Allen, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dora Waugh (1852-1940)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dora Waugh Allen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  unidentified

THE SITTER:

Name: Elizabeth Dora Waugh Allen

Description: With a detached gaze, Elizabeth Dora Waugh Allen presents her face fully frontal to the viewer. She wears a dark dress or jacket with a white under-blouse that can be seen at her neck. Below it is a horizontal pin that fastens a dark, floral patterned scarf that rests on her shoulders. Pinned to the scarf is a bouquet of two light-colored flowers. The hair at Elizabeth’s temples has been tightly pulled to the back of her head, while the hair above her forehead has been curled and adorns the crown of her head. She wears a pair of large, gold dangling earrings.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: Elizabeth Dora Waugh Allen was born November 20, 1852, in Sonoma County, California, and died March 26, 1940, in Butte County, California. She was born to the early, prominent Petaluma pioneers, Clarissa Jane Edsall Waugh (1826-1877) and Reverend Lorenzo Waugh (1808-1900). In Sonoma County, on March 20, 1868, at the age of sixteen, she married the riverboat captain George Allen (see companion portrait). They had three children: Walter, Mary Bell, and Lonnie.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This cabinet card bears no imprint or photographer’s name. Handwritten in blue ink across the bottom in a combination of upper and lower case letters is: “ELizABETH WAUGH BoRA (born?) NOV. 20, 1852 - Sanona” (Sonoma?)

Description, back: The back side of this card is either blank or contains only an access number.

Date: The dark color of the card upon which the photograph is mounted and Allen’s attire suggest this portrait dates to the late 1880s.

Condition: There is light foxing throughout the front of this portrait, and the card’s edges are nicked.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-08

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Ayers, William David (1869-1929) (1 of 2)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of William david ayers

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

ROSS & ORMSBY was a Petaluma photography studio operated by George Colvaine Ross (born February 12, 1832, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 1893, Petaluma, California) and Elon D. Ormsby (died March 6, 1895, Oakland, California). The Ross & Ormsby studio was located, “At Ross’ old gallery, Main Street, two doors above the Wickersham + Co’s bank”. Ross, already an established portrait photographer in Petaluma, renamed his studio, placing his new partner’s name after his own. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: William David Ayers

Description: In this portrait, William David Ayers appears as a baby of 1 or 2 years old. He sits on a fabric-covered studio prop, and behind him is a drape. He is attired in a dark dress and holds what appears to be an adult’s cap with both his hands. The baby appears calm but apprehensive. His dark hair has been parted on both his left and right sides, a style typical of the time.

Biographical Note: William David Ayers was born at his family’s ranch in Stony Point, and when he was eleven years old, they moved to Petaluma. For many years, he worked at the Petaluma branch of the Wells Fargo Company and earned additional income by investing in Petaluma real estate. Although William was living in San Francisco at the time of his death, he was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: William David Ayers was the youngest child of early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). In 1892, William married Ada Mae Carlisle Ayers (1875-1931). Together, they had at least three children: William D. Ayers III, Mervyn W. Ayers, and Harry W. Ayers. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125529520/william_david_ayers. There are numerous additional portraits of the Ayers family members on this website.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Jan. 4, 1929, p. 8.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6 x 10 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This carte de visite portrait is framed within a vertical oval, and handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom edge of the card is: “William David Ayers”.

Description, back: Ross & Ormsby’s imprint appears in the center, and handwritten in script in black marker along the bottom is: “William David Ayers”.

Date: May 1869 - June 1870

Condition: Both the front and the back side of this carte de visite are soiled, and there is extensive spotting throughout.

Owner:  The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Ayers, William (1829-1899)

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Hugh S. Anderson’s Portrait Photograph of William Ayers

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

HUGH S. ANDERSON  was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He was active in Petaluma as early as January 1872, and he departed Petaluma in December 1873. His Sunbeam Gallery was located, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: William Ayers

Description: In this head-and-shoulders portrait, William Ayers is between 43 and 44 years old. He is attired in a sack jacket with pipped lapels. Attached to the second button of his dark vest is a chain, which most probably leads to a watch stored in the vest’s pocket. His dark, wavy hair is receeding, and he sports a wiry, graying, chin beard.

