Tag Archives: Harrison & Holmes

Cary, Preston M.

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1843-1849       Rooms in the Sterling Block, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1849                211 and 128 Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

1849-1851       Corner Bryan Street and Market Square, Savannah, Georgia.

1850                Sterling Block, Bridgeport, Connecticut

1850                187 Broadway, New York, New York.

1851                Water Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1852                Corner Main and State Streets, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1853                407 Broadway, New York, New York.

1853                Corner Bryan Street and Market Square, Savannah, Georgia.

1843 August 8.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 8, 1843, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1738, New Series Vol. II, No. 84, P. 3.

Splendid Colored Daguerreotypes.  Single or in groups, taken by Cary at the Sterling Block.

Advertisement ran from August 8 to December 5

1843 August 22.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 22, 1843, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1740, New Series Vol. II, No. 86, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.—This method of taking likenesses, is one of the most astonishing discoveries of the age.  Had the discovery been made in the seventeenth century, the author would no doubt have been regarded as a witch, and perhaps been hung or burnt at the stake.  The improvements that have been recently made in the art, are very great.  Not only are the form and features correctly given, but those taken by Mr. Cary, now at Sterling’s Building, give also, to a remarkable degree, the colors of the face.  We examined some dozen or more likenesses, in an unfinished state, at his room, last week, and were surprised at the improvement in this respect.  Some of them were almost as true as life.—We recognized every face with which we were acquainted, at the very first glance.  Among the number, were the likenesses of two children, (brother and sister,) on one plate.—They were complete.  Mr. Cary remains here another week.  

1844 March 12.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  March 12, 1844, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1769, New Series Vol. III, No. 115, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  See advertisement of Mr. Cary.  He does the business right.  No Mistake.  Give him a call.

1844 March 12.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  March 12, 1844, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1769, New Series Vol. III, No. 115, P. 3.

Daguerreotyping.  Mr. Cary will remain a few days longer, and will happy to execute Likenesses for all who may be disposed to avail themselves of his services.

Having recently made the most astonishing Improvement in the art of finishing portraits, he is now prepared to furnish them true to nature, and equal in beauty to the finest painting.  He would also inform the public that his time of sitting is from 10 to 45 seconds, being about one-eighth of the time usually occupied by ordinary bunglers in the art; this enables him to catch not only the outline of the individual setting, but the expression of countenance, which cannot be transferred where a person is obliged to sit from 3 to 5 minutes.  Groups of from 2 to 10 persons taken in the same time.

Rooms in the Sterling Block.

Mr. C. has taken the agency of the new and improved instruments, and can furnish instructions to any who may desire to become good operators.

Advertisement ran from March 12 to 19, 1844.

1844 March 26.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  March 26, 1844, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1771, New Series Vol. III, No. 117, P. 3.

The Daguerreotype Process.—Messrs. Editors:  There is no memorial of a departed friend so valuable as an accurate picture that will recall those features which are once so familiar.  This new process affords the means of procuring such a picture by the sitting of a few seconds, which in beauty and accuracy, much exceeds the ordinary miniature painted on ivory.  What can be more accurate than the shadow of an object we would copy, and I am sure nothing can be more beautiful than the colored daguerreotypes, which Mr. Cary of the Sterling Buildings is every day preparing for those who visit his rooms.

This process may be considered as having reached its perfection, for I am sure no one can see the pictures which Mr. Cary furnishes by the aid of the pencil, without feeling that no greater accuracy or beauty, could possibly be attained.  So it appears to me.  Observer.

1844 April 16.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  April 16, 1844, Vol. XXXV, No. 1774, New Series Vol. III, No. 120, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Cary will remain in this city till 25th inst.  Those who want their likenesses taken right should give him a call.

1844 April 30.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  April 30, 1844, Vol. XXXV, No. 1776, New Series Vol. III, No. 122, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  “Catch the shadow ere the substance fades.”  Mr. Cary respectfully announces to the citizens of Bridgeport and vicinity, that, finding it impossible to meet all his engagements within the time specified for his departure, he has concluded to remain a few days longer, and in connection with Mr. E. Punderson, has taken rooms formerly occupied by Dr. Merritt, in Sterling Building, where they are now ready to take likenesses in a manner which cannot be surpassed by any operator in the United States.

