Posted 12 years ago
filmnet
(476 items)
Scott, Here is a letter from someone asking W.H. Cook to return uniform 1867, maybe this helps
And a new scan of the 2 cabinet cards form and back, these are actually prints put on cards as you might see.
We have 4 trunks very old from 1800s 2 are Captains Maps trunks has anyone herd of these. 1 is from China
filmnet, you have posted so many fabulous items I wish I had days to look at all of it.
I can't date photos like Scott, but I "can" add, so your photo of Decker is circa 1875 since he was born in 1855. :-)
From a blog written by March Martzman on the American Side Show site, dated July 12, 2006, with another photo of Decker at a later age:
"Born in 1855, little Charles Decker eventually grew to a height of only 32 inches and a weight of 45 pounds. Naturally, he claimed to be the Smallest Man in the World. When touring dime museums throughout the country, Decker took a cue from other popular little people and often bestowed a military rank upon himself. The midget was often called Major or more prestigously, General.
In addition to being known for his size, Decker was also known for his intelligence and was said to have been a mechanical genius. Unfortunately, the little man with the big brain had his life cut short. Charles Decker passed away in Chicago at the age of 38, on Oct. 28, 1893."
source: http://americansideshow.blogspot.com/2006/07/charles-decker.html
A photo of Decker at age 19 on antiquephotographics dot com:
http://antiquephotographics.com/Format%20Types/CDVs/performerscdv.htm
Apparently the famous photographer Eisenmann had taken several photos of Decker which are held at the Syracuse University Library:
http://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/b/becker_eisenmann.htm
Decker took a lot of photographs and I assume it was to document his size at every age; there are quite a few on the Internet.
There isn't anything noteworthy about Ranger's Photograph Parlors operated by W. V. Ranger, 28 East Genesee St., Franklin Buildings, Syracuse, NY.
From "Gazetteer and Business Directory of Onondaga County, NY for 1868-9" by Hamilton Child:
"Ranger's Photograph Parlors, No. 28 East Genesee St., Syracuse, have become a favorite resort for those desiring first class likenesses. Mr. Ranger has for a long time been noted as being a superior artist. He has established galleries in Geneva and Palmyra, both of which are now doing a prosperous business. Parties calling on Mr. Ranger at his rooms in the Franklin Buildings, will find him ever ready to accommodate. "
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/hamilton-child/gazetteer-and-business-directory-of-onondaga-county-n-y-for-1868-9-lih/page-2-gazetteer-and-business-directory-of-onondaga-county-n-y-for-1868-9-lih.shtml
I tried to find any shot like this guy with rope on the huge collection no luck so far
http://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/b/becker_eisenmann.htm