H. H. Bennett, Photographer

Kilbourn City, Wisconsin

 

Family Images

     Henry Hamilton Bennett was born 15 Jan 1843, the oldest child of George Hamilton Bennett and Harriet A. Houghton of Farnham, Quebec, Canada.  After his birth, they moved to Vermont.  Other children in the family were: Edmund (1845), George (1846), Sarah (1847), Albert 1850, Charles (1853), William (1855), Clarence (1856), John (1857), Donald (1859), Arthur (1862), and Harriet (1865).  The family moved to Wisconsin about 1858, and to Kilbourn City before 1870.  Starting by about 1869, H.H. Bennett created an extensive library of scenic stereoviews of the Wisconsin Dells (in the middle of which stood Kilbourn City), Devil's Lake (about 18 miles from Kilbourn City), the cities Milwaukee and Chicago, and many other places of interest in Wisconsin and lower Minnesota.  He also published a series of stereoviews taken by fellow photographer and associate William H. Metcalf.

     Henry married 1st Frances Irene Douty (b.1848) in 1866, and had children: Hattie (1867), son Ashley C. (1869) and Nellie (1871).  Frances died in 1884, and Henry married 2nd Evaline H. Marshall (b.1863) in 1890, and had children: Miriam (1891) and Ruth (1895).

     Images of Bennett's family members may be found among H. H. Bennett's stereoviews, as he often posed them as models in the view.  H. H. Bennett's brother, Albert (b.1850), and his family stayed in the Kilbourn City area, so he, his wife Alma (b.1854), and their children, Mabel (b.1879) and Alice (b.1881) may also appear in Bennett images as incidental or posed models.

     Most of the family photos below were purchased mainly from the estate of Barbara Virginia Wright, photos from which were sold on eBay in 2009, daughter of Harold V. Wright and Ella Bennett, who was a daughter of Arthur Morse Bennett, a brother of H. H. Bennett.  A few family photos were unidentified when purchased, and were necessarily verified to the extent possible by comparison to known photos of the individuals photographed.

     Until the 1990's, H.H. Bennett's descendants sold mint-condition old stock stereoviews.  They have since donated his effects, including his homemade stereo cameras and other hardware, to the Wisconsin Historical Society, and they are now on view in the H.H. Bennett Studio museum, in the same building and rooms where Bennett worked on Main Street in Wisconsin Dells, WI (formerly Kilbourn City).  It is worth the trip to see the rarity of an intact period photographic studio and equipment pretty much as Bennett left it.  The Dells, which were the subject of many of his photographs, are only a few steps away from the studio.

 

B476
The image is 4½x9½; the mount is 5x10", with beveled gilt edges. The photo is of H.H. Bennett himself, taken on the occasion of his 2nd marriage, 25 Mar 1890. Image B477 is a matching portrait of his wife. See: Pioneer Photographer : Wisconsin's H. H. Bennett; Sara Rath, 1979, p. 71.
B477 H.H. Bennett's second wife, Evaline Marshall, taken on the occasion of their marriage, 25 Mar 1890. Image B476 is a matching portrait of the groom. See: Pioneer Photographer : Wisconsin's H. H. Bennett; Sara Rath, 1979, p. 70.
B478 This is a cabinet card, but the bottom of the card has been cut off. The images is of Evaline (Marshall) Bennett, H.H. Bennett's 2nd wife (or perhaps it may have been taken just before their marriage in 1890; see also Image B477).
  Another cabinet card (purchased on eBay) that appears to be H.H. Bennett's second wife, Evaline (Marshall) Bennett.  She matches the above cards B477 and B478 in facial features such as pupil to pupil distance, size and shape of nose and lips, slight cleft chin, eyebrow shape and size, hair style, and not the least: shape of ear.  The gold edge of the card is purported to be a feature from 1885 and earlier.  I suspect that this photo is from around 1890, though, the year in which they were married.
B535 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. 8.5x11.75 silver print of Bennett and family.  "Family gathering of the family of H.H. Bennett". This seems to be c.1884, just before Frankie, his first wife, died. Ashley is up top, then, from left to right: Frankie Douty Bennett, H.H. Bennett, youngest daughter Nellie, then older Hattie, George H. Bennett (H.H.'s father), Harriet Houghton Bennett (H.H.'s mother), and lastly, probably one of H.H.'s brothers, possibly Albert.  Taken on the same outing as Image B538.
B536 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. This is a 2.6x3.75" tintype of a woman tentatively identified as Francis Irene Douty, H.H. Bennett's first wife.  She died in 1884.
B537 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. This is a 2.6x3.75" tintype identified as two Bennett brothers.  Which brothers is a question.
B538 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. 4.5x6.5 silver print of Bennett and family. "Family gathering of the family of H.H. Bennett". This seems to be c.1884, on the same outing as Image B535, with the same people.
B539 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. A cabinet card on gray, gilt-edged mount. Thought by seller to be Albert Bennett.  And Albert Bennett had two daughters born 1880 and 1882, which would make this about 1886, which is consistent with the mount.  On the other hand, daughters should have long hair, and these, therefore, appear to be sons.  In this age, it was not uncommon for boys to wear dresses as children.
B540 Postcard-size gelatin print. The "P.W.B." mentioned in the caption is probably a Bennett, maybe "Pud" Bennett, shown in Image B541. It is a snapshot, and the photographer moved the camera, so it is blurred.  Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett.
B541 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.  A CDV; hand written on front: "Pud Arthur Morse Bennett"; on back: "Arthur Bennett My Father". Barbara Wright was the great niece of H.H. Bennett. Arthur's daughter, Ella, married Harold V. Wright; their daughter was Barbara. Arthur was born 1862 so this is c.1865. Must be just after the war since there is no tax stamp, but then it wasn't sold, so maybe needed no tax stamp.
B542 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   A CDV having the same back stamp as Image B541, so is probably the same time. The seller thought it was H.H. Bennett's sister, Sarah. Sarah was born in 1847 so would have been 18 in 1865, which is about how old the girl in the photo is, so the identification is probably right.
B543 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   Cabinet Card.  Because of CDV purchased at the same time (Image B547) which is marked with the identities of two sisters, this can be identified as Harriet E. Bennett, H.H. Bennett's youngest sister.  Harriet was born in 1865, and appears to be about 18 years old, making the photograph c.1883.
B544 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   Cabinet Card.  This is marked on the back in fountain pen "Emma Dubach, Daughter of Col. Albert Bennett" Albert was a brother of George H. Bennett, so Emma would be H.H. Bennett's first cousin. She was born in 1828, so the age of the woman is correct.
B545 A CDV, purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   This is a match in mount and subject to Image B547; this CDV is marked "Sarah McVey, H. E. Bennett". Sarah Bennett was born 1847 and married James McVey. Harriet E. Bennett was born 1865 and died in 1916. They are sisters of H.H. Bennett.  Harriet appears to be about 15 years old, so the photo is c.1880.
B546 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   CDV.  This appears to be H.H. Bennett's sister, Sarah (Bennett) McVey. The McVeys lived in Centralia, Wood Co., WI in 1880 (Wood is two counties above Kilbourn City), so she is about the only family member of that age in the vicinity. This has Bennett's back stamp.
B547 Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   CDV.  This is a match in mount and subject to Image B545. This one is marked on the back "Sarah McVey, H. E. Bennett". Sarah Bennett was born 1847 and married James McVey. Harriet E. Bennett was born 1865. They are sisters of H.H. Bennett.  The subjects appear to be the same age as they are in Image B545, so this CDV is c.1880.
B548
B549
Purchased from the estate of Barbara Wright.   Left: A CDV, having Bennett's back stamp, and the back is also marked in pencil "Vicky McVey". Victoria McVey was born 1874 and is the daughter of Sarah, H.H. Bennett's sister.  Right: A CDV also having Bennett's back stamp, and the back is also marked in pencil "Sarah McVey Jr.". Sarah McVey was born 1876 and is the daughter of Sarah, H.H. Bennett's sister.  The two mounts are identical - the photos were likely taken and printed at the same sitting.  The child at the right appears to be about 4 years old, so the CDVs are c.1880.
B600 The mount is embossed: "Potter's Patent March 7, 1865. Handwritten in pencil on back "Henry H. Bennett" in old-style fancy scrip.  This image was purchased on eBay, so the identification must be verified.  Comparing the image to known images of Bennett, it does appear to be him, as he has the same features, including hairline, right eyebrow higher than left, same hairstyle and moustache, about the same eye spacing and nose length, face shape and cheekbones.  Bennett was born in 1843, and appears to be about 30 years old, so the image is c.1873.
B644
This image was bought on eBay without provenance.  It appears to be Ashley Bennett, b.1869, son of H.H. Bennett; from comparison to other known photographs of Ashley.  Comparison takes into account the distances between the eyes, the distance from eyes to the mouth, the length and width of the nose, the distance from the mouth to the end of the chin, the shape of the ears, and the configuration of the folds of the ear canals.  He appears to be about 17 years old, so the image is c.1886.  Below is a comparison of three images thought to be Ashley.  The middle one is confirmed to be Ashley.
     

