Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1914, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Several hustle up jobs came our way. Flint, Michigan, Muscatine, Iowa, Geo. Dameral, Kansas City, Mo. And several drops for the Kedzie Avenue Theatre.” The majority of projects that passed through the Sosman & Landis studio each month will never be known. I use Moses’ typed manuscript as a guide, supplementing his entries with newspaper articles.
One project not mentioned by Moses during 1914 was scenery for the Rex Theatre in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The Rex was a theater “devoted to moving pictures.” A small snapshot in time, in 1914 new movie theaters were still purchasing painted settings as a “frame” for the projection screen. This setting established a unique atmosphere that bridged the gap between the old and the new.
Here is the article: published in the “Evening Times-Republican” on 28 July 1914, (Marshalltown, Iowa, page 5):
“NEW THEATRE COMPLETED.
Fine Modern Picture House to Be Opened at Iowa Falls Soon.
Iowa Falls, July 26 – About Aug. 15, one of the finest theaters in Iowa devoted to moving pictures will be opened in this city by Middleton & Gephart. The new house s now in the hands of the finishers and the seating is being put in place this week. This new theater is modern in every detail. Architectural, it is a gem and reflects much credit on the men who are back of the improvement. It will seat 350 people and has a stage equipped with Sosman & Landis scenery and a fine plate glass mirror screen. The interior decorations are in the best of taste and the front of the building makes a fine improvement to the business district. The theater will be known as the Rex and a large electric sign in front of the building heralds its location to the public. The lobby is most attractive and the best of equipment has been installed for the projection of pictures. A fine electric piano has been installed to furnish music for the place. The second floor of the building is being finished off as flat.”
To be continued…
