Thomas G. Moses and Fred R. Megan became partners in 1923. They purchased the Sosman & Landis name after Hoyland and Lemle purchased the company contents at that same time. While they were negotiating the purchase of the name, Moses and Megan worked under their own names – Moses & Megan. However, they needed to wait for Sosman & Landis to completely liquidate and get their own charter before commencing work as the new “Sosman & Landis.” During this time, they leased the old Fabric Studio in Chicago.
By 1924, Megan was on the road most of the time, with Moses making models in his studio. The two would close the contract for the Salt Lake Consistory during 1926. The two would also provide the scenery for the Oakland Scottish Rite in 1927. Moses and Megan would continue working together until 1931. In 1931, Moses turned 75 years old.
Since 1901, Megan had worked as a salesman for Kansas City Scenic Co. In 1910, he was mentioned in an article published in “The Wichita Daily Eagle” (8 Dec. 1910, page 3). I am including it today as I near the end of 1910 in the life and times of Moses. It also provides great insight into border lights in that year delivered by Kansas City Scenic Co.
Here is the article in its entirety:
“For More Stage Life.
Scenery Agent Says Forum Stage Will Be Too Dark.
F. R. Megan of the Kansas City Scenic Co was in the city yesterday and advised the city commissioners that more border lights are needed for the stage of the Forum than the number ordered. Mr. Megan says that the stage of the Forum is second only to that of the New York Hippodrome and that five series of border lights will be required to properly illuminate the stage. The specifications call for two borders of 216 lights each. Of this number 120 are white lights, 48 are red and 48 blue lights.
Mr. Megan advised the commissioners that the freight on 5 border lights will be no more than that on 2 pieces of these lights and that as the work of installing the additional lights will be immaterial, practically the only added expense will be the cost of the three extra pieces which is $385 per border, or $1,165. The present order calls for two borders at $385 each, or $770. Mr. Megan said that as the switchboard which is being built will accommodate five borders and as the lights will be needed now is the time to order them, for if they are not installed with the other lights, the three extra pieces will cost more than $385 each.
Commissioner Roetzel said he wished to give the local electrical supply companies a chance to figure on these lights.
The matter of purchasing the additional lights was referred to a committee consisting of Mayor Davidson and Commissioner Stewart.”
To be continued…