 

Stereoviews:

Bennett's earliest stereoviews (~1870) are 3¼x6¾", square-cornered and burnished yellow-gold on both sides.  After a short time, he switched to mounts that are 3⅜x7", round-cornered and burnished yellow-gold on both sides; some of these have printed backs that advertise Bennett's business in Kilbourn City, and specifically his Dells and Devil's Lake stereoview series.   By about 1880, he started producing oversized (4¼x7") stereocards, which have serial numbers of 1000 or greater.  Some of these are reprinted from the same negatives as the smaller stereocards, some are new negatives taken from the same vantage points as were the smaller stereocards, and some are unique to the large sized series.

The images below are first displayed at approximately life size so that they may be directly viewed in stereo, provided your eyes are as far apart as mine and you are trained in viewing stereoviews directly.  Enlargements of people or details are also sometimes provided.

 

Serial No.   Notes
1 This same negative is used in Serial No. 1000.
2
 
No. 2-version 1:  no boats or people.
2 No. 2-version 2:  two boats and two men, one of which looks like a pirate.
3 This same negative is used in Serial No. 1001.
4 This same negative is used in Serial No. 1002.
5

Two different parts of Taylor's glen.
6  
7  
8 This is on a Bennett mount with a title and serial number, but the Series has been crossed out for this Scottish subject.
9
This card  is not marked with either a serial number or a title.  It is printed from the same negatives as H.H. Bennett Card No. 9 "After business hours moonlight", a photograph probably showing the streets of Kilbourn City.

 

On this card, the "Miscellaneous Views" series identification is on the left; on the card below, it is on the right.

 

The back of the card is burnished yellow as is the front, and has an advertisement for Bennett's two most popular series, the Dells and Devil's Lake.

9  
10 An unusual white border surrounds these images.
11    
12
 
12 A 4¼x7" version (Serial No. 1089) was produced of Chimney Rock; the large image is not identical to either of the smaller versions.
12 This photo has two girls instead of one boy at the base.  Also, it appears that a tree has fallen between the earlier and later No. 12s.
13 An early version of No. 13 in the series "A Trip Through the Dells of the Wisconsin River", apparently before Bennett started to use the secondary series title "In and About the Dells of the Wisconsin River".
13 A slightly later version of No. 13 than that above, having the two tiered series titles "Wanderings among the Wonders and Beauties of Wisconsin Scenery" and "In and About the Dells of the Wisconsin River".
14
 
15
 
16  
17

There are two images having the Serial No. 17.  The top one is a photo of a cliff face at Devil's Lake - the same image, in fact, used for Serial No. 19.  The bottom image is the relatively famous image of the Dell Queen barely making it through The Narrows of the Dells.
18
It appears that Bennett was dissatisfied with the contrast of the earlier photo, and re-shot the landmark. 

Serial No. 1202 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 18.

19 This image was also used for Serial No. 17.
20





Versions of Serial No. 20:

 

Version 1: c.1875 card, 3⅜x6⅞"; same pose and taken from virtually the same angle as Version 2, but taken from further away.  Version 1 has, on its back, a printed advertisement tourism at Devil's Lake and the Dells of the Wisconsin.