1844 December 3.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  December 3, 1844, Vol. XXXV, No. 1808, New Series Vol. III, No. 143, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mr. Cary respectfully announces to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Bridgeport, that he has reopened his rooms in the Sterling Block, and will be happy to wait on all who would have an accurate likeness.

Having recently made very great improvements in the art of Daguerreotyping, he is prepared to furnish a more finished Picture than can be obtained in any other city.

Persons who have had Pictures taken can have them retaken at a trifling expense. 

Instructions given and all the necessary apparatus furnished.

Advertisement ran from December 3 to 17, 1844.

1845 October 11.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  October 11, 1845, Vol. XXIX, No. 1503, P. 3.

Premiums Awarded By The Hartford County Agricultural Society.  Oct 4th, 1845…

Specimens In Fine Arts And Arts…

A Silver Medal to Cary & Stancliff, for Daguerreotype Specimens.

1846 June 20.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  June 20, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1539, P. 1.

Improved Colored Daguerreotype Portraits and Miniatures.  Messrs.  Cary & Stancliff are now executing Pictures, by a new process, that are pronounced by critics to be far superior to any thing of the kind ever offered in this State.  This we submit to the public.

Portraits of Deceased Persons copied accurately.

Likenesses taken After Death, in city or Country.

Correct Likenesses of Infants taken in5 or 6 seconds, in a clear morning.

Ordinary Daguerreotype operators, and persons wishing to learn the art, will find it an object to become acquainted with our new process.

Pictures taken equally well in Cloudy or Fair Weather.

Materials, Chemicals and Apparatus furnished and warranted.

The public room is open and free for visitors from 8 A. M. until 6 P. M.  We respectfully solicit a visit to our collection.  Cry & Stancliff, corner of Main and Pearl sts., over Olmstead & Co.  May 30.

Advertisement was recorded twelve times between June 20 to November 7, 1846.

1846 September 15.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  September 15, 1846, Vol. XXXV, No. 1900, New Series Vol. IV, No. 246, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mr. Cary would respectfully give notice to the inhabitants of Bridgeport and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the Sterling Block, where he is prepared to furnish Portraits to all who would have a beautiful picture, either in cloudy or fair weather.

Likenesses of young children taken from 2 to 4 seconds.

Instructions given, and all the important apparatus furnished.  [Sept. 1.]

Advertisement ran from September 15 to October 20, 1846

1847 June 22.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  June 22, 1847, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1940, New Series Vol. VI, No. 286, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Cary’s Daguerreotype Rooms, Sterling Block,—4th Story.

Advertisement ran from June 22 to August 31, 1847.

1847 August 3.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 3, 1847, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1946, New Series Vol. VI, No. 292, P. 3.

The Daguerreotype Art is one of the most astonishing discoveries of this astonishing age.  Portraits accurate as life itself, are now taken in a twinkling, almost.  Mr. Carey, at Sterling Block, is one of the best operators the country affords.  His pictures are the very best specimens of the art.  We have never seen any equal to his.  He remains in town a few days longer,  Those who want good likenesses, true to nature, should give him an immediate call.

1847 August 24.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 24, 1847, Vol. XXXVII, No. 1946, New Series Vol. VI, No. 295, P. 3.

Go to Carey’s, if you want a good Daguerreotype Portrait.  His Pictures are the best we have ever seen.  We do not believe a better operator can anywhere be found.

1847 August 31.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 31, 1847, Vol. XXXVII, No. 1946, New Series Vol. VI, No. 296, P. 3.

Mr. Carey leaves town to-day, to be gone one or two weeks.  Those who wish good Daguerreotypes, should give him an early call on his return.

1847 September 21.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  September 21, 1847, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1953, New Series Vol. VI, No. 299, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Cary’s Daguerreotype Room, is re-opened for a few days previous to his leaving for the South.

All persons indebted to him for Portraits will settle the same without further notice.

