Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1915, the J. M. Deeds Scenic Studio of Spokane contracted with the Hub Theatre in Okanogan, Washington, to produce two 60-feet-long murals for the venue. Recently uncovered, these two murals shed a little light on the history of theatre manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest during the early twentieth century. When Deeds secured the Okanogan contract, his firm had already painted scenery and decorated auditoriums at Chelan’s Ruby Theatre and the Wenatchee Theatre. Prior to establishing his scenic studio in Spokane, Deeds was well known for his scenic art and advertising curtains in California and Oregon.
James Marion Deeds was born in Windsor, California, on October 27, 1877. For geographical context, Windsor is located in Sonoma County, due west of Sacramento and just north of Santa Rosa. He was the son of James B. Deeds and Millie Grey. By the age of three, the Deeds family moved north to Red Bluff, California, approximately 125 miles north of Sacramento. The 1880 US Federal Census listed that the Deeds household included James Sr. (b. 1858), Millie (b. 1862), James Jr. (3) and Lillie (8 months.). At the time, James Sr. was working as a farmer. By 1887, the Deeds family moved south to Woodland, California, where James B. Deeds continued to work as a farmer. On Sept. 10, 1887, the “Sacramento Daily Record” reported that grain was being “cut and thrashed by James Deeds, of Woodland” for county exhibits at the state fair that year (page 5). Woodland is approximately 20 miles due west of Sacramento.
By the age of seventeen, James M. Deeds was living in the San Francisco area, and going by the name “J. M. Deeds.” In 1894, he was competing as an athlete, representing the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). On April 29, 1894, the “San Francisco Call” listed that YMCA member, J. M. Deeds, competed in a one-mile race in the Midwinter Fairgrounds as part of the Olympic Club Contests (page 7). At the time, he was competing for a cash prize. On May 2, 1894, the “San Francisco Call” announced that Deeds participated in the one-mile handicap run Games in Recreation Park, also part of the Olympic Club Games (page 9).
Over the next few years, Deeds athletic achievements frequently made the news. On May 29, 1895, J. M. Deeds was listed as a participant in the Caledonia Games, held during the Caledonia Club picnic. Deeds participated in both the 300-yard handicap run and 500-yard handicap run. Later than summer, Deeds traveled with a group from the Oakland YMCA to Bryant’s ranch. The young men were identified as “lovers of pedestrianism and healthful recreation,” (“San Francisco Call,” 13 July 1895, page 8). During the summer of 1895 Deeds tied for third in the standing wide jump during the Scots Picnic in Sacramento. On July 3, 1895, the “Stockton Record” reported that J. M. Deeds, representing the YMCA of Oakland, participated in the running high jump and standing broad jump in the Field Day Games in Stockton.”
On June 22, 1896, the “San Francisco Call” reported that J. M. Deeds participated in an event at the Shell Mound shooting range as part of the contest for class medals by the Red Men’s Shooting Section (page 5). On July 5, 1896, the “San Francisco Call” noted that J. M. Deeds of the Reliance Athletic Club placed second in the running high jump at the Stockton Carnival of Sport (page 6).
On 7 July 1896 the “San Francisco Chronicle” reported, “Oakland, July 6 – The Reliance Club has lost a star member of its athletic team, and at the same time the Stockton Athletic Club has gathered in a man who will be expected to make new records for it. Oakland’s loss has been Stockton’s gain and the members of the local organization feel much chagrined over the turn affairs have taken. James M. Deed was regarded as a pillar of the Reliance Club. He held the Coast record for high jumping for many years. On the Fourth of July he went to Stockton to spend the day and before nightfall he had signed with the Stockton Athletic Club. His resignation as a member of the Oakland Club was mailed, and to-day it came to President Fitzgerald at the club headquarters. Deeds was a man of great promise, and it was expected that he would gain many honors for the Reliance Club in coming contests. Mush astonishment is expressed by the local athletes at Deed’s sudden break from the ranks of the Reliance Club will be developed and an effort will be made to hold the records which he established in this city” (page 14).
It was in 1897 that Deeds became involved with the theatre industry, working as an advance man for the Unique Entertainment Company. On Dec. 8, 1897, the “Marysville Evening Democrat” of Marysville, CA, reported, “James M. Deeds, advance agent of the Unique Entertainment Company, was in town to-day” (page 4). On Feb. 12, 1898, the “Free Press” of Redding, California, announced, “James M. Deeds and M. Aspden of San Francisco arrived here Thursday morning. They are giving exhibitions of Edison’s projectoscope and are now en route to Trinity county” (page 4). Their production was advertised as “Electrical entertainment” (“Daily Evening News, Modesto, California, 9 Nov. 1897, page 1). M. Aspden was actually, Martha Aspden, a music teacher and vocalist. She provided the musical entertainment during each projectoscope exhibition.
The Unique Entertainment Company was run by M. Aspden and Arthur Troibert. Many of the advertisements sadly misspelled Troibert’s last name as Trolbert – consistently. On September 28, 1897, the “Santa Cruz Sentinel” of Santa Cruz, California, published an advertisement for Troibert & Aspden’s Unique Entertainment Company, entitled “The Projectoscope, Edison’s latest improved moving picture machine scenes. Natural as life” (page 2).
On Nov. 8, 1897, “The Modesto Bee” published a detailed description of the Unique Entertainment Co. production. The article reported, “Armory Opera House. On Next Friday and Saturday evenings, November 12th and 13th, the people of this city will be given another rare treat in the line of entertainment and amusement by Troibert & Aspden’s Unique Entertainment Company who come highly praised by the press of other cities in which they have played. Their program consists of Edison’s Projectoscope, the latest improved moving picture machine which throws a series of foreign and domestic animated scenes on a large screen with a clear, distinct and steadiness that cannot be claimed for previously invented moving picture machines. There also exhibit the stereopticon views of the Klondike which attracted such wide-spread attention at the Chutes in San Francisco recently. These are the original views which were taken by the Canadian government surveyors and the lecture which is very interesting and instructive is officially correct. Those who contemplate a trip to the northern gold fields next spring should not miss the opportunity of seeing these views as they convey a very good idea of the hardships of the journey. Miss Martha Aspden is a soprano of remarkable wide range and softness of voice, who sings favorite selection from famous operas and plays her own accompaniment on the violin. She is highly spoken of by the daily press of San Francisco and other cities. Troibert the merry wizard comes with flashing newspaper notices and will give some of the best and latest illusions in sleight-of-hand and modern magic. As many of our citizens have enjoyed and evening with him before, he will no doubt be greeted with crowded houses each night. They give and entire change of program each evening and everyone should go prepared to laugh, roar and scream. The general admission is 25 cents, children 15 cents. Seats can be reserved without extra charge at the Moss Rose” (page 3).