 

Version 2: c. 1870's card; same angle, but taken closer to the ledge.

 

Version 3: c.1880; same angle, lounging person.

 

Version 4: c.1890s; same angle, lounging person, but also second person standing; not sepia toned.

21
 
22
There are two completely different Serial No. 22s.  Serial No. 1130 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 22.
23  
24
25
26
27
28
29
29
30

Same rock taken on different days or years
          - top: with standing man, 1870 - right border title indicates year
          -middle: with seated man, c. 1870's -
          -bottom: same image with seated man, but 1890's style card
31 Early, c.1870's, card of Deadfall on Harley's Cliff.
31 By the 1890's, when this card was produced, the No. 31 had been appropriated for the Among the Winnebago Indians series, showing Big Bear in Diamond Grotto.
32
33
34
35 Serial No. 1314 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 35.
36
Bennett's portable dark tent is set up on a tripod below the tallest rock.  Serial No. 1300 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 36, complete with the portable darkroom tent.

 

Images of Bennett's portable dark tent for making and developing wet plates: 

     -Serial No. 111 and Serial No. 135: the dark tent disassembled and being transported by rowboat;

     -Serial No. 36 and Serial No. 1300 (same negative normal sized card and oversized card): portable dark tent set up on a tripod;

     -Serial No. 90: portable dark tent being transported via its wagon wheels.

37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Ashley Bennett (b.1869), and a girl sitting on the beach who appears to be taller and therefore older, namely his sister Hattie (b.1867).  See also Serial No. 79.
45 Serial No. 1206 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 45.
46
47
48
49  
50  
51  
52  
53 Serial No. 1209 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 53.
54 Serial No. 1210 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 54.
55  
56  
57  
57 A later card design; the negative is the same as was used on the above earlier version.
58 Serial No. 1213 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 58.
59  
60 Serial No. 1214 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 60.
61 Serial No. 1215 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 61.
62
Serial No. 1216 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 62.
63 A great image, from the people playing croquet in the courtyard to the woman sitting with a baby in her lap.
64  
65  
66  
67 Early No. 67 of Cliff House.  No. 67 was later used for an image of a dam, below.
67 Late-style card having borders around the captions on the left and right.  This is a different image than was used earlier for No. 67.
68 Serial No. 1217 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which was taken from the same location but is not identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 68.
69  
70    
71  
72  
73  
74  
75    
76

 
77  
78  
79

The top card carries no serial number, but is the otherwise identical to Image No. 79.
80  
81  
82  
83
An early, square-cornered, 3¼x6¾" card from around 1870.  A list of stereoviews from the series is on the back.
83
The second image of at least two images of Stand Rock from the east.  Since it is not a square-cornered card, it is probably later than the image above; since it also has a yellow-colored back, it must not be much later.
84
 
85
The two Serial No. 85s were cropped differently in production.  Serial No. 1051 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 85.
86

86-version 1: An early (c.1860's), square-cornered, 3¼x6¾" card from around 1870. 

Its series title is "A Trip Through the Dells of the Wisconsin".   This series title is much rarer than the one having the word River after Wisconsin, as in 86-version 3.

 

 

 

 

 

A list of stereo views from the series is on the back.

 

 

 

 

 

The image features two men to the right of Stand Rock, one standing and one crouching.

86 86-version 2:  printed from the same negative as was 86-version 1, but its corners are not square, so it is slightly later in chronology (c.1870's). 

Its series title is one vary rarely seen: "Rocky Banks of the Wisconsin and Other Views in Great Variety".

86
86-version 3:  another early (c.1870's) card, judging from the font used for its series title and photographer identification.

This was printed from a different negative as 86-1 and 86-2, but it features the same men in their same clothes as 86-1 and 86-2.  This image was therefore taken during the same outing as the image used in 86-1 and 86-2.  The shadows indicate that the two negatives were taken no more than minutes apart.
86 
 
86-version 4:  a later card (c.1890's - 1900's) having borders on its ends.  This lighter yellow card may be earlier than the more typical golden-colored cards.

This version features three young men and a dog on Stand Rock itself, one standing, one kneeling and one lounging.
86
86-version 5:  This last version features fellow photographer William H. Metcalf (with long white beard) lounging between the two other men.  In 1877, Metcalf photographed the Japan series that Bennett produced (for example, see No. 327).
87

 
88 Serial No. 88: Two men, one standing on top, the other standing below.

Note that the series title: "A Trip Through the Dells of the Wisconsin" does not have the usual "River" at the end of it.  Also, the series title is on the left side, instead of the right, as on the two other No. 88 cards below.

88 Serial No. 88: Two men, one standing.
88 Serial No. 88: One man and one woman, both seated.
89    
90
Pushing Bennett's portable dark tent.

 

Images of Bennett's portable dark tent for making and developing wet plates: 

     -Serial No. 111 and Serial No. 135: the dark tent disassembled and being transported by rowboat;

     -Serial No. 36 and Serial No. 1300 (same negative normal sized card and oversized card): portable dark tent set up on a tripod;

     -Serial No. 90: portable dark tent being transported via its wagon wheels.

 

91  
92 Serial No. 1138 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 92.
93 An early, 3¼x6¾" card.
93
 
94




There are at least three versions of Serial No. 94:

 

 

Version 1: Ice scenes in Rood's Glen; early card, c.1870, 3¼x6¾", square corners; the back of the card contains an early catalogue of Bennett's Dells stereoviews.

 

 

Versions 2 and 3: Halfway up Romance Cliff; taken from the exact same location, but different images - the top image contains two figures halfway up, whereas the bottom image contains no figures.

95  
96  
97

Ashley Bennett jumps to Stand Rock.
98



The top Serial No. 98 is a completely different subject than the bottom Serial No. 98.  The top girls appear to Harriet and Sarah Bennett, Henry's sisters.  Those same women are to be found in Image B545 in the family photos section, above, and in Serial No. 99, below.  Note that the series title states that these images were taken in 1870, whereas the "cowboy" Serial No. 98 was taken about 20 years later, as shown by the newer style card with decorative borders on both ends, as well as the subject being Ashley (b.1869).

