Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
I came across an interesting article about scenic artist Charles Squires while researching the life and times of Thomas G. Moses (1856-1934) in 1919. On April 20, 1919, the “Dayton Daily News” published an article about Squires entitled, “Gang Battle Brought Artist to His Career” (Dayton, Ohio, page 36). This one is just delightful.
Here is the article in its entirety:
“When Charles Squires, scenic artist for the Brownell Stork players was hesitating over a decision as to whether he would become a policeman or president when he should grow up, the desire to paint struck him, and the blow was a lasting one.
The ‘gang’ that made headquarters on one of Burlington’s numerous hills and numbered young Squires among its members, fought its way downtown one day and took up a position to the rear of the town’s ‘opry house,’ from which strategic point, epithets and stones were hurled at the opposing forces with such excellent marksmanship, both physical and vocal, that the invaders were left in possession of the alley and in close proximately to the mysterious door beyond which loomed in semi-darkness the summer crop of scenery and dusty properties that serves to emphasize the emptiness of a theater’s stage when the season is over.
On the day of the invasion, however, there was activity within the building, as the more adventurous members of the gang learned upon cautious investigation. Straggling inside and edging along gradually until their bare feet were collecting splinters from the very center of the stage, they stod [sic.] in awe before the biggest picture frame they had ever seen and watched white-clad artists wield bog brushes and daub gallons of paint over the canvases which the boys had never seen before beheld at closer range than the distance between the gallery and the stage.
In the mind of at least one of the rapt audience that watched the artist at their annual task of retouching the theater’s scenery there was born the desire to emulate their achievements. Charles Squires resolved to be a scenic artist.
Ensued a period of feverish activity within the gang. The biggest barn in the hill neighborhood was chosen as a theater and studio. A monster production of “The Siamese Twins” was planned with “That Squires Boy” as dramatic director, leading man and – scenic artist.
As to the dramatic value of “The Siamese Twins” Mr. Squires refuses to be quoted. Certain it is, though, that it was a huge success, and it was responsible for the present fact that Mr. Squires is one of the ablest scenic artists in America. As soon as parental consent could be obtained he journeyed to Chicago and began the long apprenticeship which is necessary if one would qualify as a real artist. Study and application have helped him to forge ahead, and specimens of his work are to be found in the theaters of New York, Chicago, Winnipeg, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Washington, Denver, and half a dozen other cities scattered over the continent.
This versatile genius and master of the art of scene painting will become closely acquainted with a number of young folks who will avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the Brownwell-Stork Players to serve an apprenticeship upon the scene bridge. Under the excellent instructions of Mr. Squires it is expected that the various classes will make rapid progress, so that their own creations on that canvas may form part of the settings of the various plays to be offered.
While these instructions will be absolutely free of charge, no application will be considered unless recommended by a member of the hostess committee.”
To be continued…
