1842 Over J. M. Clarke’s Exchange Office, Main Street, Wheeling, Virginia.
1843 Fifth Street, between Main and Walnut Streets, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1844-1848 132 Fifth Street, between Vine and Race, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1849-1851 Apollo Building, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1853 153 Vine street, between Fourth & Fifth, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1855 126 West 4th corner Race, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1857-1859 Address unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1859 106 West Fourth, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1860 20 West Fifth, Cincinnati, Ohio
1842 April 19. Wheeling Times and Advertiser. (Wheeling, Virginia.) April 19, 1842, Vol. 9, No. 47, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. E. C. Hawkins Respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of Wheeling that he has opened a room for a short time over J. M. Clark’s Exchange office , [Main] street, where he is prepared to furnish the most perfect Photographic portraits, sunshine (not as heretofore) being necessary with this improvement. Persons wishing to perpetuate a faithful resemblance of themselves and friends on an [imperishable] tablet have now an opportunity of doing so at a very moderate expense. The extreme beauty and perfection of these miniatures over former productions of the Daguerreotype cannot fail to please. You are respectfully invited to call and examine for yourselves. Hours from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.
One of the improved apparatus for sale with instructions apply as above.
Advertisement ran from April 19 to August 2, 1842.
1843. Williams Cincinnati City Directory. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) 1842, P. 155.
Photogenic Miniature Portraits, By Hawkins & Farris. Fifth Street, Between Main And Walnut, Cincinnati. These pictures are not merely a fac-simile of nature, arrived at only by this process, but their extreme beauty of finish, and the low price at which they are obtained, should render it an object for all. They have for sale the latest and most improved apparatus, with instructions complete, and every thing appertaining to the art. Terms reasonable.
Also—Ornamental, sign, and fancy painting executed in a manner inferior to none, at the shortest notice, and on reasonable terms.
1844 September 16. Daily Clay Champion. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) September 16, 1844, Vol. 1, No. 12, P. 4.
Hawkins’ Colored Photographic Miniatures. Daguerre Process. The Subscriber most respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Cincinnati, that he has removed to No. 132 Fifth st. bt. Vine and Race, where specimens of his miniatures can be seen and examined. For three years past he has been exclusively engaged in prosecuting this branch of the Arts, and from improvements made and adopted, from time to time, he flatters himself that he has the art at has high a state of perfection as in any other city in the Union.
Miniatures taken every day without regard to the weather, at a very moderate charge.
Apparatus for taking miniatures always on hand of the most approved kind, with instructions; also, Plates, Cases, Chemicals and every thing appertaining to the art, warranted genuine. Terms favorable. E. C. Hawkins. aug29.
1846. Robinson & Jones’ Cincinnati Directory. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) 1846 Advertisement P. 516.
Photographic Miniatures, Apres M. Daguerre, Taken every day and finished in Colors By E. C. Hawkins, 132 Fifth, North side, bet., Vine and Race, Cincinnati.
The only place in the city where pictures are not reversed.
Apparatus and instructions, with plates, cases and chemicals always on hand.
1846 February 16. The Daily Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) February 16, 1846, Vol. V, No. 1, P. 1.
Hawkin’s Colored Photographic Miniatures.—Daguerre Process. The subscriber most respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Cincinnati , that he has removed to No. 132 Fifth st. bet. Vine and Race, where specimens of his miniatures can be seen and examined. For three years past he has been exclusively engaged in prosecuting this branch of the Arts, and from improvements made and adopted, from time to time, he flatters himself that he has the art at has high a state of perfection as in any other city in the Union.
Miniatures taken every day without regard to the weather, at a very moderate charge.
Apparatus for taking miniatures always on hand of the most approved kind, with instructions; also, Plates, Cases, Chemicals and every thing appertaining to the art, warranted genuine. Terms favorable. E. C. Hawkins. jan23. E. C. Hawk
Advertisement was recorded from February 16 to April 29, 1846.
1846 April 28. The Daily Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) April 28, 1846, Vol. V, No. 62, P. 2.
Hawkin’s Daguerreotype Portrait Gallery. Fifth street, No. 132, between Vine and Race, north side Cincinnati. Citizens and Strangers are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens produced by the subscriber, for beauty, brilliancy, distinctness and tone of coloring are not surpassed. Having devoted his undivided attention to this branch of the Arts since 1839, the time of its introduction into this country, and adopting from time to time all the useful improvements made since, warrants him in saying that he has the art at as high a state of perfection here, as any other establishment in the Union. No pains shall be spared to gratify the taste of his patrons in the arrangement of attitudes, whether taken singly or in groups. No charge will be made unless the picture is entirely satisfactory.
On hand and for sale a few entire setts of the genuine Voightlander & Son’s Apparatus, with instructions.—Also—for sale the best accelerating substance used, $1 per ounce. E. C. Hawkins.
Advertisement ran from April 28 to December 15, 1846.