 

In the bottom image, the "cowboy" is the ever-present Ashley (see Image B644 for a comparison of various Ashley images).

99

The girls in the top version of Serial No. 99 must surely be the same ones on the same outing as in Serial No. 98 (both 98 and 99 are of the "A Visit to Devil's Lake, Sauk County, Wisconsin in the Summer of 1870"), i.e., H.H. Bennett's sisters.
100 No. 100-1: probably the earliest version, the series title extolling Wisconsin scenery.
100 No. 100-2: taken from the same approximate spot as No. 100-1, but is a different negative that differs slightly from the earlier image.  The series title of this card specifies  that the view is on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway line, rather that just being in Wisconsin.
100 No. 100-3: late version having borders around its series title and photographer panels.  This was printed from the same negative as was No. 100-2.
101
Serial No. 1071 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 101.
102    
103    
104  
104  
104 A later re-shoot of #104 Steamboat Rock includes the sand bar and a canoe.
105  
106
An early card of image no. 106 having a yellow back with advertising.
106
Same image as on the early card.  In addition to the gold color on front and matte gray on back, these later cards have the fancy border around the series and photographer's identities on the ends; the shape of the photo cut-outs are also less rounded that earlier ones.
107    
108  
109 This same negative is used in Serial No. 1006.
110 Hand-colored.
111



Upper Serial No. 111: Early card, c.1870, 3¼x6¾" and having square corners.  The image shows Bennett's portable dark tent being transported by rowboat.  The large wagon-type wheels allow the tent to be transported over land.

Images of Bennett's portable dark tent for making and developing wet plates: 

     -Serial No. 111 and Serial No. 135: the dark tent disassembled and being transported by rowboat;

     -Serial No. 36 and Serial No. 1300 (same negative normal sized card and oversized card): portable dark tent set up on a tripod;

     -Serial No. 90: portable dark tent being transported via its wagon wheels.

 

 

Lower Serial No. 111:The boat is named "Hattie", the same name as of one of H.H. Bennett's sisters and also one of his daughters.  Since the photo was taken about 1875, the model is probably one of H.H.'s brothers.

112  
113
There are two different versions of Serial No. 113: the upper version of the woods, and the lower version shows the river.  Serial No. 1070 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format and photographed from the same location, but is not identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower version of Serial No. 113 Serial No. 1070 has a steamboat in the channel.
114
One of the earlier-appearing Serial No. 114s contains a stereo camera in the image, whereas the re-shoots do not.
114 An early, square-cornered, 3¼x6¾" card from around 1870.
114 An early, square-cornered, 3¼x6¾" card from around 1870.  The back is semi-gloss yellow.  It is shot from a lower position than the other 114s.
114 An early, square-cornered, 3¼x6¾" card from around 1870.
114 Yet another image, c.1890's, that has been given the number 114.
115  
115
 
116
The rear occupant appears to be paddling a canoe that is beached on the shore.
117

Serial No. 1072 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 117.  The Dell Queen appears to be empty except for one standing female and one sitting man - the sight-seers are probably hiking at this point in the tour.
118 Serial No. 1301 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 118.
119 Early version of No. 119 featuring Cold Water Canon.
119 A No. 119 of later vintage than the above 119, taken of a different subject.  The prints have been colored by hand.
120  
120  
121    
122

There are three distinct images having Serial No. 122 Serial No. 1133 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 122.
123    
124 This earlier mount, and presumably image, is different than the later image, below.  Both were designated No. 124, but the boat is in a different position, and one has driftwood on the beach.
124 This later-type mount, and presumably image, is different than the earlier image, above.  Both were designated No. 124, but the boat is in a different position, and one has driftwood on the beach.
125
126
127
128

129
130
131
131
132
133



     The top card No. 133 is an earlier design (probably 1870's); the cards having fancy borders at both ends are later.  The back of this early card is yellow enamel finish, just like the front.  It has a printed advertisement for: "The Dells of the Wisconsin and Devil's Lake", which would seem to lack the word River in its title.

     At first glance, the images from these two cards appear to be from the same negative, since the same wildflowers appear to be present in the foreground of each.  But notice the tiny stick on the top of the leftmost rock tower.  Upon magnification, this tiny image is shown to be a standing person, probably Ashley, H.H. Bennett's son.  It would seem that Bennett took more than one photograph at this site on the day, one of which documented Ashley's feat of climbing.

134
135


Upper Serial No. 135: Bennett's portable darkroom being transported by boat.  This is an early (c.1870) image; the man in the boat looks like H.H.'s brother, Albert, but it could be any of his brothers, since they all look similar.

Images of Bennett's portable dark tent for making and developing wet plates: 

     -Serial No. 111 and Serial No. 135: the dark tent disassembled and being transported by rowboat;

     -Serial No. 36 and Serial No. 1300 (same negative normal sized card and oversized card): portable dark tent set up on a tripod;

     -Serial No. 90: portable dark tent being transported via its wagon wheels.

 

 

Lower Serial No. 135: The young boy looks like a young Ashley Bennett, but is too much in the background for detailed comparison.

136
137
138
The standing woman appears to be much shorter than the seated one, that is, they could very well be H.H.'s sisters Hattie and Sarah (see Image B545).
139
140

141
141
142
There are at least two versions of this image, both printed with the same script font, so probably taken and printed at the same time. This one has a man and a child lying there.

This has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.

142
There are at least two versions of this image, both printed with the same script font, so probably taken and printed at the same time. This one has three men. 

The German-script-like font on the sides of the front is the same as is found on cards from the series marked: "A Visit to Devils Lake, Sauk County, Wisconsin, In the Autumn of 1870".   1870's cards like this one have a semi-gloss yellow just like the front, and a full ad for Bennett's Dells and Devil's Lake series.

143

Serial No. 143 has a version with people and another without people.  This negative of the version with people is also used for Serial No. 1007.  The man on the left may be Ashley, with the sideburns shown in B644 above.
144
145
Looks like three versions were taken on the same day.  Certainly, the man in the hat is in each image, wearing the same outfit.

This has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.

 

 

 

 

142

The lowest image has the same approximate pose as the second to lowest, but just slightly different (his left leg is up in one and down in the other.


