This cabinet card is an image of a gentleman dressed in his fraternal organization uniform. He has badges on his sash as well as on his jacket. Two of the badges have words on them that can be deciphered. The lower badge on his sash states “In Hoc Signo Vinces” which is the latin rendering of the Greek phrase, “with this as your standard you shall have victory”. This motto has been used on many coat of arms and banners including those belonging to families, cities, regiments, sport teams, and even pall mall cigarettes. More relevant to this photograph, the motto appears on the “Knight Templar Cross” in the York Rite branch of free masonry. The second readable badge is the one located below the gentleman’s left shoulder. The badge states the name “Hugues De Payens”. Hugues De Payens (1070-1136) was a frankish knight who was the cofounder and first Grandmaster of the Knights Templar. This cabinet card conjures up thoughts of the “Da Vinci Code”. The photographer of this cabinet card is Conly of Boston, Massachusetts. Charles F. Conly went looking for a job at age 20 and found a help wanted sign in the window of famed Boston photographer, Warren (see category Photographers: Warren). Ten years later he succeeded Warren as the proprietor of the studio. He had a meteoric rise from office boy to entrepreneur. At the beginning of his career he spent some time in the theatrical profession and he thus became the favorite photographer of Boston’s theatrical performers. Conly’s obituary appears in the 1893 edition of Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin. Interestingly, the article states that Conly was a prominent secret society man and that delegations from the Elks, Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum and Columbian Lodge of Masons were represented at his funeral. To view other photographs by Conly, click on the category “Photographer: Conly”.
“DA VINCI CODE” CABINET CARD: KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLAR MAN IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL HOLDING A DOLL IN EASTERN EUROPE
A very cute little girl and her beautiful doll pose for this cabinet card photograph at the studio of J. Weinberg. The studio appears to be located in an Eastern European country. The identity of the country is elusive due to translation difficulties.
PRETTY GIRL STANDING BY A WINDOW IN LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS (1882)
This cabinet card captures a pretty girl posing by a window in the studio of W. M. Wires, in Lynn, Massachusetts. The young woman has relatively short hair for the era, and she is dressed quite fashionably. The photograph was taken in 1882.
A HUNTER AND HIS GUN AND HIS DOG IN INDIA
This cabinet card features a hunter and his gun and his dog. The young man is dressed for he hunt with his high boots and his wide brim hat. His dog is lying down and looks to be awaiting his master’s command. The photographer is John Blees, who is the author of the book, “Photography in Hindustan: or Reminiscences of a Traveling Photographer (Bombay, 1877).
THREE YOUNG BROTHERS IN CLEVELAND, OHIO
Three young brothers pose for their portrait at M. M. Udell’s studio in Cleveland, Ohio. The boys are wearing suits with short pants and high shoes as well as bow ties. The oldest brother appears quite protective as he poses with his arms around his two young siblings.
PRETTY WOMAN ON A SWING IN MONTESANO, WASHINGTON
This Cabinet Card presents a pretty woman sitting on a swing. Her elaborate hat has been staged on the floor atop an outstretched fur. The photograph was made at the studio of Wainright & Arland, in Montasano, Washington. The reverse of the card indicates that the studio was over Bacon’s Drug Store on Main Street. The top left corner shows what appears to be an error by the photographer but perhaps a visitor to this site has the expertise to explain the imperfection.
THREE BUTCHERS IN LOGANSPORT, INDIANA
This cabinet card is clearly a photograph of three men in their occupational garb. They appear to be butchers but there is no confirmation available. The men are very muscular and that may be evidence supporting the hypothesis that they are butchers. The gentleman in the middle has an air of authority and looks to be the oldest of the three. Why are their sleeves rolled up? Perhaps keeping their sleeves rolled up is what they typically do when performing their work. The photographic studio that produced this cabinet card is Anderson’s of Logansport, Indiana.
HANDSOME MAN WITH COMPLICATED HAIR STYLE IN ANDERSON, INDIANA
A handsome and well dressed gentleman sits for his photographic portrait at the studio of McKeown in Anderson, Indiana. His hairstyle can be described as complicated and requiring a high degree of maintenance.
ADORABLE CURLEY HAIRED CHILD IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
A very cute child is photographed for this cabinet card by Hartley of Chicago, Illinois. The child appears to be a boy with incredible curls. He is wearing a very large bow tie, or ascot. Edward F. Hartley (1847-1887) was born in Wadsworth, Ohio; and became a photographer is Jacksonville, Illinois in 1873. In 1876 he moved his trade to Chicago and was quite successful in establishing a business. A photographic journal of his time reports that he underpriced his photographs and as a result, he was not included in many professional photographic associations and won few awards for his work. To view additional photographs by this photographer, click on the category “Photographer: Hartley”.
MADAME BUTTERFLY AND HER SIDEKICK
This Cabinet Card is an image of two very interestingly dressed young women. Are they going to a costume party or are they just making a fashion statement? Madame Butterfly has butterflies affixed all over herself. She has butterflies atop her head, as well as on her chest, skirt and shoes. Is that a butterfly purse she is holding? The second woman is wearing gloves and holding a cane. She also has an interesting rope belt and an unusual necklace and hat. The photographer of the cabinet card is likely the Baker Art Gallery located on the corner of State and High Streets in Columbus, Ohio. The studio was founded by Lorenzo Marvin Baker who began working as a photographer in the early 1860’s and established the Baker Art Gallery in 1886. Four generations of the family ran the gallery until 1955. Many of their photographs and materials are now held by the Ohio Historical Society. To view other photographs by Baker, click on the category “Photographer: Baker Art Gallery”.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 