Category: Uncategorized

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Victor Hubal was associated with Sosman & Landis between 1905 and 1917. Hubal began working as a scenic artist at the age of 17 in 1905, starting with the firm about the same time as John Hanny and Art Oberbeck. Like Hanny and Oberbeck, Hubal’s scenic art career spanned for decades. His scenic art appeared in a variety of venues across the country.

Hubal’s employment at Sosman & Landis was mentioned in a Kentucky newspaper at the beginning of 1912. At the time, Hubal was painting scenery for the Garside  Stock Co. at the Kentucky Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky. On January 12, 1912, Paducah’s “News-Democrat” announced, “Mr. Victor Hubal, of the Sosman-Landis studio, Chicago, has been engaged to paint all scenery and is now hard at work at the Kentucky on the first production. ‘The Devil’s Kitchen.’” Two days later, the same newspaper reported, “Mr. Victor Hubal is the scenic artist, and has been connected for several years with the Sosman & Landis Studio in Chicago – which is proof positive that theater-goers of Paducah will have an opportunity of seeing some beautiful scenery twice a week at this popular playhouse” (page 6).

This meant that in 1911 Hubal was selected from the Sosman & Landis staff to paint the new scenery for the Garside Stock Company. Operated by James S. Garside, the company secured a a fifty-week engagement at Paducah’s Kentucky Theater, performing two plays each week. Hubal painted much of the stage settings on site  The Garside Stock Company’s 1912 repertoire included “The Devil’s Kitchen,” “Love and Honor,” “Dora Thorne,” “In the Rogue’s Gallery,” “Driven From Home,” “A Soldier’s Sweetheart,” “The Bowery Girl,” “Thorns and Orange Blossoms,” “The Queen of the Ranch,” “To Be Buried Alive,” “A Romance of Fort Riley,” “Brother Against Brother,” “A Struggle of Life,” “Her Cowboy Visitor,” “The Power of Woman,” “St. Elmo,” “The Embezzler,” and others. On Dec. 1, 1912, a picture of Hubal’s painted setting for “The Embezzler” was published in the “News-Democrat” of Paducah, Kentucky (page 6).

Another article about Hubal’s scenic art for Garside was published on January 15, reporting, “Each play will be a production from a scenic point of view, as Mr. Vic Hubal, of the Sosman & Landis studio, Chicago, has been engaged to paint all the scenery, and is now hard at work at the Kentucky on the first production of ‘The Devil’s Kitchen,’ which will be the bill for the first three days, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Throughout 1912, newspaper articles provide a glimpse into the scenery carried by the Garside Stock Co., as well as Hubal’s career. On March 28, 1912, the “Dubuque Telegraph Herald” reported, “Car Load of Scenery Arrives – The Burlington passenger train from St. Paul brought a carload of stock scenery for the plays to be presented by the Garside Stock company. The company will produce two new plays next week and return to the road tour, returning here for the summer season at the Airdome in June. Mr. Victor Hubal, the scenic artist, who made all the scenery for the Airdome productions has been with Mr. Garside all winter and will return here for the summer” (page 5). On July 29, 1912, the “Dubuque Telegraph Herald” review of Garside’s “The Heart of Arizona” production, reporting “Victor Hubal, the scenic artist of the company is deserving of praise for the scenery” (page 8).

On June 8, 1912, “The Dubuque Telegraph Herald” heralded Hubal’s scenery for “St. Elmo” at the Airdome, produced by the Rosenthal Summer Theatre. The article reported, “Victor Hubal, the scenic artist of the company outdid himself in making new embellishments for this play, and included a beautiful church interior setting showing the full figure of Christ in stained glass with lighting effects to make it stand out beautifully in the act” (page 5). He also painted special scenery for “An American Girl” at the Airdome that summer (“Dubuque Telegraph Herald” 11 July 1912, page 2).

As most Sosman & Landis scenic artists, Hubal crisscrossed the country, even venturing into Canada. Family photos picture Hubal with Fellow scenic artist George Wood, both painting for the Winnipeg theatre. At the time, Hubal was 24 years old (see first photo in this post).

Although I have written quite a bit about Hubal in past posts, here it is again…

Victor J. Hubal was born in Chicago on May 10, 1888. His father, Felix Hubal (b. Nov. 1861), was a Czech immigrant and baker. His mother, Theresa Mary Koranda (b. 1864), was born in Illinois and worked as a seamstress. By the age of 22 yrs. old, Victor Hubal was still living with his mother and two siblings, Otto (20 yrs.) and Lucy (18 yrs.). Their address was 3528 W. Cortland St.

The 1910 census report listed that Hubal was an “artist”; he was actually working as a scenic artist. His sister worked as a stenographer, while his brother was unemployed that year.  Although Hubal’s scenic art career began in 1905, little is known of his early work, but this is understandable since he was apprenticing to older artists at the time. As the Paducah newspaper article suggested, Hubal had worked at Sosman & Landis for “several years” by 1912.

Hubal continued to live in Chicago until 1917, when he married In 1917, Hubal met a married Eloise L. Strenlund (1897 – 1984). The couple’s first address was 5030 Hutchinson St. This was the same address listed on his WWI Draft Registration card. Hubal’s draft registration card listed that he was as scenic artist. Although currently unemployed, Hubal listed that he was planning to work for the Joy & Cannon Scenic Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also claimed exemption from the draft due to “kidney trouble.” On August 20, 1917, Hubal’s name and address were part of the draft list published in the “Chicago Examiner” (page 12).

It was likely familial ties that prompted the Hubals to move from Illinois to Minnesota. Eloise grew up in Minnesota, daughter to a Swedish immigrant. Her father, Anton Strenlund, emigrated in 1887 at the age of sixteen. He gradually made his way west, working as a carpenter and finally settling in Minnesota where he married Alise Oberg on August 21, 1897. The couple celebrated the birth of Eloise on November 12, 1897.  Two more children followed: Arthur (1900) and Ernest William (1903). By the age of 17 yrs. old, Eloise moved to St. Paul where she began working as a clerk, residing s at 1010 Euclid Ave. She was listed in the 1915-1917 St. Paul Directories.  Immediately after marrying Hubal, the couple set up house in Chicago where Hubal continued to work and travel as a scenic artist.

In Minnesota, Hubal worked at three scenic studios in Minnesota – Joy & Cannon Scenic Co. (St. Paul), Universal Scenic Studio (St. Paul), and the Twin City Scenic Co. (Minneapolis). I’ll start with the obscure and short-lived firm, Joy & Cannon Scenic Co. of St. Paul. This is the firm listed on Hubal’s WWI Draft registration card.

Joy & Cannon was established by Boyd Phelps Joy and Gerald V. Cannon, scenic artists during 1916. Their shops were located in the Metropolitan Opera House in St. Paul. Although relatively short lived, the firm was still being advertised in the “Film Yearbook of 1922-1923.” Despite the firm appearing active, the two founders went their separate ways, with Cannon working as the first United States Marine Corps. camouflage artist and Joy founding Universal Scenic Studio. Joy’s firm was first founded in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1919. However, by 1920, Joy moved his operation back to Minnesota by 1920, again appearing in city directories and was listed the president of Universal Scenic Studio, Inc. in the St. Paul City Directory. Joy later opened a branch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A catalog from the Milwaukee branch of the Universal Scenic Studio was found among the personal belongings of Victor J. Hubal, Sr.

Hubal also worked for Joy and Cannon’s competitor, the Twin City Scenic Co.  In fact, three of  Hubal’s designs are part of the Twin City Scenic Co. Collection at the University of Minnesota Libraries Performing Arts Archives. The collection contains almost 2,000 items produced by the Twin City Scenic Studio, including designs for backdrops, leg drops, cut drops, borders, tormentors, painted curtains, olios, picture sheets, sample interiors, model pieces, sales books, business records, and company scrapbooks.

Here is the link to the entire Twin City Scenic Co. Collection: https://umedia.lib.umn.edu/search?facets%5Bparent_collection_name%5D%5B%5D=Twin+City+Scenic+Company+Collection+%28PA043%29

The best summarization of Hubal’s later contribution to American scenic art and theater history is his 1972 obituary. Victor J. Hubal Sr. passed away on Feb. 15, 1972, and was buried at Union Cemetery in Maplewood, Minnesota.  On Feb. 20, 1972,  the “St. Paul Dispatch” included a lengthy article about Hubal and reported, “His work graced some 50 productions of the St. Paul Civic Opera, as the organization was then known, from the initial one, ‘Samson And Delilah’ in 1933, to ‘The Merry Widow’ in 1963. He also did the decorations and designs for a number of the International Institute’s, “Festival of Nations” at the Auditorium and was responsible for the mounting of major productions at Andahazy Ballet Borealis.” Hubal’s numerous stage settings for Lorand Andahazy and Anna Adrianova included “Slavonic Scenes,” “Les Sylphides,” “Swan Lake,” “Spectre de la Rose,” “Aurora’s Wedding,” “The Miraculous Stag” and “Scheherazade.” A 1954 article from the “Star Tribune” provides additional detail about Hubal scenery for “Les Sylphides” –

“The setting, a woodland glade, by Victor Hubal, had a spacious, semi-transparent effect which enhanced the quality of the ballet.”  The article also noted that the ballet company was composed of 40 dancers and

In regard to Hubal’s “Swan Lake” scenery, an entertaining tale was later published in the “St. Paul Dispatch.” Purportedly, Andahazy accidentally upset a pail of dye onto the canvas when Hubal was painting “Swan Lake.” Andahazy immediately apologized and Hubal responded, “Never mind.” The article reported, “with deft strokes he converted the dark blotch into a rocky formation and balanced the composition by converting some trees into more rocks on the other side.”  The “Dispatch” article also described Hubal in detail – “A man of artistic sensitivity and great skill and accumulated knowledge of his craft, Hubal labored largely in obscurity, for he was shy and retiring by nature and had no talent for self-promotion. But the contributions to the community to which he made in his self-effacing way for so many years were great, and they can be remembered with respect and gratitude.”

Another article about the St. Paul Civic Opera’s production of “Rigoletto” mentions Hubal’s brief work for film –

“When the curtain rises Wednesday it will be on the work of a man who might have been prominent in his field in motion pictures as Wallace Beery and Charlie Chaplin are in theirs, had it not been for the fact that he found black and white too monotonous. He is Vic Hubal, scene designer for the opera association. When the motion pictures were in their infancy, Hubal, already an accomplished scene designer for some of the largest production and road shows in the country, wandered into the old Essanay Film company’s lot in Hollywood. There he went to work on designing backgrounds against which Charlie Chaplin, Ben Turpin and Beery were to cavort. But the backgrounds were all black and white, because those were the only colors to film well. There were relieving incidents once in a while, as he when he would be called down from his scaffold to take the part of a cop, or when he was called into the dressing room to make up Turpin for his monkey roles, but on the whole, black and white was too confining for a true scenic artist.”  The article also noted that Hubal trained with Fred Scott, Ansel Cook and Fred Lewis, all who worked at Sosman & Landis when Hubal was associated with the firm.