Biographical Note: William Ayers was born in Ireland in 1829 and traveled with his parents to America, where they settled in Warsaw, Illinois. In 1849 he married Martha Wade, and in 1851 or 1857, they traveled to California and settled on a ranch reported to be at Stony Point. The 1860 census documents them living in Annally, Sonoma County, and the 1870 census documents them living in Petaluma, where William lived until he died in 1899. William served on the Petaluma City Council and as Street Superintendent. William was buried in his family plot at the Petaluma Cypress Hill Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: William married Martha Wade in 1849. Together, they had at least six children: Miss Gussie Ayers, Mrs. Eugene Wilson, Mrs. Amelia Vestal, Mrs. Edith Chapman, William David Ayer, and Rosalie “Rosa” Ayers Blakely. William Ayer’s brother, Robert Ayers (d. Ventura, California, December 1899), built the Washoe House at Stony Point in 1855. There are numerous portraits of additional Ayers family members on this website.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Oct. 15, 1899, p.1. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Oct. 14, 1899, p. 1; Oct. 16, 1899, p. 1; Oct. 24, 1899, p. 2; Dec. 14, 1899, p. 1;

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom edge is: “William Ayers”.

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint appears in red ink, and along the bottom edge in bold black marker appears: “Wiliam Ayers”.

Date: January 1872-December 1873

Condition: The front of this CDV has considerable foxing and the back is slightly soiled.

Owner:  The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Ayers, Martha Wade (1829 or 1830 - 1890)(1 of 2)

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Hugh S. Anderson’s Portrait Photograph of martha Ayers

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

HUGH S. ANDERSON  was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He was active in Petaluma as early as January 1872, and he departed Petaluma in December 1873. His Sunbeam Gallery was located, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: Martha Ayers

Description: In this portrait, Martha Wade Ayers is between 42 and 44 years old. She wears a dark, front-buttoned blouse and a matching skirt cinched tightly at her waist with a buckled, vertically striped, cloth belt. A large white, scalloped, lace collar with long, pointed ends surrounds her neck. Her dark hair is center-parted, combed to the back of her head, and secured in a netted snood.

Biographical Note: Martha Wade Ayers was a native of Tennessee. She married William Ayers in 1849, and in 1851 or 1857, they traveled to California and settled on a ranch reported to be at Stony Point. The 1860 census documents them living in Analy, Sonoma County, and the 1870 census documents them living in Petaluma, where Martha lived until she died in 1890.

Family Affiliation: Martha married William Wade in 1849. Together they had at least six children: Miss Gussie Ayers, Mrs. Eugene Wilson, Mrs. Amelia Vestal, Mrs. Edith Chapman, William David Ayer, and Rosalie “Rosa” Ayers Blakely. There are numerous additional portraits of Ayers family members on this website.

Bibliography: The Petaluma Courier, Oct. 9, 1890, p.5.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom of the card is: “Martha Ayers”.

Description, back: Huge Anderson’s imprint appears in red ink in the center of the card. Along the top edge of the card is written: “Mrs. T. M. Blakeley”, “1551 Myrtle st”. This undoubtedly refers to the owner of the portrait, Martha’s daughter, Rosalie Ayers Blakely also known as Mrs. Theron M. Blakely. The handwritten script across the photographer’s imprint has not been determined. Below the imprint is additional text which includes, “1 Crayon” and “16 X 20”. Given that crayon portraits were traditionally 16” by 20”, this may be a note referring to the possibility of ordering a crayon portrait which could be created from the carte de visite. Along the right side of the card written in bold black marker is: “Martha Ayers”.

Date: January 1872 - December 1873

Condition: This carte de visite is heavily soiled and there is extensive foxing on both sides.

Owner:  The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Ayers, Martha Wade (1829 or 30 - 1890) (2 of 2)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of martha ayers

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.)


THE SITTER:

Names: Martha Wade Ayers

Description: In this head-and-shoulders portrait, Martha Wade Ayers appears as a middle-aged matron. She wears a dark, front-buttoned jacket with a white ruff collar. Her dark hair is center-parted and combed to the back of her head. Her only ornament is a bar brooch pinned at her neck.

Biographical Note: Martha Wade Ayers was a native of Tennessee. She married William Ayers in 1849, and in 1851 or 1857, they traveled to California and settled on a ranch reported to be at Stony Point. The 1860 census documents them living in Annally, Sonoma County, and the 1870 census documents them living in Petaluma where Martha lived until her death in 1890.

Family Affiliation: Martha married William Wade in 1849. Together they had at least six children: Miss Gussie Ayers, Mrs. Eugene Wilson, Mrs. Amelia Vestal, Mrs. Edith Chapman, William David Ayer, and Rosalie “Rosa” Ayers Blakely. There are numerous additional portraits of Ayers family members on this website.

Bibliography: The Petaluma Courier, Oct. 9, 1890, p.5.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: Gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: John Quincy Reed’s imprint appears along the bottom of the card, and handwritten in script in black ink along the bottom of the photographic print is “Martha Ayers”.

Description, back: Handwritten in black marker along the bottom is: “Martha Ayers”.

Date: 1870 to 1890

Condition: With the exception of a few small spots in the top of the front, this cabinet card is in good condition.

Owner: The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Ayers, William David (1869-1929)(2 of 2)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of william david ayers

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.)


