1853 Stark House, Main Street, Bennington, Vermont.
1853 Main Street, over Smith & Bradley’s Hat and Jewelry Store, Benington, Vermont.
1854-1881 Main Street, Opposite Stark House, Benington, Vermont.
1853 March 12. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) March 12, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 1, Whole No. 625, P. 1.
C. Dart, Daguerrian Artist, Stark House, Main st., Bennington, Vt. Miniatures put up inartistic Style, in frames, cases, lockets, &c. in cloudy as well as fair. weather.
Advertisement was recorded five times between March 12 to May 7, 1853.
1853 March 12. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) March 12, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 1, Whole No. 625, P. 3.
Don’t All Speak at Once, I Wish You All, Kind Patrons And Friends, “A Happy New Year;” and return you my sincere thanks for visits, favors and patronage bestowed,—and would be happy to greet you all, at the Old Bennington Daguerrian Gallery!! Which is furnished with all necessary facilities, for Daguerreotyping in all its branches of modern improvement, with neatness and dispatch. This Gallery has been recently fitted up with special regard to practical utility, convenience, and the pleasure of visitors; and all are assured that no pains shall be spared to please. Cloudy days (unless very dark) as available as clear, except for small children.
The place, then, don’t forget,
Stark House, up stairs, Main street;
Admittance always free,
So just call in and see.
Ah! See what a picture, behold what a grace
Lives in that posture and beams in that face,
As rhe sun-light transfers the soul speaking eye
It flashes in joy though there’s nobody nigh;
Who nobody is, there is no need to tell,
Since the lassie herself knows the secret so well,
Enough that we trace in such touching perfection
The one that’s an object of cherished affection.
C. Dart, Artist. Stark House, (up stairs,) Main street, Bennington, Vt., Jan. 1, 1853.
Advertisement was recorded from March 12 to April 9, 1853.
1853 March 26. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) March 26, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 3, Whole No. 627, P. 2.
Persons wishing exact likenesses of themselves or friends, should not forget that there are located in this place two excellent operators—Mr. Dart, whose Saloon is in the Stark House, and Mr. Shattuck, whose Saloon is located on wheels in front of the Franklin House. Persons out of town would do wee to give them a call, as we are confident that either of them will give them a capital picture. Some fancy the work of one better than the other, and so vice versa; but we like that of both. They are besides clever fellows.
1853 May 7. The State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) May 7, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 9, Whole No.633, P. 3.
The Bennington Sky Ad Side Light Daguerrian Gallery, Which Can’t Be Beat, Is just opened for
the reception of visitors, and to which the attention of the public is solicited.—this is decidedly
one of the best, most convenient, and pleasant places to obtain life-like and pleasing
Daguerreotypes that can be found either in country or city; and altogether superior to any room
ever before in this place.
Its Large Sky and Side Light makes likenesses almost instantly, thus avoiding long sittings, and
Giving animation and beauty of expression; and making it decidedly the place for children and
Nervous persons. It is easy of access; (but one, easy flight of stairs,) Rooms spacious and
Pleasant; working room separate from others, by which all unpleasant gasses are avoided by
Visitants; (a dressing room and toilet will soon be added.)
As I design a permanent residence here, I have spared no pains in fitting up, and shall strive
always to please all who favor me with a call.
Engravings, paintings, Daguerreotypes, or Statuary, copied correctly. Land-Scapes or Scenic
views taken; (positive views if required.)
Lockets, Rings, pins and bracelets fitted with neatness of style, and all the various styles of cases
Or frames furnished to suit the fancies of all.
Grateful for past favors, I hope to be more deserving in future, and will invite the Ladies and
Gentlemen (the little and great,) of Bennington ad vicinity, to call and see that I have told you the
Truth—that my work-rooms &c. are all No. 1.
Bennington, Main Street, a few doors east of the Franklin House, over the Hat and Jewelry
Store of Smith and Bradley. Entrance east side of said Store. C. Dart.
Advertisement was recorded thirty four times between May 7, 1853 to February 25, 1854.
1853 July 2. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) July 2, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Whole No. 641, P. 2.
C. Dart has some splendid daguerreotypes, taken in his new side and sky-light daguerrian
Gallery call in and see them.
1853 October 22. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) October 22, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 33, Whole No. 656, P. 3.
Young Men’s Association. A meeting of this Association, and of our citizens, was held, pursuant to call in the Banner, on Monday evening last. Present, Z. L. Taft, Esq. Vic Prtesident, C. Dart and Hymen Tuttle, Esqrs.,
1854 August 4. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) August 4, 1854, Vol. XIV, No. 22, Whole No. 698, P. 3.
A Chapter for those Who Are (not) Without Money!! Part I.