On Dec. 17, 1897, the “Chico Weekly” included an advertisement entitled, “Edison’s Projectoscope” (page 1). The article continued, “Troibert and Aspden’s Unique entertainment company will hold forth at Armory Opera House for three nights beginning Thursday, December 16. Their program consists of some very attractive features. The Edison Projectoscope is the very latest improved moving picture machine, showing animated scenes (life size) with a clear distinctiveness that puts all previously invented machines in the shade. The Spanish Bull Fight (taken in Spain) is one of the views shown. The views of Klondyke are copies of the originals which were taken by the Canadian Government Surveyors, and exhibited at the Chutes, San Francisco” (page 1).
In addition to his entertainment and sports activities, Deeds enlisted in the National Guard on Nov. 21, 1895. He served until 1898 when he enlisted in the Spanish-American War. Both Deeds and his father served in the military at this time.
Deeds enlisted as a private in the California Infantry on June 28, 1898. On July 1, 1898, Deeds was listed as part of Company A, Eighth Regiment, when the left Chico for Camp Barrett that summer. On July 5, 1898, an article in the “Woodland Daily Democrat” listed James Deeds as a member of the Chico company of Eighth Regiment at Camp Barrett, Deeds was listed as a one-time resident of Woodland (page 4). On January 14, 1899, the “San Jose Herald” announced, “J. M. Deeds, first lieutenant of Company A. of the English regiment, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. Montgomery and family on Santa Cruz avenue.” Deeds fought in the Spanish-American War until his discharge on Feb 6, 1899.
It remains unclear as to where Deeds settled or what he did between the spring of 1899 and the spring of 1901, yet he likely spent is significant amount of time in Pomona, where he met Nellie Jennie Dappen (1881-1958). By 1901, the young couple was engaged. On April 2, 1901, the “Pomona Progress” reported, “J. M. Deeds and Miss Jennie Dappen will be married next Monday at Keller’s hotel. Mr. Deeds is now in San Luis Obispo compiling a city directory, and the couple will leave for that place after the wedding” (page 3). Interestingly, Deeds completed the directory that fall, and on Sept. 23, 1901, the “San Luis Obispo Telegram” reported, “The first San Luis Obispo city and county directory ever published has just been issued by J. M. Deeds.” On April 3, 1901, “The Los Angeles Times” announced their marriage license: “James M. Deeds, aged 23, a native of California, and Nellie J. Dappen, aged 19, a native of Missouri; both residents of Pomona (page 12) – Marriage License. On April 8, 1901, “The Pomona Progress” reported, “The Marriage of James M. Dees and Miss Nellie J. Dappen was celebrated at Keller’s hotel at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. W. G. Clatworthy officiating. The groom has spent most of the past two months in Pomona and the bride came here about a year ago from Colorado. They took the afternoon train for Los Angeles, and after a few days there will go to San Luis Obispo, where Mr. Deeds is engaged in the publication of a city and county directory” (page 1).
By the next year, Deeds was working for a new entertainment firm. On, Jan. 18, 1902, “The Californian” of Salinas, California, reported, “Messrs. P. Young and J. M. Deeds representing the Pacific Coast Advertising Company are looking after business interests in Salinas.” A day earlier, “The Californian” reported, “Will Place a New Curtain. The Pacific Coast Advertising Company of Oakland has secured the advertising curtain in the opera house for a period of fourteen months. The new curtain will arrive in a few days and promises to be a work of art” (page 3). This is the first mention that I have located regarding Deeds work with advertising curtains.
Over the next few years, the couple celebrated the birth of three children: Woodson Crittendon Deeds (1903), Cecille Thelma Deeds (1905) and Maxwell A. Deeds (1907). In between supporting his growing family and managing various projects, Deeds was able to enjoy a little leisure time. On July 31, 1901, the “San Luis Obispo Telegram” announced, “J. M. Deeds caught eleven trout while fishing yesterday in San Luis creek.”
By 1903, the Deeds family moved to Sacramento. In “The Fresno Morning Republican” Deeds was identified as a Sacramento businessman. In Sacramento, Deeds continued in the advertising curtain industry; this time with a new partner, William Henry Funk (1875-1940). The two established the scenic studio named Deeds & Funk, a company that specialized in advertising curtains for theaters. Immediately they became known as “the Ad Men.” On Nov. 7, 1903, the “Woodland Daily Democrat” of Woodland, California, reported, “J.M. Deeds of the firm of Deeds & Funk, the ‘Ad’ men, is in this city today” (page 1). W. H. Funk was born in Bloomington, Illinois, Funk moved to California in 1901 and married Alice V. Montgomery (1883-1936). Remember that while on leave from the military in 1899, Deeds visited the home of Mrs. Montgomery and family on Santa Cruz avenue.” Same family. In later newspaper reports the relationship was clarified: “Mrs. Funk, who is the sister of Mr. Deeds, is also in Medford, and on Wednesday evening Mrs. Deeds and son arrived from San Francisco.” I have yet to pinpoint the exact relationship and wonder if Alice was affectionately referred to as a “sister,” maybe a close childhood friend.
Although Deeds was a skilled painter, Funk was the much more-experienced artist. They both painted scenery, but Funk took the lead as the artistic head of the firm, hiring local assistants when necessary. Various newspaper accounts paint Deeds as a quite charming; the consummate salesman who could talk you into anything. Deeds landed the majority of work and Funk guided the designs. Deeds & Funk took an interesting approach to the marketing of advertising curtains, making it as an economically-wise choice: “Because the rates are lower in proportion than any other advertising. It reaches more people than any other ad you can place.”
