Tag Archives: Frederick Maryland

Byerly, Jacob

1842-1865       Address not recorded, Frederick, Maryland.[1]

1855-1856       Corner of Market and Patrick Streets, Frederick, Maryland.

1857                Patrick Street, Centre Square, Frederick, Maryland.

1855 December 27.  Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  December 27, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 20, P. 3.

Christmas.  A Beautiful Variety of Gilt Frames, Gold Lockets, Picture Cases, Fancy and Plain of all kinds, appropriate for the Holidays, At Byerly’s Greatly Improved Sky-Light Gallery Of Superior Daguerreotypes And Paintings!

It is proposed at this Gallery, (and without fear of competition.) to make the finest picture, with the most natural complexion, the clearest eye, and the most faithful, calm, and life-like representation of the human face, for less money, than has ever been produced in this city.  To test this truth, Ladies and Gentlemen are most cordially invited to call at Byerly’s Gallery, on the corner of Market and Patrick streets, where they can be accommodated in a large and splendid assortment of Gilt Frames, Gold Lockets, and Cases of every description and size, from the smallest and largest.  Make his words good, or don’t take the picture.  de 6.

1856 August 21.  Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  August 21, 1856, New Series Vol. II, No. 54, P. 3.

Byerly’s Gallery And Great Improvements[.]  ML  A-Phototypes And Superior Pictures, in every style and finish, can now be had at his Gallery, at very reduced prices[.]  On hand, a large assortment of Gilt Frames and cases of every description, and a[ ? ] stock of Gold Lockets, of all sizes and latest fashion, which a offered on pleasing terms.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to continue their calls at Byerly’s Gallery, where they can obtain the latest and cheapest pictures.  Students wanted.   my22.

1857 March 19.  Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  March 19, 1857, New Series—Vol. II, No. 84, P. 2.

Removal Byerly’s Gallery, Removed to his stupendous and magnificent Sky-Light , in the newly erected Building adjoining G. F. Webster’s Store, Patrick Street, Centre Square, Frederick, Md.

Advertisement ran from March 19 to April 9, 1857.

1857 April 9.  Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  April 9, 1857, New Series—Vol. II, No. 87, P. 2.

The Fine Arts.  By reference to the advertisement of Mr. J. Byerly it will be seen that, he has removed his Daguerrean Rooms to the new building on Patrick St., nearly opposite the Frederick County Bank.  These, he has fitted up in a style which deserves the highest commendation; for every appliance calculated to perfect the wonderful art of daguerreotyping, has been liberally provided.  Of Mr. Byerly’s professional skill, it is unnecessary to speak,—attested, as it is, by many years of eminent success.  We design more especially by this notice, to call attention to a novelty in Frederick, instituted through his enterprise.  We refer to his “Art Union Hall.”  In a spacious apartment, fifty feet long and twenty wide, he has arranged throughout its entire capacity, a collection of rich and elegant paintings and drawings, illustrative of the beautiful in fancy, and of the interesting in reality.  Many of the latter being valuable memorials, of distinguished characters and ever=nts of sacred and profane history.

We congratulate Mr. Byerly upon the taste he has displayed in this collection; and take pleasure in commending his enterprise to the patronizing approval of the public.

1857 April 9.  Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  April 9, 1857, New Series—Vol. II, No. 87, P. 2.

Removal!  Byerly’s Gallery Has Been Removed To The New Building, Adjoining Mr. Geo. F. Webster’s Store, In Patrick Street, Centre Square, Frederick City, Maryland, where he is prepared to furnish Daguerreotype, Ambrotypes and Melainotypes, in the highest style of the art.  Having a broad and expansive Sky-Light, opening to the North, built expressly for the purpose, and affording facilities and Photographic advantages unequalled in the State, together with Ladies’ Dressing Room, and all other conveniences desirable.

Pictures of every size and in every variety of cases, at the most moderate prices.

Infants & Family Groups, taken in three or four seconds.

N. B.—Parents wanting their Families Ambrotyped, either single or in groups, will be entitled to a reduction in price, when they are six or more in number.

