Scottish Rite Theater – Page 6

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar Part. 699 – The New Orleans Scottish Rite, 1906

Part 699: The New Orleans Scottish Rite, 1906

The New Orleans Scottish Rite, pictured in “The Times Democrat,” 30 Nov 1906, page 8

The lobby. The New Orleans Scottish Rite, pictured in “The Times Democrat,” 30 Nov 1906, page 8

The same year that new Scottish Rite Cathedrals were dedicated in San Francisco, California, and Topeka, Kansas, another one appeared in the south – New Orleans, Louisiana. The Times Democrat reported, “Scottish Rite Masons of Louisiana yesterday afternoon officially dedicated the beautiful new home of the Louisiana Grand Consistory in Carondelet street, and later entertained at a reception the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and a large number of invited guests.”(30 Nov. 1906. Page 8).

The old Carondelet Street Methodist Church was transformed into a Scottish Rite Cathedral for the price of $10,000. Articles incorporating the Scottish Rite Cathedral were filed in the Probate Court on October 14, 1906, according to The Times-Democrat (page 28). The announcement stated, “The organization is a branch of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masons and the purpose is to erect a cathedral in this city which will be one of the first in the south, and the only one on the state.” The incorporators were R. W. Southerland, H. L. Gaines, Thomas M. McMillan, Robert L. Douglas (president) and P. B. Dixon (secretary).

The dedication ceremony took place in the theater, with the stage being occupied by members of the Grand Lodge and the Grand Consistory. Uniformed members of the Consistory were seated on the main floor and guests in the balcony.

In 1906, painted scenery for the newly constructed stage was gifted by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Arkansas Consistory, Valley of Little Rock, Orient of Arkansas.

Gus D. Levy, Venerable Grand Master of the Grand Consistory, began the program, explaining that the decision of the Scottish Rite to buy the cathedral of their own had, at the time it was reached, created the impression that it grew out of a breach between the Scottish Rite and York Rote Masons. The Times Democrat included his explanation and his attempt to set the record straight. He allowed L. C. Allen of Shreveport, the Grand Lodge F and AM. To address the matter. The Times Democrat reported, “Mr. Allen first said he was glad of the opportunity to explain matters. The move of the Scottish Rite Masons had not meant that there was any conflict between the two bodies. As a matter of fact they were still intimately associated and closely affiliated with each other.” He concluded the explanation and then spoke of the original, history and present status of Scottish Rite Masonry as well as its relation to the York Rite branch of the order. I have to wonder what else was also going on between the two Masonic orders at this time.

The new temple was the first home for the Louisiana Consistory; the building bought a while back from the Methodists before an additional $10,000 was spent on the recent remodel. The building committee included Charles F. Buck, Gus D. Levy (chairman), Richard Lambert, Frank Chalonn, Joseph Meyers, George W. Voth, B. Lake Henry and W. H. Wood. The architects for the remodel were Stone Bros. With their new stage, the first work of the Scottish Rite included a candidate class of 112 applicants over two days.

The New Orleans Scottish Rite Auditorium

On 2 March 1907, the Times Democrat announced “Many Masons Coming” (page 5). The Scottish Rite was to hold a reunion and Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Richardson of the Southern Jurisdiction attended to witness 198 candidates receive the 4th through 32nd degrees. Grand Commander was visiting the New Orleans Scottish Rite on his way to another reunion in Galveston, Texas.

In 2014, the building was listed for $4 million and was sold to developer Craig Boes for $3.25 million. The scenery collection sold for $1,000 during the middle of June in 2015. I know this fact, as I was trying to secure it at the same time on behalf of the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center. This was during the summer of 2015 while working as their Curatorial Director during the planning and construction of the center. We missed buying them by a week. Because we were unable to purchase the New Orleans collection, the Fort Scott scenery collection became an alternate.

In the end, a theatre group near Austin, Texas, purchased the New Orleans Scottish Rite scenery, cutting the ones they wanted off of the battens. In the end, the group who purchased the scenery, cherry-picked the collection, leaving about twenty drops behind. Lance Brockman and I were in touch with the developers in charge of the renovation for a while, as they sought to track down the artistic provenance. Their plan was to photograph the scenery and maybe hang it in a warehouse somewhere. Unfortunately, the remaining drops were removed during the renovation and their fate is currently unknown.

A drop that once hung in the New Orleans Scottish Rite.

A cut drop at the New Orleans Scottish Rite that was not removed after the building was sold.

In looking at the very few images I have received over the years, it appears to be a compilation from a few different eras. I know that some scenery was delivered by Volland Studios in 1953, but am unsure of the rest. I believe that some of the earliest pieces were from Toomey & Volland, including a palatial backdrop posted on one blog. What I am curious about, however, was the stage right rigging, as is looked very similar to that in Yankton and Wichita; certainly not a Brown’s special system.

Almost three years ago, the historic building became home to Nolaluna, an entertainment and dining development company in New Orleans. The building now that features circus artists, singers, musicians, variety acts and comedians. The renovation was estimated at $8 million for the 162-year old building. There is something comforting that the building continues to include the performing arts.

A cut drop left on site and used in a promotional photograph by the new owner, Nolaluna. The building now that features circus artists, singers, musicians, variety acts and comedians.