THE SITTER:

Names: William David Ayers

Description: William David Ayers appears as an apprehensive adolescent in this head-and-shoulders portrait. He is attired in a high-buttoned tweed jacket with small lapels and a high-collared white shirt which is accompanied by a wide necktie adorned with a rectangular stickpin. His center-parted, full, wavy, dark hair has been carefully combed and oiled.

Biographical Note: William David Ayers was born at his family’s ranch in Stony Point and at age eleven they moved to Petaluma. For many years he worked at the Petaluma branch of the Wells Fargo Company and earned additional income by investing in Petaluma real estate. Although William was living in San Francisco at the time of his death, he was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: William David Ayers was the youngest child of early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). In 1892, William married Ada Mae Carlisle Ayers (1875-1931). Together, they had at least three children: William D. Ayers III, Mervyn W. Ayers, and Harry W. Ayers. There are numerous additional portraits of the Ayers family members on this website. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125529520/william_david_ayers.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Jan. 4, 1929, p. 8.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: Gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom of the photographic print is: “Uncle Will” and “Wm D. Ayers, Jr”. The photographer’s imprint appears in black type along the bottom of the card.

Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil along the top of card is: “Wm David Ayers”. Handwritten in script in black marker along the bottom edge is: “William David Ayers”.

Date: Based on the appearance of the sitter, it would seem logical to date this portrait between 1885 and 1890.

Condition: Both sides of this cabinet card are slightly soiled.

Owner: The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Armstrong, George J. (1857-1925)

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J.M. McMurry’s Portrait Photograph of

George J. Armstrong and Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: J. M. McMurry

Studio Location: Port Townsend, Washington


THE SITTERS:

Names: George J. Armstrong and Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong

Description: In this double portrait, George J. Armstrong sits on a rustic, broken chair while dressed in businessman’s attire. He wears a vested suit and a white, banded collar. A watch fob attached to his vest button hole drapes across his belly. He sports a walrus mustache. In a stilted pose, his wife, Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong, stands at his side with the knuckles of her right hand resting on her cheek and her elbow resting on a post. In her left hand she holds an ornate, feathered fan. She is dressed in an elegantly draped skirt and matching, front-buttoned, corseted, Basque jacket. Her lapels, collar, cuffs and skirt are trimmed in a darker color fabric. Her collar and cuffs are trimmed in white lace. Unusual for the time, she wears her hair in a short “boy cut” style.

Biographical Note: George J. Armstrong was born near Chicago, Illinois on May 26, 1857. As a young man, he moved to California and worked in poultry and ranching. He later worked as a machinist, businessman, and politician. He served Sonoma County as a supervisor for two years, but in 1909 the Grand Jury of Sonoma filed an accusation against him alleging misconduct. Proclaiming his innocence, Armstrong tendered his resignation and moved to Oakland. Soon thereafter, he moved to Oregon and re-entered politics and served as a Commissioner of Bandan County. Towards the end of his life, Armstrong returned to Petaluma living his final years at 27 Webster Street.

Family Affiliation: George Armstrong was married to Maybelle Church Armstrong in 1887. They had two sons, Harry George Armstrong (1886-1950) and Samuel Walter Armstrong (d.1942), and one daughter, Gladys Louise Armstrong (1894-1905).

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Nov. 30, 1904, p. 1; Sept. 28, 1925, p. 4 (obit). Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Feb. 10, 1908, p.2; Jan. 8, 1909, p. 3; Jan 11, 1909, p.3; Jan. 12, 1909, p.3; March 13, 1909, p. 3; Nov. 28, 1910, p. 3

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, Front: This portrait was taken in the studio of J. M. McMurry to appear as though it was taken out-of-doors. The painted backdrop depicts an open-sky landscape with a single tree on the left and a dilapidated fence on the right. Even the studio chair in which George sits was constructed to appear rustic.

Description, back: This card was a gift, undoubtedly, to Maybelle’s brother, Walter A. Church (1856-1923) and his wife, Minnie Belle Warders Church (1864-1958). Handwritten in cursive in pencil at the top of the card is written, “for Walter & Minnie”. Below this is written, “George and Belle Armstrong”, and “married March 31 - 1887”.

Date: J. M. McMurry operated his studio in Port Townsend between 1886 and 1902. Given the inscription on the back of this cabinet card, this portrait may have been taken while George and Maybelle were on their honeymoon. This assumption would date the portrait to Spring 1887.

Condition: There is extensive foxing on the bottom third of the front of this card. The back side is stained extensively and the right edge has been exposed to light.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-p19-p11, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Allen, Reverend George Barbour (1833-1918)

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Unknown Photographer’s Portrait Photograph of Reverend George Barbour Allen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: The photographer’s embossed imprint appears on the front of the portrait in the bottom right corner; however, it has been cut in half. Of the first line, “Keith S” can be read and of the second line “OA” can be read. Additionally, on the top edge of the portrait’s original frame is handwritten in black ink an indecipherable text which may also reference the photographer and sitter.