Verse 1st. “A somebody said, that in order to be pleased, we must strive to please.”
2. To do this, the Bennington Daguerrian Gallery, with Side and Sky-Light. Working, Sitting and dressing rooms, altogether the best in the State, is now open, where likenesses may be obtained so cheap that all will wish the price raised.
3. Likenesses will be taken for those who wish, upon the lowest New York terms, viz: without case, 25 cts,, with case 50 cts.
4. Terms given, to those who ask, at the Gallery. Thus endeth part first.
Part II.
Verse 1. Grateful for past favors, the Artist will continue to tender his services, to thoos who wish likenesses of the Excelsior kind.
2. All may be assured, that all work entrusted to my care, of this kind, shall be of the very best quality, and upon reasonable terms.
3. Likenesses taken in cloudy as well as clear days, and in sizes from that of the smallest finger ring, to the large case.
4. Scenic views, of Churches, Dwellings, Public Buildings, or any landscape views, taken without reversion or change of position, (with a new and improved Instrument) superior to best steel engravings.
5. Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Engravings and Statuary, correctly copied, and all work in part 2d guaranteed for durability and satisfaction.
6. The New York terms at No. 1 Rooms, and the one price system, strictly adhered to with all. C. Dart, Artist. Main Street, a few doors east of the Franklin House.
Advertisement ran on August 4 & 11, 1854.
1854 August 11. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) August 11, 1854, Vol. XIV, No. 23, Whole No. 699, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes, of the most superior kind, are now being taken at Dart’s Saloon. Mr. James Cady, one of the best artists in N. York, is stopping in this place for a few days, and Mr. D. has made arrangements with him to take pictures for him for a short time.—Those who would see themselves as they are, would do well to call in and let Cady “strike them off.”
1854 September 1. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) September 1, 1854, Vol. XIV, No. 26, Whole No. 702, P. 2.
Cady’s Beautiful Daguerreotypes.—We have been shown some magnificent specimens of this celebrated artist’s production. They seemed not the “shadows,” but the real “flesh and blood” of the persons. Those who would procure pictures of “themselves, kindred or friends,” at the hands of Mr. Cady, must do so immediately, as he leaves for New York in a few days. The rush at the saloon has been large during the week.
1855 March 23. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) March 23, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 3, Whole No. 731, P. 2.
Calvin Dart, Esq., has been appointed Grand Juror of this, vice Isaac Weeks, declined, by the Selectmen.
1855 April 13. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) April 13, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 6, Whole No. 731, P. 2.
Read Dart’s advertisement in this paper relative to his Saloon for taking Daguerreotype Likenesses. What the artist says with reference to his establishment, we wish to bare testimony to its truthful and life-like likenesses are taken at his Saloon as at any other place in the country.
1855 April 13. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) April 13, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 6, Whole No. 731, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes At the Bennington Sky-Light Gallery Friends and patrons of the first established Bennington Gallery, allow the artist to make you his most polite bow, and return you his sincere thanks for your liberal patronage and favors in his efforts to please. In order to meet the increasing demands of a liberal community, and contribute to the happiness of the beautiful and the useful, the artist has spared no pains or cost commensurate with the wants of their thriving village and vicinity, in fitting up sais Gallery, and furnishing it with the very best apparatus for producing the most life-like, durable and tasty likenesses which can be produced in our county. He has now on hand, and will furnish to those who want fancy cases or plain do., from the large or whole sized life pictures to the very smallest pin or finger ring do., at prices which cannot fail to please. Much might be said in commendation of this Gallery, –that it is the best in the State,—that it is as good as the best in cities, &c. &c. but his motto is “Let thy works praise thee.
The Artist now tenders his services to all who may wish for work in his line, feeling confident that, aided with the experience of years, and with the best facilities, materials, &c., he will be able to give entire satisfaction to a generous, kind and appreciating community. Terms, Cash on the delivery of likenesses.
The Great Mystery of Optical Science—the Stereoscope, or “Solid Seeing” Views and Pictures.—Likenesses or Views by this process, appear to the beholder solid or round, and full, life statuary or real life. Views of this kind on exhibition, and Likenesses or Views taken for all who want. C. Dart, Artist, Main street, opposite Stark House.
Advertisement was recorded eight times between April 13 to July 13, 1855.
1855 August 24. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) August 24, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 25, Whole No. 763, P. 2.
Ambrotypes.—”Every day brings something new,” as the old song says, but among them all we have seen nothing that strikes our fancy like the new process named above for taking sun pictures. The perseverance and skill manifested by those who practice this art are excelled by no other class of men. Our friend Dart is now producing some of theses life-like and truly magnificent pictures, and we would invite those in want of truly valuable likenesses to call at his saloon.
