Tag Archives: Middlebury Vermont

Whitmore & Porter

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1842                Rooms at the Tremont House, Claremont, New Hampshire.

1843                Rooms at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, Middlebury, Vermont

1843-1844       Room at the American Hotel, Room 6, 2d floor, Burlington, Vermont.

Whitmore & Porter (also spelled Whittemore) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in three different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 22, 1842 I the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).   Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We would call attention to the advertisement of Messrs. Whitmore & Porter in another column.—Those of our friends who may wish to have an exact impression of their faces transferred upon steel, can now have an opportunity.  We know nothing about the operation of the Daguerreotype, but the specimens show us are exceedingly beautiful, and such as could only  have been produced by one having a through practical knowledge of the instrument.  There is no quackery here, and if our citizens will favor the above gentlemen with a call, we will guarantee them a gentlemanly reception.

The first advertisement ran on April 22 & 29, 1842 in the National Eagle.  Pencil Of Nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Claremont, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at the Tremont House and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Claremont, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.  Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.                     

The second advertisement ran from June 28 to July 12, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Pencil of nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Middlebury, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of Nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.              

The second announcement appeared on July 5, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.—As our citizens have never before had an opportunity to witness specimens of this kind, and the manner in which faces and objects are painted by nature, as perfect as life, they will do well to call at the rooms of Messrs. Whitmore and Porter at Huntington’s where they will remain a few days.

When it was first announced to the world by the light of Heaven alone the most perfect and minute similitudes of nature’s works could be painted, it was deemed almost incredible.  But its reality is now as certain as human existence, and as like every other art in its infancy it is susceptible of vast improvements, it is likely to produce as great a revolution in pictorial productions, as steam in maritime operations.  Let the people gratify a laudable curiosity in relation to this wonderful art, by calling upon the gentlemen now at Huntington’s, who promise to render every attention necessary for the information of visitors. 

The third advertisement ran from December 15, 1843 to January 12, 1844 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont),  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mess. Whittemore & Porter, Respectfully inform the citizens of Burlington that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures at the American Hotel (Room No. 6, 2d. floor) and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Burlington specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s Pencilings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art—the light of heaven alone is the Pencil used.

N. B. Copies of paintings engravings &c. by the same process.  Instructions given and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.

Whitemore (Whittemore) & Porter are not recorded in other photographic as being active in  

New Hampshire or Vermont.

W. P. Russell

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, ,

1848                At The Drug Store, Middlebury, Vermont.

W. P. Russell was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 11 to March 7, 1848 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Plates, Cases, Chemicals, Cameras, Camera Stands, Head Rest, plate holders, Mercury Bath, Battery for gilding, &c. &c.

All the apparatus and materials for using the same, at Boston and New York prices for sale at the Drug Store of W. P. Russell.

W. P. Russell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

C. A. McPherson

Ambrotypes, ,

1856-1857       Rooms over R. L. Fuller’s Store, Middlebury, Vermont.

C. A. McPherson was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 26, 1856 to March 4, 1857 in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont). Ambrotypes.  C. A. McPherson, Thankful for past favors, would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Middlebury and vicinity, that he has returned to Middlebury and taken rooms over R. L. Fuller’s Store, Where he will be on hand at all times, to take Ambrotypes in the best manner.

Copies taken of Daguerreotypes and other pictures.

Please call and look at specimens.  Middlebury, Nov. 25, 1856.

C. A. McPherson is not recorded in other photographic directories. 

C. W. Baldwin

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1846-1847       Room at No. 7 Nichols’ Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

1846                Rooms at S. B. Flint’s, New Haven, East Mills, Vermont

C. W. Baldwin was recorded in one announcement and eleven advertisements in The Northern Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on October 27, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  To the lovers of the liberal arts, as well as to lovers of their own phizzes, we would say, call upon Mr. Baldwin at his room in Nichols’ Building, if you wish to see the finest specimens of the photographic art ever exhibited in this vicinity.  For clearness of outline, symmetry of development, and elegance of execution, the old Sun, in these pictures, shows himself equal to the best line engravers in the country.  Under the pupilage of Mr. Baldwin, he has arrived at length to a capability of delineation equal to any face, however beautiful, or to any phiz however ugly: indeed, from some specimens we have seen, we think the Sun is a ‘little ahead’ of Nature herself.  Call and see, at No. 7, Nichols’ Building, up stairs, where the artist will remain a few days.