THE SITTER:

Name: Reverend George Barbour Allen

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: “Panel” sized portrait, 4” X 8.25”

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on board

Description, front:

Description, back: Handwritten in pencil appears: “Brown oak”, “made”, “5 X 91/4”, two indecipherable squiggles, the number “3953” inside a circle, “Rev. Geo. B. Allen at 80 years old”.

Date: 1913

Condition: This portrait is in excellent condition.

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Allen, Reginald Heber

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of reginald heber allen & elmer Mauzy

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified


THE SITTERS:

Name: Reginald Heber Allen and Elmer Mauzy

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date: 1884

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Allen, Maria Nancy Angell (2 of 2)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Maria Nancy Angell Allen

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified


THE SITTER:

Name: Maria Nancy Angell Allen

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Allen, Maria Nancy Angell (1 of 2)

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Charles Lainer, Portrait Photograph of Maria Nancy Angell Allen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: Charles Lainer

Studio Location: 31 Third Street, San Francisco, CA

THE SITTER:

Name: Maria Nancy Angell Allen

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, Front:

Description, Back:

Date: 1888

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Armstrong, Maybelle “Belle” Church (1863-1949) (2 of 2)

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J.M. McMurry’s Portrait Photograph of

George J. Armstrong and Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: J. M. McMurry

Studio Location: Port Townsend, Washington

THE SITTERS:

Names: George J. Armstrong and Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong

Description: In this double portrait, George J. Armstrong sits on a rustic, broken chair while dressed in businessman’s attire. He wears a vested suit and a white, banded collar. A watch fob attached to his vest button hole drapes across his belly. He sports a walrus mustache. In a stilted pose, his wife, Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong, stands at his side with the knuckles of her right hand resting on her cheek and her elbow resting on a post. In her left hand she holds an ornate, feathered fan. She is dressed in an elegantly draped skirt and matching, front-buttoned, corseted, Basque jacket. Her lapels, collar, cuffs and skirt are trimmed in a darker color fabric. Her collar and cuffs are trimmed in white lace. Unusual for the time, she wears her hair in a short “boy cut” style.

Biographical Note: Maybelle Church Armstrong was raised by her Petaluma pioneer parents on their ranch in Two Rock. After her marriage, she lived in Petaluma, Sebastopol, Oregon, and again, towards the end of her life, in Petaluma at 27 Webster Street.

Family Affiliation: Maybelle Church Armstrong was the daughter of Cynthia J. Church and Samuel Howard Church (1829-1900), early pioneer citizens of Petaluma. She was the wife of Supervisor George J. Armstrong, a Petaluma machinist, businessman, and politician. She was the mother of Harry George Armstrong, Samuel Walter Armstrong, and Gladys Louise Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, Front: This portrait was taken in the studio of J. M. McMurry to appear as though it was taken out-of-doors. The painted backdrop depicts an open-sky landscape with a single tree on the left and a dilapidated fence on the right. Even the studio chair in which George sits was constructed to appear rustic.

Description, back: This card was a gift, undoubtedly, to Maybelle’s brother, Walter A. Church (1856-1923) and his wife, Minnie Belle Warders Church (1864-1958). Handwritten in cursive in pencil at the top of the card is written, “for Walter & Minnie”. Below this is written, “George and Belle Armstrong”, and “married March 31 - 1887”.

Date: J. M. McMurry operated his studio in Port Townsend between 1886 and 1902. This may be a portrait of George and Belle Armstrong taken while on their honeymoon. This assumption would date the portrait to spring 1887.

Condition: There is extensive foxing on the bottom third of the front of this card. The back side is stained extensively and the right edge has been exposed to light.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-p19-p11, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Armstrong, Gladys Louise (1894-1905) (2 of 3)

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Henry KEMP VAN EE’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF GLADYS Louise ARMSTRONG

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  Henry Kemp Van Ee (1853-1934)

Studio Location: 410 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, California

THE SITTER:

Name: Gladys Armstrong

Description: Gladys as a young girl sits in a wicker chair looking coyly to her right with her hands in her lap and her feet posed on the chair’s bottom rung. She wears a white linen dress with large flounces at the should and large cuffs. Her hair is neatly arranged in large sausage curls, and parted in the center with bows on either side.

Biographical Note: Gladys Armstrong died at the age of eleven from complications of an appendectomy.

