Month: March 2020

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Our business relations with the New York Studios are a bit strained, and we have notified them that hereafter there would be no restricted district for us, and we did not care what they did.  Pennsylvania and New York used to be our very best states, and we were going after them again.”  To fully understand Moses’ sentiment, we need to look at Moses relationship with the founder of New York Studios, David H. Hunt.  First of all, Moses never cared for Hunt.

After establishing the unsuccessful theatrical management firm of Sosman, Landis & Hunt in 1894, Hunt convinced Sosman to invest in another scenic studio in 1910, New York Studios. The new company was promoted as the eastern affiliate of Sosman & Landis, well… kind of. Since the 1880s, Sosman & Landis maintained regional offices across the country, but these were mutually beneficial relationships. For example, in 1887 Sosman & Landis established a branch in Kansas City, Missouri, under the direction of Lemuel L. Graham; it was known as the Kansas City Scenic Co., but Lem also did business under his own name too. In the late 1880s Sosman & Landis also established a regional office in New York City.  Multiple locations were the key to success. Just like we hear “shop local,” that sentiment held true in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century for theatrical projects. Visiting a studio in a nearby town was far better than hiring the unknown firm from a distant studio.

The real issue was that Hunt’s business plans, first and foremost, benefitted Hunt and not his investors or affiliates. In other words, New York Studios gained a massive support network such as Sosman & Landis staff, connections, materials and studio space. I have yet to figure out if there was really any added benefit for Sosman & Landis, but for whatever reason, Sosman had a soft spot for Hunt and went along with many of his schemes. When Sosman passed away in 1915 and Moses was elected president of Sosman & Landis, Hunt no longer had an advocate at the Chicago studio and the gravy train abruptly halted. So, when Moses wrote, “Pennsylvania and New York used to be our very best states, and we were going after them again,” he really threw down the gauntlet at Hunt and a feud began, . The two studios would now wrestle over territories. Moses previously played by an old set of rules, based on respect and gentlemen’s agreements; he was unprepared for the next generation of studio owners as the playing field changed. Hunt was ruled by a different set of motivators – his own self-interest.  In all appearances, Hunt was a slick talker and salesman. So, here is the background between Moses and Hunt…

Moses first met Hunt in 1893, and the two soon paired off on quite a few projects by 1894. In 1897, however,  Moses and Hunt began to disagree. That year Moses recorded an event that concerned Edith Chapman’s production of “Charity Ball.” This is the beginning of a truly unhappy relationship. Here is what Moses wrote:

Mr. Hunt found fault with my neutral coloring and said one day, “Why don’t you make some positive color decoration like pink or green?”

I had the first act of “Held by the Enemy” on the frame – a southern interior. 

I said, “Alright, I will make this a pink wall and cream colored woodwork.”

“Fine,” said he.  I did so.  I did not consult Miss Chapman as usual. The scene was set.  I was in front as usual during the performance.  Miss Chapman entered.  I saw her look up the scene and almost fall back.  She had on a shell pink, deep flounced and a very full hoop skirt. 

I nearly fainted.  I was sick.  I rushed back at the close of the act and found her in tears.  As soon as she saw me, she said, “Oh, why did you do it – didn’t you know I was going the limit on my dress?”  She had forgotten that I did not consult her as  I usually did.  I pointed to Mr. Hunt.  “There is the one I tried to please.”  Hunt then realized he was wrong, and I had been right all season.  I painted out the wall color the next morning, for it simply killed Miss Chapman’s dress, as there was so much of it.”

That same season Moses continued, “The different newspapers gave our work splendid notice every week. For one paper on which Mr. Montgomery Phister was the critic, and his son was the artist, I made a heading for each week’s article on the play at the Pyke – drawing in ink the principal scenes.  Hunt never knew that I did it – he flattered himself the paper was doing it.  Phister had been a scenic artist in his young days and was in full sympathy with the artist. 

One day he said to Hunt for a joke – “I think Moses uses too much raw umber.”

Hunt repeated this to me as his own idea.  I was sure someone that knew color had been at Hunt, so I said, “Raw Umber!  What kind of color is that?  I don’t use it at all.” 

He was stumped and didn’t know what to say.  He went back to Phister, who in turn told me.  We had a hearty laugh over it.” 

I bet they did, and then the battles increased in intensity. The war began in earnest during one of Sosman’s absences from the studio in 1910, likely prompting the establishment of New York Studios.

That year, Moses wrote, “Mr. Sosman went to Europe on January 30^th for an extended trip…He had a good bookkeeper, and I depended on him a great deal.  I did some hustling while he was away.  Mr. Hunt was secretary and treasurer, and expected to run the business, but I wouldn’t allow it.  Mr. Hunt kept on the road most of the time… I heard some reports as to what Hunt had reported to Sosman about my treatment towards him.  I got mad and wanted to quit.  Sosman wouldn’t listen to me…Hunt remained away from the studio for some time, before going back home.”  This is when Hunt establishes New York Studios, partially funded by Sosman. I have to wonder if Sosman only invested in Hunt to separate the two, attempting to keep peace. Of the company, Moses wrote, “Hunt had started a New York studio in New York City, and he expected us to do a great deal of work, as he had Sosman invest a small amount.” But there were other contingencies, including the restricted districts that in 1916 Moses chose to ignore. So when one reads Moses 1916 entry, “Our business relations with the New York Studios are a bit strained, and we have notified them that hereafter there would be no restricted district for us, and we did not care what they did,” it takes on a whole new meaning.

In the end, Moses may have picked the wrong man to do battle with that year.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Pausback went to the 20th Street studio, part of which we rented for a couple of months.  We put plenty of help with Pausback to rush the work through, and I think he will be able to pull it out, as we are too busy at Clinton street to take much of it.”

