their being carefully copied and returned,  We are prepared to make Groups of Families Or Classes, to the number of 25.  Babies’ Pictures made in one-half second.

All interested are invited to call at our Rooms, 96 Middle street, Portland, and compare our work with others from abroad, before deciding whom to employ.  We are ready at any moment to go from our Rooms to take Pictures of the Sick or Deceased.

Every Variety of Oval, Gilt. Or Square Frames on hand and for sale at manufactures’ prices. 

Remember No. 96 Middle Street.

Rooms open to all for the examination of a large collection of specimens from miniature to life size.  J. U. P. Burnham.  T. R. Burnham.

Advertisement ran from June 14, 1859 to August 7, 1860.

1859 September 29.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  September 29, 1859, Vol. 41, P. 1, 2, & 3,

Maine State Fair.  Fifth Annual Exhibition Of The Maine State Agricultural Society.  The exhibition opened on Tuesday, Sept. 20th…

Picture Gallery.  The Photographic Specimens here, absorb the largest portion of people’s interest—and they constitute certainly, as fine a show in this line as we have ever witnessed.  The exhibition gives evidence that Silsbee (Silsbee & Case) of Boston and the sun (in some instances Silsbee principally, in some the sun under his tutelage) have produced some inimitable likenesses.  But he is an artist by profession, and knows how to do such things without the sun’s aid.

Burnham (Burnham Brothers) of Portland has an admirably worked up, as well as plain collection of photographs here also, which shows the eye and skill of the true artist; and

The numerous works of Messrs. Starbird & Dodge, on exhibition evidence that the people of this region need not go farther than Augusta to get as good a plain photograph as can be obtained anywhere; whilst productions on which the finishing touches of the pencil have been bestowed, demonstrate that money can buy excellence here as well as in Portland, Boston, or New York.

S. W. Sawyer of Winthrop, shows a very large number of excellent photographs, some of which have been finely worked up by Mrs. Lamson, who is evidently a lady of superior skill in such matters.  Mr. S. has also some well executed ambrotypes.

To Mr. S. Wing of Waterville, must be given the palm of producing the largest photographs in the exhibition—and they are at the same time of a high order of excellence.  Mr. S. Wing on exhibition a number of stereoscopes, made, we understand, by himself, highly creditable to his ingenuity and skill.

Fine Arts…best painting in water colors, Mrs. E. E. Lamson, Winthrop, diploma;…best collection of ambrotypes, daguerreotypes, melainotypes, and photographs, S. W. Sawyer, Winthrop, medal; 2d do., Starbird & Dodge, Augusta, diploma;…best mezzotinto and oil colored photographs by an artist in Maine, Burnham & Bros., Portland, diploma; do. do. do. out of Maine, Silsbee & Case, Boston, diploma….   

1859 September 30.  Oxford Democrat.  (Paris, Maine.)  September 30, 1859, New Series—Vol. 10, No. 35, P. 2.  Old Series—Vol. 26, No. 45.

Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland occupy the space nearest the door, and among their fine collection are seen the familiar faces of many prominent men such as Judges Shepley and Clifford, Neal Dow, George F. Shepley, George W. Woodman, Hon. John P. Hale, and a spirited life like portrait of Rev. Dr. Chapin.  Some of them were finely touched with water colors, but I believe that this part of the work was not done in the State.

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta…

S. W. Sawyer, of Winthrop…

[Simon] Wing of Waterville.

1859 October 1.  American Traveller.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 1, 1859, Vol. XXI, No. 40, P. 1.

Agricultural Maters.  Fifth Annual Fair Of The Main State Agricultural Society.  The fifth annual fair of the Maine State Agricultural Society was held at Augusta last week, commencing on Tuesday, the 20th inst…

The Senate Chamber is used as a picture gallery, and here is a treat for those fond of works of art.  Fine portraits of Rowell Williams and Prof. Cleaveland, of Bowdoin College, are prominent on one side of the room.  They are by Mr. Wright of Boston.  Over the door is a copy of Sully’s portrait of Washington, in Faneuil Hall, and the remainder of the walls are hung with Photographic, daguerrean and ambrotype specimens, of which Burnham Brothers of Portland, and Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston, have many fine ones.  Throughout the exhibition, the display of colored daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and photographs is especially fine.