1846 April 30. The Daily Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) April 30, 1846, Vol. V, No. 61, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Portraits. The people will be glad to learn that E. C. Haskins , the celebrated Daguerreotype artist, has returned from his southern tour in fine health and spirits, and that he has once more resumed his business in our city. See advertisement. We saw one of his portraits a day or two since, which exhibits marked improvements over his earlier work, which ever has been in advance of any man of our acquaintance in America. Hawkins is a gentleman, and can make a portrait to please any person; this makes him an artist. He is, therefore, a gentleman and an artist, consequently entitled to patronage and encouragement.
1846 December 16. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) December 16, 1846, Vol. VII, No. 50, P. 2.
To The Admires Of The Arts. The subscriber, grateful for the very liberal patronage extended to him for the past five years in Cincinnati, begs leave to assure the public that no exertions on his part shall be wanting to furnish them with the finest specimens of Daguerrian Art. Portraits and miniatures in colors taken either singly or in groups of various sizes, in cases, also in lockets, breast pins, and as large as 7 by 9 inches in frames. Having devoted his undivided attention to this beautiful and precise method of obtaining copies of (animate and inanimate) nature for more than six years, and having adopted all useful improvements inside from time to time since, flatters himself that his pictures will compare favorably with the best productions obtained in any city in the Union. An examination of the numerous specimens of his own production is most respectfully solicited at the rooms, No. 132 Fifth st., bet. Vine and Race. E. C. Hawkins.
Advertisement was recorded from December 16, 1846 to October 15, 1847.
1847 January 29. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 29, 1847, Vol. VII, No. 86, P. 2.
Something Extra. Herr Driesbach and his Tiger.—The tiger attached to Raymond & Waring’s Menagerie, together with the celebrater Herr Driesbach, escaped from their winter quarters, yesterday, which created considerable anxiety! Officer Deizell discovered them, at length, snugly ensconced in a room on Fifth street, occupied by Hawkins, the celebrated Daguerreotype artist, where they had gone to have their likenesses taken! They had put three sittings, and the portraits of each we saw, soon after. Two likenesses of the Herr and the tiger, represent the animal asleep, and he is in meditation over it. They are beautiful beyond description. The third represents the tiger asleep in a coil, the Herr encircling it in his arms! Only think! Daguerreotyping a wild beast and a man! And such likenesses, too! The work reflects the highest credit on Mr. Hawkins. The pictures he has taken of Herr Driesbach and his tiger cannot be approached in the West, if, indeed, they can be in the Union. We congratulate friend Hawkins on this triumph in his art.
1847 February 18. Maine Farmer. (Augusta, Maine.) February 18, 1847, Volm XV, No. 7, P. 3.
Tiger Missing. It was ascertained yesterday, that Herr Driesbach’s pet tiger was missing, search was made all over the building, but there was no sign of him. At length offices Dalzell was furnished with a capias to look him up and arrest him, if he could engage a posse. After scouring the city for an hour or two, he found him at Hawkin’s Daguerreotype rooms, quietly sitting for his portrait. Herr rushed in—almost out of breath, glad once more to find his pet, and the tiger equally as pleased to see his old master.—Hawkins had several sittings, in a variety of positions, all of which were elegant pictures. [Cincinnati Inquirer.
1847 March 9. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 9, 1847, Vol. VII, No. 119, P. 2.
Mr. Hawkins. This gentleman was the first who commenced the Daguerreotyping business in our city, some five years ago, and from that time to the present, has been most successful in his likenesses. Mr. H. who is a man of study and experiment, has, within the time spoken of, by the aid of these two qualifications, brought the art of Daguerreotyping to great perfection. He does not confine it to the mere miniature likenesses, but has made some fine transfers from pictures of eminent artists, specimens of which, can be seen by a visit to his rooms on Fifth street, between Vine and Race, which will well repay any person desirous of witnessing the improvements of the age, and the exactness to which Mr. H. has attained in this art. He has besides a large and varied collection, taken of groups, and public edifices, and, in fact, true copies transferred to his plates from the clay itself, from busts of some of our citizens. Call and be satisfied of Mr. Hawkins’ skill.
1847 March 26. The Schenectady Reflector. (Schenectady, New York.) March 26, 1847, Vol. XIII, No. 13, P. 1.
Driesbach And His Tiger.—A Mr. Hawkins, in Cincinnati, has succeeded in taking Daguerreotype pictures of Driesbach and his Tiger. It was quite a severe test of nerve, the operator with one or two friends, having been in an open room with the animal, which was entirely unrestrained except by the presence of his subdue. The whole affair, however, was managed without difficulty.
1847 May 20. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) May 20, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 40, P. 2.
Miss Dean in the character of Ion. We had the pleasure of looking the other day at a beautiful daguerrian likeness, by Mr. Hawkins of Miss Julia Dean, in the character of Ion. It is a splendid specimen of art, and will compare favorably with anything of a similar kind, in the United States or elsewhere. We have nowhere seen this beautiful young lady and promising actress, so artificially represented. We would recommend all those who are anxious to procure faithful representations of beloved objects to give Mr. Hawkins a call.