Sosman & Landis’ main studio was on Clinton Street. Over the years, the firm would lease additional studio spaces that were referred to as “annex studios.”  The 20^th Street Studio was an annex studio.  For years, any annex studio was under the direct supervision of Moses, unless he was called away – which was a lot. Since 1904, Moses was in charge of all design, construction, painting and installation of projects at Sosman & Landis.  This was not a first-time that Moses moved staff from one building to another. Since 1908, Pausback has bounced back and forth between the main studio and various annexes, he was a shop manager.

Nicholas “Nick” John Pausback Jr. was a scenic artist, described as a tall, slender man with grey eyes and dark brown hair.

Pausback was born on May 5, 1881; this makes him twenty-five years younger than Moses. The Registry of Births for the city of St. Louis, Missouri, lists that Nick Pausback was born at Rappahannock St.  and his parents were to Nicholas and Caroline Pausback. He was one of seven children; his siblings were Maria (b. 1879), Joseph (b. 1883), Eva (b. 1884), August (b. 1885), Stella (b. 1888), and Clara (b. 1889).

The 1900 US Census lists the nineteen-year-old Pausback as living with his family at 3113 Magnolia in St. Louis, Missouri. At the time, his occupation was noted as “artist – painting.” He was the only one in the family that entered theatre industry. His siblings worked as milliners, salesmen in clock stores, clerks in a mill and saloon employees. Pausabck’s mother even worked at a grocery store. Interestingly, his little brother became an boxer, making headlines after ca collapse in the ring during a 1906 match at the Broadway A.C. in St. Louis (“St. Louis Globe-Democrat,” 18 April 1906, page 13). Brother Joe was in the 125-pound class and reported to be a “youngster with a record for having the stiffest punch of any boy of his weight in the city” (St. Louis Globe-Democrat, 16 April 1906, page 11). I have not tried to track down the other siblings at this time.

In 1902, there was a newspaper announcement about Nick Pausback’s twenty-first birthday party (St. Louis Republic, 11 May 1902, page 17). Quite a few people attended, including fellow scenic artist Armbruster. Although no first name was given, my best guess is Otto, as he was working for Moses at the time.

By 1905, Pausback was credited with fully equipping the new Grand Theatre in Owensboro, Kentucky. The “Messenger-Inquirer” reported, “Mr. Nicholas Pausback of St. Louis is the artist employed. He has painted several of the scenes and is now at work on the others. There will  be twenty hanging scenes and about seventy-five all told. The greater part of these will be in frames…When the work is completed the Grand will have one of the very best equipped of stages. The two ‘tormentors’ painted by Mr. Pausback have been placed and they are receiving favorable criticism of all who see them.” The project also included a heavy asbestos curtain with “beautiful Venetian scene” (Messenger-Inquirer, 18 July 1905, page 6). Other pieces mentioned included two drop curtains and a fancy parlor scene painted in a Japanese pattern.

That same year, Pausback was also engaged to paint new scenery for the new opera house in Central City (Messenger-Inquirer, 26 July 1905, page 8). The venue would become known as the Gish Opera House. By the way, Central City is halfway between Louisville and Nashville; I had to look. Only four years later, the opera house went up in flames; the fire started during commencement exercises for the Central City School’s music class. The music teacher and children ranging from ages 5-12 were the main victims, perishing in a tragedy locals termed the “Opera House Holocaust” (Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 May 1909, page 1).

Pausback did marry and start a family in St. Louis too. His bride was Ottilia (also Otilia) Groebl (b. 1883), a German immigrant who arrived in 1898. The couple celebrated the birth of six children, three girls and three boys: Nicholas (B. 1905), Elvira (b. 1906), Raymond (b. 1908), Mary (b. 1912), Lawrence (b. 1922) and Therese (b. 1927). Only the first two children were born in St. Louis.

It was in 1907 that Pausback and his family moved from St. Louis to Chicago, and I wonder employment at Sosman & Landis prompted the move. That year, he started to work for the firm as their paint shop foreman. Moses, wrote, “I depended a great deal on Pausback to look after the work while I was away.”

Pausback did not consistently work at Sosman & Landis, however, as he also worked for a variety of other firms. Like many scenic artists of the time, Pausback picked up work wherever he could find it. During the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century, scenic artists accepted extra work even when working full-time positions. Demand for scenic art outweighed the supply and a great deal of money could be made in a relatively short period of time for any ambitious artist.  The phrase “make hay while the sun shines” certainly comes to mind.  

The 1910 US census listed Pausback as an advertiser in the “Packing Co.” industry, still working as a scenic artist though. He would provide this same information for the 1920 census too which makes me wonder what the Packing Co. delivered. There are too many packing companies to even hazard a guess at this time. In 1911, Moses again records that Pausback took charge of the 20^th Street studio.

By 1916, Pausback was back at the 20^th Street studio and also installed a few shows in New York. At the time he was working with the stage carpenter Harry Nailer. Then everything changes.  My guess is World War I and a redistribution of labor. The next year Pausback was working in the advertising department at Swift & Co., located in Chicago’s Union Stock Yards. Keep in mind that many scenic artists were snatched up by the military; camouflage painting was in its infancy and would draw heavily on the expertise of stage painters, those who were skilled at painting for a distance. A decade later, Pausback established his own studio.

In 1927, he founded Pausback studios and ran the firm for twenty years, retiring only six years before his passing in 1953. His scenery company was located at 3727 Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago (Chicago Tribune 2 Dec. 1928, page 2). In 1928 Pausback also wrote a book on stage craft (Dec. 17, 1928). He was in his late forties and seems to have been hitting his stride. Things were continuing to look up, work was plentiful, and there was a new and insatiable client – academic theater.