Hubal’s obituary in the “St. Paul Dispatch” mentioned Hubal’s work for the Josef Meier Passion Play, both the touring productions and the permanent one at Spearfish, S.D.” Of the Black Hills Passion Play, a 1944 article in the “Queen City Mail” noted “Victor Hubal of St. Paul, scenic artist, was in Spearfish last week redecorating the play scenes for the winter performances” (Spearfish, SD, 21 Sept. 1944). Over the years, Hubal was repeatedly connected with the production as the sets were repaired and new elements were added.

Meier brought his Passion Play to the United States in 1932. Born in Lünen, Germany, he was the seventh generation of his family to portray Jesus in the biblical drama. Meier translated the production from German to English and brought a small company to the United States, premiering the show in New York and then taking the production on tour. By 1939, Meier found a permanent home for his production in Spearfish, South Dakota, building a 6000-seat amphitheater.  Even after settling in Spearfish, later toured the United States and Canada until 1964. The production was performed in more than 650 cities over the years, becoming an annual event for many cities. Meier remained part of the production until 1991, when he retired after performing in 9000 performances. Meier passed away eight years later at the age of ninety-four. The Black Hills Passion Play outlived its founder, lasting until 2008 when the summer performances finally ended. For more information about the show, there are amazing photographs available to peruse online, part of the Fassbender Collection. Here is the link: https://www.historicblackhillsstudios.org/keyword/Black%20Hills%20Passion%20Play/

Interestingly, no one in the Spearfish Community seems to recall what happened to any of the Passion Play scenery…

My own life intersects with Hubal’s on many fronts. He first came onto my radar as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota. Prof. Lance Brockman recommended me to repair some of Hubal’s work at a local ethnic hall.  In 1917, Hubal painted stock scenery for the Česko-Slovanský Podporující Spolek (C.S.P.S.) Hall in Saint Paul, Minnesota. His work includes roll drops, wings, flats and profile pieces. The roll drop curtain depicting Praha (Prague), and stage settings include street scenes, landscapes, woodlands, rustic interiors and fancy interiors. The interior box sets had interchangeable flats, being double painted to provide endless variety for a number of shows. 

Theatre was an integral part of the Minnesota Czech community. A third floor was added to the 1887 building in 1917, featuring a stage and auditorium/gymnasium.

The auditorium/gymnasium is still primarily used for gymnastics and general physical fitness; this is part of the Sokol mission “a sound mind in a healthy body.” On the stage, Czech plays continued to be performed, preserving the language and heritage of this immigrant community.   For more information on Sokol origins, please visit www.american-sokol.org/history/.”

Hubal and his family were members when he painted the beautiful roll drops for the Hall. Over the decades, many of the drops fell into a state of disrepair from constant use. During the 1990s, I restored Hubel’s roll drops, first encountering Hubel’s grandson, Victor J. Hubel, Jr. (1923-2012). Over the years I have periodically returned to repair any new damage.

Hubal’s scenery is well loved and well used to this day. The drops always make an appearance at social activities, concerts and plays. However, as with many stewards of historic backdrop collections, it is difficult many members to understand the historical significance of these painted scenes. In regard to Hubal’s legacy, gymnastic equipment often brushes the delicate scenery, and this constant contact takes a toll on the longevity of each piece. The edges of roll drops fray as performers brush by during set-up and teardown of a band. Cups of beer are tipped over during musical performances, damaging the fabric and wood on the bottom roller. This is a similar scenario across the country in Czech halls. Often the well-loved scenes are treated as standard stage scenery and not large-scale artworks created by nationally recognized artists. When historic backdrops are regarded as “old backings”, their artistic value and cultural significance is diminished; their repair may seem optional. In the end, these historic artifacts are roughly handled and damage continues to occur over time. In 2016, I repaired fabric damage and re-attached rollers. When I examined Hubal’s scenery a few years ago, I noticed that much of the collection was was rapidly deteriorating from excessive contact. In fact, many of the drops were in far worse shape than when I first examined them in the 1990s.

There are things to consider when pondering the value, cultural significance, and use of historic scenery. First of all, you need to think about the creator and artistic provenance.

An entire scenery collection produced by a scenic artist is remarkable in its own right. Most scenery collections were painted by many scenic artists, with multiple hands creating the various scenes. When a piece of scenery, or entire collection, is created by a single individual, it adds to the rarity and provenance of the artworks. When that person is well-known, having enjoyed a long and successful career, especially one that is integrally linked to a variety of nationally-recognized productions, there is an added culturally significance. 

Hubal was very important in the scope of American theatre history, as well as several regional histories, including Minnesota and South Dakota. His scenery at the SOKOL Hall in St. Paul may be some of the last examples of his scenic art.

Although scenery can last for decades, even centuries, the eventual deterioration is based on both environment and continued use; both are currently working against Hubal’s painted legacy in St. Paul.

Make a point of visiting the hall now to see Hubal’s scenic art. It will not survive the test of time.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

James R. McNair was a scenic artist at Sosman & Landis during the late nineteenth century. On March 12, 1895, “The Standard-Herald of Warrensburg, Missouri, reported, “Mr. McNair was formerly with Sosman & Landis, Chicago, and has probably furnished more scenery for country opera houses than any man of his age in the business.” Little is known of McNair, beyond a few directory listings and a handful of newspaper articles that mention his scene painting projects from 1888-1911.

By 1887, James McNair was working as a scenic artist in Kansas City, Missouri, at L. R. Close’s firm. Both the 1887 and 1888 City Directories listed McNair’s employer L. R. Close & Co. The only difference was that McNair roomed at 516 Broadway in 1887 and 117 w. 5^th in 1888. 516 was actually a studio address. Itinerant artists would designate a permanent mailing address for the year, often with their employer to ensure that their mail was delivered. Otherwise, their names were constantly listed in the uncollected letter sections of newspapers across the country.

Throughout 1886 and 1887, L. R. Close’s studio was located at 514-516 Broadway, with former Sosman & Landis scenic artist, Lemuel L. Graham’s studio at 525-527 Main. For context, the Main St, address was Close’s previous studio address in 1884, This was before his firm moved to the Broadway studio space. 1884 was also the same year that Graham left his scenic art position at Sosman & Landis to establish a studio in Kansas City and managed Sosman & Landis’ Kansas City Branch. They were all dipping into the same scene painting labor pool.

Sosman & Landis, Graham, and Close frequently employed the same scenic artists, as well as subcontracted work to one another. Again, there was a greater demand for theatre scenery than a supply of scenic artists to paint it.. Work was abundant and the profit margin quite high. In later years, Perry Landis would recall that the profit margin for theatre scenery in the 1880s was often 45% or more.

This is where McNair fits into the Kansas City scenic studio puzzle. Scenic artists employed by a firm home-based out of a studio, and also contracted individual projects. Sometimes it is hard to determine whether the artist was representing himself or the studio on the project. Many communities heralded the arrival of a scenic artist, frequently mentioning their skill and artwork in local newspapers.

Two of McNair’s 188 projects were for small opera houses in Broken Bow, Nebraska and Tombstone, Arizona. This was also considered a Sosman & Landis territory, managed by their western offices. On April 26, 1888, the “Custer Country Republican”, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, announced, “J. R. McNair a scenic artist is engaged in painting a drop curtain for the new opera house. It is the finest piece of work of that character ever done in Broken Bow and is a credit to Mr. McNair and adds much to the appearance of the scenery in the opera house” (page 8).

On July 21, 1888, the “Tombstone Weekly Epitaph” reported, “Jay McNair, a scenic artist of Kansas City, is at present at work on a new drop curtain for the Elite Theatre. It is very handsome, and will contain a number of advertisements”  (page 3). The Elite Theatre was originally known as the Birdcage, built by William Hutchinson in 1881. Hugh McCrum and John Stroufe were the next owners, who in turn, sold the venue to Joe Bignon in 1886. Bignon refurbished the building and renamed it the Elite Theatre. It was during this period that McNair painted and advertising curtain for the stage. The venue closed only four years later in 1892.

These two projects could have been contracted by either Sosman & Landis or L. R. Close & Co. Studio artists were often sent on site for a variety of projects, with the individual artists receiving press and not their employer. This was a practice that shifted by the early twentieth century, as more and more work was completed at a metropolitan studio and shipped across the country.

Also, when the main studios were booked solid, and an adjacent annex was either cost-prohibitive or unavailable, employees and supplies were simply shipped to the venue.  

In regard to McNair’s Kansas City employer in 1888…

Close operated a scenic studio in Kansas City for a full decade. Establishing his firm in 1883, Close did not remove to Chicago until 1894. In the Windy City, Close remained associated with Sosman & Landis until his passing in 1901. At Sosman & Landis, Close was listed as their agent, traveling salesman, and scenic artist over the years. His association with the firm likely started when the firm opened their Kansas City Branch Office in 1884. Close, McNair, and many other Kansas City scenic artists were often subcontracted by Sosman & Landis throughout the 1880s and 1890s.

The firm’s main studio also transported scenic artists from Kansas City to Chicago during busy periods, especially leading up to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. After the close of the World Fair, dozens of Sosman & Landis employees found themselves out of work and on their own. This was likely when McNair began working on his own, traveling as an independent scenic artist. In 1894, McNair was painting at a small theater in Kentucky.

On June 12, 1894, the “Hopkinsville Kentuckian” announced, “A traveling scenic artist, J. R. McNair, painted last week a beautiful and appropriate banner to be used in decorating the Union Tabernacle for the commencement exercises of the Hopkinsville Public Schools. The manner in which this work was executed shows him to be an artist of more than ordinary ability” (page 5). By the 1890s academic theaters representing a growing clientele. As new schools opened, their designs included theatrical stages.

By 1895, McNair was credited as a former Sosman and Landis employee, now associated with the Grand Opera House in Dallas, Texas.

On March 12, 1895, “The Standard-Herald of Warrensburg, Missouri, reported, “ The Scenery Arrives. The special scenery to be used in the production of ‘Pinafore’ at the Magnolia Opera House on April 19, arrived Monday. It consists of a backdrop, ocean horizon, with a view of Portsmouth in the distance: a cabin, bulwarks, mast and wings, and all the necessary surroundings for the proper production of the opera. It was painted by Mr. James R. McNair, one of the finest scenic artists in the country, of the Grand Opera House, Dallas, Texas, and is an everlasting credit to that gentleman’s ability. Mr. McNair was formerly with Sosman & Landis, Chicago, and has probably furnished more scenery for country opera houses than any man of his age in the business. The special setting of “Pinafore” gotten up by him for the company, which is to produce the opera in this city, will add greatly to its success, besides being a piece of work of which he may well be proud” (page 1).

On April 30, 1897, the “Centralia Fireside Guard” of Centralia, Missouri, reported, “J. R. McNair, a scenic artist of rare ability and great skill is engaged in painting a new drop curtain for the opera house. His workmanship cannot be surpassed. The curtain will be beautiful in design and a credit to the city” (page 5).

McNair’s arrival was mention in the “Centralia Fireside Guard” on April 16: “A first-class scenic artist will be here next week to paint a new advertising drop curtain for the Opera House. Mr. Rodemyre has made special arrangements to bring him here from the east” (page 5).

