New Accessions: Nov 19, 2010

PAST EXHIBIT

Yesterday we received a fabulous new accession! It is a family collection given in memory of Anna Heesemann Thiely. It consists of two Ambrotypes, a carte-de-viste album and a photograph. The Ambrotypes are of the Heesemann family – John, alone, and then with his wife and children. Mr. Heesemann operated a hardware store at 321 King Street from shortly before the Civil War until his death in 1886.

The carte-de-viste album was owned by Julia Bischoff, as her name is imprinted on the front cover.It is a beautiful example with both gilded pages and images painted on the page edges. There are still several carte-de-vistes and tintypes in the album, showing local Charleston photographers’ marks.

Click on images below for larger preview

This photograph is of the Heesemann/Bischoff family home at 375 Meeting Street – currently the site of the Visitor’s Center

Another new item in the Archives is this marketing item – a fan promoting “Ice!” from the Alva Gage &; Co. Also known as the Charleston Ice House, it was located at 64-68 Market Street, or the corner of Market and Church Streets.

For easy dating, it includes a calendar for the year 1888. This piece comes to us from the Orlando Historical Society and will make a wonderful addition to our Trade and Advertising collection.

Jennifer Scheetz, Archivist, The Charleston Museum