Tag Archives: Saco Maine

G. E. Trow

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844                Over Dr. Berry’s Apothecary Store, Saco, Maine.

1844                Address Unknown, Kennebunkport, Maine.

G. E. Trow was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Maine Democrat  (Saco, Maine).  The advertisement ran on August 6 & 13, 1844.  Daguerreotypes!  G. E. Trow, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Saco and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over Doct. Berry’s Apothecary Store, 2 doors from the Post Office—and is prepared to take Miniatures by this wonderful process from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M. daily without regard to weather.

G. E. T. has, at great expense of labor and means, at length succeeded in so far improving his apparatus; as to be enabled to produce a perfect Photographic Miniature in any weather, and consequently without using the direct rays of the sun.  Hitherto it has been generally supposed that sunshine was indispensable to the production of Daguerreotype Miniatures; but the important improvements just perfected, prove that this is a mistake.

Those who have never enjoyed the opportunity of seeing a specimen of Photography can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection’ beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.

It is the work of Nature not of Art—and as far surpasses the production of the pencil, as all Nature’s efforts do those of Man.  In the creation of these pictures, the light of Heaven, alone constitutes the pencil, and Nature the artist!

In no case will persons be obliged to take a miniature, unless it is perfectly satisfactory.

Ladies & Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

The announcement appeared on August 13, 1844.  Now is the time to obtain likenesses of your friends—an invaluable treasure when friends are removed from us.  Mr. Trow (see advertisement) takes most excellent Daguerreotype miniatures—and at very low prices.  He has many beautiful specimens at his room.  Give him a call.  Mr. T. will be at Kennebunkport to-day.

G. E. Trow is not recorded in other photographic directories.

E. Punderson

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1846                Address Unknown, Saco, Maine.

1846                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

1846                Rooms Directly Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1847                Rooms Over Nathaniel Churchill’s Store, Exeter, New Hampshire.

E. Punderson was recorded in four advertisements.  The first advertisement ran on December 23 & 30, 1845 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  Wish you Merry Christmas!  All persons wishing to present their friends with a valuable Christmas or New Year’s Gift-one which will be valued far beyond its cost—one which time instead of impairing will only render more valuable—and one which as often as seen cannot fail to call to mind the giver, can obtain such by calling at Punderson’s Daguerrian Rooms, Factory Island, where by favoring him with the Light Of Their Countenance for a few seconds, he will furnish them with a perfect and well executed Likeness, for the trifling of [$2.50] which will be by far the most beautiful and valuable gift of any which can be obtained for a similar cost.

A very handsome assortment of Gold and Gilt Lockets just received which will be sold at a very small advance from cost.

The second advertisement appeared on April 14, 1846 in the Maine Democrat.  Perfect likenesses, By the Daguerreotype Process, For Only $2.50.  E. Punderson would respectfully announce to the citizens of Saco and vicinity, that he intends remaining in this place For One Week Longer Only.  Those wishing correct and beautifully executed likenesses of themselves or friends, will probably never have a better opportunity than the present.

It would seem wholly unnecessary to urge upon any reflecting mind the importance of securing a likeness of every member of their family.  ‘Tis true that whilst surrounded by the object of our love, a likeness may seem of but little value; but let death enter the family circle and remove from the number a beloved parent, brother or child, ‘tis than that their likeness becomes valuable.—How valuable, those only who possess such a memento of a dearly loved but departed friend can well realize.

Hours of operating from 9 A. M. to 4½ P. M.  Pictures taken without regard to weather.  Rooms open evenings for the exhibition of pictures. 

The third advertisement ran from July 28 to September 22, 1846 in the Maine Democrat.  Punderson’s Daguerrean Rooms Re-Opened.  E. Punderson, having returned from N. York, where he has been for the purpose of perfecting himself in the recent improvements made in the art, again offers his services to the citizens of Saco and vicinity, and pledges himself that his pictures shall not be surpassed by those of any operator in the country.