Educational and academic institutions became a primary client for Pausback Studios, as well as many theatrical supply firms of the time. Public schools were in a constant state of demand, with an ever-growing need for rigging, draperies, and scenic options. Publications focused on how amateur productions could forgo the need of any theatrical expert – “do it yourself” became a popular approach; you just needed enthusiasm and an instructional manual to produce a show.  Part of me wonders if this was the beginning of the end for the professional scene painter, hence the mass migration to Hollywood where an advanced skill set was still required to produce magic.

Of Pausback’s children, only his daughter Alvera (b. 1907) was working for the company after the market crash in 1929. She remained a clerk, possibly the result of labor reduction. Pausback Scenery Co. also provided properties for “Wings of a Century,” a feature at the 1933 world fair in Chicago. In the 1930s, Pausback studio made a huge splash with oversized Christmas tree ornaments. Towards the end of his career, Pausback worked with Arthur “Art” W. Oberbeck, another former Sosman & Landis employee (“Blue Island Sun Standard,” 15 June 1944, Page 6). Oberbeck started as a paint boy at the Sosman & Landis studio in 1904, just a few years before Pauysback joined the staff.

Interestingly, Pausback was also an amateur magician. As a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the American Society of Magicians, he was known as “Nicodemus, the Magician” (Chicago Tribune  14 May 1953, page 36).https://newspaperarchive.com/blue-island-sun-standard-jun-15-1944-p-6/

Overall, Pausback’s obituary listed that he was in the theatrical scenery business for 45 years and did not retire until 1947. It was a little longer than that, according to my calculations. Pausback passed away at the age of 72 in 1953. He is buried in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Evergreen Park, Illinois (Section 1, lot 764). This is now on my “to visit” list, as I track across country and pay homage to those who came before me. 

I end with this: His obituary remembers, “Nicholas J. Pausback, 72, of 1000 S. Rhodes av., retired theatrical scenery contractor, died yesterday in his home. Mr. Pausback, who retired six years ago, supplied amateur and professional theatrical scenery for 45 years, the last 20 years as owner of Pausback Scenic studios. An amateur magician, he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the American Society of Magicians. Surviving are his widow, Otilia, three daughters, Mrs. Elvira Pausback Howard, Mrs. Mary Crescentia Welsh and Mrs. Therese Curtis, and three sons, the Very Rev. Gabriel of the Carmelite Order, Raymond Joseph and Lawrence” (Chicago Tribune, 14 May 1953, page 36).

Pausback’s obituary also credited him as a “scenic artist de luxe”(Chicago Tribune  14 May 1953, page 36). Life goes by too fast, and we are too quick to summarize another’s life in a few sentences. Kudos to the families that did more. I am desperately trying to preserve our past and pay tribute to those unsung theatrical geniuses.

In the end, Pausback Studios merged with Acme and Carsen in 1957 to form the Acme Carsen Pausback Studio. See past post 566 for more information about Acme and Carsen of Chicago; it is quite a story.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “A new kitchen and dining room at the camp adds a little more worry and expense to the financial committee, but we are all very happy over the fact that the club really owns the home in the woods.” Moses was referring to the Fox Lake Camp used by members of the Palette & Chisel Club during the hot summer months. The group had started out with large tent in 1906. Moses personally donated a small structure for the land, effectively replacing the tent.

There is a point when “roughing it” loses a certain appeal; much has to do with one’s comfort and ability to sleep on the ground. When my husband and I were first married, we went on family canoeing trips to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. We portaged from lake to lake with our canoes and gear, setting up camp in a designated spot and cooking the fish we caught over a fire. During one trip, we joked that my dad had brought along a foam pad to sleep on. As active twenty-something, we didn’t find any discomfort sleeping on the ground, complete with all its branches and rocks. My dad was in his sixties and I look back in amazement that he was willing to sleep on the ground at all, even with a one-inch foam pad; heartier stock, I guess.

Moses had “roughed it” quite a bit in his youth, but in 1916 he was sixty years old, and camping in a tent was less appealing. It’s not that he had never camped outdoors or “roughed it” in the wilderness; he had on multiple sketching trips during his youth. In 1884, Moses and three other scenic artists traveled to the Rocky Mountains with minimal supplies, finding shelter wherever they could on their sketching trip. At the time he was twenty-eight years old and had never seen the mountains; it was all a big adventure.  His traveling companions were John H. Young (26 yrs.), Edward A. Morange (19 yrs.), and Hardy C. Maratta (20 yrs.). The four artists travelled to Breckenridge and Moses recalled, “On our return trip we looked like a bunch of tramps, happy and ready for our old work.”

Of the camping near Breckenridge, Moses wrote, “We had the tent pitched very quickly, some pine boughs cut and laid for our spring bed, over which we laid our four army blankets, two over and two under us. The delicate odor from the pine was very refreshing.  We must have made a mistake in cutting the boughs and twigs, for they were more like branches and trunks… As I was the fat one in my party I had more grooves in my back and arms, from the so-called pine twigs that composed our springs, than anyone in the party.”

Over two decades later Moses participated in early camping adventures with the Palette & Chisel club at Fox Lake. By 1906 “tent camping” was already losing its appeal. Moses wrote, “June 1^st, I made my first trip to the Palette and Chisel Club camp at Fox Lake, Ill.  Helped to put up the tent.  A new experience for me, but I enjoyed it.  I slept well on a cot.  Made a few sketches.  A very interesting place.  I don’t like the cooking in the tent and there should be a floor in the tent.  I saw a great many improvements that could be made in the outfit and I started something very soon.” By 1908, Moses wrote, “I bought the portable house that we built years ago and at that time we received $300.00 for it.  I finally got it for $50.00, some bargain.  It cost $25.00 to remove it and we will put it up at Fox Lake in the spring.  It has been used in Forest Park all summer to show “The Day in the Alps.” The next year Moses wrote, “As we had put up the portable house in Fox Lake, I was better contented to go up.  I gave the camp a portable kitchen and it was some class.  I felt sure I would manage to get a camp outfit worth while and the boys all fell in line with me.”