McNair never seemed to settle in any one place for long, but roamed throughout the country. In 1904, however, he listed Denver as his permanent residence. On March 25, 1904, “The Bainbridge Search Light” of Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia, mentioned McNair in an article entitled, “Opera House Improved” (page 1). The article reported, “Mr. J. R. McNair, and expert scenic painter of Denver, is now at work here on the drop curtains. He is reputed to be a very skillful artist and his work on curtains will be watched for with interest. Theatre goers have gazed upon the impossible nymphs and distorted cherubs engaged in the delightful pastime “swinging in the grape vine swing” adnauseum and will no doubt enthusiastically welcome a change of scenes. The work will be completed early April, and then perhaps some summer attractions will be put on.”

I have yet to locate him in the Denver City Directory during this time. Early twentieth-century scenic projects, however, continued to lure McNair east. On September 30, 1905,  the “Bluefield Daily Telegraph” of Bluefield, WVA, reported, “J. R. McNair, a scenic artist of note, is here remodeling the interior of the opera house and when finished it will be one of the most modern and up to date playhouses in Southwest Virginia or Southern West Virginia” (page 6).

Then there appears to be a five year gap, where I have yet to locate McNair’s residency or any theatre projects.  He resurfaces in 1910. On May 6, 1910, “The Mobile Daily Item” of Mobile, Alabama,  reported, “Painter J. R. McNair is busy painting the new curtain for the stage in the high school. It will be completed before the commencement exercises are held” (page 12). The following year, McNair was “of New York,” suggesting that he relocated east. On April 5, 1911, the “Keowee Courier” of Pickens, South Carolina” announced, “J. R. McNair, scenic artist, of New York, is here to paint a drop curtain for the high school auditorium” (page 1).

I have yet to discover any other information about McNair until his passing in 1924. Sometime between 1911 and 1924 McNair returned to the south, relocating to Louisiana. I have yet to determine whether this was a permanent move, or just another temporary residence. He passed away mid-project, while working on scenery for the Goldonna High School.

On Jan. 29, 1924, “The Times” of Shreveport, Louisiana, announced his death: “J. R. McNair. Lake Charles, Jan. 28 – J. R. McNair, 60 years old, a scenic artist and interior decorator, dropped dead in a restaurant here Saturday night” (page 12). The Louisiana Death Index listed his birthdate as “abt. 1854,” suggesting that he may have been actually 70 yrs. old.

McNair’s possessions went into probate, and provide a little more information about this itinerant artist. On April 17, 1924, Louisiana Wills and Probate records state, “To the Honorable Judge of the Fifteenth District Court of the state of Louisiana, in and for the parish of Calcasieu:

The petition of E. C. House Clerk of said Court, respectfully represents that on or about the 26^th day of January, A.D. 1924, one J. R. McNair, departed this life, in the City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu parish, Louisiana. That deceased was a resident of Calcasieu parish, Louisiana, and that so far as is known, said deceased left no heirs, relative or kindred to inherit his estate or to administer same; said estate consisting of personal property, to the value of about two hundred dollars and described as follows, to-wit:-

(1) Check of Goldoma [sic. Goldonna] High School, P. A. Griffon, Principal, on Peoples Bank of Natchitoches, LA, dated April 3, 1924, – for $108.20

(2) Miscellaneous lot of tools, brushes, paints, etc., per list attached, value at about $100.00”

The probate record continued with McNair’s debts:

“That said estate of J. R. McNair owes the following debts and accounts to-wit:-

To H. B. Barnes, 526 R. R. Ave., Lake Charles, La., For expenses connected with drop at Goldoma High School, per statement, $21.92

To Gill & Trotti, Undertakers, Balance due account of funeral expenses, per statement, $29.80

To Robert Dalovisio, 2 mos. Rent, 526 R. R. Ave, @$15,00 Total $30.00.”

McNair’s probate file details all of his worldly possessions, including his scenic art supplies.

The list provides an amazing snapshot into an itinerant scenic artist’s work in 1924.

Here is the transcribed list of his work supplies:

Oil stove, $1.00 [for making hide glue]

6 water buckets, $1.50

87 brushes, $10.00

2 boxes charcoal, 25 cents

7 closed pkgs color, $2.50 [dry pigment]

6 sponges, 90 cents

33 open pkgs color, $5.00  [dry pigment]

1 saw, $2.00 

32 new brushes, $5.00

16 new brushes, $2.00

9 bits and braces, $2.00

1 square, 50 cents

1 hammer, 50 cents

1 chisel, 50 cents

1 cold chisel, 50 cents

1 broom, 75 cents

26 oz Bronze, $3.00

2 dividers, $15.00

2 pliers, 50 cents

1 trunk, $2.00

6 pencils, 25 cents

5 large brushes, $9.00

Package stationary, private

48 stamped envelopes, 96 cents

42 used brushes, $4.20

1 lot lumber, $3.00

5 Strips of cloth, 32 ½ yds, $28.00

Lodge banners, $5.00

bundle strips, $1.50

1 movable ladder, $3.50

Rollers, screws, rope, nails, saw benches, $2.50

1 used drop, $10.00 [possibly the old drop from Goldonna HS that they were replacing]

I am absolutely fascinated with his 182 brushes (42 used) and 40 packages of dry pigment.  It makes me fill a little better about my own supply, and less like a hoarder.

“The Lake Charles American Press” also published the probate notice for McNair for seven days, beginning, April 23, 1924. Much of the handwritten list from the probate records was submitted, with the addition of clothes and other personal sundries.

When McNair passed away in 1924, he was working with fellow scenic artist H. B. Barnes. They were painting a new drop curtain project for the high school in Goldonna, Louisiana. This also gives some sense of the scenic artist’s onsite expenses at the time. Barnes submitted a request for payment by the probate court, expenses owed to Barnes at the time of McNair’s passing.  Specifically, Barnes requested McNair’s estate to pay for the following debt:

Travel (railroad fares to and from Alexandria, Louisiana), lodging in Goldonna, meals, and project supplies. In the end, Barnes also submitted a bill for “Keepers fees,” as he held onto McNair’s possessions long after his passing, from Feb 1 to May 17, 1924. These items were eventually sold at auction, with Barnes hoping for some of the proceeds to pay his project expenses.

I tried to track down a little more information about Barnes, hoping that it may shed light onto his colleague’s life and scenic art career. Hiram P. Barnes was the son of Solomon D. Barnes and Susan O. Joslin. Born in New York on April 20 1862, Hiram Barnes moved to Indiana with his parents as a child. The 1870 US Federal Census listed the Barnes Family living in Union, LaPorte, Indiana. Barnes would return to LaPorte, Indiana later in life, continuing to work as a scene painter until his passing on Nov. 10,  1935. His cause of death was listed as multiple sclerosis and respiratory paralysis.

Neither Barnes, nor McNair, made the history books. Their work is only mentioned in a handful of newspaper accounts, yet they represent the vast majority who worked as scenic artists during the late-nineteenth century and early-twentieth-century. Communities across the country received many traveling scenic artists as them as heroes, raved about their artistic skills. As they passed through many left small communities a little better than they found them. Painting large-scale artworks that helped transport many to distant locations. There was something new to gaze upon each time they attended the theatre. Unfortunately, many of their artworks have failed to stand the test of time, and once celebrated artists were quickly forgotten.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Max Greenburg was a scenic artist who worked for Sosman & Landis at the turn-of-the-twentieth century. I recently stumbled across his name while cross-referencing studio projects from 1900.

Max Greenburg was the middle of three children born to Joseph Greenburgh (1833-1908) and Frances Scherek (1847-1925). His parents were both Jewish immigrants who initially settled in New York. The 1900 US Federal Census listed Joseph Greenburg’s birthplace as Poland. Frances’ was “born at sea” with her parents from German. In later years, their children simply listed “England” as their parents’ birthplace.

Of the three Greenburg children, Gilbert (1871-1931) was the oldest, born in Brooklyn in 1871. Max arrived the following year and was also born in New York. Their younger sister did not arrive until after the family relocated to Maine. Pearl Greenburg was born in 1888 in Lewiston, Androscoggin County.

I have yet to track down when, or where, Max entered the theatre industry. However, by the time Greenburg was 23 yrs. old, he moved from Maine to Massachusetts. In 1894 “Max Greenburg of Boston,” was mentioned in his brother’s wedding announcement (“Sun-Journal” on Nov 22, 1894, page 8). Sometime between 1894 and 1899, Max moved from Boston to Chicago. His move to Chicago likely coincided with his first working for Sosman & Landis.

In 1899, Greenburg married Mary “May” Higgins in Saint Joseph, Berrien, Michigan, on August 12, 1899. Both Max and Mary listed Chicago as their permanent residence on their marriage certificate. Mary was the daughter of Charles “Charlie Higgins (b. 1845) and Delia A. (Cowers) Higgins (b. 1859), both still living in New York at that time. Mary appears to be one of twelve children born to the couple in New York. I have yet to locate any further information about Max’s first wife – at all.

Shortly after marrying Mary, Greenburg began assisting Sosman & Landis scenic artist, Fred McGreer, at the firm’s Cincinnati theatre space. Sosman, Landis & Hunt were a theatrical management firm that managed Cincinnati’s Pike Theatre and Indianapolis Grand Opera House. Sosman & Landis staff painted the necessary scenery for not only the two venues, but also the touring stock companies. This was in addition to their various regional branches in Kansas City, Detroit and New York City.

During the spring of 1900, Greenburg painted stock scenery at the Pike Theatre. On April 15, 1900, McGreer and two of his fellow scenic artists (Fred and Robert McGreer) were pictured in “The Cincinnati Enquirer” (page 12). In 1900, Greenburg was listed as a scenic artist in the Cincinnati Directory, boarding at the Burnet house; the same place that housed McGreer. At the time, McGreer was working as the chief scenic artist for the Pike Theatre, having first started working at the venue in 1898 under the supervision of Thomas G. Moses. When Moses left, McGreer became the head scenic artist, with Greenburg assisting him.

After completing his work at the Pike Theatre, Greenburg ventured east to visit his brother in Naugatuck, Connecticut. On April 27, 1900, the “Naugatuck Daily News” reported, “M. Greenburg, a scenic artist in the employ of Sosman & Landis of Chicago, is visiting his brother, G. Greenburg of Church Street. He is a clever painter, and judging from the samples of his work shown to a News man today, is sure to acquire fame as a scenic artist. Mr. Greenburg is a young man of 27 years but he is old in experience in scene painting. He always had a fondness for painting and at the age of 12 commenced the study of scene painting. His drop curtain work is especially fine and he has painted some very realistic street scenes for some of the large theaters. He recently finished painting some of the scenery for a large theater in Cincinnati. After spending a few days with his brother, Mr. Greenburg will return to Chicago where he will resume work with the brush”  (page 4). Greenburg left Naugatuck by the end of April. On April 30, 1900, the “Naugatuck Daily News” reported, “Max Greenburg, who has been visiting his brother G. Greenburg of Church street, left this morning for Chicago.” (page 4).

