On this day (January 17) in the year 1847, the following appeared as an 
article in the "Saturday Courier" (Philadelphia; Vol.16  No.45):
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         THE "SKYLIGHT."
  We know not how it is with other operators, but people appear to be 
looking up in crowds at the "skylight" operations of the Messrs. 
Collins, whose Daguerreotype Establishment is directly opposite our 
windows, which gives us a good opportunity of seeing the throngs of 
beautiful ladies and gentlemen,--all are beautiful who wish their 
likenesses taken,--who daily attend their elegant and capacious saloons.  
We have no personal interest in directing our friends to this 
establishment in particular, for we have seen some equally splendid 
pictures from Langenheims, in the Exchange, Simons', Plumbe's, Root's, 
&c, in Chesnut street, as those of our neighbors; but the new skylight 
apparatus just completed by the Messrs. C., has certainly had the effect 
of making them very popular; sitters having to make arrangements some 
days ahead to obtain a picture.  For ourself, we have sat to several of 
these sun-painters, but owing doubtless to some defect in all the 
apparatus, we could never get a handsome likeness.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
and an advertisement:

DAGUERRIAN ROOMS, 116 CHESNUT STREET
Philadelphia, by T. B. Shew.--Portraits, $1,50 to $10,
perfect and colored.  Plates, cases, apparatus, chemicals, &c.
for sale at the lowest rates.  Instructions given on reasonable
terms.                                               Ap116m*

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Posted for your enjoyment.      Gary W. Ewer       
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01-17-97