To be continued…

There is a lovely little post by the Traveling Templar about his visit to the building in 2010: http://www.travelingtemplar.com/2013/08/sights-and-places-nola-scottish-rite.html

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 698 – The Oakland Scottish Rite, 1906

Part 698: The Oakland Scottish Rite

The first plans for the Oakland Scottish Rite published in the “San Francisco Chronicle,” 13 April 1906, page 13

Architectural drawings for the Oakland Scottish Rite published in the “Oakland Tribune,” on 28 Dec. 1906, page 2

On April 13, 1906, The San Francisco Chronicle published the plan for the anticipated Oakland Scottish Rite, reporting:

“Oakland, April 12. – At a cost f $150,000 the new Scottih Rite Cathedral will be erected immediately the southwest corner of Harrison and Fourteenth streets, to a spacious lot 100 feet square, only three block from the business center of Oakland. Because the entire building will be devoted to the uses of the Scottish Rite bodies of this city, the structure has been designed especially to meet their needs, and, when completed, it will be the most perfect building of its king on the Coast. Three principals floors and mezzanine floors between will afford ample accommodations for the lodges. In the basement will be located the banquet room with stage and ante-rooms. A thoroughly appointed kitchen and pantry will supplement this. The banquet room will be reached by two broad staircases, connecting with the two streets o which the building will face. The hall will be finished in rich tints and will be effectively lighted with incandescent lights. A gymnasium and bowling alley, with the usual boiler and store rooms, will complete the basement floor. On the mezzanine floor will be the ornamental entrance of the building, including the offices of the managers of the building. Marble, mahogany, mosaic tile and bronze will be used lavishly in the furnishing of this section of the edifice. On the first floor will be the club rooms, library, smoking and card rooms, billiard rooms, ladies’ parlors, hat and coat rooms, and dressing rooms. The second floor will contain the lodge room and will be the principal floor, in the building. The apartment will be 63×65 feet in size, with a coffered ceiling forty-four feet high and a large art glass dome, lighted from behind. The seating capacity will be 450 and, with a gallery which can be added, 200 more can be accommodated. A stage, with a proscenium opening and equipped with complete scenery and settings for most of the degrees from the fourth to the thirty-second, will be part of the furnishings. Bestor G. Brown, who has fitted up most of the Scottish Rite stages in America, will have charge of this work. The cost of the scenery will be approximately $8,000. An organ oft with a pipe organ and choir is part of the equipment, as are dressing, property and candidates’ rooms” (13 April 1906, page 13).

This was to be the second Oakland Scottish Rite cathedral to include a theater for degree work. Only a decade earlier, the Scottish Rite bodies of Oakland purchased and remodeled an old synagogue in 1896. This was similar to the Little Rock Masons in 1896, who also renovated an existing synagogue to include a Scottish Rite stage with new scenery.

The first Oakland Scottish Rite cathedral was located off Fourteenth Street, between Webster and Harrison Streets; it was dedicated on September 21, 1896. Ten years later the Oakland Scottish Rite was planning to build another Scottish Rite on the southwest corner of Harrison and Fourteenth streets.

As elsewhere across the country, the Oakland Scottish Rite bodies quickly outgrew their first home at 305 Fourteenth Street, necessitating a larger venue to accommodate an ever increasing candidate class sizes. On April 9, 1906, the Oakland Scottish Rite approved the finalized plans for a new Scottishi Rite Cathedral at Fourteenth snd Harrison Streets. Unfortunately, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fire that same month altered their existing plans. Real estate values skyrockets and the anticipated building expenses doubled, causing the Oakland Scottish Rite bodies to rethink their plans. The began the search for an alternative location, finally deciding upon a spot at the southwest corner of Fifteenth and Madison. It took a while, but by 1908, a second set of plans was approved by the Oakland Scottish Rite and construction commenced on their second cathedral. On March 15, 1909, the dedication ceremonies finally took place at 1443 Madison Street.

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 697 – The Los Angeles Scottish Rite, 1906

Part 697: The Los Angeles Scottish Rite

On July 10, 1904, the Los Angeles Times announced “Big Masonic Enterprises” were being planned (page 47). They included “a site bought for the Scottish Rite Cathedral,” “ New Masonic Temple to be Part of Plan,” and “Fresh Torture Invented by Mystic Shrine.” I am not even touching on the third part of the article.

The Los Angeles Scottish Rite was planning to build a cathedral estimated at $100,000. The article reported, “The site has been purchased, and the deal closed yesterday.” The site was selected by committee as it was equally accessible from all parts of the city. In conclusion, the article noted, “There will be no business rooms in the building, and every section of the cathedral will be devoted to the exclusive use of the Scottish Rite Masons.”

Plan for the Los Angeles Scottish Rite Cathedral published in the “Los Angeles Times,” 16 April, 1905, page 9

On April 16, 1905, the Los Angeles Times announced,”Ground will soon be broken for a hansome and commosioud Masonic edifice, which promised to be one of the finest of its kind in the West” (page 9). In the article “For the Cathedral of the Scottish Rite,” the plans for the auditorium was described, “60×70 feet and 33 feet high with a stage 32×60 feet” on the first floor. The stage house would be “48 feet high and will be arrangd to permit the production of elaborate scenic effects.” A large balcony surrounding the main auditorium was included in the plans.

The completed Los Angeles Scottish Rite Cathedral, from the “Los Angeles Herald,” 23 July 1905, page 19

A committee of eleven members were selected to have full charge of the arrangements: Perry W. Weidner, Will R. Hervey, Willam D. Stephens, Simon Conradi, W. C. Patterson, Henry Baer, Franklin Jordan, Niles Pease, Otto Sweet, A. W. Skinner and Frank H. Pfaffinger. By this point in the planning, the endeavor was now estimated at $125,000. Hudson and Munsell were the architects.

The Los Angeles Times, published the article “Bedeck for Dedication” on June 1, 1906, (page 23). The newspaper described, “Over the banquet hall is the auditorium, capable of seating nearly 2000. The stage is a marvel, completely appointed and furnished with the finest switchboard in the West. Alongside of the rows of handles that controls the lights is a set of six dimmers with thirty-six switches, making it possible to shade the lights from nothing to the fiercest glare. On one wing is an orderly row of ninety-four weights in their slides show how many drops are hung up in the flies.” This was a description of Brown special system, with the “slides” being the wood arbor frames.

