Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
This is a bit of a recap about the Thomas G. Moses family as we enter 1916. Moses’ typed manuscript was compiled in 1931. The primary focus of his memoirs was theatrical projects, business travels, and eccentric clientele. The 1931 work was based almost six decades of daily diary entries beginning in 1873. He intended his work to be called “Sixty Years Behind the Curtain Line.” In the end, it was entitled, “My Diary.” Seldom, does Moses mention his family. In many ways this is understandable, especially as it was meant to highlight his scenic art career, interesting projects and famous personalities. In1916, he mentions his family six times, unusual for his annual records; some years make no mention of family.
His began 1916 writing, “January 1st, Ula and Rupert with the Kauffman family from the city took dinner with us.” Moses’ youngest son, Rupert, entered the theatre supply business too and worked for Sosman & Landis. The youngest of four, he was the last to marry in 1914.Rupert’s wife was Ula McNeill of Ames, Iowa.
Tom and Ella Moses had four children: William “Pitt” Moses (1879), Mary “Mamie” Titcomb Moses (1881), Lillian Ella Moses (1886), Thomas “Rupert” Moses (1889). By 1916, all were married.
During February 1916, Moses wrote, “George, Lillian and little George arrived from New York City to make Chicago their home. February 9th, a big family reunion.” Moses traveled extensively throughout his life, almost always for work or sketching trips. As his children grew into adults, he lamented the lost time and wished for big family reunions, especially at holidays. The return of his daughter to Chicago must have sent waves of joy; they would be close to children and grandchild. Lillian and George’s return coincided with another pregnancy. That fall, Moses wrote, “October 6th, Lillian presented her husband with a pair of twins, boy and girl.” By the end of the year, Moses recorded, “Our Christmas Family this year was Mary and William, Lillian and George and children, and little family of three, Rupert, Ula and Evelyn.” By this time, Evelyn was eleven years old. Two of his children and four children were now living in Chicago, making holidays and other family events even more special. Only the eldest son’s family was missing that year.
William “Pitt” worked for the natural gas industry. Family visits were few and far between. In 1900 Pitt moved to New Jersey where he remained for the remainder of his career. During the summer of 1906, “The Oak Park Leaves” reported, “Mr. and Mrs. W. Pitt Moses of Trenton, N.J., are the proud parents of a baby girl, who arrived Sunday, July 29. The father is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Moses of 233 South Euclid avenue” (4 August 1906, page 10). As the first child to become an adult, Pitt followed in his uncle Frank Moses’ footsteps. In 1900, he moved to Trenton and worked at the gas plant in New Jersey. Three years later, he married Stella Martin of Trenton. Moses’ youngest son, Rupert, entered the theatre manufacturing business with his father. The girls were married and became homemakers. Lillian married George Salzman in 1910. Mamie married William Hanover in 1911. Last, but not least, Rupert married Ula McNeill of Ames, Iowa in 1914.
In 1916, Moses noted, “Pitt came out late September 1st, but the growing danger of a new railroad strike made him uneasy and he had to go back after one day home.” This short visit would prompt Moses to visit Pitt and his family on Thanksgiving while he was out East for work. He wrote, “Thanksgiving Day at Pitt’s, with brother Frank, which was a surprise to me, and we had a fine time.” By 1917, Moses wrote, “Pitt came out for a short visit and for the first time in twenty years, we had only the four children at home for a dinner. They were not allowed to mention their families. We sat each in their accustomed place. We all enjoyed it immensely. It carried us back many years when we were all much younger. I wish we could do it every year.”
Continued absences from family may lead to regret. I have to believe that this feeling haunted Moses for many years after his children were grown and only returning home for holidays. He had missed so much while they were growing up. That dinner in 1917, when it was just the four kids and Ella, meant the world to him. He could have had it hundreds of times when the kids were little, but his chosen profession was not conducive to family life.
To be continued…
