Adv. CC/R.H. Carleton & Co SHOE Store/BOSTON MA/c1880s--of Mrs. Henry E. Hagan?

Description

Advertising cabinet card photograph (just under 4 ¼” by 6 ½”) of a woman, by Green of Boston, Massachusetts, with advertising for the R.H. Carleton & Co. shoe store in Boston, circa 1880s to 1890s. The portrait view shows a young woman posing for her likeness in a photographic studio. There’s advertising on the back in purple stamped ink that reads Presented to our Customers with our Compliments, Carleton’s Old Reliable Shoe Store, 196 Hanover Street, Boston. The name Carleton appears below the photograph on the front, also in purple stamped ink. Green’s photographic studio was located opposite the Bowdoin Square Theatre, so it’s possible this woman was a singer, actress or celebrity—not likely, judging by the plain look and clothes though. It’s also possible the woman was a customer and the store gave this as a premium—not likely, considering the expense. Robert H. Carleton (1806-1890) established his shoe store in 1873 but took Henry E. Hagan (1865-1937) as his partner in 1886. Hagan managed the store for him after that date. I think this photograph may show his wife, Mary Shields Hagan (1863-1932), who likely helped in the store. This is just a guess—she would have been in her mid to late twenties at the time. The Hagans grandson was Kevin Hagan White (1929-1912), long time mayor of Boston. The cabinet card is in good or better condition with only very light wear and soiling. The photograph exhibits good or better tonal range and shows good or better detail. An interesting Boston MA advertising image!