The Los Angeles Scottish Rite auditorium, published in “The Los Angeles Times,” 1 June 1906, page 23

Postcard depicting the Persian palace setting at the Los Angeles Scottish Rite

By July 23, 1905, the Los Angeles Herald further described the theater:

“The auditorium, where all the floor work will be illustrated, is off the foyer and is 62×71 feet in dimensions, extending from north to south, with stage 35×62 feet and a 26-foor proscenium arch, finished in stucco work, The stage is fully equipped with every accessory needful for the elaborate presentation of Scottish Rite work, The auditorium will be finished in mahogany and olive green, tipped with ivory, and will have an elaborate emblematic ceiling. The foyer, connecting with a hall at the south side of the auditorium from front to south and west, connecting with rooms for candidates and other purposes. The candidates’ room is 25×40 feet, the property room 30×48 feet, the storage rooms 18×24 and 18×18 feet. The auditorium balcony will seat 600 people. On the balcony floor is a billiard room 22×28 feet, a card room 16×20 feet, and the lodge room 35×38 fett. All of these rooms will be finished in maple and wainscoted and will be provided with ornamental fireplaces and bookcases.” (page 19).

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 696 – The San Francisco Scottish Rite, Feb. 6, 1905 – April 18, 1906

Part 696: The San Francisco Scottish Rite, Feb. 6, 1905 – April 18, 1906

The cornerstone for the Albert Pike Memorial Temple in San Francisco was laid on July 9, 1904 by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. and A.M. of California. The name causes a slight problem, as nearly two decades later an Albert Pike Memorial Temple would be built in Little Rock, Arkansas. In Little Rock, the Scottish Rite Masons left their previous home in the 1902 the Albert Pike Consistory Building to join other Little Rock Masonic orders at the Albert Pike Memorial Temple.

Cornerstone laying ceremony for the San Francisco Scottish Rite, 1904.

The San Francisco Scottish Rite’s Albert Pike Memorial Temple was located at 1859 Geary Street in San Francisco, between Steiner and Filmore Streets, the building occupied a 86 feet by 137 feet lot. On February 6^th, 1905, the new home of California Scottish Rite bodies was dedicated and a Scottish Rite Reunion commenced..

Fred J. H. Rickon was the president of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple Association, a group that consisted of some of the most prominent Masons in San Francisco. Other memebers were Frank B. Ladd, William Crocker, W. I. Brobeck and W. C. Ordway. Bestor G. Brown, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas and western sales manager for M. C. Lilley & Co., not only outfitted the new theater with scenery, stage machinery, lighting and costumes, but also “made the presentation speech, paying a graceful tribute to the energy of local fraters” (San Francisco Call, 7 Feb 1905, page 2). Other than the costumes, the theater’s scenery, stage machinery, and lighting were subcontracted to Sosman & Landis of Chicago, Illinois.

In “The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33^rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America” from 1905, there was a report from W. Frank Pierce, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Valley of San Francisco. He stated:

“Only one reunion has been held in this jurisdiction, This one was at the dedication of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple, San Francisco, and held for the purpose of allowing the brethren from various parts of the State to witness the conferring of all degrees in a temple equipped with the most modern paraphernalia and stage fittings to present their dramatic part of the work.”

On February 6, 1905, the San Francisco Call included the article “Albert Pike Memorial to be Dedicated.” The article reported, “On this occasion the degrees will be conferred with full scenic effects and historically correct paraphernalia for the first time in California. Over $100,000 has been invested in this magnificent structure, of which fully $25,000 is in scenery and costume alone. It is anticipated that many of the craft from all over the State will take advantage of this occasion to receive these degrees, and it is thought that many prominent and distinguished visitors from other jurisdictions will grace the meeting with their presence” (“Albert Pike Memorial to be Dedicated.” 11 Dec. 1904, page 50).

Like many buildings in San Francisco, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple was destroyed during the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake on April 18. By April 22, 1906, the San Francisco Chronicle described the Masonic ruins after the fire: “On Geary street between Filmore and Steiner, two large, new, partly constructed brick and stone buildings, one the Albert Pike Memorial Temple and the other the Congregation Beth Israel Church, both practically collapsed, the roofs falling in. Not far away, on Sutter and Steiner streets, a large new building being constructed for the Golden Gate Commandery of the Scottish Rite fell with a crash” (page 6).

Image of the San Francisco Scottish Rite after the earthquake in 1906, from the San Francisco Public Library.

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 695 – Transactions of the Supreme Council, 1905

Part 695: Transactions of the Supreme Council, 1905

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.

One of the more interesting publications to peruse is “The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33^rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.” There is an abundance of information tucked away in reports, statistics and recorded travels completed by the Grand Commander and other Supreme Council representatives. I have discovered more about the early use of stages and degrees productions here than in may othet records.

The 1905 “Report of Committee on Doings of Inspectors and Deputies” provides a sneak peak into the goings on of Scottish Rite Valleys througout the Southern Jurisdiction. Keep in mind that this was in the midst of a Scottish Rite building boom that began at the turn of the twentieth century. Each representative (Sovereign Grand Inspector General, or SGIG for short) was making a two-year report at each biennial session. In 1905, it was for the two years ending June 30, 1905.

This was an exciting time for the Southern Jurisdiction as membership rapidly increases and funds pour in, especially from the western region. I looked for the report by Harper S. Cunningham, Sovereign Grand Inspector-General from the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma and Indian Territories. I sought out more information pertaining to the McAlester scenery photographed in 1904, that was later sold to the Scottish Rite in Santa Fe, and rediscovered in Charleston by Rhett Bryson in 1995. Here is Cunningham’s 1905 report:

“I have the honor to report that Scottish Rite Masonry has made satisfactory progress in Oklahoma and Indian Territory during the past two years.

