The New York Years
(1873 to 1909)
| That which follows is a chronological listing of articles about the artist Gegoux, which were found in the newspapers of his time. These articles represent most of what is known and believed about the artist. Faithfully compiled from microfilm copies of the old newspapers. Please forgive the miss-spelled names and any other errors. Efforts have been made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible. |
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Chapter Eleven - Only the Best
Schenectady Studio - 1899 to 1902 |
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"Prof. Theodore Gegoux, an oil portrait painter of wide experience, has opened a studio in the new Maqusas hall on State street."
The Schenectady Union - 1899. |
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Gegoux branched out to Schenectady for several years while his wife, Prudentia, continued to take portrait orders and sell paintings at Watertown. There are two locations listed for his studios in Schenectady Maqusas Hall and Barney Block. Schenectady is a close neighbor of the State Capitol at Albany and Gegoux may well have desired to obtain business from this city. (11.001)
Mean while in Watertown the subscription drive for the Justin Weeks portrait was successful in May 1900. The entire process from formal announcement of the subscription plan to collections of the funds took but 30 days. We have noticed that on several occasions the legal community of Watertown sponsored funding drives to acquire portraits for the community. Gegoux had painted the Weeks portrait years earlier without a commission hoping to eventually sell the painting. (11.013) (11.015) One thing that continued was summers on the river, where Gegoux joined his family in 1900. (11.017) The portrait of Edwin Bingham was completed in August 1900. This was a crayon portrait of the subject wearing Masonic regalia, which was auctioned from the Masonic temple during the last decade of the last century. (11.020) Only a few of the articles in this chapter refer to Schenectady paintings. Most of the articles describe portraits of Watertown citizens. Most likely these portraits were executed during Gegoux's visits to his family. It is not documented but possible that Gegoux returned occasionally to Watertown to complete the orders obtained by his wife while he was away. Additional research needs to be done into Gegoux's activities while working at Schenectady. On May 4, 1901, the Daily Times of Watertown reported that Gegoux had returned from Schenectady. (11.025) Later that same year Gegoux announced plans to establish a studio in New York city. (11.031) As of this writing it is not known if he was successful in this endeavor. Lastly, we mention here an article that states Gegoux's intention to paint a portrait of Governor Flowers. (11.031) Such a portrait has been located at the Flower Memorial Library, but it is signed and dated 1903. It is not clear whether or not this is the portrait that Gegoux mentioned above. But the portrait is exceptionally well executed. The late Mrs. Harold Evans was instrumental in assuring the conservation of this portrait, for which she has our eternal gratitude. |
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News from Schenectady (May 13, 1899 to 1902)
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11.001) The Watertown Daily Times - May 27, 1899 - Saturday Prof. Gegoux at Schenectady The Schenectady, N.Y., newspapers note with very complimentary remarks the location of a studio in that city by Prof. Theodore Gegoux, whose work in Watertown has made his name familiar throughout Northern New York. The Schenectady Union says: "Prof. Theodore Gegoux, an oil portrait painter of wide experience, has opened a studio in the new Maqusas hall on State street. A very life like portrait of Mayor Duryee is the first product of his brush in this city and the quality of his work is well displayed in this. Prof. Gegoux comes from Watertown, N. Y., where he has had 30 years of experience in his profession." He will continue here for a time and should he receive sufficient patronage will locate here permanently. "Only the best" is his motto. In its notice the Star says: Theodore Gegoux, a French artist, from Watertown, came here several weeks ago and was commissioned to paint two portraits of Schenectadians, one for Mayor Duryee and one for Howland S. Barney. He exhibits some ideal pictures and some particularly exquisite flower pieces. The portrait of Mayor Duryee is a perfect counterfeit of his honor, and is artistic and perfect in every detail. |
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11.002) The Watertown Herald - June 3, 1899 - Saturday Prof. Theodore Gegoux, for many years a warmly admired portrait and landscape painter of this city, is at present located in Schenectady, where his praises are being loudly sung. |
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11.003) The Watertown Daily Times - June 8 to 20, 1899 Summer Home To Rent - Theo. Gegoux cottage at Point Vivian will be rented for the season. Inquire at the Gegoux studio 21 1/2 Public Square. |
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11.004) The Watertown Daily Times - June 9 to 20, 1899 Fine Pictures Cheap - The Gegoux studio in this city will be closed during July and August. All landscapes and flower and fruit pieces will be sold during June at reduced prices. This is a fine opportunity to secure some good pictures at very low prices. |
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11.005) The Watertown Daily Times - July 19, 1899 - Wednesday Point Vivian Notes. - July 12 .. The following are occupying cottages on the Point: A. Utman and family, Syracuse: Miss Agnes Hungerford, Syracuse; George Adoit's Family, of Watertown, J. W. Ormiston and family, Theodore Gegoux and family, of Watertown; Andrew Kinney and family, Bessie Allen, of Watertown. |
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11.006)