Advertisement ran from September 21 to November 2, 1847.

1848 July 4.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  July 4, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 1994, New Series—VII, No. 340, P. 3.

Cary’s Daguerreotype Rooms, Sterling Block, No. 14.  Mr. Cary would respectfully give notice to the citizens of Bridgeport and vicinity, that he is now prepared to execute Daguerreotype Portraits in his most admired style.

Rooms open from 9 A. M. to 5 o’clock, P. M.

Perfect likenesses of young children (of any age) may be taken between the hours of 1 and 3, P. M., in from one to three seconds’ sitting.

Instruction given in the art, and all his recent improvements thoroughly taught.

Advertisement ran from July 4 to December 5, 1848.

1849 May 29.  American And Commercial Daily Advertiser.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  May 29, 1849, Vol. XCIX, No. 17,289, P. 3.

Broadbent & Cary’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 211 and 128 Baltimore Street.

Advertisement ran from May 29  to August 6, 1849.

1849 May 30.  American And Commercial Daily Advertiser.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  May 30, 1849, Vol. XCIX, No. 17,290, P. 3.

Local Matters.  Reported for the American…

Beautiful Daguerreotypes.—We have recently [examined] with much pleasure the very beautiful specimens of Daguerreotyping, executed by Messrs, Broadbent Cary, No. 128 Baltimore street.  These gentlemen, with a perfect knowledge of the art, have availed themselves of the latest improvements made in France and Germany, and now produce a perfect likeness, [which] by the aid of a little colouring, is made to bear [a close] resemblance to a finely executed miniature.—[those] who will take the trouble to examine their [speci ?] will at once acknowledge their great excellence.  [The] rooms of Messrs. Broadbent & Cary are neatly [prepared] for the reception of ladies and gentlemen, and [ ? ] great pains they take to afford entire satisfaction to [those] who favor them with their custom, commends [them] strongly to public patronage.

1849 June 13.  American And Commercial Daily Advertiser.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  June 13, 1849, Vol. XCIX, No. 17,302, P. 2.

Left at The Daguerreotype Rooms of Broadbent & Cary, in the American Office Building, a Bead Purse containing Money, and other articles which the owner can have by paying for this advertisement.

1849 October 2.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  October 2, 1849, Vol. XXXIX, No. 2059, New Series—VIII, No. 405, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Carey remains at Sterling Block ten day longer.  Persons who wish good likenesses will please give him a call.

Advertisement ran from October 2 to November 13, 1849.

1849 October 31.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  October 31, 1849, Vol. XLVII, No. 256, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  The Subscriber has made an arrangement with P. M. Carey, to take charges of his Daguerreotype Establishment, this season, and request all who want a good Picture, to call at his rooms, corner of Bryan-street and Market-square.

Mr. Carey’s merits as an artist are too well known to require comment.  T. T. Wilmot.

1849 December 3.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  December 3, 1849, Vol. XLVII, No. 283, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  T. T. Wilmot would respectfully announce to the inhabitants of Savannah, that Mr. Cary has arrived and is prepared to execute Likenesses in the most splendid style.

His Portraits are pronounced by Artist and the best judges, to be unequalled.

Rooms corner of Bryan-st. and Market-square.

Advertisement ran from December 3 to 14, 1849.

1850 February 15.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  February 15, 1850, Vol. XLVIII, No. 39, P. 2.

It will be seen by Mr. Cary’s advertisement, that he has resumed the business of taking Daguerreotypes.  Mr. C’s. work has always given entire satisfaction, and with his recent practice in New York and elsewhere, it can hardly be doubted that he excels in the art more now than ever.

1850 February 15.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  .  (Savannah, Georgia.)  February 15, 1850, Vol. XLVIII, No. 39, P. 2.

Beautiful Daguerreotypes.  Cary’s Daguerreotype Rooms are now open, over the Jewelry Store of the late T. T.  Wilmot, corner Bryan-street and Market -square.

Operating Hours from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.

Children’s Likenesses (at any age) taken from one to three seconds sitting.

Advertisement ran from February 15 to March 21, 1850.