In connection with this Gallery, is Byerly’s Art Union Hall, now decorated with a magnificent collection of American, English, German, French, and Italian Pictures, in colors and pastilles, just received from Goupil & Co., Importers, New York.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine this superb collection, which has never been equalled in extent, variety and beauty by anything of the kind ever exhibited in this city.

Persons desiring fine pictures, can be supplied from this large assortment at New York City prices.

Students are taught here in all the Art and Mysteries of Daguerreotyping and Ambrotyping in the shortest possible time, and the lowest rate.  Jacob Byerly.

1857 July 16.  The Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  July 16, 1857, Vol. II, No. 49, P. 2.

Byerly’s Gallery Of Pictures!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Photographs!  This model Gallery, the wonder and surprise of all, was constructed for the purpose, on the best and most approved Scientific principals and possesses Photographic advantages unsurpassed anywhere.  These facts are acknowledged by many of our own Scientific gentlemen, and especially by the great practical experimenter and discoverer, S. D. Humphrey, of N. York, whose scientific researches and attainments in Photography are perhaps deeper and more extensive than any other American operator.  His high approval of the construction and arrangement of this Gallery places it beyond all competition in this city and has classed it with the best in the large cities,  The light is not thrown full in the sitter’s face to blind the eye, producing that large and unnatural spectrum, which gives the picture a vacant stare, but falls laterally at an angle to produce the best possible tone and effect upon the picture, softening the lights, enriching the shadows, blending the middle tints, and developing the drapery in all the beauty and richness of natural colors, in a style equalled only by Master Artists. The sitter is placed in a subdued background, where the light is neither intense nor oppressive, and where the countenance reposes calmly and serenely, and the eye appears full and natural.  Persons need but to see the beauty and appropriateness of the entire arrangement, to come to the one conclusion, that where there is such harmony and adaptation in all the parts, surely there is a place to get the best pictures.  It needs no argument to sustain these facts.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and prove the truth of them.

Pictures of the above variety, are put up in the highest style of finish and according to the strictest Scientific and natural laws of light and chemistry, applied to the art of Photography in all its branches.

Pictures of every size and style, and in every description of cases, at the most moderate prices.

Infants and Family Groups taken in a very few seconds.  Students taught the art of picture making in the shortest possible time and at the lowest rates.

An extensive assortment of Gold Lockets and Gilt Frames constantly on hand.

In connection with this Gallery, is Byerly’s Art Union Hall, now decorated with a magnificent collection of American, English, German, French and Italian Pictures, in colors and pastilles, just received from Goupil & Co., Importers, New York.all

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine this superb collection which has never been equalled in extent, variety, and beauty by any thingof the kind ever exhibited in this city.

Persons, desiring fine pictures, can be supplied from this assortment at New York Prices.  Jacob Byerly.

1857 July 22.  The Examiner.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  July 22, 1857, Vol. 50, No. 27, Whole No. 2526, P. 2.

Byerly’s Gallery Of Pictures!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Photographs!  This model Gallery, the wonder and surprise of all, was constructed for the purpose, on the best and most approved Scientific principals and possesses Photographic advantages unsurpassed anywhere.  These facts are acknowledged by many of our own Scientific gentlemen, and especially by the great practical experimenter and discoverer, S. D. Humphrey, of N. York, whose scientific researches and attainments in Photography are perhaps deeper and more extensive than any other American operator.  His high approval of the construction and arrangement of this Gallery places it beyond all competition in this city and has classed it with the best in the large cities,  The light is not thrown full in the sitter’s face to blind the eye, producing that large and unnatural spectrum, which gives the picture a vacant stare, but falls laterally at an angle to produce the best possible tone and effect upon the picture, softening the lights, enriching the shadows, blending the middle tints, and developing the drapery in all the beauty and richness of natural colors, in a style equalled only by Master Artists. The sitter is placed in a subdued background, where the light is neither intense nor oppressive, and where the countenance reposes calmly and serenely, and the eye appears full and natural.  Persons need but to see the beauty and appropriateness of the entire arrangement, to come to the one conclusion, that where there is such harmony and adaptation in all the parts, surely there is a place to get the best pictures.  It needs no argument to sustain these facts.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and prove the truth of them.

