De Martin, Amelia
/Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of
Amelia De Martin & Family
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: unidentified
THE SITTER:
Names: Michael De Martin, Amelia De Martin, Fred & Pia De Martin, Mr. & Mrs. Giacomini
Description:
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation:
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 26.4 x 32.8
Medium:
Description, front:
Description, back:
Date: Before 1900
Condition:
Owner: Private collection, digital copy by permission, 2022-952-38, Schowbeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Collection
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.
De Martin, Michael
/Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of
Michael De Martin & Family
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: unidentified
THE SITTER:
Names: Michael De Martin, Amelia De Martin, Fred & Pia De Martin, Mr. & Mrs. Giacomini
Description:
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation:
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 26.4 x 32.8
Medium:
Description, front:
Description, back:
Date: Before 1900
Condition:
Owner: Private collection, digital copy by permission, 2022-952-38, Schowbeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Collection
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.
DeMartin, Michael
/E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery’s Portrait Photograph of Michael De Martin
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: Michael DeMartin
Description:
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation:
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size:
Medium: matte collodion print with embossed oval mount
Description, front:
Description, back:
Date:
Condition:
Owner: Private collection, digital copy by permission, Schwobeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Collection
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.
DeMartin, Elves M. (1904-1989)
/E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery’s Portrait Photograph of elves M. demartin
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: Elves M. DeMartin
Description:
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation:
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size:
Medium: matte collodion print with oval mount
Description, front:
Description, back:
Date:
Condition:
Owner: Private collection, digital copy by permission, Schwobeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Collection
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.
Doss, Iva M. (1880-1972) (see Goble)→
/E. R. Healy Ground Floor Studio’s Portrait Photograph of Iva M.Doss Goble
T
Dado, Attilio Antonio (1876 -1923)
/J. B. MONACO’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF ATTILIO ANTHONY DADO & CLAUDINA LUCIA BLOOM DADO
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
Photographer: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco
Photographic Studio: Monaco Photo Studio, 702 Market Street, San Francisco, California
Biographical Note: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco (1856-1938), a Swiss-Italian immigrant, was a famous San Francisco photographer known as the “Dean of North Beach” and for his documentation of the 1906 earthquake. https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=J.B._Monaco:_The_Dean_of_North_Beach_Photographers
THE SITTERS:
Names: Attilio Antonio Dado (1876-1923) and Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado (1879-1902)
Description: This cabinet card is a wedding portrait of Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado and Attilio Antonio Dado. Claudina wears an elaborate “Gibson Girl Blouse” typical of the turn-of-the-century. Made of white cotton, it is detailed with extensive pleating and adorned with white pearls. Over this blouse she wears a white bolero jacket with pleated sleeves and wide soutache embroidery edging. The clothing she wears in this portrait was donated to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, accession ID# 1985-613-01. Her casual updo coiffure is also typical of the “Gibson Girl” style. Attilio wears a three-piece suit with a white tie and button-up shirt. He has a heavy handlebar moustache and carefully groomed hair.
Biographical Note: Attileo Antonio Dado was a prominent citizen of Tomales. He married Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado on August 21, 1901, and she died on September 11, 1902 giving birth to their only chid, Genevieve Claudina Dado Ricioli (1902-1954).
Family Affiliation: Attileo Antonio Dado was the son of the prominent Tomales pioneers, Paul A. Dado (1840-1923) and Carolina Anna Togni Dado (1852-1936) and the husband of Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado. Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado was the daughter of James Battista Bloom (1842-1893) and Lucia Maria Fiori Bloom (1850-1931). James and Lucia were Swiss-Italian immigrants who rose to be wealthy and prominent residents of Chileno Valley. Claudina was the wife of Attilio Anthony Dado (1876-1923) of Tomales.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 21 x 17 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This horizontal, double, portrait has been placed on cardstock that has an inner light gray panel. The photographer’s imprint is embossed in gold lettering along the bottom edge of the card.
Description, back: Handwritten in black ink in the upper left is: “Attilio Dado” and “Claudina Bloom”.
Date: 1901
Condition: The edges of this cabinet card have been slightly damaged, and there are white spots on Claudina’s chin and the right side of her face.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1985-613-03
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.
