1854-1864 299 ½ Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
1864 163 & 173 Washington Streety, Boston, Massachusetts.
1866-1872 375 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
1874-1900 Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.
1853 August 4. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 4, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 183, P. 2.
Arrivals At The Principal Hotels Yesterday…
Quincy House…W. H. Getchell, Ogdensburg, N. Y.
1854 March 10. Boston Daily Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 10, 1854, P. 2.
Gas Explosion on Washington Street—Two Persons Badly Injured. Last evening, about 8½ o’clock, a dangerous accident occurred in the daguerreotype establishment of Messrs. Masury & Silsbee, 299½ Washington street, in the following manner: While in the process of forming a “Drummond Light” for the purpose of illuminating pictures to be daguerreotyped, the gas bag which was in use suddenly exploded, with so violent a concussion that the two persons who were standing upon it were thrown several feet distant and severely injured, while the entire glass of the large skylight and seven windows of the room was broken out, together with the sashes, and a rent made in the partition wall near where the bag laid, besides some other slight damage to the operating apparatus and fixtures of the room.
The explosion made a loud report, which was heard for a considerable distance, and the effect upon the six persons in the room was completely stunning; and it is quite remarkable that no more were injured, and that the destruction of property was not far greater.
The gas-bag was made of three thicknesses of strong cotton cloth, thoroughly saturated with India-rubber. It was capable of holding 70 gallons of hydrogen, with which it was about half filled when the accident occurred. It is supposed that the evaporation of the India-rubber produced a sufficient amount of oxygen to cause the explosion by the union of the two gasses, as no fire came in contact.
Mr. Samuel Masury, one of the firm, and Mr. William H. Getchell, an operative in the establishment, who were standing on the bag, were thrown with great force, the one upwards to the ceiling, and the other across the room. Mr. Masury lost his left eye, and his forehead and face were badly cut. He was taken to his residence and is under the care of Dr. Bigelow, who sewed up his wounds, Mr. M. manifesting the greatest fortitude during the operation. Mr. Getchell’s left ankle was fractured, and his right foot badly crushed. He is under the care of Dr. Cabot.
Mrs. Masury and Mr. Silsbee were among the persons present in the room who escaped injury. We learn that the accident will not occasion any interruption to the business of the enterprising firm, as their establishment embraces several other rooms.
1854 March 11. The Boston Daily Atlas. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 11, 1854, Vol. XXII, No. 215, P. 2.
The Gas Explosion.—It appears that the accident on Thursday evening at Messrs. Masury & Silsbee’s rooms, was caused by the burning of a large bag containing eighty gallons of Hydrogen gas, from the heavy pressure of weights, and of two gentlemen standing on it. The experiment was to take daguerreotypes by means of the Drummond light, and the escaped gas instantly taking fire, exploded. There were six persons in the room at the time, including Mrs. Masury. Mr. Silsbee was not injured, as stated yesterday, But Mr. Masury had one of his eyes actually blown from his head, while Mr. W. H. Getchell had besides many severe bruises, one of his ankles fractured, and his foot badly crushed. The wounded men were removed to their homes, and were yesterday as comfortable as could be expected.
1854 March 11. Boston Semi-Weekly Advertiser. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 11, 1854, Vol. CI, No. 7620, P. 2.
Local Matters. [Report for the Boston Daily Advertiser.] Accident.—About half-past eight o’clock on Thursday evening, as Messrs. Masury & Silsbee, 299 Washington street, were experimenting in their Daguerrian Gallery, with the new process of taking miniatures with the Drummond light, a bag containing eighty gallons of hydrogen gas, burst; the gas, taking fire, exploded, seriously wounding Mr. Masury, and Mr. William H. Getchell. Mr. Masury received a severe gash on his forehead, extending into the inner corner of his left eye, which was entirely destroyed, and he was otherwise injured. Mr. Getchell had one of his ankles fractured, and his foot badly crushed. The wounded men were removed to their homes and surgical assistance obtained. The violence of the explosion made a complete wreck of the furniture of the room, shattered several windows, and the skylight overhead.