He would respectfully invite those wishing correct and well-executed likenesses, to call at his rooms, Directly opposite the Post Office, where perfect satisfaction will be given or no charge,  The liberal patronage bestowed upon him during his long stay in this place, is of itself sufficient proof of the high estimation in which his pictures are held, and no pains will be spared to secure a continuance of the same.  It appears to be the general impression that pictures taken in cloudy weather, are not as good as those taken in a clear day.  This is incorrect; the only difference being that in a cloudy day it is necessary to sit a few seconds longer; but the effect is the same.

Pictures set in frames, cases, lockets, pins or rings.  Hours of operating from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.

The fourth advertisement ran on March 8 & 15, 1847 in the Exeter News-Letter and Rockingham Adviser (Exeter, New Hampshire).  With Or Without Colors.  How often do we hear the wish expressed for the miniature of an absent or a deceased friend?  And indeed who has not at one time or other vainly endeavored (for want of one of these little remembrances) to recall the features that once reflected all our dreams of love and beauty?  The smiling lip and laughing eye—the manly brow and thoughtful gaze of some dear companion, parent or friend, and sighed to think that they were lost to us forever?  Who does not love, whilst pondering o’er the sunshine and shadows of the past to be able to gaze on the countenance of some dear and early loved, but mourned and buried friend?

It would seem hardly necessary to urge upon any reflection mind the importance of securing likenesses of themselves and family.  It is true, that whilst surrounded by the objects of our love, a likeness may seem of but little or no consequence, but let death enter that circle and remove one after another, it is then their likeness becomes valuable—how valuable those only who have been so fortunate as to secure this memento of a departed friend can well realize.

Formerly the time spent in obtaining a likeness and the expense attending it, together with the uncertainty of finally procuring one which would be satisfactory were serious objections and deterred many from sitting for their pictures.  But this wonderful discovery a picture may be obtained in a few seconds which for beauty and accuracy of delineation cannot be surpassed by any painting, it being no fancy sketch of the Artist, but the ‘bona fide’ shadow itself, and that too at an expense so trifling that almost every person can obtain a likeness not only of himself but of every member of his family.

The subscriber having been under the instruction of the first operators in the city of New York, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing himself of all the recent improvements in the art, flatters himself that his pictures for accuracy and beauty of execution cannot be surpassed by those of any operator; and he would respectfully invite all, whether they contemplate sitting for their pictures or not, to call at his Rooms, over Nathaniel Churchill’s Store, and examine his specimens.  They will thus be enabled to judge for themselves.  As he intends remaining in this place for a short time only, those wishing their pictures will do well to give him an early call.

Portraits and Miniatures copied with perfect accuracy.  Pictures set in Frames, Cases, Lockets, Bracelets, &c.  No person will be expected to take a picture unless perfectly satisfied with the execution.  Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Hours of operating, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Rooms open Evenings for the exhibition of Pictures.  E. Punderson.

E. Punderson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1847.

Marcus Ormsbee

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , ,

1842                62 Milk Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1843                75 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1843-1844       31 Middle Street, Over J. D. Kidder’s Store, Portland, Maine.

1845-1846       144 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1847-1851       112 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1848                Cataract Block, Saco, Maine

1849-1850       8½ Daniel Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

1851-1862       203 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1855                777 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

Marcus Ormsbee, this is a partial record of his activity before the partnership Ormsbee & Silsbee in Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts (see yesterday’s post for partnership records).  He was recorded in eleven advertisements (three of which he was mentioned in) and one announcement in four different newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared on January 2, 1844 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, For Colored Miniatures, No. 31 Middle Street….Portland.  The Proprietor, who was the operator and Teacher at the Daguerreotype Studio, No. 62 Milk St., Boston, where the art flourished and superseded all other establishments of the kind, (the first year) has, since that time, been employed in the same capacity, at the well-known establishment, “Plumbe” Daguerrian Gallery, No. 75 Court Street; and in fact, has been Teacher of this beautiful and most desirable art ever since the application of the process to taking miniatures.

