Deckers

DECKERS: Sometime after the 1943 death of her husband, George Alex Decker, Shirley Decker Nelson shortened the name of their Decker & Decker photography studio to Deckers. She continued to operate the studio until 1954 when she sold it to her employee, Anna Grimm and her husband Kenneth.

Shirley Gertrude Kelly (Kelley) Decker Nelson was born February 26, 1895, in Washington state and died August 14, 1991, in Santa Rosa, California. She studied design prior to marrying George Decker in Los Angeles, California, on August 16, 1923. She was the joint owner and operator of Decker & Decker studio with her husband from January 1925 until his death in November 1943. Ascertaining their division of labor is problematic; however, their advertisements market them as equal partners. Both their names appear in their advertisements, and “Double Decker” was used as a clever logo.

Shirley specialized in color portraits. Advertisements announcing “A Portrait Complete - In Color by Shirley Decker” were published in the 1930s. She was also known for her ability to insert missing individuals into group portraits by manipulating negatives. This skill was referred to as “photograph copy work”. Shirley was a Soroptimist International of Petaluma charter member and served as secretary and president.

On May 25, 1947, Shirley married another photographer, Theodore J. Nelson (1882-1974), who owned and operated the Nelson Studio on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. She departed Petaluma to live with him in Santa Rosa but commuted to Petaluma to continue operating her photography studio until  1954. Shirley died in 1991 and was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Active in Petaluma: The exact date Shirley Decker Nelson officially shortened the Decker & Decker studio name to Deckers has not been determined; however, Shirley Decker operated the studio from the time of her husband’s death in 1943 until 1954 at which time she sold the studio to the employee, Anna Grimm and her husband Kenneth.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier: June 26, 1943, p. 5; November 3, 1943, p. 3; Nov. 5, 1943, p.4; June 9, 1945, p. 4; March 15, 1947, p.3; May 25, 1947, p. 2; June 10, 1947, p. 8; Dec. 1, 1953; Nov. 17, 1955, p. 10. Press Democrat, (Santa Rosa, CA), August 15, 1991, p.16. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219728752/shirley_nelson.

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Yuki & Seizo Yoshizawa 50th Wedding anniversary portrait

Yuki & Seizo Yoshizawa wedding anniversary portrait reverse

Giroux Studio

The Giroux Studio was established in Petaluma by Eugene G. F. Giroux in February 1924. On February 16, 1924, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that he arrived from Los Angeles and purchased the studio owned by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Salb, transforming it into “a new and up-to-date city studio” that would specialize in high grade portraiture. The space was located in downtown Petaluma at 170 Main Street in the Wickersham Building. Giroux immediately began advertising in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, and continued to do so almost daily until January 8, 1925. During his short stay in Petaluma, Giroux photographed local girls for the “Miss Petaluma Contest” and the students and staff of the 1924 graduating class of Petaluma High School. Beginning in December 1924, Giroux began advertising “Kodak Finishing” and his ability to copy and enlarge his clients’ photographs. Giroux sold the studio to George and Shirley Decker in January 1925 and moved to Stockton, California.

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, November 18, 1924, p. 6

Active in Petaluma: February 1924 - January 1925

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 18, 1924, p. 6; April 19, 1924, p. 7; April 21, 1924, p. 3; April 30, 1924, p. 3; May, 12, 1924, p. 4; May 17, 1924, p.1; August 19, 1924, p. 5; August 20, 1924, p. 6; March 14, 1925, p. 2. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Feb. 16, 1924, p.3; Feb. 16, 1924, p.8; November 18, 1924, p. 6; December 20, 1924, p. 10; January 10, 1925, p. 8; January 23, 1925, p. 1; January 28, 1925, p.1.

Unfortunately, the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum does not own any portraits taken at the Giroux Studio.

Weston, E.D. (see La Motte Studio)→

E.D. WESTON

Voorheis, Mark C. (see Brady Studio)→

MARK C. VOORHEIS

Brady, George L. (see Brady Studio)→

GEORGE L. BRADY

Decker, George Alex (see Decker & Decker) →

GEORGE DECKER

Decker, Shirley Gertrude Kelly (see Decker & Decker) (also see Decker)→

SHIRLEY DECKER

Decker & Decker

Petaluma Argus-Courier, July 2, 1931, p.3.

DECKER & DECKER studio was opened in Petaluma in January 1925. It replaced the Giroux Studio located at 170 Main Street in the Wickersham Building. Decker & Decker was owned and operated jointly by Shirley Gertrude Kelly (Kelley) Decker and her husband, George Alex Decker. The year the studio was opened, the local papers reported on its progressive and up-to-date features. The new studio featured a bright electric sign that illuminated the facade of the studio, state-of-the-art interior lighting, and professional picture framing. Shirley and George proudly reported to the Petaluma community that they kept up-to-date on photographic technology. The local papers reported in July 1931 that they attended the Photographers’ International Association of America Summer School in Winona Lake, Indiana, and the Photographers’ Convention in Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.

In June 1942, they purchased the Gainsborough Studio at 129 Kentucky Street, in the Schluckebier building, “next to the telephone building”. They transferred to this new location, updating their equipment and installing modern fluorescent lighting. After George died, Shirley continued operating the studio and eventually shortened the name to Deckers. She sold this studio in 1954 to her former employee, Anna Grimm, and her husband, Kenneth.

Shirley Gertrude Kelly (Kelley) Decker Nelson was born February 26, 1895, in Washington state and died August 14, 1991, in Santa Rosa, California. She studied design prior to marrying George Decker in Los Angeles, California, on August 16, 1923. She was the joint owner and operator of Decker & Decker studio with her husband from January 1925 until his death in November 1943. Ascertaining their division of labor is problematic; however, their advertisements market them as equal partners. Both their names appear in their advertisements, and “Double Decker” was used as a clever logo.

Shirley specialized in color portraits. Advertisements announcing “A Portrait Complete - In Color by Shirley Decker” were published in the 1930s. She was also known for her ability to insert missing individuals into group portraits by manipulating negatives. This skill was referred to as “photograph copy work”. Shirley was a Soroptimist International of Petaluma charter member and served as secretary and president.

On May 25, 1947, Shirley married another photographer, Theodore J. Nelson(1882-1974), who owned and operated the Nelson Studio on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. She departed Petaluma to live with him in Santa Rosa but commuted to Petaluma to continue operating her photography studio until  1954. Shirley died in 1991 and was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

George Alex Decker was born January 8, 1888, in New York City and died November 2, 1943, in Petaluma. He began as a pharmacist in New York but moved to Los Angeles, California, where he married Shirley Gertrude Kelly on August 16, 1923. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, George and Shirley arrived in Petaluma after spending four years on the coast which included time in San Francisco and Berkeley. The couple opened their Decker and Decker studio in January 1925, and George worked there until he died in 1943. He was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Active in Petaluma: George and Shirley operated the Decker and Decker studio together between January 1925 and George’s death in November 1943. After his death, Shirley continued to operate the studio, eventually shortening the name to Deckers. She sold it to Anna and Kenneth Grimm in 1954.

Bibliography: Los Angeles Times: Aug. 17, 1923, p. 18. Petaluma Argus-Courier: Jan 22, 1925, p. 1; Aug. 8, 1925, p. 1; Dec. 5, 1926, p. 8; July 2, 1931, p. 6; July 3, 1931, pp. 3 and 6; Jul. 26, 1931, p.10; Sept. 10, 1931, p. 8; June 6, 1937, p. 2; Feb. 28, 1947, p. 2; Jan. 9, 1940, p.10; May 8, 1942, p. 1; June 25, 1942, p. 2; June 27, 1942, p. 5; June 26, 1943, p. 5; November 3, 1943, p. 3; Nov. 5, 1943, p.4; June 9, 1945, p. 4; March 15, 1947, p.3; May 25, 1947, p. 2; June 10, 1947, p. 8; Dec. 1, 1953; Nov. 17, 1955, p. 10. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: Jan. 22, 1925, p. 1; Jan 23, 19125, p.1; May 25, 1925, p. 7; Jul. 27, 1925, p. 8; Aug. 19, 1925, p. 3; Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, CA), Nov. 5, 1943, p. 5; August 15, 1991, p. 16. Santa Rosa Republican: Nov. 5, 1943, p. 5. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219508204/george-alex-decker ; .https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219728752/shirley_nelson . https://www.ancestry.com/family- ; tree/person/tree/81597727/person/152223290985/facts?_phsrc=NMa3&_phstart=successSource

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Brady Studio

Petaluma Argus Courier, June 14, 1910, p. 2.

BRADY STUDIO was established in October 1909 when Martha N. Hazelbacker Brady and George L. Brady purchased the La Motte Studio located at 164 Main Street from William M. Gray. The Brady Studio was relocated to 170 Main Street over the Gem Theater some time prior to 1912. The management of the Brady Studio was taken over by Mark C. Voorheis in September 1912. The Brady Studio was the meeting place of the Petaluma Camera Club which appears to have been sponsored by the Bradys, Voorheis, and Gustav Adolph Goehner. The Brady Studio was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Salb of San Francisco in April 1913.

Martha N. Hazelbaker Brady and George L. Brady were married June 8, 1907 and arrived into Petaluma October 1909 from Watsonville, California. Only a few months after their arrival, the couple opened the Brady Studio. The Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported, “Mr. and Mrs. Brady have been in the photographic business for some eighteen years and come to Petaluma thoroughly equipped to do first class work.” In May 1911 the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported that “Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Brady, photographers, will attend the Eastman School of Professional Photography to be held in the Palace Hotel, San Francisco. May 23, 24, 25, where demonstrations will be made in all lines of the profession.” An announcement published in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier on July 22, 1912, and signed by “Mrs. Geo. R. Brady”, stated: “Several months ago Mr. Brady, the photographer, on account of failing health, was compelled to give up active participation in the business and go to a warmer climate. During this time we have been endeavoring to secure the services of a first class photographer. We are glad to announce that we have finally succeeded in securing M. C. Voorhies[sic], recently of Sacramento…” The birth and death dates of Martha have not been determined. George died at the age of 50 on August 15, 1918, in Fresno, California.

