Tag Archives: Westerly Rhode Island

J. W. Vincent

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857                Over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

J. W. Vincent was recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 16 to August 27, 1857 in The Westerly Echo, & Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Card.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  The undersigned having made an arrangement for the summer, with Mr. Geo, W. Gavitt, is prepared to take Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at his rooms over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, at the shortest notice, and will spear no pains to give satisfaction.

N. B. Pictures put up neatly in pins, lockets, &c.  Daguerreotypes, Paintings and engravings copied at short notice.

Please call and examine his rooms and specimens.  J. W. Vincent.  Westerly, July, 1857.

J. W. Vincent is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Tanner

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms first building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

J. Tanner was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 26 to September 29, 1853 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes.  J. Tanner would respectfully inform the citizens of Pawcatuck and vicinity, that he has taken Rooms formerly occupied by G. H. Babcock. First building west of H. & F, Sheffield’s Store, on West Broad street, where he will be happy to wait upon all who may wish to secure to themselves or friends a correct likeness.

Daguerreotypes set in Cases, Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, and Rings.

Painted or Daguerreotype Portraits accurately copied.  Also Views of Buildings, &c.

Pictures taken equally well in clear or cloudy weather.  When children are to be taken, a clear day would be preferable.

All are invited to call and examine specimens.  Prices reasonable, and perfect satisfaction will be given in all cases.  

J. Tanner is not recorded in other photographic directories.

F. P. Kenyon

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1853-1854       Rooms in the building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1855-1858       55 State Street, New London, Connecticut.

1859-1861       Rooms Corner State & Bank Streets, New London, Connecticut.

F. P. Kenyon was recorded in eight advertisement and one announcement in four different newspapers.  The first advertisement ran from October 27, 1853 to January 12, 1854 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes. The subscriber, having re-opened the rooms formerly occupied by J. Tanner, with many additions and improvements, would inform his friends and the public generally, that he is now prepared to take likenesses in the best style, and at the lowest prices at which good pictures can be obtained.  Using the best American Instruments, and the most effectual Chemical Combinations known, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, he will furnish pictures which shall be inferior to none in their accuracy and beauty of finish.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms in the building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Sitters should, by all means, wear dresses of a dark color.  F. P. Kenyon.

The second advertisement ran from September 6, 1855 to June 19, 1856 in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Photographs on Glass.  These Pictures, so beautiful in tone, bold & clear in effect, are universally admire wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes, which too often proves evanescent and changing in their character.

These Pictures are taken upon the best Plate Glass, and indestructible varnish is then put upon them, which is impervious to the weather.

These Pictures may be set in monuments , carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements—and will retain their brilliancy for ages, being as endurable as the Glass upon which they are taken.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.  Remember the No. 55 State St., New London, Connecticut.  E. P. Kenyon.

The announcement appeared on September 13, 1855 in the New London Weekly Chronical  (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes.—We have seen considerable said in the newspapers recently about this new style of taking likenesses, but had little idea of what it really is, till we went a few days since, inti the Gallery of Mr. Kenyon, 55 State Street, whose advertisement will be seen in another column.  The specimens of his art which he showed us were certainly very beautiful—much superior to Daguerreotypes—and there can be not doubt we think of the decided superiority of the entire process and execution over the old mode.  We commend Mr. K’s room to the attention of our readers as the place where they will be gratified by seeing a great many exquisite pictures, and be as likely as any where else we know of to obtain an excellent likenesses of themselves or their friends.

The third advertisement ran from January 4, 1856 to June 20, 1856  in the New London Daily Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes  Photographs on Glass.  These Pictures, so beautiful in tone, bold & clear in effect, are universally admire wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes, which too often proves evanescent and changing in their character.

These Pictures are taken upon the best Plate Glass, and indestructible varnish is then put upon them, which is impervious to the weather.

These Pictures may be set in monuments , carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements—and will retain their brilliancy for ages, being as endurable as the Glass upon which they are taken.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.  Remember the No. 55 State St., New London, Connecticut.  E. P. Kenyon.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 19, 1856 to December 31, 1857 in the New London Daily Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Public are invited to call at 55 State St. where they can get Ambrotypes With Colors, Also Daguerreotypes in every variety of style.  F. P. Kenyon.

The sixth Advertisement ran from June 19, 1856 to December 31, 1857 in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Public are invited to call at 55 State St. where they can get Ambrotypes With Colors, Also Daguerreotypes in every variety of style.  F. P. Kenyon.

The seventh advertisement ran from February 3 to May 5, 1859  in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  25 Cent Ambrotypes.  Great Reduction In The Price of Ambrotypes. With Union Cases, Medium Size Which I formerly Got $3.00 For, I Now Offer for $1.50.  One-ninth Size at $1.00 With Picture.  Also Other Sizes in Proportion.

