1854-1855       Elmendorf’s Building, nearly opposite Yates County Bank, Penn-Yan, New York.

N. D.               Address Unknown, New York, New York.

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

1858                Old Arcade Gallery, Watertown, New York.

1858-1859       Washington Hall Building, Watertown, New York.

1854 May 16.  Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York.)  May 16, 1854, Vol. XXXVII, No. 48, Whole No. 1887, P. 3.

The Very Best Yet!  A Good Daguerreotype And A Chance To Draw A Splendid Gold Watch! Worth $100. Or 4 of 6 Other Valuable Prizes, All for One Dollar.

S. J. Fowler, in consideration of the liberal patronage that has been bestowed upon him, and the very flattering favor with which his pictures have been received, together with a desire to increase his customers, that all may have a chance to get a Good Likeness, has been induced to offer the following rare inducements:

I have issued 1000 Tickets at One Dollar each.  Each ticket is good for a Daguerreotype to be taken at my room, any time during the present year, and for one chance to draw one of the following Prizes.

One Splendid Gold Plated Lever Watch, worth…….$100

One Splendid Gold Plated Sporting Chain worth…..$ 40

One Splendid Gold Seal, with two Miniatures………$ 15

One Splendid Silver Detached Lever Watch………..$ 20

One Gold Watch Key…………………………………..$   8

Twelve Gold Pens at $1 each,…………………….… $ 12

Total……………………………………………………$205

The above is a fair cash valuation of the Property to be distributed among the holders of tickets, after giving them a fair equivalent for their money, as the Daguerreotype will be as good and as well put up as can be got for one dollar, anywhere in Western New York.  The Prizes will be distributed by a committee chosen by ticket holders, as they shall direct, as soon as the Tickets are all sold, which should be as soon as the first of June.  Any person enclosing to me one dollar, Post Paid, I will return them a Ticket with my Signature, and take their Daguerreotype whenever they call for it, if before the first of January 1854.

The above Prizes, together with a fine collection of Specimen Pictures, can be seen at any time, Daguerrean Rooms, In Elmendorf’s Building, Nearly Opposite The Yates County Bank.

My facilities for Daguerreotyping are not equaled by any one in this vicinity.  My rooms are newly and finely furnished, and I have the best arranged light to be found anywhere, which is a great consideration in Daguerreotypes.  Call and see and be Convinced.  Pictures taken equally well in clear or cloudy weather.

Instructions, with all the late improvements, at a fair rate.  Stock and Apparatus furnished at New York Prices.  Don’t forget the place.  Look for the Red Flag.  S. J. Flower.            Penn-Yan, May 2, 1854.

Advertisement ran on May 16 & 23, 1854.

1854 May 16.  Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York.)  May 16, 1854, Vol. XXXVII, No. 48, Whole No. 1887, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes!  “Secure the shadow ere the substance fades.”  S. J. Fowler would take this opportunity to say to his friends and the public generally, that inasmuch as his Pictures have been received with unusual admiration, it has induced him to locate in this place permanently, and he will forthwith enlarge his rooms and increase his facilities for supplying the demand of an approving public.  Pictures taken in all weather in his rooms in Elmendorf’s Building, nearly opposite the Yates County Bank.  Penn Yan, March 1854.

N. B.  Look for the sign of the Red Flag.

Advertisement ran from May 16, 1854 to September 26, 1855.

1855 January 10.  Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York.)  January 10, 1855, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 30, Whole No. 1921, P. 3.

Ticket Holders!  Look To Your Interest!  Do You Want Those Prizes?  If So, come on and get the balance of those Tickets in Fowler’s Gift Enterprise, or induce some one to do so before the first of January, as the time fixed for the scheme will run out.  It is your interest, not mine, that the Tickets should be sold; but in order to give entire satisfaction, I will extend the time for taking the Daguerreotypes, to suit your convenience.  All Tickets sold after this date will be good for a Daguerreotype whenever called for, and the prizes will be distributed on the first of January.  If the Tickets are all sold as soon as then.  Only 300 Tickets now remain to be sold, and if each ticket holder makes a little effort they can all be sold this week without any difficulty.

I have just received a new and complete assortment of Cases of all the Latest Styles, some very fine for Holiday Presents!

What would be a finer gift than your Daguerreotype put up in one of my Fancy Cases.  Remember for every Dollars’s worth taken at my room you get one chance at those Splendid Prizes.  Now is your time—quick or you lose it.

I would here return my thanks to the public for the very liberal patronage I have received since I have been here.  My success has been far beyond my expectation, which proves that Good Pictures are appreciated in Yates County.