As with most scenic artists. Greenburg was one the road a lot, bouncing back and forth from one job to the next, going wherever his skills were needed.  That summer, Greenburg painted scenery for the “Great Ruby” at the National Theatre in Rochester, New York. On June 14, 1903, the “Democrat and Chronicle” reported, “the scenic investiture that distinguished the original production of this melodrama will be richly reproduced at the National. Mr. Max Greenburg, the scenic artist, has been working on the place for several weeks” (page 16). In 1904, Greenburg was listed as a scenic artist in the Rochester Directory, boarding at 261 Lyndhurst.

He remained associated with Sosman & Landis in 1903, but was also the primary scenic artist for the Cleveland Theatre. He was credited with painting scenery for Nance O’Neil’s production of “Jewess;” her version of “Leah, the Forsaken.” On Nov. 7, 1903, Chicago’s Polish newspaper “Dziennik Chiogoski” reported, “Cleveland’s new theater – Wabash av. and Hubbard Court for next charter week on Sunday evening, November 8, Miss Nance O’Neil in the delicious and rich production of ‘The Jewess.’ This is one of the strongest and most popular plays in Miss O’Neil’s repertoire, and it is everywhere by all classes of amateur theater enthusiasts. Miss O’Neil won the greatest triumphs in the personification of the ‘Jewish woman’. Ms. E. J. Ratcliffe and the whole community will help her Cleveland Theater. Mr. Ralph E. Cummings will also perform for the first time as a member of this troupe. Scenery will be brand new and under the brush of Misters Sosman and Landis, and Max Greenburg, the stage artist of this theater. The entire production will be under the personal director Mr. McKee Rankin” (page 5).

By 1905, Greenburg was credited as the “Forepaugh scenic artist.”  This was the Forepaugh Stock Company of Philadelphia, managed by George F. Fish. On Oct. 23 1905, the “Cincinnati Commercial Tribune” reviewed “Twelfth Night,” starring Miss Viola Allen, at Robinson’s proclaiming it to be “A Hit”  (page 7). The article reported, “Mr. Max Greenburg, the Forepaugh scenic artist, with his assistants, produced results in pictorial embellishment of the play that exceeded in beauty and real artistic value anything ever before exhibited at Robinson’s, and it would be difficult to recall any stock mounting of a Shakespearean drama that fairly equaled this Forepaugh achievement.” Greenburg maintained a residence in Cincinnati from 1906-1907, listing, “Greenburg, Max artist bds flat 9 n e c 7^th and Central Ave.”

By1908, Greenburg became associated with the Vaugh Glaser Stock Co. On April 16, 1908, the “Detroit Times” reported “Theodore Johnston, who has directed the Vaughn Glaser productions for the past four years, will still direct the stage for this company during its coming engagements in the Lyceum Theatre, while the scenic artist will be Max Greenburg, recognized as the foremost scene painter now engaged in stock work in America” (page 5). He was still with the company in 1909. On October 2, 1909, “The New York Dramatic Mirror” listed Max Greenburg, as the scenic artist for the Vaughan Glaser Stock Co. in Cleveland (page 21). He remained in Cleveland until 1911 when he temporarily relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, establishing his studio in the Princess Theatre. His focus shifted to movie screen improvements.

On July 16, 1911, the St. Louis newspapers announced, “A new picture-screen invented by Max Greenburg, formerly scenic artist at the Cleveland Hippodrome, said to be the first of its kind ever used in St. Louis, has been installed at the Princess. It brings out facial expressions and the high lights of photographs in a remarkable manner”(page 20).  On August 6, 1911, the “St. Louis Star” published a detailed description of his invention (page 52).

Unfortunately, the digitized copy was damaged, so much of the information is missing. What I was able to decipher notes that Greenburg was formerly the scenic artist at the Hippodrome in Cleveland. His new picture screen allowed projected images to remain visible when all of the auditorium lights were on, maintain an unprecedented clarity to the projected image. That summer, Greenburg was arranging a series of exhibitions at his studio for local moving picture exhibitors to see his new invention.

Fellow Sosman & Landis scenic artist William M. Minor also took an interest in movie screen development. On Sept. 14, 1910, the “Salt-Lake Herald-Republican” reported:

“Moving Picture Screen.

William M Minor, scenic artist at the Salt Lake Theatre, has applied for a patent on an invention which he calls Minor’s Wonder Moving Picture Screen. It is a cloth screen with a burnished metallic surface that adds distinctness to the picture that is thrown upon it. Last evening at the Orpheum theatre, preceding the regular performance, a test was made of the invention which impressed a score of invited spectators favorably. Seven by twelve feet of the entire scene was of the new material, and the remainder was the usual cotton cloth. This arrangement afforded opportunity for comparison between the two surfaces, and the mirror-like distinctness of the pictures on the metallic surface argued well for the success of the invention. Mr. Minor has experimented with the screen for about three months and since he received a receipt from the patent office, on Saturday last, has been testing the invention before private audiences. On Monday night it was tried at the Murray opera house.”

Although Greenburg purportedly filed for a patent in Missouri, he soon returned east and was living in New York by the end of the year.

In regard to his personal life, Greenburg’s first marriage failed. Sometime between 1900 and 1911, Greenburg divorced his first wife, Mary. After returning to New York in 1911, Greenburg married his second wife, Ethel Hooper. On Dec. 14, 1911, the “Baltimore Sun” reported, “Ellicott City. – Max Greenburg, of New York city and Miss Ethel B. Hooper, of Boston, were married at the parsonage of Emory Methodist Episcopal Church, this city, on Tuesday by Rev. Vernon N. Ridgley” (page 13). Miss E. Hooper was a Canadian immigrant who sailed from Halifax to Boston in 1902. At the time, she was listed as single and 19 yrs. old. By 1911, Ethel was 28 yrs. old. The couple would not celebrate the birth of a child for another decade though. In 1922, the one and only daughter, Helen Hooper Greenburg was born in Boston on Nov. 20.

Greenburg continued to bounce from one project to the next after his second marriage. In 1913, Greenburg and his wife briefly relocated to Winnipeg, where he accepted a scenic art position at the Winnipeg Theatre. On Aug 12, 1913, the “Winnipeg Tribune”  reported, “Stage Director Johnston still occupies his old position with credit, and is assisted this season by John Daly, Max Greenburg is the new scenic artist, and Augustus Hughes, the music director, exploits agreeable orchestral music as usual between acts.” (page 6). The couple did not stay in Canada for long, and soon returned to  New York where Greenburg became quite successful.

In 1918, his work caught the eye of Maude Fulton.

On Dec. 22, 1918, the “Oakland Tribune” announced, “Max Greenburg, the scenic artist who has been brought from New York by Maude Fulton to supervise the scenic department of the Fulton playhouse has done himself proud with the sets for ‘Sis Hopkins,’ and it is promised, that they will be a revelation” (page 43). Greenburg remained in California for about three years.

March 14, 1919 “Oakland Tribune” – “The Scenic Artist. We come now to the wizard of the paint brush, Max Greenberg, the scenic artist whose remarkable skills is in evidence each week in the painted scenes that make the frame work where shine the stars of the Fulton company. Much of the credit for the distinction of the Fulton productions belongs to Mr. Max Greenberg. Miss Fulton brought him to Oakland from Boston, where he was deemed the peer of scenic artists. His name in Boston and New York, in his line, is one to conjure with. It is a unique art – scene painting – and Max Greenberg is a master of that art” (page 10).

The Greenburgs were still living in California during the 1920 US Federal Census. At the age of 44 yrs. old, his occupation was listed as scenic artist in the theatre industry. By 1921, the Greenburgs returned to the East Coast. On July 2, 1921, “The Billboard” announced, “Max Greenburg was in New York City last week. He is working on the Plymouth Pageant to be held in August. Mr. Greenburg is planning on having several boys on from Boston, as well as several more on from New York, to form his crew when production gets to that point.”  

By 1922, the Greenburg’s were again living in Boston, where his daughter Helen was born. She would also become an artist. Her 1989 obituary listed her profession as “commercial artist” (“Indian River Press Journal,” Vero Beach, 22 Feb 1989, page 3).

In the 1924 Boston Directory, Greenburg was listed as residing at 376 Riverway.  His reason return east may have been partially prompted by his aging mother. In 1925, his mother, Frances Scherek Greenburg passed way in Lawrence, Massachusetts. At the time, she was living with her daughter Pearl. On August 20, 1925, the “Sun-Journal of Lewiston, Maine” reported, “Obituary. Mrs. Frances Greenberg. Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Greenberg, widow of Joseph Greenberg, formerly of Lewiston, were held in Auburn Wednesday from the Congregation Beth Jacob Synagogue. Rev. S. Segal officiated the service and interment was at the Congregation Beth Jacob Cemetery. Mrs. Greenberg died suddenly in Old Orchard on Monday. She had been in rather poor health for some years but her condition was not considered serious and so her death was a distinct shock to her family and friends. For the last 10 years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. James D. Brown of Lawrence, Mass. Previous to that she had made her home in Lewiston and with her husband was among the best-known and most highly respected residents of the city. She leaves two sons, Gilbert Greenberg, Naugatuck, Conn.; Max Greenberg, Boston, Mass; four grandchildren, Adrian Greenberg, Hollywood; Mrs. Clarence Leventhal, Jamaica, Long Island; Helen Greenberg, Boston; and Ruth Brown, Lawrence, Mass,” (page 12).

The following year, Max was listed as a scenic artist in the Quincy Directory, living at 160 E. Elm in Quincy, Massachusetts. For geographical context, Quincy is about ten miles south of Boston. Meanwhile, the three children closed their mother’s estate in Lewiston, Maine. In 1927, Max’s siblings, Pearl and Gilbert, sold their interest in Lewiston land and buildings to Max (Sun-Journal, 11 Feb 1927, page 15).

By 1930, the US Federal Census listed Max, Ethel and Helen Greenburg living in Boston at 36 Burroughs. St., Jamaica Plain. This would remain their permanent address for the rest of their lives. Greenburg continued to be listed as a scenic artist in the Boston Directory until his passing in 1934. On Dec. 13, 1934, “The Boston Globe” announced, “Greenburg – In Boston, Dec. 11, Max Greenburg of 36 Burroughs St., Jamaica Plain, husband of Ethel Hooper Greenberg. Services from the chapel of Jacob H. Levine, 200 Washington St., Dorchester, Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2 P.M.” (page 35). Ethel Greenburg continued to live at their home on Burroughs St., even after Helen married Joseph L. Ferano in 1944.  On Feb. 12, 1952, “The Boston Globe” announced, “GREENBURG – In Jamaica Plain, Feb. 10, Ethel B. (Hooper), widow of the late Max Greenburg; Mother of Mrs. Joseph Ferano. Funeral Service from her home, 27 Burroughs St., Wednesday at 1:30. Visiting hours 2-4 and 7-10 pm. Relatives and Friends invited.”