Having had for the past year, competition by parties who have sold the Union Case unfitted, to the public, giving them to understand that they could get Pictures set in the at a Reduced price, whereby they could save to themselves from 75 cents to $1.00 per picture, I now offer to my patrons and the public the above reduced prices, which will positively cheaper than they can buy the Cases and get the picture inserted.

I give these prices to the public to inform them that they can get of me pictures Cheaper Than Ever Before Offered In This City.

Also, I tender my thanks to the public for their very liberal patronage, hoping they will sustain me with their favors.

N.B.—Pictures inserted in Rings, Cases, Lockets, Bracelets, Pins, &c.  Also, Pictures made expressly to send by post, on light material, which will not require extra postage. All work will be done with neatness and dispatch.

Rooms On Corner of Bank and State Sts.  F. P. Kenyon.  jan 29.

The eighth advertisement was recorded on September 20 and August 16, 1860 in the New London Daily Star (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Subscriber begs leave to inform the Public that he has discontinued the low prices that he has been making Pictures for, and resumed his former prices, 50 Cents, Being the lowest price for which good Pictures will be guaranteed.

Rooms On The Corner Of Bank & State Sts., New London, April. 20th.  F. P. Kenyon.

F. P. Kenyon is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New London, Connecticut in 1856 to 1860. Another advertisement (not recorded in the blog) dates from February 13, 1861 which was recorded on May 13 where Kenyon is at the same address and advertises Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c.

John also records an H. P. Kenyon in Westerly, Rhode Island in 1855 this is possibly the same person.

George W. Gavitt

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1855-1857       West Broad Street, Pawcatuck, Connecticut.

1857                Over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1857                Address Unknown, Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

1860                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.[1]

George W. Gavitt was recorded in two advertisement and four announcements in The Westerly Echo, & Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  The advertisement ran from November 15, 1855 to September 25, 1856.  Ambrotype And Daguerrian Hall.  The subscriber having been thoroughly instructed in the art of Ambrotyping and having taken the old stand on West Broad St., one door west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Pawcatuck, Ct., is now prepared to take pictures to the entire satisfaction of all who may favor him with a call.  The Glass Pictures, or Ambrotypes, is a recent discovery, and a very great improvement on Daguerreotypes, being beautiful in tone, bold and clear in expression, and universally admired wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes.  They can also be set in monuments, carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements.  They will retain their brilliancy for ages.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pictures will be put up in Gilt or Rose Wood Frames when called for.  George W. Gavitt.

The first announcement appeared on November 29, 1855.  Geo. W. Gavitt, Esq.—who has recently purchased and refitted the Daguerrean Rooms, on West Broad Street—has been peculiarly fortunate in his photographic operations upon glass plates, and has succeeded in taking Ambrotype Likenesses of some of our citizens, which are as correct and life-like as those taken by the most celebrated city operators.  To see oneself as others see them, only requires a visit to M.G.’s Rooms.  See advertisements in another column.

The second announcement appeared on September 18, 1856.  The friends of Fremont, residing on the Connecticut side of the river, of this village and vicinity, held a meeting on Friday evening of last week, for the purpose of forming a Freemont Club.—The meeting was organized by the appointment of T. R. Hyde, Chairman, and Peleg Noyes, Secretary.  Two committees were then appointed—one to present a constitution and code of bye laws; the other to report a list of officers for the Club.  The Committee on officers reported as follows:

President.—Theophilus R. Hyde.

Vice-Presidents.—…George W. Gavitt…

The third announcement appeared on February 19, 1857.  To Let.  The Room vacated by G. W. Gavitt for daguerreotyping a short time since very pleasantly situated in the centre of Pawcatuck village.  Possession given the first day of April.  Thomas Wells.  Pawcatuck, Feb. 20, 1857.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 16, 1857.  Card.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  The undersigned having made an arrangement for the summer, with Mr. Geo, W. Gavitt, is prepared to take Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at his rooms over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, at the shortest notice, and will spear no pains to give satisfaction.

N. B. Pictures put up neatly in pins, lockets, &c.  Daguerreotypes, Paintings and engravings copied at short notice.

Please call and examine his rooms and specimens.  J. W. Vincent.  Westerly, July, 1857.

The Second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 27, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber would return his thanks to the public, for the liberal patronage he has received, and would inform those who may visit Watch Hill this summer, that (having procured the services of a good operator at his rooms in Westerly,) he has fitted a room at that place with a first rate light where he will be happy to wait upon any who may desire good and correct likenesses, during the summer months.  Pictures put up in every style desired.  Geo. W. Gavitt.  Watch Hill, July, 1857.

George W. Gavitt is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in Westerly in 1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

William Campbell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms over J. H. Lewis & Co. Store, Main Street, Westerly, Rhode Island.

William Campbell was recorded in one advertisement that ran on September 1 & 8, 1853 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes, From 50 Cents and Upwards.  Wm. Campbell begs to thank the inhabitants of Westerly and vicinity for their kind support, and to inform them that he still continues to take pictures at the low price of 50 cents.  These Daguerreotypes are equal to any worth double the amount, and Are Warranted not to Fade, the materials being all of the best description and the instrument the finest New York can produce.  By it a picture can be taken in less than six seconds, thus affording an excellent opportunity for children.