1850 June 1.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  June 1, 1850, Vol. XLVIII, No. 128, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary returns his thanks to the citizens of Savannah for the liberal patronage bestowed upon him during the past season, and would respectfully give notice that his Rooms will close in 10 days.

Advertisement ran on June 1 & 3, 1850.

1850 August 19.  Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 19, 1850, Vol. 1, No. 97, P. 2.

It is hardley necessary for us to refer to the advertisement of Mr. Cary.  His Daguerreotypes are among the best in the country.

1850 August 19.  Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  August 19, 1850, Vol. 1, No. 97, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary would respectfully give notice that he has reopened his rooms, in the Sterling Block, where he would be happy to wait on my persons who may wish their portraits taken by him.

Advertisement ran from August 20 to September 11, 1850.

Daguerreotypes. 

M. A. & S. Root, 363 Broadway, for the best daguerreotypes.  Silver medal.

J. Gurney, 189 Broadway.

Meade Brothers, 233 Broadway.

Harrison & Holmes, 289 Broadway.

D. E. Gavit, 247 Broadway.

C. M. Cary[1], 187 Broadway.

For excellent daguerreotypes, no difference being perceptible to the Judges.  Silver medal to each.

Meade Brothers, 239 Broadway, for superior chemically colored daguerreotypes.  Diploma.

Minors’ Work.

Thomas B. Atkins, 219 Fulton-street, Brooklyn, for daguerreotypes.  $5 and a certificate.

1850 October 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 25, 1850, Whole No. 5980, P. 1.

Premiums Awarded at the Fair of the American Institute.  We give to-day a continuation of the list of premiums, of which we had not space for insertion yesterday.  To-morrow, we shall conclude it entire and make what comments we judge proper on the whole affair. 

Silver Medals:

Langenheim & Co., New York, best Talbotypes.

M. A. & S. Root, New York, Best daguerreotypes.

J. Gurney, New York, second best daguerreotypes.

Meade & Brothers, New York,  do           do.

Harrison & Holmes, New York, do           do.

D. E. Gavit, Albany, N. Y.,         do           do.

C. M. Cary1, New York,             do           do.

1850 November 25.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  November 25, 1850, Vol. XLVIII, No. 295, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary would respectfully give notice to the public that he has re-opened his Rooms, Corner Bryan-street and Market-square, (over Wilmot’s Jewelry Store,) where he will be happy to wait upon all who would have their Pictures wall executed.

A Daguerreotype of Jenny Lind may be seen at his Rooms.

Advertisement ran from November 25, 1850 to May 24, 1851.

1851 September 3.  The Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  September 3, 1851, Vol. 2, No. 105, Whole No. 258, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary would respectfully give notice that he has taken the rooms of C. S. Middlebrook, Water-St. (for a few days only) where he would be happy to wait upon any person who would have their pictures well taken.  aug25.

1851 September 9.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  September 9, 1851, Vol. XLI, No. 2159, New Series—X, No. 506, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary would respectfully give notice that he has taken the rooms of C. S. Middlebrook, Water-St. (for a few days only) where he would be happy to wait upon any person who would have their pictures well taken.  August 25, 1851.

1851 October 22.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  October 22, 1851, Vol. XLIX, No. 248, P. 2.

Passengers…Per steam packet Gordon, from Charleston—Mrs. Cary and Child…P. M. Cary.  

1851 October 28.  The Savannah Daily Republican.  (Savannah, Georgia.)  October 28, 1851, Vol. XLIX, No. 253, P. 2.

P. M. Cary would respectfully give notice that he has re-opened his gallery (corner Bryan-street and Market-square) where he would be happy to wait on all persons who would have a superior picture.

For Sale.—A fine assortment of Plates and Cases, of the finest quality.

Advertisement ran from October 28 to December 31, 1851.

1852 October 6.  Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  October 6, 1852, Vol. 3, No. 117, Whole No. 427, P. 3.