The bodies located in the Valley of Guthrie have prospered sufficiently to practically complete payment of the debt outstanding against their new temple, and now contemplate additional improvements that will make the temple more commodious, especially as regards the entertainment feature, by providing a banquet hall commensurate with the needs of the craft. In the Valley of South McAlester I revived the Chapter of Rose Croix and during the past year have granted letters of temporary for the Council of Kadosh and the Consistory. These bodies are thoroughly equipped as far as paraphernalia needs are concerned. They have temporary quarters, where the degrees are worked in style and manner second to none. They have a corps of enthusiastic workers, and much enthusiasm for the Rite is shown among the brethren. They have purchased a magnificent site for a temple, and have agreed upon the plans and specifications, and already contracted for the excavation and building of the basement. The temple will be 100 x 150 feet in size, and will contain all of the improvements which have been suggested by the experience of our sister bodies, for the exemplification of the degrees. All things considered, the bodies of South McAlester are progressing undermost favorable auspices, and I predict them great success in their work. They are holding a reunion during the present week, October 9 to 12, inclusive, at which they confer the degrees upon a large class. The work will be manifested in their returns and application for permanent charters. The Honorary 33ds of my jurisdiction are all enthusiastic in the cause of Scottish Rite Free-Masonry and bear their honors worthily.”

A couple of things to consider. The building being discussed (100 x 150) would necessitate grander scenery for a larger stage, thus supporting the sale of the existing scenery to the Valley of Santa Fe while their 1912 cathedral was being planned and built. The used scenery would prepare Santa Fe Masons for a new theater.

In looking at activities across the country during 1905, I wasn’t to mention a few other reports.

Frank Pierce, SGIG of the Valley of San Francisco noted, “Only one reunion has been held in this jurisdiction, This one was at the dedication of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple, San Francisco, and held for the purpose of allowing the brethren from various parts of the State to witness the conferring of all degrees in a temple equipped with the most modern paraphernalia and stage fittings to present their dramatic part of the work.” This was another Sosman & Landis delivery.

Francis J. Woodman, SGIG (Valley of Washington, D.C.), reported, “Harmony prevails throughout our valley, and ard and faithful work is being performed in the exemplification of the degrees of the Rite, which will now compare favorably, I believe, with that done in other Valleys of the Southern Jurisdiction.” Translation: they are staging degrees.

Edward Tears Taubman, SGIG of (Valley of Aberdeen) State of South Dakota noted, “Our regret was that the visit could not have been extended to the bodies at Deadwood, where you would have also observed that they were well-equipped for the work…” Traslation: they are using scenery to stage the degrees. We know that Twin City Scenic Equipment Co. provided some early Scottish Rite scenery to the Deadwood Scottish Rite.

A. B. Chamberlain, SGIG of the Valley of Galveston, State of Texas, reported, “With the organization of their Consistory (Dallas), the brethren began in earnest to provide means for the erection of a cathedral, one that would not only answer their present needs, but those for many years to come, and to that end they appointed a committee to take charge of the same….the bodies of Galveston have shown the same prosperity as in the preceding two years. The members have determined to remodel their stage and equip same with necessary scenery and electric equipment. This will enable them to confer the degrees equal to any.” Translation: Dallas is starting the construction of a Scotish Rite facility; there wil be a stage for future generations. Galveston already uses scenery, but is going to remodel their space house and purchase better versions to make their degree productions more impressive.

John W. Morris, SGIG of the Valley of Wheeling, State of West Virginia reported, “The interest shown by the brethren in ritualistic work is far greater than when the last report was made. Since the last session, we have purchased a very desirable piece of property 90×100 feet, costing $23,000, all paid for and a little cash left. We are now contemplating the erection of a Scottish Rite cathedral and will begin when we perfect plans and schemes to raise the money.” Translation: We are planning to build a Scottish Rite like everyone else, complete with a stage, howevre, we are just waiting to see which plans work best in other states.

Frank M. Foote, SFIG from the Valley of Evanston, State of Wyoming reported, “Scottish Rite Masonry in the States of Wyoming and Utah has made during the past two years satisfactory progress. The bodies of the Rite in Utah have lately purchased land in Salt Lake City for a Scottish Rite temple, and have let the contract for the building, which will be completed and occupied in less than a year from this date…The bodies in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have rebuilt and refurbished the temple, which was destroyed by fire early in 1903.” Translation: The Utah Scottish Rite is almost complete; there will be a stage. We know that the Cheyenne Scottish Rite were using some scenery, the fire was an opportunity to facilitate the inclusion of even more staged degrees.

My research suggests the there were twenty-five Southern Jurisdiction Valleys that were staging degrees by 1905: Little Rock, Arkansas; Wichita, Topeka, Salina, Fort Scott, Lawrence, and Kansas City, Kansas; Guthrie and McAlester, Oklahoma and Indian Territory; St. Louis, Joplin, and Kansas City, Missouri; Fargo, North Dakota; Yankton, South Dakota; Omaha, Hastings, and Lincoln Nebraska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Portland, Oregon; Butte, Montana; Galveston, Texas; Duluth, Minnesota; San Francisco, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and Washington, D. C. There are likely more, especially in Iowa, but I have not confirmed the exact dates when stages were constructed and/or scenery was purchased. Considering the first Southern Jurisdiction stages were completed in 1896, (Oakland, California, and Little Rock, Arkansas), this number shows amazing growth in less than a decade!