The Gas Explosion. We have already mentioned that a serious gas explosion took place at the “daguerrean gallery” of Messrs. Masury & Silsbee, No. 299½ Washington street, on Thursday evening. It was Mr. William H. Getchell, and not Mr. Silsbee, that sustained a broken leg. Mr. Silsbee, through present, escaped injury. The accident occurred in this wise: While in the process forming a “Drummond Light” for the purpose of illuminating pictures to be daguerreotyped, the gas bag which was in use exploded with so violent a concussion that the two persons who were standing upon it—Messrs. Masury and Getchell—were thrown several feet. Mr. Masury was thrown against the ceiling, and Mr. Getchell across the room. Mr. Masury lost his left eye, and his forehead and face were badly cut. Mr. Getchell’s left leg was fractured and his right foot badly bruised. There six other persons, including Mrs. Masury, in the room at the time of the accident, but they escaped. The Transcript states that “the gas bag was made of three thicknesses of strong cotton cloth, thoroughly saturated with India-rubber. It was capable of holding seventy gallons of Hydrogen, with which it was about filled when the accident occurred. It is supposed that the evaporation of the India-rubber produced a sufficient amount of oxygen to cause the explosion by the union of the two gases, as no fire came in contact.”
1854 March 15. Boston Daily Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 15, 1854, P. 2.
Recovering From Injuries. Mr. Masury, the daguerreotype artist, is fast recovering from the injuries received a few days since by the gas explosion at his saloon on Washington street. His assistant, Mr. Getchell, who was also seriously injured, is improving slowly. He received severe bruises, which he did not notice much for some days, but was not internally injured, as at first feared.
1854 March 15. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 15, 1854, No. 9572, P. 4.
Recovering From Injuries. Mr. Masury, The daguerrean artist, is fact recovering from the injuries received a few days since by the gas explosion at his saloon on Washington street. His assistant, Mr. Getchell, who was also seriously injured, is improving slowly. He received several bruises, which he did not notice much for some days, but was not internally injured, as at first feared.
[Reported for the Boston Daily Advertiser.] Accident.—About half-past eight o’clock on Thursday evening, as Messrs. Masury & Silsbee, 299 Washington street, were experimenting in their Daguerrian Gallery, with the new process of taking miniatures with the Drummond light, a bag containing eighty gallons of hydrogen gas, burst; the gas, taking fire, exploded, seriously wounding Mr. Masury, and Mr. William H. Getchell. Mr. Masury received a severe gash on his forehead, extending into the inner corner of his left eye, which was entirely destroyed, and he was otherwise injured. Mr. Getchell had one of his ankles fractured, and his foot badly crushed. The wounded men were removed to their homes and surgical assistance obtained. The violence of the explosion made a complete wreck of the furniture of the room, shattered several windows, and the skylight overhead.
1857 March 14.. The Flag Of Our Union. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 14, 1857, Vol. XII, No. 11, P. 5.
Marriages…By Rev Dr. Stow, Mr. William H. Getchell to Miss Sarah Hartwell.
1857 November 12. Boston Daily Ledger. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 12, 1857, No. 269, P. 2.
Notice.—The copartnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Masury, Silsbee & Case, is by mutual consent this day dissolved. The business of the firm will be settled at the usual place, 299½ Washington street, by Jno. G. Case, who has sole authority to do so. Masury, Silsbee & Case. Boston November 10, 1857.
Notice.—The undersigned have this day formed a copartnership to carry on the Photographic and Daguerreian business, which will hereafter be pursued under the firm, name and style of Silsbee, Case & Co. Geo. M. Silsbee, Jno. G. Case, Wm. H. Getchell. Boston November 10, 1857.
Advertisement was recorded on November 12 & 14, 1857.