Mark C. Voorheis (b. 1868 Michigan, d. 1940 San Jose, California) arrived into Petaluma from Sacramento. He was recruited by Mr. and Mrs. Brady to replace them due to Mr. Brady’s failing health. In a Petaluma Daily Morning Courier announcement written by Mrs. Geo. L. Brady and published July 22, 1912, it was stated, “Mr. Voorhies [sic] is thoroughly experienced in photography, and competent to turn out the very best quality of work, having been with such workers as Otto Boye, of San Francisco and with leading studios in other cites. We are prepared to give the people of Petaluma and vicinity the very best quality of work at reasonable prices.” In 1913 the Petaluma Argus-Courier stated, “Mr. Voorheis has recently added new lenses of the highest quality to the outfit, and has also installed an Electric Portrait Printing Cabinet, which makes him independent of the weather or daylight in the finishing department…The equipment in the enlarging department is also being perfected to facilitate the handling of the increasing business in the line of Portrait enlarging. Mr. Voorheis’ ability in artistic photography is well known, having been for several years associated with such leaders in photography as W. A. Pryor of La Crosse, Wis., and L. A. Doyer of Bucyrus, Ohio…”

Active in Petaluma: The Brady Studio was operated by the Bradys between October 1909 and September 1912. Voorheis took over the operation of the studio September 1912 and sold it to Albert Salb in April 1913.

Bibliography: Fresno Morning Republican, Aug. 17, 1918, p. 5 and 6. Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 4, 1909, p. 3; June 14, 1910, p.2; “Will Attend School",” May 22, 1911, p. 1; “Camera Club Notice,” May 10, 1912, p. 5, 8; Feb. 1, 1913, p. 4; May 9, 1913, p. 10. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Oct. 2, 1909, p.1; July 22, 1912, p. 4; August 10, 1912, p. 1; August 26, 1912, p. 1; Sept. 7, 1912, p. 4; Feb. 2, 1913, p. 2; April 18, 1913, p.5, 8; April 19, 1913, p.5.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits attributable to Martha Brady, George Brady, or Mark Voorheis.  However, Petaluma collector, Dan Brown, has shared a scan of his Brady Studio photograph depicting California poppies.  The image was copyrighted by Petaluma citizen, Frank Benjamin Engles (b. 1850 or 51 in Missouri, d. 1942 in Petaluma) in 1912 and printed as a postcard. Engles was a flower enthusiast with a special interest in California poppies.

Lawson, Thorsten

THORSTEN LAWSON purchased the “Healy Ground Floor Gallery” located in downtown Petaluma at 818 Main Street in June 1905. In an article discussing the transaction, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported the following information: Lawson had recently arrived from Europe; Mr. Pollock, “an expert operator of San Francisco,” would be assisting in the business; a massage parlor would be connected to the new gallery; the hours of business would be from five to ten each evening; and the proprietor and his wife were both experts and “…will, no doubt, receive their share of the patronage”. The Lawson photography gallery operated in Petaluma for only eight months. Lawson and his wife sold their gallery to Charles S. Brown of Modesto in February 1906 and unfortunately departed for San Francisco where Lawson was robbed in March, and the couple lost all their possessions on April 18 in the Great San Francisco earthquake.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 23, 1905, p. 3

Active in Petaluma: June 1905 - February 1906

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus Courier, June 28, 1905, p. 6; October 23, 1905, p. 3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, June 17, 1905, p. 4; February 26, 1906, p. 4; March 3, 1906, p. 1; May 31, 1906, p. 1; August 28, 1906, p. 4. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, July 1, 1905, p. 1; March 3, 1906, p. 1.

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Geoffroy, Wilfred J. (see Sunset Studio)→

Wilfred J. Geoffroy

Active in Petaluma:

Bibliography:

Waters, Walter Kersey (see Sunset Studio)→

WALTER KERSEY WATERS

Active in Petaluma:

Bibliography:

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Gray, William M. (see La Motte Studio)→

WILLIAM M. GRAY

Rendall, Stephen Arnold

petaluma argus, January 28, 1862, p.3.

STEPHEN ARNOLD RENDALL worked alone 1860 in Petaluma, later he partnered with James Kimball Sutterley in a parternship named Sutterley & Rendall.

Petaluma Photography Studio: Itinerant - set up tent - include steam-punk newspaper ad

JAMES KIMBALL SUTTERLEY (b. c. 1834, New Jersey) & STEPHEN ARNOLD RENDALL (dates unknown) Sutterley & Rendall (active in Petaluma September 24, 1870 – 1871) Sutterley worked as a daguerreian with his brother, Clement Sutterley, in Chicago from 1857 to 1860. By 1862 they had moved West working as itinerant photographers throughout Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and California. Taking over the Petaluma studio of Bryan R. Johnson on September 24, 1870, J. K. Sutterley partnered with Stephen A. Rendall to establish, “Sutterley & Rendall, Photographers, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal.” They worked together until 1871 when the studio was sold to Richard Reece Percival. Palmquist, pgs. 454, 533-537; Mautz, pgs. 135 & 146.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.173. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

Wheldon, Rupert Henry (see Sunset Studio)→

RUPERT HENRY WHELDON (1883-1960) Rupert Henry Wheldon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1883. Between 1891 and 1908, he lived in England and graduated from the Metropolitan College of Music, London. He was said to be an accomplished violinist. By 1918, Wheldon was working as a photographer in Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington.  In March 1923, he sold his Goldendale studio and moved to Petaluma. The Wheldon family lived at 515 F Street and later at 614 D Street. In 1923, Wheldon purchased the Sunset Studio on 23 Western Avenue from Walter K. Waters.  Wheldon maintained the Sunset Studio until April 1942, when he sold it to James G. Bennett of Sacramento. Wheldon moved to Salinas, California, where he operated a health food store. He died in Salinas on June 6, 1960.

Petaluma Photography Studio: Sunset Studio, located on 23 Western Avenue

Active in Petaluma: 1923 - April 1942

Bibliography: https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. The Californian, (Salinas, California) June 7, 1960, p. 2; June 10, 1960, p. 2. Petaluma Argus-Courier, November 27, 1940, p. 2; April 25, 1942, p. 5. Petaluma Daily morning Courier, March 16, 1923, p. 9; March 21, 1923, p.2; March 25, 1923, p.7; March 26, 1923, p. 2. Goldendale Sentinel,(Goldendale, Washington) Nov. 9, 1922, p. 3; March 15, 1923, p.3.

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Sunset Studio

SUNSET STUDIO was established in Petaluma in February 1920 when Walter Kersey Waters and Wilfred J. Geoffroy purchased “Goehner’s Photo and Art Studio” located in the Maclay Building at 23 Western Avenue. Waters sold the studio to Rupert Henry Wheldon in 1923. Wheldon moved the studio in June 1936 to 161 Kentucky, “next to Herold Drug Co.”. The studio was in operation at this location until April 1942 when Wheldon sold it to James G. Bennett.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 28, 1920, p.4

WALTER KERSEY WATERS (1896-1988) and WILFRED J. GEOFFROY (GEOFFREY) (1895-1952) were newcomers to Petaluma in 1920, and in an article announcing their purchase of Gustave Adolph Goehner’s studio, the Petaluma Argus-Courier proclaimed, “Both are experts and enlisted in the air photography service of the army as soon as the war broke out and were among the first to go to Europe. They were at the front for over a year where they saw much active service, escaping injury, and did great work, and having had thrilling experiences and they bring here a wonderful collection of war scenes secured by them which will be placed permanently on exhibit at their place of business.” Walters and Geoffroy ran bold advertisements in the Petaluma Argus-Courier in February, March, and April of 1920 and sold the studio to Rupert Henry Wheldon in 1923.

RUPERT HENRY WHELDON (1883-1960) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1883. Between 1891 and 1908, he lived in England and graduated from the Metropolitan College of Music, London. He was said to be an accomplished violinist. By 1918, Wheldon was working as a photographer in Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington.  In March 1923, he sold his Goldendale studio and moved to Petaluma. The Wheldon family lived at 515 F Street and later at 614 D Street. In 1923 Wheldon purchased the Sunset Studio on 23 Western Avenue from Walter Kersey Waters.  Wheldon maintained the Sunset Studio until April 1942, when he sold it to James G. Bennett of Sacramento. Wheldon moved to Salinas, California, where he operated a health food store. He died in Salinas on June 6, 1960.

Active in Petaluma: Waters and Geoffroy managed the studio between February 1920 and 1923. Wheldon managed the studio between 1923 and April 1942.

Bibliography: https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. Petaluma Argus-Courier, “Goehner Sells to War Heroes,” February 20, 1920, p. 3; Feb. 28, 1920, p. 4; March 15, 1923, p. 5; June 08, 1936, p. 5; April 25, 1942, p. 5. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, “G. A. Goehner Sells Studio.” Feb. 21, 1920, p. 4; Sept. 21, 1921, p. 3; March 16, 1923, p. 9; March 21, 1923, p.2; March 25, 1923, p.7; March 26, 1923, p. 2. Goldendale Sentinel, Nov. 9, 1922, p. 3; March 15, 1923, p.3. The Salinas Californian, June 7, 1960, p. 2; June 10, 1960, p. 2.

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Noble, Skelton Stanford

Petaluma Weekly Argus, March 13, 1874, p. 3

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE was born in Missouri c. 1833. He worked as a photographer in many California cities before arriving in Petaluma. He worked in Petaluma with Albert Webster Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership beginning in December 1873. In May 1874 the partership was dissolved and Noble continued to operate the studio by himself until 1875. Noble’s sole ownership is evident in the Sunbeam Gallery imprint which changed from “Noble & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery” to “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery”. Evidently in possession of an enlarger, Noble advertised between July and December 1874 his ability to produce “full-sized” portraits, announcing, “For life-sized pictures go to S. S. Noble, of the Sunbeam Gallery". After departing Petaluma, Noble operated photo studios in Sierra City, Nevada City, and Cambria.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.154. Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 420-421. Petaluma Weekly Argus, December 5, 1873, p.2; December 12, 1873, p. 2; Dec. 19, 1873, p. 2; January 30, 1874, p.2 and 3; March 13, 1874, p.3; May 15, 1874, p.2; May 22,1874, p. 4; July 3, 1874, p. 3; December 18, 1874, p. 3. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Noble & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery

 Petaluma Weekly Argus, December 5, 1873, p.2.

NOBLE & FELL’S SUNBEAM GALLERY was located in downtown Petaluma at 649 Main Street, and it was in operation for only six months. On December 5, 1873 an advertisement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus announced that A. W. Fell & Company had purchased Hugh Anderson’s Sunbeam Gallery and would provide the “best style of the art, at Anderson’s set prices”; however, just 14 days later, on December 19, an advertisement proclaimed that Nobel & Fell were the successors to Hugh Anderson’s Sunbeam Gallery. On May 15, 1874 a “Dissolution Notice” appeared in the Petaluma Weekly Argus announcing, “A. W. Fell retires from the firm, and the business will hereafter be carried on by S. S. Noble…” Skelton Stanford Noble renamed the studio “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery”, created his own imprint, and operated as its sole owner until sometime in 1875.