1847 May 27. Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) May 27, 1847, Vol. XLIII, No. 2239, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Likenesses.—We spent an hour very pleasantly in Mr. E. C. Hawkins’ Daguerreotype Room on Fifth street, a few days ago, and were surprised to notice the many improvements which have been made in his art, and the perfection to which every thing pertaining to it has been brought. Mr. H. was one of the first in the West to engage in the Daguerreotype business, and since that time has devoted his entire time and talents to it. He has tested every variety of apparatus, and in addition to availing himself of the invention of others, has made many decided improvements of his own, until at length it seems us if there is no further room for increasing the facility or ability of operators. His collection of likenesses is very large, and the progress of the art is readily seen by an examination of them. The likenesses of many of our citizens cannot be mistaken, and the skill and urbanity of Mr. H. need only be tested to be appreciated. His room is always open to visitors, and few will examine his pictures without a determination to have their own perpetuated, through his instrumentality, by the great artist, Nature.
Hawkins on Fifth street has taken a striking likeness of Miss Eliza Logan, in the character of Lady Macbeth; and Fontayne, of Fourth street, has likewise executed an admirable picture of Miss L. as Ion.
1848 July 1. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) July 1, 1848, Vol. X, No. 69, P. 2.
Relief Fire Company Hall. We visited the new Hall of the Relief Fire Company, yesterday afternoon, and found it neatly, beautifully and tastefully fitted up. The representations on the walls of various fire scenes, are in good keeping with the general arrangements. We have not room for detail, and must be content with mere reference, The following mechanics and artists have been employed upon the Hall, viz: Carpenter work by Jas. McClure; Daguerreotype Portraits, by E. C. Haskins; Fresco Painting by Heim & Tandrop; Fire Scenes, Figures and Ornamental Painting, by Tandrop, Plain Painting by A. Baris; Chairs by G. V. Coddington; Furniture by Mr. Kelly; Carpet, Brussels, by Geo. Maxwell; Carpet Oil Cloth by Ross & Co.; Gas Fixtures by J. Goodin & Co.; Upholstery by E. Bread; Carving by M. Muckle.
The following daguerreotype portraits of old active members of the company, are set in panels in the Hall: J. J. Stratton, J. G. Rust, J. S. Ross, James Peirce, T. G. Shaeffer, Samuel King, Ira S. Center and M. Ruffner.
1848 July 13. Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) July 13, 1848, Vol. XLV, No. 2298, P. 1.
Laying the Corner Stone. The ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the Ohio Mechanics’ Institute, was performed on the Fourth…
Box enclosed in corner stone contained…
Specimens of Daguerreotyping, by Hawkins;…
1848 September 1. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) September 1, 1848, Vol. X, No. 131, P. 2.
Hawkins’ Daguerrean Gallery, corner of Fifth and Walnut, is the greatest curiosity in our city. Call in. No charge.
1848 October 1. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 1, 1848, Vol. XI, No. 27, P. 2.
If you desire to see all the great men, from Ge, Jackson downwards, just call in at Hawkins’ Daguerrean Hall.
1848 December 5. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) December 5, 1848, Vol. XI, No. 56, P. 2.
Hawkins has daguerreotyped the Chippewa Chiefs, who were lately in this city, and the group may be seen at his room.
1849 March 5. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 5, 1849, Vol. XI, No. 131, P. 2.
Daguerreotyping. The subscriber has, at a very heavy expense, this day (Feb. 16, 1849,) received of the makers, the celebrated Opticians, Voightlanders & Son, Vienna, a greatly improved Camera Obscura, by which he is able to obtain better pictures than formerly, and in far less time.
Perfect likenesses of aged persons, and of Children especially , can, with this important addition, be taken in the most elegant style in absolutely one or two seconds.
He would respectfully invite the public to call at the Apollo Rooms, corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, to witness the surprising results of this latest and greatest improvement in Daguerreotyping. E. C. Hawkins.
Advertisement was recorded from March 5, 1849 to April 6, 1850.
1849 October 11. Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 11, 1849, Vol. 46, No. 2361, P. 2.
Pallet-knife Picture.—Mr. Rogers’ picture of a coast scene painted with a pallet-knife, may be seen at Hawkins’ daguerreotype rooms.
1849 December 13. The Evansville Daily Journal. (Evansville, Indiana.) December 13, 1849, Vol. II, No. 184, P. 2.
Photographic Miniatures.—Yesterday we made a visit to Mr. I. L. Teliga’s Daguerreotype rooms, at Mr. Hiram Nelson’s house, on Main street, near the canal, and examined a number of specimens of his skill as an artist. We have visited a great number of Daguerreotype galleries in the cities and never saw better evidences of the perfection to which this branch of the art has arrived. His likenesses are colored in the most life-like manner. His long experience at the business, and his connection with Prof. Hawkins, the best Daguerreotypist in the West, substantiate his claims as a successful artist. His likenesses are taken in the interval of from half a dozen to fifteen seconds, and are perfect. Read his advertisement, and give him a call.
