1850-1853       Rooms in Stadler & Rupert’s Building, Urbana, Ohio.

1853-1855       Weaver & Brothers Building, East side of Public Square, Urbana, Ohio.

1859-1860       Weaver’s Building, East side of Public Square, Urbana, Ohio.[1]

1845 April 15.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  April 15, 1845, Vol. 7, No. 52, Whole No. 364, P. 3.

G. W. Collins, Portrait Painter, Rooms on the corner of Main and Market Streets, Urbana, Ohio,

1846 April 7.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  April 7, 1846, Vol. 8, No. 51, Whole No. 415, P. 3.

Portrait Painting.  Mr. Saxton:—Your townsman, Mr. G. W. Collins, has, for a short time, been engaged in Portrait Painting in our village, to, I believe, the general satisfaction of all who employed him.—His likenesses are excellent, giving clearly the delineation of the features, and a full expression of the countenance.  Some of his paintings drawn here are almost true as life.  The painting is neatly executed, and performed with an expert and masterly hand.  Mr. Collins, we believe, is destined to become a proficient in his profession, and is worthy the patronage of an intelligent and tasteful community.  He is not merely an artist, but nature has bestowed bountifully upon him the requisite facilities for a limner.  Genius should be encouraged in the ornamental and beautiful as well as in the useful arts. 

Yours, &c., Jas. W. Hamilton. East Liberty, O.

1850 December 6.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  December 6, 1850, Vol. 13, No. 34, Whole No. 658, P. 2.

G. W. Collins’ Daguerrean Rooms.  G. W. Collins respectfully announces to the citizens of Urban and the public generally, that he has recently fitted up an immense “Northern Light,” especially for Daguerrean purposes, and is prepared to execute pictures in a style of beauty seldom attained, and no where excelled.

Miniatures executed and put up in all the various styles of the art, from the smallest Lockets, Pins, and Finger Rings, to the largest sizes for frames; and taken at such prices as cannot fail to please.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures taken every day, with out regard to weather.

Daguerreotype Miniatures, when correctly taken, preserve the features which disease and death destroy in a few years, and which our memories retain but imperfectly, and for a short time are made to abide with us.  Who can tell how much influence a venerable, benevolent parent’s portrait exerts on the family possessing it?  They are, therefore, at all times desirable menentoos (sic.) of absent or deceased friends, but more especially in the event of death, they are above to surviving relatives.  No family should be without them.

Rooms in Stadler & Rupert’s building, up stairs.

1851 May 16.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  May 16, 1851, Vol. 14, No. 5, Whole No. 681, P. 3.

The Daguerrean Art—G. W. Collins.  Messrs. Editors:  It was my pleasure to sit a few evenings ago, for a picture in the Gallery of this gentleman, situated one door west of Stadler’s Clothing Store, up stairs.  At a great expense he has procured, and has now in successful operation, a new Camera, of surpassing beauty and elegance, which far exceeds the old ones so long in use by the professor of this art.  To the eve of the most casual observer, the pictures taken by the two instruments, the contrast is strikingly manifest.  This new machinery works to a charm: while the operations of the old ones, in the opinion of those whose knowledge of them may be relied upon, was in a great measure unsatisfactory and untrue.  The Daguerrean Art, although by many considered of no real value to the public or to individuals, is in my opinion a stride in science, equal to any other of the present age.  No one who possesses a particle of attachment to friends and relations, can fail to appreciate the untold pleasure—though it be a melancholy one—of retracing the features of the loved and lost; and I envy not the man, who for the sake of a small pittance, would deny himself this great after comfort.

It should be gratifying to the pride of our citizens, that one has arisen in our midst, born and raised on the sod of Champaign, whose ambition and genius have led him to anticipate and supply its wants in this valuable Art; and we mistake the spirit of her people, if they do not reward his efforts by a liberal and enlightened patronage.  Mr. Collins is ever on the alert to grasp & apply every improvement in the art, without stopping to compute the cost: his desire is to please: when that is accomplished, he seems to have attained his greatest ambition.  This is the true position of the Artist.  When his mind and heart are engaged, failure is an impossibility.