In compliance with numerous and urgent invitations from the inhabitants of Portland and vicinity, he has opened Rooms, (as above) where can be examined specimens of his work, some of which are taken of public men well known to most persons, and he does not hesitate in saying, would be recognized from their miniatures as readily as they could be, were their faces reflected in a mirror.—He is as will be observed, (having been long time familiar with every department,) well qualified to instruct, or execute, in the very best manner, Miniatures taken from life, copies of Portraits, Bust, Pictures, &c. &c., and color them equal to the finest and most delicately finished painting, with every variety of color in the dress.

His prices being the same, with settings and case, as heretofore charged without—the advantage to his Glass House, so easy of access, (being but one flight of the stairs from the ground)—also affording a light that will admit of producing equal results in any weather—he hopes from these inducements to receive an early call from those who are wanting miniatures taken by his process, which he warrants to produce a copy that cannot be mistaken by the youngest acquaintance.  He will further say, that should the miniatures after being taken and put into cases, not suit, the persons are under no obligation to take them.

N. B.  Instructions in the art given, and every article appertaining to the business furnished, warranted of the best quality, and at the very lowest prices.

Terms.—A single Miniature, with setting and case, $3.  Cases and Lockets furnished, (of superior quality,) from $5 to $15.

All communications (post paid) will receive prompt attention.  Dec. 27.

The second advertisement ran on June 4 & October 29, 1844 and on February 18, & April 15, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  The Art At Last Perfected!  By recent improvements, Ormsbee has brought the Daguerreotype Art of taking Miniatures to a perfection heretofore unparalleled, and he can now warrant, in every instance, a Perfect Likeness, colored or plain, and as strongly brought out as the finest painting or engraving.  Satisfactory proofs of this fact, may be seen at his Rooms, over the Store of J. D. Kidder, Middle Street, in the Miniatures of many well-known citizens, taken by him.  In no case will a sitter be obliged to pay for a Miniature unless it is perfectly satisfactory.

The process is not wearing to the most debilitated invalids; and such applicants as are confined at home he will wait upon at their houses, either in or out of the city.

A Single Miniature with handsome case $3.—Gold, Plated, and Gilt Lockets furnished cheaper than can be had here, or elsewhere.

Apparatus, with his late combination Lenses furnished, and instructions given at the lowest prices.  Portland May 29, 1844.

The third advertisement ran on December 3 to 24, 1844 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Now.  Thanksgiving, Christmas and New-Year are approaching.  Those who wish to confer presents, on ‘Cousins,’ parents, brothers or sisters, could not select a more appropriate gift than a Beautiful Miniature, colored and correct to the minutest particular—such a one may be obtained for only $3, at Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, (over J. D. Kidder’s ) Middle st.—Now Is The Time.  nov. 29.

The fourth advertisement appeared on April 15, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Yes! It is rumored that Ormsbee is about leaving Portland—but notwithstanding his numerous invitations to go to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and elsewhere, he is yet to be found at his old stand, “One Gross,” (143) Middle street, where he is now exhibiting Daguerreotype Miniatures taken by his very late improvement, by which they are taken much larger, more distinct, and in about one-fourth the time—the process now being but from 9 to 15 seconds sitting.  He is able to obtain Miniatures of groups of children much younger then heretofore, and to the same degree of perfection as of adults.

A single Miniature, with handsome case, $3—Gold, Plated, and Gilt Lockets furnished cheaper than can be had in any other place.

N. B.  Persons wishing to acquire the Art can be furnished with Apparatus of his recent improvements and be warranted with satisfactory instructions, with a few days’ practice, in the new process.

All communications, post paid, will be immediately answered.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 16, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser. 

Thanks.  Giving, Christmas, and New Year’s.  If those in want of Presents for either of those days, would just reflect for a moment, will readily perceive the Great advantage that a Daguerreotype Miniature has over any other selection that would cost twenty times the amount.  Portland, Dec 2. 1845.