 Petaluma Weekly Argus, March 13, 1874, p.3

ALBERT WEBSTER FELL was born in 1852 in Ontario, Canada and died in San Mateo, California in 1931. The 1870 and 1880 census record him living in Petaluma with his father and mother, Erastus and Lucy Fell, and his younger brother, Charles A. Fell. It appears he purchased Hugh Anderson’s Sunbeam Gallery as its sole owner in early December 1873, but later in the month took Skelton Stanford Noble as a partner. Sometime after dissolving the partnership, Fell departed Petaluma and operated photography studios in the California cities of Lompoc, Gilroy, Watsonville, Salinas City, and Livermore.

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE was born in Missouri c. 1833. He worked as a photographer in many California cities before arriving in Petaluma. He worked in Petaluma with Albert Webster Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership beginning in December 1873. In May 1874 the partership was dissolved, but Noble continued to operate the studio until 1875. Noble’s sole ownership is evident in the Sunbeam Gallery imprint which changed from “Noble & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery” to “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery”. Evidently in possession of an enlarger, Noble advertised between July and December 1874 his ability to produce “full-sized” portraits, announcing, “For life-sized pictures go to S. S. Noble, of the Sunbeam Gallery". After departing Petaluma, Noble operated photo studios in Sierra City, Nevada City, and Cambria. To view the portraits taken when the Petaluma Sunbeam Gallery was under his sole ownership, click on his name in blue above.

Albert Webster Fells, courtesy of Find-A-Grave

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, pp. 123, 154. Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 420-421. Petaluma Weekly Argus, December 5, 1873, p. 2; December 12, 1873, p. 2; Dec. 19, 1873, p. 2; January 30, 1874, p. 2 and 3; March 13, 1874, p. 3; May 15, 1874, p. 2; May 22,1874, p. 4; July 3, 1874, p. 3; December 18, 1874, p. 3. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/249623342/albert-webster-fell . https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers.

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Ormsby, Elon D. (see Ross & Ormsby)→

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). For information on George Ross, see his separate entry on this website: George Colvaine Ross. According to his obituary, Elon D. Ormsby arrived in San Francisco in 1866, moved to Petaluma and then Stockton, finally settling in Oakland in 1877 establishing his studio at 1055 Broadway. In Ross & Ormsby’s first Petaluma advertisement published May 20, 1869, Ormsby was touted as a former employee of the celebrated gallery of Bradley & Rulofson in San Francisco. An Oakland Tribune announcement referring to Ormsby and repeatedly published in January and February 1883, stated, “Oakland can boast of possessing the finest portrait photographer in America, as is proven by the Committee in the National competition recently held in Philadelphia.”

Petaluma Photography Studio: 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.

Active in Petaluma: The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869. Exactly when Ross & Ormsby was terminated has not been determined. The last advertisement for the studio in a Petaluma paper appeared on June 11, 1870, and the Stockton Daily Evening Herald reported on August 2, 1870 that Ormsby had set up a gallery on El Dorado Street. It is notable that the Ross & Ormsby carte de visite portrait of Charles Austin Eastman in this collection has a date of 1871 on its back side. This may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461 column 2; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 20, 1869, p.2; Sonoma Democrat, June 12, 1869, p.5, column 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, June 11, 1870, p. 3; Daily Evening Herald (Stockton, CA), August 2, 1870, p. 3; Oakland Tribune, Jan. 16, 1883, p. 1; Oakland Tribune, March 6, 1895, p.3.

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Shattuck, Wesley La Motte (see La Motte Studio)→

LA MOTTE STUDIO On October 4, 1907, the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on the front page that W. L. Shattuck, who had recently arrived into Petaluma, had purchased Brown’s photographic studio on Main Street, and that after its renovation, it would be known as La Motte Studio. Later in the year, an advertisement for La Motte Studio claimed that it provided, “Platinums in Sepia or Black and White, also Platinas”. It also declared their motto to be, “prompt delivery and satisfactory work”, and that the proprietor was W. M. Gray. There is no documentation verifying that W. L Shattuck or W. M. Gray were professional photographers. Shattuck may have simply been an investor, and Gray a manager. The photographer who created the La Motte Studio’s portraits is unidentified.

The Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on October 4, 1909, that Gray had sold the La Motte Studio to George L. Brady of Watsonville who had not announced his plans for the future. The address of the La Motte Studio was recorded as both 164 and 818 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: October 4, 1907 - October 4, 1909

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 4, 1907, p. 1; December 25, 1908, p. 6; October 4, 1909, p. 3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 9, 1908, p. 1.

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Fell, Albert Webster (see Noble & Fell's)→

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE (b. c. 1833 Missouri; active in Petaluma 1874-1876) Noble traveled throughout California staying in numerous communities for various amounts of time. He worked in Petaluma with A. W. Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership in 1874 and sometime after operated the studio by himself as the imprint of his cartes de visit replace “Noble & Fell’s” with simply “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal. Next door to Wickersham’s & Co’s Bank.” Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99 and 128.

A. W. FELL (active in Petaluma 1874) Fell partnered with Skelton Stanford Noble in Nobel & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, 1874. Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.154

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Easterly, George Bascombe (see Easterly & Company)→

GEORGE BASCOMBE EASTERLY (b. 1859 Russell County, Virginia; d. 1906 Lake County, California) (active in Petaluma 1891-1895) Easterly opened a studio, Easterly & Company, in Petaluma in 1892 and moved to Lake County, California in 1895 where he opened a studio in the community of Glenbrook.

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Joslin, Amon James Tuft (see Joslin & Company/Petaluma Photo Parlors)→

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. Under the name of Joslin & Company, he and his assistant(s) operated the photography studio under the name “Petaluma Photo Parlors”. It was located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: Joslin opened the Petaluma Photo Parlors in November of 1893, and left the studio, departing Petaluma for Chico, in April 1897.

Biographical Note: Amon James Tuft Joslin was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He is best known for his association with an ambrotype taken of Abraham Lincoln on May 27, 1857 in Danville, Illinois. The portrait remains a subject of controversy. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Joslin had worked for John M. Pickett as a photographic assistant in Iowa in the 1860s. This was reported in 1895 when Pickett was working as a photographer in Hollister, California and in October of that year traveled to Petaluma to visit his former employee. Between 1893 and 1897, Joslin spent three and one half eventful years in Petaluma as a photographer. He announced the opening of his studio declaring, “instantaneous exposures”, “views and interior work to order”, and “special attention given to enlarging small pictures in crayon, ink, oils and water colors”. In December 1895 Joslin’s wife was poisoned when she mistook his photographic chemicals for cider. In May 1896 Joslin’s photographic assistant, S. W. Freeze was arrested for stealing Joslin’s photographic equipment. In April 1897, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Joslin and his wife enjoyed their years in Petaluma, but decided to transfer to Chico, California where Joslin had already opened a photographic studio. In December 1897 the paper reported that Joslin had written a letter and sent photographs of scenery taken in Lassen County, and that he was soon to start off for the state of Illinois. It is of note that from July 13 through July 22, 1898 the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement announcing the sale of photographs “below cost” at the “Petaluma Gallery” described as “Joslin’s Old Gallery” located opposite the American Hotel.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 141; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Nov. 22, 1893, p.7; Dec. 6, 1893, p.1; Oct. 1, 1895, p.4; Dec. 17, 1895, p.1; May 27, 1896, p.1; July 15, 1896, p.5; April 5, 1897 p.1 and 3; Dec. 4, 1897, p.3; July 13, 1898, p.2.

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Healy, Edwin Ruthven (see Healy Ground Floor Gallery)→

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 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. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada served as their studio’s photographers; however, between August 1903 and February 1904, the Healy gallery was managed by William Blodgett Cook( b. 1861), a photographer associated with Woodland and Colusa, California. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Healy, Ada “Addie” Gossage (see Healy Ground Floor Gallery)→

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 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. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada served as their studio’s photographers; however, between August 1903 and February 1904, the Healy gallery was managed by William Blodgett Cook( b. 1861), a photographer associated with Woodland and Colusa, California. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Cook, William Blodgett

Petaluma Argus-courier, Mar.7, 1900, p.1.

WILLIAM BLODGETT COOK was born in Ohio in 1861 and worked as a photographer in many California cities, including Placerville, Auburn, Colusa, and Willows. Cook worked in Petaluma for two brief periods at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Aug. 14, 1903, p.4.

It was reported in the Petaluma Argus-Courier on March 7, 1900, that “W. B. Cook of Colusa, an old friend of Rev. Allen, has purchased the business of Roy Crawford, photographer.” The name Cook gave to this studio, which was located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel, has yet to be determined, and no photographs have been found that were taken at this location. He advertised his services throughout the spring and early summer of 1900. Obviously aware of competition from more famous photographers from San Francisco, Cook’s advertisements proclaimed, “One lady whose photo graces the Taber and Bushnell studios said that the best work she ever had done was that executed for her last week by Mr. Cook.” In late June 1900, Cook left Petaluma to manage photo studios in both Colusa and Woodland, California.

The Petaluma Daily Morning Courier on August 14, 1903, reported that Cook had returned to Petaluma to operate the Healy Ground Floor Gallery photographic parlors on Main Street while E. R. Healy attended to the interests of his goldmines. Interestingly, it was stated that he was compelled to leave Woodland on account of malaria. The Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Cook’s household goods were transferred from Woodland to Petaluma’s Blackburn house on B Street on August 20, 1903. Cook remained in Petaluma, managing the Healy Studio for only a short time. It was reported in the Woodland Daily Democrat on February 26, 1904, that he had left Petaluma to return to his ranch west of Woodland.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: It appears Cook did not rename his studio; in his advertisements, he simply refers to it as the studio formerly owned by Roy Crawford, the “Crawford Gallery”. It was located at 850 Main Street, opposite the American Hotel. Cook worked at the Healy Ground Floor Gallery between August 1903 and February 1904.

Active in Petaluma: March 1900 to June 1900; August 1903 to February 1904

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 114. Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 1900, p.1; March 10, 1900, p. 3; March 19, 1900, p.3; March 29, 1900, p. 4. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 12, 1900, p.3; March 19, 1900, p.1; June 27, 1900, p. 1; Aug. 14, 1903, p.4; Aug. 20, 1903, p.1. Woodland Daily Democrat, July 27, 1903, p.4; Jan. 7, 1904, p. 1; Feb. 26, 1904, p. 4.

