Tag Archives: New York City

Abraham B. Sands

1844                273 Broadway, New York, New York.

Abraham B. Sands was recorded in two advertisements in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on July 15, 1844.  Daguerreotype Chemicals.—Johnson’s Prepared Bromine and Chloride of Gold, Hypo Sulph Soda, Chloride of Iodine, Bromine, Tripoli.  Chloride of Gold, and every Chemical required in the Daguerreotype art, of warranted purity and at reasonable prices.  For sale by A. B. Sands & Co. Druggist, 273 Broadway in the Granite Building, corner. Chamber st.

The second advertisement appeared on November 4, 1845.  Abraham B. Sands & Co.  Granite Building, 273 Broadway, Corner of Chambers-street.  Wholesale And Retail Chemicals and Apothecaries, and importer of Drugs, Chemicals, Perfumery, Fancy Articles, &c. … Chloride of Gold, Chloride of Iodine, Bromine, prepared Bromine for Daguerreotypes, Hypo Sulph Soda, Tripoli, &c., &c….

Abraham B. Sands is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Patrick M. Ross

1856                229 Bowery, New York, New York.[1]

Patrick M. Ross appeared in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on  January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.  Ross, Bowery — To this artist I would say, that there is room for great improvement in his pictures.

Patrick M. Ross is recorded in other photographic directories but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.

 

Rose

1856                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

Rose appeared in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on  January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Rose — 25 cent daguerreotypes. “Walk in without knocking,” I did so, but art had fled, noiseless as was my entrance.

Rose is recorded in other photographic directories but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

Root & Hovey

1854                Address Unknown[1], New York, New York.

Root & Hovey (Samuel Root & Daniel or Douglass Hovey) were recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared on  October 7, 1854 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Premium List.  The following premiums were awarded at the Fair of the New-York State Agricultural Society, held in this City October 3-6…

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                  Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

The second appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on October 8, 1854.  New York State Fair…Painting, etc.

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                     Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

Root and Hovey.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry identifies Hovey as Daniel or Douglass and states that he worked in Samuel Root’s gallery in 1849.  Samuel Root is not recorded as working in Philadelphia in the Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 or in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Samuel Root does not appear in newspaper advertisements in New York City until 1850 in partnership with his brother Marcus A.

[1] Samuel Root’s address is 363 Broadway.

Robinson & Ellis

N. D.               Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

Robinson & Ellis (Josiah C. Robinson & Lemuel Ellis) research provided by Graham Garrett. Stanstead, Lennoxville and Sherbrooke, L. C. (Quebec).  Senior partner was Joseph C. Robinson, born in the U. S. in 1826.  Listed as a portrait painter and daguerreotypist.  Mentioned on Sherbrooke Census as having a residence in Lennoxville.  Advertisement on January 9th, 1851 stated, “Messrs. Robinson & Ellis, the celebrated Photographic Artists, (from Boston), contemplated visiting Sherbrooke about the 25th Jan….”  Listed in 1848 as having gallery at 170 Broadway, N.Y., Cincinnati, 1850-51.  Lemuel Ellis (q.v.), a partner, was also located at 123 Washington St., Boston, and advertised in Montreal in 1854.

Josiah C. Robinson not (Joseph C.) is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York and Cincinnati.  Lemuel Ellis is also recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The information about the Canadian connection and being from Boston prior to 1851 is new information.

 

Robb

1859                383 Broadway, New York, New York.

Robb was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on August 26, 1859.  20 Cent Ambrotype Likenesses, with Case.  Family groups and children’s likenesses beautifully taken by Robb, 383 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on October 1, 1859.  Ten Cent Ambrotype Likeness Well taken.  Now’s your time to get cheap portraits.  Crowded daily at Robb’s, 383 Broadway.

Robb is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Richmond & Hawkins

1852                Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel, Huntington, New York.                                                  1852-1853     308 Broadway, New York, New York.