1858 June 2. Boston Daily Ledger. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 2, 1858, No. 431, P. 2.
299½ Washington street, Boston, June 1, 1858. Desiring to return our thanks to the public, which for many years has so liberally patronized us in our Photographic Gallery, And wishing to inform our patrons that we are, as ever heretofore, ready to execute their orders in every branch of the Photographic Business, we beg leave to state that at the old stand, No. 299½ Washington street, We have increased, to the greatest possible extent, our facilities for the successful prosecution of our profession, and can furnish Pictures Taken In The Highest Perfection Of The Art, finished in Water Colors, Oil, India Ink, and Pastel, by our well known corps of Experienced and Talented Artists, Which remain the same as ever since the opening of our Rooms. Mr. Silsbee still gives his personal attention to the coloring department and Mr. Getchell (having entered into our copartnership) being the principal Photographic artist, each assisted by the ablest assistants and the Most improved Of Modern Apparatus.
N. B. Our friends and the public are respectfully informed that we are the proprietors of all Photographic Negatives taken for the past seven years at this establishment, and that at our gallery only duplicate pictures may be obtained, where we shall be happy to receive all who desire any services in our branch of art. Respectfully yours, &c. Silsbee, Case & Co.
Advertisement was recorded five times between June 2 to 11, 1858.
1858 July 1. Boston City Directory. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 1, 1858, P. 47. Published by Adams, Sampson & Co. 1858.
Silsbee, Case & Co., The Attention of the Public is Called Particularly To A New Style of Portraits, which we are now taking, called Photographs, Which are Daguerreotypes on Paper, canvas, or Glass, and are taken of all sizes, from the smallest, to life size, and colored in Oil, Water, or India Ink, far excelling in point of likeness all other styles of portraiture. We are also making beautiful Daguerreotypes, which for clearness, style and beauty of finish, cannot be excelled. To this branch of our business we respectfully call your attention. Another style of Miniature which is pleasing to many, and in some respects preferable, is the Hallotype, which we are always prepared to take; and in either of the above branches of our Art, we will always give satisfaction.
Our Gallery Is At 299½ Washington Street, Boston, And Is Up But One Flight Of Stairs.
Wm. Getchell, John G. Chase , Geo. M. Silsbee.
1858 September 4. Boston Shipping List. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 4, 1858, Vol. XVII, No.2, P. 4.
Silsbee, Case & Co. Photographs and Daguerreotypes. Desiring to return our thanks to the public, which for many years has so liberally patronized us in our Photographic Gallery, And wishing to inform our patrons that we are as ever heretofore ready to execute their order in every branch of the Photographic Business, we beg leave to state that at the old stand, No. 299½ Washington street, We have increased, to the greatest possible extent, our facilities for the successful prosecution of our profession, and can furnish Pictures Taken In The Highest Perfection Of The Art, finished in Water Colors, Oil, India Ink, and Pastel, by our well known corps of Experienced and Talented Artists, Which remain the same as ever since the opening of our Rooms. Mr. Silsbee still gives his personal attention to the coloring department and Mr. Getchell (having entered into our copartnership) being the principal Photographic artist, each assisted by the ablest assistants and the Most improved Of Modern Apparatus.
N. B. Our friends and the public are respectfully informed that we are the proprietors of all Photographic Negatives taken for the past seven years at this establishment, and that at our gallery only duplicate pictures may be obtained, where we shall be happy to receive all who desire any services in our branch of art. Respectfully yours, &c. Silsbee, Case & Co. je16. Advertisement was recorded six times between September 4 to October 2, 1858.
1860 April 27. Manuscript Letter from William H. Getchell to Andrew Patch (Chris Steele’s Collection)
As a member of Silsbee, Case & Co. Photograph And Daguerreotype Artists, 299½ Washington Street, Boston wrote to Mr. Andrew Patch Harvard, Mass. Dear Sir. I will make duplicate photographs from any of those that I made for you for $1.00 with out frames or 2.00 with such frames as you had on those of yours for the Lodge at anytime that they may be wanted,
Respty yours, Wm. H. Getchell.
P. S. I have all the Negatives so they have just to send me the name of the ones they want.
1862 December 8. Boston Morning Journal. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 8, 1862, Vol. XXX, No. 9194, P. 3.
Dissolution Of Copartnership. The firm heretofore existing under the style of Silsbee, Case & Company is this day dissolved.