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Goehner, Gustave Adolph

GUSTAVE ADOLPH GOEHNER  was born in 1852 in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1871. According to Wisconsin history records, Goehner began working as a photographer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1886. Minnesota Historical Society records document him working as a photographer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the 1890s. In June 1906, he arrived in Petaluma and established his photographic studio on the upper floor of the Wickersham building over Agnew’s shoe store at 909 Western Avenue. An announcement for the studio opening published in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier on June 28 proclaimed, “Mr. Goehner’s reputation as a photographer extends from New York to San Francisco, and as an author of photographic works and an authority of photographic crafts, he is not only well and favorably known in America but in Europe as well.” In 1915, Goehner’s studio was refurbished and “Newly equipped with the best of lenses and cameras.” In February 1920, Goehner sold his studio, which was then located in the Maclay Building at 23 Western Avenue, to Walter Kersey Waters (1896 -1988) and Wilfred J. Geoffroy (1895-1952), two young artists from San Francisco who had served in the air photography service of the United States Army during World War I. They renamed the studio, “Sunset Studio”. By 1922, Goehner had retired and moved to Southern California. He died in 1926 in Santa Clara, California.

petaluma daily morning courier, June 28, 1906, P. 3

Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 13, 1912, p. 6

Goehner was a painter and educator as well as a photographer. He advertised his ability to create portraits “in crayon, water color, pastel crayons and oil painting, either from life or from photographs of any description”, and while living in Southern California towards the end of his life, he painted scenery for the famous Los Gatos’ California Annual Pageant. By the turn of the century, the Kodak box camera was available to the general public, and Goehner was willing to share his knowledge about photography with the Petaluma community. The directors of the Petaluma Camera Club in September of 1908 asked Goehner to present a talk on “How to Take a Picture” or “General Instruction to an Amateur for Outdoor Work”. On May 13, 1912, Goehner posted a notice in the Petaluma Argus-Courier addressed to all amateur photographers, “Kodakers”, announcing the intention to form his own camera club and to hold its first meeting at Brady’s Studio, 170 Main Street, over the Gem Theater.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Goehner’s Petaluma Portrait Studio”, also known as “Goehner’s Photo and Art Studio”, was established June 1906 in the Wickersham building at 909 Western Avenue. When he sold his studio in 1920 it was in the Maclay Building at 23 Western Avenue.

Active in Petaluma: June 1906 - February 1920

Bibliography: http://www.jsenterprises.com/john/famhist/html/I397.html ; https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/pdfs/WHI-Wisconsin-Photographers-Index-1840-1976.pdf ; https://mnhs.gitlab.io/archive/photographers/www.mnhs.org/people/photographers/G.html . Petaluma Argus-Courier, August 4, 1906, p.4; May 13, 1912, p.6; Feb. 20, 1920, p.3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, June 28, 1906, p. 3; September 22, 1908, p. 2; August 13, 1915, p. 3. Los Gatos Star, June 21, 1923, p.1; June 28, 1923, p.10.

Hough, Earl Burton

EARL BURTON HOUGH was born in 1878, 1879, or 1880 in Martinez, California, and died in 1976 in Redford, Michigan. As a young man, he worked for the famous San Francisco portrait photographer Isaiah West Taber (1830-1912). In 1900, he married Beatrice Minerva Singleton in San Rafael, California, and they immediately moved to Honolulu, Hawaii.  Hough soon returned to California and, by the end of 1901, was working in Petaluma at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery. By February 1902, Hough opened his own Petaluma photographic studio, which, according to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, was “an elaborate affair”.  Additionally, Hough employed the retoucher, Julius Geohner of Chicago, to assist with his work. Hough employed several techniques to attract customers to his studio: vintage photographs from Petaluma’s past with many recognizable “old-timers” were displayed; “new platinum artist proof photos” were offered to each person placing an order; and the city officers were invited to sit for their portraits with the expectation of installing them at City Hall.  Hough’s efforts appear to have been in vain; his Petaluma studio was in business for only five months. 

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Feb. 17, 1902, p. 1

Petaluma Photographic Studio: The location of Hough’s studio was reported to be in the space formerly occupied by the J. C. Wahlen jewelry store on Main Street in the Phoenix block.  Hough advertised his studio in the Petaluma Argus-Courier from March through May 1902.  Some advertisements reported the address as 835 Main Street, but others reported 823 Main Street. In May 1902, his studio was described as “across the street from the Argus office”.  On May 25, 1902, it was reported that Robert Peterson Dammand (1855-1936) had purchased Hough’s gallery and that Dammand would take possession on the first of  June.

Active in Petaluma: February 1902 to June 1902

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier: April 17, 1902, p.4; March 17, 1902, p.4; May 25, 1902, p.1. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: January 20, 1902, p.4; January 23, 1902, p.2; February 17, 1902, p.1; March 1, 1902, p.3; March 14, 1902, p.4; April 12, 1902, p.1; April 17, 1902, p.1; May 9, 1902, p.1; May, 26, 1902, p.4; June 25, 1902, p.4. San Francisco Call, June 8, 1900, p. 9.

As of 2022, there are no portraits by Earl Burton Hough in this archive.  

Dammand (Dammond*), Robert Peterson

Petaluma Argus-courier, Apr. 8, 1902, p.2.

ROBERT PETERSON DAMMAND (Dammond) was born September 6, 1855, in Horsens, Denmark, and died on January 27, 1936, in Glendale, California. He emigrated to the United States in 1880, settling in Story City, Iowa. During the 1880s, Dammand worked as a photographer in Des Moines, Iowa. He partnered with C. J. Daugherty at 500 East Walnut Street, and together they produced a series of stereographs entitled “Views of Des Moines & Vicinity”. He later moved to Southern California, setting up studios in San Diego and Escondido. By December 1898, Dammand returned to Iowa, setting up a studio in Oskaloosa.

By November 1901, Dammand moved to Petaluma, took up residence on D Street, and located his photographic studio opposite the American Hotel in the Steiger Building on Main Street. Beginning in 1902, Dammand ran advertisements in the local Petaluma papers that claimed, “Go to R. P. Dammond, opposite American Hotel, he will make you anything you want from a stamp to a life size portrait. He does the cheapest and best work in town.” Dammand produced a variety of cabinet cards depicting individuals as well as group portraits. In May 1902, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that he photographed the members of the Y division of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. In late July 1905, Dammand departed Petaluma to set up a studio in Richmond, California.

Petaluma Photography Studio: R. P. Dammand (Dammond), Petaluma Photo Parlors CAL. In September 1901, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that J. W. McMillan had “disposed of his photograph business to R. P. Dammand of San Diego.” J. W. McMillan was not a photographer. His “photograph business” presumably sold box cameras and other photographic equipment. From November 1901 until April 1902, Dammand advertised his studio in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier as “opposite the American Hotel”. This location was also described as over “Steiger’s store”. In May 1902, Dammand purchased Earl Burton Hough’s photograph parlors on Petaluma’s Main Street in the Phoenix Block. Beginning in June 1902, the wares of the jewelry store owned by C. V. Mount were displayed in the studio. Throughout April and May 1905, Dammand advertised his gallery in the Petaluma Argus-Courier as “over the Racket store”. Throughout June and July 1905, it was advertised as “over Atwater’s store”, and customers were advised to come soon because Dammand intended to depart Petaluma on or about July 15.

Active in Petaluma: November 1901 to July 1905

Bibliography: Primary Sources https://archive.org/details/biographicalhist00wsdu/page/330/mode/2up?view=theater, (Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties, Iowa, Chicago, W. S. Dubar & Co., 1889, p. 331). Oskaloosa Herald (Oskaloosa, Iowa), December 1, 1898, p. 4.
Petaluma Argus-Courier: April 8, 1902, p. 2; June 06, 1903, p. 4; April 12, 1905, p. 6; April 15, 1905, p. 7; July 01, 1905, p. 3; July 5, 1905, p. 3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: Sept. 28, 1901, p. 5; Nov. 9, 1901, p. 5; May 26, 1902, p. 4; May 30, 1902, p. 4; June 19, 1902, p. 4; Aug. 1, 1905, p.1; July 3, 1905, p. 3; July 24, 1905, p. 4. Richmond Daily Independent, September 7, 1911, p. 4; July 22, 1915, p. 4; December 6, 1916, p.3. Secondary Sources Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, 2018 edition, p. 117. For information on Daugherty and Dammand’s partership, see: https://luminouslint.com/z01/photographer/1_Daugherty_and_Dammand/A/ . https://sandiegohistory.org/collections/san-diego-photographers-1874-1964/. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47486159/robert-peterson-dammand. Harlan Tribune (Harlan, Iowa), Aug. 17, 1956, p. 2.

*This photographer’s name appears in newspapers and on his photographs’ imprints at times as “Dammand” and at other times as “Dammond”. Research has not ascertained an official date for this change; it may be that the versions were used interchangeably.

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Petaluma Photo Gallery

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, July 13, 1898, p. 2

The Petaluma Photo Gallery was advertised between July 7 and July 23, 1898 in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier. The advertisement was run 16 times and is the only mention of the gallery in the Petaluma papers. The large advertisement for the gallery claimed that photographs were available below cost and were finished by a, “First-Class Workman from San Francisco”. At the bottom of the advertisement was written, “Remember the place is Opp. American Hotel, Joslin’s Old Gallery”. Amon James Tuft Joslin had departed Petaluma for Chico, California in April of 1897, presumably leaving his photographic studio “opposite the American Hotel” empty and available at 850 Main Street.

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Ross, George Colvaine

GEORGE COLVAINE ROSS was born February 12, 1832 in Edinburgh, Scotland and died on January 25, 1893, at the age of 60 in Petaluma, California. Prior to his arrival in Petaluma, Ross was a dance instructor in Napa, California teaching classes at the Napa Gymnasium between November 1862 and January 1863. He arrived in Petaluma in 1855 at age 23. He established a house painting business and later taught dancing lessons as a side business. In 1862 he began his profession as a photographer, moving his studio within the city several times as noted on his various carte de visite and cabinet card imprints. In 1869, he was also part of a short-lived, photographic studio partnership with E. D. Ormsby on Main Street in Petaluma, (see Ross and Ormsby).

Ross was among the most prolific Petaluma portrait photographers, and his work was of exceptionally high quality. Unlike most of Petaluma’s other pioneer photographers, who were essentially itinerant, Ross worked consistently in Petaluma as a photographer for over thirty years. As a beloved member of the community, he was given special recognition upon his death and buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park. It is notable that in his will, Ross bequeathed $500 to John Quincy Reed, who was the other Petaluma pioneer photographer who remained in the community for an extended period of time, working consistently for at least twenty-five years.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: George Ross moved his studio within Petaluma several times. His first studio was advertised beginning in July of 1863 as located on Main Street in the Old Post Office opposite the Phoenix Block. Beginning in June of 1864, his studio was advertised as located over Snow’s Cheap Cash Store in Maynard’s New Building on Main Street. During Ross’ brief partnership with *** Ormsby, their studio was advertised beginning in May of 1869 as located on Main Street two doors above Wickersham & Company Bank. Ross studio located above Chapman’s Furniture Store opposite the American Hotel opened in September, 1870. What appears to have been Ross’ last studio location was opened by 1880 on 36 Main Street Opposite the American Hotel, and Ross continued at that location until his retirement in****.