1849 December 13. The Evansville Daily Journal. (Evansville, Indiana.) December 13, 1849, Vol. II, No. 184, P. 3.
Colored Miniatures. I. L. Teliga has the honor of informing the citizens and visitors of Evansville, that he will remain in the city for a short time and take likenesses by the improved Daguerrean process.
As for the warrant of his skill, and superiority of his miniatures in taking as well as finishing them, it is enough to say, that he has been steadily engaged in the art ever since its first introduction into this country in 1840; and, furthermore, that he is connected with the popular, pre-eminent and highly meritorious Apollo Gallery in Cincinnati, conducted by that able, scientific, and well known to the American public, “First Pioneer of the Art,” Mr. E. C. Hawkins. He calls the attention of parents to the fact, that he is able to take perfect likenesses in a short space of time from five to ten seconds! Good, and the only chance for children (if they can be kept still that length of time.)
Ladies and gentlemen are very respectfully invited to see his specimens, and judge for themselves. Room at the residence of Mr. Hiram Nelson, Main street, near the Canal. Open from 8 A. M. until 4 P. M.
Advertisement ran from December 15, 1849 to January 22, 1850.
1850. Williams Cincinnati City Directory. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) 1850, P. 71.
Apollo Rooms, Free To Visitors. E. C. Hawkins, Daguerreotypist, N. W. cor. Of Fifth & Walnut. Pictures of every size, from those worn in Rings, Bracelets, Breastpins, Lockets, &c., to half the size of life, taken in the most elegant manner.
To Parents. Perfect Likenesses of children can be secured in absolutely one or two seconds, on a fine clear day. This is adapted, also for aged persons.
Recent improvements enable us to produce Pictures now, on the darkest day, equal in tone, and superior in other respects, to those formerly made in the brightest light.
1850 January 1. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 1, 1850, Vol. XII, No. 132, P. 2.
Boydell’s Illustration of Shakspeare. D. O. Macomber, one of the proprietors of this magnificent work, of one of hundred pictures, illustrating Shakspeare’s plays, re-engraved from the copper plates of the original London work, will remain at the Art Union Gallery this week. Ladies and gentlemen are requested to call and examine the fifteen numbers issued. The prospect is that a large subscription will be formed in the city. A copy donated to the Mercantile Library Association is on exhibition at the reading room, and there is also a copy at Hawkins’ Daguerreotype rooms in Apollo building. The engravings contain many portraits of distinguished persons, and were all first engraved from original paintings by eminent artists.
1850 March 19. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 19, 1850, Vol. XII, No. 296, P. 2.
The Daguerreotype. Inscribed To E. C. Hawkins, Esq. By Mrs. R. S. Nichols.
“I have brought you a beautiful bird, mama—
A bird without feather or wing;
They said, if I spoke not a word, mama,
The bird might whistle and sing!
“Then they caught it and put it in here, mama,
And fastened it closed in the case,
And they told me to bring it to dear mama,
And ask her to show me its face.”
I opened the clasp, and before me there sat,
Like an alderman, filling his chair,
A queer little rogue, with a mantle and hat,
And solemn and wondering sir!
Enraptured I gazed, while the dear little elf
Stood pleading in vain to be heard.—
“You look a long time, now I want it Myself;
Oh, Mama, do give me the bird!”
Thou lark of my bosom, thy dear infant voice
Is sweeter by far to my ear
Than melodies warbled where forests rejoice
In the brightness and bloom of the year.
Thou’rt nestled away in the folds of my heart,
‘Mid down on the bosom of Love;
Oh never may fowler allure with his art
My sweet “tassel gentle” to rove.
Though storm-winds may rise, and sunder the bough
That shelters thine innocent head,
Yet while it has vigor to shield thee, as now,
No tempest need fill thee with dread.
The artist who drew my young bird in his snare,
And pencilled, with beams of the sun,
A picture with truth, life and beauty so rare,
Has fairly a recompense won.
I’ve coined him a verse from the mint of the mind.—
The trifle to him shall belong;—
With many worm wishes both friendly and kind,
Sir Artist, accept of this Song.
1850 September 5. Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) September 5, 1850, Vol. 51, No. 2408, P. 4.
E. C. Hawkins continues at his old gallery on the corner of Walnut and Fifth, entrance on the latter street. Mr. H. is the Pioneer Daguerreotypist in this city, and has kept up fully with the varied improvements in the art. Persons desiring a “counterfeit” presentment of themselves, family, or friends, can do no better than by calling on him.
1850 October 17. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 17, 1850, Vol. 51, No. 2414, P. 3.
Two Diplomas were granted by the committee of the recent State Fair to Mr. E. C. Hawkins [or] the best single picture in Daguerreotype, and also for improvement in the Art, called Solograph. This improvement bids fair to rival the old system.
1850 October 17. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 17, 1850, Vol. 51, No. 2414, P. 4.
Premium.—Hawkins, the “pioneer Daguerreotypist” of this city received a premium at the recent State Fair, for the best exhibition of portraits.