J. G. Case and W. H. Getchell are alone authorized to settle the affairs of the above firm. G. M. Silsbee, J. G. Case, W. H. Getchell. Boston Dec. 3, 1862.
The Business heretofore carried on by the above firm, will be continued by John G. Case and William H. Getchell, under the style and firm of Case & Getchell.
Advertisement ran from December 8 to 13, 1862.
1862 December 13. The Commercial Bulletin. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 13, 1862, Vol. IV, No. 206, P. 3.
Changes in Business in Boston. Since our last we have the following changes in business, &c., to record:—
Silsbee, Case & Co., Photographers; dissolved; G. M. Silsbee retired; now—Case & Getchell.
1862 December 13. The Commercial Bulletin. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 13, 1862, Vol. IV, No. 206, P. 3.
Dissolution Of Copartnership. The firm heretofore existing under the style of Silsbee, Case & Company is this day dissolved.
J. G. Case and W. H. Getchell are alone authorized to settle the affairs of the above firm. G. M. Silsbee, J. G. Case, W. H. Getchell. Boston Dec. 3, 1862.
The Business heretofore carried on by the above firm, will be continued by John G. Case and William H. Getchell, under the style and firm of Case & Getchell.
1863. Boston Directory. (Boston, Massachusetts.) n. p.
Case & Getchell, Photographic and Daguerreotype Artists. Photographs of All Sizes. From Miniature to Life Size, and finished in India Ink, Oil, Water, and Pastile Colors. Our rooms Are At 299½ Washington Street, …Boston, up one flight of stairs. J. G. Chase, W. H. Getchell
N.B.—Duplicate Photographs can be obtained at any time. Also, we are paying particular attention to the very popular picture “Carte de Visite.”
1863 January 2. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 2, 1863, P. 2.
The Lilliputian Queen of Beauty. Cartes de Visite of Miss. Lavinia Warren, the lady in miniature, to whom Barnum offered $100 per week and was refused, taken only by Case & Getchell, 299½ Washington street.
Advertisement ran three times between January 2 to 5, 1863.
1863 January 3. Boston Morning Journal. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 3, 1863, Vol. XXX, No. 9216, P. 2.
Worth her Weight in Gold. The only Cartes de Visite taken in Boston of the charming little beauty, Miss Warren, who caused such a sensation at the Parker House, were taken in all her various elegant costumes by Case & Getchell, 299½ Washington street.
1863 February 5. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 5, 1863, Vol. XXXV, No. 10,059, P. 2.
Elegant Photographs. In passing through Washington street every person should notice a superb photograph, of Imperial size, of J. Wilkes Booth, now on exhibition in the window of Thompkins’ druggist store, at the corner of Winter street. It is an elegant specimen of the art, being remarkably smooth and clear in outline and feature, and well worthy of examination. The picture is from the studio of Messrs. Case & Getchell, (late Silsbee, Case & Co.) who have gained a well earned reputation for superior photographs and cartes de visites.
1863 February 12. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 12, 1863, Vol. XXXV, No. 10,065, P. 2.
Lilliputian Wedding. Cartes De Visite of Mr. & Mrs. Gen’l Tom Thumb, taken from life by Case & Getchell, and now for sale at 299½ Washington st.
Advertisement ran five times between February 12 to 17, 1863.
1863 February 12. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 12, 1863, P. 2.
Lilliputian Wedding. Carte de Visites of Mr. and Mrs. Gen Tom Thumb, taken from life by Case & Getchell, and now for sale at 299½ Washington street.
Advertisement ran from February 12 to 16, 1863.
1863 April 4. Boston Morning Journal. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 4, 1863, Vol. XXX, No. 9293, P. 2.
