Copyright © 2021 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Today, Frank H. Atkinson is best known for his sign painting books, available from a variety of distributors. Although recent editions were published in 2018, his life and career remain primarily unknown. It has taken an incredible amount of time to track down information hidden in census reports and city directories. My search has been ongoing for a few decades now. Years ago, I purchased “Scene Painting and Bulletin Art,” an original copy from 1916. Though the book was stained and paint-smattered, I instantly fell in love with my new acquisition before I ever turned a page. The primary purpose of my purchase was to get a better view of one particular image: Victor Higgins posed in front of a drop curtain at the Sosman & Landis main studio.
Although Atkinson’s association with the Chicago-based firm was obvious, there was no concrete evidence to link Atkinson with Sosman & Landis. I finally made the connection while researching the story of Frank M. Lewis. Lewis was fondly recalled by retired scenic artist John Hanny in a series of interviews with Dr, John Rothgeb from 1976 to 1983. In a letter, dated July 14, 1976, Hanny wrote, “[Sosman & Landis] was a wonderful place to work – especially for young and hopeful painters where they could get fine training and experience working with such men as Thomas G. Moses. David Strong, Fred Evans, Frank Lewis, Fred Scott, and William Nutzhorn and others.”
Lewis entered the scenic art scene in Chicago in 1890. At the age of 25 yrs. old, Lewis was listed in the 1890 Chicago Directory as a scenic artist, living at 104 Newberry av. The next year, Atkinson and Lewis briefly partnered to establish their own studio at 382 W. Madison. At the time, the two men were also living together, boarding at 432 Randolph. Their primary focus was advertising curtains for theaters, billboards and painted signage. Perfect timing to establish a business like this, especially considering the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Lewis & Atkinson scenic studio soon morphed into F. M. Lewis & Co. advertising firm.
A decade later, they were still working and living together. Lewis and Atkinson were more than colleagues; they were family. Lewis was Atkinson’s brother-in-law. In fact, in 1900 Atkinson was living with four of his wife’s brothers.
Here is what I have pieced together in regard to Atkinson’s life and career:
Franklin H. Atkinson was born in Illinois, on Oct 22 1871 – yet other records suggest 1865. Although some will cite his birth city as Chicago, I am a little suspicious. Yes, there were quite a few well-known Atkinson scenic artists working in Chicago during the nineteenth-century. Unless “Frank H.” was an alias, he is not connected to any of the families; and I have dug deep. His close friendship and familial ties to the Lewis family suggest a more modest start, such as a smaller farming community in Whiteside County, Illinois. Maybe Garden Plain or Newton, where dozens of Lewis and Atkinson families thrived in the late nineteenth century. Interestingly, the first employee and final president of Sosman & Landis, Thomas G. Moses, was also from Whiteside County, Illinois. Moses grew up on a farm near the town of Sterling.
Atkinson married Lula L. Lewis in Whiteside County, Illinois, USA, on June 20, 1895. This was four years after living with her brother in Chicago and establishing the partnership of Lewis & Atkinson. In 1896, Atkinson was again listed in the Chicago Directory as a painter, living at 121 Lafflin with his new bride. Lewis was also working in the Chicago, listed in the directory as an artist and living at 700 W. 13th.
The 1897 and 1898 Chicago Directories listed Frank H. Atkinson as a painter, residing at 292 S. Paulina with his brother-in-law Melvin D. Lewis, who was also a painter. 1897, Frank M. Lewis was listed as a painter too, living at 44 Vernon Park Place, with another brother. Charles Lydon Lewis soon followed and was also listed as a painter and living at 223 Mecca flats. It was quickly becoming the family business.
By 1900, Atkinson was again living with Frank Lewis; Atkinson was listed as a painter and Lewis as the president of F. M. Lewis ad sign company 55 W. Jackson Boulevard. In 1901, the Atkinson household was located at 303 S. Winchester Ave. The household included: Frank Atkinson (Designer, b. Oct 1871), Lula L. Atkinson (b. Oct 1867), Frank M. Lewis (Advertiser, b. Jan 1865), M. D. Lewis (Melvin Dell Lewis, traveling man, b. July 1871), Charles L. Lewis (Traveling man, b. May 1878) and Fred S. Lewis (Student, b. Oct 1880.). Despite their listing in the census that year, all of the men were scenic artists, working as painters in a variety of industries. In 1900, however, they were all working together on a common endeavor, F. M. Lewis & Co. Advertising Signs.
