Tag Archives: Honolulu Hawaii

Benajah Jay Antrim

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       Rose Lane, East side of King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Benajah Jay Antrim was recorded in two announcement and three advertisements in The Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii).  The first announcement appeared on March 10, 1855. 

Passengers.  By the Francis Palmer, from S. F.—B. J. Antrim.

The first advertisement ran from May 5, 1855 to May 3, 1856.  B. Jay Antrim, Daguerrean Artist, Located on Rose Lane, east side of King street, opposite the Bethel, Honolulu.

Pictures taken in every variety of the art, by the latest improved methods. 

The second announcement appeared on August 4, 1855.  The Honolulu Sailor’s Home.  Laying the Corner Stone.  The 31st of July, our Restoration Day was selected as a time appropriate for laying the Corner Stone of the Sailor’s Home.  We saw it all from our own window; it is not often the “makings” of news come so near to the newspaper office.  It was quite pretty looking down upon the well dressed crowd of people in carriages, on horseback and on foot…

Mr. Antrim took from one of our windows a daguerreotype picture of the scene at the moment the stone was being laid.    

The second advertisement ran from November 17, 1855 to February 16, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.  Prices Reduced at the Excelsior Gallery, located on Rose Lane, east side of King-street, opposite the Bethel Church.

Thankful for past favors, the undersigned takes this method of soliciting for a limited time, the patronage of the citizens and visitors of Honolulu, assuring them that strict application has been made to every new feature of the Art, calculated to finish first-class Portraits, Miniatures, and Views for all who may desire them, by the latest and most satisfactory mode of operating in the United States.  Gallery open from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Cloudy weather no detriment.

Call and examine the specimens of Rose Lane Gallery.  B. J. Antrim.

The third advertisement ran on April 5 & 12, 1856.  To the Citizens on Honolulu.  This is to inform the citizens Honolulu, that Mr. Benson, will continue the Daguerrean Art on Rose Lane, after April 14th, 1856.

We would return our sincere thanks to our patrons, and recommend Mr. B., as worthy of their patronage.  B. Jay Antrim, & co.

Benajah Jay Antrim is recorded in other photographic directories.

S. H. Williams

Retailer, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Honolulu, Hawaii.

S. H. Williams was recorded in two advertisements in the Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii) on March 18, 1848.  Flour, Hides, &c.  For Sale by S. H. Williams & Co. 300 barrels superior Columbia River Flour; 2000 Sandwich Island hides; 25 superior Sea Otter Skins; 67 Rolls 40 yards each 4×4 China Matting.

The second advertisement appeared on July 1, 1848  For Sale A Daguerreotype apparatus, with chemicals complete.  Apply to S. H. Williams & Co.

S. H. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It appears by the first advertisement that Williams was a purveyor of merchandise.

J. Thayer

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Merchant Street, over Office of Dr. Hunter, Honolulu, Hawaii.

J. Thayer was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in The Polynesian.  (Honolulu, Hawaii).  The first announcement appeared on July 12, 1851.  Daguerreotype Pictures—Now is the time to get good likenesses.  For the first time, Honolulu [is] found with an artist who can furnish daguerreotypes of superior quality.  Mr. J. Thayer has opened his rooms in the new building on Merchant Street, over the office of Dr. Hunter, where specimens of his [superb] pictures can be seen by all who are disposed [to] call.  Some of the impressions taken here, are as [fine] as any that have ever come under our observation and are just the thing to send to absent friends, or [to] keep at home.  Call and see for yourselves, and [there] is little doubt that you will sit for a picture.

Mr. Thayer is supplied with a variety of cases, [ ? ] beautiful design, for single pictures or groups.  See advertisement in another column.

The advertisement ran from July 12 to August 2, 1851.  Daguerreotype Pictures.—J. Thayer would inform the ladies and gentlemen of Honolulu, that he has taken rooms over Dr. Hunter’s office on Kaahumanu street, where he is prepared to take likenesses for a short time only.  No likenesses sold unless they give satisfaction.  Honolulu, July 12, 1851.

The second announcement appeared on August 16, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.—Mr. Thayer has given notice that he will continue but one month longer in Honolulu.  Those who wish to avail themselves of his skill in this beautiful art, and procure Good likenesses, would do well to call at once.  He has recently been crowded with sitters, and his pictures do credit to his skill, and prove his ability to do justice to his numerous friends.

J. Thayer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Hawaii in 1851.  A J. Thayer is listed in other photographic directories as being active in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1848-1849 it is unknown if they are the same person.

M. K. Smith

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1851                Merchant near Fort Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

M. K. Smith was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 27 to October 11, 1851 in The Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii).  M. K. Smith’s Daguerreotype Gallery, On Merchant, Near Fort St., Is now open for the reception of visitors.

M. K. Smith would respectfully inform the citizens of Honolulu, that after repeated experiments, he has succeeded in getting his apparatus into Prime Working Order, and is prepared to take likenesses “better than the best” and at prices lower than ever known on the Islands.

Operative hours from 9 a. m., to 4 p. m.  Satisfaction guarantied.

Matthew K. Smith is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Portland, Oregon in 1851.  Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865 also mentions smith being active in Honolulu in 1851.