The Watertown Re-Union - November 22, 1899 - Wednesday A life-sized portrait of George M. Babbitt, who was one of the first Watertown boys to enlist in the late war, now graces the window of W. W. Gonde's hardware store. The portrait is by Gegoux and is an excellent likeness. Mr. Babbitt enlisted in company M. of the 71st New York, volunteers, went through the Cuban champaign unscathed and on the way home died on the transport ship was buried at sea Aug. 13, 1898. |
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11.007) The Watertown Herald - November 25, 1899 - Saturday Prof. Theodore Gegoux has an elegant; portrait of George M. Babbit on exhibit in W.W. Coude's store. Mr. Babbit; was employed there when he enlisted in the Co M?, of the 71st N.Y.V. He died and was buried at sea on Aug. 13, 1898. |
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11.008) The Watertown Daily Times - December 26, 1899 - Tuesday MEDAL CONTEST. Speakers to Strive for a Silver Trophy at Boon Street Chapel Tomorrow evening there will be a silver medal contest at Boon Street chapel undar the auspices of the W. C. T. U. The program follows: ... Selection for Violin, Theodore Gegoux ... Violin Solo Theodore Gegoux |
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11.009) The Watertown Daily Times - January 15 to 18, 1900 Gegoux, the Artist, is in the City. His studio is opened to his customers until Feb. 1 at 20 1/2 Public Square. |
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11.010) The Watertown Daily Times - March 2, 1900 - Friday Artist Gegoux's Work. - Schenectady Union: Prof. Theodore Gegoux. the clever artist, who has been in the city since last summer, during which time he has demonstrated his ability as one of the best artists of the day, has returned from Watertown and opened up his handsome new studio in the new Barney block, on State street. A special room has been made new for his sittings, the light being just what the artist would desire. Prof. Gegoux is prepared to execute orders for Schenectadians and be may be found at his studio any day. It will pay one to see the work he is doing. The professor also has a studio in Watertown. He will give an exhibit at his local studio later. |
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11.011) The Watertown Daily Times - March 3 to 21, 1900 Paintings - a number of landscapes, fruit and flower paintings. Orders taken for portraits at Gegoux's studio. |
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11.012) The Watertown Daily Times - April 12 to 21, 1900 Wedding* Gifts - Anyone desiring a small painting, fruit, flowers, or landscape for a wedding gift would do well by calling at Gegoux's studio, Van Name building, 20 1/2 Public Square. Orders taken for portrait, Mrs. Gegoux. * .. note: Some of these articles were titled "Easter Gifts". |
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11.013)
The Watertown Daily Times - April 24, 1900 - Tuesday Also The Watertown Re-Union - April 28, 1900 - Saturday A movement has been started among the members of the bar, and is receiving general indorsement, for purchasing the life-sized portrait of the late Justin Weekes, who was for many years the court crier, and who was widely known and respected. A subscription paper is in circulation. Artist Gegoux's portrait of the venerable crier has often been seen and is conceded to be an exceptionally life-like production. It will be a worthy memorial of one who served the county long and faithfully. |
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11.014)
The Watertown Re-Union - May 19, 1900 - Saturday IN THE SUPREME COURT The Clayton Grade Grossing: Fatality Case on Trial MRS. PETRIE SUES FOR DAMAGES Sustained Through Her Husband's Death Railroad Co. Charges Negligence Court Adjourns to Monday Frankie Gegoux saw the accident and said he heard only the emergency whistles as the train struck Petrie. |
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11.015) The Watertown Daily Times - May 29, 1900 - Tuesday A sufficient amount has been subscribed to purchase Gegoux's life size portrait of the late Justin Weeks, and the picture will soon be hung in the courthouse where for many years the venerable crier faithfully performed his duties. |
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11.016) The Watertown Daily Times - May 29, 1900 - Tuesday Theodore Gegoux, the artist who has been busy in his branch studio at Schenectady several months, has returned home for a brief stay. |
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11.017) The Oswego Daily Times - July 5, 1900 - Thursday The Gegoux family of Watertown arrived a few days ago and occupied their cottage at Point Vivian for the summer. Young Frank Gegoux brought with him his much beloved pet cat called Hims. The cat is a large black and white animal weighing 18 pounds and is two years old. This is the second season that the cat has spent the hot summer months on the St. Lawrence, and it seems to enjoy its outing. |
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11.018) The Watertown Daily Times - August 2, 1900 - Wednesday Prof. Theodore Gegoux, the well known artist, formerly of Watertown, and now of Schenectady, is in the city for a few days. |
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11.019) The Watertown Daily Times - August 22, 1900 - Wednesday Point Vivian Prof. Gegoux has closed his cottage here and with his family has gone to Watertown. After a short stay there the family will go to Schenectady. |
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11.020) The Watertown Daily Times - August 27, 1900 - Monday A number of the friends of the late Edwin Bingham have presented to Mr. Bingham's former partner and business successor, Fred Sargent, a handsome crayon portrait of Mr. Bingham, executed by the well-known artist, Theodore Gegoux. |
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11.021)
The Watertown Re-Union - August 29, 1900 - Wednesday A number of the friends of the late Edwin Bingham have presented to Mr. Bingham's former partner and business successor, Fred Sargent, a handsome crayon portrait of Mr. Bingham, executed by the well-known artist, Theodore Gegoux. |
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11.022) The Watertown Herald - September 1, 1900 - Saturday A number of the friends of the late Edwin Bingham have presented to his former partner and business successor, Fred Sargent, a beautiful portrait of Mr. Bingham, executed by Theodore Gegoux. |