So by 1916, when Moses wrote, “A new kitchen and dining room at the camp adds a little more worry and expense to the financial committee, but we are all very happy over the fact that the club really owns the home in the woods.” By this time, it was no longer camping; they were staying at a lake home.  Understandably so, as Moses was now 60 years old, he had entered the same decade when my dad decided to use a foam pad while camping. I know that at this point in my life I have no intention of sleeping on the ground.  Maybe I have become a little soft, too used to the modern luxuries of camping cots, air mattresses, and memory foam.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Sold Hoffman of Detroit $725.00 of old scenery from Saginaw.” Sosman & Landis had previously provided scenery to East Saginaw’s Academy of Music. The refurbishment and resale of old scenery to a new venue was commonplace at this time.

On March 26, 1916, the “Detroit Free Press” announced, “Amusement Place of Large Capacity Takes Site Where Stands Old Abandoned House of Worship.” C. A. Hoffman and Graham Hoffman were pictured next to the proposed Colonial Theatre. The article continued, “Amusement place with capacity for 2,289 is to be opened October 1. To build the first large-modern theater in the near down-town section of Woodward avenue, the Detroit-Colonial Theater company has been organized by the Hoffman brothers, vaudeville managers and producers, and incorporated with an authorized capital of $200,000.

“A 30-year lease has been obtained of the northwest corner of Woodward avenue and Sibley street on which now stands the abandoned Woodward avenue Congregational church, a landmark in that section.

“C. Howard Crane, architect, has been engaged to draw plans for the theater and has completed the specifications embodying a number of innovations. The theater will have no gallery; but there will be a spacious balcony. Something new to Detroit will be a larger open well on what is to be a mezzanine floor, giving the auditorium under the balcony the appearance of great height. This feature is found in the Strand theater, New York. The capacity will be 2,289 including 204 box chairs. The style of architecture will be colonial carried out in exterior and interior details, giving opportunity for striking beauty and simplicity.

There will be a stage adequate in size for any act on the large vaudeville circuits. There are to be 15 dressing rooms, besides special quarters for musicians, electricians, and carpenters, and lounging rooms and shower baths for stage performers.

The name Colonial has been chosen for the theater because it is the pioneer showhouse of the district in which it is to be located, because of the style of architecture desired an because as the promoters declare, ‘It’s a good old American. – strictly American name.”

Clare A. Hoffman will be president and general managers of the company, and Graham Hoffman secretary and treasurer. These young men of long experience, in various capacities, with the theatrical and amusement business, built and have managed the Palace Theatre of this city. They are the management in the Hoffman Brothers theater enterprises including the new Palace theater of Saginaw. The vice-president of the Colonial Theater company is Harry J. Dingeman. The three named with Julius L. Krimmel and Mortimer Hoffman are the company’s directors.”

On Feb. 26, 1916, “The Moving Picture World” announced, “Clare A. Hoffman has succeeded A. I. Marenette as president of the Palace Theater Cp., of Detroit. Graham Hoffman continues as secretary. Harry J. Dingeman has been elected vice-president and Frederick H. Mears treasurer. These, with Mr. Marentette, form the directorate.

It was announced at the director’s meeting held recently that the company, which has been paying 1 per cent, monthly on a $200,000 full subscribed capital, will go to 2 per cent. March 1, with the company practically free from debt. C. A. Hoffman has also been chosen president, Mr. Dingeman vice-president and Graham Hoffman secretary of the Hippodrome Amusement Co., of Saginaw, Mich., which has practically completed the financing of a theater being erected on Gennessee avenue and to be opened about March 15. The Hoffman Brothers Theatrical Enterprises has recently opened offices at 1437 Dime Bank building. They propose to erect other theaters in Michigan” (page 1330).

Sosman & Landis had been doing business with the Hoffmans since 1914. On Feb. 15 of that year, the firm delivered scenery to the Palace Theatre in Detroit (see past post #879). The Hoffman brothers were the managers for the venue. Other Palace theaters with scenery by Sosman & Landis included those in Chicago (1912), Minneapolis (1914) and Fort Wayne (1914). To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In January 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “I had a fool’s errand to Dayton, Ohio.  They wanted a plush curtain and telephoned for me to come immediately.  The National Cash Register Company.  They didn’t even apologize.” Well, the company may have been a bit busy that January defending themselves in an anti-trust suit. On Feb. 2, 1916, “The Times Recorder” reported, “The anti-trust suit against the National Cash Register Company was dismissed in U.S. court here today, the defendants agreeing to do all except to dissolve the company. The company is enjoined from  using any trade secrets or from intimidating a competitor or acquiring control of a company except on permission of the court”(Zanesville, Ohio, 2 Feb 1916, page 1).

Of the National Cash Register project mentioned by Moses, it may have concerned auditorium.

In 1916, the National Cash Register City Club Auditorium opened in Dayton, Ohio, on Dec. 2, 1916. Located at First and Ludlow Street, over two thousand employees and their families gathered to celebrate the event.  Although no formal program was planned for the opening, company president J. H. Patterson, and the officers of the company held an open house and formed a reception line. The “Dayton Daily News” reported, “the organization at the factory had grown to such an extent that it was impossible for the officials to have the close contact with the employees that is possible in the small organization, and that in order that all might have the opportunity to meet each other, this club has been established” (3 Dec 1916, page 48). Patterson outlined the purposes of the education features that were to be part of club activities, “saying that every man in the employ of the company will have an opportunity to improve his efficiency if he desires.”