However, it was a bit of a bumpy start. In the beginning as they clashed with the local Painters’ and Sign Writers’ Union over the ACME Theatre curtain in Sacramento, California. On Jan. 21, 1904, the “Sacramento Bee” published a letter to the Editor that condemned the actions of Deeds & Funk (page 5). The letter written by A. A. Killen on Jan. 25, 1904, and entitled, “Now Let the Curtain Be Rung Down.”
“To the Editor of The Bee – Sir:
I presume you feel like Mercutio and would say: “A curse o’ both your houses” – but never having replied to the anonymous article. “A Reply to Killen,” and now being further attacked by parties signing themselves “Deeds & Funk,” I crave your indulgence and ask space for a few words.
The sun does shine, notwithstanding the fact that all do not see it. The labor among local sign painters has been used considerably in advance of the curtain episode. It was only at that time that Mr. Green entered upon the scene and found things without a title – so per se – we need the Union label, and without it I cannot read my title clear, but I have invested coin and I must, lawyer-like, argue there was no label, there is no label. But Mr. Funk’s case is different. He knew the Union label was in use, so did Mr. Deeds – else why were they so anxious to secure it prior to our last election? Why did Mr. Funk object to window dressers painting show cards? And why did he remark that he would stop them when he obtained the Union label? Simply because he recognized its adoption by the local sign painters.
No, the Union label was never used until they wanted to get a curtain painted, but Mr. Deeds knew he could sell more of Mr. Funk’s work is he had the use of the label. As to the fine for not using according to our by-laws, it takes three readings to enact a law; or to make it operative, that takes three weeks, and this was done long before the election in November.
Now the anonymous writer and the same writer in the last article seem desirous to call attention and comparison between Grauman curtain and the Acme. The Grauman curtain was painted in my shop; it is 11×13 feet, and is viewed from a long, narrow room; it was accepted and paid for and proved a good investment for Mr. Green; its total cost, hung, was about $83 – that money was all spent in Sacramento. The Acme curtain comes in contact with very different surroundings and is 20×21 feet; its earning capacity is nearly three times as great as the Grauman. Why should it not cost twice as much to paint it? Did the advertiser receive lower rates because the curtain cost less – or was the firm afraid that if they spent their money in Sacramento the sign painters would get dizzy from their wealth? A few more curtain deals and Deeds, Funk & Green could ride in an auto – even if the local sign painters did not trudge behind on foot.
About prices: the local sign painters without exception pay shop rent, telephone, electrical lights and fuel bills and some advertising and are willing to complete with sign painters similarly situated in San Francisco. Notwithstanding the fact that they handle work in much larger quantities that we do, their jobs average $20 to our $5. As to the covert sneer about delay of the label from headquarters, perhaps at some future time our general officers at Lafayette will answer for themselves.
By the way, considerable information regarding the union label can be obtained from reading the official Painters’ Journal and all painters receive it who are entitled to it. Read it up, brothers, and avoid mistakes with the next ad curtain you don’t paint.
A. A. Killen
Sacramento, January 25th”
They soon focused on work outside of Sacramento. After all, there was plenty work out there and the demand for painted scenery outpaced the supply of scenic artists to complete the work. On March 12, 1904, “The Placer Herald” in Rocklin, California, reported, “New Curtain for Opera House. J.M. Deeds of the firm Deeds & Funk, advertising specialists of Sacramento, has been in town this week, and made arrangements to put in a fireproof curtain at the Opera House. Aside from being protection against fire, the curtain will be of handsome design, and will contain the cards of many of our businessmen” (page 1). On May 3, 1904, “The Morning Union” of Grass Valley, California, reported “W. H. Funk and J. M. Deeds have arrived from Sacramento to repaint the curtain in the Nevada theater” (page 5). The two soon headed north to Oregon but maintained their business offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles. On June 3, 1904, “The Medford Mail” of Medford, Oregon, reported, “J. M. Deeds and W. H. Funk, of San Francisco, are in Medford this week at working and repainting the drop curtain at the Wilson opera house. The have worked fairly well along and it presents a very pretty appearance – much prettier than any curtain which has yet been painted for that house. The design is beautiful and at nighttime, when electric lights are on will show up grandly and give splendid effect to the many advertisements which the gentlemen have placed there for our merchants” (June 3, 1904, page 5). Two weeks later, on June 16, 1904, “The Rosenburg Review” reported that “Deeds & Funk of Los Angeles and Sacramento” owned and operated over 40 advertising curtains in California and Oregon (page 2). On June 29, 1904, “The Eugene Morning Register” reported, “[Deeds & Funke] have on their list 50 curtains they have designed between Eugene and their home city [Sacramento], the last one completed at Rosenburg” (page 8).
Deeds & Funk spent the rest of the summer in Oregon. On June 23, 1904, the “Weekly Rogue Courier” of Grants Pass, Oregon, announced that Deeds & Funk had placed several “very attractive advertising curtains” in many leading theatres of California and Oregon” (page 2).
On June 28, 1904, the “Morning Register” of Eugene, Oregon, reported, “Painting New Drop Curtain. Sacramento Firm Doing Work at the Eugene Theater. Deeds & Funk of Sacramento, the theatrical advertising firm, are in Eugene for the purpose of painting a new drop curtain for the Eugene theater. They have just completed a fine curtain for the Roseburg opera house and do first-class work. The work on the curtain is in progress and will be ready for business ads, in a day or so.” (page 8).
An advertisement placed by “Deeds & Funk, the Ad Men” on July 3, 1904, stated:
“Two Classes of people who do not attend the theater. Those who do not believe in such a place of entertainment, and those who are physically incapacitated, aside from these two classes, upon some one occasion or another during the eighty times or more every year that this local opera house is used, nearly every man, woman, and child in this city, and surrounding community attend. At a cost of not exceeding 25 cents, nor less than 12 ½ cents each night, you can put an ad where they cannot help but read it, namely on a new scenic ad curtain in a space of no less than eight and up to twenty square feet. It is a straight, honest, publicity, recognized and used as such by leading merchants throughout the world. The curtains contain over six hundred square feet, and as two-fifths of it is devoted to scenery and draperies, it is a work of art as well as a splendid advertising medium.
There are about twenty-five spaces, and each space is separate and by itself.
Ten of the leading business firms of Eugene have already engaged spaces, and their ads are now being artistically arranged and painted in their separated spaces.