We believe the public of Urbana, and of Champaign county, will foster the growth and advancement of these praiseworthy efforts on his part, to build up a Gallery of Art in this place, which shall be a credit to himself and his fellow citizens.  B.

1851 May 16.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  May 16, 1851, Vol. 14, No. 5, Whole No. 681, P. 3.

More Light.  Daguerrean Gallery.  G. W. Collins respectfully announces to the citizens of Urbana and the public generally, that he has just received from the City of New York, one of the first class German Cameras, and is now better prepared to take Pictures than before; and to test the matter, he invites Ladies and Gentlemen to call and have their Miniatures taken, and examine his specimens—among which they will find Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind.

Rooms open from 7 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.  Miniatures executed and put up in all the varied styles of the art, from the smallest Lockets, Pins and Finger rings, to the largest sizes for frames; at prices ranging from $1.00 upwards, according to size and quality of Cases.  Pictures taken every day, without regard to weather.

Rooms in Stadler & Rupert’s building, up stairs.

Advertisement ran from May 16 to June 20, 1851.

1851 June 27.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  June 27, 1851, Vol. 14, No. 11, Whole No. 687, P. 3.

More Light.  Daguerrean Gallery.  G. W. Collins respectfully announces to the citizens of Urbana and the public generally, that he has just received from the City of New York, one of the first class German Cameras, and is now better prepared to take Pictures than before; and to test the matter, he invites Ladies and Gentlemen to call and have their Miniatures taken, and examine his specimens—among which they will find Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind.

Rooms open from 7 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.  Miniatures executed and put up in all the varied styles of the art, from the smallest Lockets, Pins and Finger rings, to the largest sizes for frames; at prices ranging from $1.00 upwards, according to size and quality of Cases.  Pictures taken every day, without regard to weather.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken at short notice.  Painted or Daguerreotype likenesses accurately copied.  He will keep on hand a general assortment of Daguerreotype Stock and Apparatus to supply the trade, and will sell as low as can be had any where in the State; and will also give instructions in this beautiful and fascinating Art, on favorable terms.

Rooms in Stadler & Rupert’s building, up stairs.

Advertisement ran from June 27 to August 15, 1851.

1851 October 10.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  October 10, 1851, Vol. 26, No. 11, Whole No. 701, P. 2.

Campaign County Fair.  Our Annual Agricultural Fair came off on Wednesday and Thursday of this week…

G. W. Collins exhibited some very beautiful specimens of Art in his line.—But, we cannot go into details today.  The Ladies, (God bless them!) were out in full force.

1852 March 26.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  March 26, 1852, Vol. 14, No. 50, Whole No. 724, P. 2.

Daguerreanism. Mr. Editor:—Suffer me to call the attention of the public, and especially the admirers of the fine arts, to the merits of one of our citizens, Mr. G. W. Collins, who is now engaged in taking Daguerreotype Likenesses in our village, as one of the most successful operators that I have had the pleasure of visiting.  I think his pictures will compare favorably with the best pictures taken in any of our large cities.  If any objection at all can be found against them, it would be that he makes his subjects look too much like themselves.  I hope this young artist will meet with all the success his distinguished skill demands.  Mc.

1853 January 7.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  January 7, 1853, Vol. 15, No. 39, Whole No. 765, P. 4.

G. W. Collins.—Daguerreotype Artist, West Main Street, Urban, Ohio.  Persons wishing to get good Likenesses, will please call at G. W. Collin’s Daguerreotype Room, which will be open from 7 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.; at which hours the Public generally are invited to call and examine Specimens, whether they desire Pictures or not.  Pictures will be taken from the largest size for frames, down to Lockets, Breastpins and Finger Rings.—Instructions Given in the art, on favorable terms.

