Tag Archives: Reuben F. Lovering

Lovering, Reuben F.

C.1843-1847   75 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1845                190 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.                       

1848                257 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1849                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.2

1850-1851       203 Washington, Boston, Massachusetts.2                                   

1851                247 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.2

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.

1855                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

1859                182 Washington Street, San Francisco, California.[3]

1859-1860       111 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California.

1845 July 21.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 21, 1845, Vol. V, No. 191, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

Advertisement ran from July 21 to August 20, 1845.

1845 July 23.  The Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 23, 1845, Vol. XVIII, No. 4949, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

Advertisement was recorded twice on July 23 & 28, 1845.

1845 July 24.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 24, 1845, Vol. V, No. 194, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  Cannon and Lovering have removed their rooms to 190 Washington street opposite the Marlboro’ Chapel, where they executed the most perfect miniatures at prices lower than at any other establishment.—Call and examine them.

1846 November 10.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 10, 1846, Vol. , No. 4999, P. 2.

Robbery.  Between 3 and 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon a show case belonging to Lovering & Davis daguerreotype artists no. 34 Tremont row, which was hanging in the passage way at the foot of the stairs was pried open by some rogue and $40 worth of lockets were stolen.  The lockets were of Stone & Weaver’s manufacture, Providence.

1846 November 11.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 11, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 289. P. 2.

The Daguerreotype Show Case of Messrs. Lovering and Davis, No. 34 Tremont Row, was broken open on Monday night, and about $40 worth of lockets stolen.

1847 August 6.  The Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  August 6, 1847, Vol. XVIII, No. 4961, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

1848 September 5.  Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 5, Vol. XXV, No. 3884, P. 3.

For Sale—A Daguerreotype Establishment, well located and doing a good business; only a small capital required.  Sufficient reason given for selling.  Inquire of R. F. Lovering, 257 Washington st.

1850 February 9.  Christian Register.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  Febroary 9, 1850, Vol. XXIX, No. 6, P. 4.

Marriages.  In Manchester, 5th inst. by Rev. A. B. Fuller, Mr. Reuben F. Lovering of Boston to Miss Martha Ann Whitle of Deering, N. H.

1851 February 17.  The Boston Daily Bee.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, Vol. 18, No. 102, P. 2.

A fire was discovered yesterday morning about 3 o’clock, in the daguerreotype establishment of R. F. Lovering, in the third story of the building 203 Washington, corner of Bromfield street.  The fire burnt quite freely and nearly destroyed Mr. L’s stock—amounting to about $1000.  It is supposed to have been set on fire, as two or three suspicious characters were seen sculking about the neighborhood a short time before the fire broke out.

1851 February 17.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, Vol. XI, No. 41. P. 2.

Fires.  At 3 o’clock Sunday morning fire was discovered in the second story of a building No. 203 Washington street, corner of Bromfield street, occupied by R. F. Lovering, daguerreotype artist, whose stock and materials were destroyed and considerable damage done to the building…

1851 February 17.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, No. 8625, P. 4.

Fire.  About 3 o’clock yesterday morning, fire broke out in one of the upper rooms over the jewelry store of Mr. Wm. B. Fessenden, corner of Washington and Bromfield streets, occupied as a daguerreotype room by Mr. R. F. Lovering,  The room in which the fire originated was pretty well burnt out, and one or two other rooms were somewhat damaged by the fire.  The stock of Mr. Fessenden suffered considerable damage from water.

1854 November 23.  The Boston Daily Atlas.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 23, 1854, Vol. XXIII, No. 124, P. 2.

In the Police Court, John O’Brien and John Sullivan , minors, were arraigned for breaking and entering the house of Reuben F. Lovering, No. 12 Bond st.  Sullivan was sent to the State Reform School, and there having been a previous warrant against O’Brien for leading an idle and dissolute life, he was sent to the House of Reformation for Juvenile offenders. 

1859 July 30.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  July 30, 1859, Vol. X, No. 53, P. 3.

A Temple of Art is Hamilton & Lovering’s new Photographic Establishment.  There are Eight rooms all on the second floor (an advantage possessed by no other extensive establishment in the United States), and built expressly for the practice of the Photographic Art in all its branches.  An experience of both Hamilton and Lovering of over sixteen years constant practice enables them to turn out finer work than any other establishment, as they are not compelled, like other establishments, to hire operators, who scarcely know anything about the business.  The First Premium was awarded to us at both the last State and City Fairs.  Hamilton & Lovering, Second story of Lecount’s Gallery, 111 Montgomery street.  jy12.