Think it over. We’ll call on you if you don’t call on us.
It’s Good and it Catches the eye.
That’s the way it strikes us.
How does it strike you?
(signed) Deeds & Funk, the Ad Men”
On July 8, 1904, the “Morning Register” of Eugene, Oregon, credited Deeds & Funk with an advertising curtain for the Eugene Theater. The article reported, “Messrs. Deeds & Funk, the Sacramento firm who have been painting a new drop curtain at the Eugene Theater completed their work yesterday and from an artistic point of view the curtain is a thing of beauty. Grouped around a splendid scene are the place signs of the reputative business firms of the city, fully held in the folds of the drapery painted with skill and excellent taste, by Mr. Funk. Deeds & Funk have performed a job that commands them to all the managers on the coast. The gentlemen accompanied by their wives left this morning for home of the McKenzie” (page 8).
Work was so lucrative in Oregon, that Deeds and his wife relocated to Eugene by 1905. His relationship with Funke seemed to have paused at this point, as Funk was not mentioned in relation to Deeds until 1908. On Nov. 14, 1908, Eugene’s “Morning Register” reported, “Mr. and Mrs. W. H Funk of Sacramento, California, arrived last night and will put on the Electric theater their actophone, which is a combination of the voices with the actions in the pictures. They are old friends and business companions of J. M. Deeds of this city” (page 8). Again, this suggests that the two closed Deeds & Funk in 1905, with Deeds moving to Eugene and Funk remaining in Sacramento.
In Eugene, Deeds diversified his business investments, becoming associated with the Eugene Land Co. He had preciously invested in the Maywood Colony in Red Bluff, California. the Eugene Land Co. was located in Bijou theatre building in Eugene. On March 7, 1906, Eugene’s “Morning Register” reported, “A New Land Co. J. M. Deeds, manager of the Eugene Land company, opened in the Bijou Theatre building yesterday morning. The company is handling the Campbells addition to Eugene, a fine tract of land on the western edge of the city and will do general business. Mr. Deeds has been employed to handle the company’s business through the knowledge of his wide experience in the real estate business, gained in California, where he was connected with the famous Maywood colony. The Campbell property is meeting with ready sale, owing to the class of lots the easy payment system on which these lots are sold and for the reason that they are cheap. Mr. Deeds was employed by Register for six months and we recommend him as a reliable man” (page 3). Deeds’ real estate transactions pertaining to the Maywood Colony were repeatedly listed in the “Red Bluff News” during 1904.
In Eugene, Deeds also sold apples and played baseball. On March 8, 1906, the “Eugene Morning Register” announced that J. M. Deeds was selling Siuslaw apples at 5 cents a pound, selling in lots of 20 lbs. or more. That spring Deed played baseball with others from the northside of Eugene that included J. J. McCormick, Will Branstetter, and “Shorty” Russell. (“Morning Register,” 13 April 1906, page 4). Deeds even worked temporarily as an accountant for a local bank, but in the end, he was still known “J. M. Deeds, the artist of Eugene.” He was slowly accumulating funds to open his own studio.
Deeds continued to work as a scenic artist, despite taking a series of odd jobs in Eugene. When completing painting projects in nearby towns, he continued the practice of hiring local labor to reduce overall expenses. On July 24, 1906, the “Corvallis Gazette” in Corvallis, Oregon, reported, “Cecil Cathey, who enjoys a good local reputation as a sign writer, was engaged by J. M. Deeds, to assist in the lettering the main drop curtain in the opera house. The work is of an order justifying pride on Cecil’s part” (page 3). On August 7, 1906, the “Morning Register” reported, “J. M. Deeds, the artist, who has just completed a fine drop curtain at Corvallis is now at work on the drop in Eugene Theatre and is doing fine work” (page 4).
On Aug. 14, 1908, the “Albany Democrat” of Oregon reported, “J. M. Deeds, of Eugene, is in the city renewing contracts for space on his opera house contract, now up for a year. He was recently in California, and thinks the valley is far ahead of the places he visited” (page 3). On August 28, 1908, the “Albany Democrat” reported, “A fine showhouse. The new Wonderland Theater, for moving pictures, opposite Fortmiller Bros., will be one of the most artist affairs in the valley. Something new will be the proscenium theatre art effect, being arranged by J. M. Deeds, the artist of Eugene, who has painted nine pictures for the effect, six to be used inside, three outside, making the theatre a very attractive place. And the pictures shown will be in keeping with the surroundings” (page 5). On October 30, 1908, the “Morning Register” reported, “J.M. Deeds left for Hoquiam, Wash., yesterday where he expects to put in a theatre curtain” (page 5).
By 1909, Deeds began to solely focus on scenic art. On Aug. 27, 1909, Deeds was mentioned twice in the “Albany Democrat.” The newspaper reported, “J. M. Deeds, the artist of Eugene, left Saturday evening on his trip to Portland, after looking after his drop curtain at the opera house. While one of Eugene’s best boosters Mr. Deeds declared that there wasn’t a place in the valley that had made a more striking change in a year than Albany during the past years, and nowhere is there a city with better surrounding for progress” (page 3
Deeds briefly returned to California in 1910, possibly to relocate his family back home. That year he was listed twice in the 1910 US Federal Census twice, each dated April 1915. In the first census, Deeds was living in Long Beach, California, with his wife, three children and his 32-yrs.-old sister-in-law, Ora E. Dappen. For a brief period of time, Deeds was listed as a commercial traveler working with theatre curtain advertising. He was also listed as a lodger on 22 ½ street in Sacramento, employed as a solicitor in the advertising company industry. In his second census listing, Deeds was living in an apartment complex by himself alongside several other individuals working in the theatre industry. His neighbors included actors and architects. This is likely when he separated from his first wife and planned his move to Spokane, Washington.