I have lately been making great improvements in my chemical department, by which I am enabled to make much better pictures than ever before.  By this, together with strict attention to business and a determination to please all, I hope to merit a continuance of your favors.  S. J. Fowler.  Penn-Yan, Dec. 26, 1854.

1855 October 17.  Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York.)  October 17, 1855, Vol. XXXIX, No. 18, Whole No. 1961, P. 2.

But few are probably aware of the rapid progress that has been made in bringing the art of Daguerreotyping to perfection.  The latest, and we may say the greatest improvement that has yet been made in the art, is that of taking Ambrotypes and Photographs on glass.  The Ambrotypes are pictures taken on the back of plate glass, forming a picture that is seen in any light, and its natural position, not reversed as in Daguerreotypes.  The picture is covered with a gum that hardens and forms a secure protection from dampness or dust.  Indeed the picture can be destroyed only by breaking the glass.  It is seen through the glass, and is equally clear and distinct seen at any angle.  They are afforded at about the same rates as Daguerreotypes.

The Photographs are also taken on glass, and then by chemical process, the impression is transferred on to paper, presenting an appearance equal to the finest steel engraving, and any number of impressions can be taken from the same plate.  Bring on light paper you are enabled to present your distant friends with a beautiful and accurate picture of yourself, and that at a trifling expense.

Mr. Wilson, successor to Mr. Flower, at his rooms, opposite the Yates County Bank, is now prepared to furnish all who wish with either Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, or Photographs in the highest style of the art.

1857 May 6.  Northern New York Journal.  (Watertown, New York.)  May 6, 1857, Vol. 11, No. 49, P. 3.

Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

1857 May 6.  Northern New York Journal.  (Watertown, New York.)  May 6, 1857, Vol. 11, No. 49, P. 4.

Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them.    Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, March 7, 1857.

Advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857.

1857 May 7.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  May 7, 1857, Vol. VII, No. 37, P. 2.

Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

1857 May 7.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  May 7, 1857, Vol. VII, No. 37, P. 3.

Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

Advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857.

1857 August 13.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  August 13, 1857, Vol. VII, No. 52, P. 3.

Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.     G. S. Rugg,     sic. O. S. Fowler.            Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  S. G. Rugg.

Advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857.

1858 April 8.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  April 8, 1858, Vol. VIII, No. 33, P. 2.

Beautiful Pictures.  At the gallery of Messrs. Hart & Hose, in the Arcade, Messrs. S. J. Fowler and hart are producing some of the best toned pictures we have ever seen.  They are making Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Photographs and Hallotypes of the very finest tone and finish.  In the Photographs, Mr. Fowler possesses rare skill, and brings out a splendid picture.

The Hallotype is a new thing.  It is a combination of two photographs, one of which is transparent, and through which the other is seen.  This surpasses in softness of tone and in freshness of coloring, all the pictures we have seen produced by the Daguerrean art.—By turning to the Advertisement of Messrs. Hart & Fowler, the reader may see more in detail, the afforded at their gallery.

1858 April 8.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  April 8, 1858, Vol. VIII, No. 33, P. 2.

Spring Arrangement.  Pictures For The Million!  The old Arcade Gallery still takes the lead.  Hart & Fowler Having Entered Into and arrangement for the purpose of making all kinds of Life-like Likenesses at the old stand of Hart & Hose, beg leave to say to all the good people hereabouts that they are now prepared to furnish all who may want them with Photographs, Ambrotypes or Daguerreotypes In the very best style of the art.  Mr. Fowler having lately been to the city, where he has spent three months with some of the best Photographers for the purpose of learning to make that much-admired style of Portraiture, and, in addition to three years experimenting heretofore, now feels confident that he can suit the most fastidious.

Mr. F. will devote his time to the making of Photographs, and Mr. Hart will attend to the Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Department, wherein his skill and taste stand unrivaled in Northern New York.  By this arrangement we shall be enabled to keep all branches up to perfection.

We are weekly receiving, direct from the manufacturer, all the latest styles of Cases, Frames, &c.

Call and see us before getting your work done elsewhere, as we are sure we can suit you as to quality or price.  Watertown, April 1858.

Advertisement ran from April 8 to June 10, 1858.

1858 November 28.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  November 28, 1858, Vol. IX, No. 14, P. 3.

Now I ‘M Ready! Come And See Me & Bring Along Your Friends.  New Sky-Light Room Just Complete In Washington Hall Gallery, Which Is Now The Best Light In Town.

S. J. Fowler has now the pleasure to inform his friends and the public generally, that he is on hand at the above place with greatly increased facilities for making Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melaneotype, &c., In the very best style.  Call and see my splendid collection of pictures.  All work warranted.  S. J. Fowler. 

Advertisement ran from November 25, 1858 to March 17, 1859.