Advertisement was recorded twice on July 30 & August 5, 1859.

1859 September 20.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  September 20, 1859, Vol., XVIII, Whole No. 2646, P. 1.

Sixth Annual Fair Of The State Agricultural Society.  Sixth Day…

The Exhibition.  The Picture Gallery…

East Room.  In the northeast corner of this wing of the Pavillion are placed the daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and photographs of D. H. Woods, Sacramento.  They embrace about nineteen specimens, and besides fine portraits, contains excellent landscape views.  The next left hand collection is part of Vance’s (San Francisco and Sacramento) exhibition, consisting chiefly of a series of beautiful views of yo Semite Falls and scenery.  There are thirteen of these views, each remarkably clear and well taken; the excite much admiration…

West Room…

The remainder of the south wall is occupied by the fine display of photographs done in every variety of style, and exhibited by Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco.  Between some of the pictures, and the splendid show down stairs by Vance, it is hard to choose.  We have not time to specify the particular merits of each collection.  It is sufficient to say that both firms have brought the art of photographing, in taking portraits, to high perfection.  These two exhibits of pictures are among the chief attractions of the Fair. 

1859 October 7.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  October 7, 1859, Vol., XVIII, Whole No. 2661, P. 1.

Official List Of Premiums Awarded At The Sixth Annual Fair Of The California State Agricultural Society…

Ambrotypes—W. Dickman, Sacramento; special premium, diploma.

Plain Photographs—Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco; second premium, $5.

Ambrotypes—Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco; second premium, $5.

Daguerreotypes—Jacob Shew, Sacramento, first premium, plate, $10.

Stereoscopic Pictures—R. H. Vance, San Francisco; special diploma.

Plain Photographs—R. H. Vance, San Francisco ; first premium, plate, $10.

Ambrotypes—R. H. Vance, San Francisco; first premium, plate, $10.

1860 September 24.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  September 24, 1860, Vol., XX, Whole No. 2962, P. 1.

Seventh Annual Fair Of The State Agricultural Society…

Photographs.—The exhibit of photographs of various styles, ambrotypes and other camera pictures [is] not extensive.  They fill however, the walls of the [ ? ] room.  The largest exhibit, if not the most artistic display, is from Hamilton & Lovering, of San Francisco.  They occupy nearly the whole of the north wall.  The east wall is hung with specimens from W. H. Towne’s photograph gallery, Sacramento.  The south wall is taken up with the photographs of J. Shew, of Sacramento, and there is a large display and variety in the center of the same wall, sent down by A. Liebert, of Nevada.  Next to these, on the same side is the best display of large photographic portraits in the room, from W. Shew, of San Francisco; and, to complete the list Dickman, of this city, covers the east side with some of his highly finished India ink photographs and other specimens.  Few as are the contributions, in proportion to the number of photograph establishments in the State, they present: not only a fine display, but exhibit the very highest specimens of the art in all its styles.

1860 October 23.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  October 23, 1860, Vol. XI, No. 123, P. 2.

Four First Premiums at the late State Fair, and the Only First Premium at the Fair of the Mechanics’ Institute, were all awarded to us, over all competitors, for the Best Photographs, plain, re-touched, and life-size.  Also, the First Premium for the best Ambrotypes, at both Fairs. 

Prices low as ordinary pictures at other establishments.  Rooms all on the second floor.

Over seventeen years’ experience of both of us, enables us to excel all our competitors.  Hamilton & Lovering, Lecount’s Building.  111 Montgomery street.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November 16, 1860.  

1862 June 23.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  June 23, 1862, Vol., XX, Whole No. 3505, P. 2.

Passengers For The East.—The following named persons leave in the Golden Age to-day for the East:…

R. F. Lovering and wife.


[1] The American Daguerreotype.

[2] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[3] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

Hamilton, Charles F.

1857                Corner Clay and Kearny Street, San Francisco, California.

1858-1859       182 Washington Street, San Francisco, California.

1859-1860       111 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California.

Daguerreotypes.—Chase, Daguerrian Artist, from Boston, has taken rooms in this city, in connection with Mr. Hamilton, on Clay street, near Montgomery, in Dr. Rabe’s building.

Advertisement ran from May 15 to 23, 1852.