Active in Petaluma: July 1862 - sometime after 1892. George Ross arrived in Petaluma in 1855, but did not begin his professional career as a portraitist until July 19, 1862 when he opened his first photographic studio. He continued to serve the community of Petaluma as a portrait photographer until, “the illness which resulted in his death compelled him to retire.” According to his obituary, Ross became disabled in 1888, 5 years before his death, but he continued to produce portraits at least until 1892.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461-463; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Jean Rosenbloom, “George Ross - Petaluma Photographer,” The Photographist, no. 38 (Fall 1977), p.14; Napa County Reporter, Nov. 29, 1862, p. 3, column 2; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 31, 1893, p.1; Sonoma Democrat,Vol. XXXVI, No. 16, January 28,1893, p. 6, column 3. ; The Daily Courier, Petaluma, January 31, 1893, p.1.

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Anderson, Hugh S. (Sunbeam Gallery)

Petaluma evening argus, Feb. 18, 1873, p. 1

HUGH S. ANDERSON was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He worked as a daguerreotype, ambrotype, and paper photographer in the California cities of Eureka, Hydesville, and San Francisco before opening his “Sunbeam Gallery” in Petaluma. According to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, Anderson operated his gallery in Petaluma as early as January 1872. The announcement stated, “Those desiring to visit the gallery to inspect his work or have themselves counterfeited may rest assured of receiving every attention from the hands of the gentlemanly proprietor.” Between February 1873 and October 1873, Anderson advertised his gallery in the Petaluma newspapers as located “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. By 1876, Anderson had departed Petaluma and was working in San Francisco for the prominent photographer William Shew. By 1879 he had opened the “Mission Gallery” at 506 Valencia Street in San Francisco. Later in his life, Anderson worked as a photographic supply salesman and a manufacturer of cameras.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Anderson operated his “Sunbeam Gallery”, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H.C. Taft & Co.’s”, 649 Main Street. On December 5, 1873, an advertisement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus proclaimed that the “Sunbeam Gallery” was “still in the field” and that A. W. Fell & Company would provide the “best style of the art, at Anderson’s set prices”; however, just fourteen days later, an advertisement proclaimed that Nobel & Fell were the successors to Anderson’s “Sunbeam Galley”.

Active in Petaluma: January 1872 - December 1873

Bibliography: The Daguerreian Annual 1991. Eureka, California: The Daguerreian Society, 1991. Appendix: "Miscellaneous Daguerreian Biographies and Chronologies," Anderson, Hugh S. pp. 247–251. Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 100; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 82-84; Peter Palmquist, “Hugh S. Anderson,” Daguerreian Annual, Lake Charles, LA, Daguerreian Society, 1991, pp. 247-51; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Evening Argus, Feb. 18, 1873, p. 1; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Jan. 27, 1872, p. 3; Dec. 5, 1873, p. 2; December 5, 1873, p. 2; Dec. 19, 1873, p. 2; December 26, 1873, p. 1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/66923374/hugh-anderson. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/california-cdv-cabinet-card-album-111807812

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Brown, Charles S.

CHARLES S. BROWN was born in 1865 and arrived into Petaluma from Modesto, California. In February 1906, he established the “Brown & Poste Studio” in Petaluma at 818 Main Street, the space previously occupied by photographer Thorsten Lawson who purchased the space from photographers Edwin and Ada Healy. Poste’s identity has yet to be determined; however, according to the Petaluma Argus-Courier February 24 announcement, Poste would operate the studio until Brown’s arrival from Modesto. Both Brown’s place of business and residence are listed as 818 Main Street in the 1906 and 1907 Petaluma City Directory. On October 7, 1907, the drill team of the Petaluma Lodge of Fraternal Brotherhood was photographed in full uniform at Brown’s Studio. This group portrait has not been found. It was among Brown’s last portraits because, just a few days earlier, it was reported that the studio had been purchased by Wesley La Motte Shattuck and renamed La Motte Studio.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, Feb. 24, 1906, p.3.

Petaluma Studio: “Brown & Poste Studio”, 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California.

Active in Petaluma: February 1906 - October 1907

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 24, 1906, p. 3; May 22, 1906, p. 3; October 6, 1906, p.8; October 4, 1907, p. 1; October 7, 1907, p.4. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 3, 1906, p. 1.

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Butler, Edward Payson

Petaluma argus, July 16, 1862, p.3.

EDWARD PAYSON BUTLER was born in 1834 in Clinton, Pennsylvania, and died in 1923 in Saratoga, California. Butler was an ambrotype and paper photographer, and in January 1862, he took over the photographic gallery of Giles Pease Kellogg located within Petaluma’s Phoenix Block and renamed it “Butler’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery”. Butler marketed himself as Kellogg’s successor and proclaimed in his advertisements, “In order to meet the demands of the times, I am now taking pictures of all styles, in the very best manner, at the following reduced rates: medium ambrotype pictures, taken for $1.00 to $1.50 each. Photographs, full size $3.00 for the first and $1.00 for each additional one. Album and card pictures, $4.00 per dozen. Daguerreotypes copied and pictures inserted in rings and lockets, in superior style. Views of buildings taken at short notice. Pictures of children taken in the best manner. Entire satisfaction guaranteed.” This was followed by an invitation to call and examine specimens of his work at his residence on the second floor of the Washington Hotel.

According to the Petaluma Argus, Butler co-partnered with Bryan Johnson in December 1862, and they worked together at the gallery until April 1863, when Johnson took sole possession of the business and renamed it “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery”. Butler departed Petaluma in May 1863 and continued his work as a photographer in the California cities of Watsonville, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, as well as in the Nevada cities of Virginia City and Reno.

During his two years in Petaluma, Butler served as a member of the community’s “First Fire Company” and volunteered his artistic skills by serving on the “Committee of Arrangements” for the decoration of the Petaluma Engine Company’s New Year Ball held in McCune’s Hall.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Butler opened his “Butler’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery” in July 1862 within Petaluma’s Phoenix Block, second floor, Main Street, and departed Petaluma May 1983.

Active in Petaluma: January 1862 - April 1863

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 110. Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, p. 143. Petaluma Argus, July 9, 1862, p. 3; July 16, 1862, p. 3; Dec. 24, 1862, p.2; Dec. 31, 1862, p. 2. Petaluma Weekly Argus, July 13, 1877, p. 1. Sonoma County Journal, Jan. 17, 1862, p. 2; Jan. 31, 1862, p. 2. Sonoma Democrat, Dec. 6, 1862, p. 4, column 5; Jan. 31, 1863, p. 3; Feb. 7, 1863, p. 2. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33093840/edward-payson-butler.

Unfortunately, the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum owns no portraits that can be definitively attributed to this important, early photographer; however, several early ambrotypes of Petaluma pioneers without an identified photographer may have been created by him. These portraits can be found by typing “Butler” in the search bar above.

Crawford, Roy Solomon

ROY SOLOMON CRAWFORD was born February 11, 1881 in Sloan, Iowa, and he died September 14, 1965 in Santa Rosa, California. He was buried in the Sebastopol Memorial Lawn Cemetery. He worked as a shipping clerk for the Petaluma Incubator Company before embarking on his career as a photographer.

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Roy Solomon crawford

According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Roy Crawford set out his sign for the “Crawford Gallery” in April 1898 in front of the Tann building on Main Street. By September 1898, he had moved his gallery to the space formerly occupied by the “Joslin Gallery” at 850 Main Street, opposite the American Hotel. In March 1900, it was reported in the Petaluma Argus-Courier that W. B. Cook, a photographer from Colusa, had purchased the “Crawford Gallery” and that Crawford intended to move to Cape Nome, Alaska.

Petaluma Photography Studio: Between April 1898 and September 1898, the “Crawford Gallery” was located “in front of the Tann building”, Main Street. Between September 1898 and March 1900, it was located opposite the American Hotel on 850 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: April 1898 - March 1900

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Back of photograph

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, apr. 1898, p.4.

Bibliography: Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: July 9, 1895, p.4; Sept.4, 1895, p.1; Apr. 6, 1898, p. 3; Apr. 20, 1898, p. 4; Sept. 30, 1898, p. 4; Oct. 27, 1899, p. 2. Petaluma Argus-Courier, Mar. 7, 1900, p.1; Mar. 19, 1900, p. 3.  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/233504239/roy-solomon-crawford.

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Dowe, Lewis

LEWIS DOWE was born in 1837 in Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire, and died in 1919 in Portland, Oregon. He was both a portrait and view photographer and in his later years a manufacturer of cameras and camera equipment.  He was also an accomplished musician, serving as a bandmaster in the Fifty-Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  

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lewis dowe’s photographic studio, Sycamore, Illinois, C. 1862-1875

Petaluma Weekly Argus, Sept. 17, 1875, p.2.

In 1862, he established a photographic studio in Sycamore, Illinois. In February 1871, the city’s True Republican reported that Dowe had created a collection of stereoscopic views of Sycamore’s public and private buildings, and in June, 1871 it reported that he had created stereoscopic views of the White Mountains in his native New Hampshire.

Dowe departed Sycamore, Illinois, and in 1875 arrived in Petaluma. In September 1875, he set up his photography studio in the rooms formerly occupied by photographer Hugh Anderson (b. 1826; d.1900; active in Petaluma Jan. 1872 - Dec. 1873) located at 649 Main Street. Dowe lived with his wife on D Street, and they were socially active in Petaluma throughout their seven-year residency. Dowe was the leader of the Petaluma Brass Band and Petaluma’s Coronet Band, and his wife taught piano lessons.  In October 1879, the Petaluma Weekly Argus noted that the Dowes had installed a telephone line between their home and photography studio.

Dowe worked in Petaluma as both a “view” and portrait photographer. December 22, 1876, the Petaluma Weekly Argus-Courier reported that Dowe had taken many exquisite “views” of the Petaluma landscape and pictures of the town, “….just the thing to send East to your friends. On the back of the cards upon which these views are mounted is a short description of the city of Petaluma, its population, resources, etc.”.

Lewis dowe, “Petaluma High School Building”, Stereograph, 1876. Scanned image courtesy of Dan Brown

Lewis dowe, “Petaluma High School Building”, Stereograph, Reverse, 1876. Scanned image courtesy of Dan Brown

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“Elocutionist Jessie Shirley,” From the collection of the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

In 1879 Dowe created a stereoscopic image of Jessie Ernestine Shirley (Smith) the precocious elocutionist and daughter of Petaluma’s Baptist Church, Reverend Philemon Perin Shirley. The were most probably sold to members of the community to raise funds for the church.