Richmond & Hawkins were recorded in one announcement and three advertisements in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York).  The announcement appeared on June 4, 1852.   Daguerreotypes,

“No Spectre forms of pleasure fled,                                                                                                                   The softening, sweetening tints restored;                                                                                                       For thou cans’t give us back the dead;                                                                                                               E’en with the loveliest looks they wore.”

Thus wrote the Poet, in time past, and in view of a happy reflection, as presented to us, of loved and loving friends, by the Art of the Painter’s [      ].  If thus much be said of the Art, what may we not claim for the imagery as portrayed by the Daguerreotypes of the present day—when all that we looked upon in life, whether of parents, brother, sister or child, as the fairest flowers of Earth, shall bloom in other climes may be made to dwell with those who cherished them here.  Those who would be wise in time, call upon Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, at the Suffolk Hotel, in this village—and secure a treasure.  The specimens we have seen of the above gentlemanly Artists’ Likenesses, warrant us fully in calling attention to this subject, and the fact of their sojourn among us.  See adv’t.

The first advertisement appeared on June 4, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Richmond & Hawkins Daguerrean Artist.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Huntington and vicinity that they have taken Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel For A Few days Only, for the purpose of accommodating all those who may be desirous of obtaining a [good] and perfect likeness of either themselves, their families, or their friends—and where they will be pleased to exhibit to all lovers of the Fine Arts—one of the largest and most beautiful collections of miniatures of their own execution ever seen in this Village.

Miniatures taken in this beautiful style, neatly set in Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, Cases or Frames in a few minutes—and finished in the highest perfection of the Art; and no person will be required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory to themselves and friends.

Delay not then as opportunity shall present to secure one, two, three or six of these miniatures of life, which under the trying circumstances of a final separation from friends no price can purchase.

Portraits, Engravings and other Daguerreotypes neatly copied.

Price varying from $1 to $10.

Come Ladies and Gentlemen, one and all and see their specimens, likenesses of Children and Infants taken in three to four seconds between the hours of eleven and Twelve o’clock.

N. B.— Instructions given in the theory and most improved Style.  Stock and Apparatus furnished on liberal terms. Huntington, June 4, 1852.

The second advertisement ran from October 22, 1852 to February 25, 1853.  New and Beautiful Daguerrean Gallery, No. 308 Broadway, NY Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, Successors to Messrs. W. A. Allen & Brother, would most respectfully call the attention of their friends and the public to their New Rooms, at the above number.  The long experience of Messrs. R. & H. in the art, they flatter themselves will enable them to obtain Daguerreotype Portraits unsurpassed by any Daguerreans in the United States leads them to hope they will receive a liberal share of public patronage.  The Rooms are large, elegant and convenient.

Their Fine Sky Light enables them to take Pictures in the most perfect manner, and in the quickest time, entirely obviating the necessity of a long sitting, and correcting the defects so disagreeable to a refined [     ], in the harsh outlines and color tones so prevalent among the picture taken by the Daguerrean Process.  The Operating Room is well calculated for taking, in a finished and beautiful manner,

Large Groups of Families or Collegiate Classes and also for taking portraits.  For Children—three seconds only being required.

Messrs. R. & H. will give their personal attention to visitors, and most assiduously endeavor to please them with good pictures and perfect Likenesses.

No charge made unless the pictures are perfectly satisfactory.

Their prices are from $1,00 upwards, according to the size, style and finish.

Richmond & Hawkins, 308 Broadway.  Over E. Anthony’s Daguerreotype Depot, East side Broadway, between Pearl and Duane Sts. N. Y.

The third advertisement appeared on November 12, 1852.  Daguerreotypes, At the present time, there are so many pretenders to the Art of Daguerreotyping, and so many of what are called “Pictures.”—tho’ mere daubs—that when one knows where and by whom a real bona fide likeness may be obtained, it is equally an act of justice to the public as to the successful artist, that the same should be made known To those who are looking for the neatest and most convenient rooms for the taking of Daguerreotypes, just step up Broadway to No. 308, where you will be received by Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins—and to their polite attention, they will give you in the shortest possible and most moderate rates a resemblance of your own self to which your friends cannot keep saying that they never saw you looking so well in your life.  The specimens of the above artist work are now rivaling those of the “famed” in their line—and they must soon, if they have not already reached the highest pinnacle, which is their ambition.  Remember the Number—308 Broadway

Richmond & Hawkins are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New York City in 1852-1853, what is new information is that they also active in 1852 in Huntington, New York.