Hamilton & Starr’s Daguerrean Gallery.  The Miniatures taken in this establishment are well known for their lifelike appearance, beauty of coloring, and style of finish.  Messrs. H. & S., are both practical operators, and specimens of their work, can at all times be seen in their Gallery, in shadows of well known individuals, and which specimens are always open to the inspection of the public.

Buildings, Landscapes, and everything appertaining to the art, executed at short notice, and satisfaction guarantied in all cases.  Apparatus and stock for sale at the lowest prices.  Mr. H. has recovered from his late indisposition, and ladies and gentlemen who were disappointed previous to the sailing of the last steamer can now be attended to with facility and dispatch.  A visit from ladies and gentlemen is respectfully solicited. Hamilton & Starr’s, Daguerrean Gallery, Rabe’s Building, Clay street, three doors above Montgomery.

Advertisement ran from December 17, 1852 to April 15, 1853.

Re-Opened.  Star & Johnson’s “Excelsior Daguerrean Gallery.”  (Late Hamilton and Starr’s)  The above Gallery, having been closed for a fortnight past, is now re-opened, greatly enlarged and improved, no pains or expense having been spared to make this, as its name imports, The Excelsior Gallery of San Francisco.  The Show Rooms, Private Dressing Room for Ladies’, Laboratory, etc., are of the largest and most convenient plan.  The light is superior to any in the city, and equal to the most celebrated Galleries in the Atlantic cities.  Our Rooms are especially adapted for taking Family Groups, and so well ventilated that no unpleasantness is experienced even in the warmest weather, as is the case in smaller Galleries.  Mr. Johnson, the artist, from his experience of thirteen years’ successful practice as a Daguerreotypist in the cities of New York and New Orleans, Augusta, Ga., Cleveland, Ohio; and during four seasons at Saratoga and two at the White Sulphur Springs,—feels himself warranted in insuring perfect satisfaction to all our patrons.  No charge is made nor is any picture suffered to leave our possession, until the sitter is entirely satisfied.  Rabe’s Building, 163 Clay st.

1854 April 6.  Daily California Chronicle.  (San Francisco, California.)  April 6, 1854. Vol. 1, No. 16, P. 2.

Chas. F. Hamilton.  Jacob Shew.  Daguerreotypes!  Daguerreotypes!  The Subscribers respectfully inform the public of San Francisco that they have purchased the Daguerrean Gallery on Clay street, lately occupied by Starr & Johnson, and refitted it in the most complete manner, and where every thing relating to the art will be executed in the most perfect manner.

The only place in California where Shew’s Daguerreotypes and Stereoscopes are taken.

This Establishment occupies four rooms, and is the most complete establishment of the kind on the Pacific.

Private parlor for ladies, furnished in the most magnificent style.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call whether they wish to sit or not.  Hamilton & Starr, (late Starr & Johnson,) 163 Clay st., Rabe’s Building, two doors above Montgomery, San Francisco.

Advertisement ran from April 6 to 17, 1854.

1854 April 8.  San Francisco Evening Journal.  (San Francisco, California.)  April 8, 1854, Vol. II, No. 284, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.—By referring to our advertising columns it will be seen that those magnificent daguerreotype rooms formerly occupied by Starr & Johnson, in Dr. Rabe’s Building, on Clay, near the corner of Montgomery street, have been taken by Messrs. Hamilton & Shew.  These gentlemen are so well known as efficient operators in the art daguerrean that to speak of the advantages they possess would be superfluous.

1854 April 8.  San Francisco Evening Journal.  (San Francisco, California.)  April 8, 1854, Vol. II, No. 284, P. 2.

Chas. F. Hamilton.  Jacob Shew.  Daguerreotypes!  Daguerreotypes!  The Subscribers respectfully inform the public of San Francisco that they have purchased the Daguerrean Gallery on Clay street, lately occupied by Starr & Johnson, and refitted it in the most complete manner, and where every thing relating to the art will be executed in the most perfect manner.

The only place in California where Shew’s Daguerreotypes and Stereoscopes are taken.

This Establishment occupies four rooms, and is the most complete establishment of the kind on the Pacific.

Private parlor for ladies, furnished in the most magnificent style.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call whether they wish to sit or not.  Hamilton & Starr, (late Starr & Johnson,) 163 Clay st., Rabe’s Building, two doors above Montgomery, San Francisco.

Advertisement was recorded five times between April 8 to 22, 1854.