On Dec. 6, 1911, the “Spokane Chronicle” reported, “Local Scenic Artist Gets Colville Contract. J. M. Deeds, a well-known local scenic artist, has been given the contract for furnishing the curtain and stage settings for a $20,000 theater recently constructed at Colville by the Odd Fellow. The work in finishing the curtain will be completed by December 16” (page 2). On Dec. 2, 1911, “The Colville Examiner” reported, “J. M. Deeds of the Deeds Scenic Studio of Spokane, has been given the contract for the complete stage fittings of the new opera house, and expects to start the work soon. Local artisans will do the carpenter work, and Mr. Deeds’ best artist will come up to do the curtain painting. It is the plan to give Colville opera house an up-to-date stage. The work will take three or four weeks. All the materials are to be purchased from local merchants. Mr. Deeds is the one who has the contract to put up the new drop curtain at the Spokane Auditorium next month” (page 3). Deeds was not only listed as an employee at the Auditorium Theater in Spokane, but also operating his own scenic studio in the Auditorium.
On Jan. 10, 1912, “The Spokesman-Review” reported that Deeds landed a contract for the Lewis and Clark High School stage in an article entitled, “Paint High School Scenery” (page 6) The article reported, “The J. M. Deeds scenic studio, which was awarded the contract for furnishing the $1188 equipment at the Lewis and Clark high school stage, have the frames completed and began the painting yesterday. The work will be ready for the stage early in February, The stage fittings are four complete changes of scenes.”
On Feb. 15, 1912, “The Spokesman-Review” announced, “Will Give Curtain.” The article continued, “August Paulsen will make present to New High School Auditorium. August Paulsen, well-known capitalist, has agreed to donate the curtain for the auditorium of the new Lewis and Clark high school. J. M. Deeds, manager of the Deeds scenic studio, has been given the contract for painting the curtain. The contract is left upon the condition that after its completion it will be satisfactory to Paulsen. Deeds will commence work this week. The curtain will cost $600. Six weeks will be required to finish the work. At the bottom in small letters will be “August Paulsen.” Six weeks will be required to finish the work. Mr. Paulsen, Fred P. Green, president of the school board; Mr. Deeds and Mr. Harding, manager of the Paulsen Realty company, made a trip through the new high school building this morning” (page 6).
Deeds continued to make inroads with the Spokane business community. On Feb. 22, 1912, Spokane’s “Spokesman Review” reported, “J. M. Deeds of the Auditorium theaters and L. S. Hurtig were admitted active members of the ad men’s club luncheon yesterday” (page 7). A week later, on Feb. 29, 1912, the “Spokane Chronicle” reported, “J. M. Deeds will install the settings for Stage at St. Aloysius Hall” (page 8) The article reported, “J. M. Deeds, manager of the Deeds scenic studio, was this morning awarded the contract for furnishing the stage and appliances for the new St. Aloysius parish hall by Father George P. Butler, S. J. Work on painting the scenery will start immediately and part of it will be installed by March 18 in time for the play to be given by the seniors of Gonzaga college. The contract is for the following: One fancy parlor setting, including 10 pieces plain chamber scene of eight pieces, front curtain with Venetian scene, street scene, Ohio scene, picture screen, garden drop, wood scene, three sets of borders, six wood wings, cottage settings, sky tabs, tormentors and gold drapery.” The influx of work helped secure the necessary funds for Deeds to build a stand-alone studio for his business.
On 11 March 1912, the “Spokane Chronicle” announced, “To Build Scenic Studio in City.
J. M. Deeds Incorporates a Stock Company to Build $6000 Structure” (page 2). The article continued, “The Deeds Scenic Studio, of which J. M. Deeds is manager, is to be incorporated into a stock company and a $6000 building is to be built in Spokane as its permanent home.
Three local theatrical men are now interested in the corporation of the company and Robert Sweatt, local architect, has been instructed to draw plans for the building. The entire building, 100×40 feet will be devoted to the painting of scenes for theaters. The building will contain a display stage and the room for the hanging of curtains will be from 60 to 70 feet in height. M. S. Anderson, an artist of 30-years-experience, has been engaged as head artist for the new studio. Mr. Deeds will also conduct his studio in the Auditorium block for the convenience of traveling theatrical companies. The studio has been in operation for the last year.”
On April 12, 1912, “The Spokane Chronicle” reported, “The new scenery which was recently installed in the hall at a cost of $1250 will be used for the first time. The scenery was designed by J. M. Deeds, who designed the scenery at the Lewis and Clark high school.” This was in an article about the play “Breezy Point,” starring Miss Katherine Connelly, at the parish hall of St. Aloysius” (page 19).
Deeds continued to make headlines that Fall. He certainly understood the benefits derived from self-promotion and marketing. On Oct. 6, 1912, “The Spokesman-Review” included a huge article about Deeds:
“Scene Painting is New Industry.
J. M. Deeds will build unique studio to paint and make stage fittings.
Contracts Completed.
Newest Product of Spokane Already in Great Demand in Inland Empire Towns.
Plans are being completed and work is expected to start withing a few weeks on a home for one of the most novel industries that has as yet entered the industrial life of the city, when a modern scenic studio will be opened by J. M. Deeds. For the last 18 months he has been doing his work under a disadvantage on the stages of the Auditorium and American theaters when these were not in use, R. C. Sweatt is drawing plans for the studio, which will be erected on the north side on one of two sites now under consideration.
The nature of the work calls for a building of unusual dimensions to permit of the hanging of large theatre drop curtains while these are being painted, The plans call for a building 100×50 feet and 70 feet high to cost approximately $12,000. Deeds who had 10 years’ experience in the work at Sacramento, California., and Eugene, Oregon., before coming to Spokane, is organizing a stock company and articles of incorporation are already prepared. Since coming to the city Deeds has painted scenery for several local buildings and many out of the city. Among these are:
Lewis and Clark building, North Central high school, St. Aloysius parish hall, Ellensburg opera house, Wenatchee theater, Scenic theater, Leavenworth; Odd Fellow’s theaters at Monroe and Colville, Casino at Republic, Auditorium at Davenport, Parish hall at Nelson, B.C.; Nelson opera house, Odd Fellows’ hall at Bonners Ferry, Burford’s Theatorium at Lewistown, Woodmen’s opera house at Grand Bend, Grand at Missoula, Mont., and Odd Fellows’ theater at Garfield. Deeds furnishes scenery and stage appliances complete and at the present time his force of 11 men are completing contracts as follows: Keylor Grand theater, Walla Walla; Bijou Grand, Walla Walla; Temple, Lewiston; Ridgeway, Colfax; new opera houses at Austin and Cashmere and scenery for the interstate fair. Rush of work has made it necessary for Deeds to increase his force to 13 men” (page 31).