The open house was held for two weeks. In the evening, the N.C.R. film “The Troubles of a Storekeeper” was shown, depicting the troubles of a merchant who used antiquated methods in business, and how he remedied them with a cash register. This film has been shown in numerous cities across the country. All merchants and clerks in Dayton were specially invited to attend a showing at the N. C. R. City Club Auditorium.

The new auditorium, or ‘Little Theater” as it was sometimes called, was constructed of red brick and the interior finished in gray. The floor of the auditorium was not raked, intended to be used for not only dramatics, but also dancing and gymnastics. The small stage included one interior and one exterior setting for amateur theatrics. The intent was to share the auditorium with various societies and organizations. Newspaper articles reported that the purpose of the club was to provide “a down-town social center for employees of the company, where they may gather for events of importance during the winter season.” Each Saturday night, cider and doughnuts were furnished free of charge.

Continuing education was also offered, with classes in advertising, bookkeeping, free hand drawing, business letter writing, public speaking, printing, salesmanship and shop mathematics. The classes were taught by N. C. R. employees and were not meant to interfere with other educational institutions of Dayton. The “Dayton News” commented, “The N. C. R. City Club accomplishes a two-fold purpose: It not only provides a place for amusement and recreation, but also gives N. C. R. employes an opportunity to better their present positions.” All employees were eligible for membership in the club.

In addition to the classes, talks were given by officials of the National Cash Register Co., and others, on various topics. Motion pictures and stereopticon entertainments periodically scheduled.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “On February 15^th, closed with the German Red Cross Kirmiss contract for $7,500.00.” Moses was referring to the big Red Cross Society drive that took the form of a German Street Fair in the Chicago Coliseum on April 2. In 1916, charitable events were held throughout the United States for the German Red Cross, with many using street fetes as a vehicle. I have uncovered very little about the Chicago event, but it was similar to the one held in Cincinnati the year before. “The Cincinnati Enquirer” described the event at the Music Hall on November 18, 19 and 20 in 1915, reporting, “It will be a faithful reproduction of the famous old German city of Nuremburg on the occasion of a typical Kirmiss, the proceeds of the undertaking to be for the benefit of the German-Austro-Hungarian Red Cross fund. The unusual attractiveness of the affair will consist in placing in the north wing of Music Hall a replica of the old city of Nuremberg, with its quaint tiled-roof houses and its famous ‘Bratwurst Gloeklein.”

Baltimore’s “Der Deutsche Correspondent” included a history of the German Red Cross on 23 Nov. 1916 (page 4):

“The German Red Cross is an old established institution, which has given capable services in times of peace whenever natural or industrial calamities have compelled earnest and systematic relief action…At the outbreak of the war, the German Red Cross, complete as it already was for conditions then existing, was amplified and expanded into the magnificent organization to which all classes of social life in the German Empire have been proud to contribute, The advice and services of the greatest authorities in the sciences of medicine and surgery at its command.

            The responsibilities of the German Red Cross are stupendous and the daily continuation of the war in all its varied phases and territories has causes a corresponding increase of suffering and of pitiful conditions for the relief of which additional funds are urgently required and earnestly solicited.

            Contrary to general belief, the German Red Cross concerns itself not only with the succor and care of the wounded and convalescent soldiers, but also with the relief of innocent victims, reaching out a helping hand to the uttermost limits to those who have borne the brunt of the war’s hardships. This includes not only the soldier who has been disabled during outpost duty on the farthest front, but also his dependent wife and children at home, who must be clothed, fed, educated and provided with medical attention.

Thousands of volunteer workers who had received instruction in first aid, together with a legion of highly trained nurses have taken up the work of mercy in relieving the wounded, whether friend of former foe, and in many homes today fervent gratitude is being voiced to the German Red Cross for its skilled assistance in restoring loved ones to the families’ bosoms; husbands and fathers and brothers who might have succumbed to their wounds on the battlefield but for its timely aid.

The most advanced practices in restoring to health the wounded and convalescent are employed. The facilities of sanitariums and institutions for teaching the blind, the crippled and partially helpless and the hopelessly invalided, have become available for these unfortunates, Special training schools are maintained for those who have had to use artificial limbs, so that they may not become totally incapacitated, thus giving them an opportunity of again becoming useful and independent members of society.

By Nov. 16, Chicago’s “Day Book” reported, “Berlin. – German Red Cross and the Ass’n of Patriotic Ladies have received $50,000 from the U.S. branch for relief to families of soldiers” (page 31). At the end of 1916, the German Red Cross Society received $200,000. This figure was included in a December 30 article in the “Chicago Tribune.” The article included a list of gifts and bequests during 1916 by Chicagoans:

“It is not an exaggeration that the donations and bequests to charity, educational and religious institutions, art music and the public welfare in general in the United States during the year 1916 will reach nearly a billion dollars. Among the items which will help to make up this huge total are large sums raised by Americans for relief to war sufferers and help for war makers. It is estimated that nearly $5,000,000 have been sent through the principle agencies in New York and Boston, but to this sum should be added those sent through other agencies in various parts of the country and the numerous contributions, which have been made direct, and not through any special fund. Supplies worth millions of dollars have also been collected and sent in addition to cash donations. Of these war gifts Belgium has received about $11,000,000, France nearly $4,000,000, Germany about $9,000,00, Poland $2,300,000, England 1,125,000, Jewish sufferers $6,500,000, Serbia $320,000, Russia $160,000, Armenians and Syrians $2,565,000, Lithuanians $138,000, Balkan fund $500,000, Japan $11,000, Christmas gifts $400,000, Roumania $3,200, Australia $30,000, Italy $62,000, and several smaller amounts have been sent for ambulances, artists, surgical dressings, education, hospitals, etc. These sums represent those sent by the Red Cross and larger relief organizations. The increase of wages and bonuses paid by corporations to their employees amount at least $400,000,000. Christmas charitable organizations and God Fellows have added about $80,000,000 more to the grand total. The American board of commissioners for foreign missions has broken all records with receipts of $1,207,000 and $550,000 have been expended upon work among troops on the Mexican border. As to personal contributions it is impossible to form any estimate, except in a few prominent cases. John D. Rockefeller has donated to different objects about $9,500,000; Andrew Carnegie, $3,000,000; Julius Rosenwald $1,600,000, and Mrs. Russell Sage $525,000. The donations and bequests for various purposes in this country have amounted to $764,077.99, these including only large sums, which have been publicly announced. Of this total donations have been $623,262,002; bequests, $140,815,797. The objects of this beneficence are as follows: Charities, $657,042,700; educational institutions $72,612,619; religious institutions, $20,243,735; museums, art galleries and municipal benefits, $11,479,295; libraries, $2,717,450.”

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

As an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, I created an index for Thomas G. Moses’ diary and scrapbook. It was part of an independent study course with Prof. Lance Brockman. I spent countless hours trying to track down sources for the newspaper clippings in Moses’ scrapbook, paging through crumbling theatre journals and scrolling through reels of microfilm.

Fast-forward three decades. I am sitting on the floor of my basement office, organizing my scenic art files. A small slip of paper falls to the floor; it’s almost illegible because the font is so small and I have no idea where I last set my reading glasses. I take a picture with my phone to enlarge the print and quickly scan the article; one name pops out – Little Theresa Sparks. 

Her is the article: “Little Theresa Sparks is another scenic artist who may be expected to reach the top. Miss Sparks is now employed with Bodine-Spanger Studio, Chicago. Two years ago she was given her first opportunity to demonstrate her ability when then manager of the Halsizer Display Background Studio, Des Moines, Iowa, gave her employment.”

I was immediately transported back to Wilson Library’s basement, complete with hard chairs, microfilm machines, and an endless stream of quarters. It was in the basement of Wilson library that I carefully transcribed each line of the text from Moses’ newspaper clippings. I didn’t own a computer at the time and would later type up these notes. In hindsight, my handwritten transcriptions were the best thing I could have done, as much of the information etched itself in my memory.

“Little Theresa Sparks” was the earliest mention of an historic female scenic artist for me. I realized there could be a hidden treasure trove of documents that mentioned women scenic artists. There would be one – newpapers.com.  So much history about women technicians has been left out of theatre history books.

Theresa “Tressa” M. Sparks was born in Jasper, Iowa on May 29, 1894. The 1895 Iowa State Census lists the actual residence as Lynngrove in Jasper.” She was the only daughter of William P. Sparks and Rosa “Rosy” Matheny.  Both William and Rosy were also from Iowa, with her paternal grandparents from Kentucky and Indiana, and her maternal grandparents from Iowa and Virginia. William was a piano salesman and Rosy, a seamstress. In 1905, the family was living at 1216 Third Avenue in Grinnell, Iowa.

Unbelievably, I found a picture of Tressa. She was listed in the 1913 issue of “Grinnellian,” Grinnell’s High School Year book. Active in debate, orchestra and the glee club, she even make it the debate preliminaries that year. At Grinnell High School, the drawing and penmanship instructor was Miss Bessie Wallace. Wallace’s education was from the Iowa State Teachers College (1907) and Chicago School of Art.  This would have been Tressa’s initial Chicago art connection. Tressa completed college, but was back as Grinnell High School as an instructor of zoology, chemistry, and the Nature Study Club. This seems to have been her first job.

By 1919, Sparks was living in Des Moines, Iowa, and was listed in the City Directory as an artist rooming at the Hotel Pershing.

This is likely where the article that I located fits in: “Little Theresa Sparks is another scenic artist who may be expected to reach the top. Miss Sparks is now employed with Bodine-Spanger Studio, Chicago. Two years ago she was given her first opportunity to demonstrate her ability when then manager of the Halsizer Display Background Studio, Des Moines, Iowa, gave her employment.” Note that there is no big deal made about her gender.

The Bodine-Spanger Co. advertised as “Designers and Manufacturers of Decorative Backgrounds for Show Windows,” with their show rooms and studio in Chicago. They placed advertisements during 1918 in the “Merchants Record and Show Window” (Vol. 42 and Vol. 43). Located at 116 Chatham Court, Chicago, George A. Smith was listed as the Eastern Representative with offices in 1777 Broadway, New York. In 1918, the firm partnered with the Koester School to give instruction in the Decorative Painting that “made his studio famous in the Window Display Field.” Mr. Bodine was credited as being the “originator of this style of decoration” and would teach students how to mix paints, what paints to use, how to get all the color combinations, how to make mottled effects, blending of colors, stencil designs and how to do decorative landscape painting “in the modern treatment by the Bodine method.” The company was initially called j. C. Bodine, and later the Bodine-Spanger-Janes Co.

The 1920 US Federal Census lists provides a little more information about Sparks as she was recorded in both Des Moines and Chicago.  In both instances she was, 25 yrs. old, single, and listed as an “artist” working in the “studio” industry. In Chicago, she was boarding in

at 1423 LaSalle St (Chicago’s Ward 21).  She was also listed as living with her parents in Des Moines. That year William P. Sparks was still working as a piano salesman, going house to house.

Something happened by 1930, however, as Sparks returns to Grinnell with her parents. It was likely the market crash of 1929. The US Census lists the family living as living at 195 Third Ave. That year, Theresa submitted “none” for occupation, whereas her father was now listed as a musical instrument salesman and her mother as a seamstress.