1850 October 24. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 24, 1850, Vol. 51, No. 2415, P. 2.
Ohio State Board of Agriculture. The following is a list of premiums awarded by the several committees, also the discretionary premiums recommended and amended by the Executive Committee…
Paintings And Drawings, Open To All…
Best specimen of Architecture, Fontayne & Porter, Cincinnati, Dip.
Best collection of Portraits, Thomas Faris, Cincinnati, Dip.
Best specimen of single face, E. C. Hawkins, Cincinnati, Dip.
Best specimen of Talbotypes, E. C. Hawkins, Cincinnati, Dip.
1851 March 25. Dover Enquirer. (Dover, New Hampshire.) March 25, 1851, Vol. XXIV, No. 43, P. 1.
Something Strange and Beautiful. We saw a daguerreotype day before yesterday, of Col. Alexander, Herr Drisbach’s pet tiger, with Mr. Hawkins little daughter and his nieces, of the ages of four and five. The little girls are sitting side by side on a sofa, and the Brazilian Tiger is lying on the same at full length, with his head and one paw over the little girl’s lap nearest him!—The little heroines do not seem to be frightened in the least.—Cincinnati Com.
1851 March 25. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) March 25, 1851, Vol. 32, No. 41, P. 6.
Something Strange and Beautiful. We saw a daguerreotype day before yesterday, of Col. Alexander, Herr Driesbach’s pet Tiger, with Mr. Hawkins little daughter and his nieces, of the ages of four and five. The little girls are sitting side by side on a sofa, and the Brazilian Tiger is lying on the same at full length, with his head and one paw over the little girl’s lap nearest him!—The little heroines do not seem to be frightened in the least.—Cincinnati Com.
1851 July 17. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) July 17, 1851, Vol. 52, No. 2453, P. 3.
Fire.—A highly destructive conflagration occurred in this city on Monday morning. Between one and two o’clock several flames of fire were simultaneously seen breaking out in different portions of the roof of the Apollo Building, recently known as Wood’s Museum, situated on the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets…
The following persons are among the principal sufferers…
Mr. E. C. Hawkins’ Daguerreotype Gallery was also on the second floor, entrice from Fifth street. Much of the material was saved, by Mr. Hawkins’ loss cannot be put down at less than $500, and will probably reach near $100…
1851 July 19. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) July 19, 1851, Vol. XXXI, No. 98, P. 3.
Destructive Fire In Cincinnati—By the Cincinnati Commercial of the 15th inst., we learn that a very destructive fire occurred in that city on Monday last, which destroyed the following property:
“Wood’s Museum—the building was owned by J. P. Broadwell loss $30,000, insured $1[?],000. The curiosities, fixtures, &c. of the Museum, were owned by J. H. Rice & ______Matson, which were all destroyed excepting a few. Mr. Rice’s loss is $8,500, insured $6,000. Maston’s loss [$1,000]; no insurance. The actors ab=nd actresses lost all their most valuable wardrobe, &c., worth near to [$4,000, no insurance. E. C. Hawkins, Daguerreotypist, immediately under the lecture room, lost near $1,000, no insurance. Considerable of his stock was saved in a damaged condition…
1851 July 24. Gallipolis Journal. (Gallipolis, Ohio.) July 24, 1851, Vol. XVI, No. 24, Whole No. 814, P. 2.
The Apollo Building in Cincinnati, containing Wood’s Museum, Hawkins’ Daguerrean gallery and several stores and offices, were destroyed by fire on Monday week.
1852 October 14. Liberty Hall And Weekly Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 14, 1852, Vol. 60, No. 16, P. 3.
The Mechanics’ Fair.—The Fair opened yesterday morning at 10 o’clock…
189. Solographs, colored and plain, an improvement in daguerreotyping, E. C. Hawkins.
1853 July 24. Gallipolis Journal. (Gallipolis, Ohio.) July 24, 1853, Vol. XVI, No. 24, Whole No. 814, P. 2.
Among “the thousands and one” objects of interest that will well repay the visit, to a stranger in Cincinnati, is E. C. Hawkins’ Daguerreotype Gallery, on Vine street, between Fourth & Fifth. While in the “Queen City” we spent half an hour very pleasantly there, looking at a number of likenesses of the great and gifted of our land—Statesmen, Authors, and Actors. Mr. H. has one of the best collections of portraits in the city, and has made, we suppose, more improvements than almost any other artist engaged in the business. Two improvements particularly struck our attention, one of them he calls the Nebular Daguerreotype, which, for miniatures of children, far surpasses the old method. It consists of a beautifully variegated cloudy appearance, and the head emerging, as it were, from the cloud or mist that appears surrounding it on all sides. But the most striking objects in his Gallery, are the Solographs, which are neither more or less than Daguerreotypes upon paper, and colored according to nature, possessing all the beauty of a finely painted miniature, with the fidelity of a Daguerreotype picture. Those of our friends who are visiting Cincinnati, and who want a life-like resemblance of themselves or friends, must not forget to give Mr. Hawkins a call.