Richard

1855                71 Cortland Street, New York, New York.

Richard was recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York)  which appeared on September 21, 1855.  Instruction in Ambrotyping and Photography.—Daguerreotype artists and other desirous of a knowledge of the above processes, may acquire the same in a few days, by addressing a line to Richard, 71 Cortland st.

Richard is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if Richard was a practicing photographer or not.

Mr. Reynolds

ND                  Address Unknown, Albany, New York.                                                                          ND                  Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                            1850               Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.

Mr. Reynolds was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 3 to 17, 1850 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  Mr. Reynolds, of New York who formerly operated for Meade & Bro. of Albany, has taken rooms over Rose’s store,—and having availed himself of the recent improvements in the art, the finish of his Pictures will in no way inferior to Brady and other artists of New York who are working after this late improved process.  Pictures finished by this process have a beauty of tone, roundness of features and distinctness of outline that far surpass those by the old method, and may readily be seen in any light.

Mr. Reynolds has brought with him his full gallery of over 100 specimens, containing portraits from life of some of our eminent men among which is one of the late President Taylor.

He has on hand a supply of Lockets and Fancy cases.  Having one of the best instruments he is enabled to take correct Likenesses in any weather—and children of any age, that can sit still five seconds.

Please call immediately, as he will remain but a short time.  Peen Yan, Aug. 27, 1850.

Mr. Reynolds is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Rees, Blodget & Co.

1855                Main Street, Piper Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rees, Blodget & Co. were recorded in two advertisements in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Take Notice!—Opposition to Steam Daguerreotypes, taken by a new American discovery, for only 25 cents, warranted to be of the best quality, and satisfaction given.  Something less than 500 taken daily.  No connection with the steam whistle, next door.  Rees, Blodget, & Co, artists.  Piper Block, Main st.

The second advertisement appeared on October 19, 1855.  Rees, Blodget, & Co. do not take Daguerreotypes by steam, as their noisy competitors boast to do, but at the same time give all who visit them good portraits, and at a quick rate, for 25 cents.  Rees, Blodget & Co. have opened their rooms at Piper’s Block, bent upon blowing up all steam boilers in the vicinity, if they burst themselves in doing so.

Rees and Blodget are both unknown and not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts.  One could speculate that Rees is Charles R. Rees based on an 1859 advertisement in the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) that claimed that he had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati.  Rees left New York sometime around September 8, 1854.

Four days later on September 12, 1854 an advertisement appeared in The New York Herald.

Rees & Co., 25 Cent Daguerreotype Company, 385 Broadway.—This company, established under the above name, will be conducted hereafter under the [head] of McClave & Merritt, the original partners from [the commencement.]  The business will be conducted the same as usual, the whole company remaining with the exception of C. Rees, whose interest in this gallery has been purchased by the two remaining partners.  McClave & Merritt.

Where he went is unknown.  No record of his being in Boston is known.  The next advertisements found were from the Worcester, Massachusetts newspaper of October 19 & 20, 1855.  No other advertisements were found in Massachusetts newspaper prior to the above entries.  Over the next twelve day Rees advertised six times by himself.  The last advertisement in the Worcester Newspapers was on November 1, 1855.  At some point after leaving Worcester he probably worked with or for Tyler & Co. in New Orleans, Charleston and in 1858 in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia.  So far the only mention of Rees being in South Carolina is from Harvey Teal’s Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.  Teal states that Rees’s name appears in George S. Cooks papers in the Library of Congress as having an account with him but no address is attributed to the name.  Likewise there is no mention of in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865.

Rees is an interesting person his association with Silas A. Holmes in New York and Tyler & Co. in Richmond and possibly other southern states deserves further research and a longer article.