As in Sacramento with Funk, Deeds again focused on sales, leaving more skilled artists to paint the scenery. He lined up a series of projects that continued to generate profits for the firm and continued to expand his work force. He also found a partner, likely an investor- C. H. Eaton. I have yet to locate much information pertaining to Eaton, including a first name. Meanwhile, Deeds’ scenic studio continued to make news.
On May 29, 1913, “The Spokane Chronicle” reported in the “Realty and Business News” section: “Scenery and Curtains for All Kinds are manufactured by Local Company” (page 14). The article included a picture of Deeds studio included with caption: “Show in the above picture is an interior view of the Deeds Scenic Studio plant on E8 Trent avenue. The Spokane Enterprise was started in 1911 with only one employee. It now has a payroll of 16 persons, practically all specialists in the production of theatre scenery, and in planning to greatly extend its territory, insuring a further increase of payroll.”
The article continued: “Deeds Scenic Studio Handles Work in Many Northwest Towns. Local Firm Started with one man, now has fine plant and 16 employees.
A home industry established in 1911 with one employee, now an organized partnership with a manufacturing plant and a payroll of 16 employees, having the prospect of greatly increasing its force and extending the field of its operations – is the unique record of the Deeds Scenic Studio, E8 Trent avenue, builders of theaters scenery of all kinds.
J. M. Deeds and C. H. Eaton are the partners in the business, which now extends over the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. The partners said today they are prepared to extend their field to include western Canada, Utah, and Wyoming in the near future.
The production of theater scenery was started by Mr. Deeds here in December 1911, Not having an advantage of a plant at first, he worked in the Auditorium and American theaters here and at the Colfax Theatre at Colfax. Mr. Eaton became a partner in the firm in April of this year and the work on installing the studio in its new quarters has already been largely completed.
Have carpenter Shop.
The first floor is devoted to the carpenter shop, which is now well equipped. Additional woodworking machinery, however, is on the way to Spokane, and will be installed as soon as it arrives. The second story is devoted to the general decorating and manufacturing work and also contained the offices. Frame equipment is afforded here for curtains 45×32 feet. There are also two 32-foot frames and two 26-foot frames.
The Deeds Scenic studio is now completing work for theater at Pocatello, Idaho; Baker City, Oregon, and for the Fraternal Opera house at Tekoa. Work is also underway on the curtains for the new high school at Moscow, Idaho.
‘This is the only studio of the kind between Minneapolis and the Coast,’ said Mr. Deeds today. ‘We are prepared to cover the territory completely, including the states of Wyoming, Utah and the Western Canadian provinces, and we expect to invade the east. There is no reason why we should not do this since we are prepared to complete with them in workmanship as well as salesmanship. Mr. Deeds has been engaged in the production of theater scenery for 10 years and during that time has traveled extensively, visiting the leading studios in the east and middle west.” (page 14).
On June 27, 1913, “The Spokane Chronicle” reported, “J. M. Deeds, senior member of the Deeds Art Studio company, left this afternoon for a two weeks’ visit in Chicago and other middle western points. On his way east he will stop at Pocatello, Idaho, where he will install a chapter of the St. Anthony’s order” (page 6). On July 19, 1913, “The Spokane Chronicle” reported, “J. M. Deeds, senior member of the Deeds Art studio firm, has returned from an extended business trip through the Inland Empire. He has engaged W. F. Berry, a scenic artist of the east, to assist in the work of painting the scenes and curtains for which orders were taken (page 6).
Deeds continued to travel throughout the region for work, and soon met his second wife. On June 8, 1914, “The Spokesman-Review” reported,
“Cupid is Busy at Cashmere.
Announcement Tells of Wedding Several Months Ago.
Cashmere, Wash., June 7. -…Miss Nellie Stoffer and J. M. Deeds of Seattle were married in Victoria, B.C. several months ago, but the fact was announced here only lately. Miss Stoffer has had charge of the music in the schools here for two years. They will live in Seattle” (page 7). Nellie Katherine Stoffer (1885 – 1981) was the daughter of Andrew Jackson Stoffer (1853-1905) and Susan Hyde (1863-1934). This gets a bit confusing as both Deeds’ first wife and second wife shared the same first name – Nellie. Nellie Dappen was his first wife and Nellie Stoffer was his second wife.
On Dec. 7, 1915, the “Okanogan Independent Newspaper” reported, “Mr. Deeds has just completed the decorations for the Wenatchee Theatre, which is said to be the finest in this part of the state and did the decorating for the Ruby Theatre known far and wide as one of the most attractive playhouses in the country.” Somehow, between contracting the murals for Okanogan’s Hub Theatre in 1915 and the beginning of 1917, Deeds returned to California. He was still working in Washington during 1916, but his work takes on takes a new twist.
On September 4, 1916, “The Spokesman-Review” reported, Page 8: “Davenport, Wash., Sept 3. – The home talent minstrel show under the auspices of the Davenport volunteer fire department Saturday night, directed by J. M. Deeds, pleased a crowded theater” (page 8). It did not specify that Deeds was solely providing the scenic elements for the production, instead he was directing the action.
In 1916, Deeds primarily made news as a fisherman, which makes me wonder what was going on at his scenic studio. On October 3, 1916, “The Spokesman-Review” reported, “Six salmon, weighing from 10 to 4 1-2 pounds were caught by J. M. Deeds in the Wenatchee river, near Dryden power plant. Mr. Deeds used a casting pole with linen line and spoon. It took from about 10 to 45 minutes of hard work to land the big fellow” (page 3). In 1916, J. M. Deeds was evened pictured in “The American Angler” (Winter 1916, Vol. 1, No. 3). Below his picture was the caption was: “J. M. Deeds of Seattle, Wash., and 7 lb. Rainbow Trout, Caught in Crab Creek, Lincoln County, Wash.” To date, this is the only photograph of Deeds that I have located.
