Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett.
I cannot conclude the history of the Kansas City Scenic Co. without mentioning one of the firm’s more significant artists – Maj. Don Carlos DuBois.
Don Carlos Boyes was born on Dec. 24, 1883, in Seward City, Nebraska, son of Carlos Eugene Boyes (1841-1924) and Elsie Melissa Clark (1854-1941). His mother was the daughter of Rev. E. L. Clark, and from one of the earliest pioneer families in Seward whose 1865 arrival was by covered wagon.
Don Carlos was one of four children born to the couple. His siblings were Burdette Boyes (1974-1941), Elsie Pearlette Eugenie Selman (1876-1945), and Myrtle Esther Boyes, (1878-1958). Pearl Boyes Selman became a famous Shakespearean actress known throughout the south, later settling in Atlanta. Like her brother Don Carlos, she moved to Chicago to study theater. Pearl attended the Chicago dramatic art school before joining the Avon Shakespearean players and touring southern theaters.
Don Carlos Boyes changed his name, becoming Don Carlos DuBois II. I have yet to discover the time or his reason. His name change reminds me of Harley Merry, president of the Protective Alliance of Scene Painters of America in 1896. “Harley Merry” was his painting name. His real name and stage name as an actor was Ebenezer J. Britain (also Britton). In 1922, Don Carlos DuBois also billed himself as a French artist, but that is the only mention I have discovered (“Atlanta Constitution,” 5 Feb 1922, page 9).
In 1900, DuBois II moved from Seward City, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived with his uncle, Damiel Bain (b. 1871). Bain worked for the Lumber industry and DuBois attended art school. DuBois was 17 yrs. old at the time. From 1902 until 1905, DuBois was a student in the Art Institute in Chicago. It is unclear whether his scenic training also began at this time. He continued his studied overseas, taking classes in Rome and Paris from 1905-6. Upon his return to the United States, DuBois worked with E. M. Gross, another scenic artist, in New York. Between 1907 and 1909, DuBois continued to work as a scenic artist. One notable project during this time was the Cleveland Hippodrome.
He met and married, Mildred Herman, in 1908 (9 Sept 1885-15 Dec 1971). Mildred was and actress by trade and their wedding took place on Feb. 19, 1908, in Cuyahoga, Ohio. Mildred was also an immigrant, with public records noting her homeland as both Poland and Germany. She was the daughter of Carl Herman, a German, Efrosina Franslau, a Russian.
By 1910 the couple was living in Kansas City, with DuBois listed in the city director as a scenic artist, living at 299 W. 16th Street. From 1910 to 1921, DuBois worked for the Kansas City Scenic Co. In 1914 the couple moved to 214 E 34th Street and resided there until 1918. Their address remained in Kansas City until 1921 when they moved to the southeastern United States, settling in Atlanta where DuBois founded the Atlanta Scenic Co.
In 1921, DuBois was listed as a 2nd Lieut., belonging to the 110th Engineers, Missouri National Guard Headquarters at Kansas City, Missouri. He was included in the Roster of National Guard Engineer Officers, Nov. 30, 1921.
More about the Atlanta Scenic Co. tomorrow.
To be continued…
Thank you for the history of Mr. Dubois. Now I know something about the man behind the painting that hangs with pride on my wall.
You are welcome!