Bank Place Daguerrian Gallery, Corner Main and State sts.  Opposite the Franklin House, Bridgeport.—This Establishment has obtained a reputation, unequalled for good Daguerreotypes.  P. M. Cary, having now returned from the South, has connected himself with the above named place for a short time,—whose reputation as an artist is well known; and we would say that we are now prepared at all hours and all weather to serve those who may wish to “Secure the shadow before the substance fades.”

The Likenesses produced at this Establishment are remarkable for their life-like appearance and Durability of Impression.

N. B.—A good Likenesses guaranteed in every case, or no charge made.

Advertisement ran from October 6 to December 22, 1852.

1853 July 19.  The Evening Post.  (New York, New York.)  July 19, 1853, Vol. LII, P. 3.

Passengers Arrived…In the steamship Florida, from Savannah—…P. M. Cary…

1853 October 22.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 22, 1853, Whole No. 7602, P. 5.

Cary & Perkins’ Daguerreotypes Taken daily at 407 Broadway, and corner of Bryan street and Market square, Savannah, Ga.

Advertisement ran on October 22 & 23, 1853.

1853 October 24.  Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  October 24, 1853, Vol. 4, No. 125, Whole No. 592, P. 2.

Cary & Perkins, Daguerreotypists, No. 407 Broadway, New York, And Savannah, Geo.

Advertisement ran from October 6, 1853 to June 5, 1854.

1853 October 24.  Tri-Weekly Standard.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  October 24, 1853, Vol. 4, No. 125, Whole No. 592, P. 2.

Cary & Perkins, Daguerreotypists, No. 407 Broadway, New York, And Savannah, Geo.

Advertisement ran from October 24, 1853 to June 5, 1854.

[1] Probably Preston M. Cary.

L. M. Cyrus

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1843                231 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                  1850                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

L. M. Cyrus was recorded in two advertisements in 1843 and two announcements in 1850. The first advertisement ran from March 16 to April 17, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken, With All The Beauties Of Natural Colors, And On A Large Size, By Doctor L. M. Cyrus, 231 Broadway, Up Stairs.  Likenesses taken every day, from early morning until 3 o’clock, P. M.

The second advertisement ran from May 10 to June 15, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photograph Portraits.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus, the inventor of this new art produces by it not only a correct likeness of the original portrait, but a so purity of design a brilliancy of coloring, which far surpass the chief d’oeuvres of the most celebrated artists, whether ancient or modern.—Grateful for the encouragement he has received from his numerous friends and the public generally, Dr. L. M. Cyrus would fain inform them that he has fitted up, for the accommodation of ladies, a suite of rooms in park Place House, corner of Broadway, where he trusts his skill in his profession, and his attention to all who may honor him with their favors, will insure him a continuance of the patronage hitherto so liberally bestowed on him.

The Doctor gives instruction in every department of the Daguerreotype and Photographic art.  Instruments for taking portraits on a large or small scale, for sale, as also the necessary chemical preparations for taking the portraits in Phytographs or colors.  Terms moderate.

The first announcement appeared on June 29, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  New Discovery in the Daguerreotype Art.—Dr. Cyrus has invented an Electro Galvanic Buff for polishing plates, and preventing them from oxidizing, in every variation of atmosphere.  This buff gives a sensitiveness to plates heretofore unknown, and enables the operator to take pictures in less than half the ordinary time of sitting.  Harrison & Holmes have purchased a right in this new discovery, and will prove the importance of it to all who may demand fine pictures, at their rooms, in the Lafarge building, 289 Broadway.

The second announcement appeared on July 25, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Daguerreotypist.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus’ newly invented Buff, has been reduced to the very low price of ten dollars, in order to place it in the power of all operators [eo] purchase.  None genuine, except signed by Scoville Mfg. Co., 57 Maiden Lane.

  1. M. Cyrus is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1850-1851.

Silas A. Holmes

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

Why write about Silas A. Holmes? I knew he was important because he patented the stereoscopic camera in 1854, and while research the New York Daily Tribune I also could not help but see the similarities in the style of advertising between Holmes and other photographers like Tyler and Company and C. R. Rees.  Interesting that there is a connection and the common denominator is C. R Rees.  As I explore the time line below many question still are left unanswered about Rees and the possible partnership with Holmes.  How long did Rees stay involved with Holmes at 289 Broadway?  Did Rees take over the business after Harrison & Holmes partnership ended?  Another question is who was G. Holmes? Was this a typo or someone else operating at 289 Broadway? As I continue researching the Tribune and other newspapers I hope to answer some of these questions.