Denman, Charlotte Edwards (1861-1950) (2 of 3)
/Bushnell Studio’s Portrait Photograph of Charlotte Edwards Denman
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer/Studio: Bushnell Studio, San Francisco and Oakland, California
THE SITTER:
Name: Charlotte Edwards Denman
Description: Charlotte Edwards Denman is wearing what may be a bolero vest. As was fashionable in the 1890s, it has extremely large, flounced sleeves and ruffled borders. She wears a scarf which encircles her neck and has been tied in a bow at the nape of her neck. Her hair is parted in the middle, with short, curly bangs. The hair from the back of her head has been pulled up into a bun.
Biographical Note: Charlotte Edwards Denman was a president of the Petaluma Woman’s Club and a long-standing President of St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Women’s Auxiliary. She lived at 641 D Street in Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Charlotte Edwards Denman was married to Petaluma banker, Frank Hardenburgh Denman (1856-1955).
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 27 x 21.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: The horizontal format of this cabinet card may have been dictated by the width of the the sitter’s sleeve caps. The portrait is surrounded by a horizontal oval and has been placed on a dark cabinet card. The photographer’s imprint appears in the bottom left corner in white script on a diagonal alignment.
Description, back: Handwritten in print in black ink along the top right edge of the card is, “Aunt Lottie”. Below this, handwritten in print in pencil is, “Charlotte Edwards Denman”. Below that in cursive in pencil is, “Mrs. Frank Denman”. In the upper left corner handwritten in cursive in pencil is, “Charlotte E. Denman”. A sheet of paper has been taped to the back of this cabinet card. It appears to have been placed in 1991 when the portrait was accessioned. It identifies the sitter as Charlotte Edwards Denman (Mrs. Frank).
Date: Denman's sleeves and the format date this photo to the 1890s.
Condition: This cabinet card is in good condition
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1991-X-10
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.
Doss, John Wells (1870 -1940)
/E. R. Healy ground floor gallery’s Portrait Photograph of John Wells Doss
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: John Wells Doss
Description: This is a very formal portrait, and, given the age of the sitter, may commemorate his wedding to Estelle M. Seszinsky in 1898. His attire is typical of what a groom would wear in the 1890s. His morning suit is accompanied by a vest and white shirt with a wide spread collar and a large, elaborate white neck tie. He stands confidently and elegantly with his left arm resting on a waist-height studio prop and his right arm tucked behind him. His short-cut hair is side-parted and carefully groomed. He sports a relatively conservative, walrus mustache.
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation: The sitter was a member of one of Petaluma’s earliest pioneer families. John Doss was a cousin of Joel A. Doss, 1860-1932. There are several additional Doss Family member portraits in this archive.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: In this very formal portrait, the subject stands in front of a Healy studio’s painted backdrop, which can be seen in several other Healy portraits, depicting an oval mirror beneath which is a wall-mounted shelf laden with foliage. Along the bottom of the card is the photographer’s imprint embossed in elegant script.
Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive across the top is, “John Doss”. Directly below this handwritten in black ink in cursive is, “Mert’s Grandfather’s brother”, and “Frank’s brother”. Merton W. Doss (1920-2010) was born, raised, educated, and died in Petaluma. A well-known citizen, he photographed the community over several decades and donated many of his images to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum.
Date: This portrait can be dated as early as 1892 because that is when the E. R. Healy Studio began operating in Petaluma. lf this portrait commemorates the sitter’s marriage as suggested above, it would date specifically to 1898.
Condition: The center section of this portrait has been scuffed extensively, and the card itself is soiled.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-666-10
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.
Dado, Claudina Lucia Bloom (1879 - 1902) (1 of 2)
/J. B. MONACO’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF CLAUDINA Lucia BLOOM DADO
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
Photographer: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco
Photographic Studio: Monaco Photo Studio, 702 Market Street, San Francisco, California
Biographical Note: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco (1856-1938), a Swiss-Italian immigrant, was a famous San Francisco photographer known as the “Dean of North Beach” and for his documentation of the 1906 earthquake. https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=J.B._Monaco:_The_Dean_of_North_Beach_Photographers
THE SITTER:
Name: Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado
Description: This is a wedding portrait of Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado which celebrates her marriage to Attilio Anthony Dado (1876-1923). (See the double portrait of the bride and groom in this archive.) She wears an elaborate “Gibson Girl Blouse” typical of the turn-of-the-century. Made of white cotton, it is detailed with extensive pleating and adorned with white pearls. Over this blouse she wears a white bolero jacket with pleated sleeves and wide soutache embroidery edging. (The clothing she wears in this portrait was donated to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, accession ID# 1985-613-01.) Dado’s casual updo coiffure is also typical of the “Gibson Girl” style as is her poised, coy, graceful, feminine, allure. She gazes dreamily to her left as she sits in a relaxed, sensual, s-curved pose in a carved wooden arm chair. Her right hand is delicately posed at her neck, and her left hand gently rests on her lap in a gesture which clearly displays her newly acquired wedding ring.
