The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (November 1897)

180 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. It is said that a nation’s prosperity depends | largely upon a cheap, rapid and safe mode of transportation. depends more largely upon a cheap, rapid and safe means of spreading knowledge among the masses. Does not the stereopticon do this ? But just as the locomotive requires a skilled hand at the throttle to obtain from it the safest and best results, so the stereopticon requires careful and skilful manipulation by one who is ‘an expert, who understands its principles and | capabilities. Such a man will produce results which will raise the stereopticon to a higher level and broaden its usefulness. T have only men of known ability in my employ. My apparatus is of the finest construction. No expense having been spared in the purchase of superior jets, dissolving keys, . lenses, etc. Much of my apparatus as well as methods of use are original with myself and have never failed to give perfect satisfaction. It is my ambition to make the name of HART synonymous with all that is best in the line of illustrating with the stereopticon. To Parsons. A really good stereopticon exhibition is one of the finest, most enjoyable entertainments that can be given. It will have a strong tendency to weaken the desire for low theatrical performances and increase taste for more healthful amusement, The mission of the stereopticon is great, and must come to the front. the door to its greater influence among your people? 1 can help you to place valuable, interesting and instructive information before your people. To give innocent entertainment to the youth of your church. To attract children to your Sunday school, by showing them beautiful pictures. . To rais2 money for church, Sunday school, or charitable work. I am prepared to do anything or everything in the line of illustrating with the stereopticon, in the most careful, prompt, and satisfactory manner, and at reasonable prices. If you desire I can furnish complete outfit, comprising choice of a large number of topics, Will you not open |; If you have any topie upon which you | yourself would like to lecture, and have no May it not be said that it | illustrations, I can obtain them for you, or if you have photographs of your own, I am | prepared to make from them lantern slides. If you contemplate any work in this line, I shall be pleased to correspond with you, and | give you any advice or information in my ' possession, whether you wish to employ me or not. Church Fairs. If your church intends to hold a fair during the coming fall or winter, I can help you to raise money. Ist. By the use of my stereopticon in one of the smaller rooms in which I can give a number of short exhibitions of beautiful pictures (it may be called an art gallery) to which a smail admission may be charged. 2nd. By the use of my phonograph with a select collection of records. I will work either of the above on a | percentage or at so much per evening. 3rd. I will make a photograph of your church and place a copy in your hands, from which orders may be received at the fair. A good margin of profit allowed on each one sold. Calcium lights furnished for tableaux, Christmas trees, etc. Stereopticons operated, lectures furnished. Lantern slides made. Only honest conscientious work done. If your church intends to have a fair or illustrated entertainment, and you look with favour upon any of the above plans, I shall be glad to hear from you.” From quite a small beginning, working solely by himself, this energetic gentleman has gradually worked his way to the front until he now controls several departments, at the head. of each is placed an experienced man, and in this manner business has extended from that of ; operator to what-might be termed a lecturer’s agency. Symptoms of the desirability of such an agency for lantern lecturers are not wanting in this country, and we heard a few days ago from a prominent Liverpool firm which deals in lanterns, that they had on one or two occasions . been asked by lecturers if they could place their . manner illustrated and described by various well-known speakers, stereopticon with operator, printed | show cards, circulars and tickets. If you have a lecture and illustrations of your own, I will furnish and operate the stereopticon. | names and lectures on a list with a view of booking engagements. A fine field can in the mentioned be opened out in this country by some energetic firm, who will supply operators and apparatus of the very best, and in fact take in hand the scientific lecturer, who as often as not cannot be termed a good business man.