To date I know little about Holmes’ early years from the newspapers. There was an advertisement signed by S. A. Holmes, News Agent, Park Row on January 1, 1847, but there is no proof that this is Silas A. Holmes the Daguerreotypist.  John Craig[i] records him as being active in 1848-1849 at 289 Broadway in partnership with Charles C. Harrison.  I suspect that John was looking at one directory dated 1848-1849, not a single directory dated 1848, and another one for 1849.  Recent discovery in the Evening Post dated July 17, 1848 announces the partnership and gallery at 289 Broadway.  An advertisement appears on December 2, 1850 for Holmes with no mention of Harrison, and a second advertisement that appears on January 7, 1851 that he is late Harrison & Holmes.  The first newspaper accounts in the New York Daily Tribune for him was on March 26, 1851 and reads in part that he has a fine establishment with two splendid sky-lights, is long and well experienced in the art, and also stated that he charges moderate prices.

On September 13, 1851 in an advertisement in the New York Daily Tribune he states that Forty Thousand Daguerreotypes sold at Holmes’s Gallery, No. 289 Broadway, in five years.  The last line of the ad says that all the rooms are on the fourth floor of 289 Broadway, late Harrison & Holmes.  This brings up the fact that Holmes was in business at 289 Broadway in 1847.  It is unknown if the partnership with Harrison started that early but it is a safe bet that the partnership probably ended in late 1850 based on the advertisement of December 2, 1850.

The first mention (to date) of Charles C. Harrison was in the New York Daily Tribune on April 26, 1851. It mentions that Gurney is using a powerful instrument manufactured in this city by C. C. Harrison.  On October 28, 1851 an article appears about Harrison’s cameras and that he won a gold medal at the Fair at Castle Island, the following day the list of Premiums awarded at the Fair and Harrison’s address is listed at 85 Duane Street.

October 1, 1851 Holmes advertises that he has taken Daguerreotypes of the Monuments, Tombs, and Vaults in Greenwood Cemetery and that duplicate copies can be purchased at his gallery. Later that month October 29th he is awarded a silver medal at the American Institute Fair for his views taken at Greenwood.  The following day he announces that he can be found at the cemetery until he has taken pictures of the entire collection.

If you look at Craig’s work he states that Holmes was listed in New York City from 1848-1860, at 289 Broadway from 1848-1859, from 1859-1860 at 691 Broadway. He goes on to say that he was a partner in Rees & Co., Ca. 1853.  No advertisement for Holmes have been recorded between November 13, 1852 to June 2, 1854 in a partnership or alone.  His advertising has been to this point sporadic, there will be several ads in a month and then he won’t advertise for several month.  Always the advertisements only run for one day.[ii]  Craig reports that Rees was active in New York from 1853-1855.  From 1853-1855 at 289 Broadway and also listed in as being active at 385 Broadway in 1854-1855.

The first advertisement for Rees & Co. appears in the New York Daily Tribune on December 8, 1852—Rees and Co. advertise 25 Cent Daguerreotypes, No. 289 Broadway, that they are taking pictures by a new process late from Germany, with the application of machinery which enables them to take 150 pictures daily. On December 30 they advertise 150 to 300 daily.  On April 26, 1853 he advertises again—The Two Shilling Daguerreotype System originated by Rees & Co., with their new German process and power plate machine to take 300 pictures daily, proves the greatest feature in art of all modern improvements—it upsets the old fogies in the profession and the small potato clique who attempt to rival and imitate their work.  Some nude professors of model artist notoriety, who claim years of famous experience in the art, wake up amazed that a poor German gentleman with enterprise and invention, should have introduced a system of picture-making which no rival can imitate, and with which it is leading him on to fame and fortune, notwithstanding the fog and fogyism and inventions of the enemy.  Rooms No. 289 Broadway.