The first advertisement ran from November 3 to 10, 1847.  ‘Secure the Shadow, Ere the Substance fades.’  Daguerreotype Gallery, C. W. Baldwin Has opened a room No. 7, Nichols Building, for a short time only, where the public can be accommodated with Miniatures of all sizes usually taken by this process. 

Mr. B. feels confident from former experience and uniform success in the practice of the art, that he shall be able to give perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken singly in pairs or groups, and done up in a great variety of styles.  Imperfect Likenesses altered,

By the aid of a new Chemical process, the most splendid results are obtained, giving to the likeness that color and life-like appearance so much desired.

All work warranted to give satisfaction, or the money refunded.  Instruction given; Stock and Chemicals furnished.

Ladies and Gentlemen are requested to examine his specimens.

The second advertisement was recorded on December 22, 1846.  The Picture Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

The third advertisement was recorded on December 29, 1846.  The Picture Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

N. B.  Mr. Baldwin will be absent from town from Thursday the 31st, until the Monday following.—Rooms at S. B. Flint’s, N. Haven, East Mils.

The fourth advertisement was recorded on January 12, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

The fifth advertisement was recorded on January 19, 1847.  “A Clear Stage And No Favor,”  The subscriber finding a happy state of society and warm friends in Middlebury, has given up all idea of quitting the place, and has determined to settle down for the balance of his natural life.  He will devote himself to the business of taking Daguerreotype pictures, and he is not a new hand at the work; he is confident of giving satisfaction to any who may call at No. 7. Nichols’ Building, on the bridge.  C. W. Baldwin.

N. B.—If there are any who want their pictures taken with an old fashioned finish, which has been discarded by the profession for three years, they can have them done at No. 7. as readily as any where else.—C. W. B.

The sixth advertisement appeared on January 26, 1847.  Attention The Universe!  I too, am up stairs near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in the same new style, and with the same new finish, I have the pleasure of informing the public, that this new discovery has been in my possession two years.  I have some specimens that are finished by this new process, and some that are finished in the modern style.  Call and see for yourselves.      C. W. Baldwin.

The seventh advertisement appeared on February 9, 1847.  Again Mr. Bacon has seen fit to mount me in the papers, as per advertisement.  Mr. Bacon has found out a new method in the art of finishing pictures.  This he has done by Beaconean induction, “after trying many experiments.”  Whether a saw mill or shingle factory, upon Ripton heights is the proper laboratory for chemical investigation, which our artist has not informed us; either has he disclosed, (except by his advertisement,) whether a saw mill is as favorable to grammatical and literary acquisitions, as it appears in his case to have been to the development of the fine arts, and watch cleaning.

The subscriber begs to add only, that he knows all about Mr. Bacon’s new finish, that he has long since discarded it with his old boots and shoes, but is ready to ‘pickiet’ and use it for any who may wish.  C. W. Baldwin. 

The eighth advertisement appeared on February 16, 1847.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The ninth advertisement ran from February 23 to March 2, 1847.  Positively Only One Week More!  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The tenth advertisement ran from March 9 to 16, 1847.  By request Mr. Baldwin will remain at his room a few days longer.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The eleventh advertisement appeared on March 23, 1847.  The Time Has Come Notwithstanding the entreaties of many good friends I shall stay but one week longer in Middlebury.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

C. W. Baldwin is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Benjamin Bacon

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1847                Rooms in Miss. Adam’s Building, upstairs, Middlebury, Vermont.

1847                Rooms at A. M. Goodrichs’, Whiting, Vermont

1850                Address Unknown, Ripton, Vermont.

Benjamin Bacon was recorded in six advertisements in The Northern Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont) and one advertisement in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement was recorded on January 5, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  Benjamin Bacon would inform the public that he has taken a room in Miss Adam’s building near the south end of the bridge for the purpose of taking daguerreotype miniatures and he would inform the public that he has a finish superior to anything yet discovered which makes the picture permanent and gives it a more brilliant appearance than anything heretofore discovered.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.  Imperfect Likenesses Altered.  The public are invited to call and examine for themselves.

Mr. B. has long been a resident of Addison Co., and he assures the public that anything coming from his hands will be done in a superior manner and warranted not to fade.  Room open on Monday next.                                                   

The second advertisement was recorded on January 12, 1847.  B. Bacon’s Picture Gallery Is now open in Miss Adams’ Building, up stairs, near the south end of the Bridge, where he will be happy to wait upon all those who favor him with a call.  Pictures put up in a new style and with a new and superior finish, which makes them permanent.  Mr. B. calculates to make a permanent stand in Middlebury and all his picture he warrants not to fade, if they do he will take them over again if they will return them or refund the money.