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 694 – The Scottish Rite in McAlester, Oklahoma, 1904

Part 694: The Scottish Rite in McAlester, Oklahoma, 1904

There was something else happening in the world of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry when the Scottish Rite in Kansas City, Kansas, was dedicated. In 1904 the Scottish Rite in McAlester, Oklahoma, photographically documented a few of their scenes, complete with costumed characters for the corresponding degrees. I first encountered these photographs while restoring the Scottish Rite scenery collection in the 1929 Masonic Temple. In a room with south-facing windows, a glass display case held a handful of photographs. There were several old photographs that depicted a small Scottish Rite stage and costumed degree teams.

One of the photographs in a display case at the Masonic Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma. This image depicts a degree team from 1904.

The typed card that accompanied the photographs stated:

“These are pictures taken of McAlester Scottish Rite degree teams in 1904, taken on stage “The Tabernacle,” McAlester’s first Scottish Rite Temple. It was located on the south side of Washington Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets, where the drive in facility of the Bank, NA, is presently situated.”

As with many onsite discoveries, I carefully tucked this little bit of information away and went on with my work for about a decade. I did not think about the photographs again until I was working on “The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple: Freemasonry, Architecture and Theatre” book (Museum of New Mexico Press, 2018). We were trying to track down some interesting images of Harper S. Cunningham, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of New Mexico, when the Santa Fe Scottish Rite was being planned. Cunningham had also functioned as the S.G.I.G. of Oklahoma Territory before moving to Santa Fe to help with the impending plans for constructing a new home with stage. Cunningham was referred to as the “Temple Builder.” As possible images were passed back and forth, one included Cunningham seated in front of a candidate class. This was taken in front of Santa Fe’s first Scottish Rite stage on Water Street.

Drop curtain created for the first Scottish Rite stage in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Curtain created for the first Scottish Rite stage in McAlester, Oklahoma, used by the Santa Fe Masons at their Masonic Hall on Water Street.

As with many Scottish Rite Valleys, the stage was constructed at the end of a Masonic hall. The intent of this stage was to get the members used to staging degrees, as they were planning a new theater in the proposed Scottish Rite building. Cunningham had directed the Snat Fe Scotish Rite to purchase the used scenery from the McAlester Scottish Rite Masons as they had just built a new stage and ordered new scenery.

Small stage constructed at the end of the Masonic hall on Water Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

As I looked at the photograph of Cunningham stoically seated amongst a candidate class of twenty-two men, I noticed the tassels on the drop curtain behind. Many Scottish Rite drop curtains during the first two decades of the twentieth century have a similar feel and composition, but I have yet to find two that are identical. When I compared the drop curtain in the Santa Fe photograph and the McAlester photograph, I realized that they were identical. The used scenery purchased from the McAlester Scottish Rite during the planning and construction of the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Cathedral was sitting in a display case in McAlester, Oklahoma.

At the time I documented the McAlester degree team images, they were deteriorating from direct exposure to sun and heat. I realized that it was unlikely a conservator had swept in after my departure from McAlester and removed the photographs form the cases to care for these significant images. I simply treasured the images that I already had and requested additional photographs depicting the scenery installed for the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Masons on Water street to get an understanding of the collection’s scope.

Jump ahead to the fall of 2018. I am carefully adding the research files of Professor Emeritus Lance Brockman to my own files. Years earlier, I had already added the research of Larry Hill, who thoughtfully sent me boxes of slides and past research about historic scenery, stage machinery, and panoramas upon his retirement. As I tucked Brockman’s “McAlester Scottish Rite file” in with my own, I quickly flipped through the contents. In one manila folder, there was a color copy of a 1995 letter from Rhett Bryson at Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina). It an old newspaper clipping. Bryson also traveled with Brockman and Hill across the country, documenting Scottish Rite scenery during the 18980s and 1990s.

The first 2” x 3” color image pictured in the letter was recognizable as the scenery behind the degree team for the 1904 McAlester Scottish Rite degree team photo. This was huge! Rhyson indicated that there were thirteen drops clearly marked “So. McAlister” on the back. This meant that the original scenery created for the McAlester Scottish Rite was used by the Santa Fe Scottish Rite and then shipped to and used by the Charleston Scottish Rite. The scenery had three lives! I was curious to see what I could find about the Scottish Rite stage in Charleston that used the scenery.

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 693 – The Scottish Rite Rivalry between Little Rock and Portland

Part 693: The Scottish Rite Rivalry between Little Rock and Portland

By 1902, Sosman & Landis studio had delivered Scottish Rite scenery and stage machinery to the Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Valleys in Little Rock Arkansas (1896, 1898, 1902); Oakland, California (1896); Wichita, Kansas (1898); Guthrie, Oklahoma (1900); Fargo, North Dakota (1900); and Salina, Kansas (1901). In 1902 another Scottish Rite scenery collection was contracted for installation the western region of the United States. The Portland, Oregon, Scottish Rite began the construction of their new home that would later be dedicated in 1903. Portland was just one on many Scottish Rite buildings to include a theater with scenery for degrees in the Southern Jurisdiction at this time, yet they are the only one to remain, as installed during this period..

In 1904, New Age Magazine published an article written by Charles E. Rosenbaum about the Albert Pike Consistory Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas. At that point, a rival began between Portland and Little Rock; Little Rock was getting a little too much attention throughout the Southern Jurisdiction.

Charles E. Rosenbaum pictured in the 1904 article in “New Age” about the Albert Pike Consistory

Albert Pike Consistory stage and scenery pictured in the 1904 article in “New Age” written by Charles E. Rosenbaum

Here is the article, “Rivalry in Scottish Rite. Mr. C. E. Rosenbaum Speaks for Arkansas and praises Oregon,” as published in the Daily Arkansas Democrat::

The New Age, a splendid new magazine published under the auspices of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, at Washington, D. C., contains the following article in its current number:

Fraternal Rivalry.