The sixth advertisement (the first he was mentioned in ) appeared on October 6, 1846 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Commercial Academy.  Messrs. Keene & Drake Have opened a Room at 144 Middle Street, same entrance as to Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, for the purpose of teaching Writing and Book Keeping…

The seventh advertisement ran on January 26 & February 2, 1847 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Of Course!!  Although some have thought that Ormsbee would “of course” raise his prices for Daguerreotypes, because his competitors have left the city—he is yet happy to inform them that this opinion is incorrect.  All have still and opportunity of obtaining the most perfect Miniature, set in a good Morocco Case, for the same low price as heretofore–$1.50.  No. 112 Middle, opposite the [bot.] of temple St.

Then let those who are desirous of making the most acceptable Christmas or New Year’s Present, call on the subscriber and obtain a miniature of unrivalled finish.  See a new and splendid case of miniatures at the door.  Ormsbee.  Portland, Dec. 22, 1846.

The first announcement appeared on January 18, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).

Likeness of Gov. Fairfield.—Mr. Omsby (Sic.) has, at his Daguerreotype Room, an excellent likeness of the late Hon. John Fairfield, taken just before he left home for the last time,  From this he has taken several copies for some of our townsmen, and can take any number more.  The copies are life-like.  There are also likenesses from the plate engraved for the Democratic Review, but the expression is not so natural.  Mr. John Dennett has taken some very good Daguerreotype copies of this engraving.

Mr. Omsby’s room is in the Cataract Block, where all who wish may see this remembrancer of our late friend—and get a copy of their own features if they choose.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 11 to June 13, 1848 in the Maine Democrat.  Drowning.  “Drowning Men,”  the old adage says “will catch at straws.”  This I believe to be the case with my neighbor, and I would say competitor, had he ever produced one miniature that would bear the least comparison with the most ordinary of even the subscriber’s pupils.  The gent, of course a scholar, being a preacher and doctor, has called the public attention by his advertisement, which I presume he thinks is somewhat peppered with wit.  The troubled man says to the public, not to be duped by persons boasting of their superiority.  In reply to this, I will say that the gent fired without effect, as the daily increase of my customers induce me to believe that his reference to two or three group specimens, which were taken when in practice as a pupil , will not change public opinion in any degree, as relates to his, the ‘Elder’s great Humbug.’  Truly wonderful discoveries!  Hillographic Drawings, not the old dark, rough Daguerreotype, as he is pleased to call it.  I will further state to the public, that I practice the Daguerreotype process, and keep pace with the improvements in the art, having been favored with business enough to keep my whole time employed.  I shall not be obliged to attend two or three other kinds of professions, therefore can give my customers the best miniatures the art affords.  Ormsbee.  Saco, April 3, 1848.

The ninth advertisement (second that he was mentioned in) ran from July 12 to September 14, 1848 in the Portsmouth Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine). 144 F. M. Danielson Having taken a Room No. 144 Middle Street, wishing to solicit the favor of the citizens of Portland and vicinity, in sitting for their Daguerreotypes, having been in the employ of Ormsbee & Silsbee for the past, and Ormsbee the two years preceding years, feels confident that he can satisfy his patrons with a Daguerreotype Miniature, equal if not better than any one who professes the art, and at the very low price of $1.50 put into Velvet lined, and $1.25 in silk lined cases. May 9. 144 Middle Street.

The tenth advertisement ran from December 26, 1849 to July 18, 1850 in the New-Hampshire Gazette (Portsmouth, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotypes Executed by the aid of Sky-Light.  The subscriber having made some further improvements, also securing the assistance of Mr. F. M. Danielson, his operator for about four years, and the past year having obtained the premium for the best miniatures, feels assured in stating to the citizens of Portsmouth and vicinity, that they may obtain likenesses as much superior to any ever made by common process, as those would be when compared with pictures taken when in the infancy of the Daguerreotype art.  Ormsbee.  Rooms 8½ Daniel street.  dec. 18.