1859 March 31.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  March 31, 1859, Vol. IX, No. 32, P. 3.

Bought Out S. J. Fowler Having purchased T. N. Foster’s interest in the Washington Hall Daguerrean Gallery, Has the pleasure of informing his patrons and the public generally, that he will now “run the machine” on his “own hook.”

It is now two years since Mr. Fowler commenced making “sun pictures” in these rooms with Mr. Rugg, and having been connected with him nearly all the time since, in such a way as to have to divide the profits with some other parties, he has been obliged to charge more for the same work than he will, now that he has the whole profits himself.  Persons wishing Ambrotypes, Melainotypes; Photographs, will bear in mind that Mr. Fowler was the first to introduce and make these kind of pictures successfully in Watertown.

Having learned the business in New York City of the best Artists and Chemists, he has in the last four years taught the science to more than one hundred of the principal Daguerreotypist and others in this and the Western States and Canada.

Remember if you want pictures that are made in a scientific and artistic manner, and that will be Permanent, give Fowler a call in Washington Hall Building, Watertown, N. Y.  March 30, 1859.

Advertisement ran from March 31 to June 16, 1859.

1859 May 5.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  May 5, 1859, Vol. IX, No. 37, P. 4.

—Fowler’s Gallery of Art.  Fowler, at the Washington Hall, Watertown is making some very fine photographs, ambrotypes, melainotypes, &c., &c.  His elegant rooms have undergone the Spring renovation so indicative of business prosperity, and no-where can more fashionable or pleasant reception parlors be found, than at his gallery.—Those who come to Watertown for pictures will get a first-class article, at the cheapest rate, by calling on Fowler.  A good picture, at a low price, is a desideratum now-a-days.

1859 October 13.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  October 13, 1859, Vol. X, No. 8, P. 2.

—Another Photograph.  Our much-esteemed friend and fellow townsman has placed us under renewed favors by the very fine photograph taken of our junior. No finer pictures in the State are taken than those by Mr. Fowler, whose fine rooms, in Washington Hall building, are a pleasant place in which to spend a profitable hour in examining the heads of such of our townsmen and country residents as are there visible.  Call and get your picture—You will never regret it.

1859 October 13.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  October 13, 1859, Vol. X, No. 8, P. 4.

Do You Want A Perfect representation of yourself or friend, in the shape of an Ambrotype, Photograph, or Melainotype, Then Go To The Washingt’n Hall Gallery And Let Flower Take your Likeness in his Inimitable Style.

Please Bear In Mind that I am permanently located in Watertown, and shall turn out such work as will recommend me to the most fastidious.—Thankful for the very liberal patronage I have received for the past two years in this place, I would say that it shall be my endeavor to please all who may favor me with a call, in the hope that I may have a continuance of their patronage.

Pictures in any of the above Styles, made and put up in every variety of Frames or Cases, of which I shall keep a large assortment, At very Low Prices.

Pictures Set in Lockets, Pins or Rings, with neatness and Despatch.

Stereoscopic Pictures of Persons, or Views of Dwellings, Taken In A Scientific Manner.

Old Daguerreotypes Enlarged To any size, and Photographed In The Best Style Of The Art, Plain, or in Oil or Water Colors.

My Rooms Are Large, pleasantly located, and easy of access.  Open at all hours of the day for Business, and in the evening for inspection.  Please call and examine Specimens, of which I have the largest assortment in Northern New York.

Don’t Wait for Clear Weather, As I prefer Cloudy Weather for making Fine Pictures, excepting for children.  Bring them on bright days and in the morning.

Remember I Am Not To Be Outdone, Either In Quality Of Work, Or Prices.  S. J. Fowler, Artist. Watertown, October, 1859.

Advertisement ran from October 13 to December 29, 1859.

1859 December 8.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  December 8, 1859, Vol. X, No. 16, P. 3.

Proclamation!  Whereas it is my determination to please everybody the coming Holidays, therefore every good and loyal subject of my Kingdom (which is universal) is hereby commanded to go to the Washington Hall Daguerrean Gallery, and let Fowler take their Likenesses, and have them set in those Lovely Holiday Cases, that I may please their friends on Christmas by leaving them in their stockings.

Given under my hand and Seal this, the seventh day of December, 1859.         Santa-Claus.

Advertisement ran from December 8 to 29, 1859.

1859 December 15.  The New York Reformer.  (Watertown, New York.)  December 15, 1859, Vol. X, No. 17, P. 2.

—A Genuine Likeness Of John Brown may be seen by calling at Hart’s Gallery in the Arcade, or at Fowler’s Rooms, in Washington Hall Building.  They are from a photograph taken of Brown at Winsted, Conn., in 1857, and may be relied on as genuine.