Tag Archives: Mr. Allen

Mr. Allen

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847 Rooms at Mr. Silas T. Ketcham’s, Huntington, New York.

Mr. Allen was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York). The announcement appeared on July 2, 1847. Daguerreotypes. –we wish to add our moiety of praise to Mr. Allen’s specimen’s of this art.  To those who wish a facsimile of the “human face divine,” we would say, procure one without delay—and we know of no better way of paying a real compliment to a Lady, than to solicit her picture, and no greater acceptance of one’s own.  It strikes us, this would be an admirable manner of “popping the question”—and to those who intend visiting our village on the 5th, we would say call on Mr. Allen, we can vouch for his ability in the art.  The specimens we have examined, are sufficient recommendation of his efficiency.  See advertisement in another column.

The advertisement appeared on  July 2, 1847.  Allen’s United States Branch Daguerrian Gallery, Is now open at Mr. Silas T. Ketcham’s, in the village of Hunting, where he will that Daguerreotype portraits in the best manner.  Having by long experience in the business [ ?  ] improvements that have been made in the art, both in this country and in Europe—together with some valuable discoveries he has made in the art, enabled him to guarantee a Likeness not to be surpassed.

Copies taken from portraits, and painted, or Daguerreotype miniatures.

He will take likenesses for insertion in Rings, Breast Pins, Lockets or Bracelets.       

Lockets, Rings and Breast Pins for Daguerreotypes, on hand, which he will sell at reduced prices.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Huntington, and the public in general are invited to call and examine his specimens.  Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather, and in all cases warranted perfect or no charge.—likenesses taken of the sick or deceased persons, at their residences, on the shortest notice.

N. B. Instructions given in the art.  Apparatus, chemicals of every kind, furnished at the lowest cash prices.                                          

Mr. Allen is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Huntington, New York in 1847.  It is possible this is William A. Allen active in Brooklyn, New York in 1848. And in New York City in 1849-1852.

Mr. Allen

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

A Mr. Allen appears in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat, on December 24, 1846 at 43 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.  There is also a Mr. Allen recorded in The Long Islander, published in Huntington, N.Y. on July 2, 1847 at Mr. Silas T. Ketcham’s.  It is conceivable to think that the two possibly are the same person.

In the Long Islander advertisement he states that he has had long experience in the business.  He takes likenesses for insertion in rings, breast pins, lockets or bracelets, and makes copies from paintings, portraits and daguerreotypes.  Likenesses taken of the sick or deceased persons, at their residences, on the shortest notice.  He also offers instructions in the art, and has rings, breast pins, lockets, and bracelets also apparatus and chemicals of all kinds for sale.

Is the statement that he has had long experience in the business hype or has he been active in the business for a number of years? In trying to identify who Allen might be and verify activity dates a search of photographic directories and histories turned up nothing.  Of the twenty six Allen’s that are listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry William A. Allen is the only possibility, based on location and activity dates, his first entry is 1848-1849 at the corner of Bridge and Tillery Streets in Brooklyn.  Two other daguerreian’s E. A. Allen who I posted a couple of day ago was in Burlington, Vt. In 1841, and William Allen who was listed in Batavia, N.Y. in 1848-1849, which is over 350 miles away.  But again without additional conclusive information this is only speculation.