Tag Archives: E. M. Collins

Tunison & Fay

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

1855-1859       Rooms in Tomb’s Block, opposite the Shawhan House, Tiffin, Ohio.

1859-1863       Rooms in St. John’s Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, Ohio.

Tunison & Fay (David C. Tunison & Fabius B. Fay) were recorded seven advertisements and four announcements.  The first eight entries were from The Tiffin Tribune the last three entries are from The Tiffin Weekly Tribune (Tiffin, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from May 9, 1856 to February 27, 1857.  Ambrotypes Tunison & Fay Would respectfully announce to their friends and the public that they have entered into copartnership for the purpose of taking Ambrotype Likenesses in connection with Daguerreotyping.  The Ambrotype is a new and beautiful style of picture taken on glass, and for the delicacy of shade, tone and brilliancy are unequaled by any other style.  To be appreciated they must be seen.  Having obtained the Ambrotype process from one of the best practical operators in the United States, they flatter themselves that they can produce these pictures equal to any taken in this country.—Their cost is but a trifle more than a Daguerreotype, and they are indestructible to the action of the atmosphere and cannot be injured by rubbing or washing.  Call and examine Specimens.

Instructions Given In the Art of Ambrotyping and Daguerreotyping, on liberal terms.

Rooms in Tombs Block, opposite the Shawhan House, Tiffin, Ohio.  Tunison & Fay.  Nov. 16th, 1855.

The second advertisement ran from February 20 to April 24, 1857.   David C. Tunison, Fabius B. Fay.  Tunison & Fay, Tombs Block, O, 3d Story.  Operators of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Paperotypes, And every variety of pictures taken by means of the Camera and chemicals.

The Ambrotype is a new and beautiful style of picture taken on Glass, and for delicacy of shade, brilliancy and tone are unequalled by any process known.  They are Indestructible To the action of the atmosphere, and may be cleansed without injury.  To be fully appreciated they must be seen.  Call and examine them.

The Daguerreotype is so well known as to need no explanation.  The most beautiful pictures taken in this style at a trifle less cost than the Ambrotype.

The Paperotype Is a new and beautiful discovery by which likenesses as accurate and truthful as the Ambrotype are taken on marble board paper, and are peculiarly convenient for sending by mail, as the weight will not add to the cost of postage.

These pictures are furnished at the low cost of 50 Cents!

A cheaper rate than pictures were ever furnished before in this place.

Every variety of pictures taken from the size of a finger ring set, to a parlor wall portrait, and each at a price as low as the lowest.

A long and successful experience enables us to promise as beautiful and delicate and artistic likenesses as can be obtained anywhere in the Union.

Instructions Given, In all the various processes of the art on the most liberal terms.  Tunison & Fay.                       

The third advertisement ran from May 15 to October 30, 1857.  Something New Tunison & Fay Are now prepared to take positive likenesses on Patent Leather, A new style, not easily defaced and durable.  Just the kind to send by mail.  Call and examine them.  They are also taking Likenesses in all the various styles of the Art.  viz.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotypes, Paperotypes etc., etc.  All pictures Warranted to please.  Instructions given in the apparatus furnished on reasonable terms

Gallery in Tomb’s Block, opposite the Shawhan house, Tiffin, Ohio.  May 8, ’57.

The first announcement appeared on October 2, 1857.  A New Discovery.  Tunison & Fay have discovered a new mode of coloring pictures to the life, delineating, with an admirable imitation of Nature, all the different colors and shades of the hair, dress, drapery, scenery, &c.  Call and examine their pictures.  Specimens may be seen at the Fair.

The second announcement appeared on October 30, 1857.  Seneca County Agricultural Society.  List of Premiums…Class 14th-Mechanical Products.

Entry no. 24, display daguerrean pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem.  Ohio Farmer.

Entry no. 25, display ambrotype pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem. Diploma.

Entry no. 42, display daguerrean pictures E. M.  Collins 2d premium, diploma.

Entry no. 43, display ambrotype pictures E. M. Collins 2d prem. diploma.

The fourth advertisement ran from October 30, 1857 to April 8, 1859.  Heliography.  If You want a good Likeness—one that is worth having, go to Tunison & Fay’s Gallery, in Tomb’s Block, opposite the Shawhan House;  Where you can get an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Photograph, or any style of picture known to the Photographic Art.

