James M. Ford
1854-1857 (ca)
Exterior view of Ford's Daguerrean Gallery, 202 and 203 Clay Street, San Francisco
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
On January 16, 1853 the following item was posted in the Daily Alta California (San Francisco; Vol. IV, No. 16):
 
F O R D ' S D A G U E R R E A N G A L L E R Y
D on't you remember "The Old Folks at Home,"
A nd the young ones--the wives and the fair ones so dear?
G rey hairs, rosy cheeks, deep sighs and the tear,
U nbidden that fell when you left far to roam?
E ach kind word, that they spoke, and each uplifted prayer,
R evoked, for thy safety and final success,
R eprinted kisses! the hands gentle press!
E ach long, loving look! the last words of the fair!
O h! yes, you remember; then do not forget
T o procure a memento, to please young and old,
Y ou know they expect it from the land of gold.
P er express or by post, neither seldom do fail,
E xpress is the surest, but cheaper by mail.

 
M ementos are numerous, from which to select,
I ntrinsic their value, may dazzle the eye,
N or do they lack richness, may've been drawn as a prize
I n a raffle or lott'ry, and not a defect.
A ll different opinions, we give them a place,
T ho' in our opinion, and we think we are right,
U ndoubtedly best is a DAGUERREOTYPE:
R emember, FORD'S Gallery's by odds the best place,
E ver there, ever ready, he invites you, come and see,
S outh side of Clay street, 202 and 3.
N.B. Don't forget the place, 202 and 203 Clay street. En-
trance first door below the new Post Office.      de25-1m
 
[This was originally posted by Gary W. Ewer to the DagNews website - 01-16-97]
www.daguerre.org
 
The dating of this photograph is based upon the information provided in Craig's Daguerreian Registry (www.daguerreotype.com) that James M. Ford opened this gallery in September 1854 and sold it "probably as early as 1857" to Samuel P. Howes.
 
LL/9851