This stereoview, published by Lovejoy & Foster of Chicago, shows H.H. Bennett and his camera, setting up the photos that would later be No. 145.  One wonders who took this photo, and were they part of a photographing party including Bennett, or whether they just coincidentally came upon Bennett.
146
147

Top: Bass Rocks, c.1870, 3¼x6¾", an early card, from the original 1869-1870 series shown on the back of card 94.  The model is one of H.H.'s brothers; since they all wore similar moustaches, it is probably not possible to say which brother.

 

Bottom: No. 147 used for Devil's Lake and Vicinity series.

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154
The most interesting part of this view is the tiny shack leaning towards the river.
155  
156 This has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.
156 This is the same image as the card immediately above, but it has the series title: Wanderings among the Wonders and Beauties of Wisconsin Scenery as well as the series title: In and about the Dells of the Wisconsin River.
157 Serial No. 1134 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 157.
158

The top Serial No. 158 shows likely the first incarnation of the "Dell Queen"; the top deck is as yet open to the sky.
159  
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161
 
162
 
163
Serial No. 1082 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 163.
164
The first version of No. 164 alludes to a trip in the spring of 1869.

1870's cards like this one have a semi-gloss yellow just like the front, and a full ad for Bennett's Dells and Devil's Lake series.

164
The second version of No. 164 alludes to a trim in the autumn of 1870, despite being made from the same negative as the spring 1869 card, above.

 

164 Serial No. 1220 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 164.
165  
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170 This card has an early design/script, and it has been printed light and coloring has been applied - the effect is excellent; usually colorized prints do not look this good.
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173 Devil's Lake was formed when the river that formerly cut this path through hard quartzite ridge changed its course.  Specifically, the lake area was abandoned by the river when the last continental glacier blocked its path about 14,000 years ago.  The glacier also deepened the valley through the ridge.  Moraines deposited by the glacier dammed the ends, creating a body of water, which is surrounded by 500 ft tall rock formations, creating a picturesque natural area.  Only about 12 miles from the Wisconsin Dells, tourists visiting one would generally also visit the other.  The Devil's Lake area is much less developed than the Dells (which is almost all privately held), and was made a state park, preserving its natural state.
173 A later card design; the images have been printed from the same negatives as were used in the early version above.
174

 
175
 
176
This is an early image, c.1870.  The full beard on the man on the left suggests Wm H. Metcalf, who had a full beard at this time.  The pirate character on the right is probably one of H.H.'s brothers.
177

 
178    
179  
180 An early image from this spot.  This card has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.
180 A later image - it has more shrubs on the shoreline in the center of the photograph.
181  
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185
Two relatively early cards using the same negative: the upper appears to be an albumin print and the lower a gelatin print. 

In addition, the series name on the upper card is "A Trip Through the Dells of the Wisconsin River", whereas the lower card has two series names: "Wanderings among the Wonders and Beauties of Wisconsin Scenery" (on the end) and "In and About the Dells of the Wisconsin" (above the card title).

By about 1900, the number 185 was taken for a completely different subject - Luncheon Hall.

185
A young girl and a younger boy, as in Serial No. 195, but wearing different clothing.  Both Serial No. 185 and Serial No. 195 are later-style types (c.1890).
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190
The length of exposure is indicated by the blur of the head of the hound.
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195
A young girl and a younger boy, similar to Serial No. 185; they are wearing different clothing than the children in No. 185.  Both Serial No. 185 and Serial No. 195 are later-style types (c.1890).
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204
The woman on the left could be Bennett's sister, Sarah (Bennett) McVey (see Family Image B545 or B546). The woman on the right could be Bennett's first wife, Frances Douty (see Family Image B536).  The mount is an early type, c.1870's, so is before Frances' death in 1884.
205
These two cards, an earlier design above (c.1870's) and a later design below, appear to contain images from the same negatives.
206 No. 206 card having the Black Hawk's Port Hole image on an early 1870's style mount.
206 No. 206 card having the Black Hawk's Port Hole image on an 1890's style mount.
206
 

Rather than Black Hawk's Port Hole in earlier No. 206 cards, this Down stream through the Lower Jaws No. 206 features two young children, probably both girls.  It is a gelatin print on an 1890's style mount.  The girls  appear to be too close in age to be H.H. Bennett's children Miriam (1891) and Ruth (1895).  Albert Bennett's girls, Mabel (1879) and Alice (1881) would be too old by the 1890's to have been the models.

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210
 
211 This image is taken from the same spot as Serial No. 1011, but it has a canoe in the image, whereas 1011 doesn't.
212 Serial No. 212 is a smaller format, but otherwise identical to Serial No. 1012.
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218  
219 There are two No. 219 images.  They both include the boulder, but one has a woman climbing to the right, while the other features a boat filled with sight-seers, possibly members of the extended Bennett family.
219
There are two No. 219 images.  They both include the boulder, but one has a woman climbing to the right, while the other features a boat filled with sight-seers, possibly members of the extended Bennett family.
220
Serial No. 1123 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format; it is almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 220.
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230 Serial No. 1302 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 230.
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236 This has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.
237
The boy appears to be the ever-present Ashley Bennett, and the mount style is early enough to have featured him as a young child.
237 A No. 237 card using the same image the above version of No. 237, and the same approximate vintage (assumed because of the same type face).  This one specifies that the view is on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, whereas the card above merely indicates Wisconsin.
238 The printing at each end of the card is reversed in these two examples of No. 238, but the images have been taken from slightly different viewpoints - and, in the lower one, someone has left a board with which to get to Stand Rock without the daring leap.  I am not really sure whether stepping on the board requires less or more daring than leaping.
238 The printing at each end of the card is reversed in these two examples of No. 238, but the images have been taken from slightly different viewpoints - and, in the lower one, someone has left a board with which to get to Stand Rock without the daring leap.  I am not really sure whether stepping on the board requires less or more daring than leaping.
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246
The man in this photo is identified as William H. Metcalf in the book Wisconsin's H. H. Bennett, Sara Rath, 1979.  Metcalf was a fellow photographer and associate of Bennett.  He took the photos in the "A Summer in Japan" series.
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260 The type of German script on the ends of this slide is thought to be from about the 1870's.
260 Serial No. 1016 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 260.
261  
262 Serial No. 1036 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 262.
263  
264
This is the same boy wearing the same hat with the brim pushed up as the boy in Serial No. 268.
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268

This is the same boy wearing the same hat with the brim pushed up as the boy in Serial No. 264 The style of the mounts for No.'s 264 and 268 is a later style, probably c.1880's and 1890's.  The boy looks like Ashley Bennett when compared to known Ashley photographs.  If this boy (who looks to be about 6-7 years old) is Ashley (b.1869), then these two cards were printed years after the negatives were exposed.