Pictures of the above variety, are put up in the highest style of finish and according to the strictest Scientific and natural laws of light and chemistry, applied to the art of Photography in all its branches.

Pictures of every size and style, and in every description of cases, at the most moderate prices.

Infants and Family Groups taken in a very few seconds.  Students taught the art of picture making in the shortest possible time and at the lowest rates.

An extensive assortment of Gold Lockets and Gilt Frames constantly on hand.

In connection with this Gallery, is Byerly’s Art Union Hall, now decorated with a magnificent collection of American, English, German, French and Italian Pictures, in colors and pastilles, just received from Goupil & Co., Importers, New York.all

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine this superb collection which has never been equalled in extent, variety, and beauty by any thing of the kind ever exhibited in this city.

Persons, desiring fine pictures, can be supplied from this assortment at New York Prices. 

1857 September 3.  The Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  September 3, 1857, Vol. III, No. 4, P. 2.

Hollowtyping (sic.).—This is a new discovery in the art of daguerreotyping and is said to surpass all former discoveries in that line.  Mr. Jacob Byerly of this city whose reputation as a Daguerreotypist is so well known , has purchased the patentnRight for Frederick County at a very heavy expense and is now turning out pictures manufactured according to the new discovery.

1857 September 10.  The Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  September 10, 1857, Vol. III, No. 5, P. 2.

Byerly’s Hallotype!  The Hallotype is a thoroughly oil-finished picture, entirely new and distinct in character from all which proceeded it, while it surpasses them in softness and richness of tone and general beauty.  Even the canvas Painting loses by comparison.  Too much cannot be said in commendation of this beautiful painting; it is correct, it is lifelike, it is durable.—it is all and everything that can be desired in a picture, save the speaking voice.

Photographs printed by the dozen or hundred, or to any extent required, to order and on the most reasonable3 terms, at Byerly’s Gallery , Frederick, Md.  Jacob Byerly.

1857 December 31.  The Maryland Union.  (Frederick, Maryland.)  December 31, 1857, Vol. III, No. 21, P. 3.

Byerly’s Art Union.  This Gallery has largely increased by the addition of 28 Oil Paintings, consisting of American and Foreign scenery, and by American and Foreign Artists.  Among them are the following:—Crossing the Ferry on Lake George, an original Painting by Geo, Northcote, and sold by him at $350; View on River Tiber, near Rome, by Geo. Northcote; Washington Irving’s Residence on the Hudson, by Cartwright; View on River Clide, Scotland, by Rogers, and many others too numerous to mention, in oval and ornamented gilt frames, beautiful for parlor ornaments; for sale at exceedingly low rates.  J. Byerly.


[1] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.

Bear, John W.

1845                Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1845                17 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1846                Address Unknown, Wilmington, Delaware.

1846                Address Unknown, Washington, Delaware.

1846                Court House, Annapolis, Maryland.1

1846                Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Frederick, Maryland.1

N. D.               Court House, Hagerstown, Maryland.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.1

1847-1848       Address Unknown, Winchester, Virginia.1

1848                Rooms in the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1850                Address Unknown, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. 

1850-1852       Various towns in Pennsylvania.1

1846 January 29.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  January 29, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 45, P. 2.

Baer, the ‘Buckeye Blacksmith,’ is now taking daguerreotype likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not, he drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.

1846 January 30.  Blue Hens Chicken & Delaware Democratic Whig.  (Wilmington, Delaware.)  January 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Mr. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, respectfully informs the citizens of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has taken the room occupied by Messrs. Miller & Co., as a Writing School.  He will warrant a correct likeness not to fade, in a good Morocco Case for one dollar and a half.  Jan. 16.

1846 February 7.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  February 7, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1520, P. 3.

Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is now taking daguerreotypes likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not. He drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.  Boston Mail.

1846 February 21.  Democratic Banner.  (Bowling Green, Missouri.)  February 21, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 50, p. 1.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is Taking Daguerreotypes likenesses at Washington, Delaware.

