[Oil Springs] 1899 Gem Type Photo W. Signed "Morning Choir" Trade Cards Pesha, Louis James ? (Photographer) ; H. A. Beaton - Choir Leader And Manager Business, Investing & Trading,Ephemera, Manuscripts, Maps & Music

An historical piece of Oil Springs Christmastime memorabilia, signed by H. A. Beaton on the verso of the second card to "Jos. Smith. / Co'p's of / H.A. Beaton" - as leader and manager of the Centenary Methodist Church's Oil Springs Morning Choir. Two embossed cards measuring 5.25 x 3 inches wide, joined together with a gold tassel, decorated in gilt and lettered in blue with the upper card having a Gem type photo of Hugh A. Beaton, the Morning Choir's manager. Lower card has a touch of oxidation to a few of the gilt leaves only, else very fine with the printers credit printed in blue ink near the top edge "Ohio Ptg. Co. New Phila. O". The photo itself is uncredited, however, between the years 1895-1901, Pesha owned a photo studio located in Oil Springs. An elaborate, and very decorative piece of 19th century self-promotion by the Choir manager Mr. Beaton, with the Rev. Edwin Holmes given credit as their Minister, at the bottom. All participating members, and their parts in the Choir, are given on the second card along with their motto "Duty First." Ask about our other available Oil Springs, Petrolia and Brigdon Ontario, Oil Town cards.