Today's item is courtesy of Mr. Chris Steele of The Massachusetts Historical Society. Mr. Steele has been engaged in the laborious yet rewarding task of reading daguerreian-era Massachusetts newspapers. (As mentioned before, many of my Massachusetts DagNews items are from his files.) This text represents the earliest-known mention of Albert S. Southworth in U.S. press. Prior to Southworth's long partnership with Josiah Hawes, he conducted business with Joseph Pennell. This text is also unique in the way the partnership is named: "Pennell & Southworth." More about Southworth's association with Pennell can be found in Southworth's June 1879 "Address" which is available at: http://www.daguerre.org/resource/texts/address1.html - - - - - - - - - - - On this day (April 18) in the year 1840, the following notice and advertisement appeared in the "Weekly Republican (Springfield, Mass; Vol. 35, No. 16): - - - - - - - - - - - The Daguerreotype.--Our citizens have had an opportunity the past week, of witnessing at Mechanics' Hall, an exhibition of this new and interesting art. The effect is obtained by the ac- tion of light, and a combination of optical and chemical agents. The views of the south front of the Hampden Coffee House; of the south side of State street, as seen from Merriam's book- store--several places in Cabotville--and of the City Hall in New York--were all strikingly ac- curate and familiar. Messrs. Pennell and South- worth conduct the exhibition. We have seen a pleasing view of part of Chest- nut street, taken on Thursday. * * * * * * * * * * * D A G U E R R E O T Y P E. LAST day of exhibition at Mechanics' Hall, Saturday, April 18. Views taken at 2 o'clock P.M. It will be exhibited at Union Hall, near the Armory, on Monday next at 2 o'clock P.M. attend- ed with experiments, and at 7 P.M. Admittance to the day exhibition 25 cts. To the evening 12 1-2. Those who wish for perfect views of their Buildings, or any specimens of this wonderful art, please apply immediately. School children are invited to attend, gratis at 4 o'clock P.M. on Saturday, at Mechanics' Hall. PENNELL & SOUTHWORTH. April 18. 1w --------------------------------------------------------------- 04-18-97