Messrs. Tunison & Fay warrant their pictures to be of The First Class, being unlike those Things made by One Horse Operators, who now infest the country.  Special attention is called to their Tinted Ambrotypes.  They are entirely new and beautiful giving all the colors of the drapery, &c., true to nature.  They are now prepared to put up their inimitable pictures, in a neat morocco case, for Seventy-Five Cents, and warrant them; in all cases, to lie perfectly satisfactory, or no sale.  A general invitation is given to both Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine our different styles, before going elsewhere.  Rooms in Tomb’s Block, opposite the Shawhan House.  Tunison & Fay.

The third announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  List of Premiums.  Awarded at the 8th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society…Class 15th—Fine Arts….

Tunison & Fay, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 1st Premium, $2.00

E. M. Collins, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 2d premium, $1.00

Hartsock & Falkner, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Discretionary, Diploma.

Tunison & Fay, Display of Photographs and Spherotypes, $2.00.

The fifth advertisement ran from April 15 to 29, 1859.  Heliography.  If You want a good Likeness—one that is worth having, go to Tunison & Fay’s Gallery, in St. John’s Block, opposite the Court House;  Where you can get an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Photograph, or any style of picture known to the Photographic Art.

Messrs. Tunison & Fay warrant their pictures to be of The First Class, being unlike those Things made by One Horse Operators, who now infest the country.  Special attention is called to their Tinted Ambrotypes.  They are entirely new and beautiful giving all the colors of the drapery, &c., true to nature.  They are now prepared to put up their inimitable pictures, in a neat morocco case, for Seventy-Five Cents, and warrant them; in all cases, to lie perfectly satisfactory, or no sale.  A general invitation is given to both Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine our different styles, before going elsewhere.  Rooms in St. John’s Block, opposite the Court House.  Tunison & Fay.

The sixth advertisement ran from May 13 to December 30, 1859 in The Tiffin Weekly Tribune.  

Heliography.  If You want a good Likeness—one that is worth having, go to Tunison & Fay’s Gallery, in St. John’s Block, opposite the Court House;  Where you can get an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Photograph, or any style of picture known to the Photographic Art.

Messrs. Tunison & Fay warrant their pictures to be of The First Class, being unlike those Things made by One Horse Operators, who now infest the country.  Special attention is called to their Tinted Ambrotypes.  They are entirely new and beautiful giving all the colors of the drapery, &c., true to nature.  They are now prepared to put up their inimitable pictures, in a neat morocco case, for Seventy-Five Cents, and warrant them; in all cases, to lie perfectly satisfactory, or no sale.  A general invitation is given to both Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine our different styles, before going elsewhere.  Rooms in St. John’s Block, opposite the Court House.  Tunison & Fay.

The seventh advertisement ran from October 7 to February 13, 1863.  Premium Ambrotypes and Photographs!  Tunison & Fay, Have again Taken the Premium, for the best Specimens of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes & Photographs.  They are now prepared to furnish their beautiful Specimens of Art, (viz: Photographs,) from Miniatures to Life Size, at a very cheap rate.  Copies taken from Old Daguerreotypes or any other kind of Picture, and enlarge to any size required.  Those who want Good Life-Like Pictures, would do well to give us a call and examine our Specimens.  Special attention is called to our Ambrotypes, Taken On Purple Glass, which for beauty and durability is far superior to any other Glass picture.  There is no Black Varnish about them to crack and spoil the picture; and We Warrant them to Stand all kinds of climate or weather.  Our Colored Ambrotypes (giving all the natural colors of the flesh and drapery) are far superior to any thing of the kind in this part of the country, and have taken the First Premium for the last three years, at our Annual Fairs.

A Large Supply of Plain and Fancy Cases always on hand, from the cheapest to the best.  So you can always be accommodated in regard to Price and Quality.  Perfect Likenesses of Small Children Warranted.

Rooms in Tomb’s Block; also opposite the Court House.  Tunison & Fay.    

The fourth announcement appeared on October 14, 1859.  List of Premiums Awarded at the 9th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society….Class 15th—Fine Arts.

Best display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, Tunison & Fay, 1st Prem. OF         2.

2d Best display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, Falkner & Pennington, 2d Prem. 1.

Tunison & Fay are recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a David C. Tunison in Brooklyn, New York in 1853-1854.  John also records Tunnison in 1859-1860; Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 list David Tunison as being in the partnership of Tunison & Fay until 1865 and Tunison & Son partnership 1866 to 1889.  The first recorded advertisement Tunison & Son appeared on September 18, 1863.     