1855 August 24. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) August 24, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 25, Whole No. 763, P. 3.
Friendship’s Offering, and Life Mementoes. The Ambrotype. The subscriber having purchased from the Pattentee, the sole right to make these Beautiful Pictures, in Bennington County, is now enabled to offer to the public a New Style of Pictures, far exceeding in Beauty and Durability, anything ever before made.
Ambrotypes can be taken equally well, from the smallest to the full size, and in one fifth the time of setting required for daguerreotypes. They can be seen I any light as well as engravings, or any Paper Picture under Glass; hence are suitable for Large Pictures to be hung in frames.
They are not reversed, but are seen in the natural position of the sitter. Daguerreotypes copied in this permanent style and enlarged if required, to full size. The Ambrotype is taken upon the very best Plate Glass, and Hermetrically (sic.) sealed, between two plate glasses, with a cement, which soon hardens, rendering them indestructible by Time, Gasses, Dampness, Climate, or any ordinary casualty which frequently destroys all other photographs, and even Oil Paintings; hence may be set in Monuments, and carried to sea, and will retain their brilliancy for ages.
The subscriber being fully furnished with the facilities for making the Ambrotype, and also Daguerreotypes in all variety of styles of Cases, Frames, &c., now offers his services to all who wish for work in this line, assuring all, that his best efforts shall be to please, and feeling confident that all will be pleased. Prices for Ambroitypes, varying from $2 to $20. According to size and finish.
All shall have polite attention, and the reasonable one price system. C. Dart, Photographer. Bennington Daguerrian Rooms, Main Street
Advertisement was recorded times between August 24, 1855 to June 13, 1856.
1856 January 11. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) January 11, 1856, Vol. XV, No. 45, Whole No. 773, P. 3.
Married, In this village, on the 8th inst., by the Rev. E. Stover, Mr. Lyman B. Hinsdill and Miss Lucy Ann, only daughter of Calvin Dart, Esq., all of Bennington.
1856 September 5. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) September 5, 1856, Vol. XVI, No. 27, Whole No. 807, P.3.
Some of the Things that we All Like to See May be Seen at the Daguerreian Rooms, in Bennington. Those who wish to see, or obtain for themselves, or their friends, Life-Like likenesses \, by the Ambrotype, or Daguerreotype process, with all the late improvements, both in chemical and artistic finish, can be accommodated, and at prices much ;lower than formerly.
Likenesses made, and guaranteed equal in style and finish, to the very best in the whole world.
The services of Prof. J. Cady, of New York, of world wide fame as a artist, being secured for a time, together with the other superior advantages, which these Rooms possess, for making the Ambrotype, and other Pictures, warrants us in saying, that all which we promise, can and will be performed.
N. B. Ambrotypes as cheap as Daguerreotypes. C. Dart.
Advertisement was recorded times between September 5 to October 31, 1856.
1857 June 26. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) June 26, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 17, Whole No. 849, P.3.
Art Triumphant!! May be found at the Bennington Picture Gallery, tjose far-famed and beautiful Daguerreotypes plain and colored. These have longed been considered the most appropriate keep-sakes that have ever been produced, but are now out shone by the world-renowned Patent Ambrotype. These are non-reversed Pictures, and may be seen as transparencies. They are found by fair trial to be indestructible by the action of Light, Gasses, Damptness, &c., and to all accidents less than breaking the glasses. Also, the Bas-Releivo Ambrotype, or Sphereotype, equally durable, and unsurpassed in beauty of effect. Also The Ferritotype & Vitrotype, good imitations of the Ambrotype, and for a less price.
Also the incomparably beautiful Ambro-Photograph. These are decidedly the most desirable and convenient keep-sakes that have ever been produced, as they can be sent in a letter, with safety if kept dry, and without extra expense of postage.
All of these may be found at the old established Bennington Picture Gallery; finished in the various styles of Cases, Frames, &c., and in all the perfection of this most Beautiful Art, and upon terms which cannot fail to please all, who are willing to let live as to live themselves.
A practical experience of many years warrants me in saying, the quality of my work shall not and cannot be surpassed.
N. B. Pictures made as well in cloudy as fair weather, except of young children. C. Dart, Artist. Main St., (opposite Stark House,)
Advertisement ran from June 26 to November 6, 1857.
1857 November 26. Vermont State Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) November 26, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 39, Whole No. 871, P.3.
Pictures For The Times At The Daguerrian ad Ambrotype Gallery , Main st., Bennington, opposite Stark House. Feeling always desirous to please and benefit the People, I have concluded to offer to the public Pictures at prices far less than have ever been made in the country, even for one half former prices. Viz: 25 cts., 37½ cts., 50 cts., and up to any price required.