Extensive Alterations. The late fire, by which Messrs. Case & Getchell, the celebrated photographers at 299½ Washington street, were so seriously inconvenienced, is after all to be productive of considerable good. With characteristic centerpiece those gentlemen have improved the opportunity to completely refit, somewhat enlarge, and make more attractive than ever their popular rooms. For several years past they have done a very large business, and step by step were obliged to enlarge the sphere of their operations. An additional room on the right of their reception gallery was first taken, then a large building at the rear was wholly occupied, and more recently another apartment, for the accommodation of a second operator, was opened. These are the natural results of unusual capacity, as well as of marked loyalty to their own obligations and the wants and tastes of customers alike. Their rooms, as they look now—enlarged, recarpeted, newly decorated, and richly embellished—could hardly be recognized by a person formerly frequenting them, and we think must be an object of considerable interest for some weeks to come. If any one has a doubt of the remarkable popularity of this establishment, let him just step in at the first convenient moment and take a look at Messrs. Case & Getchelle’s “Engagement Book.”
1863 November 30. Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 30, 1863, P. 5.
Buckley’s Serenaders. New Minstrel Hall. Corner of Summer and Chauncy streets. Change of Time. Evening at 7½; Saturday at 2¼ .
Laughing Song—Polka D’Afric—Lisping Song—The Happy Octogenarian—Gold vs. Postage Stamps—Billy Paterson—The Much Abused Trovatore.
Opera Week. Case & Getchell.
Doors open at 6 in the evening; Saturday afternoon at 1. Ticket office open from 10 A. M. to 1 P. M. Tickets 25 cts. Reserved Seats 50 cts.
1864. Boston Directory. (Boston, Massachusetts.) n. p.
Case & Getchell, Photographic and Daguerreotype Artists. Photographs of All Sizes. From Miniature to Life Size, and finished in India Ink, Oil, Water, and Pastile Colors. Our rooms Are At 299½ Washington Street, …Boston, up one flight of stairs. J. G. Chase, W. H. Getchell
N.B.—Duplicate Photographs can be obtained at any time. Also, we are paying particular attention to the very popular picture “Carte de Visite.”
1864 February 8. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 8, 1864, Vol. XXXVI, No. 10,368, P. 3.
Major General Burnside and McDowell have visited the Photographic Galleries of Messrs. Case & Getchell, and J. W. Black, the last week, where several fine portraits in cabinet and card size have been taken. The cabinet size of both are excellent. That taken by Mr. Black can be seen at the store of Messrs. J. E. Tilton & Co., and the other at Messrs. Case & Getchell’s. The card pictures of both artists are also very fine.
1864 March 2. Boston, Daily Advertiser. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 2, 1864, Vol. 103, No. 52, Whole No. 15,450, P. 1.
Fire.—The alarm about 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon was caused by fire in the photograph rooms of Messrs. Case & Getchell, No. 299½ Washington street. A bottle of collodion was accidentally dropped in the chemical room, and the fumes instantly ignited from the gas, filling the apartment at once with flame. Messrs. W. H. Getchell, Asa B. Eaton and Edwin Gossam were burned in the hands and face, the first two quite seriously. The damage to the establishment is slight.
1864 March 2. Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 2, 1864, P. 4.
Explosion And Accident In A Photographic Saloon. The alarm of fire at twenty-five minutes before one o’clock, this afternoon, proceeded from a slight fire in the photograph rooms of Case & Getchell, No. 299½ Washington street. The fire was caused by an explosion of chemicals in the “dark room” of the establishment, and we regret to say that several persons were injured thereby. Mr. A. B. Eaton, one of the operators was badly burned about the face and hands, being in the room at the time. Mr. Wm. H. Getchell, of the firm of Case & Getchell, had his hands badly burned and his hair scorched, and a young m,an named Edwin Gossam also had his hands burned. Several other persons, one of whom was Mr. R. Bishop Buckley, of Buckley’s Minstrels, who chanced to be in the operating rooms, narrowly escaped serious injury. The fire was put out with a few buckets of water, and the damage to the building was comparatively small.
1864 March 2. Boston Morning Journal. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 2, 1864, No. 9577, P. 4.
Fire And Accident. An alarm about half-past 12 o’clock yesterday afternoon, came from the photograph saloon of Messrs. Case & Getchell, 299½ Washington street, and was caused by the accidental ignition of some chemicals, in a room in which were several persons at the time. The fire was extinguished with but little damage to the building or stock, but Messrs. Wm. H. Getchell, Asa B. Eaton and Edwin Gossin (sic.) were burned about their faces and hands, the two first named quite severely.