In a June 9th 1853 advertisement Rees states that they are doing 300 pictures daily and that they are using a German invention of machine power and rotary chemical apparatus to make their images. January 23, 1854 they are now making 400 daily pictures. March 22, 1854 advertisement—Great Improvement In Daguerreotyping.—The New York Daguerreotype Company have invented a double working Camera to take two portraits at once together with other improvements.  They are now taking 500 pictures daily, at 25 cents and upwards.  The last advertisement for Rees (by name) appeared on July 8th Wanted—The whole world of humanity to know that the first quality Daguerreotype Portraits are taken by Professor Reese, No. 289 Broadway. It’s interesting to note that there is no mention of Holms in any of Rees’s advertisements.

On May 30, 1854 Holmes was granted a patent No. 10,987 for taking stereoscope or other daguerreotypes, also referred to in advertisements as the Double Camera for taking two portraits at once. The question is what was Rees’s connection in this?  We might never know.  What is known is that the two shared the same address, 289 Broadway.  There must have been a connection or a partnership between the two based on the March 22 advertisement announcing the double camera.  The similarities in the advertisements between Rees; Tyler & Company and Holmes is hard to overlook and needs further research.  The terminology is very similar.  A lot of the advertisements found for Rees in both New York and Richmond, Virginia and Tyler also in Richmond, and in Memphis, Tennessee, use the same terminology “600 hundred (or more) taken daily” and they all are using the double camera and machine/steam power to make their images.

In the June 2, 1854 advertisement for Holmes the following ad appears. New Invention In Daguerreotyping.—By reference to the last list of patents granted May 30, 1854, S. A. Holmes, the Daguerreotypist, No. 289 Broadway, has been honored with a patent for his invention of the Double Camera for taking two portraits at once.  Rights of use, manufacture and sale of the Double Cameras for sale by the proprietor at his office.  No. 289 Broadway.

For the next several months Holmes advertises that he is taking 25 cent daguerreotypes, stereoscopic pictures and sun pictures. On March 28, 1855 he starts using the term Depot of Art to describe the gallery.  On May 2, 1855 the advertising takes a different twist—Photograph   Portraits for $1 to $5—Daguerreotypes 25 and 50 cents; Stereoscope Pictures, $1.  Taken by Holmes’ United States Patent Double Camera.  Depot of the New York Picture Club composed of 20 Artists taking 600 daily by German Steam Power, No. 289 Broadway.

On May 24, 1855 the following ad appears for the 289 Broadway address—Irish Artists—25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Prof. Buffer of Dublin has arrived with his celebrated company of 25 Irish picture-makers, and has taken bunks at 289 Broadway for the season. Buffer & Co.

So far I have recorded 80 advertisements between June 2, 1854 – June 25, 1856. There are fifteen different ways the studio is identified.  20 times by the address only, 289 Broadway; 6 times by Depot of Art, 289 Broadway;  3 time by The Picture Factory, 289 Broadway; 1 time by the Depot of Economical Pictures, 289 Broadway;  9 times by Holmes, 289 Broadway;  1 time by the Irish Artists, 289 Broadway, Buffer & Co.; 2 times New York Picture Co., 289 Broadway; 1 time by Wholesale Picture Depot, 289 Broadway; 1 time as the Picture Company, 289 Broadway;  2 times as the Sky Parlors, 289 Broadway;  12 times as the Artist Club, 289 Broadway;  2 times as Holmes Art Depot , 289 Broadway;  3 times Depot of Machine Portraits, 289 Broadway;  5 times as Depot at 289 Broadway; and twice as G. Holmes.  What’s going on?

On August 1, 1855 Mathew Brady is the first to introduce Ambrotypes to New York.

On August 13th William Augur Tomlinson announces that he also is making Ambrotypes and that he holds Cuttings patent rights.  Repeatedly advertises this fact as Brady and others advertise that they are making Ambrotypes.  On October  11th, Holmes advertises New Discovery In Art—Portraits on Glass—Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, offers to the people a new style of Sun Pictures termed the “Lampratype”[iii]  While Holmes is not using the term Ambrotype technically they are Ambrotypes.