When the fledgling company failed to make it, they all went back to freelance work. It is also very likely that each man worked in the Sosman & Landis studio at this time.
In 1901 Frank was still listed at the president of F. M. Lewis ad sign company, but the business offices changed from 55 W. Jackson Blvd. to 42, 92 LaSalle. By 1902, F. M. Lewis is listed in the “Chicago Directory” as “sign painter,” now living at “42 Merchants’ B. M. 22498.” This is when Frank Lewis began to work full-time at Sosman & Landis, where he remained until 1912.
Between 1909 and 1916, Atkinson not only worked as a sign painter at a variety of companies, but also wrote three educational books on scenic art and sign painting. They were: “Sign painting Up to Now” (1909), “A Show at Sho’ Cards; Comprehensive, Complete, Concise,” (co-authored with G. W. Atkinson, 1912), and “Scene Painting and Bulletin Art” (1916). Although I would like to think that he took the necessary time off from painting to write, it was unlikely; he was the sole provider for a growing family.
In all of his publications, “Atkinson” is prominently featured on the cover and title page. After all, he was the author. Unfortunately, he did not own the intellectual property; his works were copyrighted and published by Frederick J. Drake & Co. of Chicago. This publishing firm specialized in self-education books, buying the manuscripts from individuals and securing all copyrights to the writings.
In 1909 Atkinson wrote: “Sign painting up to now: a complete manual of the art of sign painting, contains ninety-six designs or layouts and accompanying color notes, seventy-five alphabets embracing all standard styles, their modifications and alternates, comprehensive text covering all practical phases of the art, for every day reference in the shop” This work included a collection of model alphabets, sample layouts, and numerous examples of sign painting projects across the country.”
In 1912 he co-authored “A Show at” Sho’ cards; Comprehensive, Complete, Concise” with G. W. Atkinson. At this time, I remain unsure of the relation between the two.
In 1916 Atkinson wrote, “Scene Painting and Bulletin Art,” copyrighted and published by Frederick J. Drake & Co. of Chicago, publishers of Self-education Books.
In addition to working and writing, the Atkinson family moved from Chicago to Des Moines. Sign design and painting remained his focus when he relocated to Iowa. The 1910 US Federal Census records that Atkinson was living in Chicago with his wife Luna [Lula] L. and their 2-yrs.-old daughter, Virginia Frances. The Atkinson home was listed as 610 452nd Ave, Chicago, with Atkinson’s occupation noted as “Artist in Signs.” Three years later, the family was living in Des Moines. In 1913 he was working as a designer for the outdoor advertising and sign company, Stoner-McCray System, 1244 29th Street. Atkinson continued to work for the firm until 1915. The 1915 census provides a little more personal information for Atkinson reporting Atkinson’s 1914 earnings as $1500 [$1500 in 1914 is the equivalent of $41,000 in 2021]. The 1915 census also lists that Atkinson attended school until the 10th grade, that his parents were both born in New York State, and he was a Presbyterian.
Between 1916 and 1918, he wrote another a book and opened his own sign company in Des Moines. The 1918 Des Moines City Directory listed Atkins-Sno Co. as a partnership between Frank H. Atkinson and David A. Snow. The Atkin-Sno Studio specialized in “Electric Spectacular Signs” and “Outdoor Painted Displays.” The firm was located at 413, 12th in Des Moines, and then relocated to 518-20 E. Walnut St.
David A. Snow was a sign painter who emigrated from England in 1900. Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, on January 17, 1889, Snow’s parents were actually from Austria and Hungary (Solomon Snow and Mary Rothman). Snow arrived in the United States during the fall of 1900, settling in New York and working as a sign painter. He married Regina Kuhn on June 16, 1915 and the couple celebrated the births of three children. It was before the birth of his first child that Snow petitioned for US Citizenship in 1915. It was not granted until 1918. During his wait Robert Herman Snow was born in New York on June 10, 1916 and Katherine Snow was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept 26, 1918. It was during the citizenship process when Snow moved from the Bronx in New York City to Des Moines, Iowa. His Midwestern home was located at 1529 N 16th St. His third child, Judith Leona Snow, arrived on April 22, 1921 in Des Moines.