1864 June 15. Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 15, 1864, P. 3.
Notice. All persons having unsettled accounts with the firm of Case & Getchell, Photographers, 299½ Washington street, are requested to make immediate payment, as our business must be closed by July 1st, 1864, on account of the removal of the building.
Photographic Partnership. It will be seen by reference to an advertisement in another column, that the firm of Case & Getchell has been dissolved and that a new copartnership has been formed between J. W. Black and J. G. Case, under the title of Black & Case. The Combination, in one firm, of two such eminent photographers, cannot but have a marked effect in attracting business to their establishment.
Dissolution Of Copartnership. The Copartnership heretofore existing between the subscribers, under the the style of Case & Getchell, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.
Either party is authorized to settle the partnership business and may be found at 163 and 173 Washington street, at the establishment of Black & Case.
All persons indebted to said late firm of Case & Getchell are requested to make immediate payment as above. J. G. Case, W. H. Getchell.
Business Changes, In Boston…
Case & Getchell, Photographists, dissolved. J. W. Black and J. G. Case for a new firm under the style of Black & Case.
1864 July 2. Boston Morning Journal. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 2, 1864, No. 9,682, P. 3.
Important Notice. We beg to announce that we have purchased the entire Stock of Photographs published by the late firm of Case & Getchell, and we have also completed arrangements with the well known and justly celebrated Artists, Black & Case, (J. W. Black) (Case & Getchell) for the Exclusive Sale of their large collection of Photographs. In addition to our already Extensive Catalogue, this will make the Largest Photograph List In The United States. Trade and Agents supplied at lowest market prices. John H. Bufford & Sons, Printsellers, Publishers & Lithographers, [213] Washington st., Boston, Ma.
1864 July 16. Commercial Bulletin. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 16, 1864, VI, No. 288, P. 2.
–The interests of two of the largest and most popular firms engaged in the photograph business in Boston, have recently been united. The form of Case & Getchell having been dissolved and a new firm formed by Mr. John G. Case and J. W. Black, under the style of Black and Case, Mr. Getchell assuming superintendence of an important speciality (sic.) in the new firm. Both of these parties have attained a high reputation in the photographic art, and a stronger combination of skill, latest improvements and experience cannot be imagined. All negatives, &c, of Case & Getchell, can be found at the establishment of the new firm, No. 000 Washington street.
1865 September 16. Commercial Bulletin. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 16, 1865, VII, No. 349, P. 2.
Changes In Business In Boston…
Getchell & Brownell, Photographers; new firm—W. B. Getchell & A. C. Brownell.
Brownell & Cahill, Photographers; dissolved.
1865 September 20. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 20, 1865, Vol. XXXVII, No. 10,864, P. 2.
Opening Of The Mechanic Fair. This exhibition of the mechanic arts begun at noon today, with every indication of its being a thorough success.,,
Six tables have been placed on the floor of the hall, the sides of which have been divided into twelve alcoves. Alcove 8 to 12 inclusive, on the north side, are devoted to specimens of the skill of our photographic artists, as follows:
No. 8—Messrs. Black & Case;
No. 9—Augustus Marshall;
No. 10—E. L. Allen;
No. 11—J. A. Whipple;
No. 12—Getchell & Brownell.
1865 September 23. Boston Semi-Weekly Advertiser. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 23, 1865, Vol. 125, No. 8824, P. 1.
Mechanics’ Fair Tenth Exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association…
Section Two…
The entire east side of the hall is occupied by the exhibition of photographs, embracing five (sic.) collections from Black & Case, Fuller & Smith, A. Sonrel, T. R. Burnham, E. S. Allen, J. A. Whipple, Getchell & Brownell, S. Masury, and John P. Soule.