Family Affiliation: Gladys Armstrong was the daughter of George J. Armstrong and Maybelle Church Armstrong and sister to Harry George Armstrong and Samuel Walter Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: The edges of this card are pinked and the photographer’s imprint appears along the bottom.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: between 1894 and 1905

Condition: This card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-P9-p4, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

 

Arnold Family, (given names and b. & d. dates to be determined)

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William Wax’s Portrait Photograph of Arnold Family

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: William Wax, Universal Art Studio

Studio Location: unknown

THE SITTERS:

Names: Unidentified members of the Arnold Family.

Description: This is a double portrait of a man standing next to a toddler who is standing on a chair. The man is dressed in a vested suit with a white shirt and bow tie. The child is dressed in an ankle length dress with puffed sleeves and a round collar. Both subjects are gazing directly at camera lens.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card with rounded edges

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This portrait is a cabinet card surrounded by a black mat with rounded corners. The portrait’s painted backdrop depicts a rustic, rural scene with a railed fence on the right. The photographer’s imprint is embossed on the right and left bottom corners.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: circa 1890-1899

Condition: This portrait has faded slightly, and there are circular scratches above the child’s head.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2005-384-04

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Allen, George Anson (1846-1920)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of George Anson Allen

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified

THE SITTER:

Name: George Anson Allen

Description: This is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Captain George Anson Allen taken as he approached middle-age. He has a heavy, walrus mustache and prominent ears. He is wearing a high-buttoned, double lapel jacket and a wide bow tie.

Biographical Note: Allen was born in Chilmark, Dukes, Massachusetts July 1846, and he died in Sacramento, California, March 25, 1920. Allen was a California riverboat captain. He is reported to have piloted the Valletta, the Colusa, and the Red Bluff steamboats. He lived in Vallejo Township and in Sacramento at 3327 Third Avenue. Capitan George Anson Allen is not to be confused with his contemporary, Captain George W. Allen, a man whose criminal behavior was reported in Sacramento newspapers.

Family Affiliation: Captain Allen married Elizabeth Dora Waugh Allen (see companion portrait) on March 20, 1868. She was the daughter of the early prominent Petaluma pioneers, Reverend Lorenzo Dow Waugh (1808-1900) and Clarissa Jane Edsall Waugh (1826-1877). Goerge and Elizabeth had three children: Walter, Mary Bell, and Lonnie.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, July 1, 1909, p. 2. Petaluma Weekly Argus, Apr. 4, 1885, p. 2; Jan. 19, 1889, p. 3. The Sacramento Bee, Aug. 7, 1908, p. 12; Feb. 13, 1909, p. 17; “New Steamer on First Trip,” Sept. 14, 1911, p. 5; Nov. 20, 1918, p. 10; Nov. 20, 1918, p. 8; Oct. 19, 1920, p. 4.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This cabinet card bears no imprint or photographer’s name. Handwritten in blue ink across the bottom in a combination of upper and lower case letters is: “GEoRgE A. ALLEN - HusBAND oF ELizABET”.

Description, back: Handwritten across the top is, “Mrs, F, [ F?] Allen 2423 - O st Sacramento”. The identity of “Mrs, F, [F?] Allen” is unknown. She may have been a relative living in Sacramento to whom the portrait was given.

Date: The dark color of the card upon which this portrait is mounted and Allen’s attire suggest this portrait dates to the late 1880s.

Condition: Although the edges of this card are nicked, the portrait is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-09

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Armstrong, Maybelle “Belle” Church (1863-1949)(1 of 2)

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Lafayette F. Sheppard’s Portrait Photograph of MayBelle “Belle” Church Armstrong

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD was born in 1852 in Ohio and died in 1940 in Inglewood, California. He established his photographic gallery in Petaluma in February of 1886, “in the rooms formerly occupied by Lewis Dowe”. It was located at 59 1/2 Main Street next door to the First National Bank Building. Sheppard continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma at least through June of 1891. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Maybelle “Belle” Church Armstrong. This portrait may have been taken before her marriage when she was known as Maybelle Church.

Description: This is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Armstrong as a young woman with dark, center-parted, pulled-back hair. She wears a velvet, front-buttoned, jacket and a white, high-necked, textured collar which appears to be adorned with a metal pin at her throat. Below her collar is a white, lacy jabot which may include at the bottom right a bouquet of fresh flowers. Her gaze is direct and slightly elevated.

Biographical Note: Maybelle Church Armstrong was raised by her Petaluma pioneer parents on their ranch in Two Rock. After her marriage, she lived in Petaluma, Sebastopol, Oregon, and again, towards the end of her life, in Petaluma at 27 Webster Street.

Family Affiliation: Maybelle Church Armstrong was the daughter of Cynthia J. Church and Samuel Howard Church (1829-1900), early pioneer citizens of Petaluma. She was the wife of Supervisor George J. Armstrong, a Petaluma machinist, businessman, and politician. She was the mother of Harry George Armstrong, Samuel Walter Armstrong, and Gladys Louise Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a head-and-shoulders portrait of a young woman with “L. F. SHEPPARD, PETALUMA.” printed along the bottom edge.

