A very cute baby poses for a photographer, artistically placed in a washbowl. The baby appears inquisitive about the proceedings. Bachrach & Bro. is the studio that produced this portrait. The gallery was located in Baltimore, Maryland. Kudos for the photographer for this creative close-up image. The Bachrach studio was nationally known and is still known today. David Bachrach (1845-1921) was an American commercial photographer based in Baltimore. He made significant contributions in technical, artistic and professional advancements in the field of photography. He was a national spokesperson for photographers and published many articles and photographs in photography journals. He experimented with self toning papers and developed the first practical process of photographic printing on canvas, a precursor to photo engraving. Bachrach Inc., founded in 1910, is still headed by the Bachrach family. The company owned studios in all major east coast cities. One of Bachrach’s earliest photographs was taken on assignment to cover the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg in 1863. He photographed President Lincoln delivering what would become, a very famous speech. Bachrach’s home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He once shared the home with a celebrated relative, Gertrude Stein. Among his famous portraits are images of Ulysses Grant, Theodore Roosevelt,Mark Twain, and Alexander Graham Bell. Bachrach’s business was truly a family business. Among the relatives who were involved in the business was a brother, a son, and two grandsons.
ADORABLE BABY IN A WASHBOWL IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
TWO DANDIES IN THE WOODS IN EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
This cabinet card features two well-dressed men posing for their portrait in a studio belonging to J. W. Ecker. The studio was located in Evansville, Indiana and at one time was called the Sunbeam Gallery. . The men in this photograph are wearing identical outfits. Note their striped pants, derby hats and canes. The man on the left is holding a cigar. They are posed in front of a nice backdrop depicting a forest.
BRATTY LOOKING KID IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
This cabinet card features a portrait of a “gangsta” little boy. Although it is unfair to defame this child merely on the basis of his appearance; it is difficult to get past his dour and sinister expression. He is dressed well for the occasion of his photograph. He is wearing a shorts suit with a handkerchief strategically placed in his jacket’s top pocket. He is sporting colorful woolen stockings and high button shoes. The boy is holding a thin walking stick, or riding crop. The photographer of this cabinet card is Wilbur W. Wright whose studio was located in San Jose, California. He is not the famed aviation pioneer, Wilbur Wright, brother of Orville Wright. Photographer Wright is listed in a number of San Jose business directories ranging from 1890 through 1907. The address of his gallery is listed as 24 Santa Clara Street, and not 284 Santa Clara Street, as printed on this cabinet card.
A WOMAN POSES WITH POSIES IN WELLMAN, IOWA
A woman surrounded by flowers is the subject of this cabinet card portrait by J. V. Wahl, of Wellman, Iowa. A dark patterned curtain serves as the background in this photograph. The patterned curtains, the multitude of flowers, the patterned chair, and the young woman; make for a very busy image. In fact, the viewer’s eyes don’t know where to focus. An inscription on the reverse of the photograph indicates that the subject of this cabinet card is Miss Edith Ash of Washington, Iowa. The photograph was taken in January, 1898. Edith Ash (1878-?) is listed in the census of 1880 through 1920 as a resident of Washington County, Iowa. She is most likely the subject in this image. She was married to Howard Cooper, circa 1899.
JULIA BLAESS KLAGER: MICHIGAN BICYCLIST (PHOTOGRAPHED BY FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHER)
An inscription on the reverse of this cabinet card, indicates that the young woman posed with the bicycle, is Julia Blaess Klager. Note the bell on the handlebars of the bike. Julia is beautifully dressed for her portrait at the studio of Susan T. Cook. Cook had galleries in both Ann Arbor and Dundee, Michigan. She is listed in an 1890 Ann Arbor directory. An attempt to find biographical information about Julia Klager, produced uncertain results. The 1920 US census lists a Julia Klager, residing in Washtenaw, Michigan. Her date of birth was listed as 1877, which could be a match for the woman in this cabinet card. A Julia Klager was also found to be associated with the University of Michigan. A woman with that name received a music degree (piano teacher) in 1907 and is also listed as a music patroness in the 1908 University of Michigan Yearbook. This musically inclined woman, may, or may not be, the woman in this photograph.
UNIFORMED MAN WITH A LANTERN (OCCUPATIONAL CABINET CARD)
This cabinet card is a staged portrait of a man at work. The man is wearing a uniform and most likely he is a railroad worker. He may be an engineer or possibly a conductor. He is holding a brass lantern and writing on a pad. The man’s facial expression seems to say that he means business. One can easily imagine seeing him standing next to a train at a railroad station taking notes. The photographer of this cabinet card is Lyman & Wells, of Columbus, Ohio.
LADY PINNED BY A CONDUCTOR IN SIOUX CITY, IOWA
This cabinet card portrait features a young nicely dressed woman wearing a tintype pin or brooch. The jewelry holds a photograph of a train conductor; presumably the woman’s husband or suitor. The cabinet card was photographed by Rugg, whose studio was located in Sioux City, Iowa. Research reveals little to assist in gathering information about Rugg. Investigation found that there was an artist that resided in Sioux City named Elliott I. Rugg (1862-?). There is a reasonable possibility that he is the photographer that produced this image. Elliott Rugg was a relative of another photographer, Arthur Rugg, who operated out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. To view photographs by Arthur Rugg, click on category “Photographer: Arthur Rugg”.
OLDER GENTLEMAN WITH SCRUFFY BEARD IN PORTLAND, MAINE
This cabinet card features an older man with a scruffy, but nicely shaped, pointy beard. In the style of his day, he has just the top button of his jacket fastened. The photographer of this image is Howard M. Smith of Portland, Maine. Smith operated studios at 2574 Middle Street and at 478 Congress Street, in Portland. Smith’s studio is listed in an 1891 Portland business directory. To view other photographs of unusual beards, click on the category “Beards (Only the Best)”.
ANNIE ROBE: THEATRE ACTRESS KNOWN FOR HER BEAUTY
Annie Robe, stage actress, is the subject of this cabinet card portrait by celebrity photographer, Sarony. Sarony’s studio was located in New York City. Robe was known for her beauty, and this photograph confirms that she was quite attractive. Note her cape and matching handbag. It is possible that the “handbag” is actually a hat. Hopefully, one of Cabinet Card Gallery’s fashion experts will resolve the confusion with one of consistently informative comments. Annie Robe was the leading lady of Wallack’s Theatre for several seasons. Initial research yielded little biographical information. One article reports that she was English. The New York Times (1887) describes her work in “Harbor Lights” as commendable.
ADORABLE SIBLINGS IN SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
This cabinet card is a portrait of two adorable siblings posing for their portrait at a studio in Salem, Massachusetts. The photographer is S. S. Haswell. The children are fashionably dressed for cold weather. Their jackets appear to be similar or identical. The little boy sports beautiful long boots and a large bow tie. The girl is wearing a cute scarf with pom poms as well a cute cap.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 