As Snow overcame the obstacles toward citizenship, Atkinson experienced a series of familial life changes. Atkinson’s father-in-law, William Lewis, passed away in 1918. Frank’s wife Lula was named Executrix for the estate. Here is a small excerpt from the probate records mentioning Luna: “I call attention to the fact that I have also made a Warrantee Deed on the 14th day of October, 1918 to my daughter Luna L. Atkinson, of my home real estate located in the upper part of the Village of Albany, County of Whiteside and State of Illinois….I do nominate and appoint my daughter Luna L. Atkinson to be Executrix of this my last will and testament, nor shall she be required to give bond, but I would say here that she is the beneficiary named in my Modern Woodman Life Ins. Policy that it is my desire that she divided this insurance amount received by her, equally with my heirs-at-law, she sharing equal in same.” This is the last mention that I have located for Lula, sometimes misspelled as Luna. It is possible that this event contributed to a separation. Frank began to spend an increasing amount of time on the road, returning to Chicago quite frequently. He even registered for the WWI draft in Chicago during 1918 at Local Board N. 86, 1513 Hyde Park Blvd. By the way, the WWI draft registration described Atkinson’s appearance as 5’-7” and slender, with grey eyes and brown hair. Interestingly, Snow also registered for the WWI draft in Chicago.
Snow and Atkinson’s business thrived for a few years between 1918 and 1920. On July 6, 1919, “The Des Moines Register” reported, “HUGE SIGN FOR THEATER. Des Moines Moving Picture House Said to Be Largest. The huge sign on the Des Moines Theatre, built by the Atkin-Sno company, 413 Twelfth Street, is said to be the largest in the state. The sign is 60 feet long and 12 feet wide and holds 2,000 electric lights. Around the border of the sign is an electrical design in the form of a serpent that runs constantly about the lettering. This sign will be on the center around which the other lighting of the theater is grouped.”
The Atkin-Snow enterprise expanded their operations and continued to increase their staff over the course of two years. On Feb 7, 1920 the “Des Moines Register” included the following advertisement: “Salesmen wanted on straight commission. Apply Atkin-Sno Co., 518-20 East Walnut.”
In 1920, Snow was president of the firm, with Atkinson vice-president. Hymon Levich was listed as the secretary-treasurer, with offices at 518 E. Walnut. It all collapsed by 1922 when the government cited them for failing to file corporate reports, By 1922 their business ends. Although Atkinson-Sno Studio was still listed in the Des Moines Directory that year, David Snow’s interests turned to other occupations. In 1922, Snow was listed in the Des Moines City Directory as a “real estate Insurance and Auctioneer,” with offices at 226 Flynn Bldg. By 1924 David Snow is listed as a lawyer in Des Moines. Meanwhile, Atkinson continued to be listed as a painter, now working at Oliver Work Co. in Des Moines. It appears that his wife and children are no longer in the picture.
This is where Atkinson’s own life gets a little murky, and his first family fades from the scene. By 1924, Atkinson remarries; I really have no idea what happened to his first wife Lula. She may have died, filed for divorce, or remarried; it remains a mystery at this time.
Frank H. Atkinson moves to Waterloo, Iowa, and the city directory listed his occupation as a designer for the Fowler Sign Service. He is also living with another woman named Belle, presumably his wife. His respite in Waterloo was very short-lived, and soon Belle existed the picture too.
Atkinson returned to Chicago by the fall of 1924, where he became associated with the Superior Sign School on 2139 Wabash Ave. His name appeared in numerous advertisements for the studio. There is an interesting marketing strategy too; the school places a series of “Want Ads” in the “Chicago Tribune” from 1923-1930. The marketing scheme is quite clever, and, my guess, more affordable than traditional advertisements. Atkinson is credited as the “famous expert” for Superior Sign School in 1924. The institution is also advertised as “the world’s largest school” with W. A. Hicks was the manager. Here are a few of the Want ads:
For the week of September 20, 1924, the “Chicago Tribune” published the following Superior Sign School Want Ad:
“SIGN PAINTERS!
Frank H. Atkinson, famous expert has joined world’s largest school and announces LIFE CLASS starting Sept. 20. Learn sign, scene, and pictorial under world famous staff. Qualify quickly to EARN $75 PER WEEK in this fascinating work. We also teach paperhanging, painting, decorating, marbling, graining, show card writing. Enroll now at low rates. Write, phone or call SUPERIO SIGN SCHOOL, 2139 S. Wabash-av. Phone Calumet 4413” (page 103).
