Here is the last post about Universal Scenic Studio before returning to the life of Thomas G. Moses in 1912.While tracking down information about Universal Scenic Studio, I discovered an interesting article describing the use of miniature stages in 1931. This is the same year that Thomas G. Moses also built his electrified miniature stage model, featuring Masonic scenery (Blue Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite and Shrine settings).
Universal Scenic Studio, Twin City Scenic Co. and the American Theatre Supply Co. submitted theatre models displaying painted scenery and drapery to the Sioux Falls City Commission during the spring of 1931.
The “Argus-Leader” reported “Stage Equipment Studied By City; Contract is Let” (Sioux Falls, 30 March 1931, page 10). I am posting the article in its entirety as it provides a wealth of information about the scenic studio bidding process at this time. This is one example of vendors educating clients during a bidding process, so that the clients understand what they are buying.
“The city commission this morning received an intensive course of training in stage equipping, stage setting and stage building, when representatives of the Twin City Scenic Co., Minneapolis; Universal Scenic Studios, Milwaukee and American Theatre Supply Co., Sioux Falls, set up miniature stages fully equipped, explained grand boarders, tormentors, teasers, oleos, work curtains, sheaves, lines, trims, counterweights and the like. For nearly two hours, Mayor Burnside’s office was changed into a scenic studio while representatives of the companies bidding on the equipment of the coliseum stage showed and explained their wears. The contract for equipping the stage was awarded to the Universal Scenic Studios on its bid of $3,690. The Minneapolis company bid $4,567.50 and the Sioux Falls company $3,975. Velours, asbestos, canvas and equipment for stages were explained to the commission in rapid fire order by each representative in turn. When the course of study was over, the city commission could at least tell the difference between a wood wing and an oleo and a work curtain and a sheave. The mayor’s private office at times took the look of an art studio ready for an exhibition as case after case of scenes for curtains were displayed. Again it looked as though it might be a salon of a modiste, as the many types of material were draped in their many colors about the office. The miniature theatre, with their full equipment, even to lights, would have delighted the heart of almost any child, or adult for that matter, and held the attention of the commissioners. The exhibitions were a distinct diversion from the regular routine duties of the commission, and the noon-day whistles were all which cut short the training courses. The meeting was adjourned until 2 o’clock this afternoon when the contract was let.”
To be continued…
