Copyright © 2021 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Copyright © 2021 by Wendy Waszut-BarrettFor additional installments, go to www.drypigment.net
William Henry Lemle (1871-1950) was an actor, theater proprietor, scenic artist, studio founder and designer. He was associated with the Hoyland-Lemle Co. in 1922, William Lemle, Inc. in 1927, and the National Theatre Supply Co. by the late 1920s. Lemle had an abundance of talent and ambition that ranged from adapting stories for the stage to creating novel decorations for business expositions. In the line of painting, his career included sign painting for glass windows, lamp shade decorations and massive panoramas. It was his brother-in-law, however, who redirected Lemle into the scenic art profession.
Lemle was born in Philadelphia on July 29, 1871, one of four children born to Francis P. Lemle and Margaret A. Wooley. His siblings were Francis E., David J., and Martha A. His father was employed in a variety of occupations, but most frequently worked as a salesman.By 1893, the Lemle family was residing at 1826 Judson St. in Philadelphia. At the time, the City Directory listed William Lemle as a salesman. Most of the Lemle family resided on Judson street over the years. The Lemles appear to have had no connection to the theatre, or any connection to a theatrical trade, until Martha A. Lemle married William Cook.
In the early 1890s, Lemle was working as a traveling salesman. This was possibly how he met his future wife. In 1893, he married Elizabeth C. Cushing in New Jersey. Cushing was 21 yrs. old at the time, only a year younger than her husband. The couple settled in Philadelphia and celebrated the birth two daughters, Ethel and Louise. Elizabeth went by both “Beth” and “Bessie.”In 1894 and 1895, the young couple was living with extended family at 1826 Judson. At the time, Lemle was working as a shade maker, painting scenes on roller shades for windows. Late nineteenth century window shades were often constructed of thick cotton or linen, and either glazed or decorated with painted scenes and ornament. This is likely when Lemle’s career as an artist commenced.
By 1898 William was working as a paperhanger.The 1900 US Federal Census listed the couple as living in their own home at 1221 Ridge Ave. with their two daughters Ethel M. (b. Jan. 1896) and Louise F (b. Aug. 1899). Lemle was listed as a window frame manufacturer that year, returning to the window shade profession the following year. Between 1901 and 1904, Lemle focused on another aspect of the window trade – decorative advertising. This was another step, that brought him closer to the scenic art profession. By 1904, he advertised in the “White Letters” section of the Philadelphia Directory. Interestingly, Lemle’s name was listed just below that of scenic artist Otto Armbruster, son of the famous scenic artist Mathias Armbruster of Columbus, Ohio. Otto worked for Thomas G. Moses in New York just prior to working in Philadelphia at this time. Lemle was actually listed twice below Armbruster, and his advertisement noted:
“Sign Letters of all kinds. Enameled, Gold, Wood, &c. Sole agent for Stamped Aluminum Letters, Wholesale and Retail. Agents wanted. Phone PO La8 2487 0 1221 Ridge Ave.”
In the midst of transitioning into the painting trade, Lemle suffered great loss. Between 1903 and 1906 he would lose his brother, mother, and wife. On Nov. 20, 1903, the “Philadelphia Inquirer” reported, “On the 19th last, David J. Lemle, son of Francis P. and Martha A. Lemle, in his 39th year. Due notice of the funeral will be given, from his late residence, 1847 North Judson street” (page 7).
The loss of his brother may have prompted a self-evaluation of his own life and accomplishments to date. By the next year, both William Lemle and his wife were performing with an amateur theatre group. At the time, they were both in their early 30s. Lemle’s association with Philadelphia’s Criterion Dramatic Association, was that as an actor and business manager. The group seems to have been a step up from a community theatre, with some participants going on to enjoy professional careers on the stage; Lemle would be one of them. On April 10, 1904, the “Philadelphia Inquirer” reported, “The Criterion Dramatic Association is one of the oldest and most widely known amateur dramatic associations in Philadelphia. The Criterion was founded several years ago by a few young people merely to satisfy their ambition in ways of amusement.” The group performed their productions at the New Mercantile Hall. That spring Lemle played the role of Col. Bonham in “Arizona.” In May, Lemle’s wife “Bessie” was also listed as one of the principal players for the company (Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 May 1904, page 36).
Their life on the stage was not meant to last, as Bessie passed away by the fall. On Sept. 4, 1905, the “Philadelphia Inquirer” announced, “BETH C. wife of William H. Lemle (nee Cushing). Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services, at her late residence, 1221 Ridge Ave on Tuesday, at 2PM, Interment private at Greenwood Knights of Pythias Cemetery.”
During this time, Lemle continued to work as a painter. His advertisements were listed in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” that fall. An advertisement published two weeks after his wife’s passing stated: WINDOW SIGN LETTERS. ALL KINDS White, gold, etc.; cheap; postal; we call anywhere. Lemle, 1221 Ridge Ave” (18 Sept 1905, page 13). Whether he needed escape from the memories of his dead wife, or an opportunity simple presented itself, Lemle became a member of Fred Conrad’s touring troupe in 1906. After appearing as a lead comic role in “Not Like Other Girls,” he toured with Fred C. Conrad’s “Monte Cristo” production (Daily Republican, 8 Jan. 1907, page 1).
By the fall of 1907, Lemle was mentioned in newspapers across the country for his contributions to the popularly received production. When the company performed at the Opera House in Paris, Kentucky, the “Bourbon News” reported “Mr. Conrad has had unlimited experience in producing ‘Monte Cristo’ and his especial care is shown in his use of Wm. Lemle’s arrangement of the play. Mr. Lemle will be remembered by most people interested in the drama, as one of the most talented and scholarly actors on the American stage. In his thoroughness and high ideals, he belongs virtually to the old school, and it was in this way of thinking and doing that he prepared and starred in ‘Monte Cristo’ under Mr. Conrad’s management. When we go to the theatre to see this famous character, we want to see him in the play as prepared by Mr. Lemle and presented by Mr. Conrad’s Company, we can expect to see him step from the pages of romance to the footlights in the full power and dignity of his personality.”
When the production appeared in Huntington, Indiana, the “Daily News-Democrat” reported, “the production which is to be seen at the New Theatre has the authority of one of the most thoroughly trained and accomplished leading actors on the American stage, William Lemle who through presentations of the play in all the leading cities and during several entire seasons has brought his part of Dantes and the play to a finely complete and finished condition. Wm. Lemle who is a scholar as well as an actor and stage director, has provided a production of ‘Monte Cristo’ which may well be expected to reveal the full power that made it famous at the New theatre Monday night.”
Another article in the “Daily News-Democrat” described “A Famous Duel,” going onto state:“The memorable duel scene in ‘Monte Cristo,’ as well as such climaxes as ‘The World is Mine’ will be irresistible magnets for the coming engagement of the play at the new theatre September 16. The duel scene in this production was introduced by William Lemle, who presented the play with great success in all the leading cities and it is as exact a reproduction as possible of the most thrilling combat that ever took place on a field of honor, the ‘meeting’ of Del Frenchi and Chateau Renaud in the Fountainbleau Forest, near Paris. It is a deadly duel with all the details closely following the historical combat described by Benjamin D’Isreali.”
The 1910 US Federal Census listed William H. Lemle working as an actor in the theatre industry. He was still living in Philadelphia. At the time, Lemle and his young daughters were living with his sister’s family. The household included Lemle’s sister (Martha Cook), his brother-in-law (William Cook), their son (Charles Cook), and his father (Francis P. Lemle). William and his son Charles were both scenic artists who founded a studio. More about Lemle tomorrow.
To be continued…