The eleventh advertisement (third that he was mentioned in ) ran from November 13 to 15, 1850 in the Portland Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Daguerreotype Notice.  The subscriber having disposed of his Stock and Stand to George M. Howe would respectfully recommend him to his friends and the public generally.  M. Ormsbee.

Notice Extra!  George M. Howe having purchased the Stock and taken the Stand of M. Ormsbee would inform the public that Daguerreotypes can be had at his place as well as at any other establishment in the city or country.  Having secured the services of Ormsbee’s best operators he cannot fail to satisfy his customers.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, from one dollar to ten and rendered satisfactory, or no charge, at No. 112 Middle street.

Marcus Ormsbee is known and appears in several photographic directories, histories and journals.  The first advertisement we learn that in 1843 he was working for John Plumbe, Jr. in Boston.  A closer look is needed with his activity during and after 1848.  According to Craig’s Daguerreian Registry the partnership (Ormsbee & Silsbee) ended in 1848.  That is verified in the announcement that appeared on January 18, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine), and the following advertisement that ran from April 11 to June 13, 1848 in the Maine Democrat.   In the advertisement that ran from December 26, 1849 to July 18, 1850 in the New-Hampshire Gazette we learn that he is operating in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  That makes the advertisement that ran from June 1, 1858 to February 20, 1851 in the Christian Mirror (Portland, Maine). Question that assessment.  Daguerreotypes can be obtained at the rooms of Ormsbee & Silsbee, 112 Middle St. from the size fitting the Smallest Ring, Bracelet or Pin, to that of the plate measuring 55½ square inches.

Also—apparatus and stock of every kind appertaining to the business, furnished at prices Low as Can be purchased elsewhere.

N. B.  Instructions given in their Peculiar mode of operating.

Except for the eleventh advertisement above, where he sold the gallery and supplies to George M. Howe on November 13, 1850.  

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

McKenney & Scribner

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1855                86 Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

McKenney & Scribner (Albert M. McKenney & A. H. Scribner) were recorded in two advertisements (same advertisement in different newspapers).  The first advertisement ran from October 19 to November 16, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal (Biddeford, Maine). Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine).  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The partnership of McKenney & Scribner is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Albert M. McKenney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, a more complete record will be in tomorrow’s blog Oct. 19, 2022.

Edwin J. March

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1856                86 Factory Island, opposite The Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1858                Rooms Next Door to the Old Post Office, Saco, Maine.

Edwin J. March was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  The announcement appeared on October 7, 1856 while he was in the partnership of Davis & March (A. R. Davis & Edwin J. Davis).  York & Co.  Agricultural Society.  Reports of Committees made at the recent Cattle Show and Fair…

Report on Paintings, Statuary, Drawing and Daguerreotypes.  Your Committee would respectfully report that the exhibition in their department was meager: nevertheless, it was such as indicated that the Fine Arts were not entirely neglected in the County….

To Ambrotypes marked 175—E. H. McKenney, Biddeford, $3.00

To Ambrotypes marked 25—by Davis & March, Saco, $2.00

The first advertisement ran on February 2 to 16, 1858.  Have your Picture taken before business depression lengthens your faces so that you will be ashamed to see even their shadows delineated on Glass.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Glass Pictures, Cloth Pictures, Or any other style required, my be had at as low prices as elsewhere, at March’s Ambrotype Rooms.  (Next Door to the Old Post Office, Saco, Maine.

The second advertisement ran from February 23 to June 8, 1858.  The Place To Get The Best Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, And Photographs!  Is at March’s Ambrotype Rooms, Next Door to Old Post Office.

We are bound to make the best pictures!  Call and see.

P.S.  Plain and fancy Cases constantly on hand at the lowest rates.

Edwin J. March is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Saco, Maine in 1856-1857.