By the end of 1916, Deeds returned to California and was living in Red Bluff. In the beginning, he was still listed as a theatrical scenery contractor. Later on, he was listed as a scenic artist. On January 25, 1917, the “Auburn Journal” published an article about Deeds painting scenery for the Colfax Theatre in Auburn, California. Entitled, “Brushing Things Up,” the article reported, “S. K. Williams has engaged J. M. Deeds, theatrical scenery contractor, to install a new drop curtain with a local scene as the Centerpiece; also, a nine-piece fancy parlor set in the Colfax theatre. Mr. Deeds and his assistant are now engaged in the work. This is an improvement that will be greatly appreciated by the townspeople, especially by the home talent players.—Colfax Record.”
By February 1917, Deeds temporarily returned to work with for his old business partner in Sacramento, W. H. Funk in Sacramento. This was only temporary and may have been somewhat awkward after Deeds divorced his first wife. In 1917, Funk owned and operated an outdoor advertising company. Funk’s WWI draft registration card listed him as employed in the outdoor advertising industry and working for himself. At the time, the Funks were living at 3181 D St. in Sacramento. Funk’s physical appearance was described as medium height, stout, brown hair, and brown eyes. On Feb. 16, 1917, the “Sacramento Daily Union” reported, “The regular luncheon of the Rotary club was held at the Hotel Sacramento at noon yesterday. The time was spent In a pleasurable and profitable manner, land after special musical numbers and j several short talks by members a general discussion on attendance followed. J. M. Deeds, sales manager of W. H. Funk & Co., talked on outdoor advertising, and J Haley on the principles of Rotaryism.”
Interestingly, Deeds’ WWI draft registration card in 1917 listed his occupation as “Moving Picture Shows,” working at venues in Tehama and Shasta counties. Deeds’ physical description was listed as medium height, medium build, brown hair, and blue eyes. In Red Bluff, Deeds leased and managed the Red Bluff Opera House for seven months. Built in 1908, the Red Bluff Opera House was a 1,000-set venue that Deeds managed between 1917 and 1918. During that time, he hosted in a number of events that helped support the war effort, including benefit performances for the Red Cross and Liberty League.
While managing the Red Bluff opera house, Deeds was repeatedly referred to as “Sunny Jim” in newspaper articles and advertisements.
For example, on Nov. 6, 1917, Red Bluff’s “Daily People’s Cause,” reported, “Mary Pickford in ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’ is to be the opening of the opera house under the management of ‘Sunny Jim’ Deeds Saturday evening” (page 1). On Nov. 17, 1917, the “Daily People’s Cause” reviewed the much-anticipated production of Irving Berlin’s musical “Watch Your Step, scheduled to be shown at the Red Bluff Opera House. The article reported, “When the above newspaper’s critic puts his O.K. on a show it must be exceptionally good, and it is with a feeling of satisfaction that we can also place our approval on the motto of “Sunny Jim” Deeds, when he says that he will play only the first class shows while he has charge of the Red Bluff opera house.” (page 1).
On Jan. 11, 1918, the “Tehama County Daily Republican” still mentioned “Sunny Jim” Deeds, as the “genial manager of the opera house” (page 1). Deeds still had a handle on marketing; he placed ads in local newspapers announcing that red-headed boys would be admitted free to the Douglas Fairbanks matinee, “Reaching for the Moon.” In addition to managing the opera house, Deeds took on work as a painter.
The stage at the Red Bluff Opera House offered studio space, where Deeds was able to complete a variety of painting projects. He was still working as a scenic artist. On Jan. 18, 1918, the “Red Bluff Daily News” included an article entitled, “J. M. Deeds Paints Map Orchard Park.” The article reported, “J. M. Deeds has proved that he is an artist as well as a first-class theatrical manager. Yesterday he placed in the window of the James Feeley Company on Main street a colored map of Orchard Park which shows the smallest detail relative to the big tract just south of Red Bluff. The map is a thing of beauty as well as being instructive and already has attracted a great deal of interest from the passersby. Orchard Park is one of the prettiest suburban tracts adjacent to the city and recently several big sales have been made to people from a distance who are anxious to come to Tehama county to make a permanent home.”
And then there was the family reunion…
On May 13, 1918, the “Tehama County Daily Republican” announced, “Father and Son Together after Twenty-Two Years” (page 1). The article reported, “A happy reunion after a period of twenty-two years took place today when J. B. Deeds and wife of Gridley, who chanced to be in Red Bluff on business, net their son, Jim M. Deeds, Manager of the Red Bluff Opera House. The meeting was purely accidental. The elder Deeds and his wife were passing along the street when Mrs. Deeds said, “There is our son” and stopped Jim, who was in his auto, and happy greetings of love and affection took place. Twenty-two years is a long time for families to be separated and without any knowledge as to each other’s whereabouts, but it also proves that after all the United States is not such a large place after all, because no one can get lost within its confines. The elder Deeds is in the real estate business and is here looking over some property, and may settle in Tehama county as a home, which in fact pleases ‘Sunny Jim’ all the more.”
On May 14, 1918, the “Red Bluff Daily News” carried a similar story:
“J. M. Deeds Meets Parents after a Long Separation.”
Manager Deeds of the Opera House met with a pleasant surprise yesterday morning when he stepped out of his automobile on Main street. He noticed a man standing in front of one of the business houses who looked familiar to mm. He started toward him and at the same time the man turned and recognized him. The stranger was J. B. Deeds, father of J. M. Deeds and the two had not met for twenty-two years. During the Spanish-American war Mr. Deeds and his father became separated and although both tried to get trace of the other, they were unable to find each other. Mr. Deeds, senior, has been living at Gridley, and he came to Red Bluff yesterday on land business. He was accompanied on the trip by Mrs. Deeds and the two have remained over for a few days’ visit with the son and his wife.” For a little context, Gridely was just 30 miles southeast of Chico, California, where James Deeds Jr. departed with Chico Company A of the Eighth Regiment during the Spanish-American War in 1898.
I find this whole story very strange and wonder what really happened to cause the separation in 1899. It’s not as if both men weren’t making news in the same region. Maybe the Deeds Jr. didn’t want to be found.