There is one other interesting tidbit to add to the life and career of Max Greenburg. His nephew became a well-known Hollywood costumer and fashion designer.   I encountered the connection while tracing the lives of Max’s siblings. While looking for information about Gilbert senior, I stumbled across his son’s passport application. On the passport application, Greenburg listed that his professional name was “Gilbert Adrian.” 

His older brother, Gilbert Greenburg, had two children: Beatrice (b. 1895) and Gilbert A. Greenburg (b. 1903). Gilbert Sr. ran a milliner’s shop in Naugatuck, where both of his children worked while growing up in Connecticut. Adrian was the costumer for “The Wizard of Oz.”  Many books have been written about “Gowns by Adrian” and his legacy. Adrian passed away in 1959, his obituary reporting, “Adrian, a native of Naugatuck, Conn., was head designer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for many years. He designed gowns for such stars as Great Garbo, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy, Hedy Lamarr and Rosalind Russell. In 1942 he opened his own custom dressmaking salon in Beverly Hills and the label “Gowns by Adrian” became internationally famous. He won a number of awards, including the coveted American Fashion Critic’s award for excellence in design. Adrian studied art in Paris and got his start in the designing field when Irving Berlin asked him to create costumes for the Music Box Revue in New York. His creations, in subsequent shows, caught the eye of Mrs. Rudolph Valentino, who hired him to design costumes for Valentino’s pictures. While at M-G-M he met Miss Gaynor, winner of the first Academy Award in 1928. They were married in 1939. Adrian and Miss Gaynor abandoned Hollywood in 1952 and went to live on a frontier ranch they purchased in Brazil. For five years they divided their time between apartments in New York and Beverly Hills” (Oakland Tribune, 14 Sept, 1959, page 13)

For a short read…There is a very interesting article entitled “Adrian: The Costume Designer Who Made Hollywood High Fashion. Here is the link: https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/costume-designer-adrian-hollywood-fashion-impact). The article reports, “After getting his start at New York City’s Parson’s School of Design, Adrian moved to Hollywood at the height of the Golden Age. He briefly worked for film director Cecile B. DeMille’s  independent film studio before signing on as chief costume designer at MGM…From 1928 to 1941, Adrian designed costumes for over 250 films, collaborating with some of the biggest Hollywood icons of the time…screen credits usually read as ‘Gowns by Adrian.’”

For a long read…Here is a link to Howard Gutner’s book, “Gowns by Adrian: The MGM Years 1928-1941 (2001): https://www.amazon.com/Gowns-Adrian-MGM-Years-1928-1941/dp/0810908980

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Charles C. Craig worked as a stage carpenter at Sosman & Landis in 1895. He was part of the firm’s regional branch in Kansas City, Missouri. Craig’s association with the firm was mentioned in the “Kansas City Times” on February 20, 1895 (page 2). Charles Craig and Rufus Brainer were credited with constructing “A Day in the Alps,” described as “an attractive spectacle in miniature at the Gillis Theatre.”

The “Kansas City Times” article reported:

“Of the various side attraction at the World’s fair none were more popular than the miniature representation of cities on both sides of the ocean. Since then, some of these attractive little shows have been exhibited in various parts of the country, and always with widespread popular favor.

Mr. Charles C. Craig of this city, who has been for some time an attaché of the studios of Sosman & Landis, scenic artists of Chicago, and Mr. Rufus Brainerd, electrician at the Gillis Opera House of this city, have been spending their spare time during the past two months in constructing one of these spectacles, which is now completed and is being exhibited to their admiring friends at the Gillis.

It represents a Swiss Village in the Alps and is a marvelously beautiful work of art. The traditional cathedral and the ever present castle are there with the lofty mountain peak, the babbling brook, the dwellings, the bridge, and all accessories. By the manipulation of the electric lights they represent sunshine on the mountain, storm clouds, rain, and finally stars. During the day processions move over the bridge, and the whole comprises a panorama of rare excellence.

It is entitled a Day in the Alps, and so far as the casual observer can figure it out there is nothing missing to complete the picture.”

Before I explore the life and career of Craig, I am going to share a little information about electric scenic theaters produced by Sosman & Landis at this time. The firm initially produced “A Day in the Alps” in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition. Located in the Midway Plaisance, the alpine setting transitioned from day to night for each performance, and was purportedly seen by 300,000 people during the fair (“St. Louis Post-Dispatch” 13 Oct, 1894, pg. 2). The concessionaire for the Electric Scenic Theatre was Mr. Arthur Schwarz. Placards placed outside the theater’s entrance advertising, “Every phase of an Alpine Day is produced with startling realism,” “The Most Intellectual, Absolutely Interesting Spectacle of the Midway Plaisance,” and “Do not miss this chance of a lifetime.”  World Fair guidebooks reported, “The stage picture is a beautiful Swiss Alpine scenery, depicting in a realistic way every change of nature shown from dawn to night, as each gradually appears, and representing some of the most wonderfully realistic light effects ever produced by electric lamps. It is almost beyond belief that the visitor is not looking at a marvelous production of nature itself, instead of a picture created by an ingenious and artistic display of electric lights. The scene represents ‘A Day in the Alps.’ Tyrolean warblers perform on their various instruments, and sing their tuneful lays. Their renowned ‘yodels,’ as sung at each performance, are applicable to the scenery. The entire scenic effects are produced by about 250 electric incandescent lamps, operated from in front of the stage, in full view of the audience, by switches. The interior of the theatre is handsomely furnished with comfortable chairs. There are nine electric fans, producing a permanent current of fresh air, keeping the whole room at a low temperature and as refreshing as a sea breeze, it matters not how hot it may be outside.”

Other description noted, “The scenic production begins with sunrise, and over the mountain top appears the ruddy glow of early sunlight. Then, as morning advances, and the volume of light increases, the beauties of the mountain become more apparent until their full glory flashes upon the beholder. The shepherd boys and girls are seen with their herds, and every feature of Alpine life is faithfully portrayed. Then a storm arises, and the effects here produced by electricity are surprisingly beautiful. After the storm dies away and the clouds vanish Nature smiles again. Then the day begins to fade, and at last it is night, with the stars brooding over all.”

A “Western Electric” article described that the mechanical apparatus used red, blue and white lamps that were arranged alternately (vol. 12, pg. 322). The article reported, “Each color and each locality in the setting was wired on a separate circuit, so that, by the introduction of resistance, it only becomes a question of skillful manipulation to give light of any shade or intensity desired. Of course, none of the lamps are visible, as they are arranged in the footlights and wings as well as overhead and behind the setting. The motion of the moon is produced by a tiny motor.”

So popular was “A Day in the Alps” that the attraction was immediately replicated, appearing in numerous venues across the country. On Oct. 13, 1894, the “St. Louis Post-Dispatch” published an advertisement for “A Day in the Alps,” featured in the Small Hall for Wheelman’s Day at the Exposition (page 2).

When the Columbia Exposition closed, Sosman & Landis leased the Masonic Temple Roof Garden in Chicago and constructed two new electric scenic theaters for the Masonic Temple Roof Garden in Chicago. At the same time, Sosman and Landis played integral roles in establishing the American Reflector & Lighting Co. (Chicago). They had a vested interested in manufacturing a variety of lighting equipment. During this period, C. D. Baker was identified as the firm’s master electrician and responsible for the electrical engineering at the Masonic Temple Roof Garden.

The Masonic Temple roof garden was described in a “Scientific American” article entitled “A City Under One Roof,” (Feb 10, 1894). The article reported, “The twenty-first story is properly the roof. It is a roof garden, and is devoted to purposes of observation, and may be used for commemorative or festival occasions. It forms a great platform, enclosed by walls and ceiling of glass, with oak panels, steam heated, and capable of accommodating 2,000 people at one time. It is the highest point of observation in the city, and gives grand views in all directions.”

On June 9, 1894, and article in “Western Electrician” further detailed “Electric Scenic Theaters in the Masonic Temple, Chicago (Vol. XIV No. 23). Pictures accompanied the article, showing the settings for each stage.

“The love of the American people for anything that is novel and pleasing to the eye was abundantly exemplified last year at the electric scenic theaters at the World’s Fair. These places of amusement were among the most popular places at the exposition, and they have since been widely imitated and reproduced, sometimes with extended improvements and with more attention paid to detail. Those in Chicago who did not enjoy the opportunity at the fair of seeing the scenic effects which were produced upon stage pictures by the aid of electricity, and who were not able to avail themselves of the chance offered by Steele MacKaye’s spectacle, the “World Finder,” at his suddenly terminated venture in the “Scenitorium,” may gratify their tastes for amusement of the sort in the recently opened summer garden on the roof of the Masonic Temple. The garden in itself, 302 feet from the ground, is a sufficient at traction to draw crowds. Interest, however, centers in the two scenic theaters which are located in small houses, reminding one/forcibly-in style of decoration of the general idea of the World’s Fair buildings. Each theater is designed to accommodate about 75 persons comfortably, and opera chairs to that number are provided. In the first theater an Alpine scene is presented, the scenery of which, although very pretty, recalls too forcibly the theaters which were made familiar last summer. A mountain stream forms the motive of the picture. Upon its banks the houses are built; a church stands nearby, while a mill in the foreground presents an opportunity for a waterfall, after the water has passed over the mill-wheel. A bridge spans the stream, over which villagers pass to and fro; upon a mountain side stands a castle ,while snow-capped peaks stand out in relief against the sky. The scene is called ‘A Day in the Alps’ and begins with midnight, by the tolling of the bell. The break of dawn and the heralding of day present a faithful resemblance to the original and is particularly well done. After the day has been begun, a thunder storm approaches and passes over, accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning and the roll of heavy thunder. The evening is accompanied by the lighting of the street and house lights, and the moon rises, until the clock again announces twelve…Back of the scenes a complicated mass of electrical apparatus explains many of the pretty atmospheric changes. It is not the intention of this article to describe in detail any of the devices employed, for many of them were devised to suit the requirements of this particular case, and the others have been already mentioned in the columns of this journal. Focusing lamps, rheostat boxes, switches, reflectors and many devices of a similar character are present in abundance and are confined in an extraordinarily small space for the many effects produced. The second theater presents as a stage setting the view of the Court of Honor at the World’s Columbian Exposition, looking northwest from the west end of the agricultural building, and is most perfect in point of detail. The scene is introduced in the morning, and the sunlight illumines the buildings, including the Palace of Mechanic Arts, Administration Building, Electricity Building, as well as the MacMonnies and the two Electric Fountains. The lagoon is well supplied with gondolas and electric launches, which, although stationary, add much to the scene. In detail the scene is perfect. The statues are faithfully reproduced, and one has but to close one’s eyes and listen to the music which accompanies the scene, to imagine that the band in the band-stand really is playing and that the crowds are not mere paste-board fancies, but are living beings admiring in a wondering way the beauties of the departed White City. The approach of evening presents the finest opportunity for a display of the resources of electricity in the presentation of this scene; as dusk advances the lamps scattered throughout the grounds are lighted, the stars begin to shine, now one building after another is illuminated, and soon the border of cornice lights, which extended around the Court of Honor and which was so much admired at night, adds its long lines of light to the scene.”

