Dodge, Orvil Ovando (Jacksonville, Roseburg, Empire City, Oakland, Myrtle Point)

Dodge, Orvil Ovando (1839-1914)
Chronology
1864 Jacksonville
1867 Roseburg
1870 Empire City (now Coos Bay)
1871 Oakland
1880 Myrtle Point
Directory Listings
1867 West Coast pg. 286 Roseburg “Dodge, Oroville (sic), photographer”
1880 Pacific Coast pg. 364: “Orvil Dodge, Myrtle Point”
Photographer’s Imprints
“ORVIL DODGE, PHOTOGRAPHER. California street, Jacksonville, Oregon.
‘As a memento or token of affection,
Nothing supersedes a portrait
It is a magic dispenser of pleasure
A consoler in hours of absence:
A representative, whose silent eloquence
Whispers spiritual thoughts of love and hope”
Above is a calling card, which was mailed by Dodge in 1862. The accompanying letter from Dodge, addressed to relatives of his in Jacksonville, was dated December 15, 1862.
Dodge was serving in the 1st Oregon Calvary until discharged for disability on 27 March 1863.
The dates indicate he had plans to engage in photography in Jacksonville after his military service was completed.
American Bibliographical Notes and More Addenda to Belknap’s Oregon Imprints, by George N. Belknap, reprinted from the Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society, Volume 86, Part 1, April 1876, Worcester, Massachusetts 1976. (courtesy Peter Palmquist)

News Items and Advertisements
1864: “Orvil Dodge’s Photograph gallery. Orvil Dodge would announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Jacksonville, for the purpose of taking pictures in all the improved art of Photography and would respectfully solicit a share of the public patronage. Rooms opposite P.J. Ryan’s New Brick. Jacksonville, December 23d, 1864.” Oregon Sentinel, (Jacksonville) 23 December 1864 – 3 June 1865.
1864: “New Photograph Rooms at Phoenix, Oregon, where artistic and Life-like Pictures are being taken, unsurpassed for beauty of outline and touch of finish and in the latest and most improved style of the art. Old pictures copied, improved, and rendered imperishable. Phoenix- Jan.30.’64 Orvil Dodge Feb6w8” Oregon Sentinel, (Jacksonville) 13 February 1864.
1865: “Mr. Orvil Dodge desires to day that he will close his Photograph Gallery one week from next Monday, as he leaves for F. Klamath at that time. Those desiring to get good pictures at reduced rates should avail themselves of this opportunity.” Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville), June 03, 1865, pg. 2, col. 2.
1865: “Not Gone Yet. — Orvil Dodge, who we announced some time since, was going to Fort Klamath, wishes us to state that he has postponed his visit for a few weeks., and is still prepared to render up ‘the human face divine’ at his rooms in this place.” Oregon sentinel. (Jacksonville, Or.) 1858-1888, June 24, 1865, pg. 2, col. 5.
1870: “(from masthead) … Agents for the Ensign… Empire City – Orvill Dodge…” Roseburg Ensign (Roseburg), 9 May 1868 – 19 November 1870. (previous issues not checked yet)
1871: “Orvil Dodge has opened a new photograph gallery in Oakland. He is said to be a No. 1 artist. Give him a call.” Roseburg Ensign (Roseburg), 20 May 1871, pg. 3, col. 1.
1871: “Oakland – Last Monday we visited Oakland. The weather was too intensely warm to prospect the town for items. The Justice’s court was in session, with a full docket. Our young friend Orville Dodge, is the only ‘attorney’ there, he pettifoggs befort the Justice with ability. Business there is lively” Roseburg Ensign (Roseburg), 10 June 1871, pg. 3, col. 2.
Bibliography
Dodge, Orvil: Pioneer History of Coos and Curry Counties, Salem 1898. Second edition published by Coos-Curry Pioneer and Historical Association, Bandon 1969. In this book Dodge chronicled the early days of the county. In the second edition is a biography of Dodge by Stephen Dow Beckham. Summary: Dodge was born 5 January 1839 in Gerard, Pennsylvania. He appears to gave become a photographer and druggist in Empire City (now Coos Bay) around 1863. By 1867 he was also in the general merchandise business. By 1869 he had sold out to become an attorney. He later became a newspaper publisher.