MADAM NAOMI: SIDE SHOW FAT LADY (562 POUNDS) OFFERS ESPECIALLY LARGE DOWRY TO PROCURE A HUSBAND
This cabinet card features Madam Naomi, who appears to have been a side show “fat lady”. The term “fat lady” is a despicable and derogatory way of describing someone overweight; yet the term found common use at circuses and fairs of the era of this photograph. Pencilled on the reverse of this image is the information that Madame Naomi was born in Michigan and at the time of the photograph, she was 30 years old. A further “fact” provided is that her arms had a circumference of 27 inches. Madam Naomi is not looking too comfortable in this portrait. She is wearing an interesting hat and one would guess that it would take her a long time to button all those buttons on the front of her dress. The newspaper The Weekly Statement (1890) has an article about a Madam Naomi appearance in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The article states that Naomi was advertised to appear in a museum and to “bestow her hand, heart, oleaginous sweetness, and a deed to a $5,000 farm to any young man who would marry her”. The offer was accepted by an insurance man from New York, Thomas J. Crowley; who came to Fort Bend and joined her on the museum stage to accept her hand in marriage. The photographer of this image is Baker, whose studio was located in Columbus, Ohio. There were many photographers named Baker operating out of Columbus when this photograph was taken. Many of the Bakers were relatives who operated the Baker Art Gallery. It is not clear which Baker or which studio is the source of this image. However, the initials below the photograph appear to be “LMB” which would indicate that the photographer was Lorenzo Marvin Baker (1834-1924).L. M. Baker was part of the Baker Art Gallery family. To view other photographs by the Baker Art Gallery, click on the category “Photographer: Baker Art Gallery”. (SOLD)
DOLLY ADAMS : THE WATER QUEEN : LIVED ON THE WILD SIDE
It turns out that there were two New York City actresses named Dolly Adams. I will tell you the story of both of them. Each actress made sensational headlines. The first Dolly Adams that I describe had an interesting and unique wedding experience. The second Dolly Adams described is Dolly Adams “The Water Queen”. It is her photograph that accompanies this blog entry.
The New York Times of September 21, 1897 reports that Emma Viola Street a variety actress, known as Dolly Adams; and Frederick Hillmeyer, the son of a well-to-do hotel proprietor, were married in a Harlem, New York, prison. They had to be married by a clergyman because a court room judge refused to perform the ceremony because he thought “the marriage could not turn out happily”. The reason why Hillmeyer was in court was because he was accused by Ms Adams of stealing jewelry and cash from her Park Avenue flat. Ms Adams requested that the judge withdraw the charges but he refused to do so, causing the actress to have an “epileptic” fit.
Dolly Adams, the “Water Queen” lived a very interesting life. She was born Ellen Loretta Callahan in 1860 in New York. Her parents were from Ireland. Her father, a longshoreman, died when Dolly was young. Dolly’s mom went to work and Dolly received little supervision and a age sixteen was working as a prostitute in a New York parlor house. During her youth she used to swim at the New York Aquarium with a group of other girls. She was a talented swimmer and received special training and learned to hold her breath under water for an extended period of time. She eventually became an underwater performer and was given the title “Water Queen”. Dolly moved to San Francisco, accompanying a couple of madams out west. She lived on the wild side in California. She became famous when she attended the Policeman’s Ball dressed as Cupid and ran up to President Grant and pinned a lily on the lapel of his coat. Observers stated that President Grant, a man who didn’t flinch in battle, appeared shocked upon this floral assault by Miss Adams. She also won first place for her costume. Dolly Adams returned to New York City where she continued to live a life full of drama and travail. She died in 1888 aboard a steam ship which was to take her on a tour of the orient. The cause of death was the impact of syphilis, opium addiction and pneumonia. (SOLD)
HANDSOME OLD WEST GENTLEMAN : GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN : IDENTIFIED : CABINET CARD
