When Sittler began operating in Springfield is unknown; he contributed a portrait to the St. Louis Photographer magazine in 1884, completed a large brick addition to his gallery in 1885. In the same magazine in 1885, Sittler was noted as also carrying on a stock business in addition to the gallery, and his setting was described as follows:

"On the right, as you enter the receeption room, is the retouching room, presided over by Miss Mattock, who wields the pencil on the negative with as much dexterity as she would were she inditing a love missive under the inspiration of cupid. The receiption room is elegantly fitted up with portraits of all sizes, in ink, oil, crayon and photography; photographs as large as 20x34" taken direct from the sitter.

"The operating room, which is back of the stock department, is replete in every thing necessary to the production of first-rate work. Our readers have been treated to specimen work from this gallery. See Sept. '84.

"The printing department is still farther back, and here Miss Middlesworth holds full and complete sway. Everything is handy and in order, and by the appearance of her prints, she is no novice in her department...

"George, you cannot take all the credit of this fine and prosperous establishment. Your better half, who takes charge of the operating room and renders all the fine poses, we think should come in for the lions share, and you no doubt gracefully submit to the inevitable."





An exterior view of Sittler's gallery; his name appears in both windows, and the sign out front says "G.W. Sittler Photographer." A woman can be seen entering the gallery; a display of both stereo views and prints is in the front window. The image is slightly soiled, and lacking in contrast. The right panel is faded.





Noted on the back as "looking back from the front door" this is a crisp view of one room in the galery, with images on the walls, and a display case with some of his "stock."

Noted on the reverse as "office and showcases in parlor" this is another crisp and well-executed view of the interior of the gallery, with framed and mounted images adorning the walls and on top of the showcase. The showcase itself also appears to be full of frames and images.

Noted on the reverse as "Operating Room Showing Light". Beautiful image showing not only cameras and stands, but also the full backdrop, posing chairs, a swing, and additional studio props. To the right is what appears to be an adjustable natural light source.