Daguerreotype of Harriet Lane. Full bust length view, facing right. Her hair is coiled and pinned back. She is wearing a dark jacket over a white blouse, with a white lace collar. Broach at her neck and long earrings are prominent. Gold matting around image. Image mounted inside of book-type case of black leather and red velvet inner lining. Two hook clasps.
This daguerreotype represents the earliest known image of Harriet Lane, niece of President James Buchanan. This likeness might have been photographed ca. 1845, Harriet Lane would have been about fifteen years old.
Photographs from MG-63, the Johnny Houck Collection. Houck was a local boxing historian and brother of noted local boxer Leo Houck. The Houcks grew up in Lancaster's Cabbage Hill neighborhood and were known as all-around athletes.
Paul B. Ryder. Note on the back: "This is part of the one with the Edwards - see Mabels' elbow? (Too hot to button my vest.) Kind of a mean eye, don't you think? P."