Description, back: The back of this carte de visite is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: February 1886 - 1891

Condition: There are numerous, small, stains on the background and on the sitter’s face.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-01-p12-p8, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Armstrong, Harry George (1886-1950)

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Joslin & Company’s Portrait Photograph of Harry Armstrong

PHOTOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. He was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York, and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He established the Petaluma Photo Parlor under the name of Joslin & Company in November 1893, and left the studio, departing for Chico, California in April 1897. (For additional information on Joslin and Company and to view all portraits produced by the studio in the collection, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Harry George Armstrong

Description: This is a portrait of Armstrong as a child. He is wearing a dark jacket with a large white collar. He gazes slightly to his right and maintains a slight smile. His straight hair is cropped short and parted on his left.

Biographical Note: Harry George Armstrong was a “college man” and railroad supervisor. He also served as a machinist in the Navy.

Family Affiliation: Harry George Armstrong was the son of Petaluma Supervisor George James Armstrong and Maybelle Church Armstrong. He was also the brother of Samuel Walter Armstrong and Gladys Armstrong. He married Florence Estelle Winkler in 1905.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, Front: This is a scalloped, white, cabinet card with a head-and-shoulders portrait of a male child. Joslin & Company’s imprint appears along the bottom edge.

Description, Back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: soon after November 1893

Condition: There are small stains on the bottom edge of the card.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-02-p31-p19, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

 

Armstrong, Samuel Walter (d. 1942)

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Joslin & Company’s Portrait Photograph of Samuel Walter Armstrong

PHOTOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. He was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York, and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He established the Petaluma Photo Parlor under the name of Joslin & Company in November 1893, and left the studio, departing for Chico, California in April 1897. (For additional information on Joslin and Company and to view all portraits produced by the studio in the collection, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Samuel Walter Armstrong

Description: This is a portrait of Samuel Armstrong as a toddler. The child is wearing a white dress with an elaborate black lace collar. The child has short, curly, dark hair and holds his hand in front of him with his fingers touching. The child looks to his right with an endearing, inquisitive gaze.

Biographical Note: Samuel Walter Armstrong was a professor at the University of Arizonia, Tucson.

Family Affiliation: Samuel Walter Armstrong was the son of Petaluma pioneers Maybelle Church Armstrong and Supervisor George James Armstrong (died 1925). Samuel was brother to Harry George Armstrong and Gladys Louise Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a white, scalloped, cabinet card with Joslin & Company’s imprint centered along the bottom edge.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: November 1893 - April 1897

Condition: This card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-02-p30-p18, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Armstrong, Gladys Louise (1894-1905)(3 of 3)

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E. R. Healy Ground Floor Studio’s Portrait Photograph of Gladys Louise Armstrong

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were a married couple, and both were listed in California directories as a photographer. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Gound Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June, 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Gladys Armstrong

Description: This is a portrait of Armstrong as a young girl. She has very long hair parted on her left, and she wears a white lace, high-necked blouse and a large, white, ribbon over her right ear. Her gaze is focused slightly down and to her right with a hint of a smile.

Biographical Note: Gladys Armstrong died at the age of eleven from complications of an appendectomy; consequently, this portrait was undoubtedly taken at the end of her life.

Family Affiliation: Gladys Armstrong was the daughter of George J. Armstrong and Maybelle Church Armstrong and sister to Harry George Armstrong and Samuel Walter Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium: matte collodion print with oval mount

Description, front: This is a head-and-shoulders cabinet card portrait which has been surrounded within a black, decorative, vertical, oval cartouche. The mat is dark-grey and has been cut roughly around its outer edges. The photographer’s imprint appears diagonally on the bottom right printed in white ink. The name of the photographer, “Healy” is in elegant cursive and is followed by an elaborate flourish. “Ground Floor Studio, Petaluma, CA” appears below but is printed in all capital letters.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only its accession number.

Date: 1904-1905

Condition: Good except for roughly cut outer edges

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-p10-p5, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

 

Armstrong, Gladys Louise (1894-1905) (1 of 3)

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Roy Crawford’s Portrait Photograph of Gladys Louise Armstrong

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

ROY CRAWFORD worked as a portrait photographer in Petaluma between April 1898 and March 1900. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Gladys Armstrong

Description: This is a portrait of Gladys Armstrong as a toddler playing a xylophone which is set on a narrow table in front of her. It appears she may be holding the balls of the mallets in her hands. She is dressed in a white lace blouse and has light, curly, center-parted hair. She gazes directly into the camera lens.

Biographical Note: Gladys Armstrong died at the age of eleven from complications of an appendectomy.

