Photographic Canadiana issue 23-1 cover shot
Toronto. The cover shot on issue 23-1 features a horse and coach caught by a daguerreotype camera. An article inside titled, “A SEARCH FOR THE ALBION HOUSE” by the late Graham Garrett explains the reason for the cover shot.
Graham’s article begins, “Several years ago I was sent a 35mm slide of a daguerreotype, ca. 1853-54, by Matthew Isenburg of Connecticut, leading me to do some research on the locale of the image. I believe it was taken in Upper Canada and I’m asking [1997] readers for any input they might have on the subject and/or origin.
The double-plate format depicts a stagecoach (see cover) drawn by two gray horses standing on a dirt street with part of a wooden sidewalk noticeable in the background. In addition to a uniformed driver, the stage has the words ‘Albion House’ neatly painted above its door, (probably in gold paint), and the numerals ‘272’.
“One of the buildings in the background is constructed of white clapboard with a sign bearing the words ‘Variety Store’ and a young person exiting the doorway. Another sign discovered on the side of the store is unreadable.
“It should be noted that the word ‘Albion’ (an ancient name for Britain) was used for a variety of goods and services in British North America for almost a century, particularly hotels, houses and inns. The most well-known of these establishments was located in Cobourg, U.C. and was documented in ‘Pioneer Inns and Taverns’, (Tor., 1954-56), by Edwin C. Guillet, (see ill.).
“It should be pointed out that although newspapers carried ads for ‘Albion Hotels’, the word ‘House’ seemed interchangeable in editorials. I have compiled a large amount of data relating to places of accommodation in U.C. using the word Albion and I have listed those few that were in operation close to the above circa date.” …
Mr Garrett’s report of his research continues. Members are able to see all of Graham’s illustrated article in the pdf file for volume 23 (including 23-1 with the article) You can join by following MEMBERSHIP above or Membership at right. Email any questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