The following we copy from a late number of the Daily Times, and fully endorse all that it contains:
1853 August 5. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) August 5, 1853. Whole No. 7529. P. 1.
Photographs, Or Daguerreotypes, On Paper…The pictures are preferred by some to the daguerreotypes, as they can be seen by any light, and [are] easily finished like oil or water color painting. Among the American Daguerreotypes we find daguerreotypes on paper, called crystalotypes, by Mr. Whipple, of Boston. They are the most perfect of [their] kind that we have yet seen, and present a varied [collection] of views and portraits. These, however, [have] been copied from daguerreotypes. In addition to [these] are a number of others, called “solographs,” exhibited by E. C. Hawkins. They are both plain and colored, and are well executed.
1853 August 19. Semi-Weekly Tribune. (New York, New York.) August 19, 1853. Vol. VIII, No. 859. P. 1.
The Exhibition At The Crystal Palace. XVI. American Art—Daguerreotypes. If there be any one department in the whole building which is peculiarly American, and in which the country shines prominent, it is in that of Daguerreotypes, which are exhibited below stairs; and the collection, which is an extensive one, is made up of contributions from almost every section of the Union where the art is practiced. In contrasting the specimens of art which are taken herewith those taken in European countries, the excellence of American pictures is evident, which is [to] be accounted for by several reasons. In the first place, American skies are freer from fogs and clouds—from bituminous coal not being much used, the atmosphere of our cities is free from smoke, at least upon the Atlantic coasts. Then the chemicals and processes are, generally speaking, of a more sensitive character, and the apparatus is more convenient and suitable than that of Europe. Our little inventions come into play and aid in saving time and developing a good picture, and last, though perhaps not least our people are readier in picking up processes and acquiring the mastery of the art than our trans-Atlantic rivals. Not that we understand the science better, but the detail of the work is acquired in a shorter time by us, while the enormous practice which our operators enjoy combines to render the daguerreotype art a necessary adjunct to the comfort of life. Does a child start on the journey of existence and leave his “father’s hall” forthwith the little image is produced to keep his memory green.. Does the daughter accept the new duties of matron, or does the venerated parent descend into the grave; what means so ready to revive their recollection? Does the lover or the husband go to Australia or California, and not exchange with the beloved one the image of what afforded so much delight to gaze upon? The readiness with which a likeness may be obtained, the truthfulness of the image and the smallness of cost, render it the current pledge of friendship, and the immense number of operators who are supported by the art in this country shows how widely the love of sun-pictures is diffused. Several thousand industrious artists and artisans are occupied in the preparation of very pure chemicals, as bromine, iodine, gold salts, hyperphosphate of soda. Another class prepare silvered plates, cases, buffs, gilding, cut glass, and a hundred little addenda. Then the manufacture of cameras and the grinding of good lenses is an important branch of the business; for without a camera having good lenses the best operator would fail to produce an image which would be distinct or saleable; and even with a good Voigtlander or Harrison camera, it requires great skill to focus the image; for, strange as it may appear, the point where a good view of the sitter is obtained is not the point best adapted for bringing out a good picture. In other words the focus of vision and the focus of chemical action are not the same, and hence when we have the one we lose the other. This is owing to the fact that it is not the rays of color on the solar spectrum which produce the image, but a different set of rays, viz: those of chemical action; and since this is the case, we submit the opinion that it is not possible to obtain a daguerreotype in its natural colors, as Mr. Hill and others have been trying to delude our operators into believing, and leading themselves and others by the [iguis fatuus] of plates tortured into iridescent colors by chemical oxidation. But we are getting discursive upon this beautiful art, which was intended to subserve many other useful purposes than that of portrait painting.
Everybody known how difficult it is to keep silver from tarnishing, and that the action of the light is to destroy all preparations of silver. Some of these are more readily acted on by light than others—are more sensitive, as it is termed. Such are the iodide, bromide, and chloride of silver. These salts cannot be kept exposed to the light for any reason, even a very short time, without undergoing some change; and when a plate of silver has a thin layer of iodine and bromine on its surface; and is placed in a camera, as soon as the screen is raised the image of the sitter falls on the plate. The silver plate is acted on unequally, producing the effects of light and shade when brought out, as it is termed, by exposure to the vapor of quicksilver. It is then fixed or prevented from undergoing further change, by washing it with a solution of gold.
