Vonsen, Kit 1978-80-33
/John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of George & 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 SITTERS:
Names: George & Kit Vonsen
Description: Cabinet card of a toddler, Kit Vonsen and her brother George. Vonsen is standing, with his arm resting on a simple studio chair. He is wearing a simple button up jacket with shorts and high socks. Kit sits in the chair wearing a dress with black stripes around the hemline and sleeves with a white collar. She has on a black beret. The lack of studio props, and photographer’s name at the bottom of the card date the photo to the early 1880s.
Biographical Note: Possible relation to M. Vonsen, a Petaluma merchant, though the extent is unknown. The Vonsen family has a grain and feed store on 1st and D street that was created in the early 1900s.
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: George and Kit Vonsen
Date: circa 1880-1884
Condition:
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-33
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