It is recommended to those wanting pictures, to avoid light dresses and to make an early call at the Rooms over the Store of J. H. Lewis & Co., in the New Brick Store, on Main street.

William Campbell is not recorded as being active in Westerly, Rhode Island.

L. G. Bean

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1856                Address Unknown, Fall River, Massachusetts.[1]

L. G. Bean was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 24 to April 21, 1853 in

The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes.  Have you had your Daguerreotype taken?  If not now is your time to step into L. G. Bean’s Daguerrean Saloon, where he is prepared to execute likenesses of every size, shape and description.  He would respectfully announce to the citizens of Westerly and vicinity, that he will remain here a few days longer to give all those who have not secured their likeness an opportunity to do so before he leaves.

My sky-light being composed of ground glass and connected with a beautiful side light, it enables me to produce pictures unsurpasse3d by any other operator.  Perfect satisfaction or no charge.

For A Few Days Only!  L. G. Bean.

L. G. Bean is recorded in other photographic directories, but not in Westerly, Rhode Island and is possibly Lothrop G. Bean who is recorded as being active as L. G. Bean in addition to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1853, Fall River in 1856 and in Lowell Massachusetts as Lothrop G. Bean in 1857-1859.

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

G. H. Babcock

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851-1852       Room’s Next Door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

G. H. Babcock was recorded in five advertisements and possibly on the masthead of The Literary Echo or The Literary Echo, Westerly, Rhode Island.  The first advertisement ran from April 1 to 17, 1851 in The Literary Echo (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber is prepared to execute Daguerreotypes in the best style of the art, at his rooms, next door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Using one of the best Chemicals known, and a German Instrument of the first quality, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, Which is acknowledged by all to be the best light for Photographic Purposes, he feels free to warrant a Daguerreotype, beautiful as a picture and accurate as a likeness, to all who may favor him with a sitting.

Particular attention is called to the distinctness of the Eyes and Drapery, and to the pleasing effect of the shadows.

Hints For Sitters.—Dark Dresses are mostly preferable, but pink, blue and white should generally be rejected.  A shawl thrown carelessly over the shoulders often improves the picture.  For Gentlemen, dark clothes not entirely new, are to be preferred.  Morning light is the best.  G. H. Babcock.  Pawcatuck, April 1.

G. H. Babcock name appears on the masthead as the Proprietor of The Literary Echo, (Westerly, Rhode Island.) from April 1 to August 21, 1851.  His name also appears on the masthead The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island) from August 28, 1851 to October 27, 1853 with E. G. Champlin as Editors and Proprietors.  It is unknown at this time if they are the same person.

The second advertisement ran from April 24 to May 1, 1851 in The Literary Echo (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber is prepared to execute Daguerreotypes in the best style of the art, at his rooms, next door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Using one of the best Chemicals known, and a German Instrument of the first quality, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, Which is acknowledged by all to be the best light for Photographic Purposes, he feels free to warrant a Daguerreotype, beautiful as a picture and accurate as a likeness, to all who may favor him with a sitting.

Particular attention is called to the distinctness of the Eyes and Drapery, and to the pleasing effect of the shadows.

Hints For Sitters.—Dark Dresses are mostly preferable, but pink, blue and white should generally be rejected.  A shawl thrown carelessly over the shoulders often improves the picture.  For Gentlemen, dark clothes not entirely new, are to be preferred.  Morning light is the best.  G. H. Babcock.  Pawcatuck, April 1.

Notice.—G. H. Babcock would inform his friends and the public that he has closed his Daguerrean Rooms for a few weeks, after which he will be happy to wait upon all who may favor him with their patronage in that line of business.

The third advertisement ran from December 18, 1851 to May 20, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The Subscriber, having re-opened his rooms with many additions and improvements, would inform his friends and the public generally, that he is now prepared to take likenesses in the best style, and at the lowest prices at which good pictures can be obtained.  Using the best German Instruments, and the most effectual Chemical Combinations known, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, he will furnish pictures which shall be inferior to none in their accuracy and beauty of finish.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms in the same building with the Printing-Office.  G. H. Babcock.

The fourth advertisement ran on May 13 & 20, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser.  Daguerreotypes For Two Weeks Only.  G. H. Babcock will close his rooms in two weeks.  All those desiring good pictures, will do well to call soon.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 26 to October 16, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser.  Back Again!  Daguerreotypes. The subscriber having again reopened his Daguerrean Rooms for a short time would inform his friends that he is prepared to “catch their shadows” in a superior manner.  The arrangement of his Sky Light is not surpassed in the State, and his chemicals are the best manufactured.  His pictures are to well known to need comments.  Please call at his rooms next to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store and see for yourselves.  G. H. Babcock.  Westerly, Aug. 26, 1852.

G. H. Babcock is not listed in other photographic directories.