Vonsen, Kit 1978-80-32
/John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Kit Vonsen
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Massachusetts and died in 1902 in Petaluma. He worked as a photographer in Petaluma for over 25 years, moving his studio within the community to several different locations. He arrived into Petaluma from Stockton in 1870 and continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma until at least 1898. Many of his portraits of Petaluma’s citizens are of exceptionally fine quality. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)
Active in Petaluma: 1874-1898
Biographical Note: Reed worked from several different studios during his time in Petaluma. In 1874 his studio was in the “American Hall, Main Street,” thereafter it was “Over Wells, Fargo & Co’s. Ex. Office, Main St” and finally it was “Brick Block, opposite McGuire’s Drug Store, Main Street.” According to Palmquist, Reed was charged with arson for setting fire to property in Petaluma at the corner of Cleveland and College Avenues.
Bibliography: Palmquist, pgs. 452-53; Mautz, pg. 134.
THE SITTER:
Name: Kit Vonsen
Description: add, augment
Biographical Note: Cabinet card of a toddler Kit Vonsen. Vonsen is standing, with her arm resting on a simple studio chair. She is wearing a dress with a white lace collar. The lack of studio props, and photographer’s name at the bottom of the card date the photo to the early 1880's. The back of the card is incorrect, as it is Kit Vonsen in the photo. See 1978-80-33 for a photo of Kit with her brother George.
Family Affiliation:
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front:
Description, back: Genevieve Marguerite Powers At six months
Date: circa 1880 - 1884
Condition:
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-32
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