The Petaluma Courier reported on November 17, 1880 that Dowe created a “life-size” portrait of General Vallejo, stating, “It is as perfect as can be, and shows the old soldier to the best advantage.” Unfortunately, no copy of this portrait has been found.

In March 1882 Dowe departed Petaluma, and as early as March 15, George Ross (1832-1893), a fellow Petaluma photographer, purchased Dowe’s negatives. Ross advertised in Petaluma newspapers between March 15, 1882, and October 1887 that he would make copies from Dowe’s negatives “on the most advantageous terms”. Dowe continued his profession in San Francisco, and it was reported in his obituary that his work was destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Dowe’s obituary, published in the The Oregon Daily Journal, stated, “He was reputed to be the first man on the coast to manufacture dry plates and portable cameras.”

Petaluma Photography Studio: 649 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: September 1875 to March 1882

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 119; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. https://luminous-lint.com/app/photographer/L__Dowe/A/. The Oregon Daily Journal, Nov. 30, 1919, p.18. The Petaluma Courier, Nov. 13, 1878, p. 3; Jan. 24, 1878, p. 3; Oct. 22, 1879, p. 3; October 29, 1879, p. 3; Nov. 17, 1880, p. 3; March 8, 1882, p. 3; March 15, 1882, p. 3; Aug. 9, 1882, p. 3. Petaluma Weekly Argus, Sept. 17, 1875, p.3; Sept. 24, 1875, p. 3; Dec. 24, 1875, p. 3; May 26, 1876, p. 2; Dec. 22, 1876, p. 2; April 19, 1878, p. 3; Oct. 25, 1878, p. 3; May 16, 1879, p. 3. The Sycamore True Republican, Feb. 01, 1871, p.1; June 17, 1871, p.1; March 21, 1877, p.1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/109664028/lewis-dowe

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Easterly & Company

The EASTERLY & COMPANY photographic studio was established in Petaluma by George Bascombe Easterly in August 1891. Previously occupied by the photographer, Lafayette F. Sheppard, it was located on the second floor of the Steiger Building at 649 Main Street, one door above the First National Bank. Thoughout its two years and four months in operation, the studio was not advertised in the local papers. However, an interesting article was published in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier on October 19, 1892 describing in detail Easterly’s skills as an artist and photographer. (Unfortunately, the article misspelled Easterly’s name Z. B. Easterley.) In November 1893, Easterly sold the studio to Amon James Tuft Joslin.

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Petaluma daily morning courier, Oct. 19, 1892, p.5

George Bascombe Easterly was born in 1859 in Russell County, Virginia and died November 8, 1906 in Lake County, California. He ran his Petaluma photography studio for just over two years before moving to Lake County, California where he worked as a photographer in the town of Lakeport. Later he opened a studio in the community of Glenbrook, California. Easterly died in 1906 and was buried in the Middletown Cemetery, Middletown, Lake County, California.

Active in Petaluma: August 1891 to November 1893

Bibliography: https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. Petaluma Courier, August 19, 1891, p. 2; August 25, 1891, p. 6 September 23, 1891, p. 2; December 2, 1891, p.2. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, December 15, 1891, p. 3; May 13, 1892, p. 2; Oct. 19, 1892, p. 5; Nov. 10, 1906, p. 3. Santa Rosa Republican, November 10, 1906, p. 5. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/263636097/george-b-easterly.

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Healy Ground Floor Gallery

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 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. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. Reproduced here are the front and back of the business card for their studio when it was located in the Ann Building of San Francisco between c. 1884 and 85.

It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada were their studio’s principal photographers; however, they did hire the assistant Earl Burton Hough between the end of 1901 and February 1902 and William Blodgett Cook between August 1903 and February 1904. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, April, 25, 1898, p. 3

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Johnson, Bryan R.

Petaluma Argus, April, 29, 1863, p. 2

BRYAN R. JOHNSON was born c. 1834 in New York State, but his death date and location have not been determined. He worked as a daguerreotypist, ambrotypist, and paper photographer in San Francesco (c. 1856-1857), Benicia (1858), and Oakland (1860) before arriving in Petaluma. According to an advertisement in the Petaluma Argus, Johnson entered a partnership with Edward Payson Butler in December 1862. They worked together at the “Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery” which had been opened by Butler in July 1862 within the “Phenix Block” on Petaluma’s Main Street. In April 1863, Johnson took sole possession of the studio and renamed it “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery” also known as “B.R. Johnson’s Premium Gallery, Phoenix Block, Petaluma”. In 1864 he relocated his studio twice, finally settling in the Doyle Building over the Morris Cigar Store on Main Street. His cartes de visite produced at this final location bear the imprint, “From B. R. Johnson’s Photographic Establishment, Doyle’s Building, Main Street, Petaluma”. Johnson advertised himself as doing “First Class Work” and his Petaluma studio as outfitted “in the most splendid style” featuring “the late improved frosted Lites, more generally used in the Eastern Cities”. In 1865 he traveled to New York City to study the recent improvements in photography demonstrated at the gallery of Mathew B. Brady and then returned to his Petaluma studio, which according to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, he sold to William Henry Lentz in October 1866.

Active in Petaluma: Johnson was active in Petaluma beginning in December 1862. He sold his studio in October 1866, but according to Peter Palmquist, he continued working in Petaluma until at least 1867.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 140; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 325-326; Johnson PDF; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Argus, Dec. 31, 1862, p. 2; Petaluma Argus, April 29, 1863, p.2; Petaluma Argus, Sept. 30, 1863, p.3; ; Petaluma Weekly Argus, April 21, 1864, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 4, 1866, p.2.

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Joslin & Company Petaluma Photo Parlors

JOSLIN & COMPANY PETALUMA PHOTO PARLORS was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin in November 1893. Previously occupied by the photographer, George Bascombe Easterly, Joslin’s photo parlors were located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel on the second floor of the Steiger Building. Joslin and his assistant(s) operated the photography studio until April 1897.

"Band Marching in a Parade, Petaluma, California, about 1895," Courtesy of the Sonoma County Library Photography Collection

Amon James Tuft Joslin was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He is best known for his association with a controversial ambrotype taken of Abraham Lincoln on May 27, 1857 in Danville, Illinois. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Joslin had worked for John M. Pickett as a photographic assistant in Iowa in the 1860s. It was reported in 1895 that Pickett, while working as a photographer in Hollister, California, traveled to Petaluma to visit his former employee.

Between 1893 and 1897, Joslin spent three and one half eventful years in Petaluma as a photographer. He announced the opening of his studio declaring, “instantaneous exposures”, “views and interior work to order”, and “special attention given to enlarging small pictures in crayon, ink, oils and water colors”. In December 1895, Joslin’s wife was poisoned when she mistook his photographic chemicals for cider. In May 1896, Joslin’s photographic assistant, S. W. Freeze was arrested for stealing Joslin’s photographic equipment. In April 1897, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Joslin and his wife enjoyed their years in Petaluma, but decided to transfer to Chico, California where Joslin had already opened a photographic studio. In December 1897 the paper reported that Joslin had written a letter and sent photographs of scenery taken in Lassen County, and that he was soon to start off for the state of Illinois. It is of note that from July 13 through July 22, 1898 the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement announcing the sale of photographs “below cost” at the “Petaluma Gallery” described as “Joslin’s Old Gallery” located opposite the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: Joslin opened the Petaluma Photo Parlors in November 1893, and left the studio, departing Petaluma for Chico, in April 1897.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 141; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Nov. 22, 1893, p.7; Dec. 6, 1893, p.1; Oct. 1, 1895, p.4; Dec. 17, 1895, p.1; May 27, 1896, p.1; July 15, 1896, p.5; April 5, 1897 p.1 and 3; Dec. 4, 1897, p.3; July 13, 1898, p.2.

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Kellogg, Giles Pease

GILES PEASE KELLOGG was born November 15, 1823, in Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, and he died May 28, 1892, in Salinas, Monterey County, California. He immigrated to California in 1849.

Sonoma County Journal, January 19, 1856, p. 3

Giles Pease Kellogg was the first photographer to work in Petaluma. On January 10, 1856, he established “Kellogg’s Daguerrean Gallery” (aka “Petaluma Daguerrean Rooms”) on Petaluma’s Main Street, “adjoining Dr. Brown’s Drug Store”. In his early advertisements, he is proclaimed to be a “Daguerrean Artist,” and his daguerreotypes are described as “PERFECT LIKENESSES.” His gallery is described as a splendid suite of rooms, “furnished with a Mammoth Sky-Light, arranged on the most scientific plan, which, with the latest improvements in cameras, apparatus and chemicals enables Mr. Kellogg to produce pictures of the ‘human face divine’ in a style of excellence not to be surpassed.”

By May 1856, Kellogg was offering his clients a new type of portrait, the ambrotype, which he described as a “new and most perfect method” especially appropriate “for taking true and correct pictures of children and infants”. Late in 1857, Kellogg advertised that he was producing images with “colors beautifully blended.” In April 1860, Kellogg moved his studio to Petaluma’s Phoenix Block and advertised it as an ambrotype gallery where he was “…prepared to furnish shadows true to life, at a very low figure.” At this time, he also advertised, “Ambrotypes of deceased persons taken on the shortest notice.” In November 1861, Kellogg advertised his intension to sell his studio and sold it in January 1862, to Edward Payson Butler.

Kellogg married Melinda (Millie) Dyer Laird (1837-1863) in Petaluma. The date of their marriage is uncertain, but on September 3, 1861, the Petaluma Argus published this charming report on the status of Kellogg’s love life:

Petaluma Argus, September 3, 1861, P.2

Portrait of Giles Pease Kellogg by Petaluma photographer, Bryan R. Johnson, December 1862 -1867 Portrait courtesy of the Society of California Pioneers, object ID (C017930)

The inscription on this carte de visite portrait of Kellogg is a marriage proposal to Millie. It was taken by Kellogg’s fellow Petaluman, Brian R. Johnson, who worked as a photographer in Petaluma between December 1862 and October 1866. The inscription on the front reads, “Will you be my wife,” and the inscription on the back reads, “Here I am. Em will you have me.” Although not the most sophisticated marriage proposal, the portrait depicts Kellogg in a very polished and romantic fashion. With a tender look in his eyes, Kellogg gazes off to his right, and his image is softly encircled by an oval vignette. Unfortunately, Millie and Giles’s love story ended sadly. On June 21, 1863, Millie gave birth to a son, and two weeks later she died at the age of 26 on July 6, 1863. She was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

It appears Kellogg abandoned his career as a photographer when he sold his studio to Butler in 1862, and by 1867, he was living in Salinas, California. He retained close ties to Petaluma and proceeded to engage in several business ventures with members of his wife’s family who owned a ranch at Point Reyes. Beginning in 1867, “Kellogg & Laird” rented ranches in Salinas Valley and advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus. By 1869, Kellogg and Charles Laird had established a 400-cow dairy farm near Watsonville, California, and in 1875, Kellogg and Stuart Laird were listed as trustees of the Cinnabar Mining District in Sonoma County. The Petaluma Weekly Argus often included references to Kellogg’s business dealings, and on April 2, 1875, reported that surveying work had been completed for the construction of a new town named in honor of Kellogg. The unincorporated community was originally designed as a summer resort and located at the foot of Mount Saint Helena in Sonoma County.

