A FAMILY OF FIVE POSES ON THE ISLAND OF FOHR (INDOOR FISHERMEN)

A couple and their three children arrive in Wyk auf Fohr, the only town on the island of Fohr.  Fohr is the second largest of the North Frisian Islands on the German coast of the North Sea. The family is on the island to vacation. They decide to walk around the town and happened upon a photographer’s studio. The photographers name was Wilhelm Muller. The family decides to go into the studio for a portrait, believing that a photograph of them would make a great souvenir of their trip to the seashore. The photographer had a wonderful beach backdrop, as well as props, including fishing nets and an oar. The resulting photograph makes the family look like they are ready for a day of serious fishing. For some unknown reason, it was decided that mom should pose with an open book on her lap. Is she bored, or is she studying a text on fishing? The family likely had fun on their vacation because the area they were visiting, was a noted resort town. Here is a historical tidbit. From 1842 to 1847, Danish King Christian VIII chose Wyk as his summer vacation spot, which attracted even more tourists. In 1844, Hans Christian Andersen followed the King to Wyk and made the following comment about Wyk’s beach: “I bathed every day and I must say it was the most remarkable water I have ever been in”. SOLD

Published in: on August 24, 2011 at 12:01 am  Comments (1)  
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ELDERLY MAN IN TROY, PENNSLVANIA

An elderly man poses for his photograph at the studio of O. E. Dewey, in Troy, Pennsylvania. The reverse of the card identifies the subject as D. E. Haven and the time of the photograph according to the card stock, is 1887. Mr Haven has an interesting beard that resides mostly on his neck and below his chin. He is also wearing a pocket watch chain that has a charm. The charm appears to be from a fraternal organization and has a non photographic image of what may be, a swan. Orrin Emery Dewey (1858-1887) was born in Sullivan Township, Pennsylvania. Research yielded little about his life but it is known that upon his death, his studio was bought by F. M. Spencer. To view other interesting images of men with beards, click on the category of “Beards (Only the Best)”.

Published in: on August 23, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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LESTER WALLACK: THEATRE ACTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT

This Cabinet Card was published by celebrity photographer, Napoleon Sarony. His studio was located in New York City. The subject of this portrait is actor, playwright, and theatre manager, John Lester Wallack (1820-1888). Wallack was born into a theatrical family. Wallack served in the British Army before appearing on the Dublin and London stage. His first stage appearance in New York was in 1847 in Boucicault’s adaptation of “Used Up.” Wallack became what many consider,  the leading light comedian on the American stage.  His autobiography, “Memories of Fifty Years”, was published in 1889. To view other photographs by Sarony, click on category “Photographers: Sarony”. To view other actors, click on category “Actor”.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 21, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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OLDER BLACK MAN IN YORK, PENNSYLVANIA

This photograph features an older African American gentleman. He is nicely dressed in fancy clothing. Note his long coat. The gentleman appears to be displaying a friendly half smile. He has one hand on his hip; surely, he was told to pose in that manner. The reason for such instruction is not clear. The photographic studio that produced this image is Shadle & Busser of York, Pennsylvania. James Monroe Shadle was born in 1861 in Freeport, Pennsylvania. Oscar W. Busser died of Brights Disease at age 61, in 1921. The studio that bared their names was located at 20 South George Street (1887-1902), 44 South George Street (1903-1925), and 58 South Beaver Street (1925-1936). All of these locations were in York. To view other early photographs of African Americans, click on the category of “African Americans”.   (SOLD)

Published in: on August 20, 2011 at 12:01 am  Comments (2)  
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ADORABLE AND BEAUTIFULLY DRESSED LITTLE GIRL IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

A cute little girl poses for her portrait at the studio of Briggs L. Rider, of Chicago, Illinois. The child is wearing a very cute outfit that includes lace and ribbons. The photographer, Rider, was active in Tipton, Iowa (1855), Des Moines, Iowa (1856-1860), and Chicago, Illinois (1864-1896?). During part of his tenure in Chicago, Rider was partners with photographer, Joseph Gehrig. Rider was a daguerreoist and cabinet card photographer. He also copied paintings, drawings and daguerreotypes; and taught daguerreotype art. The address listed on this cabinet card indicates that it was produced sometime between 1878 and 1890.