Our editorial in the November number of this magazine on “Fraternal Rivalry” has brought us a letter from Brother Charles E. Rosenbaum, 33 degree, S.G.I.G. Arkansas.

He says that if the Oregon brother who made a complaint about the statements inn his article about “Albert Pike Consistory” were incorrect had read his article carefully, and had been as familiar with affairs in his own jurisdiction of Oregon as he thought he was, he would have found no ground for complaint.

He declared that his statements were correct and are easily proven. He did not say that Albert Pike Consistory in Little Rock was the largest of the most expensive building in the country, for there are others which are larger and more expensive. What he did say, and he reiterates it, was that their building is the “most perfect in its equipment and in its arrangement,” and that “it is the only building in America erected and used for the sole purpose of Scottish Rite Masonry.”

Commenting on the Oregon brother’s statement that the Scottish Rite building in Portland is “much the largest and most complete yet constructed for the sole use of the Masonic fraternity,” Brother Rosenbaum says, “That it is larger than ours I frankly admit, but it is not the largets yet constructed;” and again he says, “That it is the most complete I beg to dispute, because I know of my own personal knowledge that their equipment is not near so complete as ours either in robing, stage scenery, or other paraphernalia.” Not only this, but he was informed by the “Recognized official head of the government power of the building,” while on a visit as the representative of the Sovereign Grand Commander, that, “the reason for building the auditorium with some of its special features was to permit the renting of it for lectures, concerts, and other high-class entertainment; that the reason for finishing the banquet hall on the plan adopted was that it could be rented for dancing purposes to social clubs and other organizations.”

So, “if it is to be used exclusively for Scottish Rite Masonry, then they have enlarged their plans since June, 1903,” says our contributor, and he adds: “In the light of the statements made to me while in Portland, the statement that I made should not be questioned.”

Our correspondent then continues, paying this handsome tribute to the bodies and to the brethren of the Rite in Oregon:

Now as to the Portland building and the brethren there. After maintaining my position in the article, permit me to say that in Portland they have a building which would be the pride in any city or set of Scottish Rite bodies which might be fortunate enough to possess it.

It is a beautiful building, and larger than ours, much mmore expensive in its construction, I think, and, so far as it had been equipped, the very best that could be produced has been installed. Its furnishings are not only tasteful, but of the highest quality, and it is indeed worthy of a place in the history of progress in the southern jurisdiction. The brethren themselves are enthusiastic, earnest, and energetic. That they are loyal to the organization is evidenced by the fact that the brother so promptly champions their cause in the article which I have referred.

Between Oregon and Arkansas there is no rivalry, not even a friendly one, for there is nothing that we could do to be of any service to Brother Malcom and his associates that we would not cheerfully and promptly try to do. I am sure that he and his loyal and lovable brotherhood would gladly render us any possible service that they could.

I trust that the same kindly feeling may always exist between us, and so far as it is in own power to maintain it we will do so, and I feel sure they too will maintain the same brotherly regard for us.

Another thing, which has no particular bearing on this subject, is well worth noting because it is so very unusual. When we opened the building for the first class we had to initiate in it, we had a bonded debt, all held by our own membership, and which bore interest at four percent. These bonds aggregated nearly forty thousand dollars. We had, in addition, accumulated outstanding open accounts for stage equipment, furnishings, and a balance on various contracts, amounting to about fifteen thousand dollars. We have now called in the last of these bonds, and checks have been drawn for the payments we should be so fortunate as to be able to discharge the last obligation with this magnificent enterprise within a trifle over two years from the time it was completed and opened.

Our contributor has answered clearly and definitely his anonymous critic. The tone of his reply is admirable, and we hope this letter will result in a signed reply from our critic, accompanied by a full description of the Portland Scottish Rite building.”

Scottish Rite in Little Rock, Arkansas, built in 1902

Scottish Rite in Portland, Oregon, built in 1903

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 691 – The Fort Scott Scottish Rite, 1904

Part 691: The Fort Scott Scottish Rite, 1904

I have been exploring the lighting specified for Scottish Rite stages during the first decade of the 20^th century. Another example of a Scottish Rite stage using white red and green lights was Fort Scott, Kansas. The Fort Scott Tribune and the Fort Scott Monitor published an article on April 30, 1904 describing the opening of the Scottish Rite Cathedral and dedication ceremony.

Postcard depicting the 1904 Fort Scott Scottish RIte

Bestor G. Brown, Past Grand Master for the state of Kansas, gave an address during the event. Nespapers reported, “He made a fine impromptu talk which reflected great credit on his ability as an entertainer. He amused the audience and kept the guests in good humor all the time. In addition to his princely proclivities in this respect Mr. Brown is an orator and has a fine command of English.

“A Temple of Liberty.

Scottish Rite Cathedral Dedicated Last Night.

Fitting Ceremonies.