Throughout the remainder of September and all of October, Superior Sign School Want Ads carry a similar theme. Another Want Ad asked:
“WANT BIG PAY?
Frank H. Atkinson, FAMOUS EXPERT will personally train you quickly in WORLD’S LARGEST SCHOOL, under actual working conditions to EARN $75 PER WEEK and up, in SIGN, SCENE, BULLETIN and POSTER ART. We teach DECORATING, PAINTING, PAPERHANGING, GRAINING, MARBLING. Earn while learning. No exp. Needed. Low terms. Open every day and evening, also Sundays. Write, phone or call SUPERIO SIGN SCHOOL, 2139 S. Wabash-av. Phone Calumet 4413” (page 34).
From Sept. 28 until Oct. 8, 1924, the Want Ad suggested:
“GET OUT OF THE RUT.
Frank H. Atkinson, FAMOUS EXPERT will personally train you quickly in WORLD’S LARGEST SCHOOL, under actual working conditions to EARN $75 PER WEEK and up, in SIGN, SCENE, BULLETIN and POSTER ART. We teach DECORATING, PAINTING, PAPERHANGING, GRAINING, MARBLING. Earn while learning. No exp. Needed. Low terms. Open every day and evening, also Sundays. Write, phone or call SUPERIOR SIGN SCHOOL, 2139 S. Wabash-av. Phone Calumet 4413” (page 29).
On November 23, 1924, the Want A’s toned down their approach:
“Sign and Pictorial paperhanging, Painting, Calcimining, Decorating, Marbling, Graining, Scenic painting, show card writing. Life class Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. We assist you with employment while learning. FRANK H. ATKINSON. Internationally recognized as a leader in sign craft, gives Individual Instruction. There is no time limit on any course. THE SUPERIOR SIGN SCHOOL. 2139 S. Wabash-av. Calumet 4413 (page 93).”
In 1925 Atkinson disappeared for a bit and resurfaced as an art instructor at the Cincinnati University Art School by the late 1920s. I was unaware of Atkinson’s time spent in Ohio until one of his former student’s was featured in 1937. Kenneth Watkins received a write-up in a local Jackson, Mississippi newspaper on March 28, 1937 (page 16). The “Clarion -Ledger” reported that A. Kenneth Watkins, former resident of Jackson, joined Dixie Advertisers, Inc., an art director. The article continued, “For the past four years, Mr. Watkins operated his own art studio in Cincinnati, handling national advertising layout and illustrations for Kaeser & Blair, Inc., and the Davis Tailoring company of that city. Mr. Watkins graduated from Jackson Central High School, class of ’28, and attended the Cincinnati University Art School. He studied under Frank H. Atkinson, our well-known author and mural artist. Several years ago, Mr. Watkins handled the artwork for the Paramount Publix Theatres Corporation’s poster display work for Jackson theatres. He has recently won several awards for posters and pastel painting.”
So, sometime between 1929 and 1930, Atkinson moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Jackson, Mississippi. He would spend the remainder of his life in the south. Somewhere between Cincinnati and Jackson, Atkinson remarried for the third time: I think.
The 1930 US Federal Census lists Atkinson living with May and her daughter in Jackson, Mississippi. He is working as an artist and living 666 N. Jefferson Street with his wife May Isabelle Atkinson was from Ohio. It is possible that May Isabelle was wife #2, Belle; I just don’t have proof yet.
Atkinson completed quite a few painting projects during the 27 yrs. he spent in Jackson. On Nov. 10, 1934, the “Clarion-Ledger” reported, “Piercing Eyes Watch Actions of State Senators. When state solons convene at their next legislative session, they will be under the piercing eyes of Red Man Created By Pale-Face, an Indian of Chickasaw or Choctaw origin. From his position in the dome of the Senate Chamber, aided in his vigil by six twin brothers, he will be able to see every action made by the solons below. The red man is not yet in his place, but will be within the next few days, according to. Frank Atkinson, his creator. Mr. Atkinson expects to have his protégé completed very soon. The chief is a part of the decorative scheme of the new capitol building, which is being renovated under the direction of A. Hays Town, local architect, and supervision of A. C. Daniels, Jackson painter. Six likenesses of the red man’s face will be placed on the underside of the dome of the senate chamber, surrounded by decorative scrolls and volutes. Frank Atkinson, painter of the figures in the capitol chambers, is well known here, being the artist who painted Governor Mike Conner upon his election several years ago, and painter of several portraits of Jackson and state notables” (page 10). This was part of a civil works project from 1933-1934. Atkinson’s “Indian faces” are still mentioned in the online virtual tour. Here is the link: (http://www.legislature.ms.gov/about-the-capitol/virtual-tour/).