1846 October 6.  The Spirit of the Times.  (Batavia, New York.)  October 6, 1846, Vol. 28, No. 16, P. 3.

John W. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith, who has figured considerably as a whig stump speaker, is now taking daguerreotype likenesses in Annapolis, Md.

1846 October 23.  American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  October 23, 1846, Volume XV, No. 99, P. 4.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is across the Potomac, in Alexandria, taking daguerreotype likenesses.  He is a kind of man-of-all-work.  First a blacksmith, next a political orator, afterwards an Indian agent, then a temperance lecturer, and now a daguerreotypist.

1846 November 2.  The Columbian Fountain.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1846, Volume 1, No. 273, P. 2.

Mr. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith is still alive and kicking, and is at present taking daguerreotype likenesses in Alexandria, Va.

1846 November 18.  Auburn Journal and Advertiser.  (Auburn, New York.)  November 18, 1846, Vol. 14, No. 29, P. 2.

John W. Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is established at Alexandria, Va., as a Daguerreotypist, and meets with great encouragement.  If he can portray features as well as he did the political iniquities of Van Burenisn, we do not wonder at his success,

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 2.

Correct Pictures.  Mr. John W. Bear has opened rooms at the Court House for the purpose of receiving visits of those who may desire Daguerreotypes—Mr. B. has in his position the best apparatus that has ever been in our place, or else is the best operator—probably both, combined—for his pictures are certainly the most correct delineations of the originals that we have ever seen.  Having examined his specimens we can speak thus positively, and all who desire good pictures will do well to “embrace the present opportunity.”  His card will be found in another column.

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 3.

Only $1.50 for the Best Daguerreotype Likeness ever taken in Charlestown—

Mr. J. W. bear respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Court House, for a few days only, where, with the latest and best apparatus ever imported, and materials of the first quality, he is fully prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, of all sizes, in a style not to be surpassed by any other artist in the country.  Giving to the picture a bold relief from that deadness usually seen in Daguerreotypes, [and] fully developing the eyes, (the imperfections of which have so long been an objection to this class of Miniatures.) and giving the whole picture a life-like appearance unusually seen in the Daguerreotype Miniature.

Likenesses of Children, as young as two years, taken in exquisite style; and where is the parent that would not pay the paltry sum of $1.50, for a correct likeness at that interesting age?

Family groups taken on the largest scale ever taken in this country, in splendid style and at moderate prices.

Single pictures, medium sizes, colored true to life, and warranted not to fade for $1.50, including a fine morocco case.

As his stay will be limited to a few days, those wishing to procure miniatures or examine specimens would do well to call soon.

Miniatures taken without regard to the state of the weather from 6 o’clock, A. M., until 5 o’clock P. M.  Instructions given in the art with all the latest Improvements for a reasonable price.

RULES.

 No person shall be bound to take a picture unless they and their friends who are present when it is taken are satisfied that it is a correct likeness.  But no miniatures will be taken back and retaken after it leaves the room, under $1.

Call as soon for my prices are low.  If your pictures don’t please you I’ll call it no go.  Likenesses of servants taken in a splendid style.  Charlestown, July, 25, 1848.

Advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1848.

1850 May 9.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 9, 1850, Volume 2, No. 15, P. 3.

We announced in our last issue the arrival of J. W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, and we must this week record his departure for Orwigsburg, attended by an escort of one or two constables.  His charge is seduction under promise of marriage.  The girl is a resident of Pottsville.—Schuylkill Haven Map.

1850 May 30.  Jefferson Republican.  (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 30 1850, Volume 10, No. 40, P. 3.

John W. Bear.  We learn that the suits commenced against John W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, have been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice.  Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.

1850 June 6.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  June 6, 1850, Volume 2, No. 19, P. 3.

To The Public.  Mr. B. Bannan:—Sir—I perceived a small paragraph in the Miners Journal of Saturday 18th inst., stating that the prosecution or suits commenced against John W. Bear, “had been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice, and that Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.”  In reply to which, I beg leave to answer, that the withdrawal of the suits was at the instance of John W. Bear’s Counsel, which, after reflection and consideration, I yielded to, upon the payment of costs and expenses, and with the understanding that he, (Bear,) would leave the county in a short time, permanently.  With reference to my having admitted that I had acted under improper advice, this is entirely incorrect.—Before the suits were brought, as since, and at present, I conceive it to be my duty, and the duty of every parent in this and all communities, to try and save their children from the seductive snare of the aged and artful, who are disposed to offer violence to the young and unwary, altho’ at the expanse of broken hearts of parents, family, and friends.

