Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
George W. Dayton Jr. was the first-born child of scenic artist George Washington Dayton and Julia A. Sails born, born in 1862. He followed in his father’s footsteps; first, working as his father’s assistant and later as a full-fledged scenic artist. He was born and raised in New York. Watching first-hand as his father gained a local, regional and national reputation as a scenic artist. During his formative years in New York, Dayton Sr. worked at a variety of venues, including Grand Opera House. The 1870 US Federal Census listed the Dayton household as including George W. Dayton (35 years old, painter), Julia A. (31 yrs. old). George W. Jr. (8 yrs.) and Charles E. (4 months old, born in Feb.). Sadly, Charles passed away that same year; an event that must have been traumatic for his older brother. Another sibling would not be born for another four years. By the time his younger sister Florence arrived in 1874, George was already 12 yrs. old. By this age, many young boys entered apprenticeships. It would have been unusual for Dayton Jr. to not work as an assistant to his father at this point. Some of his early tasks would have been making glue, mixing colors, swiping down palettes, cleaning buckets, and sweeping up the paint area.
The Dayton family moved to California in 1876, and by 1878 Dayton Jr. was listed in the San Francisco Directory as a scenic artist at Baldwin’s Theatre. By this time, he was sixteen years old. His father’s scenic art works constantly made the news, praised in a variety of local papers. Whenever Dayton Jr. was mentioned in an article, he was still referred to as an “assistant”; a title that would remain constant for almost a decade. This was how the apprenticeship system worked. “Pot boys” eventually became scenic art assistants, before being given a palette of their own. Once they were allowed a palette, they became full-fledged scenic artists and were assigned their own assistant. It would have been unusual if Dayton Jr.’s training did not follow this pattern. If anything. Dayton Jr. may have remained his father’s assistant for longer than necessary, if he proved to be a good one. It may have been difficult to break away from his father and strike out on his own in the scenic art field.
Dayton Jr. was first listed as a scenic artist in the 1878 San Francisco Directory: “Dayton. Geo W. Jr., Scenic artist Baldwin’s Theater, r. 11 O’Farrell av.” At the time, he was living with his parents, with his father also listed as a scenic artist at Baldwin’s and also living on O’Farrel av.. He continued to be listed as a scenic artist in 1879 (Dayton, Geo W. Jr. scenic artist Baldwin Theater, r. Brooklyn Hotel) and 1880 (Dayton, Geo W. Jr. scenic artist Baldwin Theater, r. Brooklyn Hotel).
Between the summers of 1879 and 1880, the Dayton family relocated from California to Illinois, settling in Chicago. Dayton Sr. had secured employment at Hamlin’s Opera House.
On August 15, 1880, the “Chicago Tribune” mentioned both Daytons painting scenery for Hamlin’s Grand Opera House. The article announced, “Mr. George W. Dayton, the scenic artist at the new Grand Opera House (Hamlin’s), began his labors last Monday, being assisted by his son.” On September 5, 1880, the “Chicago Tribune” listed both father and son as part of the backstage staff: “George W. Dayton, scenic artist; George W. Dayton, Jr. assistant.” They were again mentioned in another “Chicago Daily Tribune” article on that same day (page 16). The article reported, “The principal officers of the house will be John A. Hamlin, Manager; William H. Davis, associate manager; George W. Dayton, scenic artist; George W. Dayton, Jr., assistant…”.
1880 US Federal Census listed George W. Dayton Jr. living with his parents and two younger siblings. Both he and his father were listed as artists. Despite working in Chicago, the Daytons maintained two homes: one in Chicago and one in Harmony, Maryland. In the census report, George W. Dayton Sr.’s occupation was listed as “Artist Oil,” with George W. Dayton Jr.’s occupation listed as “Artist App.”
By 1883, only one Dayton was listed in the New York City Directory, listed as an artist and living at 766 Ninth av. By 1884, father and son were accepting individual projects in the east. Each began going by George W. Dayton, often without the distinction of Jr. or Senior. Both were listed as painters in the Brooklyn Directory, living approximately six miles apart. Dayton Jr. was listed living at 28 Whipple; his father was at 133 22nd .
In 1885, work brought at least one George W. Dayton back to the main studio of Sosman & Landis in Chicago. Both were in Chicago that year, however, as each exhibited artworks at the 1885 Scenic Painter’s show. Both Dayton Sr. and Dayton Jr. were involved in the event, listed as part of the planning committee. On August 1, 1885, the “Inter Ocean” reported, “The scenic artists of this city held a meeting this week at Parker Galleries and determined to hold an exhibition and sale of works in distemper at those galleries early in September. Among the artists present were Ernest Albert, John Mezzovico, Walter Burridge, David A. Strong, John Howard Rogers, Henry Tryon, George Dayton, Thomas Moses, John Howell Wilson, H. E. Bucky, Charles Ritter, and others” (page 4). Both Dayton’s were also mentioned in John Moran’s article about the event, published in “Art Union, a Monthly Magazine of Art” (Vol. 2, No. 4, 1885, p. 85). Moran wrote,” “Other works deserving of notice are Messrs. George Dayton, Sr., George Dayton, Jr.” Dayton Jr. was mentioned again on Oct. 5, 1885 in the “Detroit Free Press” (page 5). He was listed as a contributor to the “first exhibition by the American Scenic Artists, now in progress at Chicago.” George Dayton Jr., “of Albany”, was listed alongside Matt Morgan, John Rettig, Thomas G. Moses, C. E. Petford, R. Merryfield, James Hamilton. Walter Burridge, Earnest Albert, John Howell Wilson, and L. Malmsha.