Daguerreotype Goods.  Keeps constantly on hand every variety of Daguerreotype Stocks, consisting of Apparatus, Plates, Cases and Chemicals.  For sale low for cash.  May 28. 1852.

1853 January 28.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  January 28, 1853, Vol. 15, No. 42, Whole No. 768, P. 2.

G. W. Collins has fitted up new Daguerrean Rooms in Weaver’s Block, where he is better prepared than ever to take accurate likenesses of the human face.  He has acquired great notoriety as an artist, and those wishing good pictures of themselves or families, would do well to give him a call.  See his notice.

1853 January 28.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  January 28, 1853, Vol. 15, No. 42, Whole No. 768, P. 3.

Removal.  G. W. Collins’ New And Magnificent Daguerrean Gallery, Has just been fitted up with a large sky light, in Weaver & Brothers building, above the Shoe Store.

“Music hath charms;”

But there is nothing which can soothe the rugged paths of affliction more exquisitely than the extraordinary fife Daguerreotypes, taken by G. W. Collins every day, from the largest size for frames, down to the smallest for Breast Pins, Lockets and Finger Rings.

The public are generally invited to call and see his specimens, whether they desire Pictures or not.

The Rooms will be open from 8 a. m. to 5 p. m., at which hours the public are invited to call.

Instructions given in the art on favorable terms.

Daguerreotype Goods.—Keeps constantly on hand, every variety of Daguerreotype Goods, which will be supplied to artists low for cash.

A word to Artists.  No goods will be forwarded, unless the money is inclosed (sic.) with the order.

1853 February 4.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  February 4, 1853, Vol. 15, No. 43, Whole No. 769, P. 2.

Daguerreotype Gallery.  We noticed very briefly in our last week’s issue, (more for want of time and space, than a better reason,) the Daguerrean Gallery of Mr. G. W. Collins.

The room which he now occupies, is a large and commodious one, and furnished in an elegant and tasteful manner.  His facilities, too, for picture-taking are greatly increased, having the combined advantage of both side and sky-lights.

We do not know that we laud too highly the artistic skill of Mr. Collins, by classing him with the first Artists of this “day and age” of the World.  All who have seen his pictures unite in awarding to him this praise; and those of our citizens who desire to—”Secure the shadow ere the substance fades,” Are no longer required to go to cities and larger towns for such.

1853 August 12.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  August 12, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 18, Whole No. 798, P. 2.

Collin’s Daguerrean Rooms are still in full blast.  George’s pictures are hard ti beat; and those who have never visited his Gallery, had better do so and examine his sp3ecimens.  They are exceedingly attractive.  See his card.

1853 August 12.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  August 12, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 18, Whole No. 798, P. 3.

G. W. Collins, Daguerrean Artist, North East Corner of Public Square, Urbana, Ohio.  Apparatus, Plates, Cases, Chemicals, Frames, All sizes, and everything connected with the Daguerrean Art, constantly on hand and for sale, at New York prices.

Instruction Given In The Art.

1853 August 28.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  August 12, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 20, Whole No. 800, P. 2.

Stereoscopic Daguerreotypes.  We are glad to see that our friend Collins, who, by the way, is always up with the improvements of the day, has introduced the Stereoscopic Daguerreotype.  The likeness with this is a likeness—a fac similie of the original.  To those who are not acquainted with the effect of the Stereoscopic, we would say that the picture, instead of being flat, stands out from the plate like a marble statute—in fact, it presents you with a model of yourself.  All who have occasion to have their likenesses taken should examine this method, and our word for it, they’ll have no other.

By the way, we hope our friend Collins will be particularly polite to all the ladies who may visit his rooms, and put himself to a good deal of trouble and expense to accommodate them.  Ladies always require and expect a little extra attention, you know.  “Mattie Lee,” in behalf of herself and other ladies, sent us a note the other day, complaining that Mr. C. did not “soft soap” them enough when they visited his rooms.  He will do well, therefore to give them a little extra attention hereafter, and thus remove all cause of complaint on that score.