This same negative is used for the oversized version, Serial No. 1019.

269 Serial No. 1050 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 269.
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280
Same photograph on early and late card styles.
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300
An early version of No. 300.  A later version is completely different.
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327 The series "A Summer in Japan", was photographed by fellow photographer and friend William H. Metcalf. The stereoviews were marked: "Negative by W.H.M.", and "Published for Sale by H.H. Bennett, Kilbourn City, Wisconsin. The back is stamped in purple ink: "J. C. Iversen & Co.; 425 & 427 East Water Street; Milwaukee".
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366
Serial No. 1044 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 366.
367 Serial No. 1045 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 367.
368 Serial No. 1046 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 368.
369 Serial No. 1047 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 369.
370 Serial No. 1043 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 370.
371  
372 Serial No. 1048 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format and taken from about the same location, but does not appear to be identical to the corresponding normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 372.
373    
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375  
376 An early, square-cornered 3¼x6¾" card.  Both #376s are shots from miscellaneous areas, but are completely different subjects.
376 Both #376s are shots from miscellaneous areas, but are completely different subjects.
377    
378    
379  
380 This has the same script-type font as does B798, from a trip of 1870, so is assumed to have been printed about the same time.  Albumen print.
380 The same image as above, but a card design from perhaps 1890 or later.  It might be a silver gelatin print rather than the albumen print above.
381 Serial No. 1305 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 381.
382
The No. 382 image is found on a number of different card designs or configurations.  Apparently, it was reprinted a number of times.  This one, with advertising on back, appears to be the earliest.  Its right edge is printed: "Curiosities of Adams and Juneau Counties, Wisconsin".
382 This card design has "Photographed and Published..." on the left and "Wandering among the Wonders..." squeezed into one line on the right.  The back is gray and unprinted.
382 This card design still retains German script printing, but has "Wandering among the Wonders..." taking two lines on the left and "Photographed and Published by..." on the right.  The back is gray and unprinted.
382
Yet another card printing variation.
382 This is the last, c.1900, style card design with both "Photographed and Published by..." and "Wandering among the Wonders..." surrounded by a fancy border.  The back is gray and unprinted.
383  
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386    
387
Serial No. 1021 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 387.
388  
388 This photo appears to be the same photo as the one on the earlier 388 card, above, but has been cropped differently.
389
 
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402
Serial No. 1307 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 402.
403 Serial No. 403 shows a raft in the distance; Serial No. 404 shows the same view except the raft is now closer to the photographer.
404

Serial No. 403 shows a raft in the distance; Serial No. 404 shows the same view except the raft is now closer to the photographer.
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414
Two early card types.
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418  
419 Serial No. 1309 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 419.
420    
421 Serial No. 1310 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 421.
422 No. 422 has at least two versions of card c.1870.  The font is different in addition to the reversal of right and left titles.
422  
422

This later version of No. 422 appears to be made from the same negative, but printed much darker than the earlier 1870's versions above.

 

Serial No. 1311 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 422.

423  
424 Serial No. 1312 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 424.
425
426 Serial No. 1313 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 426.
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434 Serial No. 1024 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 434.
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440


441 Serial No. 1027 is photographed from the same vantage point as Serial No. 441, but is not identical.
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444
Serial No. 1039 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 444.
445 Serial No. 1030 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 445.
446
447
448 Serial No. 1018 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 448.
449  
449  
450 Serial No. 1031 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 450.
451  
452  
453 Serial No. 1034 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 453.
454  
455 Serial No. 1017 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 455.
456  
457 Serial No. 1037 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 457.
458    
459 Serial No. 1029 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 459.
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483 Serial No. 1056 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 483.
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494 This No. 494 has nothing whatsoever to do with the later, duck-shooting No. 494, below.
494
The duck is a drawn artifact.  The same drawing was used for a duck shot with an arrow in Serial No. 498.
495    
496  
497 Serial No. 1505 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 497.
498
The duck is a drawn artifact.  The same drawing was used for a duck shot with a gun in Serial No. 494.
499  
500 Serial No. 1508 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 500.
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826     J.C. Iverson & Co. was one of the outlets that sold Bennett stereo cards of Milwaukee - see the printing on the left side of this card.
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1000 Stereoviews above No. 1000 are oversized, 4¼x7; a large view often has a corresponding normal-sized view made from the same negative.  In this case, Serial No. 1000 is printed from the same negative as is Serial No. 1.
1001 This same negative is used in Serial No. 3.
1002 This same negative is used in Serial No. 4.
1003  
1004


This top No. 1004 appears to be Bennett's 2nd wife, Evaline (standing on right), and Bennett's three eldest children (by 1st wife Frances) on top of Stand Rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bottom No. 1004 appears to be two Bennett brothers; the standing one is leaning on a shotgun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1005    
1006
Another example of an earlier albumen print on yellow mount (~1885-1890), and a later gelatine print on a gold mount (later than ~1890).

 

This same negative is used in Serial No. 109.

1007
This same negative is used in Serial No. 143.
1008  
1009  
1010    
1011

This image is taken from the same spot as Serial No. 211, but 211 has a canoe in the image, whereas Serial No. 1011 doesn't.