E. M. Collins

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1857                Car opposite the Seneca County Bank, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857                Rooms on Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857-1858       Rooms in Singer’s Old Block, Tiffin, Ohio.

1858                Rooms Singers Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, Ohio.

E. M. Collins was recorded in five announcements and four advertisements in The Tiffin Tribune  (Tiffin, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on April 3, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  We would again call the attention to those beautiful Ambrotypes taken by our young artist friend, E. M. Collins in his car.  Mr. C. is a proficient in the process by taking pictures, and eminently deserving the patronage of the public.

Ambrotypes, oh!  What delight,

To gaze upon its work of light!

How high the polish, pure the tone;

And every face is Nature’s own.

Sure, never art, with all its skill

The soul with such delight could fill;

And never was such transport won,

As by these pictures from the sun,

Which on the glass imprints the face

With every line, and shade and grace,

Till we admit with throbbing heart,

Great nature’s triumph over Art.

If you want a picture of your face,

Collins Car is just the place

You’ll find all things prepared for action,

And warranted to give satisfaction,

Ambrotypes—all sorts and kinds,

To suit all fancies and all minds;

Large and small, and splendid cases,

Suitable for scenery or faces.

Or if you choose, a handsome locket

Just fitted for a sweet heart’s pocket,

All this, and more than we can mention,

You’ll find there to attract attention,

Come all no matter what your trade is,

Come right along and bring the ladies;

And whether they are fair or no;

Ambrotypes will quickly show.

Pictures in any kind of weather

Single, or two, or more together,

Or go his specimens to see,

No charge for that—admittance free,

Saloon on wheels ladies recollect,

It may be off ere you expect,

Pictures good and prices low,

Now is your time, oh don’t be slow,

Remember the place and call in soon—

Collin’s Ambrotype saloon.

N. B. Mr. C.’s., saloon is opposite the Seneca County Bank, don’t forget the place, pictures for 50 cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  Removal.  E. M. Collins, Daguerrian Artist, has removed to Commercial Row, up stairs.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from July 3 to October 16, 1857.  Ambrotype Gallery, E. M. Collins, Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store.

The third announcement appeared on October 23, 1857.  Catch Beauty, ere it Fades.  Reader, if you want to “see yourself as others see you,” go the E. M. Collins’ Ambrotype Rooms and get a picture.  Mr. Collins is an Artist true to nature, and his pictures give general satisfaction.  Rooms in the former office of W. P. & H. Noble.

The second advertisement ran from October 23, 1857 to March 5, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Fifty Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 30, 1857.  Seneca County Agricultural Society.  List of Premiums…Class 14th-Mechanical Products….

Entry no. 24, display daguerrean pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem.  Ohio Farmer.

Entry no. 25, display ambrotype pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem. Diploma.

Entry no. 42, display daguerrean pictures E. M.  Collins 2d premium, diploma.

Entry no. 43, display ambrotype pictures E. M. Collins 2d prem. diploma.

The third advertisement ran from March 12 to August 13, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Twenty-Five Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Oct. 23.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 13 to October 29, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  Pictures For A Quarter!  Collins’ New Gallery, Singer’s Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, O.

Something New, Pictures Taken on Purple Glass.

Behold the works of Art in grandeur rise,

Laugh at the Past and all its works despise.

The last achievement, from shades of night,

Just brought from Nature’s darkness into light,

Is the crystal gem—the Ambrotype,

On purple glass, that needs no black

Defective varnish on the back.

The Greatest Discovery of the Age.  Pictures taken in this way are superior to all others in beauty and durability.  They require no backing whatever and are not liable to crack or become blue and spotted.

No Humbug About It.  Call and examine my specimens and get a picture for yourself.  For Sale.—Open frames of all kinds for hanging against the wall.  Instructions in the Art given on the most reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins, Artist.  Main Street, opposite the court House, Tiffin, O.

The fifth announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  List of Premiums.  Awarded at the 8th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society…Class 15th—Fine Arts….

Tunison & Fay, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 1st Premium, $2.00

E. M. Collins, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 2d premium, $1.00

Hartsock & Falkner, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Discretionary, Diploma.

Tunison & Fay, Display of Photographs and Spherotypes, $2.00.

E. M. Collins does not appear in other photographic directories as being active in Tiffin, Ohio.  An E. M. Collins is active in 1859-1860 in Lima, Ohio[1], but it is unknown if they are the same person.  The distance between Tiffin and Lima using modern roads is 60½ miles.

[1] Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 &  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.