Biographical Note: Claudina attended Chileno Valley School. She was married on August 21, 1901 and died on September 11, 1902 giving birth to her only chid, Genevieve Claudina Dado Ricioli (1902-1954)
Family Affiliation: Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado was the daughter of James Battista Bloom (1842-1893) and Lucia Maria Fiori Bloom (1850-1931). James and Lucia were Swiss-Italian immigrants who rose to be wealthy and prominent residents of Chileno Valley. Claudina was the wife of Attilio Anthony Dado (1876-1923) of Tomales.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 13 x 18 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This cabinet card is mounted on an embossed, light-grey, matte which has a pebbled texture on its outer edge. The photographer’s signature and address appear along the bottom.
Description, back: Handwritten in cursive along the top edge of this card is, “Mrs. A. A. Dado”.
Date: 1901
Condition: The edges of this cabinet card are soiled.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1985-613-02
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.
Denman, Charlotte Edwards (1861-1950) (3 of 3)
/Joslin & Company’s Portrait Photograph of Charlotte Edwards Denman
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: Charlotte Edwards Denman
Description: Charlotte Edward Denman wears a white blouse with a high banded collar latched up the front of her neck with three small buttons. Gathered in folds at the base of this collar is a dark, diaphanous, top layer of fabric. Her short bangs have been curled, and they rest high on her forehead. The remainder of her hair has been pulled back and up into a tightly twisted topknot at the crown of her head. It appears Charlotte is wearing a rimless pince-nez, a style of eye glasses placed on the bridge of the nose without supporting ears stems. Pince-nez were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Biographical Note: Charlotte Edwards Denman was a president of the Petaluma Woman’s Club and a long-standing President of St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Women’s Auxiliary. She lived at 641 D Street in Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Charlotte Edwards Denman was married to Petaluma banker, Frank Hardenburgh Denman (1856-1955).
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.25 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: The bottom half of this portrait has been damaged leaving the image of the sitter from her lower shoulders down only vaguely visible; the top half remains crisp. The edges of this cabinet card are scalloped, and Joslin & Company’s imprint appears along the bottom edge of the card.
Description, back: Along the upper edge in pencil in script is written, “Charlotte Denman”. Under this, handwritten in pencil in block letters is, “Charlotte Edwards Denman”.
Date: November 1893 - April 1897
Condition: The bottom half of this cabinet card has been damaged, consequently, it is difficult to determine if the details of the bottom half were originally and purposely left vague. In stark contrast, the section above the damage is in good, crisp condition. The marks that appear below the sitter’s left eye, along the ridge of her nose and at the end of her right eyebrow may be a faintly perceivable, rimless, pince-nez.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1991-X-47
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.
Dado, Claudina Lucia Bloom (1879 -1902) (2 of 2)
/J. B. MONACO’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF ATTILIO ANTHONY DADO & CLAUDINA LUCIA BLOOM DADO
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
Photographer: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco
Photographic Studio: Monaco Photo Studio, 702 Market Street, San Francisco, California
Biographical Note: Giovanni Batista (J. B.) Monaco (1856-1938), a Swiss-Italian immigrant, was a famous San Francisco photographer known as the “Dean of North Beach” and for his documentation of the 1906 earthquake. https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=J.B._Monaco:_The_Dean_of_North_Beach_Photographers
THE SITTERS:
Names: Attilio Antonio Dado (1876-1923) and Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado (1879-1902)
Description: This cabinet card is a wedding portrait of Claudina Lucia Bloom Dado and Attilio Antonio Dado. Claudina wears an elaborate “Gibson Girl Blouse” typical of the turn-of-the-century. Made of white cotton, it is detailed with extensive pleating and adorned with white pearls. Over this blouse she wears a white bolero jacket with pleated sleeves and wide soutache embroidery edging. The clothing she wears in this portrait was donated to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, accession ID# 1985-613-01. Her casual updo coiffure is also typical of the “Gibson Girl” style. Attilio wears a three-piece suit with a white tie and button-up shirt. He has a heavy handlebar moustache and carefully groomed hair.