The 1940 census still lists Sparks as still living at home with her parents, now ages 72 and 70 respectively. She listed no occupation after her return to the small town of Grinnell, Iowa, in Poweshiek County. It appears as if she was taking care of aging parents while living at 1216 Third Street, Grinnell, Iowa.

Sparks passed away on June 15, 1970 and is buried next to her mother Rosa.

Over the past 3 ½ years, I have explored the lives of at least two-dozen women scenic artists, with careers that spanned from the early nineteenth century to early twentieth century; one even ran a studio.  These are individuals whose name actually made it into print, meaning that they were but a small percentage of women actually working as scenic artists for theater. I think of all those unmentioned souls, the one’s whose mere presence may have been a liability to a scenic studio at that time.

As with other scenic artists of the day, the women painted for a variety of venues and were well skilled in many subjects. When you factor in the incredible social pressures for women to give up any career upon marriage and focus on raising children, it is amazing that a few dozen were still mentioned in the newspapers.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

While exploring the Triangle Club’s 1916 show “Safety First,” I came across the name of a female scenic artist – Katherine Maxey. I was fascinated that women did not perform in the play, yet one provided a stylized drop curtain for the prologue.

Of the scenery for the production, “The Brooklyn Citizen” described, “One innovation is in scenery. Instead of one set for the play there are three distinct scenes, with a special drop curtain for the prologue” (3 Dec, 1916, page 10). The design for the show was attributed to Bakst and the drop curtain Maxey painted in the “Bakst style.”

Thomas G. Moses’ commented the scenery was “very odd.” Moses was on site to supervise the scenery installation, suggesting that Sosman & Landis delivered much of the scenery for the production. A few newspaper reviews suggested the Princeton students produced the entire show, yet Maxey was specifically named and not a student at Princeton.

Katherine U. Maxey was born on September 13, 1887, meaning she was 28 years old when she painted the drop curtain.

The 1910 United States Federal Census lists Maxey as living in Wheaton Ward 3, DuPage County, Illinois. Her occupation is listed as an “illustrator,” working in the art industry. One of six children, she was the eldest of four still living at home in 1910. Maxey’s father was Francis J. Maxey, listed as a meat packer, and her mother Anna C. Regan, listed as a homemaker. At the time, Katherine was 22 years old and her younger siblings were ages 16 (Dorothy), 14 (George R.), 10 (Roberta), and 3 (Paul).

I was surprised to discover that at the age of 19, Maxey was working as an illustrator in Chicago. On Feb. 17, 1907, the “Times Dispatch” reported Katherine Maxey was the artist for the March issue of “The Technical World Magazine” (page 34). She designed the cover art.

By 1913 Maxey applied for a consular registration certificate to travel to Madrid, Spain. The purpose of her travel was listed as study without any elaboration. As an artist and illustrator, I suspect it was for artistic study.

In 1918, Katherine married Alfred Ray Patton (October 6, 1886-1926) in Evanston, Illinois. Their marriage was announced in “The Paxton Record” on January 31, 1918 (page 4):

“Announce Marriage of Daughter.

The Record received Tuesday morning a card from Mr. and Mrs. Francis Joseph Maxey of Evanston, Ill., announcing the marriage of their daughter, Miss Katherine Wisula, to Mr. Alfred Ray Patton of Clarence, on Saturday, January 20, 1918. They will be at home to their friends after the 15^th of April at their apartments in Wheaton, Ill. The groom, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. LaFayette Patton of South Button, is well known in Paxton, having attended school here. The bride is a lady of unusual attractions and is in the front rank of society in Wheaton. As an artist she ranks high and has taken many premiums in this country and Europe in mural decorations and designs. Her work adorns many art institutes in Madrid and other cities in Spain. It is with pleasure that the Record unites with their friends in extending congratulations.”

She now signed her art Katherine M. Patton, going by Katherine Maxey Patton.

The next year, Maxey exhibited at the Thirty-First Annual Exhibition of Water Colors, Pastels and Miniatures by American Artists at the Art Institute of Chicago from May 15 to June 15, 1919.  Her painting was “The Watertank.” At the time, Maxey’s address 718 Southwest Street, Wheaton, Illinois. The couple soon moved to California.

Her husband was only a year older and seemed to lead a fairly average life. Born in Clarence, Illinois, his WWI Draft Registration Cards lists that he was employed as an attorney with Chicago Title Trust. Described as tall and slender, Patton had grey eyes and light hair. Sadly, the marriage last less than a decade. On Nov. 30, 1926, Patton passed away in Pasadena, California. No cause of death was listed. His obituary noted: “Alfred Ray Patton, husband of Katherine Maxey Patton of Wheaton, Ill. Passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Pasadena, California. Son of Mrs. Ella Patton; brother of Ruth and Harry Patton. Burial from Patton home at Paxton, Ill., early Sunday afternoon, December 5^th” (Chicago Daily Tribune, Dec. 3, 1926, page 37).

By 1930, Maxey divided her time between Pasadena and Chicago, still working as an artist and interior decorator. From May 24 – April 15, 1931, “Katherine Maxey Patton” exhibited at the “Festival of Religious Art: Religious Art by Artists of Chicago and Environs.” That same year, she was also mentioned in an article about the American Association of University Women. On August 18, 1931, the “Kenosha News” reported, “Two very interesting programs have been scheduled to end the year’s work. The first will feature the appearance of Mrs. Katherine M. Patton, National Academy of Art, Chicago, who will speak on ‘Old and New Masters,’ April 19.”

There is little published during the remainder of the decade about Maxey or her work. In 1937 she traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a trip that inspired a series of watercolor paintings. One of these paintings has survived and was recently up for sale at auction.