A handsome young man in western clothing, poses for his portrait at the studio of Samuel Sharpsteen, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The gentleman in this photograph is identified on the reverse of the image as Walter Robinson. He is dressed in what appears to be old west attire. Note the unusual way that he is wearing his tie. Is he a cowboy? Is he a farmer? Samuel Sharpsteen was born in 1850 near Battle Creek, Michigan. His parents were native New Yorkers who were among the early settlers of Michigan. He was educated in Battle Creek’s public schools and at age 20 left home to apprentice in photography. He then went off to Owosso, Michigan, where he and his older brother opened a gallery. After six months, his brother left the partnership; and Sharpsteen stayed in Owosso until 1882. He also married his wife there. His wife’s name was Nattie Tuttle, and she was from Cleveland, Ohio. His next location was Ionia, Michigan, where he stayed 8 years. An 18 month stint in Detroit was followed by his move to Grand Rapids. His gallery was in Grand Rapids from 1888 until , at least, 1903. His studio moved around a lot. Research located nine different Grand Rapids locations over the years that he was there. In addition, he had a partner in 1890 and their studio was known as Sharpsteen & Andrews. The Bulletin of Photography (1916) announced Sharpsteen’s death. He died in Grand Rapids at age 71. SOLD
BABY SITTING PRETTY IN LUXURY CARRIAGE IN GERMANTOWN, OHIO
This cabinet card photograph captures baby sitting comfortably in a luxury baby carriage. There will be no discomfort from the sun for this cute baby; courtesy of the large umbrella built into this Rolls Royce of baby prams. The photographer is Tresize,of Germantown, Ohio. Research reveals that Ohio had a number of photographers named Tresize, and it is unknown which Tresize is responsible for this image? Dayton, Ohio was the home of The Tresize Brothers Studio as well as photographer S. P. Tresize. Samuel P. Tresize was a photographer located in Logan, Ohio. J.Q. A. Tresize was a photographer in Zanesville, Ohio and a partner in the Photography Studio named Jaquary and Tresize. William C.Tresize was a photographer in McConnelsville, Ohio. Suffice it to say, it is unknown which Tresize photographed this image. To see other photographs of baby carriages, click on this site’s category “Baby Carriages”. SOLD
HERITO: A PORTRAIT OF MLLE HERO (THEATER ACTRESS)
This vintage real photo postcard features French glamour star Herito (Mlle Hero). She was a celebrated actress and dancer of her era. Although she was a popular subject of photo postcards, this particular postcard is not very common. The postcard was published by Rotophot Berlin (RPH). Rotophot made it’s debut in Berlin, Germany around the turn of the century (1900). The company had other European offices including London and Budapest. They published many different postcard topics including stage stars. Many of their early postcards were tinted. Eventually Rotophot morphed into “Ross Verlag” a postcard company that collectors know for the many postcards they produced featuring actors and actresses. (SOLD)
AN IDENTIFIED OLD MAN : WATERLOO, IOWA : CABINET CARD
An older man, looking quite intense, poses for his portrait at the studio of La Tier, in Waterloo, Iowa. The gentleman is named Albert G. Porter and he was born in 1816. His place of birth was Seneca, New York. His identification information is derived from an inscription on the reverse of the card. The date 1892 is written on the front of the card (center bottom) and this is likely the date that the photograph was taken. The photographer, James D. La Tier, was the first president of the Photographic Association of Iowa. During his career he operated studios alone, as well as part of Simmons & La Tier, as well as Simmons, La Tier, and King. La Tier is mentioned in a number of photographic publications (1890 & 1898).
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JUDAICA : HEBREW WRITING : CUTE LITTLE BOY : NEW YORK CITY : MAX SIMON : RPPC
This vintage divided back real photo postcard features an adorable little boy. He is wearing a sailor outfit. Note his socks. There is a bow at the top of each sock. Also note the message on the reverse of the postcard is written in Hebrew. The card is dated 1924. The photographer of this child’s portrait is Max Simon. Simon was extremely likely, a Jewish man. He operated a studio at 331 Grand Street in New York City. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 