Your humble serv’t, most respectfully,  James Staats.  Pottsville, May 21st, 1850.  


[1] The Life And Travels of John W. Bear, “The Buckeye Blacksmith.” P. 138-152. .

[2] Boston City Directory, Residence Listing.  Not recorded in Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Mr. Morgan

1857                Next Door West of the City Hotel, Frederick, Maryland.

Mr. Morgan was recorded in two advertisements and mentioned in a third in the Examiner  (Frederick, Maryland).  The first advertisement ran from July 15 to 29, 1857.  Every One Read!  Read!  Read!  Great Attraction, Immense Rush!  Immense Reduction in prices!  At Morgan’s Sky-Light Gallery, Formerly Addis’ Gallery, the only properly constructed Sky-Light in Fred’k.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Daguerreotypes, As well-finished and executed as any Gallery in Frederick, and at One-Third The Price of any other in the town.

This superb and only well arranged Sky-light Gallery was built and modled after the most celebrated in the principal cities, and acknowledged to be, and has the approval of such men as Whitehurst, Perkins, and Brady to have advantages over any other in Frederick, and not surpassed by any in the United States.  The citizens here care very little for the opinion of S. D. Humphrey or any other imported picture agent from New York, disposing of rights, in which having offered here first, finally succeeded, blarney in humbugging some other Daguerreotypist with N. G. Burgess one of the most celebrated and scientific practical photographers of the age, and to whom a certain friend of ours in the business is indebted to what little he knows of Ambrotyping, says in his last great work upon the art—”That a sky-light that is no more than ten or fifteen feet from the sitter in the highest point, and falling over in such a manner, that the lowest portion of it shall be five feet from the floor, has been found to work far better than any other, as it is absolutely requsite to have a good volume of light on the drapery, for [unless] this attained no good results can be produced.”  This is the only sky-light in town that is constructed upon this principle, and consequently must produce the best picture.  Every child knows that without a round, distinct light falling upon each eye, resembling a pin-head, and that no celebrated portrait painter from the days of Rubens, Vandaye, Rembrandt, Velasquez, and Murillo ever neglected to put there to give expression and life to the picture.  Let us here no more croaking about spectrums in the eye.  The public or at least some of the citizens here are aware that a daguerreotypist in this town admitted his light to be to high, and requested the former proprietor of this establishment previous to his leaving to regulate his light and chemicals.  What would “master artist” say to that.  We would wish the public to know that we have learnt this business practically from the best operators in the country and not from book learning like some other daguerreotypist here.  These matters are merely adverted to in order to repel the imputations in a recent advertisement by one in the same business.  Morgan only wants the public to test his worth and let that speak for him.

Students will bear in mind that this is the only Gallery where they can be taught practically, in less time and on the lowest terms of any in Frederick.

The second advertisement ran from August 5 to September 16, 1857.  The greatest Discovery Out.  The Marble Relievotype! Is taken only at Morgan’s Gallery, Next door to the City Hotel, Fred’k., Md.  The surprising effects of this singular and beautiful discovery in Photography, which I accidently made a few days ago, must be seen to be appreciated.  The Picture, in colors, stands out in bold relief from a marble background, on which it casts a shadow, like statuary.  Those, who have seen this admiration of its beauty and perfection.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine this curious invention.

The third advertisement appeared on September 30, 1857 in an advertisement for George Tetherly.  New York Gallery.  Photographs! Ambrotypes!! Daguerreotypes, &c.  The subscriber having taken the gallery next door to the City Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. Addis, and latterly by Mr. <organ, is prepared to furnish the best Pictures to be had in them city, at the lowest prices.  Having secured the services of a celebrated Artist from the Galleries of Brady and of Gurney in New York City, he is enabled to warrant satisfaction in every branch of his business, to those who may favor him with their custom.