Biographical Note: Claudina attended Chileno Valley School. She was married on August 21, 1901 and died on September 11, 1902 giving birth to her only chid, Genevieve Claudina Dado Ricioli (1902-1954).
Family Affiliation: Claudina Lucia Bloom Dada was the daughter of James Battista Bloom (1842-1893) and Lucia Maria Fiori Bloom (1850-1931), residents of Chileno Valley, and she was the wife of Attileo Anthony Dado (1876-1923) of Tomales.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 21 x 17 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: The portrait is bordered by a small, light-grey, matte and followed with a larger, dark-grey, textured matte. The photographer’s imprint is embossed along the bottom of the matte.
Description, back: Handwritten in black ink in the upper right is: “Attilio Dado” and “Claudina Bloom”.
Date: 1901
Condition: The edges of this cabinet card have been slightly damaged, and there are white spots on Claudina’s chin and the right side of her face.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1985-613-03
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.
Denman, Isabel Grigsby St. John (1837-1917)(2 of 2)
/Isaiah West Taber’s Portrait Photograph of Isabelle Grigsby St. John Denman
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: Isaiah West Taber (1830-1912). Taber opened his first photography studio in 1854 in Syracuse, New York. In 1864 he moved to California and worked at the Bradley and Rulofson studio at 429 Montgomery Street in San Francisco until 1873. By the end of the decade, Taber was creating portraits at his own studio at 8 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. He continued to produce portraits at his new studio location at 121 Post Street between 1893 and 1906. His studio and all its contents were destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Isaiah West Taber: A Photographic Legacy, introduction by Gary F. Kurtz, Windgate Press, Sausalito, California, 2004, Appendix A: Portraits by Taber .
Photographic Studio: Taber Studio, 8 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California.
THE SITTER:
Name: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman
Description: This is a boudoir-sized cabinet card of Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman in her middle age. Her dark hair is parted down the middle, slightly waved, and pulled back. She wears a black, front-buttoned dress with an elaborate black lace jabot and underlying black ribbon. Pinned at her neck is a large cameo and in her right ear can be seen a matching earring.
Biographical Note: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman was a long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Women’s Auxiliary and a member of the Antietam Relief Corps and the Easter Star. Isabel lived at 312 6th Street in Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman was married to Adin Cady St. John (1822-1876) and together they had four children one of them was Anna Belle St. John Whitney, the wife of Arthur Whitney, son of the Petaluma pioneers, Senator Albion P. Whitney and Susan Eastman Whitney. Isabel later became the second wife of the early Petaluma pioneer, Ezekiel Denman.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: Boudoir card, approximately 13.5 x 21.5 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman within a vertical oval surround. Along the bottom of the card is the imprint of the San Francisco photographer, Isaiah West Tabor.
Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive is, “Mrs. E. Denman”, “Isabell Grigsby St. John Denman” , and “Mother of Anna Bell St. John Whitney”.
Date: The photographer’s imprint on the bottom front edge of this card allows us to assume that this portrait was created between 1883 and 1886.
Condition: There is minor foxing on the periphery of this cabinet card.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1992-IDI-03
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.
Dennis, Jennie (b. & d. dates to be determined)
/Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Jennie Dennis
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: unidentified
THE SITTER:
Name: Mrs. Jennie Dennis
Description: In this frontal, half portrait, Mrs. Jennie Dennis looks directly into the camera. She wears a black blouse with large cap sleeves which are detailed with a band of ruffles. The dark, lacy, fabric which drapes around her neck and crosses her chest may be a large scarf. Her hair has been combed to the back of her head, and she wears no jewelry or hair ornament.
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation: unidentified
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 17.75 x 22.75
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This portrait is mounted on a grey cabinet card which is heavily embossed with flourishes and flowers.
Description, back: Handwritten in blue ink in script is, “To Ellen From Mrs. Jennie Dennis”, and “Taken July 1900”. Handwritten vertically on the left side of the card in pencil in cursive is, “Mrs Dennis”.
Date: July 1900
Condition: The bottom edge of this portrait has been scratched in several places exposing the white paper beneath the dark image.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1995-112-01
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.