1854 May 5.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  May 5, 1854, Vol. III, No. 26, P. 3.

The Citizens Of San Francisco And The Public Generally Are Invited To Call And Examine Specimens of Stereoscopes Thake at our rooms.  The superiority of our Daguerreotypes are so well known that it is unnecessary to mention it.  We are both practical operators of ten years experience in the art—and the scientific manner in which our rooms and skylights are arranged gives us advantages not possessed by any other establishment non the Pacific Coast.  Our Gallery [is] by far the most extensive and best furnished in California.  We have a Ladies Parlor furnished in the most splendid manner—besides a Public Reception Room.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call.  Hamilton & Shew, Babe’s Building, 163 Clay Street.

Advertisement was recorded thirty one times between May 5, 1854 to February 2, 1855.

1855 February 9.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  February 9, 1855, Vol. IV, No. X, P. 3.

The Citizens Of San Francisco And The Public Generally Are Invited To Call And Examine Specimens of Stereoscopes Thake at our rooms.  The superiority of our Daguerreotypes are so well known that it is unnecessary to mention it.  We are both practical operators of ten years experience in the art—and the scientific manner in which our rooms and skylights are arranged gives us advantages not possessed by any other establishment non the Pacific Coast.  Our Gallery [is] by far the most extensive and best furnished in California.  We have a Ladies Parlor furnished in the most splendid manner—besides a Public Reception Room.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call.  Hamilton & Shew, Babe’s Building, 163 Clay Street.

Advertisement ran from February 9 to November 9, 1855.

1855 November 19.  Price Current and Shipping List.  (San Francisco, California.)  November 19, 1855, Vol. 4, No. 43, P. 3.

Facts For The People!  It Is Well Known That Well executed Daguerreotype Likeness taken on silver are far superior In Every Respect to the finest Oil Miniature Painting or Daguerreotypes on glass or paper, and is much cheaper.  Call and examine our Daguerreotypes taken on pure Silver, and we guarantee that you will sat that they have All the beauty of a fine miniature painting on ivory, and far more accurate as regards the likeness.  We have got a system of coloring and painting Daguerreotypes known only to ourselves, which never fades, and gives the Daguerreotype such a life-like appearance. 

Just received by Express a beautiful assortment of every description of Fancy Cases.  Hamilton & Shew, 163 Clay street, Rabe’s Building.

Advertisement ran from November 19, 1855 to April 4, 1856.

Mr. Shew, Late Of The Firm Of Hamilton & Shew, Would strongly recommend the attention of his friends and patrons to the new style of Improved Ambrotypes, (not introduced by Mr. Ford,) which he believes the most beautiful production of the Photographic Art.  He has so much confidence in their success, that he is now applying his whole attention to the new art at Mr. Ford’s Rooms, where he would be pleased to see his friends.

Advertisement was recorded four times between January 4 to 25, 1856.

1856 January 26.  The Wide West.  (San Francisco, California.) January 26, 1856, Vo. II, No. 46, Whole No. 98, P. 3.

1857 June 28.  The Golden Era.  (San Francisco, California.)  June 28, 1857, Vol. V, No. 29, P. 4.

Removal—Notice To The Public.  Charles F. Hamilton, Daguerrean Artist, respectfully announces that he has taken charge of Mr. Bradley’s Daguerrean Gallery, South East corner of Clay and Kearny streets, where he will be happy to see his old friends and customers.

He would caution the public that the specimens on exhibition at his old stand, (Dr. Rabe’s Building, on Clay street,) were taken by him, and Not by the individual who now seeks to make a reputation under false pretences [sic.].  Charles F. Hamilton relies solely on his own meriss [sic.] for a share of the public patronage, and not upon the handi-work of others.

Advertisement was recorded three times between June 28 to July 19, 1857.

1857 July 26.  The Golden Era.  (San Francisco, California.)  July 26, 1857, Vol. V, No. 33, P. 8.

Who and Where To Fine Them.

Hamilton, Chas. F., Daguerreotypist—Corner Clay and Kearny streets.

Potter & Co., Daguerreotypist—185 Clay street.

Shew, Wm., Daguerreotypist—113 Montgomery street.

Vance, R. H., Daguerreotypist—Cor. Montg’y and Sacramento sts.

1858 October 3.  The Golden Era.  (San Francisco, California.)  October 3, 1858, Vol. VI, No. 43, P. 8.

The Only Gold Medal!  Charles F. Hamilton, Daguerrean Artist, 182 Washington Street, (Between Kearny and Montgomery,) Was awarded The Only Gold Medal for The Best Ambrotypes, &c., at the late State Fair at Marysville, California.