Kellogg died in 1892 and was buried in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Salinas, California.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Kellogg’s Daguerrean Gallery” aka “Petaluma Daguerrean Rooms,” Main Street, Petaluma, January 1856 - April 1860. “Kellogg’s Ambrotype Galleries,” Phoenix Block, Second Floor, April 1860 - January 1862.

Active in Petaluma: January 1856 to January 1862

Bibliography: The Californian (Salinas City, CA), May 29, 1892, p. 1 (obituary). Petaluma Argus, Sept. 3, 1861, p.2; Nov. 19, 1861, p.2; June 17, 1863, p. 2; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, May 2, 1904, p.3. Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 24, 1867, p. 2; November 6, 1869, p.1; November 20, 1874, p.2; April 2, 1875, p.3; April 23, 1875, p. 3. September 29, 1883, p.3. Sacramento Bee, April 28, 1860, p.3; September 2, 1860, June 29, 1863, p.3; July 6, 1863, p.3. Sonoma County Journal, January 19, 1856, p. 3; Feb. 9, 1856, p.2; May 3, 1856, p.2; Aug. 29, 1856, p.3; Jan. 2, 1857, p.2; Ja. 9, 1857, p.3; Dec. 9, 1859, p.5; Feb. 10, 1860, p.2; April 13, 1860, p.4; July 20, 1860, p.4; Jan. 17, 1862, p.2. Sonoma Democrat, December 6, 1862, p. 4, column 5. Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 142; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, p. 345. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg,_California. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55580624/millie-kellogg. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645606/giles-peace-kellogg.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits that can be definitively attributed to this important, early photographer; however, there are several early boxed portraits of Petaluma pioneers without an identified photographer that may have been created by him. You can find these portraits by typing “Kellogg” in the search bar above. Additionally, the Sonoma County Library owns cased portraits of early Petaluma pioneers that may have been taken by Kellogg, see Sonoma County Library Digital Collection.

La Motte Studio

LA MOTTE STUDIO In October 1907, Wesley La Motte Shattuck (b. 1873 Iowa, d. 1935 Los Angeles, California) purchased the Brown Studio at 818 Main Street and renamed it La Motte Studio. Both Shattuck’s place of business and residence are listed as 818 Main Street in the 1908 Petaluma City Directory. Beginning in 1896, this location served as the Healy Ground Floor Gallery and subsequently as a studio for Thorsten Lawson and Charles S. Brown. Shattuck owned the studio for less than a year. On July 3, 1908, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Mr. Shattuck sold his photography gallery to E. D. Weston; however, only three months later, Weston sold the gallery to William M. Gray of Telluride, Colorado. In December 1908, an advertisement for La Motte Studio claimed that Gray’s motto was “prompt delivery and satisfactory work” and that he provided “Platinums in Sepia or Black and White, also Platinas”. On October 4, 1909, the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported that William M. Gray had sold the La Motte Studio to George L. Brady of Watsonville, who renamed the business “The Brady Studio”. By July 1910, Gray had opened a photography studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 215 West Central Avenue.

Petaluma Argus-Courier, December 25, 1908, p. 6

The La Motte Studio remained in the same location on Petaluma’s Main Street throughout its years of operation. However, the City of Petaluma changed the Main Street address numbers, consequently, the studio’s address was recorded as 818 and later as 164.

Active in Petaluma: Shattuck managed the studio between October 1907 and July 1908., Weston between July 1908 and October 1908, and Gray between October 1908 and October 1909.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 4, 1907, p. 1; July 6, 1908, p. 6; August 8, 1908, p. 4; October 26, 1908, p. 5; December 25, 1908, p. 6; Jan. 30, 1909, p. 8; October 4, 1909, p. 3; January 2, 1909, p. 3; June 2, 1909, p. 1; Aug. 10, 1910, p. 5. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Oct. 5, 1907, p. 1; Oct. 15, 1907, p.4; January 9, 1908, p. 1; July 3, 1908, p. 1; Oct 24, 1908, p.1; June 14, 1909, p. 1; Oct. 1, 1909, p. 1; Oct.2, 1909, p. 1; September 7, 1912, p. 4. Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico), July 19, 1910, p.3.

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Lentz, William Henry

WILLIAM HENRY LENTZ was born in 1847 in Baltimore, Maryland. The date and place of his death have not been identified.

Before arriving in Petaluma in October 1866, Lentz worked in San Francisco for Carleton Eugene Watkins, a famous photographer known for his views of Yosemite.

Petaluma Weekly Argus, November 29, 1866, p. 2

Lentz began working as a photographer in Petaluma when he took over Bryan R. Johnson’s Petaluma studio. Taking advantage of the reputation Johnson had built in Petaluma, Lentz’s imprint stated, “From W. H. Lentz’s (Late Johnson’s) Photographic Gallery, Main St. Petaluma.” On October 4 the Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that Lentz had purchased Bryan R. Johnson’s “Pioneer, Premium Photograph Gallery, so long and favorably known as ‘Johnson’s Gallery.’”

Lentz quickly began advertising his ability to produce sun pearls, ambrotypes, melancotypes and patent enameled carte de visite. Lentz repeatedly advertised his services in the Petaluma papers using a clever, eye-catching technique of repeating his text on alternating spaces.

On October 25, 1866, the Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that the City was indebted to Lentz for, “…a fine, large photographic view of Main Street. It is taken from the lower end of the street, and presents a life-like view of our business mart, with its fleet of ‘prairie schooners,’ heavily laden with Ceres and Pomona’s liberal gifts; its vehicles of every sort and description; its busy bustling masculine pedestrians, and fair daughters.”

On October 10, 1867, Richard Percival advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus that he had purchased Lentz’s photographic rooms and was open for business. After this date, it appears Lentz no longer worked as a photographer in Petaluma, and in October 1868, the Petaluma Weekly Argus announced that Lentz was to replace the deceased James Hunter (1824-1868) as the city’s Postmaster. Although praised for overseeing improvements to the post office in April 1869, by 1872 Lentz was on trial for defaulting as Postmaster. The Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that Lentz had been admitted on bail, failed to appear and was arrested in Virginia City.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: On October 4, 1866, Lentz purchased Bryan R. Johnson’s “Pioneer, Premium Photograph Gallery” which was located in the Doyle Building on Main Street and renamed it the “W. H. Lentz Photographic Gallery”. Lentz sold the gallery to Richard Percival in October, 1867.

Active in Petaluma: October 4, 1866 - October, 1867

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 146; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 364; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 4, 1866, p.2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 18, 1866, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 25, 1866, p.2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, November 29, 1866, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 10, 1867, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 21, 1868, p.4; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 22, 1868, p.3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, April 22, 1869, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, August 24, 1872, p. 3.

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Maclean, Dabirma (Birma) Still

DABIRMA (BIRMA) STILL MACLEAN was born in 1875 in San Luis Obispo, California, and died in 1968 in La Panza, California. Maclean was among the most prominent female photographers in California. She began her work as a photographer in her native county of San Luis Obispo. In 1904, she married and moved to Petaluma. There she continued her work with a special interest in public buildings and local scenes. In Petaluma she also produced real-photo postcards and portraits for local residents.

Active in Petaluma: 1904 - 1920

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Bibliography: Dellard, Bill, “First Lady of Photography,” http://www.pasorobles-usa.com/PioneerPages/firstlady.htm; Charrier, Emily, “Famed Photographer Dabirma Still Maclean and Early Petaluma Farms,” Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 2019. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

Percival, Richard Reece

Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 21, 1868, p. 2

RICHARD REECE PERCIVAL was born in 1835 in England and immigrated to the United States in 1841 as a child with his parents. He died in Rhode Island in 1917.

Percival arrived in Petaluma sometime before October 1867, and began advertising his services in the Petaluma Weekly Argus. He posted the price of his cartes de visite as $3 per dozen, stated that special attention was given to children’s portraits, and announced that old pictures could be carefully copied and photographs retouched in oil, watercolor or India ink. In a clever attempt to gather clients, Percival permitted Walter S. Pierce to use his gallery to display and sell his pianos. In 1869 Percival announced he had something very special in his photographic line - something he had invented he called the “medallion photograph.” He recommended the public hurry in to his gallery to see them.

Percival departed Petaluma sometime after May 1871 moving to San Jose where he continued his work as a photographer. According to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, Percival returned twice to Petaluma to visit friends and stated, “Dick says that Petaluma has improved wonderfully in the past few years, and he believes it is the best town in the State to-day.”

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Percival published an announcement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on October 10, 1867 stating he had purchased the Johnson Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery on Main Street, replacing William Henry Lentz as its operator. He renamed the gallery “R. Percival’s Gallery” and continued to advertise his services at this location in the Petaluma Weekly Argus through September 1870 when, according to the Petaluma Daily Crescent, James Kimball Sutterley and Stephen A. Rendall took over the establishment. In February 1871 Sutterley and Rendall split; Sutterley reunited with his brother, Clement; and together on February 25, 1871 they departed Petaluma to open a gallery in Napa and sold the Petaluma gallery back to Percival. On March 4, 1871 Percival began advertising his services once again in the Petaluma Weekly Argus, and his final advertisement appears in the paper on May 27, 1871.

Active in Petaluma: October 1867- September 1870; March 1871 - at least May 1871

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 157; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, (Palmquist does not list Percival, but includes information about his sale and repurchase of the Johnson Photographic Gallery from Sutterly and Rendall in September of 1870 and February of 1871, p. 536 top of first column); https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 10, 1867, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Jan. 2, 1868, p. 2; Petaluma Daily Crescent, Oct. 12, 1870; Petaluma Weekly Argus, March 4, 1871, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 27, 1871, p.1; Petaluma Weekly Argus, February 6, 1874, p. 3 and November 22, 1878, p. 3.

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Reed, John Quincy

JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and died on April 14, 1902, in Petaluma. Before arriving in Petaluma, he worked as a photographer in Virginia City, Nevada, and Stockton, California. The first mention of a Petaluma photographic studio run by Reed appears in the Petaluma newspapers beginning in February 1872. Unlike most of Petaluma’s other pioneer photographers, who were essentially itinerant, Reed worked consistently in Petaluma as a photographer for at least 25 years. (The other pioneer photographer who remained in Petaluma for an extended period of time was Reed’s colleague and friend, George Colvaine Ross.)