1853 October 21.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  October 21, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 28, Whole No. 808, P. 3.

Tuition On The Violin.  Mr. E. Blank, Pupil of Ole Bull, from New York, an accomplished Violinist, is prepared to give lessons to those who desire to play that lovely instrument.  He is able to satisfy all of his qualifications, and learn pupils by a new method, to become good players in half the time required by the old method of teaching. 

Terms $5.00 for 15 lessons, or 50 cents for a single lesson, payable in advance.  He can be found at Collins’ Daguerrean Rooms.

1853 November 18.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  November 18, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 32, Whole No. 812, P. 2.

G. W. Collins’ Daguerrean Gallery, North-Easy corner Public Square, Urbana, Ohio.  Instructions given in the art, and complete apparatus furnished.

1853 December 30.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  December 30, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 38, Whole No. 818, P. 2.

Piano Tuner.  And Teacher on the Violin and Violincello, And Guitar, E. Blank, To Be Found At G. W. Collin’s Daguerrean Rooms, Urbana.

1854 July.  The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.  (New York, New York.)  July 1854, Vol. 7, No. 7, P. 224.

Mr. R. M. Cole, of Peoria. Ill., is one of the most successful operators in the Western country, and is deserving of great praise for his perseverance in attaining to his skill he now exhibits, and is well worthy the support he receives.  Mr. G. W. Collins, of Urbana, Ohio, is also a most excellent artist, and has our warmest wishes for his success.

1854 October 27.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  October 27, 1854, Vol. 17, No. 29, Whole No. 861, P. 3.

G. W. Collins’ Great Western Daguerreotype Rooms & Stock Depot, Urbana, Ohio.  Rooms in Weavers’ Building, North-East corner Public Square, Instructions in the art carefully given.

Advertisement ran from October 27, 1854 to November 30, 1855.

1855 September 14.  Urbana Citizen and Gazette.  (Urbana, Ohio.)  September 14, 1855, Vol. 18, No. 23, Whole No. 907, P. 3.

The Champaign County Fair was the most attractive feature in the passing events of the last week…

And Mrs. Ackerman’s picture gallery made a fine display, as did also Collins’ Daguerreotypes…

List of Premiums Awarded at the sixth Annual Fair of the Champaign Agricultural Society…

Class U.  Miscellaneous Articles…

G. W. Collins, Daguerreotypes, 1^st Prem., 2.00

1856 September 24.  Cleveland Morning Leader.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  September 24, 1856, Vol. 10, No. 204, P. 2.

Pen Jottings Taken On The Fair Ground Yesterday…Fine Arts Hall.  This has been fitted up under the supervision of Mr. Allen Smith, Jr. in the fine taste which characterizes this well known artist, although every thing was not quite arranged.  We think we hazard nothing in saying that a more charming display of artistical good things, has not graced any previous fair.  The oil paintings both on canvas and photographic, were highly creditable to the artists Mr. Smith had his usual variety of finely colored heads, lifelike and beautiful.  Nothing which we could say would add many thing to his well established fame.  The death of the stag from Landseer will bear looking at more than once.  Mr. Ryder exhibits some very fine photographs also colored by Mr. Alonzo Pease which were much admired.  The two finest pictures in the room and those which attracted the most attention were two heads of Fremont, one a photograph by North, colored in oil by Smith, and one by Ryder, colored also in oil by Pease.  (We noticed as singular that although there were some 6 or 7 pictures of Fremont there was none of Buchanan!)  Boisseau also exhibited a number of oil colored Photographs which are much admired.  Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Ambrotypes, etc. were there from North, Ryder, Boisseau, of Cleveland, Bisbee of Columbus, and G. W. Collins of Urbana, Ohio, Spherotypes from Stimpson, also of Cleveland.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.