The two electric scenic theaters were still drawing crowds the next year. However, in the spring, the Masonic Temple Roof Garden venue was slightly rearranged. On May 20, 1895, the “Chicago Tribune” reported “TEMPLE ROOF GARDEN REOPENS.

Several Novelties Provided for Visitors to the Lofty Amusement Place.

The Masonic Temple roof garden reopened last night under the management of George A. Fair. Everything connected with the roof garden is new, and the visitor last night saw but little to remind him of the same place last year. The electric scenic theater still remains, but the other stage has been moved around to the northeast corner of the roof. The present location affords a good view of the entertainment from every part of the roof. Directly In front of the stage are 3,510 opera chairs. while the rest of the floor space is given up to refreshment tables. A new feature of the garden is the concrete walks built around the dome of the roof, where an excellent view of the city and surrounding country can be obtained. It is the intention of the management to remove part of the glass roof, affording the opportunity of enjoying the view and listening to the entertainment going on below. A large crowd gathered in the garden yesterday afternoon to listen to Brooks’ Second Regiment Band. and last night an excellent vaudeville entertainment drew another large crowd. The second part of the program is aimed to attract the after-the-theater crowd, as the roof garden expects to have its largest patronage after the regular places of entertainment have closed.”

Early in 1895, Sosman & Landis began manufacturing electric scenic theaters for other venues and events. 

On March 29, 1895, “The Times-Picayune” of New Orleans reported that “A Day in the Swiss Alps promises in itself much that is interesting. Such was the subject portrayed last night in the little electric scenic theatre opened at the old No. 156 Canal Street, near Baronne. The theatre cannot be well described, as it is unique in its way. The proscenium is very handsomely arranged, with an opening 10×9 feet in size. The set scenery occupies a space some 15 feet deep, and a specially designed drop curtain gives it the appearance of a regular theater, which, in fact, it is. A view of the Swiss Alps is presented, the mountains rising abruptly into snowy peaks. In  the foreground a village nestles beside a mountain stream, There is an antique Gothic bridge, battlemented, and with heavy castellated tower at one extremity. At the other rise the clustered roofs and steeples of the town. A purling brook leaps from the heights and falls into the main street, turning a millwheel as it goes. The action opens and hour before dawn, and the dim and heavy mists of night gradually brighten as the sun rises. The sky reddens; the cheerful day begins; people appear in the street, and a company of soldiers march over the bridge. A circus comes into town, and the crowds gather. The morning advances rapidly, and soon the clocks chime noon. A cloud appears on the horizon, a storm approaches and the reverberating thunder is speedily followed by a heavy rain. This, in turn, dies away among the heights, accompanied by very realistic lightning among the hills. The afternoon again grows bright. By-and-by evening comes on; the lights appear in the windows of the village; the busy millwheel stops. Soon the moon rises over the purpling heights, and the presentation closes in the mild light of the silvery orb. The scenery is effectively painted, and is artistic in the highest degree. It is the work of Sosman & Landis, of Chicago, and formed part of the electrical exhibit at the Columbian Exposition. The mechanical and electrical effects are manipulated with ample appreciation of the rare importance of light and shade, and the varying changes are each consummated in their proper order, producing an entertainment which is well worth seeing” (page 9).

On May 23, 1895, the “New Bern Weekly Journal” of New Bern, North Caroline, reported “At a meeting of the Committee on Privileges and Concessions, of the Cotton States and International Exposition, on last Friday, Messrs. Sosman & Landis, of Chicago, were granted the privilege of operating an electric theatre in the Terraces. They will erect a beautiful building if their own, in which will be reproduced, by electricity, a magnificent scenic panorama of a day and night in the Alps. There will be a fine perspective, showing the various moving features of the landscape, the trains in motion, sunrise, daylight, sunset in succession, by electrical effects. It will be one of the most beautiful features of the Exposition” (page 4).

“A Day in the Alps” was still being featured as an attraction in 1908.  It was listed in an advertisement for Kansas City’s Big Winter Garden at the Hippodrome (Kansas City Star 27 Dec 1908, page 21). Over the years Sosman & Landis continued to manufacture electric scenic theaters, including “A Day in Japan.” In 1908, it was featured at the Exposition in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to the close of the exposition, Sosman & Landis listed the attraction for sale in “The New York Dramatic Mirror.”

On October 3, 1908, Sosman & Landis advertised:

“Electric Scenic Theatre For Sale.

A Beautiful entertainment called “A Day in Japan,” now one of the features of the Pittsburgh, Pa., Exposition. Can be seen there until October 24th. Suitable for an Amusement Park or Exposition of any kind.

Sosman & Landis Co.

236-238 So. Clinton St., Chicago. Ill.”

This provides a little context for Craig and Brainerd’s project at the Gillis Theatre in 1895.

Craig was born on Nov. 15, 1863, in Palmyra, Marion County, Missouri. For geographical context, Palmyra is located about 13 miles northwest of Hannibal, Missouri (or 120 miles northwest of St. Louis). He was the son of Charles H. Craig and Mary Agnes Stewart. I have yet to discover any information about Craig’s childhood or his introduction to theater. However, by 1880 Craig was living in Kansas City, about 200 miles east of Palmyra.  Craig was listed in the 1880 Kansas City Directory as a laborer, boarding at 405 E. 6^th St.  Sometime between 1880 and 1887, Craig became a stage manager.

In 1887 he had relocated to Wichita and was working as a stage manager at the Main Street Theatre. It was in Wichita where he met his future wife – actress Genevieve Lowell. On Jan. 6, 1888, “The Weekly Eagle” of Wichita announced, “Charles Craig, the stage manager, and Miss Minnie Lowell, a soubrette, both of the Main Street theater, were married yesterday” (page 6).

Another wedding announcement was published on Jan. 8, 1888, in Wichita’s “The Democrat”:

“Mrs. Genevieve Lowell, leading lady at the Main Street Theatre, and a great favorite with the patrons of this popular resort, was married Thursday to Mr. Charles Craig of this city. The Growler joins with the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Craig in wishing them much joy and happiness” (page 5).

Years later, their meeting was described in Lowell’s obituary, published in “The Kansas City Star” on Nov. 3 1932 (page 2):

“[Craig] met Genevieve Lowell at Wichita in 1885. The road company she was with was deserted in that city by the manager, and Genevieve Lowell was befriended by Craig, stage manager for another theater. They were married that year. Genevieve Lowell was the daughter of a country doctor living near Hannibal, Mo. She was born in a summer cottage on an island in the Mississippi River near Hannibal. She married young and lived for a period in California. Her husband died and she arrived in New York a young widow in 1876, seeking a career on the stage. After months of work she became the understudy to the leading lady in a road show. Her first big chance came as Lady Audley in “Lady Audley’s Secret” and later she played Lady Isabel in “East Lynne.” Those were the days when actresses were correctly termed “leading ladies,” in the handbills and publicity.

Genevieve Lowell was Lady Mercedes in “The Count of Monte Cristo” and wore tights on the American stage for the first time as Queen Titania [sic]  in “The Black Crook.” In Chicago she played with Joseph Jefferson in “Rip Van Winkle.”

Historical records and newspaper accounts paint a slightly different picture of Lowell’s life before marrying Craig in 1888.  “Genevieve Lowell” was her stage name. Her maiden name was Isabella “Bella” Atherton Lyon. She was the daughter of Dr. John W. Lyon (1816-1866) and Sarah Heald (1828-1881). Dr. Lyon married his first wife, Julia Ann Dobbins, in Putnam County, Indiana, 1836, but I have yet to discover when she passed away, or when he remarried.

In 1850, however, John W. Lyon (37 yrs.) was living with his second wife, Sara B. Lyon (23 yrs.), and children Sugen Lyon (10 yrs., son) and Isabel Lyon (6 yrs., daughter). The Lyon family was living in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. Isabel/Isabella (Genevieve) was the eldest of three girls; her younger sisters were Emma Douglas Lyon and Amanda Lyon. She also had a younger brother, Montiville “Mont” Adair Lyon. To recap, there are five Lyon Children: S. B. Lyon, Genevieve Lowell, E. D. Lyon, Amanda Lyon, and M. A. Lyon.

By 1861, the Lyon family moved from Indiana to Croton, Iowa, where John W. Lyon enlisted in the Union Army. As part of the 3^rd Calvary,. Mustering out on Jan. 8, 1962.  He returned to his family in Iowa, but passed away by 1866.  Shortly after his passing, Sarah Lyon remarried Joseph Hassler, becoming Sarah Hassler (also recorded as Hasler or Hesler in some records).  By 1870, the US Census listed that Sarah Hassler was living with two children from her first marriage (Emma and Montiville), her second husband and six step children in Farmington, Iowa. By the way Farmington was only 5 miles upstream from Croton, Iowa where Dr. John Lyon enlisted in the Union Army in 1861. The Hassler household included: Joseph (54 yrs.), Sarah (41 yrs.), Joseph (19 yrs.), Frederick (15 yrs.), John (13 yrs.), Charles (11 yrs.), Lewis (7 yrs.), Christie (4 yrs.), E. D. Lyons (“Emma” 15, Iowa) and M. A. Lyons (“Mont” 9, Illinois).

The 1880 Census listed the Hassler household included: Joseph Hassler (64), Sarah Hassler (50), Joseph L. Hassler (30 yrs.), John Hassler (24 yrs.), Charles Hassler (21 yrs.), Louis Hassler (17 yrs.), Christie Hassler (15 yrs.), Emma Lyon (24 yrs.) and Amanda Lyon (18 yrs.). By this time, their brother Montiville Lyon was living with his maternal uncle, William Heald, in Scotland County, Missouri.

Meanwhile, Genevieve married her first husband, Henry O. Derr, on June 15, 1862 in Clark County, Missouri. She was 15 years old. They celebrated the birth of a son, George W. Derr, three years later, on June 24, 1865 in Carroll County, Illinois. Birth records list his parents as Henry O. Derr and Bella Atherton Lyon, suggesting that her first name was Isabella. Again, “Genevieve Lowell” appears to be simply a stage name. When Genevieve Lowell planned for her passing in 1927, she built a mausoleum in Elmwood Cemetery, Kansas City. The “Kansas City Times” reported, “The mausoleum already contains the body of George W. Derr, a son by former marriage, who died Nov. 23, 1923, Mrs. Craig personally inscribed the tablet on his vault. Mrs. Craig is the wife of C. C. Craig, a stage mechanic at the Newman theater, who was a stage mechanic with road shows until his wife’s health failed” (5 Oct 1927 pg. 6.).

Back to the 1860s…

Henry, Bella and George Derr temporarily relocated from Illinois to California during the latter part of the decade. Henry Derr was last mentioned in the “Sacramento Bee” in 1869. By 1870, however, US Census records indicate that the Derrs had returned to Illinois and settled in Metropolis, Massac County.  That year, the Derr household included: Henry O. Derr (41 yrs.), Bella (25 yrs.), George (6 yrs.), George Taylor (24 yrs.) and S. B. Lyon (29 yrs.). S. B. was likely Bella/Isabel/Genevieve’s older brother, first listed in the 1850 census as 10-yrs.-old Sugen Lyon.