By 1940, Maxey had permanently moved to Pasadena, California, listing her occupation as an interior decorator. She still continued to paint murals, watercolors and oil paintings. Her name appeared in the “Decatur Daily” on March 11, 1956, in an article about the décor in Harry Malone’s Bookmead home in Decatur, Alabama. The “Japanese type handcrafter wall paper done by Katherine M. Patton” was a feature of the dining room. Very little else is published about Maxey as she grew older. However, in 1966, Katherine Maxey Patton, along with Dorothy and Jean Maxey were listed as contributing funds for the Pasadena Playhouse, to “Save the Pasadena Playhouse from fiscal ruin” (“Pasadena Independent,” 10 Aug. 1966, page 64).

In 1972 the “Star-News” reported, “Our society editor, Ruth Billheimer, advises that a subscriber phoned to report that artist Katherine Maxey Patton, who lives on Rio Grande and is a sister of the late actor, Paul Maxey, heard crows in her pine tree carrying on and making a great ado. Assuming it was a cat in the tree that was behind the raucous, she got out her binoculars. Suddenly, reported the informant, there came a great crashing sound from among the branches – and out flew and EAGLE. (Or condor, fugitive from the Ojai fire?)” (Pasadena, August 28, 1972).

Maxey passed away in Los Angeles in 1984.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

I am reposting this installment, as it has been a month since I switched over to “Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar” on my way to Colorado.

In 1916, Moses wrote, “Thanksgiving Day at Pitt’s, with brother Frank, which was a surprise to me, and we had a fine time.  Next day I had to go to Princeton to see about installing the scenery for the Triangle Club.  The boys were highly pleased with it, as it was very odd.”

The Triangle Club was a theatre troupe at Princeton University.  By 1916, the organization had presented annual musical shows for about twenty years. That December, the club presented “Safety First,” a comic opera burlesque by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The show was also advertised as a futuristic farce. As an undergraduate at Princeton, Fitzgerald wrote three shows for the club between 1914 and 1917.

In the article “Rah!Rah!Rah! The New Princeton Show,” there was a little more information about scenery that Moses considered “odd.” The article reported, “The type of scenery used has never been employed in any musical comedies of this country. It was arranged by Bakst, designer for the Russian ballet. Massive blocks of bold colorings have been employed throughout so as to gain an effect of the greatest contrast possible. The effort was made to make the actors themselves stand out more in the foreground, and the situations realistic without aid form the stage setting” (The Theatre, 1917, Vol. 25, page 80).

The article further described the production:  “From the mystical prologue to the final satirical drop of the curtain, [this] is a musical comedy which speaks rather of the twenty-first century than the twentieth century. It is daring and done with finesse and polish that relieves it of any touch of the outré. The show is a plea to waft the audience to the land of the future – a land in which all our modern absurdities have been carried to their logical conclusions indicating that society should examine carefully each new idea before accepting it as bona fide. The idea of the lyric should be to proceed more carefully, looking before we leap, and thus practicing ‘Safety First.’”

The Triangle Club’s production of “Safety First” toured all across the country that year. The cast of 65 traveled 3,000 miles and performing in eleven cities. They traveled by special train referred to their “a hotel on wheels.” On Dec. 3, 1916, the show played in Pittsburgh at the Schenley Theater; it was the ninth of the eleven cities. Other locations included Brooklyn’s Academy of Music, Baltimore’s Lyceum Theatre, and New York’s Waldorf-Astoria. “Safety First” was reported to be “one of the most completely equipped plays” produced by the Club (Pittsburgh Press, 3 Dec. 1916, page 15). There is no mention of Sosman & Landis’ scenic contribution other that by Moses in his memoirs.

As with Purdue’s Harlequin Club, men played the female roles. In girl’s parts Mr. W. M. Bowman played Betty Howard and Mr. W. J. Warburton played Cynthia Mars.

The “Baltimore Sun” described the production on 17 Dec 1916 (page 31). The article included a picture of Paul D. Nelson, president of the Princeton Triangle Club and leading man in “Safety First.”  Here is the rest of the article from the “Baltimore Sun:”

“On Wednesday evening the Princeton Triangle Club will make its annual bow to the theatre-going public of Baltimore at Albaugh’s Lyceum Theatre, Although an amateur organization, this well-known college dramatic club has for years set a standard of professional excellence and the play this year, entitled ‘Safety First,’ is reported as well up to that standard. The play is a satire on modern conditions and a burlesque on some of the modernist ideas. The action takes place in the futuristic art community of Arden and deals with a counterfeit art school run by a former convict named Howard. The lyrics, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, serve to carry on the general idea conveyed by the show, that of satire and burlesque on certain foibles and fads of the day – mostly feminism, futurism, and prison reform. One of the characteristics of the show, and of all Triangle Club productions, is that it is the work of undergraduates throughout. Not only are the play and lyrics composed by students at the university, but the entire personnel of the company is made up of undergraduates, including the cast, flirtatious girls, chorus and pony ballet, orchestra and the lowly electricians, property men and ‘mistress’ of the wardrobe. The scenery and costumes are also designed by members of the club.”  The designs were the work of club members, but the manufacture of the stage settings were delivered by Sosman & Landis, installed under the supervision of Thomas G. Moses after Thanksgiving Day in 1916.

Of the scenery, “Brooklyn Life” reported, “the stage settings were most attractive” (23 Dec 916, page 12). “The Brooklyn Citizen” elaborated that there were “a variety of striking scenic effects” and stage settings were “unique”…One innovation is in scenery. Instead of one set for the play there are three distinct scenes, with a special drop curtain for the prologue.” (3 Dec 1916, page 10). The drop curtain was provided by Miss Katherine Maxey in the “Bakst style.” More on Maxey tomorrow.

To be continued…