On May 14, 1937, the “Clarion-Ledger” also described Atkinson’s mural work for the Nickel Store in Jackson, Mississippi. The article noted, “Impressed is the food shopper upon viewing the store with modern market taking in the entire rear of the store and extending from wall to wall. In addition to attractive Friedrich fixtures as artist has given his conception of the cross-country trip by covered wagon of Ed Friedrich on his way to Texas many years ago. This picture, an oil painting is the work of Frank H. Atkinson, nationally known artist. Mr. Atkinson came to Jackson especially to paint the picture which gives a touch of distinctiveness and takes in the entire wall of the rear of the store” (page 5). In Jackson he primarily focused on commercial art, decorative painting, and fine art commissions.
In 1939, Atkinson exhibited an oil painting of the hanging gardens of Babylon at the Buena Vista hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was part of an event that featured garden clubs and proposed erection of the Garden of Gardens in Mississippi. Lecture by D. R. Smith, president of the Garden of Gardens, Natchez (Sun Herald, Biloxi, 3 July 1939, page 5).
The 1940 US Federal Census listed Frank H. Atkinson (69 yrs.) as an artist in the commercial painting industry, still working 48 hrs./week, “on account.” It also showed his highest level of education was four years of high school, more than the previous record of 10th grade. He was still living with May (also Mae), who was now 52 years old and working as an operator in the restaurant industry. I located a little more information about his final wife: Mae Isabelle (also Isabell and Isabel) Sharpe was born in Ohio about 1887, the daughter of D. W. Sharpe and Mary Sinclair. At the age of sixteen-years-old she married Charles Brewer on Jan 28, 1903. I have no idea when or why her first marriage ended.
By 1945, Atkinson briefly returned to work as a sign painter at Dallas Perkins Sign Co. He continued to work until the ends of his days. A decade later. Mae predeceased him, but by only a year.
On Nov 16, 1955 the “Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Mississippi), page 4: “Mrs. Mae Atkinson, 68, who resided at 2545 Livingston Road, died Tuesday afternoon at University Hospital after a brief illness. She had been a resident of Jackson for 26 years and was a member of the Capitol Street Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Frank H. Atkinson, Jackson, three daughters, Mrs. Frank Grimes, Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Virginia Bailey, New York, Mrs. Charles Kallmer, Osceola, Ind.; one sister, Mrs. Mary Britt, Seattle, Wash: six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Baldwin will have charge.”
On Nov. 22, 1955, Atkinson published an announcement in the “Clarion-Ledger,” writing, “Card of Thanks. ATKINSON-Frank H. Atkinson and family express their gratitude to everyone for their kindness, sympathy and flowers received during their recent bereavement.”
Frank passed the next summer. On July 14, 1956, the “Clarion-Ledger” published his obituary (page 5). Here it is his obituary in its entirety:
“F. H. Atkinson Dies; Rites Due Saturday. Was Artist Who Painted Capitol.
Frank H. Atkinson, 84, died at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the University Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was a resident of 2545 Livingston Road and had lived in Jackson for the last 27 years. Mr. Atkinson was a native of Chicago and at a time of his death was a retired artist. He was the artist who was engaged to paint the pictures seen inside the dome of the new Capitol Building. He was a lifetime member of the Metropolitan Museum of Artists; member of the Masonic Lodge No. 100, and the Methodist Church. Mr. Atkinson had authored four books on art, all of which had been published during his lifetime. Final rites will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the Baldwin Funeral Chapel with Rev. John H. Morrow of the Galloway Memorial Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memorial Park. Masonic rites will be conducted at the graveside. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Esther Grimes, Spokane, Wash., Mrs. Marjorie Kallmayer, Osceola, Ind/., and Mrs. T. P. Bailey of New Rochelle, N. Y., and one grandson, Daniel W. Brewer, Jr., U. S. Marine Corps. Pallbearers will be Charles Dennery, M. J. Morehead, Denny Click, Al Hughes and C. M. Mimms. Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge.”
Hopefully those who own an Atkinson book will now have a greater understanding of the author.
To be continued…