Good Pictures and Good Cases as Low as 50 Cents. Photographs, as low as $3.00 per dozen. Possessing the best facilities for making Likenesses, I feel confident that I can please all who may favor me with a call.
All who would avail themselves of the Reduced Price must call soon , as it is but an experiment which will soon end, unless liberally sustained by the public. C. Dart, Artist.
Advertisement ran from November 26, 1857 to January 15, 1858.
1858 August 6. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) August 6, 1858, Vol. 18, No. 24, P. 3.
Still I Live. The Bennington Sky-Light Gallery, the old and Established Gallery in this vicinity, is by many new improvements and additions now made the most desirable place to obtain the Finest Specimen of this Beautiful Art.
The Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Neellograph, Photograph, ad all other desirable Types are here made in all the beautiy (sic.) and perfection of Modern Style.
Here too is the only place in this vicinity where the True and Real Patent Ambrotype, that Durable and Imperishable Likeness of the Human Face Divine, (which includes all pictures on glass and hermetrically sealed between two glasses with balsam or its equivalent,) are lawfully and rightfully made, as I have purchased , at great cost, the exclusive right for Bennington County to make and use the said Patent Ambrotype, which is duly secured by Letters Patent, and by a regularly executed deed assigned and conveyed to me for said county, as also the name Ambrotype which is my trade mark. Therefore, all Pictures offered in this vicinity as Ambrotypes, without my sanction, are either spurious or an infringement upon my rights, for which I shall hold all participants legally and morally responsible, by the rule which says “The partaker is as guilty as the thief.”
My Ambrotypes are all stamped “Ambrotype Pat’d July 4 and 11, 1854,” as the Patent Laws of the U. S. require, under a penalty of $100 fine, with cost of prosecution. All will take due notice thereof and govern themselves accordingly.
As it is, and ever has been, my desire to please, I now offer what has never before been offered in this county, viz:—Photographs of whole size for oe third the price of any other picture of equal beauty, so that large and splendid pictures of our own dear selves or friends are ow within the reach of all, however humble, and those who are quite too poor to purchase shall be favored with a gift.
Entire satisfaction given in price and quality, or no charge made.
The homeliest and also the handsomest persons in town Photographed in beautiful style, without charge if they will call.
Come one and all, both great and small.
For you’re all growing old. Here you my buy
If you will try, something more precious than
Gold—Your Picture! C. Dart, Artist.
Advertisement ran from August 6 to September 17, 1858.
1858 November 12. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) November 12, 1858, Vol. 18, No. 38, P. 3.
Stop Thief! Oh! Stop!! Why in such hot haste (to ruin yourself). –Just listen and hear to the voice of wisdom, wilst I tell you of a truth that superb Portraits of our own dear selves, of the Patent Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Sphereotype, or the picture which some say stands out or fully, Photographs (life size if required) and all other graphs and types but the Typeus phever can be obtained at the Bennington Excelsior Gallery, opposite the Stark House, much cheaper than you can steal them, quality considered. I say what I know and can prove to be a fact, that better work is done at this gallery than has ever been done in this County by any one either in Room or otherwise.
A practical experience in Chemistry, Natural Philosophy and Optics in all that relates to this business for fifteen years, as also a theoretical and practical experience of ten years I Photography warrants me in making these assertions; all which I hol myself ready and willing to prove to any who will give me an opportunity.
Having spacious and pleasant Rooms for sitting, dressing, neat and comfortable, which shall be furnished with interesting objects to the visitor; also having the best of Stock, apparatus and fixtures and being determined to spare no pains to make all things agreeable and profitable to visitors, I invite any and all to give me a call, with the assurance that this is no Hum Bug. C. Dart, Artist.
Advertisement ran from November 12 to December 3, 1858.
1858 December 31. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) December 31, 1858, Vol. 18, No. 45, P. 2.
Masonic.—At a communication of Mt. Anthony Lodge, No. 13, held on Monday afternoon of this week, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Calvin Dart…
1859 June 10. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) June 10, 1859, Vol. 19, No. 16, P. 3.
Photographs.—All who are in want of superlative beautiful and artistic likenesses of themselves or friends, will do well to call at C. Dart’s Bennington Gallery. This Gallery, which has been long renowned for the beauty and durability of its pictures, has been recently fitted up for making the various styles and sizes of that most admired of all pictures, the Photograph; and to add to its attractions, the proprietor has engaged for a short time the services of Prof. Jas. Cady, of New York, of world wide celebrity. All who are in want of unsurpassed Likenesses, will find it eminently to their advantage to call upon them soon.
1883 April 12. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) April 12, 1883, Vol. XLIII, No. 11, P. 2.
Died—Dart.—In Bennington, April 6, Calvin Dart in the 76th year of his age.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 