It was also in 1885 that Dayton’s mother, Julia, passed away. I have yet to locate her death certificate, so I am uncertain as to whether she passed in New York or Illinois. Dayton Sr. remarried; his second wife was Mary McCarty. Dayton Sr. and Mary went on to celebrate the birth of three children: Irvin W (July 1888), Eugene H. (July 1891), and Oscar V. (Sept. 1897).
During this time, both Dayton Sr. and Dayton Jr. are working as scenic artists in both Chicago and New York. They are each listed in the Brooklyn Directory for 1889; albeit at separate addresses. George Dayton Sr, was still at his 1884 address – 133 22nd . George Dayton, Jr., was living at 203 Varet St.; almost seven away from his father.
It must have been difficulty, sharing the same name and profession with a father who was extremely, well-known, well-respected, and well-liked. I have yet to come across and praise that was showered upon Dayton Jr. for his scenic art. I am not hinting that Dayton Jr. was lacking in any way, but he certainly transitioned from scenic artist assistant to scenic artist under his father’s shadow. I hope that his artworks also gained recognition over the years.
On Nov. 27, 1887, Dayton Jr. married Helena “Lena” Cohen in Manhattan, New York. This was likely the same year that his father also remarried Mary McCarty.
Marriage certificate for Geo. W. Dayton, Jr. and Helena “Lena” Cohen, 1887.
In 1887 Dayton Jr. was living at 141 Easy 17th Street, with his fiancée, Helena, living at 183 Ludlow. Born in Hamburg, Helena was the eldest daughter of Fanny and David Cohen. Her father was Dutch emigrant who worked as a tailor in Manhattan. George and Helena celebrated the birth of four children: George Washington Dayton (b. Dec. 25, 1888), Arthur Vaulkan Dayton (b. April 17, 1890), Julia Agnes Dayton (b. Nov. 3, 1892), and Jerome John Dayton (b. Feb 2, 1895).
By 1889, Dayton Jr. begins working for William F. Wise’s studio in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. By this time, Dayton Jr. was about 29 yrs. old. In 1889, George W. Dayton was listed as an artist in the New York City Directory, living at 3309 E 77th.
On September 17, 1889, the “Tyron Daily Herald” reported, “Two young men named Leon Moan and George Dayton, scenic artists who have been in the employ of W. F. Wise in Tyrone for nearly three months had their room in the building of Mr. Scullin, the tailor. About a month ago they broke a large French plate mirror in their room. They promised to pay for the damage done, but last night it was discovered that they were trying to sneak away on Philadelphia Express. Mr. Sculin did not care as far as the price of glass was concerned but he deemed it right to put a quietus on such a mean trick. Accordingly, he armed officer Snyder, with a warrant and together they went to the depot for the men. The fugitives were in hiding on the hill side of the railroad, and when the train arrived, they endeavored to board without being seen. Mr. Scullin and the officer made a dash for their men and secured Dayton, but Moan succeeded in eluding his pursuers. Dayton was taken before Esquire Taylor and settled the affair by paying the damage and costs” (page 2). Not to excuse any behavior, at the time, Dayton Jr. was supporting his wife and two infant children.
Both George W. Dayton Sr. and George W. Dayton Jr. were employed by William F. Wise at his studio in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.
Regarding their employer, Wise & Co., the firm advertised as architects and artists. Like Sosman & Landis, the not only operated a main studio, but sent some of their artistic staff on the road. William F. Wise began as a finisher, living in Brooklyn in 1873, and residing at 149 Navy. From approximately 1879-1882, he worked as a painter in Philadelphia. Although later business letterheads suggest that Wise & Co. was founded in 1876, that is likely when Wise transitioned from decorative painting to scenic art. In 1888, W. F. Wise and W.B. Stewart. purchased an old church, converting it into a scenic studio. By the next year, Dayton Jr. was working for Wise, traveling from one project to the next. It remains unclear as to whether both father and son were working for Wise at this time.