Also Clocks Watches and Jewelry cleaned and repaired in the best manner.

The third advertisement ran from January 19 to March 16, 1847.  Benjamin Bacon Continues his Daguerreotype business in Miss Adam’s building, up stairs, near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in a new style and with a new finish, which surpasses anything ever before offered to the public, giving the picture a higher luster and harder finish than any chemical process now in use in any other operation.  This is an invention of his own, and all those wishing to have perfect and permanent likenesses will do well to call and examine for themselves, before getting them at any other place.

Also The subscriber would solicit the patronage of the public in the line of Watch Cleaning and repairing.  Which he has commenced and intends to continue at the same place.  He will clean and repair watches in the best manner, and warrants the same.  Those who have hitherto employed him in this branch of business, can witness to his neatness and skill in performing it.   

The fourth advertisement appeared on March 2, 1847.  Benjamin Bacon Continues his Daguerreotype business in Miss Adam’s building, up stairs, near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in a new style and with a new finish, which surpasses anything ever before offered to the public, giving the picture a higher luster and harder finish than any chemical process now in use in any other operation.  This is an invention of his own, and all those wishing to have perfect and permanent likenesses will do well to call and examine for themselves, before getting them at any other place.

Also The subscriber would solicit the patronage of the public in the line of Watch Cleaning and repairing.  Which he has commenced and intends to continue at the same place.  He will clean and repair watches in the best manner, and warrants the same.  Those who have hitherto employed him in this branch of business, can witness to his neatness and skill in performing it.                                       

N. B.  By request I shall go to A. M. Goodrichs’ in Whiting to morrow. 3d inst., to take pictures for one week only.

I will also say that I will go to any of the neighboring towns for a few days, where they will raise a club of 20 or more that will have their pictures taken—and perfect satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.

The fifth advertisement ran from April 13 to May 11, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  I would inform the public that I am now in my Room in Miss Adams’ building where I shall stop but a short time in the exercise of my Daguerreotype art and Watch business as I have had many pressing invitations to go to different parts of the country.  Therefore all those wishing to have permanent pictures must call immediately.  Benjamin Bacon. Middlebury, April 12th, 1847.

The sixth advertisement was recorded on May 18, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  I shall stop in Middlebury only one week longer.  I have a splendid assortment of lockets.  Benjamin Bacon. 

The seventh advertisement ran from January 15 to May 21, 1850 in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  I will go any place in Addison County or vicinity, and take Likenesses by the improved Daguerreotype, of the most delicate execution, with one or two on a plate, and put them up in a silk velvet cases for $1.25, where any one will engage10 or more.  Any family or neighborhood wishing to have good and permanent Likenesses can have the same by addressing me at Ripton.  Benjamin Bacon.  Ripton, October 9, 1849.

Benjamin Bacon is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Whitmore & Porter

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1843                Rooms at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, Middlebury, Vermont

1843-1844       Room at the American Hotel, Room 6, 2d floor, Burlington, Vermont.

Whitmore & Porter were recorded in two advertisement and one announcement.  The first advertisements ran from June 28 to July 12, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Pencil of nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Middlebury, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of Nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.              

The announcement appeared on July 5,  1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press (Middlebury, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—As our citizens have never before had an opportunity to witness specimens of this kind, and the manner in which faces and objects are painted by nature, as perfect as life, they will do well to call at the rooms of Messrs. Whitmore and Porter at Huntington’s where they will remain a few days.

When it was first announced to the world by the light of Heaven alone the most perfect and minute similitudes of nature’s works could be painted, it was deemed almost incredible.  But its reality is now as certain as human existence, and as like every other art in its infancy it is susceptible of vast improvements, it is likely to produce as great a revolution in pictorial productions, as steam in maritime operations.  Let the people gratify a laudable curiosity in relation to this wonderful art, by calling upon the gentlemen now at Huntington’s, who promise to render every attention necessary for the information of visitors. 

The second advertisement ran from December 15, 1843 to January 12, 1844 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mess. Whittemore & Porter, Respectfully inform the citizens of Burlington that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures at the American Hotel (Room No. 6, 2d. floor) and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Burlington specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s Pencilings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art—the light of heaven alone is the Pencil used.