Several week later on November 1 the following advertisement appears. $200,000 have been saved to the people, and the subscriber has made a fortune out of the Original Twenty-Five Cent Daguerreotypes, No. 289 Broadway, and he will now sell the entire Picture Factory to any responsible party and retire from the interesting excitement appertaining to Life in a Daguerreotype Room.  Holmes.

It’s not known if Holmes sold his gallery, the advertisement ran only one time, according to Craig he was listed at 289 Broadway until 1859, in addition his name does appear on the advertisements after this date. The real question is does C. R. Rees have anything to do with the gallery after 1855?  In correspondence with D. A. Serrano author of an article entitled Southern Exposure! The Life and Times of C. R. Rees & Co.  One of Rees’s expressions is the word fogyism which appears several times the last appears on November 24, 1855.  One hundred years ahead of time—Daguerreotypes—one shilling—No. 289 Broadway—the revolutionary community of picture makers, and headquarters of the Artists’ Club, composed of twenty members, who repudiate, fogyism and borrowed thunder.

I had the opportunity to look at five New York City Directories 1856-1857; 1857-1858; 1858-1859; 1859-1860 and 1860-1861. Unlike most of the directories from Massachusetts there was no business directory, but there were a few advertisements.  First looking in the residence listing for Silas A. Holmes  1856 directory list him as a Daguerreotyper at 289 Broadway; 1857 as an Artist, 289 Broadway; 1858 as a Photographer at 289 Broadway; 1859 he is listed as gallery, 691 Broadway, late 289 Broadway; and the 1860 list him as photographs 395 Broadway.  No advertisements were found in the city directories for Holmes in the 1856-1859 directories.  The 1860-1861 directory for The Holmes Gallery Of Photographic Art, 691 Broadway, New York.  Photographs, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Miniatures in Oil;, Ivorytypes, Cameotypes, &c.  Stereoscopic Portraits of Family Groups taken as they appear in their own Parlors, Gardens, or Parks.  Portraits of Private Residences, Houses, &c. taken to order. G. D. Morse, Proprietor.

The research continues…as new information is found I will update the blog…I am working on the July 1856 issues of the New York Daily Tribune.

 

Activity Dates:

Silas A. Holmes

Ca. 1847-1859                   289 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                         1859-1860                          691 Broadway, New York, New York.

Charles R. Rees

*[iv]

1850                                    Address Unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.[ii]

1851                                    Corner Main & Eighth Street, Richmond, Virginia[V]

1852-1854                          289 Broadway, New York, New York.

1854-1855                          385 Broadway, New York, New York.[iv]

1857-1859                          139 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1858                                    39 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

1858                                    Address unknown, Memphis, Tennessee.

1859                                    145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

 

[i] The reason I often cite John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry is that he like all of us who worked on photographic directories in the 1980 & 90’s we checked, verified and recorded all the various sources that were available to our specific state or area of interest.

[ii] This is an ongoing project and only a few of the New York newspapers (to date) have been reviewed.  Advertisements found for daguerreians in the New York Daily Tribune on average usually only advertise a single time. There are the occasional exceptions Gurney & Fredericks advertise every other day for several week up to a month or so at a time, also Samuel Root’s gallery possible after he left for Iowa in 1855 would advertise the same advertisement for several days and weeks in a row.  Several others Gurney, Tomlinson, Welling and others have advertised two or three times in a row. 

[iii] The Lampratype.  A new and ingenious plan has been devised and successfully carried into practice by Mr. S. A. Holmes, of New York, of rendering Ambrotypes much darker in the dark portions of the picture, and whiter in the white portions. For distinction, he has named them Lampratypes. Information from Ambrotype Manual: A Practical Thesis On The Art Of Taking Positive And Negative Photographs On Paper And Glass, commonly known as photography, in all its branches.

[iv] The Daily Dispatch. (Richmond, Virginia.)  May 5, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 107, P. 2.  Old Rees has had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati….

[v] Article Southern Exposure!  The Life and Times of C. R. Rees & Co. by D. A. Serano.

[vi] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.