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11.023)
The Argus (Albany, New York) - Morning - March 3, 1901 - Sunday ... The evening was spent in the lodge where the official visit of the district deputy was made. After the ceremony of welcoming the visitors in their official capacity. Major A. A. Yates presented the lodge with a picture of Christopher Yates, the founder and first past master of the lodge. The picture is a copy of an oil painting which now hangs in the Magoun home in Hudson. In presenting the picture, Major Yates gave an interesting sketch of the original of the picture and his connection with Masonry. The lodge accepted the gift and on motion of Past Master E. M. Jenkins, it was decided to have the picture enlarged in oil by Artist Gegoux, and hung in fitting manner in the large room. |
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11.024) The Watertown Daily Times - April 11, 1901 - Thursday Mrs. Theodore Gegoux has returned after a two weeks visit to Boston and Schenectady. |
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11.025) The Watertown Daily Times - May 4, 1901 - Thursday Artist Gegoux Returns Theodore Gegoux, the artist, who has been doing some very acclaimed work at Schenectady, has closed his studio there and returned to Watertown and will devote himself to his studio at Watertown and the Thousand Islands. |
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11.026)
The Watertown Re-Union - May 11, 1901 - Saturday Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has returned from Schenectady and will devote himself to his studies at Watertown and the Thousand Islands. He expects to spend four months of the coming season at Point Vivian. |
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11.027) The Watertown Daily Times - July 21, 1901 - Monday Messrs. Theodore Gegoux and Charles Scott, of Watertown, are at Point Vivian for a few weeks. |
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11.028) The Watertown Daily Times - September 12, 1901 - Thursday A Good Portrait There is on exhibition in Halladay's book store window an excellent oil portrait of the late O. D. Simmons. It is by Artist Gegoux, who is also painting one of Mrs. Simmons. |
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11.029)
The Amsterdam Daily Democrat - November 9, 1901 - Saturday Invitations are out for a banquet to be given in the state armory at Schenectady Wednesday-evening, Nov. 13, by company E, the occasion being the unveiling of the portrait of Major Austin A. Yates, painted by Gegoux. |
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11.030) The Concordiensis (Schenectady, N.Y.) - November 21, 1901 A portrait of Major Austin A. Yates by the artist Theodore Gegoux was unveiled in the State Armory in this city on November 13. Major Yates was largely instrumental in securing the state appropriation for the erection of this armory. |
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11.031) The Watertown Daily Times - November 23, 1901 - Saturday Plans of Artist Gegoux He will have a Studio in New York - As Exhibition of Portraits of Jefferson County Artist Theodore Gegoux, whose fame as a portrait painter is widespread throughout this section of the state, is looking forward to a broader and more lucrative field in which to exercise his exceptional talent. He has just returned from a visit to New York, where he received some commissions for portraits of the best quality that he can produce. He also found an excellent studio location and expects within a few months to establish himself in the metropolis. Those who know the quality of his work will be confident of his ability to win a good place among the artist fraternity there. Mr. Gegoux is planning for an interesting exhibition to be given in Watertown at the time of the unveiling of the statue of the late Gov. Flower. He will execute a new portrait of Gov. Flower and will also make portraits of a number of the prominent residents of Jefferson county and make a display of his work, which will occupy an entire store or hall. As many people will be attracted to Watertown by the unveiling ceremonies, the opportunity seems a good one for such an undertaking. |
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11.032) The Watertown Daily Times - February 25, 1902 - Tuesday Meeting in Memory of Col. Piper A meeting of the survivors of the 10th N.Y.H.A. has been called for tonight at 8 at the office of Dr. H.D. Payne, American arcade, to take action with regard to the old regimental commander who lost his life in the Park avenue hotel fire in New York, Col. Alexander Piper. Resolutions of regret will be adopted and other appropriate recognizance taken. A fine portrait of the late colonel, owned by Dr. Payne, is to be seen in O.B. Cadwell’s window, the frame draped with crape and the colors for which the officer fought. |
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11.033) The Post Standard, Syracuse - July 21, 1902 - Monday Theodore Gegoux of Watertown arrived at Point Vivian last evening to visit his parents, who are summering there. Mr. Gegoux came down from Cape Vincent in an 11-foot steel canoe with air chambers forward and aft. |
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11.034) The Watertown Daily Times - November 4, 1902 - Tuesday Portraits from Photographs I will remain in this city during this and next month to meet possible patrons who may wish portraits painted. Remember that what other artists call impossibilities in the line of reproducing portraits from defective photographs are delineated with comparative ease at my studio. Theo. Gegoux |
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11.035) The Watertown Daily Times - November 4 & 5, 1902 Artist Gegoux In Town Gegoux, the artist, has returned from his Schenectady studio and is now attending to the wants of his Jefferson county patrons and at the same time preparing for his fall exhibition of portraits and paintings, which will take place in this city before Christmas. |