Many of Reed’s portraits are of exceptionally fine quality, and appropriately, his imprints often proclaimed him to be a “Photographic Artist”. It may have been his reputation for excellence that inspired the prominent Californiana memoirist, Maria de las Augustias de la Guerra Ord (1815-1890, a resident of San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco) and Margaret Harvey Bray Ward (1851-1914, resident of Gualala, California) to select Reed to create their portraits while visiting Petaluma.

portrait Courtesy of sonoma barracks

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Portrait courtesy of descendant, David Berry

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Otto T.L Heine (Photo courtesy of William W. Heine)

John Quincy Reed, portrait courtesy of Find a Grave

Reed’s obituary candidly stated, “He was a true Bohemian, and although peculiar in some respects, had many warm friends, and in his early days was one of the best known of our local citizens. He never married.” In his final years, Reed lived at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, a boarding house for working men, and was employed by Achille Kahn, a Petaluma grocer. In his final illness, Reed was attended to by Petaluma physician George Ivancovich (1850-1924), and Kahn made his funeral arrangements. The funeral was held in Petaluma at the J. S. Blackburn parlor, and Reed’s body was cremated at the Odd Fellow’s crematory in San Francisco. His ashes were returned to the city of his birth, Abington, Massachusetts, where they were laid to rest in Mount Vernon Cemetery.

(According to the scholar, Peter Palmquist, Reed was charged with arson in September of 1887 for setting fire to property in Petaluma at the corner of Cleveland and College Avenues. The present researcher cannot substantiate that claim and suggests further research is necessary.)

Petaluma Photographic Studio:   An announcement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus proclaimed that J. Q. Reed, in February 1872, took possession of the photography gallery formerly operated by Johnson. Bryan R. Johnson’s “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photography Gallery” was located on Petaluma’s Main Street, on the Doyle block over the Morris Cigar Store. Subsequently, Reed moved his studio to several different locations within Petaluma. By 1874, his studio was in the “American Hall, Main Street”. After that, his locations included “Over Wells, Fargo & Co’s Ex. Office, Main St.” and “Brick Block, opposite McGuire’s Drug Store, Main St.”.

Active in Petaluma: 1872 to at least 1898

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 161; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 452-453; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125465566/john-quincy-reed (a portrait of Reed can be viewed at this URL); Petaluma Argus-Courier: Feb. 1, 1922, p.6. Petaluma Courier: Jan 1, 1896, p.8; Jan. 15, 1896, p. 1; Jan. 15, 1896, p. 6 and 8. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: January 31, 1893, p.1; March 26, 1895, p.1; April 14, 1902, p.1; April 15, 1902, p.2. Petaluma Morning Argus, Oct. 11, 1873, p. 3. Petaluma Weekly Argus: Feb. 24, 1872, p.3; August 3, 1877, p.1; April 2, 1880, p. 3; Oct. 1, 1880, p.3; Oct. 29, 1880, p.3.

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Roberts, Dr. Harry Fowler

HARRY FOWLER ROBERTS was born in 1869 in Mankato, Minnesota, and died in February 1907 in Colfax, California, at age 38. After partnering with Ira A. Kautz in 1892 at the Sterling Studio, 912 2nd Street in Seattle, Washington, Roberts moved to Petaluma and opened a studio on Main Street across from the American Hotel. Throughout January, February, and March 1893, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement for Roberts’ services. The ad was composed as an interview entitled “A Mystery Solved,” in which Roberts is referred to as the new photographer in town. Roberts is asked, “How is it that you claim to do better any more satisfactory work than the San Francisco artists?” Robert is then quoted as replying, “That is easy enough. I can show my patrons proofs of their photos, and if they are not entirely satisfied I will keep on giving sittings until they are pleased.”

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 14, 1893, p. 1

The exact date Roberts closed his studio in Petaluma has not been determined; however, it was reported in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier several times between August 1895 and February 1901 that Dr. Harry Roberts, former Petaluma photographer, was in town visiting friends. According to his obituary, written in the Ventura, California, Morning Courier, Roberts had arrived in Placer County in 1907 and, as a medical professional, had specialized in dentistry.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Roberts’ studio was on Main Street, across from the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: as early as 1892, as late as 1895

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 162; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv52062#idm6679; Morning Free Press (Ventura CA), February 5, 1907, p.1; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 12, 1893, p.2; April 11, 1894, p. 3; August 16, 1895, p.1; February 4, 1901, p. 4.

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Ross & Ormsby

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). For information on George Ross, see his separate entry on this website: George Colvaine Ross. According to his obituary, Elon D. Ormsby arrived in San Francisco in 1866, moved to Petaluma and then Stockton, finally settling in Oakland in 1877 establishing his studio at 1055 Broadway. In Ross & Ormsby’s first Petaluma advertisement published May 20, 1869, Ormsby was touted as a former employee of the celebrated gallery of Bradley & Rulofson in San Francisco. An Oakland Tribune announcement referring to Ormsby and repeatedly published in January and February 1883, stated, “Oakland can boast of possessing the finest portrait photographer in America, as is proven by the Committee in the National competition recently held in Philadelphia.”

Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 7, 1870, p. 3

Petaluma Photography Studio: 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.

Active in Petaluma: The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869. Exactly when Ross & Ormsby was terminated has not been determined. The last advertisement for the studio in a Petaluma paper appeared on June 11, 1870, and the Stockton Daily Evening Herald reported on August 2, 1870 that Ormsby had set up a gallery on El Dorado Street. It is notable that the Ross & Ormsby carte de visite portrait of Charles Austin Eastman in this collection has a date of 1871 on its back side. This may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461 column 2; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 20, 1869, p.2; Sonoma Democrat, June 12, 1869, p.5, column 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, June 11, 1870, p. 3; Daily Evening Herald (Stockton, CA), August 2, 1870, p. 3; Oakland Tribune, Jan. 16, 1883, p. 1; Oakland Tribune, March 6, 1895, p.3.

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Sheppard, Lafayette F.

Petaluma Courier, Feb. 24, 1886, p. 3

LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD was born in 1852 in Ohio and died in Inglewood, California in 1940. He arrived in California sometime before 1880 and was employed in various occupations in several cities throughout the state. In 1879 he married Maggie M. Sheppard whose family resided in Rollerville, Mendocino County. According to Carl Mautz, Sheppard had photographic galleries in Point Arena and San Jose in the 1880s. Sometime between 1884 and 1885, Sheppard was partnering with James K. Piggott at their jointly owned photographic gallery in Santa Rosa.

In February of 1886, however, Sheppard advertised in the Petaluma Courier the opening of his own gallery in the space formerly occupied by Petaluma photographer, Lewis Dowe. The ad proclaimed, “The gentleman uses the newest instantaneous process in his art, and is prepared to do first-class work. A speciality will be made of babies’ photos, and good work will be guaranteed.” Sheppard continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma at least through June of 1891.

Petaluma Studio: Sheppard’s studio occupied the former rooms of the Petaluma photographer, Lewis Dowe, one door above the First National Bank. On September 23, 1891 the Petaluma Courier reported Sheppard’s gallery had been taken over by Easterly & Company.

Active in Petaluma: February 1886 - August/September 1891

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, “Sheppard, Lafayette T. [sic],” Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 168; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographer; Petaluma Courier, Feb. 24, 1886, p.3; Aug. 4, 1886, p.2; August 13, 1890, p.5; September 23, 1891, p.2.

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Sutterley & Rendall

JAMES KIMBALL (KEMBLE) SUTTERLEY (SUTTERLY)(1834 -1883) & STEPHEN ARNOLD RENDALL (1832-1905) Sutterly & Rendall (active in Petaluma September 24, 1870 – February 1871). Sutterley worked as a daguerreian with his brother, Clement Sutterley, in Chicago from 1857 to 1860. By 1862 the brothers had moved West working as itinerant photographers throughout Nevada, Idaho, Utah and California. They eventually parted ways, and on September 24, 1870, James Kimball Sutterley partnered with Stephen Arnold Rendall taking over the Petaluma studio of Bryan R. Johnson which was currently being operated by Richard Reece Percival. J. K. Sutterley partnered with Stephen A. Rendall to establish, “Sutterly & Rendall, Photographers, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal.” They advertised their services in the Petaluma Weekly Argus between October 22, 1870 and February 4, 1871. They worked together until 1871 when the studio was sold to Richard Reece Percival. As early as 1873, Rendall was living in Santa Rosa with his family raising prizing-winning Angora goats. He established a photography studio in Santa Rosa which was destroyed by fire in June 1878.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.162, 173. Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 454, 534-536. Dorothy King De Mare, “The Sutterly Brothers, Pioneer Western Itinerant Photographers,” Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, pp.39 -41. Petaluma Argus, January 28, 1862, p. 2 and 3. Petaluma Courier, “Letter from Santa Rosa”, Oct. 11, 1877, p. 3. Petaluma Weekly Argus, Sept. 24, 1870, p. 2; Oct. 15, 1870, p. 3; Jan. 14, 1871, p.3; October 10, 1873, p. 3; June 28, 1878, p. 3. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30429723/stephen-arnold-rendall. Daily Republican (Wilmington, Delaware) August 2, 1883, p. 4.

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Swart, John Simeon

JOHN SIMEON SWART (Active in Petaluma by June 1880) Swart was a partner in the “Miltz & Swart’s San Francisco Gallery,” 180 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa between 1877 and 1880. It is known he was working in Petaluma by June 1880 and by 1886 opened a studio on Broad Street in Nevada City, California. In 1895 he worked as a photojournalist for The San Francisco Call and the Pacific Coast News. Mautz, pg. 146.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 173. https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Wayne, Joseph

JOSEPH WAYNE, Wayne was a Petaluma photographer in the early 1900’s. He owned the GEM Theater in Petaluma where he displayed magic lantern images. It has been asserted that he named the GEM Theater after his children. It has also been asserted that Wayne was a red headed child who came across the plains in a covered wagon. His descendants are the Poehlmann & Wayne families currently living in Petaluma.

Non-Petaluma Photographers

The thumbnail portraits illustrated in this section all portray Petalumans, but were taken by non-Petaluma photographers. The portraits are listed alphabetically by the last name of the sitter. To view an enlarged version and read additional information on a portrait, simply click its thumbnail.

Unidentified Photographers

The thumbnail portraits illustrated in this section all depict Petalumans, but the photographers are unidentified. The portraits are listed alphabetically by the last name of the sitter. To view an enlarged version and read additional information on a portrait, simply click its thumbnail.