To produce a daguerreotype picture there are five operations necessary. The first is cleaning the plate. This is the stumbling block of most operators. They are not cleanly enough. Several views in this Exhibition show that the plates were not well enough cleaned. Never was a maxim more true than the old one, that “cleanliness is a virtue”—when it has reference to daguerreotyping. The second the second is the foundation of the sensitive iodide of silver over the surface of the plate. The third is the adjusting the plate in the camera obscura, for the purpose of receiving the impression. The fourth is the bringing out the photographic picture, which is invisible when the plate is taken from the camera. The fifth, and last, is to remove the excess of sensitive coating, and thus prevent that susceptibility to change under luminous influence which would otherwise exist and ultimately effect the picture. The second operation is that which gives tone and warmth to the picture, and when performed by skillful hands makes a daguerreotype a beautiful piece of art. The clearness and distinctness of the image is produced by the third process when carefully conducted, and the whole picture should be distinct over the whole plate. These remarks will serve to illustrate the subjoined notes upon the collections in the Exhibition.
Mr. Lawrence exhibited a case in which softness of tone and distinctness of image are united with artistic arrangement. The latter quality is specially noticeable in “The Three Ages.” The mechanical execution of these pictures is unexcelled. These pictures of Mr. L. were exhibited in London. Mr. Brady’s collection is not very large, but there are a few very good pictures exhibited by him. In Gurney’s collection the coloring of the background has a fine effect; there are some very well executed portraits, among which is one of Mr. Forrest, worth notice as a work of art: taken as a Whole there is less softness and more distinctness in this collection than in that of Lawrence. The picture of Ware and his sister is an instance of a picture well developed when the chemical action extends to the margin of the plate. D. Clark, New Brunswick, N. J., has four pictures of merit; and Van Schneidan a small collection of well-selected heads. J. Brown has a collection of portraits of Commodore Perry and the officers of the squadron for the Japan Expedition, in half-size plates: the interest of this collection is much marred by the names of the officers not being attached underneath the plate; it is not too late to rectify this omission. Haas has a whole-plate allegorical figure of a family man reading the paper at home—an excellent idea and well executed. Besides this, he has a couple of other pictures, though on the whole his show is mediocre. In the cases of Harrison & Hill there is displayed excellent artistic arrangement with very indifferent mechanical execution. In the mammoth plates occupied by allegorical designs, the back-ground is wretchedly brought out—the plates were not properly cleaned, and are full of scratches; there are a few half and whole-sized pictures set in gaudy frames.
Webster, of Louisville, KY., has twenty-three pictures possessing clearness. They have, however, been exposed a little too much in the camera; they lack warmth, but are otherwise well developed and exhibit good mechanical execution. Alex Hesler has a collection of whole plates handsomely executed, possessing a nice arrangement of of the drapery, which has the effect of throwing the head out in good relief. There is artistic arrangement in this collection, especially evinced in the picture “Driving a “Trade,” one of a series illustrating character and passion. The panoramic view of Galena, Ill. Shows that city to advantage; and the three views of the Falls of St. Anthony possess great merit. Mr. North, of Cleveland, O., has a case of pretty fail likenesses, perhaps exhibiting the lights too strongly. Bisbee, of Dayton, O. exhibits a panoramic view of Cincinnati from Newport, upon six large plates. This view is, without exception, the finest thing in the whole room; we might even go further, and say that it is the finest view by the Daguerreian process ever exhibited. The mechanical execution is excellent, the perspective good, and the development unsurpassed. The effect of the smoke over the southern part of the city is very finely given. the distinctness of the letter signs, three-quarters of a mile distance and across the Ohio river, is well brought out. The rest of the collection is fair, possessing no peculiar merit. Williamson exhibits a poor collection. Dobyn, Richardson & Co. have several whole size well-executed specimens, in which the mechanical part, the artistic arrangement and the chemical effect is good. The “Cupid Reposing” is a very ungraceful picture of an ill-formed child, and the coloring is bad. That of the Bateman Children, in character, is a good picture. There are some exceedingly well executed heads in this collection.
Long, of St. Louis, has four frames of 180 heads of Wyman’s School, in that city, with the edifice and Principal; they possess no merit. A likeness of Prof. Mitchell, Cincinnati, is well executed. Some of the pictures in this collection are inverted with papier mache frames inlaid with mother of-pearl and tinsel. As this style of frame appears in a few other collections we may as well here express dissent to the use of this material as being too gaudy and wholly unsuitable for daguerreotype plates. These latter are difficult to be viewed except in one light, and from the brightness of their surface, are much set off by deadened color on the frames, while the glare and iridescence of the papier mache add to the difficulty of discerning the picture; the use of such implies bad taste in the artist. We felt this opinion growing upon us as we looked at them and found our view corroborated by a boarding school miss, who whisked alongside of us and caught by the colors, exclaimed, “Oh my! aint those “frames beautiful?” Fitzgibbon has the richest exposition in the Fair—The most expensive frames with a large and passable collection. The mammoth plate of Judge Colt is very good—That of Jenny Lind the best in the exhibition—those of McAllister, Julia Dean, Kate Hays, and Kossuth, are good pictures. His collection of Indian Warriors, is a very fine one, which we understand is to be forwarded to the Ethnological Society of London, to have copies and busts made from them. Masury & Silsbee, Boston exhibited twelve pretty and tasteful plates, with good arrangement and well finished. The collections of Kilsey, Beals, and Howe do not require notice. Whitehurst has a few good pictures in a large and passable collection; he has ten pictures illustrating the Falls of Niagara, which are very well executed. Some of his large heads have their features out of all proportion. Whipple of Boston, has a collection of photographic pictures, which he calls Crystallotypes, taken from Hyalotypes; there is a plate of the moon daguerreotyped, and one of the spots on the sun. McDonnell & Co., Buffalo, have a very poor collection—so poor as not to deserve a place in the exhibition; the views of Niagara are fair. Hawkins exhibits photographs on paper. Drummond, eight plates of the order of Free masons in their lodge dress. Fitzgibbon (already noticed) exhibits a very interesting case, which is a frame of electrotype copies from daguerreotype plates, very beautifully executed. It should not be over looked upon as a mere curiosity to place a daguerreotype plate in a copper solution and take a copper cast from its surface by means of electricity: the copper cast looks much warmer in tone than the original. It is to be regretted that Fitzgibbon did not complete this frame by the insertion of a third plate, by taking a second copy from the copper copy. This would be in relief, like the original silver-plate, and is susceptible of being treated like an engraved plate; yielding, when inked, prints resembling mezzotint. Besides the above collection of daguerreotypes, there is an assortment of cameras, lenses, stereoscopes and photographic paper, which are of interest to those practicing these beautiful arts.