Family Affiliation: Gladys Armstrong was the daughter of George J. Armstrong and Maybelle Church Armstrong and sister to Harry George Armstrong and Samuel Walter Armstrong.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: matte collodion print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This cabinet card portrait is framed in a grey mat with a white, inner boarder, and the photographer’s imprint appears in black along the bottom edge.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: 1898 - 1900

Condition: This cabinet card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-p8-p3, Church Family Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Anderson, Flora May (Mae) Church (1893-1985)

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E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery’s Portrait Photograph of Flora May (Mae) Church

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were married, and both were listed in California directories as photographers. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Flora May (Mae) Church Anderson. This portrait was taken when the sitter was a child and known by her birth name, Flora May (Mae) Church.

Description: Portrayed here at the age of five, Flora May (Mae) Church sits up very straight with her hands in her lap in a distinct spindle back chair with ball finials. Her legs dangle adorably above the floor, and she crosses them at the ankle. She wears what appears to be a wool tweed dress with a dark velvet yoke which matches her leggings. Her dress has puff sleeves and is gathered at the waist. She also wears a dark colored ruff around her neck.

Biographical Note: Flora May (Mae) Church Anderson was raised on the “Church Ranch” in Two Rock. She graduated from Petaluma High School in 1912 and in that year completed an herbarium of Sonoma County wild flowers as a botany class project. This impressive, 106 page collection was preserved by her family and donated to the PHL&M. A digital copy of it can be found by clicking on her bibliography below. In 1914, she graduated from San Jose State College with a teaching degree and worked as an educator in the Petaluma area for forty-three years. She taught at Hicks Valley School and was a principal of Wilson School and Cinnabar School.

Family Affiliation: Flora May (Mae)Church Anderson was the last of eight children born to Minnie Belle Warders Church (1864-1958) and Walter A. Church (1856-1923), early pioneers of the Two Rock community. She was married to Cyril Anderson (d.1933) a Petaluma Police Officer. (See the many portraits of Church family members in this archive.)

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: collodion or gelatin print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: In this cabinet card, the spindle backed chair with ball finials is quite a unique studio prop. Additionally, the portrait is set in front of a faintly painted backdrop depicting a small curve-legged table seen in the left of the composition. The thin boarder of the card has a pebble texture, and the photographer’s imprint is embossed along the bottom edge.

Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive along the top edge is, “Flora May”.

Date: The date of “1898” is handwritten on the back of a second, lesser-quality copy of this portrait held in the PHL&M collection.

Condition: There are numerous white marks located mostly in the center bottom half of the card. The pebbled edge is heavily soiled.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-p17-p10, Church Family Album, album donated by Flora Church Anderson

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Attenbury, Etta (b. & d. dates to be determined)(1 of 2)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of

Nancy Jane Whitney, Etta Attenbury & “Millie”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified

THE SITTERS:

Names: Nancy Jane Whitney (seated on viewer’s left, see Nancy Jane Whitney Morrow), Etta Attenbury (presumably the girl seated on the viewer’s right) & Millie (presumably the girl standing)

Description: This is a portrait of three girls, two seated and one standing between them. All three girls are wearing dresses with ruffled hems, characteristic of the late 1860s and the early 1870s.

Biographical Note: Little is known of Etta Attenbury. It appears she was a close friend of Nancy Jane (Jennie) Whitney (see Nancy Jane Whitney Morrow) who is seated in the portrait on the viewer’s left. See the double portrait in this archive of the two girls dressed and groomed identically.

Family Affiliation: The family affiliation of Etta Attenbury has not been identified.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This carte de visit group portrait was taken in front of a painted backdrop depicting a lush landscape. The sitters are posed on a carpet with large, circular, floral, designs.

Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive along the top of the card is, “For Rae” (underlined), and “1870”. Handwritten on a diagonal in pencil in cursive is, “Millie”, “+ friends” (crossed out), “Etta Attenbury” and “Jennie”.

Date: 1870

Condition: There is a crease at top left edge and slight foxing throughout. The card has been trimmed and the two top edges clipped.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-20

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Attenbury, Etta (b. & d. dates to be determined) (2 of 2)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Nancy Jane (Jennie) Whitney & Etta Attenbury

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. 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.)

THE SITTERS:

Names: Nancy Jane (Jennie) Whitney Morrow & Etta Attenbury (At the time this portrait was taken, Nancy Jane would have been known by her maiden name, Whitney.)

Description: This cabinet card is a double portrait of Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney (on the viewer’s left), and Etta Attenbury (on the viewer’s right). This is an intimate portrait of friends; the girls tilt their heads to touch each other. They are dressed and groomed similarly. Short, straight bangs frame their faces, and large, flat, bows adorn the top of their heads. Both girls also wear plaid blouses, high white collars with metal pins at the throat and large lacy jabots. A large dark bead hangs prominently from the left ear of Nancy Jane Whitney.

