need help identifying time frame - photo from Valparaiso
If anyone is knowledgeable about photographers in Valparaiso in the late 1800s and early 1900s, could you help me narrow down the time frame for this photo, posted with further explanation at http://afamilytapestry.blogspot.com/2011/09/sisters-cousins.htmlhttp://afamilytapestry.blogspot.com/2011/09/sisters-cousins.html ?
The photo is labeled "Imperial Art Studio, A. E. Hayes, Proprietor" and is marked "opp Central Hotel" in Valparaiso. I've looked through several city directories and can't find a "Central Hotel" nor a listing for the studio or proprietor, but perhaps I am not looking in the right time frame.
If anyone can pinpoint the years this photographer was in business at that location (wherever it is!), I would appreciate the help.
I got this photo from a family collection (William Tully family, based in Chicago). They had relatives with surnames RYAN, SULLIVAN, CLIFFORD, and possibly also SWANTON, living in Valparaiso. If anyone researching those lines can identify anyone in the photograph, I'd be ecstatic!!!
Thanks in advance for any help with this!