Davis, John H. (1877-1963)
/J.W. Baker’s Portrait Photograph of John H. Davis
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: J.W. Baker, 1144 Market Street, San Francisco, California
THE SITTER:
Name: John H. Davis
Description: This portrait of John H. Davis was taken when he was 21 years old. He wears a vested jacket, a white banded collar shirt, and a large, striped, tie with a large, dropped knot. Davis has predominant ears and a faint mustache.
Biographical Note: As a young man, John H. Davis worked for the Golden Eagle Milling Company and the Petaluma Laundry. In 1904, he became the proprietor of his mother-in-law’s company, Petaluma Cleaning and Dyeing Works, located at B and Fourth. For many years Davis was a member of the Petaluma Presbyterian Church. He was a charter life member and Vice-Chancellor Commander of the New Era Lodge #32, Knights of Pythias, and was honored in 1956 at their Anniversary Dinner. He was an officer of the Garfield Council No.18 Junior Order of United American Mechanics and a President of the Order of the Owls.
Family Affiliation: John H. Davis’ mother was Elvira E. Davis and his father was George S. Davis. John H. Davis’ wife was Ambrozyne Montgomery; they were married in 1901.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 17 x 22.75 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a frontal head-and-shoulders portrait of a young man. The background gradually changes from the top to the bottom from light to dark; a technique which accentuates the sitter’s face. The portrait’s surrounding edge has a subtle pebble texture, and the photographer’s imprint appears in diminutive print along the bottom edge.
Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil in the top center of the card is, “John H. Davis”, and “May, 1898”. Below this, handwritten in block print in all capital letters in pencil is, “DAVIS LN. PENNGROVE”, “FATHER OF ED DAVIS”, and “BERNADETTE DAVIS WAS A NIECE”.
Date: May 1898
Condition: This cabinet card is in very good condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2001-80-01
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.
Denman, Charlotte Edwards (1861-1950) (1 of 3)
/George B. Rieman & Fred H. Pray’s Portrait Photograph of Charlotte Edwards Denman
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographers: George B. Rieman & Fred H. Pray
Photographic Studio: Rieman & Pray, 26 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California
THE SITTER:
Name: Charlotte Edwards Denman
Description: This boudoir-sized cabinet card is a wedding portrait of Charlotte Edwards Denman. She is standing with her gloved hands in front of her with her fingers intertwined. She looks demurely down and to her right. She is wearing a corseted, redingcoat-styled wedding dress. The skirt of her dress is a tone-on-tone brocade and its very decorative hem includes several layers of flounce. Her overdress is adorned profusely with beaded tassels, and she wears a corsage on her left shoulder. Her diaphanous veil falls from the top of her head revealing her tight, short bangs, and forms a train which extends beyond the lower right edge of the photograph. For what is most probably a companion portrait depicting the groom, see the portrait of Frank Hardenburgh Denman.
Biographical Note: Charlotte Edwards Denman was a president of the Petaluma Woman’s Club and a long-standing President of St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Women’s Auxiliary. She lived at 641 D Street in Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Charlotte Edwards Denman was married to Petaluma banker, Frank Hardenburgh Denman (1856-1955).
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: boudoir-size cabinet card, approximately 21 x 13 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: In this wedding portrait, the bride stands in front of an elaborately painted backdrop depicting a grand patio with vine covered columns and an expansive distant view. The formality of the scene is heightened by the arch format. Along the bottom edge of the portrait is handwritten in script, “Charlotte E. Denman - 1885”. The portrait is backed by a boudoir-size, dark cabinet card, and the photographer’s elegant imprint runs along the bottom in gold script.
Description, back: Along the top edge of the card has been placed a length of tape and handwritten upon it in pencil in block letters is, “Charlotte Edwards Denman” and “(Mrs. Frank H. Denman)”. The back of this card is dark, and it contains several messages marketing the sophistication of the photography studio. The name of the studio is written in bold, gold, capital letters on an artist’s palette, and the address is written on a surrounding scroll. An additional scroll reads, “Take elevator”, obviously informing the reader there would be no need to climb stairs to reach the studio rooms. In script towards the bottom is, “WHEN OTHERS FAIL TRY RIEMAN”, and in a final enticement, the reader is informed, “Photographed by Electricity”.
Date: 1885
Condition: With the exception of minor fraying along the front bottom edge, this card is in very good condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1991-X-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.
