Two items for today... -------------------------- The following item appeared in the March 1851 issue of "The Photographic Art-Journal: The following poem was written in 1841, when Daguerreotypes less bold and distinct than now, were more like flitting shadows. It breathes a spirit of pure religion as well as renders a just tribute to the Daguerreotype art: ON SEEING A DAGUERREOTYPE PORTRAIT. BY MRS. C. H. PUTNAM. What means this vain, incessant strife, To hide thyself in fitful gleams-- Now standing like a thing of life? Then fading like a poet's dreams. More like a fiction fancy weaves, Than ought we know of earthly kind-- Or visioned form that memory leaves Upon the tablets of the mind. The shadowy flitting of a thought, O'er recollections misty page; From secret depths intrusive brought, And vanished quick by reason sage. I like thine airy semblance well; It speaks of forms in spirit land, Where kindred souls together dwell, A pure, unspotted, happy band. It tells me of that better state, Where sin and sorrow never come; But peace and joy for ever wait, And purest pleasures ceaseless bloom. It tells me, too, that those we love, And cherish in our hearts below, Shall wear those well known forms above, And only brighter, purer grow. Who can be without a Daguerreotype of him or her they love? that embodiment--as it were, of the form's spirit--that exquisite and perfect impress of the features? Yes, it does raise the mind from earth to heaven, and bring to the imagination the fairy, spiritual forms of the dear departed, and makes us hope and wish to join them in eternity. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - more - - - The following advertisements appeared in the March 29, 1850 issue of "Newark Daily Advertiser" (Vol. 19, #74): DAGUERREOTYPE NOTICE. MISS PROSCH'S old established Gallery, 259 Broad st., Newark, having been enlarged and improved by the addition of a large SKY-LIGHT, possesses superior facilities for producing the most perfect Daguerreotypes, and of every size and style, single or in groups. To PARENTS, to CHIL- DREN, to FRIENDS, it is respectfully advised to "secure the shadow ere the substance perish." N. B. The earlier part of the day is most favorable for good pictures--the light is never so good late in the afternoon, and children especially should be taken in the middle of the day. je22-tf ------------- OLIVER'S DAGUERREOTYPE ROOM, 311 Broad St.--(next Door to the Old Post Office.) The subscriber has just opened at the above number, and would be happy to see all his old friends whether they want pictures or not; the best way to find out whether he can do good work or not is to give him a call. d11-tf ----------------------------------------------------------------- 03-29-96