The album itself seems to be a Carte de Visite album, of the type popular from 1860 - 1870. I believe that most of these photos are from that period. The photos are a mix of tintypes and Carte de Visite (calling card) variety. Only a few are identified. There may be some clues in the photos themselves, in that the name and location of the photographer is on the Card photos, in most cases. The cartes (Cards) are about 21/2" x 4". The tintypes were made without the use of negatives in a direct image process. After learning a little about them, I found that they are a mirror image and I have therefore “flopped” the tintype photos to produce the normal photo result (positive image, not reversed). A few of the carte photos carry a federal revenue stamp which was only used between Aug. 1864 and Aug 1866. The presence or the lack of one might help to date a photo. Also the images themselves give some clues. Earlier photos were very plain and simple. Later ones tended to have more elaborate props or back drops. Clothing and hair styles may also be taken into account, but I’m no expert in that area. Also, the Carte (card) stock used provides some hints as there was an evolutionary process in card styles as competing card manufacturers endeavored to make them more attractive to photographers, competing for the same customers. Since the tintype and Carte de Visite coexisted through most of their popularity, there is no easy dating by simply noting the type of photo process used. The tintype was introduced about 1853 and was not generally available before 1855. The Carte de Visite was introduced in Europe about the same time but was not available in the U.S. before the summer of 1859. Both were on the wane after 1870 but saw some use into the 20th century. Carnivals and such were still producing tintype photos to about 1930, as they were the only current form of "instant photography." The Cabinet Card photos, which were in essence a larger version of the Carte de Visite, began to replace both types after 1870.

The Hayner album was passed to my mother and was no doubt among the possessions of Alvin Van Veghten, my grandfather. His mother was Caroline Hayner, the daughter of Martin John Hayner and Sarah Ann McChesney. I don’t know who owned the album when it was first assembled. It contains 20 leafs, each with 4 pockets (2 on each side). The album was not completely filled. Only 13 leafs were used for family photos and another 8 pockets contained a small collection of “Honest Long Cut” tobacco cards. These seemed to be photos of female celebrities of the day. None are identified and are probably of the 1880 - 1890 vintage. I have given the photos a number, where possible. Some of the photos had been removed from the album and others may have been moved from there original position. It isn’t possible to be sure they are back where they started. The album itself is in poor condition. Age and abuse have taken their toll. Any removal of photos from the album requires damaging the pockets which had been sealed. I did a little of this myself in order to scan the photos. However, this does indicate that those photos were in the original position. The binding is also loose and there is general damage to many of the leafs. Some of the photos are scratched, torn and glued. While all this is true, we do have the images. It is highly unlikely that anyone deceased before 1855 will be found among these photos. I would further assume that all were in some way related to Martin John Hayner Sr.. At least 3 photos are of his sons and may well include his daughters. I do have later photos of Caroline but can’t really say with any certainty that she is here in the album. Duplicate photos may exist where the “Carte” photos are concerned but, while possible, it is unlikely that any of the tintypes were duplicated.

I have made some observations which might help to narrow the possibilities regarding identification of some individuals. The photos are numbered according to their respective pocket in the album, beginning with #1 & #2 on the first leaf, etc.. Some photos were loose and there was no way to determine the correct pocket number. All, however seem  to have come from this album.