1012 Serial No. 1012 is a larger format, but otherwise identical to Serial No. 212.
1013  
1014  
1015  
1016 Serial No. 1016 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 260.
1017 Serial No. 1017 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 455.
1018
Serial No. 1018 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 448.
1019
This is a large-size print from the same negative as Serial No. 268. The photo shows a ~6 yr-old Ashley C. Bennett lounging on a rock that resembles Stand Rock, but has an easier access.
1020    
1021 Serial No. 1021 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 387.
1022  
1023  
1024 Serial No. 1024 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 434.
1025
1026
1027 Serial No. 1027 is photographed from the same vantage point as Serial No. 441, but is not identical.
1028
1029 Serial No. 1029 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 459.
1030 Serial No. 1030 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 445.
1031 Serial No. 1031 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 450.
1032
1033
1034
Serial No. 1034 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 453.
1035
1036 Serial No. 1036 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 262.
1037 Serial No. 1037 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 457.
1038
1039 Serial No. 1039 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 444.
1040
Another example of an earlier albumen print on yellow mount (~1885-1890), and a later gelatine print on a gold mount (later than ~1890).
1041
The serial number and title are not printed on the upper card; but it is identical to the card below it, which is Serial No. 1041.
1042
1043 This No 1043 yellow front card is probably earlier than the gold-front card below.
1043 Serial No. 1043 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 370.
1044 Serial No. 1044 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 366.
1045 Serial No. 1045 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 367.
1046 Serial No. 1046 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 368.
1047
Another example of an earlier albumen print on yellow mount (~1885-1890), and a later gelatine print on a gold mount (later than ~1890).

 

Serial No. 1047 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 369.

1048 Serial No. 1048 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format and taken from about the same location, but does not appear to be identical to the corresponding normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 372.
1049  
1049  
1050 Serial No. 1050 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 269.
1051 Serial No. 1051 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 85.
1052  
1053  
1054  
1055  
1056 Serial No. 1056 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 483.
1057
 
1058    
1059    
1060    
1061    
1062    
1063    
1064
These identical images were printed on a different type of paper, and mounted on a different stock of card.  The top image (assumed to have been earlier) appears to have been printed on albumen paper, whereas the bottom is printed on gelatin paper.  The yellow mounts may have been 1885-1890; the gold card mounts may have been c.1890 and later.
1065  
1066  
1067
 
1068    
1069    
1070 Serial No. 1070 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format and photographed from the same location, but is not identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 113 Serial No. 1070 has a steamboat in the channel.
1071
Serial No. 1071 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 101.
1072
Serial No. 1072 was made in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 117.
1073  
1074  
1075
 
1076  
1077  
1078  
1079  
1080
 
1081  
1082 Serial No. 1082 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 163.
1083  
1084  
1085  
1086
 
1087    
1088    
1089 Serial No. 1089 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format; it is almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 12s, in that it has no children for scale.
1090  
1091  
1092
 
1093  
1094    
1095    
1096  
1097  
1098


The upper Serial No. 1098 shows the Alexander Mitchell steaming on the river.

 

The lower card is not marked as a Bennett one, but its mount size, mount color, and photograph size and top profile are identical to Bennett stereoviews.  It is included here since it was taken in the same approximate location as No. 1098.  The very tall-appearing woman at the far left appears to be Bennett's sister, Hattie (unmarried; see Family Photos Image B545).  The other woman is probably Alma (Litchfield) Bennett, the wife of Albert Bennett (see Family Photos Image B539), and the other occupants of the boat are Albert Bennett, H.H.'s brother, and his two small daughters.  If these are the Albert Bennett girls, the photo was taken about 1886, as the youngest was born in 1882.

1099  
1100  
1101    
1102  
1103    
1104    
1105  
1106  
1107    
1108  
1109 Ashley Bennett jumping the approximately six feet over to Stand Rock - captured in mid-jump by an instantaneous shutter of Henry's design.
1110
 
1111
 
1112    
1113  
1114    
1115  
1116    
1117    
1118    
1119    
1120    
1121  
1122  
1123 Serial No. 1123 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format; it is almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 220.
1124
1125
1126
1127
1128
1129
1130 Serial No. 1130 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 22.
1131
1132
1133 Serial No. 1133 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 122.
1134 Serial No. 1134 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 157.
1135
1136
1137
1138 Serial No. 1138 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 92.
1139
1140
1141
1142
1143
1144
1145
1146
1147
1148
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1193    
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1195    
1196    
1197    
1198    
1199    
1200    
1201  
1202 Serial No. 1202 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") lower Serial No. 18.
1203  
1204    
1205    
1206 Serial No. 1206 was produced in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 45.
1207    
1208    
1209 Serial No. 1209 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 53.
1210 Serial No. 1210 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 54.
1211    
1212    
1213 Serial No. 1213 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 58.
1214 Serial No. 1214 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 60.
1215 Serial No. 1215 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 61.
1216 Serial No. 1216 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 62.
1217 Serial No. 1217 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which was taken from the same location but is not identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 68.
1218  
1219  
1220 Serial No. 1220 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 164.
1221  
1222    
1300
Serial No. 1300 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, which is identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 36, complete with Bennett's portable darkroom tent on a tripod at the base of the cliff.

 

Images of Bennett's portable dark tent for making and developing wet plates: 

     -Serial No. 111 and Serial No. 135: the dark tent disassembled and being transported by rowboat;

     -Serial No. 36 and Serial No. 1300 (same negative normal sized card and oversized card): portable dark tent set up on a tripod;

     -Serial No. 90: portable dark tent being transported via its wagon wheels.

 

1301 Serial No. 1301 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 118.
1302 Serial No. 1302 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 230.
1303  
1304  
1305 Serial No. 1305 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 381.
1306    
1307 Serial No. 1307 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 402.
1308  
1309 Serial No. 1309 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 419.
1310 Serial No. 1310 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 421.
1311 Serial No. 1311 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 422.
1312 Serial No. 1312 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 424.
1313 Serial No. 1313 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 426.
1314
Serial No. 1314 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise almost but not quite identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 35.
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1438
1439
1440
1441
1442
1443
1444
1445
1446
1437
1500  
1501

Two versions of the same photo, same number, but different series titles.
1502    
1503    
1504  
1505 The card is probably Serial No. 1505 mis-marked as Serial No. 1504; alternatively, it could be a second version of Serial No. 1504.

Serial No. 1505 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 497.