Hundred of People in Evening Dress Astonished at Magnificence of Structure and Furnishing.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral, the existence of which is due largely to the unceasing efforts of the officer of the Scottish Rite bodies and the members at large, was fittingly dedicated last night. The services were impressive and the program carried out consisted of a couple of impromptu addresses by members of the Consistory and several musical selections, all of which was hugely enjoyed. The door of the cathedral for the reception that preceded the short program opened at 8 o’clock and the scene that was afforded by the hundreds of guests that crowded into the spacious building was one of attractiveness, and everybody was so surprised at the luxury that predominated and was seen at every nook and corner and all expressed delight and congratulations for so magnificent a place. The dining room and kitchen, which apartments are in the south wing of the third floor of the building, and also the small lodge room on the second floor and in the back part of the north wing were not completed and consequently was not furnished, but the principal parts of the cathedral wer e furnished in elaborate style. The parlor, lobby, ant-roooms, and the main auditorium were carpetd with fine velvet carpet of exquisite pattern. The stage and scenery was the delight of all. Never did the people of Fort Scott suspect that such finery could be crowded into a place like the Rite cathedral, but all know the members of these bodies. Nothing is too good for them and never do they do things in halves. The decorations in the auditorium are simply fine. The hall is finished in white and gold with panel sides and the walls and ceiling are studded with rows of incandescent lights, surrounded with individual mirrors. On either side of te auditorium near the stage there are two imitation boxes, and while one of these is used for the music room the other is simply there to complete the architectural beauty. The balcny is one of the nice features of the auditorium. It has a large seating capacity and this, together with the auditorium, was jammed with humanity. When the auditorium is lighted up the scene is a rare one. Of the guests that were present last night from out of this city all expressed themselves most forcibly on the arrangement of the cathedral. To some extent the hall was patterned after the Little Rock cathedral, which is one of the finest in America. The magnitude is not so great but the arrangement and decorations are as fine.

The scenery which was installed at a cost of several thousand dollars, is the finest in the west beyond all question. The electrical effects are even greated and this arrangement was the work of Freeman Martin, who wired the building. The lights used on the stage are white, red and green and the effect is caused by their use is most brilliant to the eye. During the program last evening a half dozen scenes were displayed to the audience, and they excelled in effect and grandeur even the best opera houses in Kansas City and St Louis. Over 400 lights are used on the stage. All of the curtains are drops and this is not only more convenient than the slide scenes but is more satisfactory in other respects. The scene of hades was elaborate.”

The original Hades scene for the Fort Scott Scottish Rite was enlarged for their second stage.

Detail of 1904 Hades drop for the Fort Scott Scottish Rite

On the eve of the Scottish Rite Cathedral dedication, a Mr. C. E. Benton gave a brief history of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite Bodies. He explained that the Fort Scott Consistory had only been established six years prior to the building. Those instrumental in getting a permanent home of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite bodies included Dr. C. A. Van Velzer and Joe Liepman. The current building was purchased for $20,000 by the Scottish Rite Association in Fort Scott. $40,000 was spent remodeling the hall after the purchase.

The newspaper reported, “He stated that the temple of all that is good and noble, the temple of justice and liberty and brotherly love would stand after we are dead; our children’s children are dead, as a school for Masonry. In closing he stated that the cathedral is a credit to the city and state and everybody should well feel proud of the undertaking.”

The building was home to the Scotttish Rte for only two decades. Grander plans began and the final Scottish Rite home was planned and constructed from 1924-1925. Again Thomas G. Moses of Sosman & Landis provided the scenery. The old scenery was returned on credit for the purchses of a new collection. However, a few scenes were reerved and enlarged for the new stage. One of the refurbished scenes was the scene of hades that the newspaper described as “elaborate.”

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 689 – M. C. Lilley & Co. Lighting for Scottish Rite Stages

Part 689: M. C. Lilley & Co. Lighting for Scottish Rite Stages

Any painting can be destroyed in an instant with poor lighting. It does not matter how beautiful the composition, or the painted aesthetic; if the person designing ot running the lights does not understand two-dimensional scenes it doesn’t matter.

Lighting for the Scottish Rite stage in Austin, Texas.

During a 1913 New York Dramatic Mirror interview with scenic artist Ernest Albert, he explained that a scenic artist’s function did not cease until the scenery was all installed and the lighting arrangements completed. He commented, “Lighting is within his province, just as groupings are in a measure. An unexpected orange light on violet, for instance, will produce a russet brown that will make everything look dirty. It is true that in the days of gas lighting much softer effects were possible, but I will sacrifice all of the advantages of mellow light for safety…Anyway, we are now avoiding many of the hard qualities of the electric light by greater use of ambers, straw colors, and pinks.”

A pamphlet produced by the M. C. Lilley & Co. for Scottish Rite stages during the early twentieth century commented, “The lighting equipment of a stage used for Scottish Rite purpose is very important. No matter how well the scenery may be executed, much of its effect will be lost without proper lighting. The equipment should be complete and in no department should a false economy produce a lack of capacity.”

In 1900, the following lighting equipment was delivered to the Scottish Rite stage in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Four (4) Borders

Four (4) portable ground rows

Two (2) Strip rows

Two (2) Bunch lights

One (1) Slate switch board, full fused, containing 1 main, 3 Service and 32 subordinate double contact knife switches – 36 switches in all; connections on board all made

In 1912, the following lighting equipment was delivered to the Scottish Rite stage in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

Six (6) Border Rows

Six (6) Ground Rows

Two (2) Strip lights

One (1) Dimmer plant

One (1) Switch board

One (1) Arc spot light

One (1) Arc reflector

Two (2) Metal bunch lights

Eight (8) Framed gelatins

To be continued…

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 688 – The American Reflector and Lighting Co., 1900

Part 688: The American Reflector and Lighting Co., 1900

Yesterday, I examined some correspondence about footlights between Frank A. Derr, of the Scottish Rite in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and Charles E. Rosenbaum, of the Scottish Rite in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The original stage lighting for Guthrie was listed in a contract between the Guthrie Scottish Rite and E. A. Armstrong Mfg. Company of Chicago, dated April 28, 1900. The Armstrong company was located at 300-302-304 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, and listed as “Manufacturers of Secret Society, Military and Band Supplies.” The lighting, scenery and stage work for the new Guthrie stage was provided by through M. C. Lilley and Co. The companies western sales manager, well-known Mason Bestor G. Brown, subcontracted the new work to Sosman & Landis.