I have yet to discover when Henry Derr passed away, but it was likely during the early 1870s. His name was listed in “The Promulgator” on 19 April 1873 (pg. 1) for his Massac addition property; 1872 taxes were due and unpaid. By 1873, Bella and Geo. W. Derr had relocated to Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois. On April 4, 1875, the “Cairo Bulletin” announced, “Mrs. Derr, proprietress of the Railroad House, corner of Eighteenth Street and Commercial avenue is desirous of obtaining the services of a first-class colored cook. For particulars, apply to her.” They were still in town five years later. The 1880 US Federal Census listed that Bella and George W. Derr were still living in Cairo and boarding at 638 Cedar Street. By now, she was listed as 34 yrs. old. This remains consistent with an 1846-1847 birth date.

The last mention of her son in a Cairo newspaper was from Feb 4, 1882; George W. Derr was part of the Letter List from Jan 28, 1882. He later moved to Kansas City, marrying in 1898.

I have not located any records of Genevieve Lowell an actress before 1885. It makes me question whether she was performing under another name. Although later biographical accounts suggest that she moved to New York in 1876 and immediately began an acting career, I have no proof of that stage career. The earliest newspaper account that I have encountered is from 1885. That year she appeared in “Hazel Dell,” starring Helen Desmond, at the Dime Museum in Richmond, Virginia (Richmond Dispatch, 25 Jan 1885 page 2). By that summer, Lowell was touring with “Leah, the Forsaken,” starring Joan Cravan. The show at the Opera House was mentioned in the “Evansville Journal” of Evansville, Indiana on June 4, 1885 (page 5).

By 1886, Miss Genevieve Lowell, actress, was listed in the Kansas City Directory, rooming at 907 Wyandotte.  On August 13, 1886, the “Concordia Times” of Concordia, Kansas, reported that Genevieve Lowell, of the Simon Comedy Co. was joining a troupe in Kansas City (page 3). The new company that Lowell joined was the Little Duchess Combination Co., starring Matie Williams. Also billed as the Williams Company, in 1886 Lowell appeared in the combination company’s productions of “Little Duchess,” “East Lynne,” “All Fool’s Day,” and “Ten Nights in a Barroom.” Stops on their 1886-1887 tour included Fredonia, Howard, Ashland, Kansas, and Fort Scott, Kansas. By the summer, Matie Williams was reportedly struggling with throat and lung troubles (Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor 4 June 1887, page 8). At some point in 1887, Lowell became associated with the Main Street Theatre in Wichita, Kansas. On August 28, 1887, Wichita’s “The Democrat” announced, “Mrs. Ponteix in Naval Engagement at the Main Street Theatre” (page 5).  Lowell met her second husband Charles C. Craig at the Main Street Theatre, where he worked as the venue’s stage manager. At the time of their wedding in January 1888, Craig was 25 yrs. Lowell was fourteen years his senior, at 41 yrs. old This age gap greatly decreased over the years, with few ever knowing the actress’ age. At the end of her life, Lowell told reporters, “There won’t be any date of birth on the vault. The only persons who care about us when we’re dead are our friends, and they will know all of that. The inscription will simply say “Genevieve Lowell, died (date).”

The year before her marriage to Craig, Lowell received her first big break. By the fall of 1887, Lowell was performing in a supporting role in “Lady Audley’s Secret,” starring Mamie Earles, at the Main Street Theatre (Wichita Beacon 17 Oct 1887 page 4). On Dec. 10, 1887, the “Wichita Beacon” announced, “Miss Genevieve Lowell takes the leading roles, giving great satisfaction during the temporary absence of Miss Mamie Earles, at the Main Street Theatre.” This seems to have been Lowell’s transition to star status. On June 16, 1888, the “Wichita Star” announced that Lowell was relocating to Kansas City, leaving Wichita’s Main Street Theatre (page 4). Interestingly, Lowell soon returned to Wichita to star in “Outcast” at the New Musee (Wichita Star 10 Nov 1888, pg. 1).

By the beginning of 1889, both Lowell and Craig were working in St. Louis at different venues.  Lowell was part of the Pope’s Theatre company, while C. C. Craig became associated with People’s Theatre. Despite making St. Louis news, marital difficulties made Wichita news. On April 19, 1889, the “Wichita Eagle” reported, “In the district Court Genevieve Lowell Craig prays for a divorce from Charles C. Craig on the grounds of neglect and failure to provide” (page 8). In 1889, Charles C. Craig was still listed in the 1889 Wichita Directory, his residence listed as 214 S. Fern. Neither Craig nor Lowell were listed in the 1890 Wichita directory

The next few years remain a bit of a mystery. This is likely when Lowell made a name for herself. Both Craig and Lowell end up in Kansas City. By 1893, Genevieve Lowell is listed as an actress in City Directory, living at 522 East 12^th St.  By 1894, both Lowell and Craig were listed in the 1894 Kansas City Directory, living together at 520 East 12^th St. They would continue to appear in the City Directory, often living at the same address for over the next three decades. Lowell was consistently listed as an actress, while Craig shifted occupational listings from carpenter to stage carpenter to machinist to stage mechanic to electrician to stage manager. The couple’s addresses included 1301 Troost (1896-1897), 1815 Independence Blvd (1898-1900) and 1219 Denver Ave. (1901). Their final home was the Denver St. residence, each residing there until their respective deaths in 1932 and 1934.

Lowell’s health declined over the years. By 1927, she received bad news that prompted her to plan for the worst. Newspapers across the country published similar stories. On October 5, 1927, Ohio’s “Portsmouth Daily Times” reported, “Actress prepares for death; distributes souvenirs to friends.” The article continued:

“Kansas City, Oct 5.- Accepting the verdict of surgeons that she has but a short time to live, Mrs. C. C. Craig, stage star of 50 years ago under the name Genevieve Lowell, has started distribution of souvenirs of her actress days to friends. Included in the memoranda of her appearance in New York five decades ago, are several life-size paintings showing her as the queen in ‘The Black Crook.’

‘That was the only time I ever wore tights,’ Mrs. Craig explained. One of her favorite paintings shows her as Mercedes in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo.’ A scrap book recording events of the year she played opposite Oswald Tearle, father of Conway Tearle, motion picture actor, was sent to the movie star. While she was not finished classifying gifts for her friends at her home here, she has completed a mausoleum in Elmwood cemetery over which a bronze reproduction of the picture of Mercedes has been places. He husband, a stage mechanic with stock companies until his wife’s health forced her retirement continues to follow his trade at a local theatre” (page 5).

Meanwhile, Craig continued to work. The 1930 Kansas City Directory listed his occupation as property man at the Midland Theatre, still living with Lowell at 1219. Lowell’s listing as an actress continued to appear in the Kansas City Directory until her passing in 1932. C. C. Craig was listed as the informant in his wife’s death certificate. She passed at 10:10 PM on Nov. 2, 1932. Oddly, her father’s surname (Lyon) was listed, but no birthplace nor maiden name were provided. The primary cause of her death was reported to be “cancer of the uterus.” No known birthdate was provided.

On Nov. 3, 1932, newspapers across the country mourned her passing and carried similar articles of her meticulous preparation for the afterlife:

“Kansas City, Nov. 3 – One grand finale, and then the last curtain for Genevieve Lowell, star of “The Black Crook,” the famous production that entertained and shocked theatre-goers in the nineties.

Lying in the research hospital here, Miss Lowell issued the stage directions for her exit, and died, last night, as she desired.

“All the world’s a stage to Mrs. C. C. Craig, famous half a century ago as Genevieve Lowell, the star of America’s first musical comedy, “The Black Crook,” leading lady with Joseph Jefferson on “The Count of Monte Cristo” and Gretchen in “Rip Van Winkle.”

And a stage she would have at the very end.

“I’m ready. It will be my final role. All the plans are made – the stage is set,” she peacefully replies to doctors who warned of impending death.

Daily an intimate friend went to her bedside to dress her hair, to attend the details of the “makeup” for the final “Appearance.” Mrs. Craig selected the costume she would wear; chose pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, and notified them.

And in Elmwood cemetery she has built a monument, over which is a bronze figure of Mercedes, the part she played in “Monte Cristo” at the height of her career when she was 40 years old.

“There won’t be any date of birth on the vault,” she told friends. “The only persons who care about us when we’re dead are our friends, and they will know all of that. The inscription will simply say “Genevieve Lowell, died —.”

“The Daily Northwestern of Oshkosh, WI, announced her passing and added, “She was 85 years old.”

The “Kansas City Star” named her active pall bearers as James A. Raily, Louis W. Shouse, Ray Severance, Roy Severance, Frank E. Benson and George B. Denzel. Lowell’s honorary pallbearers were Dr. W. J. Frick, Anthony P. Nugent. Joseph McCormick, B.N. Simpson, Joseph Walton, Otto Doide, Walt Filkin, W. A. Repp, W. H. Tindall, D. Austin Latchaw, Dr. A. R. Greenlee, and M. P. Yates. Of the latter list, Missouri Poet, Walt Filkin wrote the passage for her gravestone. Although I am unable to transcribe the entire epitaph in a www.findagrave photo, the last portion reads:

“She sees the golden footlights shine

Beneath the stage of his playhouse divine

And then she will arise, again appear

To fill each soul with joy as she did here

To add her share of light, she knew the way

To make one’s earthly pathway smooth and gay.

-Walt Filkin.

The 1940 Us Federal Census listed Charles C. Craig as 76 years old, living with his 50-yrs. old housekeeper, Julia Perria, at 1219 Denver Ave. Craig passed away on Dec. 9 1944 at KC General Hospital. The cause of death was reported to be bronchopneumonia due to benign hypertrophy of prostate.  At the time of his passing, Craig’s occupation was listed as “stage employee.”

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Two Sosman & Landis employees were listed as guests at a Chicago Commerce event in 1914. They were J. C. Johnson and Chas. H. Szcesney. At the time, Johnson was listed as the firm’s secretary. Szcesney likely worked in the office with Johnson.

Charles “Charlie” Herman Szcesney was the son of Frederick “Fritz” Sczesney and Emilie Zilke. Both were European immigrants who left their homeland to start a new life in America. Illinois marriage records list that Fredrich Sczesny and Emilie Zihlke were married in Chicago on June 5, 1886. Born on October 31, 1893, Charlie was one of five Szcesney children to grow up in Chicago. By the way, the spelling of their surname varies from Szcesney to Szcesny to Chesney.

The 1900 US Federal Census listed the Szcesney household as including:

Frederick (b. Aug 1855, head)

Amelia (b. June 1862, wife)

Martha (b. Feb 1887, daughter)

George (b. June 1889, son)

Emma (b. Aug 1891, daughter)

Charles (b. Oct 1892, son)

William (b. March 1898, son).

That year the Szcesney home was located at 527 Melrose, Chicago. I have uncovered very little about Szcesney’s childhood in Chicago. However, for geographical context, Melrose St. was located halfway between Lincoln Avenue and the Chicago River. In other words, they lived a little northwest of what we consider the Lincoln Park Neighborhood today.