Interestingly, the spring of 1918 marked another transition for the J. M. Deeds as he gave up managing the Red Bluff Opera House and moved. On May 25, 1918, the “Red Bluff Daily News” announced, “J. M. Deeds Gives Up Opera House at Early Date.” The article continued, “The news that J. M. Deeds has relinquished the Opera House, will be generally regretted by the Red Bluff people. During the seven months that he has had charge of the Opera House he has given his patrons many of the best shows being played this season as well as putting on the best pictures that have been turned out by the producers. Mr. Deeds has also been an enthusiastic booster for Red Bluff, and has been active in all public affairs, and generous in donating the use of the Opera House for many patriotic and benefit gatherings. Mr. Deeds will continue his picture shows in the smaller towns for the present. He has had an offer of a responsible position and will probably accept it within the next thirty days.”
It doesn’t appear as if Deeds had an exit strategy when he left the opera house, and I have to wonder of the family reunion prompted his departure. That summer Deeds began to consider other employment opportunities, and still made the news, despite being unemployed.
On June 13, 1918, the “Red Bluff Daily News” reported, “Injured Foot. J. M. Deeds met with a painful accident last evening. He was working in his garden when he ran a spading fork in his left instep. A physician was called immediately, and the foot dressed. Mr. Deeds will be confined to the house for several weeks.” Despite his injury, Deeds began to game plan for the future and returned to painting. On June 18, he placed the following announcement in the “Red Bluff Daily News:
“Business Men Attention! While engaged in completing the contracts for highway signs and’ lettering several store fronts in this city, I can handle some additional work and will appreciate an opportunity of serving you. I believe in “signs” and “will sign anything.” J. M DEEDS.” His article ran in the paper or several consecutive days.
In December 1918, Jim and Nellie celebrated the birth of their first child, Jean M. Deeds. On Dec. 26, 1918, the “Red Bluff Daily News” reported, “Mrs. J. M. Deeds and baby have gone to Woodland for a two-week visit with relatives. They will go from there to Sacramento, where they will be joined later by Mr. Deeds.” In 1919, James and Nellie celebrated the birth of another child, a son named James Andrew Deeds. Deeds was still working as a scenic artist. On Jan. 22, 1921, an advertisement o page four by the McCormick-Richards Ins. Agency mentioned Deeds as a client:
“WHO’S NEXT?
Mr. J. M. Deeds, the scenic artist, was another “repeater” last fall. On October 8th, we paid him $12.65 for a small fire damage to his auto and, in less than a month (Nov. 3rd), “came-across” again to the tune of $66.08 for a collision damage which, among other things, smashed a front axel.
DOES MR. DEEDS BELIEVE IN AUTOMOBILE FIRE AND COLLISION INSURANCE?
WE’LL SAY HE DOES.
McCormick-Richards Ins. Agency, 410 Third Street. Phone 220
An article published on May 22, 1919, in the “Woodland Daily Democrat” credited Deeds with re-enameling and renumbering the “Old Town Clock” in Woodland, California (page 1). Later that summer he was still making news in Woodland. On August 5, 1919, the “Woodland Daily Democrat” announced, “Jim Deeds May Open Paint Shop in Fresno” (page 1). The article continued, “James Deeds leaves tomorrow for Fresno. He is thinking of opening another sign painting shop in the Raison City and will make an investigation of the prospects in that community. His family has moved to Sacramento.”
The 1920 US Federal Census listed James, Nellie, and their two children living at 2915 H St in Sacramento. Deeds was now listed as a district manager for an insurance company. Meanwhile in Long Beach, California, Deed’s ex-wife, Nellie Dappen Deeds, was living with their three children, Woodson (16 yrs.), Cecile (14 yrs.), and Maxwell (12 yrs.). They were living with Nellie’s sister, Ora Dappen, at 1363 Olive Ave. with their children. Nellie was employed in the dressmaking industry, working out of their home.
The Deeds went on the move again and headed south. At first, they first settled in Livermore, California. It doesn’t appear as if Deeds ever returned to painting after this point. He began to solely focus on sports. On April 6, 1927, the “Livermore Journal” reported, “Horseshoe Club Ranks Second in California, Only Long Beach has more members than Livermore Club. That the Livermore Horseshoe Club is the second largest organization of its kind in the state was the pleasing announcement of J. M. Deeds, organizer of the club here, yesterday.”
By 1930 the US Federal Census listed the Deeds family living at 703 North Street in Taft, California. For geographical context, Taft is about 280 miles south of Sacramento and due east of San Luis Obispo. In his early years, Deeds enjoyed fishing trips in San Luis Obispo. However, in Taft, Deeds was employed as a salesman with the automobile accessories industry. Nellie was now working as a music teacher. In regard to his ex-wife Nellie Dappen Deeds, she was now 48 yrs. old and on her own, working as a housekeeper for the Swan family. She lived with the Swans at 635 Euclid Avenue in San Bernardino, California. Little is known of Deed’s ex-wife after 1930, but she lived another eighteen years, passing away in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 1958.
As with many, Deeds continued to pick up odd jobs throughout the Depression. He seems to have turned to education and was giving lessons in archery. On August 6, 1935, the “Oakland Tribune” announced, “Housewives Better Archers Than Mates.” The article continued, “Two-hour nightly classes in archery in five Oakland schools have disclosed that housewives prove to be better archers than their husbands, it was announced today by James M. Deeds, expert bowman and instructor of the classes being conducted by the Emergency Education Program. Approximately 475 adults have enrolled in the archery classes which are being conducted at the following schools: Chabot School, Monday: Peralta School, Wednesday: Fruitvale School, Thursday: Webster School, Tuesday, and Allendale School, Friday. All classes are conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. nightly” (page 13).
In 1938, California Voter Registration listed Deeds as a teacher, living at 5768 Vincente St. in Alameda, California. He continued to work with aspiring athletes in a variety of capacities for the next few years. In 1940, he was a sales manager in manufacture of bows and arrows (62) living in Oakland, California, living with Nellie (54) and his son James, now 20 yrs. old. The last information I have located for Deeds placed him in Oakland in 1941. That year, he was listed in the Oakland Directory, living with his son James at 803 57th. At the time, his son was employed a radio technician. He remained in the Oakland area until his passing nine years later.
On Sept. 29, 1950, Deeds passed away in Alameda, California. He is buried at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, San Mateo, California (Section N Site 2801). At the time of his passing he and Nellie were living at 2126-C 62nd Ave. in Oakland, California.
To be continued…