1865 September 27. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 27, 1865, Vol. XXXVII, No. 10,870, P. 5.
Tenth Exhibition Of American Manufactures, New Inventions & Work Of Art, Under The Direction Of The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association, At Faneuil And Quincy Halls…
Alcove No. Twelve. Samuel Masury has several beautiful specimens of Painting on Porcelain which are worthy attention. Messrs. Getchell & Brownell display Photographs of excellent finish—amongst them, views of the Old Mill at Newport, Niagara Falls, and Suspension Bridge; also a case of Card Photographs, one of which represents an open book,—the execution of the picture being so clear that the page can be read without the aid of glasses. The book has a book-mark in it with the motto “Firm and True;” underneath are the Square, the Rule, and the Compass.
1866. Boston Directory. (Boston, Massachusetts.) P. 634.
W. H. Getchell, (Late firm Case & Getchell), Photographic Artist, 375 Washington Street, Boston, Next Door South Of Adams House.
Special attention given to taking pictures of Children, without extra charge. Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes copied and enlarged to any desirable size.
1866 January 25. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 25, 1866, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10,970, P. 3.
The Copartnership heretofore existing between W. H. Getchell and A. C. Brownell, Photographers, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All business of the late firm will be settled by W. H. Getchell, at his rooms, No. 375 Washington st.
1866 February 24. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 24, 1866, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 10,996, P. 3.
W. H. Getchell. 375 Washington Street. Pictures taken in all styles of Photographic Art. Photographs, Porcelainotypes, Cartes De Visites or Pictures In Imperial And Life Size.
The best Artists employed in finishing Photographs. Satisfaction guaranteed to all customers.
1868 May 12. Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 12, 1868, P. 4.
Affairs About Home. Report of the Grand Jury for Suffolk County reported this morning 75 bills of indictment…
John Dillon, larceny of photographic pictures, the property of Edward L. Allen, Wm. H. Getchell and John A. Whipple; also a watch and chain and banknotes belonging to Sarah B. Thayer.
1869 August 26. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 26, 1869, Vol. XLII, No. 12,078, P. 2.
Crawford’s Beethoven In Music Hall is regarded as one of the very finest works of modern art. Thousands have studied it, as it stands, representing the thoughtful majesty of the great composer. A remarkably excellent photograph of this statue has been taken by W. H. Getchell, 375 Washington street. It is printed with clearness and makes a beautiful picture. Copies are for sale by Mr. Alfred P. Peck, the owner of the copyright, at the ticket office of the hall.
1872 July 30. Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 30, 1872, P.1.
By Albert Howe, Auctioneer. Fixtures and Furniture of a Photograph Room at Auction, 375 Washington st. Will be sold at public auction This Day, July 30, 1872, at 10 o’clock A. M., all the articles contained in the photograph rooms of Wm. H. Getchell, consisting of Brussels carpet, 2 sofas, easy and other chairs, 1 bookcase, 1 counter, 1 silver show case, 1 centre table, lot drawers and shelves, lot of picture frames, 500 lights of glass, lot of painted carpet, curtains, lot iron stair treads, 1 large Magee stove and funnel, 1 desk. All to be sold and taken away on the day of the sale.
1910 August 16. Boston Daily Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 16, 1910, Vol. 81, No. 190, P. 3.
Recent Deaths: Boston Oldest Photographer. Old-time maker of daguerreotypes took earliest pictures of Charles Sumner and Adelina Patti.
William H. Getchell, considered as Boston’s oldest photographer, died at his home, 19 Nixon Street, Dorchester, yesterday afternoon aged eighty-one years. In the Getchell home is a remarkable collection of pictures of Boston’s most famous citizens and visitors of more then fifty years ago. Among the pictures is the first photograph ever taken of Charles Sumner as well as the first of Adelina Patti.
Born in Hallowell, ME. And reared in Bangor, ME. Getchell was left an orphan at an early age and was adopted by a family which moved to Washington, Ill. At the age of eleven Mr. Getchell came to Boston and learned the trade of daguerreotype-making from Masury & Silsbee, whom he later succeeded as a member of the firm of Case & Getchell. His studio was located at what was then on Washington Street, at a point where Temple Place later was extended to that Street. Mr. Getchell always declared that the old-fashioned daguerreotype was the only faithful reproduction of the human features ever devised other forms of photography he contened, excelled in concealment of expression.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 