A decade later, the Szcesneys were still located on the same street, but their address was listed as 1821 Melrose. Amazingly, this old home is still standing.

In 1910, the Szcesney household included Fred (57 yrs.), Emily (48 yrs.), George (20 yrs.), Emma (19 yrs.), Charles (16 yrs.), William (12 yrs.), Mamie (7 yrs.). Charlie was working as an office boy that year, with his father employed as a RR flagman and his eldest brother George as a machinist in the auto industry.

Sometime between 1910 and 1914, Charlie began working in the Sosman & Landis office. His time at the studio only lasted a few years though. Only his father, Frederick Sczesny was listed in the 1917 Chicago Directory, working as a gateman and living at 1821 Melrose St.  However, Charles Szcesney, was still listing Chicago as his home in 1918.

His WWI Draft Registration Card listed the home address of Charles Herman Sczesney as “Y.M.C.A. Chicago, Illinois.” At the time he was working as an accountant, listing “himself” as his employer. Szcesney’s physical appearance was described as medium height, medium build, brown hair and brown eyes.  By the end of 1918 he was living in to Boston, Massachusetts and working as an accountant. Szcesney remain an accountant for the rest of his life, and possibly worked as an accountant at Sosman & Landis. 

Szcesney continued to work as an accountant over the years, although he shifted from one industry to the next. When Szcesney moved east and married, he changed the spelling of his name from Szcesney to Chesney. His name change is understandable; “sz” really confuses Americans. I say this as my own name – Waszut – always makes people stop and wonder about the correct pronunciation. Changing your last name from Szcesney to Chesney simply helps people pronounce it correctly – shchez-nee.

It also changed his perceived nationality, making it sound a little more Norman, French in origin. This may have helped fit in with his future in-laws.

Charles Herman Chesney married to Bernadette “Blanche” P. Boucher (1893-1974) in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1923. Blanche was the only child born to French-Canadians Frank and Josie Boucher. The couple’s wedding was announced on September 5, 1923, in the “Fitchburg Daily Sentinel:

“Chesney-Boucher

Miss Bernadette Blanche Boucher 85 Holt street and Charles H. Chesney of Boston, were married Tuesday at Christ Episcopal church by Rev. Arthur J. Gammack, rector. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth O. C. Hill of Whalom and Mrs. Sarah Dyson of this city. Mrs. Chesney has been employed at the downtown bank of the Fitchburg Bank & Trust Co. and Mr. Chesney is a public accountant. Mr. and Mrs. Chesney will make their home at 380 Riverway Street, Boston.”

By 1930, the Chesneys relocated to New Jersey, settling in Teaneck. They would continue to live in the township for the remainder of their lives. For context, Teaneck is due east of Hackensack, just across the Hackensack River; an 8-minute drive. Chesney continued to work as a public accountant, now managing his own firm. In 1931, he was listed in the Hackensack Directory, doing much of his business there.

The 1940 US Federal Census listed Chesney as an accountant in the distilling industry, still living at the same address with Blanche.

His WWI Draft card from 1942 still listed Chesney’s address as 535 Wyndam Rd., Teaneck, New Jersey. That year he listed Brewster Aeronautical Corp., Long Island, as his employer.  I have uncovered very little about Chesney’s life after moving east.

Chesney passed away in 1958 at the age of 65 yrs. old. His obituary was published in “The Record” of Hackensack, New Jersey, on July 18, 1958 (page 4):

“CHESNEY – Charles H.  Suddenly on July 16, 1958, of 535 Wyndham Road. Teaneck. Beloved husband of Blanche Chesney, Devoted brother  of Martha Plourd, Mamie Harlquist and William Chesney, Service at the Volk Colonial Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, Saturday, at 1 P.M. Interment George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.”

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Sosman & Landis employee, J. C. Johnson, was listed as guest at a Chicago Commerce event in 1914.

That same year, the Chicago Directory listed Jos. C. Johnson as Secretary for the firm, indicating that Johnson’s first name was Joseph. In 1914, Johnson was living at 730 Waveland av. He was again listed as the secretary for the firm in 1915.

I have put off posting about Johnson for quite some time, despite jotting his name down  a few years ago. Trying to locate Johnson is like looking for a needle in a haystack. 

What I do know is that Johnson was already working at Sosman & Landis in 1913. On July 21 of that year, he placed the following want ad in the “Chicago Tribune”:

“For sale – or rent – Twelfth-st. Theatre, located on Twelfth-st., near Halsted-st. Seats 600. J. C. Johnson, 417 S. Clinton-st.” (page 17). 417 S. Clinton Street was the address for the main studio at Sosman & Landis. This suggests that Johnson was working in an administrative capacity at the studio that year. For context, in 1913, Sosman & Landis listed two business offices: 417 S. Clinton and 17 W 20^th. Johnson was working in the main studio building.

Although Johnson was listed as the firm’s secretary in 1914 and 1915, there is little else to go on. Did he solely work in an administrative capacity, or did he enter the theatre industry though a trade? If I were to assume that Johnson was a painter, he was one of several working in Chicago around the same time.

I have spent countless hours trying to track down the lives and careers of several Chicago-based J. C. Johnsons; each one a viable candidate who may have been employed at Sosman & Landis. The names include Joseph C. Johnson, James C. Johnson, and John C. Johnson – all working in the same region at the same time. This means that articles mentioning “scenic artist Johnson” or “J. C. Johnson, scenic artist,” could be any one of the them. To further complicate matters, if I look beyond Chicago, there are many, many more J. C. Johnsons working as scene painters on a variety of projects.

Although Johnson was secretary of a scenic studio firm it doesn’t mean he could paint. Such was the case with his predecessor at Sosman & Landis, David H. Hunt, a consummate salesman and theatrical manager.

Finally, it is extremely difficult to track down any individual without knowing an approximate age. I really am at a loss here and have to end my search for now, unless more information comes to light.

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

In 1922, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Henry Sieker passed away on the 7^th, all very sudden.”

Moses was referring to scenic artist, Henry Ernest Sieker (1886-1922). Sieker was only 36 yrs. when he passed away and I have yet to identify the cause, or any details surrounding his passing.

Henry was born on Feb. 10, 1886, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was one of five children born to German immigrants, Franz Sieker (1849-1890) and Katherine Kemper Sieker (1852-1901). His older siblings were Christian Fred Sieker (1876-1929), Helena C. Sieker Ford (1881-1916), Martin Sieker (1885-1931) and August F. Sieker (1887). None of the Sieker men lived very long lives. Henry’s father passed away when he was only four years old, buried at Woodland Cemetery there. By 1900, Henry enter the work force at the age of fifteen and was working as a messenger boy. He and three of his brothers were living with his  three of his mother at 29 Lufkin St. in Cleveland, Ohio.

Shortly after this, Henry and his youngest brother, Martin, relocated to Chicago, where they continued living together.

It remains unclear, as to when Sieker began to work as a scenic artist at Sosman & Landis. It is possible that he began as most, between the ages of 16 and 17 yrs. Old.

In Chicago, he married Nattley “Natty” Baselski (also spelled Bazelski and Buselski in records), the daughter of Polish immigrants Mathias Baselski (1843-1901) and Johanna Grostowski (1851-1928). Nattley was one of four children: her siblings being Stacia, Ronette and Peter. Henry and Nattley were the same age, both born in 1886. They celebrated the birth of their only when they were 23 yrs. old. Irene Florence Sieker was born on Nov. 19, 1909.

The 1910 US Federal Census listed Siecker as a scenic artist in the scenic studio profession, likely at Sosman & Landis. At the time, he was still living with his brother, Martin who worked as a candy maker in a candy factory. At the time, their home was located at as 2222 Sacramento Ave. in Chicago. The Sieker household included Henry E. (24 years), Nattley (23 years), Irene (5 months) and Martin (25 yrs.), Henry’s brother (25).

Sieker did not consistently appear in the Chicago Directory. However, in 1913, his address was listed at 4010 W. 21^st St. This remained his address for the next five years. He listed it again in 1918 when he registered for WWI Draft. His draft registration listed his occupation as a sign painter, now working at Sosman & Landis, 417 S. Clinton St. In 1918 Sieker was described as tall, with a medium build, blue eyes and blond hair.

A few years later, the 1920 US Federal Census listed Sieker’s home address on the same street in Chicago. His household still included, Nattley, Irene, and Martin.  His brother Martin was now working as a grocer and butcher.

Sieker passed at the age of 36 yrs. old on July 7, 1922. At the time, his address was listed as 4023 W 21 St., just a few doors up the street from where he lived in 1920. He was buried on July 10, 1922 at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in River Grove, Illinois. I not yet located any details or cause of death. River Grove is on the outskirts of Chicago, just northeast of Oak Park where Thomas G. Moses lived at the time. When Sieker passed away, his daughter was only eleven years old. He never saw his daughter grown into a young woman or get married

By the time the next US Federal Census was taken, Sieker’s wife and daughter were still living in Chicago, still on W. 21^st St., now 4026. Nattley was working as a seamstress, and Irene as a switchboard operator. The following year, Irene married Walter Hasselbring and moved to Fountain Creek, Illinois. For geographical context, Fountain Creek is approximately 40 miles due south of St. Louis, Missouri. Nattley also moved to Fountain Creek with her daughter. The1940 US Federal Census recorded the Hasselbring household as including Walter Sr. (38 yrs.), Irene (30 yrs.), Walter Jr. (7 yrs.), and Nattley (53 yrs.). In Fountain Creek, Walter Sr. worked as a blacksmith.

The Hasselbring family expanded, and the 1950 census included: is living with Irene (40 yrs.), Walter Sr. (48 yrs.), Walter Jr. (17 yrs.), LeRoy (9 yrs.), and Nattley (63 yrs.). Walter Sr. was now employed as an assistant manager in the oil and grain industry.

Sadly, Irene’s own husband also died quite young, only five years later. Irene, however, enjoy a very long life, living until the age of 81 yrs. old.

Here is Irene’s obituary:

“Irene E, Hasselbring, 81, Watseka, died at 3:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 1991, at Watseka Healthcare Center, Watseka.

She was worn Nov. 19, 1909, in Chicago to Henry and Nattalie Sieker. She married Walter (Pete) Hasselbring in November 1931 in Watseka. He preceded her in death in April 1955.

She is survived by two sons, Walter (Duke) Hasselbring of Watseka and LeRoy Hasselbring of Bermuda; six grandsons: Chip of Danville, Robin, Skyler and Kenton, all of Watseka, Douglas of Champaign, and Timothy of Bermuda; two granddaughters, Julie Hasselbring of Watseka and Gretchen of Bermuda; and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hasselbring was preceded in death by her parents.

She worked at the Variety & News for 15 years.

Funeral Services are 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Segur-Knapp Funeral Home, Watseka, with Rev. Hubert Lytle officiating. Burial will be in Amity Cemetery near Milford.

Visitation is from 9 a.m. to the time of the Service Saturday.

Memorials to be made to the Roberts Friendship Home.”

To be continued…