1506    
1507  
1508 Serial No. 1508 was printed in an oversized (4¼x7") format, but is otherwise identical to the normal sized (3⅜x7") Serial No. 500.
1509
 
1510  
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1564

 
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1632    
1633      Information is scarce on the Wisconsin Building, so it probably no longer exists.
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Non-stereographic images:

B465 Part of Bennett's business came from taking a photograph of each boatload of tourists, and selling the prints. This is a cabinet card of The New Dell Queen, the largest of the steam boats working the Dells.
B466 A cabinet card of the (old) Dell Queen and passengers; Bennett stamp on back.
B467 The steamer Eolah, the smaller of the steamers working the Dells, and passengers; the image is 4.25x7.25; Bennett stamp on back.
B468 "The New Dell Queen".
B469 The title, "Dell Queen at Kilbourn City June 14, 1897 By H.H. Bennett", is written on photo in pencil; mounted thin, wavy board; the image is 4x7¼.
B472 This is the steamer "Apollo No. 1", another steamer like the "Dell Queen" or "New Dell Queen", working the Dells; Bennett imprint lower left of the mount; image size: 4½x6¼.
B473 The (old) Dell Queen; written on back in script: "Aug. '87 Dells".
B474 The title is written on the front: "Dells of the Wisconsin River Stand Rock"; image size: 4¼x7¼"; the mount: 5¼x8½"; Bennett imprint at lower left.
B475 Image size: 4¼x7¼"; the mount: 5¼x8½" - the same size and gilt rim as B474, and purchased together, but no title on this one of the steamer Dell Queen and passengers.
B480 The "Dell Queen" excursion boat. Imprint on back: "H.H. Bennett, Photographic Views Picturesque Wisconsin, Kilbourn City, WI"
B484 "The New Dell Queen" excursion boat. [On reverse, written in script:" Isabell & Henry Schmitz", and two vertical marks at the left front identify which as passengers they are.
B508 An unknown family; attributed to Bennett Studios, but it is not marked.  No Bennett family members appear to be present.
B512 Stamped on the back: "H. H. Bennett, photographs & views of Picturesque Wisconsin, Dells of the Wisconsin River, Kilbourn City, Wis."
B550 Two photos, Image B550 and Image B551, of the Eolah purchased at the same time, the passengers appear to be different - the photos are from different excursions.
B551 Two photos, Image B550 and Image B551, of the Eolah purchased at the same time, the passengers appear to be different - the photos are from different excursions.
B552 Two photos, Image B552 and Image B553, purchased from the same person; the dry-land group in Image B553 do not appear to be on the Eolah, so the photos may not be related; Bennett imprint on Image B553.
B553 Two photos, Image B552 and Image B553, purchased from the same person; the dry-land group in Image B553 do not appear to be on the Eolah, so the photos may not be related; Bennett imprint on Image B553.
B554 Wedding photo of an unknown couple.
B599 The New Dell Queen, c.1900.
B622 A CDV of William Kershaw.  Purchased at the same time as Image B623 from the same source. The back has inscribed: "Will Kershaw 1/2 Indian (Cherokee) Lawyer in Milwaukee Brother of Saybil, Don's sweetheart" This written in ink, except for the word Cherokee in pencil, which is incorrect, because his mother was actually Menominee.
The card has been trimmed top and bottom. This probably is not a Bennett card, but it was purchased with one (Image B623), so is shown here.
B623 Another CDV of William Kershaw, purchased along with the CDV Image B622, this one taken by H.H. Bennett; Bennett stamp on back; flower printed violet color back.
B633 The card is 5¼x8½"; a stamp on the back reads " H.H. Bennett / Photographic Views of / Picturesque Wisconsin / Dells of the Wisconsin River &c. / Kilbourn City, Wis." It is a cabinet card from the popular series: The Camera's Story of Raftman's Life on the Wisconsin".
B636 The "New Dell Queen" (front) and the "Alexander Mitchell" (back), both with passengers.
B648
Another cruise shot of the Dell Queen. The sign reads "The Frisco Line, Southwest". On the back is written: "Picture taken about 1887 at the Dells of Wisconsin River. From left to right, marked by cross in photo. In all white dress: Miss Myron B. Nute, Mr. Myron B. Nute, Pearl M. Eaton, William's aunt, Mrs. Frank M. Eaton, William's grandmother, Frank M. Eaton, sitting on railing, William's grandfather." [LSP: blue x's at the kick rail on 2nd story. The man to the far left, sitting on a piling is probably Ashley Bennett (see blow-up), from comparing photos known to be him.  See Image B644.]
B699 This is a CDV (2½x4") from an album.  The Pelton family and the Bennett family both lived in Reedsburg, Sauk Co., Wisconsin in 1850:

1860 census, Reedsburg, Sauk Co., WI, page 8/31, family #345: J. Pelton 59 MA farmer; Sarah 53 MA; John E. 17 NY farmer; Jason 11 NY.

1860 census, Reedsburg, Sauk Co., WI, page 24/31, family #474: George Bennett 49 Canada farmer; Harriet 40 VT; Henry 17 Canada; Edwd 15 VT; George 14 VT; Sarah 12 VT; Albert 10 VT; Chas 8 VT; Clarence 4 VT; John W. 3 VT; D.A. (m) 1 WI.

B728 Another image of the "Dell Queen"
B776 This photo is of the "Alexander Mitchell".  The man on top certainly is familiar with the boat, being allowed on top, and probably is the captain or other employee of the company that runs the boat.  It is not as hard to get there as it looks at first glance - there are stairs.
B806


     This contact print is 4⅝ x 6⅝", mounted on a thick card 7 x 9".  The image appears to be that of a lumber mill, in which two smoke stacks (for burning sawdust), and piles of logs can be seen.
B855 A 4x6" albumen print mounted on a printed 7x9" card; the title, "Dell Queen" is hand inked. 

The back of the card has been captioned by its purchaser in what looks like blue ballpoint pen: "Picture of a group going to the Dells. Ma & pa are on here with others from here."

B856 A 4¼x6¾" albumen print mounted to a 5¼x8½" card .

The back has been captioned by its purchaser in what looks like black ballpoint ink: "Wisc. Dells".

B869
"The Finch House" hotel in Kilbourn City.