I am still on break from daily posts, as my wrists will not allow me any extended periods of typing or surfing the internet. I have posted a few pictures of my most recent adventures to my Facebook Group “Dry Pigment,” but with minimal text. It may be another month before I return to any daily blogging.
That being said, last week I visited the Omaha Scottish Rite (Nebraska, USA) to evaluate their scenery collection. In 1996, the Valley of Omaha purchased the used scenery collection from the Scottish Rite Theatre in Kansas City, Kansas. It replaced their original scenery collection, manufactured by the Sosman & Landis Scene Painting Studio of Chicago between 1914 and 1915.
The current scenery used at the Omaha Scottish Rite was painted by Maj. Don Carlos DuBois (1886-1964), representing the Great Western Stage Equipment Co. Collection of Kansas City, Missouri. Many of the drops are signed and dated by DuBois, c. 1951-1953. It is truly a lovely collection.
Some of DuBois’ original designs for Masonic scenes are part of the Great Western Stage Equipment Co. Collection in the Performing Arts Archives at the University of Minnesota. Over thirty years ago I processed the collection, and in 1999 helped digitize the scenery collections and get them online. Here is the link for the scenery database:
Although I have written extensively about DuBois (born Don Carlos Boyes) in the past, it is important to note that he grew up in Seward, Nebraska. It was not until 1900 that DuBois moved to Chicago and became a scenic artist. It is remarkable that his scenic art is now featured in Omaha, only an hour’s drive from where he grew up.
It may be a while before I post again. Hopefully, I will be back by the end of June or mid-July. Have a wonderful summer!