Denman, Frank Hardenburgh (1856-1955)
/George B. Rieman & Fred H. Pray’s Portrait Photograph of Frank Hardenburgh Denman
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographers: George B. Rieman & Fred H. Pray
Photographic Studio: Rieman & Pray, 26 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California
THE SITTER:
Name: Frank Hardenburgh Denman
Description: In this portrait Frank Hardenburgh Denman is dressed formally in a double breasted, wool jacket. His lapels are velvet with leather trim. He wears a high, white, banded collar with a gentleman’s puff scarf which has a pin attached to its center. His hair is carefully groomed and waved, and he sports a conservative, walrus mustache. This portrait was most probably taken at the same time as a portrait of Denman’s bride, Charlotte Edwards Denman. Both portraits were taken at the same studio in San Francisco, and both sitters are dressed in formal, wedding attire typical of the time.
Biographical Note: Frank Hardenburgh Denman as a young man worked on his father’s farm in Two Rock and in 1881 was appointed Sonoma County Surveyor. In 1886, he began his banking career as a cashier at the Bank of Sonoma County. In 1908, along with his brother-in-law, George Plummer McNear, he took over controlling interest of the Petaluma Savings Bank and was named president. In 1920, he was made Vice President of the Bank of Sonoma, and when it was purchased by the Bank of America, he became the chairman of the advisory board of the Sonoma County Branch of the the Bank of America. In 1941, he was honored by the California Bankers Association for his long and distinguished service in the industry. He was a long time member of Petaluma’s St. John’s Episcopal church and was honored with the title of vestryman emeritus.
Family Affiliation: Frank Hardenburgh Denman was the first born child of Petaluma pioneers, Ezekial Denman (1827-1894) and Nancy Hardenburgh Denman (1834-1870). His wife was Charlotte Edwards Denman (1861-1950).
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: Boudoir cabinet card, approximately 21.5 cm X 13 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This three quarter, head-and-shoulders portrait is surrounded by a vertical oval and has been mounted on a dark card background. The photography studio imprint is in gold script and runs along the bottom edge of the card.
Description, back: Along the top edge of the card has been placed a length of tape and handwritten upon it in pencil in block letters is, “Uncle Frank” and “Frank Denman”. The back of this card is dark, and it contains several messages marketing the sophistication of the photography studio. The name of the studio is written in bold, gold, capital letters on an artist’s palette, and the address is written on surrounding scrolls. An additional scroll reads, “Take elevator”, obviously informing the reader there would be no need to climb stairs to reach the studio rooms. In script towards the bottom is, “WHEN OTHERS FAIL TRY RIEMAN”, and in a final enticement, the reader is informed, “Photographed by Electricity”.
Date: If, as assumed, this portrait was taken as a companion piece to that of the sitter’s bride, it can be dated to 1885, the year of their wedding.
Condition: There is fairly uniform foxing throughout this boudoir cabinet card and small white spots within the oval surrounding the portrait.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1991-X-12
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.
Denman, Isabel Grigsby St. John (1837-1917) (1 of 2)
/Bradley & Rulofson Studio Portrait Photograph of Isabelle Grigsby St. John Denman
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographic Studio: Bradley & Rulofson, 429 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California. Henry William Bradley (1813-1891) opened a photographic studio in San Francisco in 1850 and in 1860 took on his partner William Rulofson (1826-1876). Their studio was considered by many to be the best in California. Bradley retired in 1878.
THE SITTER:
Name: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman. This portrait may have been taken when Isabel was married to her first husband, when she was known as Isabel Grigsby St. John.
Description: This is a full-body, seated portrait of Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman. She sits elegantly erect in a garden setting and gazes attentively to her right. Her hair is center-parted and arranged informally atop her head. She wears a front-buttoned, form-fitting bodice and a skirt with three layers of large fringed tassels. She wears a cameo at her throat and a very long necklace which falls to below her waist.
Biographical Note: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman was a long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Women’s Auxiliary and a member of the Antietam Relief Corps and the Easter Star. Isabel lived at 312 6th Street in Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman was married to Adin Cady St. John (1822-1876) and together they had four children one of them was Anna Belle St. John Whitney, the wife of Arthur Whitney, son of the Petaluma pioneers, Senator Albion P. Whitney and Susan Eastman Whitney. Isabel later became the second wife of the early Petaluma pioneer, Ezekiel Denman.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This portrait was staged to appear as though it was taken out-of-doors. On the left edge of the composition is live foliage which is possibly cut ivy, and behind the sitter is a painted backdrop depicting lush flora.
