This grouping contains several CDVs and a first edition copy of Memories of John E. Owens, a fine collection of items pertaining to the life and legacy of John E. Owens (1823-1886). 

Owens was an English-American comedian who took to the stage at 18 years old and delivered a renowned theatrical career that he would sustain throughout his life. Channeling his talent into a multitude of characters and performances, his career in the arts would extend into purchasing the Baltimore Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts from P.T. Barnum and using his notable fortune to buy nearly 300 acres of farm near Baltimore City with the purpose of entertaining actors and managers upon it. His continued legacy of humorous anecdotes and tales is recorded in a memoir written by Owens's wife. Dedicated to the many memories brought forth by his friends and family, the book was written on the premise of preserving these tales. His likenesses, both in theatrical character and reality, are captured in excellent CDVs. 

1. Mrs. John E. Owens. Memories of John E. Owens. Baltimore, Maryland: John Murphy & Company, 1892. 8vo. Frontispiece with facsimile signature. Original blue cloth gilt. Illustrations and photographs throughout text. FIRST EDITION

2. Half-length albumen CDV studio portrait of Owens. New York: Fredrick’s & Co, [circa 1860]. Photographer’s imprint printed to mount verso. Period pencil identification to mount verso reads: “J-E-Owens.” Period pencil identification to mount recto. Modern pencil inscription to mount verso reads “33/ ‘Bacto Co’ Towson md / John E. Owens / Pro-Confederate / Top Actor- Comic.”

A seated profile view of John E. Owens, middle-aged and in a suit with pocket watch chain visible. Around the peak time of his acting career.

3. Half-length albumen CDV studio portrait of Owens. Boston, Massachusetts: Case & Getchell, 1862. Period pencil identification to mount verso. Modern pencil inscription to mount verso reads: “Actor 1824-86." Additional modern pencil inscription to mount verso reads: “‘Balto Co.-- Towson Ms’ John & Owens/ Pro Confederate/ Top Actor - Comic.” Period pencil identification to mount recto. 

A seated view of John E. Owens, middle-aged and in a suit with pocket watch chain visible. Around the peak time of his acting career.

    
4. Three (3) views of John Owens as “Solon Shingle”:

◊ John Owens full-length albumen CDV studio portrait. New York: J. Gurney & Son, n.d. Photographer’s imprint printed to mount verso. Pencil identification to mount verso. Pencil inscription to mount verso reads: “Why how do you do, Mr. Winslow?”

◊ "Why how do you do, Mr. Winslow?” full-length albumen CDV studio portrait. New York: J. Gurney & Son, n.d. Photographer’s imprint printed to mount verso. Pencil identification to mount verso. Publisher’s caption printed to mount recto reads: “Why how do you do, Mr. Winslow?” 

◊ John Owens as Solon Shingle full-length albumen CDV studio portrait mounted on 3 ¼ x 4 ½ inch cardstock. [New York: J Gurney & Son, n.d.] Publisher’s caption printed to mount recto reads: “John Owens as Solon Shingle.” Period pencil to recto “592.”

Full-length view of John Owens dressed as “Solon Shingle” in a striped vest and long coat and umbrella in hand. He peers over his spectacles with a hand rested upon his hip in a dismayed fashion. 

Solon Shingle, also known as “The people’s lawyer,” was the main character in a popular comedy and two-act play starring John Owens in 1864. It was instantly a hit, with a reported number of 42 performances held at the Adelphi Theatre in London, though some critics pointed its success more towards Owens than the piece itself. After citing his expert craft in humor, contemporary critics reported, “if he only keeps on until his reputation extends, and cooler nights set in, even 'Solon Shingle' will draw crowds to the Adelphi Theatre. The success of the actor was triumphant.”

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