1855. Williams Cincinnati City Directory. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) 1855, P. 76.
Hawkins & Mullen, Daguerreotypes, North-West Corner Race and Fourth Streets, Daguerreotypes in Every Size, Including The Beautiful “Nebular.”
Recent improvements now enable us to produce pictures on the Darkest Day, equal in tone and superior in other respects to those formerly made in the brightest light.
1857 December 24. Evening Star. (Washington, D. C.) December 24, 1857, Vol. X, No. 1,538, P. 1.
Patents for the week ending December 22, 1857. Ezekial Z. Hawkins, of Cincinnati, Ohio—For mode of treating photographs and other pictures. No. 18,901.
1858 March 7. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 7, 1858, Whole No. 7856, P. 3.
Presentation to the Widow of Gen. Harrison. [From the Cincinnati Gazette, Feb. 27.]…
Rev. Samuel J. Browne then presented, on behalf of Peyton S. Symmes, Esq., two photograph likenesses (copied by E. C. Hawkins), finely framed—one of Judge John Cleve Symmes, from a portrait by R. Peale, taken in 1798; the other of Gen. Harrison, from a portrait by Beard, taken in 1840….
1858 May 5. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) May 5, 1858, Vol. XIX, No. 53, P. 1.
Hawkins, the artist, recently executed a good photograph of T. D. Jones’ design for the Pioneer Monument.
1859 April 4. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) April 4, 1859, Vol. XX, No. 26, P. 1.
Cincinnati Horticultural Society. Bacon’s Buildings, Saturday, April 2, 1859. President Haseltine in the chair. Minutes read and approved…
The following gentlemen were unanimously elected to membership:…E. C. Haskins…
1859 May 16. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) May 16, 1859, Vol. XX, No. 62, P. 1.
Cincinnati Horticultural Society…
Mr. E. C. Haskins presented to the Society a very fine and handsomely formed photograph of Dr. Mosher, of Latonia Springs, Kentucky, one of our oldest, most respected and intelligent members and horticulturists, for which acceptable gift Mr. Hawkins received a vote of thanks. Adjourned. E. J. Hooper, Secretary.
1859 May 17. The Daily Press. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) May 17, 1859, Vol. 1, No. 73, P. 1.
We noticed the likeness of our friend Tosso displayed in the music store windows; also, that of Miss Sophie Werner, who will assist Mr. Tosso at the concert on Thursday night. These fine Photographs were executed by Hawkins. By the way, those who purchase two tickets will be presented with a photographic card of Mr. Tosso’s. Tickets can be found at the music stores.
Williams’ Cincinnati City Directory. (Cincinnati, Ohio.)
1842. Not Listed.
1843. (Hawkins & Faris.) Photographists, 5th between Main & Walnut.
1846. Daguerreotypist, Near South 5th between Vine & Race.
1849. Daguerreotypist—Apollo Rooms—N. W. Corner 5th & Walnut. h—S. W. 4th near Park.
1850. Daguerreotypist—Apollo Rooms—N. W. Corner 5th & Walnut. h—S. W. 4th near Park.
1853. Solograph—153 Vine. h—397 West 4th.
1855. (Hawkins & Mullen) N. E. corner 4th and Race.
1855. E. C. Hawkins. Solograph—126 W. 4th corner Race. H—397 W. 4th.
1856. Photographic Artist—h—397 West 4th.
1857. Artist—N. W. Corner 4th & Walnut. H-397 West 4th.
1858. N. W. Corner 4th & Walnut. H-397 West 4th.
1859. Photographer—106 West 4th.—Res. Kenton Co., Kentucky.
1860. Photographer operator—20 West Fifth.
1861. Not Listed.
1862. Not Listed.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 