1858 December 5.  California Home Journal.  (San Francisco, California.)  December 5, 1858, Vol. 1, No. 10, P. 4.

The Only Gold Medal!  Charles F. Hamilton, Daguerrean Artist, 182 Washington Street, between Kearny & Montgomery sts., Was Awarded The Only Gold Medal for the Best Ambrotypes, etc., at the late State Fair at Marysville.

In Addition To The Above, A Committee Of Judges have awarded the First Premium at the late Mechanics Fair to Charles F. Hamilton, for the finest Ambrotypes exhibited.

Collodion, of my own make, superior to any in market.  Price, $3.50 per lb.  Orders from the country Promptly attended to.  Oct16.

1859 February 5.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  February 5, 1859, Vol. IX, No. 244, P. 3.

It Smacks of a Failing Business.—A certain old fogy is sore because I was his successful competitor at the late State Fair and the Fair of the Mechanics’ Institute in this city.  I have made it a rule never to notice anything emanating from such a source, but as a character of a committee of honorable gentlemen is assailed, I feel called upon to notice the matter.  In a few days I shall hear from them.  The individual is grieved because we are leading him in every branch of the art—Photographs as well as Ambrotypes.  The subscriber flatters himself that neither here nor elsewhere can anything dishonorable be brought to His door.  Chas. F. Hamilton, Firm of Hamilton & Co., Daguerrean Artists, 182 Washington street.

Advertisement was recorded five times between February 5 to March 21, 1859.

1859 July 30.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  July 30, 1859, Vol. X, No. 53, P. 3.

A Temple of Art is Hamilton & Lovering’s new Photographic Establishment.  There are Eight rooms all on the second floor (an advantage possessed by no other extensive establishment in the United States), and built expressly for the practice of the Photographic Art in all its branches.  An experience of both Hamilton and Lovering of over sixteen years constant practice enables them to turn out finer work than any other establishment, as they are not compelled, like other establishments, to hire operators, who scarcely know anything about the business.  The First Premium was awarded to us at both the last State and City Fairs.  Hamilton & Lovering, Second story of Lecount’s Gallery, 111 Montgomery street.  jy12.

Advertisement was recorded twice on July 30 & August 5, 1859.

1860 October 23.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  October 23, 1860, Vol. XI, No. 123, P. 2.

Four First Premiums at the late State Fair, and the Only First Premium at the Fair of the Mechanics’ Institute, were all awarded to us, over all competitors, for the Best Photographs, plain, re-touched, and life-size.  Also, the First Premium for the best Ambrotypes, at both Fairs. 

Prices low as ordinary pictures at other establishments.  Rooms all on the second floor.

Over seventeen years’ experience of both of us, enables us to excel all our competitors.  Hamilton & Lovering, Lecount’s Building.  111 Montgomery street.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November 16, 1860.  

1864 July 10.  El Nuevo Mundo.  (San Francisco, California.)  July 10, 1864, Vol. 1, No.11, P. 3.

Gran Reduccion De Precios.  Wise & Prindle, Propietarios De La Galeria Fotofrafica.  Conocida antes come Galeria De Hamilton.

Ha Reducido El Precio De Targetas

Como Sigue:

Vinetas, por docena………………..$4.00

Cuerpo Entero………………………$3.00

Segunda docena de Vinetas………..$3.00

Segunda docena Cuerpo Entero……$2.50

Recordaran todos losque esta Galeria, que es la mas elegante del Estado, y que esta ahora produciendo pinturas que no son aventajadas en la costa.

La Galeria ha sido repare la, puesta er completo orden y ilena de nievas pinturas, y tiene todo lo necesario para comodidad y diversión del publico.

Uno de los propietarios, James Wise, es un Artista de profesión, y toda su atención esta consagrada a la toma de pinturas.  Tienen también dos de los mas bellos operadores en el Estado, como se vera por sus muestras.

Pinturas Ejecutadas En Lienzo, Potogrgrapias Iluminadas, Y toda otra especie de pinturas serán ejecutadas en esta Galeria, Y no se ahorrara ningún trabajo para una satisfacción general.

Tengase esta toda en un pise, y arriba de unos cuantos escalones, nada mas.

No. 417 calle de Montgomery, entre Sacramento y California.

Advertisement was recorded from July 10 to December 22, 1864.