1859 October 25.  Portland Weekly Advertiser.  (Portland, Maine.)  October 25, 1859, Vol. 59, No. 43, P. 2.

The Fair At Gorham…The walls of the room were hung with a profusion of specimens of fine arts –ambrotypes, photographs, water-colors, oil paintings, work in leather, burrs and moss.—Burnham Brothers of this city contributed generously to this department…

1860 October 16.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 16, 1860. Vol. XXXII, No. 12, P. 2.

Cattle Show and Fair.  The Cattle Show and Fair of the York County Agricultural Society was held in this town last week, commencing on Tuesday…List of Contributors…

D. M. Owen, Saco—Stereoscope.

Dr. J. Mason, Saco—Revolving stereoscope; silver butter knife; Portemonnaies; ring.

E. H. McKenney, Biddeford—Ambrotypes and Photographs; boxes honey.

Burnham Bros., Portland—Photographs.

1860 October 30.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 30, 1860. Vol. XXXII, No. 14, P. 2.

Premiums—…On Paintings…

The photographs contributed by Burnham Brothers of Portland, were very finely executed, and added much to the interest of the exhibition, we award them Diploma.

The Photographs by McKenney, of Biddeford, we consider very true to life and well executed; we award him Diploma and gratuity of $1.00

Family Groups, Photographs by Davis of Saco, but not entered by him are fine Pictures, we award Davis Diploma.

1861 June 14.  Christian Mirror.  (Portland, Maine.)  June 14, 1861, Vol. XXXVII, No. 46, Whole No. 1961, P. 3.

Messrs. Burnham, our neighbors, the Daguerreotypists, have received from the British Consul at this city, the following letter from the Tutor to the Prince of Wales.

Freemen Hall, Oxford, 20 Dec. 1860.

Dear Sir:—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st inst., together with a letter and a box of photographs, addressed to H. R. H. Prince of Wales, by Messrs. Burnham, Photographers, of Portland.  The Prince requests that you will thank these gentlemen for the interesting series of views which they took of the Royal Squadron as it lay at that port, and to state that H. R. Highness accepts them with pleasure as very pleasing memorials of his visit there.

I have the honor to be, dear sir, Yours respectfully, R. Bruce.

H. J. Murray, Esq., H. B. M. Consul, Portland Me.

Bowers, W. H.

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , , ,

N. D.               Address Unknown, Biddeford, Maine.

1850                Dr. Bacon’s Building, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1852-1854       6 Central Block, Biddeford, Maine.

1850 January 22.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  January 22, 1850, Vol. XXIII, No. 26, P. 3.

Miniatures!  Miniatures!  Macomber & Bowers Would announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Saco and Biddeford, that having sold out their Rooms in Biddeford, they may be found at the old stand, Dr. Bacon’s Building, Factory Island, Saco.

Where they will be happy to wait upon all that are in want of Likenesses of themselves or friends.  They have jest remodeled their Rooms, and enlarged and improved the arrangement of their light.

By the new arrangement of Light, they are enabled to obviate an objection which some have had to their Pictures heretofore, viz;—too dark a shade under the chin.  Their Light being a combination of Side and Top Light, they are enabled to produce pictures with as little shade as with any Side Light, while they have all the beauty and development produced by Top Light.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and see their new Rooms, where they must be convinced that we now have much the best chance for producing good Daguerreotypes of any in the place.  And they would respectfully suggest whether, with their superior advantages, and long experience in the business, (having been in the business three times as long as any other operator in the place,) they would not be as likely, at least, to get as good, if not a better, picture, than at any other place; and especially, as they promise that their prices shall be as low as where the poorest productions are obtained.  Saco, January 15, 1850.

Advertisement ran on January 22 & 29, 1850.

1852 February 3.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  February 3, 1852, Vol. XXIII, No. 26, P. 3.

New And Splendid Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers Respectfully announce to the public that they have just fitted up (without regard to cost) a Daguerrian Establishment inferior to none in New England.

With the Largest and best arranged Light of any Daguerrian Room in the State, and having procured an Instrument of the Largest Size, They are prepared to execute pictures Twice As Large as any hitherto made in Biddeford or Saco.

By means of this large and powerful Instrument, and with the aid of their immense light, they can execute Family Groups of any number, in a superb manner, on small or the largest sized plates.  In these days of mortality, heads of families should secure the likeness of every member of their family circle before it shall be broken by the rude hand of death.

McKenney & Bowers can now make pictures far superior to those of any other establishment in York County, and they throw their rooms open for public inspection and criticism, willing that a discerning public should judge whether they speak in a manner too boasting or to confident.  Their long experience in the Daguerrian Art, and their new and not to be surpassed arrangements render it reasonable that they should excel, and they assure those who patronize them that they shall not leave their rooms dissatisfied with pictures or prices demanded.