N. B. Copies of paintings engravings &c. by the same process.  Instructions given and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.

Whitmore & Porter are not recorded in other photographic directories.

C. E. Tapley

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852-1853       Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

1854                Address Unknown, Brandon, Vermont.

C. E. Tapley was recorded in five advertisements and mentioned in two other advertisements in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont). The first advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to February 23, 1853.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  C. E. Tapley would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury that he has taken Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, and fitted them up in a respectable manner, with a large Sky-light suitable for securing first class Daguerreotypes.  Mr. T. would therefore solicit the patronage of all who wish to obtain a good likeness of themselves or of friends; and in soliciting this favor he would assure the public that no pains on his part will be spared to afford entire satisfaction.  The demand for first class Daguerreotypes still continues, but it is a demand which can only be satisfied by the life-like, speaking likeness, well secured and well defined—a likeness which will remain fresh and beautiful when the lips of flesh in dust shall rest, and death’s pale film o’erspreads the beaming eye.  People are not satisfied with a mere shadowy representation of their faces—they say, give us a bold, well defined impression, or we want none; and I am glad it is so, for the people have in many cases been villainously imposed upon by men whose ignorance of the principles of this beautiful Art, and imbecility in its execution, are only equaled by their unrivalled impudence and assurance.—Mr. T. boasts not of any particular merit which he may or may not possess in this Art.  He respectfully asks the citizens of this place to call at his rooms and satisfy themselves by sitting for “a picture.”

By the aid of a large Sky-light, pictures can be taken in cloudy as well as fair weather.  Prices, from $1.00 to $5.00.  Sick or deceased persons attended at their residences. 

The second advertisement ran from March 2 to April 20, 1853.  Addison Skylight Daguerrean Gallery, In Mr. Stewart’s Building, A few steps South of the Post Office.  Likenesses taken at this establishment at all hours of the day, and in any kind of weather.

Daguerreotypes of children taken in from four to eight seconds.  The subscriber keeps constantly on hand a neat assortment of the best cases that can be found in the Daguerrean market, and he will put into them pictures which, for faithfulness of outline, depth and brilliancy of tone, and durability, he respectfully asks, not “all creation of operators,” but the operators of this section of the creation, to equal.  C. E. Tapley.              

P. S. Prices from $1.00 to $5.00.  Liberal deductions made to families.

The third advertisement ran from May 25 to July 13, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  The citizens of Middlebury are invited to call at the above Establishment, and examine the subscriber’s specimens of the Daguerreotype Art, many of which are faithful likenesses of respectable gentlemen residing in this village.  I would inform the people of M., that I have at considerable expense obtained, and am now using a chemical compound discovered by Mr. Hill, of New York, a man who has probably done more than all others towards bringing this beautiful Art to its present state of perfection.  I have used many compounds for producing the Daguerreotype but have never before used anything that would produce so fine a picture as the above; for proof of its superiority please call and examine some of my late work and if you wish for stronger demonstrations of its virtues just take a seat under my Sky-light, and in a few seconds I will give you an opportunity of convincing yourselves beyond a doubt.  C. E. Tapley.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from July 6 to November 9, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, In Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  As good a Daguerreotype Likeness can be obtained at this Establishment as at any other Gallery in Vermont.  C. E. Tapley, Artist.             

The fifth advertisement ran from November 2 to December 7, 1853.  Just Received At C. E. Tapley’s Daguerrean Rooms!  A New And Neat Assortment Of Miniature Cases which will be sold at prices which cannot fail to suit those who are in want of a picture of themselves or their friends.

Mr. T. would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and the surrounding country, that he shall positively close up his business here the 1st of January, 1854.  All therefore who wish for one or more of his faithful Daguerreotype Likenesses, should give him an early call, and he will guarantee to give them as good Pictures, as can be purchased at any Gallery in the State.

Remember The Place Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery Stewart’s Building, Over R. L. Fuller’s Store.  Remember Also, that I leave Middlebury soon, and that now is your only chance of getting your Pictures put up in the best style at prices that cannot fail to give satisfaction.  C. E. Tapley. 

First mention in an advertisement that ran from February 15 to October 25, 1854.  Daguerrean Gallery!  Doct. Brockway, has taken into partnership with him a young man, who will practice this Art and assist in Dentistry.