Published in: on August 17, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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RISQUE PORTRAIT OF AN ALLURING WOMAN IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK BY JOSE MORA (ACTRESS JEFFREYS-LEWIS?)

This cabinet card features an alluring woman lying on a divan in a very provocative pose. Note the leopard skin on the divan. This woman is likely an actress. She appears to be dressed like she is part of a harem. Rather than an actress, she may be a member of a circus act. The photographer is the famous celebrity photographer, Jose Mora. This image is risque for the time that it was made. To view other photographs by Mora, click on the category “Photographer: Mora”.       ADDENDUM: An informed visitor to the cabinet card gallery has identified the subject of this cabinet card as being actress  Jeffreys-Lewis. See the comment below to learn the interesting details.

Published in: on August 15, 2011 at 12:01 am  Comments (4)  
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YOUNG FIREMAN IN CROOKSTON, MINNESOTA

A young uniformed fire fighter poses for his portrait at the studio of P. E. Lynne, in Crookston, Minnesota. The fireman is wearing the insignia of his fire department on his cap and on his shirt. “CFD” likely is an abbreviation for the Crookston Fire Department. The fireman’s badge shows an eagle and a  fire wagon.

Published in: on August 14, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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BIG HEADED MAN WITH A LITTLE BEARD IN SULLIVAN, INDIANA

This cabinet card features a man with a big head and a little beard. This gentleman could not commit himself to growing a full beard so he restricted its growth to his chin area. He even lacks sideburns. To view other interesting images of beards, click on the category “Beards (Only the Best).  The photographer of this image is Charles M. Lutz & Co. The studio was located in Sullivan, Indiana. A Sullivan County directory (1896) reveals some biographical information about C. M. Lutz. He was born in 1842 in Huntingburg, Indiana. He began working as a photographer in 1861. He served in the 27th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the civil war. He mustered in the unit as private and mustered out with the same rank. Lutz served in Company B of the 27th. Lutz married Sarah South in 1884 and came to Sullivan County in 1887. In 1891, he entered a partnership with photographer, W. F. Devol.

Published in: on August 13, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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PRETTY WOMAN IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN

A pretty woman poses for her portrait at the studio of A. J. Diehl and Co. in Detroit, Michigan. This partial profile pose accentuates the womans beautiful and large eyes. Diehl’s studio was located at 35 to 39 Monroe Avenue, in Detroit. This portrait was taken some time between 1885 and 1887.Diehl appears to be a journeyman photographer. He moved from one Detroit photograph studio to another at a rapid pace. He was the “Larry Brown” of photography. If you are not a basketball fan, an explanatory note is necessary. Mr Brown is a much travelled basketball coach.  Diehl began his career as an operator in 1876. In 1882 he was a partner in Bracey, Diehl and Co.. In 1885 he operated A. J. Diehl & Co. In 1887, he was a partner in Diehl & Sharpsteen. In 1890 he was a partner in Diehl and Ladd & Co. In 1891, he was a partner in Angell & Diehl.  After this short partnership, he had many other photography jobs through 1923. Perhaps Mr Diehl was a difficult person. Did he have an anger problem? Did he have a substance abuse problem? The reason for his unstable work history is unknown, but he likely had some kind of significant pathology that interfered with his work.

Published in: on August 11, 2011 at 12:01 am  Comments (1)  
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MUSICAL GROUP IN LUZERNE, PENNSYLVANIA

This cabinet card captures five young adults who may be part of a musical group. One of the two woman in the photograph is holding a guitar; and that may be the only evidence that this group was in the business of making music. The men are all wearing derby hats. The woman with the guitar has a flower covered hat on her lap, and the second woman has a basket filled with flowers on her knees. There is also something odd included in the content of this photograph. There appears to be a sheet, or sheets, of paper on the ground between the two woman. Is that white square paper, sheet music, or is it a photographic flaw in the image? The photographer of this cabinet card is J. H. R. Kemp. His studio was located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania and his tenure there included the 1890’s.

Published in: on August 10, 2011 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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