Biographical Note: Little is known of Etta Attenbury. It appears she was a close friend of Nancy Jane (Jennie) Whitney. See the portrait in this archive of Attenbury with Whitney and an additional young woman identified as “Millie”.

Family Affiliation: The family affiliation of Etta Attenbury has not been identified.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This cabinet card is a double, head-and-shoulders, portrait of two girls with their heads touching. The photographer’s imprint appears at the bottom in printed cursive, and the names of the sitters are handwritten in cursive above the imprint.

Description, back: The back of this cabinet card is blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: 1872-1874

Condition: This card is soiled and there is a black spot on the center left of the front side.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-35

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Avila, Antonio Silveira (1863-1955)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Antonio & Maria Avila

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.)

THE SITTERS:

Names: Antonio Silveira Avila & Maria Avila

Description: This is a cabinet card of the married couple, Antonio and Maria Avila. Both are wearing clothing fashionable in the 1880s. Maria wears a corseted cuirass bodice and bustle skirt. Made of the same fabric, they are both trimmed in dark velvet. Maria also wears a white, lace, neck scarf and drop earrings. Antonio wears a suit with only the top button of his jacket fastened. Antonio sits on a fringed chair while Maria stands next to him. Attached to the top of the card is a small, circular, metal brooch containing a photo of Maria's face which was obviously cropped from another printed copy of this cabinet card.

Biographical Note: Antonio Silverira Avila was a native of the Azores. He worked for GP McNear and was a member of the Petaluma Council No.4 UPEC and IPES.

Family Affiliation: Antonio and Maria Avila had several children; their son, Frank died in WWI in 1918.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: A double portrait with the man seated on the left and the woman standing on the right. They appear before a studio backdrop depicting a domestic fireplace mantel. Along the bottom is the photographer’s imprint: J. Q Reed, Petaluma, Cal. Pinned to the top left edge of this card is a round brooch containing a portrait of Maria Avila. It appears to have been cut from a copy of this carte de visite.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in blue ink across the top of the card is: "Married at St Vincents church on Dec. 17 - 1887 by Father Cleary. Dad Born 1863 year March 15th. Ma Born 1867 year August 5th. Entered into Rest Dec 19 - 1952, 11:30 am. From Vault March 3rd 53. Entered into Rest June 28 1955, 6:15 PM July 1 - 1955." Handwritten vertically in ink over illegible script written in pencil: “Antonio S. Avila Silverira + Maria Avila 1-36-.80

Date: 1887  (The date of 1887 presumes this to be a wedding portrait.)

Condition: There is foxing throughout the front of this card, and, on the bottom left edge, the photographic print has been cracked revealing the card below. The back is significantly soiled, and there is a faded section along the left edge.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2001-161-94

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Avila, Maria (1867-1952)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Antonio & Maria Avila

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.)

THE SITTERS:

Names: Antonio Silveira Avila & Maria Avila

Description: This is a cabinet card of the married couple, Antonio and Maria Avila. Both are wearing clothing fashionable in the 1880s. Maria wears a corseted cuirass bodice and bustle skirt. Made of the same fabric, they are both trimmed in dark velvet. Maria also wears a white, lace, neck scarf and drop earrings. Antonio wears a suit with only the top button of his jacket fastened. Antonio sits on a fringed chair while Maria stands next to him. Attached to the top of the card is a small, circular, metal brooch containing a photo of Maria's face which was obviously cropped from another printed copy of this cabinet card.

Biographical Note: Maria Avila was born in Boston, Mass., and was a member of the SPRSI Council.

Family Affiliation: Antonio and Maria Avila had several children; their son, Frank died in WWI in 1918.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: A double portrait with the man seated on the left and the woman standing on the right. They appear before a studio backdrop depicting a domestic fireplace mantel. Along the bottom is the photographer’s imprint: J. Q Reed, Petaluma, Cal. Pinned to the top left edge of this card is a round brooch containing a portrait of Maria Avila. It appears to have been cut from a copy of this carte de visite.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in blue ink across the top of the card is: "Married at St Vincents church on Dec. 17 - 1887 by Father Cleary. Dad Born 1863 year March 15th. Ma Born 1867 year August 5th. Entered into Rest Dec 19 - 1952, 11:30 am. From Vault March 3rd 53. Entered into Rest June 28 1955, 6:15 PM July 1 - 1955." Handwritten vertically in ink over illegible script written in pencil: “Antonio S. Avila Silverira + Maria Avila 1-36-.80

Date: 1887  (The date of 1887 presumes this to be a wedding portrait.)

Condition: There is foxing throughout the front of this card, and, on the bottom left edge, the photographic print has been cracked revealing the card below. The back is significantly soiled, and there is a faded section along the left edge.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2001-161-94

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.