Description, back: The elaborate imprint of the Bradley & Rulofson, San Francisco studio appears on the center of the back of this cabinet card. Handwritten in script at the bottom appears, “Grandmother Denman” , “Isabel Grigsby St. John Denman”, and “Mother of Anna Belle St. John Whitney”.
Date: undated
Condition: With the exception of peripheral minor foxing, this cabinet card is in good condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1992-IDI-01
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.
Daniels, Mrs. (given name and b. & d. dates to be determined)
/Harry Fowler ROBERTS’ Portrait Photograph of Mrs. Daniels
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
HARRY FOWLER ROBERTS was born in 1869 in Mankato, Minnesota, and died in February 1907 in Colfax, California, at age 38. As early as 1892 he opened a photographic studio on Petaluma’s Main Street across from the American Hotel. The exact date Roberts closed his studio in Petaluma has not been determined; however, it may have been as late as 1895. (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: Mrs. Daniels
Description: In this cabinet card portrait of Mrs. Daniels, she has short curly bangs, and a bun resting on the back of her head. She is wearing a elaborately ruffled and beaded bodice with puffy sleeves.
Biographical Note: According to the inscription on the back of this portrait, Mrs. Daniels was a school teacher.
Family Affiliation: According to the inscription on the back of this portrait, Mrs. Daniels had an affiliation with the Byce family.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This head-and-shoulder portrait depicts a three-quarter view of the sitter, and behind her is a roughly stuccoed studio backdrop. Harry Fowler Robert’s imprint runs along the bottom of the card. It is of note that the imprint proclaims Roberts to be an “Artist”.
Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil is, “Mrs. Daniels”, “school teacher”, and “Byce Family”.
Date: as early as 1892, as late as 1895
Condition: This cabinet card is in fair condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-60-02
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.
Doss, Floyd Ernest (1893-1980)
/Joslin & Company’s Portrait Photograph of Floyd Ernest Doss
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: Floyd Ernest Doss
Description: This portrait of Floyd Ernest Doss as a baby depicts him in a seated position supported by a fur covered prop. The baby wears a simple white gown which has a darker colored, elaborate, lace, collar and matching cap sleeves. He wears a short beaded necklace and glances up to his right. His face, hands, and the lower section of his arms are significantly darker than his upper arms. It would appear this baby spent significant time out-of-doors.
Biographical Note: Floyd Ernest Doss was born in Two Rock. As a young man, he joined the Aviation Corp of the US Army and served as a mechanic in the Air Force in WWI in France. After the war, he worked as a driver for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department and then for Associated Oil Company. For twenty years he owned the Petaluma Express Company.
Family Affiliation: Floyd Ernest Doss was the first child born to pioneer Two Rock residents, Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss (1868-1893) and Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss (1868-1951). His wife was Caroline Marie Jensen Doss (1893-1984).
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: The object in the upper left of this portrait may be a device used by photographers to capture a baby’s attention. It is a vertical object which appears to be covered in white tassels. The photographer’s studio imprint appears along the bottom edge of this card embossed with gold foil.
Description, back: Along the top left of this card is handwritten in script in blue ink, “Floyd E. Doss”. Also, an unusual stamp appears in the center back of this cabinet card. It is round with a decorative circumference. Within the circle is written, “A. J. T. Joslin,”, “Photographer”, “APR 30 1894”, “OPP”, “American Hotel”, and “Main St. Petaluma, Cal”.
Date: April 30, 1894. This date assumes the back stamp documents the date of the portrait.
Condition: This card is slightly soiled on the front and significantly soiled on the back.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-106-04
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.
Doss, Henry Franklin “Frank” (1868-1951)
/John Henry Peterson’s Portrait Photograph of
Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss & Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: John Henry Peterson
Studio Location: J. H. Peters, 914 Market St., San Francisco, California
THE SITTERS:
Names: Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss and Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss
Description: In this double portrait, Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss is holding his wife’s right arm. He wears a formal vested suit and a white shirt with a high banded collar and white bow tie. A watch chain hangs from his vest pocket. Letitia is also dressed formally in a corseted Basque jacket and matching skirt. Her jacket has a double row of buttons creating a center panel and her skirt has horizontal draping which was most probably drawn into a bustle in the back.
Biographical Note: Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss was a potato and hay farmer in Two Rock. He also served as the Sonoma County Supervisor, and was a member of Petaluma Lodge No. 901 BPOE. He served as a juror on the Org Foon murder trial in 1899.
