Applegate Photography Gallery Souvenir - 200 arrested For prostitution in 1892!

Description

Three Items
: one page letter, folded, approx. 10" x 8" (written one side; hair stains); Applegate Studio period cover (envelope), rough condition, approx. 6" x 3 1/4"; collection of Mrs. Ridgway's hair.
Applegate Photography Gallery Souvenir - A Sampling Of Mrs. Ridgway's Hair Sent For The Purpose Of
Hand Painting
The Negative To Match Her Hair Color In The Studio Envelope!
The letter transcription reads as follows:
Sykesville  May 22d, 1883
Mr. Applegate:
Dear Sir,
Enclosed find some of Mrs. Ridgway's hair.  Please do the very best with that picture.
Yours Resp.
DW Ridgway Jr.
On January 20, 1892, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported "Biggest Raid Known In Town", Applegate's Gallery raided by police.  More than 200 persons were taken into custody, Mr. Applegate among them!  The charges were labeled "operating a disorderly house" and "soliciting to commit an infamous crime."  Girls recognized as "dissolute characters" were forced to relocate to reformatory institutions (House of the Good Shepherd, Philadelphia Hospital, and some to county jail).
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My life's ambition was to establish an "American time-line museum" and to share history.  Forty plus years ago, I started a personal collection for that purpose and I have chosen Ebay to sell this museum collection, all 1,000 plus pieces!  If you too enjoy American history, click "see other Items" under seller name (confederateink) to follow new listings, even if you have no desire to purchase.  New listings will be added regularly and all items in this "virtual museum" are for sale!
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