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This unsigned print appears on a 1923 calendar in my collection. The girl on the right is Virginia Waller Wicks (1913-2006). The original photo from which this print was made belongs to the Tonnesen collection of the Winneconne Historical Society, Winneconne Wisconsin. Examination of a high resolution scan made by Sumner Nelson reveals nothing to indicate that Tonnesen did anything other than photograph the two girls together. There are no seams or evidence of splicing two images together. And yet...take a look at the next image...
Sometimes, images originally photographed by Beatrice Tonnesen seem to have reappeared in other scenes. See Slideshow Album 12. The captions tell the stories. Rollover with the mouse to see the captions.
I have a photograph of a Catholic Nun, quite young, gazing upward. The Copyright is Tonneson Sisters, 1920. Can anyone tell me about this photo. Thank you.
Hello,
I’d really like to see this print, as I have never seen one dated as late as 1920 attributed to Tonnesen Sisters. Everything I’ve seen after about 1908 is simply signed or attributed to Beatrice Tonnesen or “Tonnesen.” Would you be willling to email it to us? Also, once I see it, I may be able to tell you more about it…possibly the identity of the model. Thanks,
Lois
I have had a black and white advertising print in what I believe is the original frame of a woman and a man (who looks like Mr. Pickwick) sitting at a table drinking Pickwick Rye.
The signature is Beatrice Tonnesen with Chicago under it.
Do you know when this was created, who the models are or any other information on this?
Thanks.
Lauerlei
Hello,
How interesting! I haven’t seen that one so I don’t have any information about it. If you can email it, we can take a look at it and write back to you. I’d love to see it!
Lois
I have a black and white picture of a lady looking upward and it is dated 1900 by Tonnesen Sisters and below that says Chicago Inter Ocean 1901. I am trying to find out something about the photograph and I also want to sell it. Gorgeous Picture of a very pretty lady. I am guessing it is not a nun as a black hood is over her head and she has very long black hair. I don’t know if it is a nun as the front is low cut with a gorgeous neckline showing. \nThanking you in advance for any reply.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing. I think your photo might be in Album 5 of our slideshow. Please take a look and tell me if you see her there. If not, I can’t tell you much without seeing it.
Lois
I have a black and white picture of two children–boy and girl–in choir robes holding what appears to be a hymnal. Below is written Chicao Inter Ocean 1901 and the copyright is dated 1900 by Tonnesen Sisters. I am interested in the history and value of this print.
Thanking you in advance.
Hi Charlene,
Sorry for the delayed response. Your question went into my spam box, and I just now found it! I’m not familiar with that particular print (I’m assuming it’s a print, not a photo.), but from the information, it appears to be one of the “Sunday supplement” prints that ran in newspapers during that time period. These were premiums to readers, who often removed them from the papers and framed and displayed them. The value would depend partly on the print’s condition and whether or not it is framed. From what I’ve observed, these prints, unframed, seem to be going for something under $35, unless there is something especially compelling or unusual in the subject matter. Thanks for writing.
Lois
I have a Hay Seed print dated 1899. It’s black and white except for the hay wich is a golden color. I’d like more information on this. Thank you
Hi Roger,\n\nThere is a photo ad for “Hayseed,” as well as comments and discussion, if you click on the “newspapers” section along the left side of the homepage and scroll down to the post titled “1902…” It’s interesting that your print has partial color. I’ve never seen it with golden hay, but would guess that the publisher made that decision. It was not uncommon for black and white prints to appear with portions in color. Thanks for writing.\nLois
Hello! I am taking a stab in the dark. I have a print of a sleeping little blond girl with a dog standing behind her … and somewhere in my searching .. I’m thinking it might be a Beatrice Tonnesen photo? It is signed A. Pope but I’m wondering if he colored it? I haven’t a clue if this is a Tonnesen photo or not, but the little girl looks like one of the “models” on this site. There is a number in the corner but don’t know if it has any thing to do with information. it is 2343. The dog is brown and white and looking to the left as you look at the picture and the little girl has a blue outfit on, white socks and black shoes with a strap .. and her head is to the right side of the picture. Like I said, I may be stabbing in the dark, but thought I’d try. Thank you!
Nancy L. Hansen
Hi Nancy,
Yes, that print came from a photograph by Tonnesen. To see both the print and the Tonnesen photo, go to our homepage and search on “Pope” at the bottom left. Then, scroll down to the post of 12/23/07, titled “Popular Boy and Dog Image Found in Tonnesen Archive.”
There are several posts about A. Pope there. We have been unable to identify A. Pope and it does not appear that he/she was the artist Alexander Pope.
Thanks for writing.
Lois