His gallery is easier of access than any other in the city, being in the second story, and the Sky-light is unrivalled.  With such advantages, he is determined to deserve a share of public patronage.  Geo. Tetherly.  W. Patrick St., Frederick. 

Mr. Morgan is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Frederick, Maryland.

Robert W. Addis

1851 Corner of Centre Square and North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.[1]

1853                Corner Light and Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.[2]

1855                187 Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.[3]

1855-1857       Gallery Next Door West of the City Hotel, Frederick, Maryland.

1858-1859       20½ East King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.1

Robert W. Addis was recorded in six advertisements in the Maryland Union (Frederick, Maryland). The first advertisement appeared on December 27, 1855. Ambrotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, And Every Style Of Picture Known Can Now Be Had At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery Next Door West Of The City Hotel.

Having completed my instructions at the Gallery of the most Celebrated Photographist and Ambrotypist in the United States, I am prepared top offer to the public every style of pictures known, at greatly reduced rates.

Ambrotypes, or Imperishable Pictures!  This beautiful style of Picture is taken on fine French Plate Glass, and warranted never to fade in any climate.  The advantages over the Daguerreotypes consist in their being unreversed, more brilliant and clear in tone and effects, and can be distinctly seen in any light, or in any position.  A call is only necessary to convince all.

Photographs.  Are taken on Paper, (especially prepared for the purposes,) and cannot be distinguished from a fine steel plate engraving, the likeness being as perfectas a Daguerreotype.  The great improvements in this branch of sun Drawing, by the most celebrated Chemists of this country and Europe, place it far in advance of all other styles.  Another advantage is, that the Picture being a part of the paper, can only be erased by destroying the paper.  These can be supplied by single impressions, or hundreds at an extraordinary low price.  Of Photographs, I have two processes:  Collodion for Portraits, and Albumen for Views, Buildings, Landscapes, Farms, with all buildings attached, &c.  A variety of specimens at the Gallery.

Persons, wishing copies of Buildings, will please remember this, as they are far superior to Daguerreotypes, they being unreversed and beautiful ornaments for a parlor. Great reduction in price of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames and fancy cases, all of which I have the largest assortment in this city; and all who wish to make a Beautiful and Appropriate Christmas Present, in the way of Lockets, Pearl Cases, Oval and square Ebony, Velvet, or Papier Mache, would do well to call at the City Gallery, where they can be supplied, 50 per ct. cheaper, with Ambrotypes or better Daguerreotypes than at any Gallery in this city.  I am determined to sell my Fancy Stock, cheaper than the cheapest Galleries.

The Daguerrean Apartment will be under the immediate control of D. T. Coweel, [sic.] Esq., late principal Operator at Whitehurst’s Gallery, Baltimore, whose services I have secured and whose reputation as an artist is unsurpassed in the country, as those, who had Pictures taken during my absence, will corroborate.

N. B.—Persons wishing to learn Ambrotyping and Photographing, will do well to call on me as I warrant full instructions for less money than I paid, and of my work they can judge for themselves; facilities for acquiring a perfect knowledge of the business, and can be supplied with material at the cost price without going to the larger cities.  Frederick, Dec. 22, 1855.  R. W. Addis.

The second advertisement ran from August 21 to December 25, 1856. Remember That next door West of the City Hotel, is Addis’ Northern Sky-Light Gallery, Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Photographs, are taken in the highest perfection of the Art.  Especial attention is called to Ambrotypes, his new and popular process is fast superceding the old style Daguerreotypes, not in their being more durable but for beauty of pictures, they can be seen in any light no matter what position in which they are held, thus doing away with that unpleasant glare which all Daguerreotypes must have and rendering the surface soft and pleasing. When family groups are required in frames, this process is indispensable, for the Likeness can be distinctly seen across a room as accurately as though ’twas in the hand—and for persons who wish pictures to last—one that in fifty years hence will bring vividly to mind a perfect likeness of departed friends or relatives.  This process stands unequalled, and in range of every one in any circumstances in point of price.  In corroboration of this, you have only to call and examine specimens.