Family Affiliation: Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss was the son of Petaluma pioneers John R. Doss (1837-1909) and Amanda Maria Stephenson Doss (1840-1917). His wife was Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss (1868-1938), and together they had five children including Floyd Ernest Doss (1893-1980) and Iva M. Doss Goble (1895-1987). Henry and Letitia were the grandparents of Mert Doss, (1921-2010) a well-known Petaluma photographer.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a double portrait of a Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss and Letitia Johnston Doss possibly taken to commemorate their wedding of October 8, 1890. Henry stands on the left and holds Letitia’s right arm. Letitia stands with the fingers of both of her hands touching below her waist. To the left is an upholstered chair and behind is a painted backdrop. The photographer’s imprint appears along the bottom edge of the card.
Description, back: Handwritten in black ink in script is, “Frank & Letitia Johnston Doss” and “married Oct 8, 1890”.
Date: The date of October 8, 1890 assumes this double portrait to be a photograph taken on their wedding day.
Condition: There are large dark spots throughout the upper right of the portrait.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-106-05
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.
Doss, Letitia Ellen Johnston (1868-1938)
/John Henry Peterson’s Portrait Photograph of
Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss & Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: John Henry Peterson
Studio Location: J. H. Peters, 914 Market St., San Francisco, California
THE SITTERS:
Names: Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss and Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss
Description: In this double portrait Letitia Ellen Johnston Doss stands by her husband, Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss, holding her hands in front of her with her fingers touching. Her corseted Basque jacket has gathered sleeves, ribboned cuffs and a double row of buttons creating a center panel. Her skirt has horizontal draping which was most probably drawn into a bustle in the back. She wears an elaborate, elongated corsage on her left breast which supports the assumption that this is a portrait taken to commemorate their wedding day.
Biographical Note: Letitia lived with her husband, Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss, on their farm in Two Rock. She served as a school board elector judge and raised five children.
Family Affiliation: Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss was Letitia’s husband and together they had five children including Floyd Ernest Doss (1893-1980) and Iva M. Doss Goble (1895-1987). Henry and Letitia were the grandparents of Mert Doss, (1921-2010) a well-known Petaluma photographer.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a double portrait of a Henry Franklin “Frank” Doss and Letitia Johnston Doss possibly taken to commemorate their wedding of October 8, 1890. Henry stands on the left and holds Letitia’s right arm. Letitia stands with the fingers of both of her hands touching below her waist. To the left is an upholstered chair and behind is a painted backdrop. The photographer’s imprint appears along the bottom edge of the card.
Description, back: Handwritten in black ink in script is, “Frank & Letitia Johnston Doss” and “married Oct 8, 1890”.
Date: The date of October 8, 1890 assumes this double portrait to be a photograph taken on their wedding day.
Condition: There are large dark spots throughout the upper right of the portrait.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-106-05
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.
Dreese, Mrs.(given name and b. & d. dates to be determined)
/Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Mrs. Dreese
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: Mrs. Dreese (as identified on the back of the card)
Description: “Mrs. Dreese” sits in a studio chair with a fringed armrest and looks directly into the camera. She wears a dour expression and is attired in a simple, dark, dress cinched at the waist with a dark belt with a large, oval, silver, buckle. The top of her dress has front buttons, and her sleeves and cuffs are decorated with black ribbon. At her neck is a simple, wide-spread collar and a dark, thin, choker. She also wears an ornately carved brooch at her throat and a long chain which ends in what may be a locket.
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation: “Mrs. Dreese” may have been the wife of A. H. Dreese, a director of the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma who served circa 1877-1882. A. H. Dreese was reported to have built a home at the corner of Western Avenue and Keller Streets in 1878. The Petaluma papers mention briefly in the 1870s Adolph, Emil and Hannah Dreese who may have been children of “Mrs. Dreese”.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: carte de visite, approximately 6 x 10 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a stark, early, carte de visite which is devoid of any embellishments with the exception of the fringed armrest of the studio chair and a faint baseboard line.
Description, back: Handwritten vertically in pencil in cursive along the left edge is, “ Mrs. Dreese”. The photographers’ imprint, surrounded by foliated horizontal text dividers, appears in the center in a script with usually large serifs.
Date: May 1869 - 1870 or 71
Condition: This card is soiled, and the top right edge is frayed.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-633-34
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.