Grateful for the past liberal patronage bestowed upon them, and more grateful for the many expressions of approval they have received, they respectfully invite a continuance of that patronage, as their whole object will be to please their customers.  E. H. McKenney, W. H. Bowers.  No. 6 Central Block.  Biddeford, Jan. 28, 1852.

Advertisement ran from February 3 to April 27, 1852.

1852 May 11.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  May 11, 1852, Vol. XXIII, No. 40, P. 3.

Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers have the best arranged Daguerrian Establishment in the State, and with their Apparatus can take pictures of the largest size.  They are now executing exceedingly Fine Likenesses in Groups or Singly, And if better ones can be produced than they take, theirs will be given gratis.  The public are invited to call and examine for themselves.  Biddeford, April 1852.

Advertisement ran from May 11, 1852 to March 29, 1853.

1853 March 29.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  March 29, 1853, Vol. XXIV, No. 34, P. 3.

Something New!  McKenney & Bowers, Have obtained a quick instrument with which they can take Miniatures in much less time than ever before.  They would say to those having Children of which they would like to obtain Daguerreotypes, that they are now prepared to take them With little or no Difficulty.

They can also take perfect likenesses of the Sick at their residence with this instrument, it being so constructed as not to require so much light as those of any other kind.  Copying of all kinds done to perfection.

McKenney & Bowers take this opportunity to return their thanks to their friends and patrons for their liberal patronage, and respectfully solicit a continuance of the same.  Having a better light, larger and better instruments than can be found at any other establishment in this vicinity, they are able to make better Daguerreotypes.  All are invited to call whether they wish for Miniatures or not, and examine our specimens and facilities for making them and judge for themselves.  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Me.

N. B.—E. H. McKenney, who was established in Biddeford, long before any of hos neighbor artists took a Miniature in this vicinity, would have all understand that he is not connected with any other Saloon or other Daguerreian establishment in Saco or Biddeford, except the old Gallery in Central Block, where he may be found with additions and improvements.

Advertisement ran from March 29 to November 1, 1853.

1852 October 12.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 12, 1852, Vol. XXIV, No. 10, P. 2.

Cattle Show And Fair.  The annual Cattle Show and Fsir of the York County Agricultural Society took place in this town last Wednesday and Thursday…

On Manufactures.  Your committee having attended to the duties assigned, ask leave to report:…

E. J. Cole, Saco, Daguerreotypes, diploma and .50.

McKenney & Bowers, Biddeford, do.  Diploma.

1853 November 1.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  November 1, 1853, Vol. XXV, No. 13, P. 3.

McKenny & Bowers Daguerreotypes, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford.  Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken of all sizes, and in any style desired, and warranted equal to the Best.

We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be found in this vicinity.  An examination of which will well pay for a visit to our Rooms.  Also, the best collection of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place McKenney & Bowers.

N. B.  It is with reluctance that we refer to the advertisement of a brother artist, but justice to ourselves prompt us to say, that the late County Fair the Highest Premium was awarded to our Daguerreotypes, and not to Mr. Cole’s as his advertisement leads people to suppose. 

Advertisement ran from November 1, 1853 to April 4, 1854.

1854 February 17.  The Union and Eastern Journal.  (Biddeford, Maine.)  February 17, 1854, Vol. X, No. 7, P. 3.

McKenney & Bowers, Daguerreotypes!  No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford. Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken in all sizes and any style desired.  We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be seen in this vicinity.  Also, the best assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases, at the lowest prices. E. H. McKenney, W. T. Bowers.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place.

Advertisement ran from February 17 to April 14, 1854.

1854 April 11.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  April 11, 1854, Vol. XXV, No. 36, P. 3.

Stereoscopic Pictures!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Took and exhibited the first Stereoscopic Pictures that were taken in “York County,” And the are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscopic two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life, and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “Thing Of Life,” instead of a Picture.

Daguerreotypes, –Of All—Styles & Sizes, Taken in the most perfect manner.

Fine Gold Lockets!  Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases and Frames of every Description.  Call And See!  Call And See!

Advertisement ran from April 11 to May 9, 1854.

1854 April 14.  The Union and Eastern Journal.  (Biddeford, Maine.)  April 14, 1854, Vol. X, No. 15, P. 3.

Stereoscopic Pictures!!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford, Took And Exhibited The First Stereoscopic Picture!  That were taken in “Your County,” and the public are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscope two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life; and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “thing of Life,” instead of a picture.

Daguerreotypes Of All Styles And Sizes, Taken In The Most Perfect Manner, Fine Gold Lockets.

Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers, if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases And Frames, Of Every Description.  Call And See!  Call and See!!

Advertisement ran from April 14, to May 5, 1854.