Fading likeness in Exeter, NH
Our next image from the Liberty Bell album shows a mustachioed man with trimmed lapels and a vest, whose photograph is unfortunately faded around the head. While he is disappearing into the background of his photograph, he likely was not a wallflower in real life. His eyes bespeak a man of intensity.
His chosen photographer was Folsom & Carlisle at 94 Water Street, Exeter, New Hampshire. The studio is known to have operated in the 1890s. However, further searching for the principals is compounded by the famous immigrant to the town, Nathaniel Folsom and his extensive progeny. There is also the Folsom Tavern, which was in operation in approximately 1775 and hosted President George Washington in 1783 and 1789. There are also numerous Carlisles, but I cannot find one reference to a photographer with either surname.
Who Were They? 
The 1897 City Directory for Exeter, NH lists Charles A. Carlisle – photographer, Water h c. Oak and Salem and it lists George W. Folsom – photographer 84 water, h. do. (home with daughter?)
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Fabulous!
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The gentleman looks as if he may be partly painted in. Could this be a reproduction of an earlier photo?
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I can’t tell, although it is possible, but the clothing is of the 1890s style as is his haircut. However, you raise an interesting point. If an image was not of good quality, the photographer might have retouched it, painted it, or otherwise tried to improve it.
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