By 1893, Wise purchased land for a new building. On March 15, 1893, the “Tyrone Daily Herald” announced “New Scenic Studio to be built” (page 4). The article reported, “W. F. Wise this morning purchased of Harry Wands the lot. Of ground 75×170 feet, bounded by Muncy street, the Juniata river and Bald Eagle creek, upon this plot he will immediately begin the erection of a scenic studio which will be 55×130 feet in size. Mr,. Wise has secured an advantageous location for his new building, where it will be in full view of the railroad and other approaches to the town. The transfer was consummated through the active instrumentality of W. Fisk Conrad who in knowledge of real estate and its management is par excellence. The scenic painting business of W. F. Wise & Co. has long since outgrown their present studio at the corner of Washington Ave and Twelfth Street, and crowded with orders, they have from some time been looking for larger quarters. Many tempting offers from New York and elsewhere were made them to locate in other places, but our people will be gratified to note that the present transaction insures the permanency of their business in Tyrone. It is an industry which inures to the benefit of the town. The studio is the only establishment of the kind between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and one of the very few extensive scenic studios in the United States, in reputation standing the peer of any. W. F. Wise & Co. are known the country over for their scenic and spectacular painting, and church hall, and theatre decorations” (page 4). In 1906, the company advertised that they had 30 years’ experience and were prepared to furnish drop curtains, scenery, decorations, models (to scale), architectural plans, carpentry work, stage traps, theatrical, hardware and lighting equipment and more.
By 1889, George W. Dayton is listed as an artist in the New York City Directory, living at 330 E 77th. By 1891, only George W. Dayton, Jr. was listed in the New York City Directory, living at 324 E 85th St. In 1892, he was living at E 117th St. #513 in Manhattan when his daughter Julia was born. In 1895, the Daytons were living at W. 118th St. in Brooklyn when Jerome was born that February. They remained at 264 W 118th until 1897 when Dayton Jr. passed away after battling tuberculosis for three months.
George W. Dayton’s New York Death Certificate form 1897.
Dayton Jr. died at the age of 34 on April 5, 1897. He had been sick for three months before his passing. On April 7 he was cremated and buried at Fresh Pond Crematory and Columbarium in Middle Village, Queens County, New York. He left wife and four children, between the ages of 2 and 8 yrs. old. Lena remained with her children in New York, listed in the1899 directory as “Lena, wid George, h. 2374, 2d av.” The 1900 US Federal census listed her occupation as a candy shop worker..
Her eldest son, George W. Dayton III, briefly followed in his father’s footsteps. The 1910 US Federal Census listed 21-yrs.-old George W. Dayton working as an artist for the newspaper industry in New York City. His address was listed as 21 110th St. W, Manhattan. George was still living with his mother and three younger siblings. His aunt, Emily E. Cohen and a boarder, Daniel Ahernas, were also listed as part of the household. George’s foray as an artist did not last, and by 1917 he listed his occupation as “auto mechanic” on his WWI draft registration card. A few months later, he was serving in the Supply Dept., of the Commissary Division, in the Panama Canal Zone. Both he and his younger brother Arthur worked Panama.
Arthur V. Dayton and his wife Adelina. Arthur was the son of George W. Dayton, Sr. Photograph posted to ancestry.com.
Arthur was the first to head south in the fall of 1909, working as a clerk for $100/month. That’s the equivalent of about $3200/month today. By 1930, Arthur worked as a dump inspector in the dredging division, passing away there six year later, on July 27, 1936; he is buried at Corozal, Distrio de Panamá. Both he and his wife died the same year, leaving two daughters, ages 18 and 14; Cecilia and Carmen both moved to Texas where they each married and celebrated long lives. Dayton Jr.’s youngest son, Jerome, remained in New York his entire life, where he primarily worked as a shoe salesman and cared for his mother.
Jerome Dayton, youngest son of George W. Dayton, Jr. and Helena Cohen Dayton. Photograph posted to ancestry.com.
Their mother outlived her father by 42 years.
On Sept, 2, 1939, her obituary was published in “The Miami News”-
“MRS. HELENA DAYTON. Mrs. Helena Dayton, 69, of 46 N. E. Fifth st., died yesterday at her home after a short illness. She came to Miami from New York eight years ago. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Julia Munch, Miami; two sons, George W. Dayton, Canal Zone, and Jerome J. Dayton of New York. Funeral services will be held in the Flagler funeral chapel at 5 p.m. today. The body will be cremated” (page 10).
Her eldest son, George W. Dayton III, remained in Panama until 1967. Nine months before his passing, he relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida. Dayton’s obituary reported, “Mr. George W. Dayton, 79, 2418 Tulane Ave., Daytona Beach died Tuesday. A native of New York City, he moved to Daytona Beach nine months ago from the Panama Canal Zone. He was a retired security officer and a member of the National Association of Retired Civil Employes. Survivors include widow Josephine Maria; son George K, daughter, Mrs. Elsie Trofashu; one grandchild, all of San Diego, Calif.” (page 10).
The Dayton’s only daughter, Julia Agnes, married Joseph H. Munsch in New York. She was Munsch’s second wife. They moved to Miami, where Julia cared for her mother during the 1930s. Aftre her mother’s passing, the Munschs relocated to National City, California. Although I have yet to locate an exact date, Musch’s WWII draft card lists National City as his residence in 1942. Julia remained in California for the remainder of her life, passing away on July 23, 1971. She is buried next to her husband at Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery in San Diego; Joseph Munsch served as a Private in the US Army during WWI.
Julia and her mother. Photograph posted at ancestry.com
Fortunately, I am in contact with some of the George W. Dayton’s descendants, but they have yet to locate a photograph of either father or son. I have not uncovered an extant artworks by either Dayton Sr. or Jr.
