Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Henry C. Tryon was associated with the Bowdoin Square Theatre when he passed away in 1892. Planning for the Boston theatre began early in 1890.
On May 18, 1890, the “Boston Globe” reported, “If the new Bowdoin Square Theatre becomes a reality it will be commodious, convenient, and will open with a big attraction.” It took quite some time for the theatre to open, with the first opening planned for January 1, 1892. This tentative date was delayed until February 15, 1892.
On February 14, 1892, the “Boston Globe” published a detailed article about the new building. One section of the article described the new stage and scenery:
“The stage, one of the largest in the city, is fitted with every modern mechanism necessary for working the scenes. The prompter’s table and appliances for controlling gas and electric work are elaborate and convenient. The width of the stage is 71 feet: total height to gridiron or rigging loft, 67 feet in the clear…The provision against damage by fire are quite ample. Standpipes, hose and automatic sprinklers are placed at various points behind the scenes and a perforated pipe closes the curtain opening. The fly-men have a special fire-escape running from the gallery.
An asbestos curtain is in place to be used in case of fire. The drop curtain is a drapery design, essentially a decorative work, with a landscape accessory, a bit of mountain scenery from Switzerland. A second curtain shows an exterior scene more elaborate in treatment. These beautiful drops are the work of Mr. H. C. Tryon who also painted the front draperies. One border is a rich maroon with gold embroider, the other, or what is known as the working border, is a delicate blue on which is seen the harp and olive branches.
The house will be completely stocked with scenery. The two interiors to be used on Monday night were painted by Messrs. Arthur H. Davis and William F. Hamilton.”
[Less than a decade later. Will Hamilton would partner with Thomas G. Moses to form the New York scenic studio, Moses & Hamilton]
The article included a list of the executive staff for the Bowdoin Square Theatre, with H. C. Tryon and A. H. Davis as scenic artists for the house.
The Bowdoin Square Theatre was a sizeable venue with 1,600 seats. “Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide” provided more technical specifications for the stage in 1896. The width of the proscenium measured 32’-0” wide by 34’-0” high. There was 40’-0” from the footlights to the back walls, with 2’-0” from the curtain line to the footlights. The backstage was commodious, measuring 70 between the side walls. It was 69’-0” from the stage to the rigging loft and 50’-0” between the girders. Two paint bridges were located in the upstage area. The depth under the stage was 12’-0” with ten traps. The theatre also had a scene room. By 1896, the scenic artists for the Bowdoin Theatre were Conrad Tristchler and Charles Walker.
To be continued…