In 1900 the Guthrie Scottish Rite hired E. A. Armstrong Manufacturing C. of Chicago to outfit their new stage, lighting was included in the purchsse. The Scottish Rite bodies spent a total of $694.50 on lighting for the stage, the equivalent of $20,811.19 today.

Here is what the contract specified:

STAGE LIGHTING

Four (4) Borders, each 24 feet long, each containing 60 lights wired for three color; sockets and wiring complete but no lamps-

Four (4) portable ground rows, each 10 feet long, each containing 15 lights, wired for three colors, sockets and wiring complete – but no lamps-

Two (2) Strip rows, each 16 feet long, each containing 24 lights, wired for three colors; sockets and wiring complete but no lamps-

Two (2) eight light, porcelain lined, swing head, iron stand bunch lights; complete with extension cord and plug, but no lamps-

Six (6) cast iron floor pockets

Twenty-four (24) Slate receptacles

Fourteen (14) Plugs for receptacles

Fourteen (14) Plugs for receptacles, three lights attached to each of ground rows and one each to bunch lights-

Four (4) 40 Ampere dimmers, German silver wire wound

Three (3) 20 Ampere dimmers, German silver wire wound

One (1) Slate switch board, full fused, containing 1 main, 3 Service and 32 subordinate double contact knife switches – 36 switches in all; connections on board all made

Sockets all of Edison pattern

MISCELLANEOUS LIGHTING APPARATUS

One (1) lamp and chaser

One (1) 4,000 c/p focusing lamp and reflector, stand and rheostat included.

Large and small carbons – no charge

One (1) Lighting box, Complimentary

NOTE- Goods packed and shipped by American Reflector and Lighting Co. Charges collect, but to be paid and applied on bill.

For Scottish Rite theaters in 1900, scenery and lighting went hand in hand. The same would be true over a decade later, as the scenic studios still had great influence over the lighting systems used to light their painted scenery on Scottish Rite stages. Sosman & Landis were involved with the manufacture of painted scenery, stage machinery, and rigging for the stage. They were also heavily invested in the lighting industry. They designed and manufactured electric scenic theatres, electrical floats and other spectacular electrical effects for a variety of performance venues.

The American Reflector and Lighting Company opened its doors just before the Columbian Exposition. On March 24,1893, the “Chicago Inter Ocean” listed Perry Landis as one of the company’s incorporators and Charles Landis as the treasurer. Joseph S. Sosman was a major investor for the enterprise.

A floor pocket produced by the American Reflector and Lighting Co. found at the Scottish Rite theater in Yankton, South Dakota.

In 1894, the Sosman & Landis studio catalogue offered stage hardware and lighting for other projects than the stage. Actually, an entire page was devoted to the American Reflector and Lighting Company in their catalogue. They offered “a full line of improved lighting fixtures for electricity, gas or oil, specially adapted for the lighting of theatres, halls, assembly rooms, and churches.”

The American Reflector and Lighting Co. salesroom was located at 271-273 Franklin Street where the company advertised 150 styles of reflectors for users of electricity, gas and oil. Their products included lighting fixtures for art galleries, display windows, orchestra shades, street lights, stage dimmers, theatre lamps, silver plated mirror reflectors for incandescent cluster with prisms, and many other products. Their lighting fixtures used crystal glass lined with pure metallic silver to provide “the best practical reflecting surface.” The company advertised that their reflectors, for both indoor and outdoor lighting, “promised that the power of light was fully utilized, as its rays are saved from waste, strengthened and thrown in the desired direction.” In 1904, the American Reflector Co. was located at 199 Van Buren St. in Chicago. By 1914 various advertisements listed a new address for the company at 517 Jackson Blvd.

In addition to standard lighting for the stage, the Guthrie Scottish Rite ordered fifteen special lighting fixtures that included:

Four fixtures, two lights each – one above the other-

Four fixtures, four lights each, each fixture the shape of a circle – 12 inches in diameter-

Three fixtures, nine lights each, the lights in each fixture arranged in the shape of three equilateral triangles with the apexes joined – 18 inches square

One Fixture containing nine lights, eight in the shape of an octagon, and the remaining light in the center fixture 18 inches.

One Fixture containing three lights in the shape of an equilateral triangle – 12 inches

One Fixture of seven lights, arranged in the shape of a triangle, four in the bottom row, three in the next, two in the next, and one in the apex.-fixture 32 inches-

One fixture of five lights in the shape of a square, 5^th light in the center.

With the foregoing fixtures are 116, 8 candle power 110 volt frosted, and colored lamps, also 7 receptacles.

NOTE: – Foregoing is billed at $31.25 less than the estimate.

The price for the above-listed special light fixtures was $419.75, making the total lighting purchase of $1114.25, todays equivalent of $33,389.30.

In 1910, the Guthrie Scottish Rite border lights were mentioned in a letter from Bestor G. Brown (western sales representative for M. C. Lilley & Co.) to Frank A. Derr (Secretary of the Oklahoma Consistory, in Guthrie, Oklahoma). Guthrie was enlarging the stage in their existing building, a project that necessitated the purchase of new scenery, stage machinery, and lighting equipment. The used stage systems were being returned for credit on the purchase of a new scenery collection. On July 26, 1910, Brown wrote, “I shall probably go to Lawrence some time within the next few days and if I can dispose of your electrical equipment, I will be very glad to do so. It is old and will not pass inspection. The borders have a wooden strip on the top and that disqualifies them under the present regulations. If the Lawrence people want to buy them with the full knowledge of the facts, I shall be very glad indeed to see them get them.”

A lighting fixture by the American Reflector and Lighting Co. included in the “American Electrician,” Vol. 16

To be continued…