This Cabinet Card features stage actress Christine Hudson in costume for her role in “Babes in Toy Land”. The New York Times (9/10/1905) reports that the show was appearing at the West End Theatre and the cast included May De Sousa. An earlier edition of the New York Times (1902) announces her appearance in “Princess Chic”. The reverse of the cabinet card has an affixed label stating that the photograph is number H-16 of the “Oral M. Heffner Theatrical Collection” and the property of the Franklin County Historical Society. Research sheds some light on the Heffner collection. The Ohio State Archeological and Historical Quarterly (1953) writes that the first showing of the Oral M. Heffner Theare Collection was in 1953 and that the collection included over 700 rare photographs of early actors and actresses “who visited Columbus years ago”. The label on the front of this photograph blocks the name of the photographer. The name of the photographer etched on this image appears to be “Hall”. There was a Hall Studio located in New York City at a different Broadway address and it is possible that the studio was once at the Broadway address listed on this cabinet card. However, confirmation is needed and any verification help from a visitor to this site would be appreciated. To see other images by Hall, click on the category “Photographer: Hall”. To see other cabinet cards from the Heffner Collection, click on Cabinet Card Gallery’s category of “Oral M. Heffner Theatrical Collection”.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER PORTRAIT IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
This cabinet card captures a fabulous image of a father and daughter. The photographer is Urlin, of the Monmouth Art Gallery, in Columbus, Ohio. Both father and daughter look co0l and relaxed as they pose for the camera. They are nicely dressed and are wearing broad brimmed hats. The young girl is wearing a ring and a brooch and the father has a pocket watch. The cabinet card itself is of deluxe design. The card is deeply embossed and padded to give it a 3D appearance. The name of the photographer has a gold gild background. The reverse of the cabinet card has an inscription stating, “Will and Alice Crew, McConnelsville, Ohio”. Perhaps father and daughter were visiting Columbus from their home in McConnelsville; when they decided to sit for their portrait. The photographer is George C. Urlin. He was born in Canada and was an active photographer from 1875 or earlier until 1887. During 1888 and 1889 he worked in Cleveland, Ohio. He resumed his photography career in Columbus in 1889. During his tenure as a photographer, he received numerous medals from various Ohio State Fairs. To see other photographs by Urlin, click on Cabinet Card Gallery’s category “Photographer: Urlin”.
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”.