They have obtained the latest and most expensive and approved instrument and apparatus, and will have both Northern and Sky-Light, (regarded as the most perfect,) as well as a first rate assortment of Cases, both single and groups.  They will be in readiness to wait on Gentlemen and Ladies in this department after the present week.  Having the good will, the influence and instructions, of Mr. Tapley, known as a skillful artist, they expect to please, and of course enjoy the patronage of this community.  Josephus Brockway, Wm. W. Ormsbee.         Middlebury, Feb. 14, 1854.

The second time he was mentioned in an advertisement ran from October 25, 1854 to January 31, 1855.  The Best Daguerreotypes.  At the late Fair at Middlebury, the committee on Paintings, &c., Mr. Battell, chairman, (the celebrated portrait painted, Mr. Mason, by invitation, advising) made the following Awards:

1st best Daguerreotypes, W. W. Ormsbee, $2

2d best (being but two exhibitors) Gillmore, 1.

The pictures exhibited by Ormsbee were his 2d best, as they were duplicates; persons sitting having taken their choice.  Several were likenesses of the last graduating class.  This class were at great pains to obtain the best, as they were to be multiplied and perpetuated by lithograph copies.  The reputation of Tapley attracted them to Brandon; but not quite satisfied, some of them set to Gilmore, but after full trial a majority sent to New York for lithographing were of those taken by Ormsbee, the rest were by Tapley.

Five only of the sixteen exhibited were taken with any reference to the Fair.  To judge of pictures, the difference in the eyes of Ormsbee’s and Gillmore picture could not fail to attract attention.  Ormsbee’s present a clear, well defined eye, Gillmore’s owing probably to his instrument, doubly refractory quality, besides giving an eye imperfectly defined, produces one or more extra white spots apparent in all the pictures on exhibition by Gillmore with one exception.

Ormsbee’s rooms are at the dwelling of Doct. Brockway, Dentist.

N. B.  Ormsbee’s Camera is one of the most modern and perfect furnished by the Present market.

C. E. Tapley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Charles E. Tapley is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857-1860.  See tomorrow’s post.

O. A. Taft

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Rooms in Stewart’s Block, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

O. A. Taft was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 1 to December 28, 1859 in

The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont).  O. A. Taft, Ambrotype Artist, Stewart’s Block, Main St., Middlebury, Vermont.  Rooms up two flights of stairs.

O. A. Taft is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in 1860 in Middlebury, Vermont.

A. J. Severance

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1848-1849       Rooms at Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

A. J. Severance was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The advertisement ran from March 27 to April 24, 1849.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  A. J. Severance would announce to the citizens of Middlebury that having purchased the apparatus and other “fixins” of O. Severance &, he is now ready to take Likenesses on short notice, at the old stand of O. Severance & Brother, in Miss Adams’s building.  The subscriber having been patronized liberally thus far, has determined on stopping until the 10th of April,—longer than that will depend upon circumstances.

A splendid lot of Lockets, just received.                   

The announcement appeared on June 12, 1849.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  A. J. Severance, would announce to the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity that he has concluded to remain in town during the session of the Court, and no longer.

All wishing Likenesses will do well to avail themselves of this last opportunity.   

A. J. Severance was recorded in yesterdays post as part of the partnership of Severance & Brother.

Severance & Brother

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848-1849       Rooms in Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

Severance & Brother (O. & A. J.) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement ran from December 5 to 26, 1848.  O. Severance & Brother, Daguerrean Artist, Occupying rooms in Miss Adams’s brick building, would respectfully announce to their friends, both in the village and surrounding country, that they are prepared to furnish Pictures in every respect equal to any that can be obtained and superior to those generally received.  We feel confident that we can satisfy the most difficult cases.  Give us a call, and if you are not satisfied there will be no charge.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Instruction given in the art, and Apparatus furnished, Charges moderate. 

The first announcement appeared on January 2, 1849.  2 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second advertisement ran from January 9 to 16, 1849.  1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second announcement appeared on January 30, 1849.  Positively 1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The third advertisement ran from February 13 to March 20, 1849.  O. Severance & Brother Are still at their rooms in Miss Adams’s Building, and will remain in town but a Few days longer, to practice taking Daguerreotype Pictures.

A press of business has prolonged our stay in town.  If the good people of Middlebury and vicinity desire our work, they will call sometime within a week, if not, we shall set our faces in some other direction.

O. Severance & Brother are recorded in other photographic directories.