Paper Pictures Or Photographs.  These beautiful and also indispensable pictures, are a fac simile of steel plate engravings and when a number are required, they are much cheaper than the lowest price Daguerreotype, thus if one person wants 25 copies, a perfect likeness can be made at 50 cts. apiece, the largest size.

Daguerreotypes, In every Style Of The Art. Crayon, Stereoscope, light and dark background.  The Daguerreotype taken [in] this establishment, for the last 18 months rank with the best productions in the country to perfection of likeness, fleshiness of tone, position, artistic and for brilliancy of finish.  Persons who wish copies of old daguerreotypes of departed friends and relatives can have them accurately taken in either of the above styles.  Pictures neatly set in Breastpins, Rings, Lockets, &c., a variety of Fancy Cases, and full assortment of Gold Lockets always on hand and cheap.

Study your own interest and call on Addis over J. Nussbaunt’s confectionary.

P. S.—Persons who wish to learn Daguerreotyping, Ambrotyping or Photographing, and get a perfect knowledge of all chemical apparatus, &c., would do well to call on Addis.   

The third advertisement ran from December 11, 1856 to February 5, 1857.  Christmas Presents.  Remember Addis’ Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery Next door to the City Hall, Offers the greatest inducement in the way of suitable presents of any establishment in this city.  A large and fresh assortment of Fine Gold Lockets. Made to hold from 1 to 10 Daguerreotypes so that a whole family can be inserted in one locket; lockets purchased at this place are warranted and a large deduction made for the likeness, making the lockets filled with pictures cheaper by 40 per ct. than can be had elsewhere.

Fancy cases of every description both for Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Also a large lot of handsome Gilt Frames fresh from the manufactures, sold very little higher than cases.

Don’t forget if you wish anything in the Daguerreotype, Ambrotype or Photograph way to give Addis’ a call, where satisfaction is warranted at an extraordinary cheap rate. 

The fourth advertisement ran from January 22 to March 12, 1857.  Cheap:  Cheaper:  Cheapest!  75 Cts.!  75 Cts.!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes & Photographs, At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery:  (Next door to the City Hotel,) For 75 Cents!

Finely Colored, and put up in large size cases, and finely secured, and warranted as good if not better than any taken in this town for $2.

Ambrotypes & Melainotypes are precisely the same thing, bade by the same process and presenting the same appearance,—the only difference is, that Ambrotypes are made on glass, and Melainotypes on iron, the latter process being preferable for many reasons, It being impossible to break them, also being more sensitive to color, for beauty of which they far surpassnthe Daguerreotype.  They can plainly be seen in any light, can be cut to fit lockets, rings, breastpins, oval cases, or any style whatever.

In thus lowering the prices of my pictures, I merely act as my competitors did, when I first made my residence here, and I am now determined to be as cheap as any Gallery in Frederick, if not cheaper; and make as good Pictures as I ever made for double the price now asked for them; and would respectfully inform the many persons who have called at my room for low-priced Daguerreotypes, and been refused and sent elsewhere, to call again, and in place of Daguerreotypes I will give them Ambrotypes or Melainotypes, furnished in the most careful and durable manner.  For &5 Cents!  A large assortment of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames, and Fancy Cases, of every style, sold for nearly one half the regular price; in fact, a general reduction of everything.

Notice to Students.  All who wish to learn Ambrotyping, Melainotyping, Daguerreotyping or Photographing, can do so at my rooms for $20, and satisfaction guaranteed. An outfit, including instructions, camera and all materials, furnished for $64, and everything prepared so as to open a room one day after getting instructions.  ja.9.   

The fifth advertisement ran from February 12 to April 9, 1857.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Photographs, at Addis’ unequalled Sky-Light Gallery, for the sum of 75 cents.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 2 to 9, 1857.  Don’t Forget Addis’ Gallery, where you can get a Splendid Melainotype, done up in a fine case, and beautifully colored, for 75 Cents, warranted to give satisfaction.

Robert W. Addis is recorded in other directories but not in Frederick, Maryland.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. Craig used the1853-1854 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1853, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1854.

[3] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.  1855-1856 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1855, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1856.