Theodore Gegoux  
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.

Chapter Eight - Fire at Point Vivian   Watertown and Point Vivian Studios - 1890 to 1893

"His cottage at Point Vivian, on the St. Lawrence river, had been destroyed by fire, together with all its contents nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone." The Watertown Herald - 1893.

In the summer of 1882, Gegoux travels to the St. Lawrence River to paint.  He leased a location at Westminster Park during that last summer before his marriage.  Later in 1890, Gegoux acquires river front property at Point Vivian.  He built a residence and studio at Point Vivian, where he would paint scenes of the St. Lawrence River.  Many summers, his family would join him summering on the river.  Tragically, Gegoux lost his entire summer's work from 1892, when the Point Vivian studio burns to the ground in early 1893. (8.103)   Fire has always been the scourge of art.  Many are the paintings and other works of art, decorations of homes and hotels, which have been lost to fires.  Fire would certainly rank high among the forces destructive of art.  The Thousand Island Park Hotel caught fire and was totally destroyed in the late summer of 1890. (8.023)  This was one hotel fire, of many, during the thirty years either side of the start of the 20th Century.   The Thousand Island Park Hotels' collection of art was one among many thousands of collections, lost when residences and hotels burned to the ground.  When Gegoux rushed to paint the aftermath of the Thousand Island Park Hotel fire, he could not have known that in less than three years, he himself would suffer the loss of his studio and an entire summer's work to fire. (8.101)   The number of other Gegoux paintings, which have been destroyed by fire in the last 100 years, can only be guessed.    The rich were not exempt; fire is an equal opportunity horror.  One illustrative example is included here:   The Salvation of the Holy Cross North of present day Los Angeles, off of Los Feliz Boulevard, sits the Gene Autry museum.  Well known for its fire arms collections and movie memorabilia, the Gene Autry museum is perhaps less known as the exhibition site for Thomas Moran's painting, The Mountain of the Holy Cross.  Deep in the Colorado Rockies one mountain has an almost perfect representation of the Cross depicted in permanent snow.   Furrows cut by nature into the rock face of the mountain never seem to get the right amount of sun light to melt the snow of the Cross.  Thomas Moran was not about to pass up such an opportunity for a great master work.  Moran travelled to the site himself to see the location and subsequently painted one of his most amazing works.   Moran's great work was nearly lost to fire in 1886.  Here is the story of how one woman with a table knife saved the Holy Cross.   In January of 1886 a mansion known as Briarhurst, the Gothic mansion of Dr. William A. Bell, MD of Manitou Springs, Colorado, "burned to the ground during weather of twenty degrees below zero.  The painting narrowly escaped destruction.  With Dr. Bell away in Boston, Mrs. Bell rescued her children, then, with her butler's help, she turned to save The Mountain of the Holy Cross.  It was necessary to slash the canvas from its frame, which had been bolted to the wall.  The painting was further damaged when it was rolled up in order to be passed safely through a nearby window, a move that cracked its paint in a number of places.  Later, for a nominal fee, Moran was able to repair the damage, all except the curtailed dimensions of the canvas." (1)   (1)  Thomas Moran .. Artist of the Mountains, by Thurman Wilkins and Caroline Hinkley, University of Oklahoma Press 1966.   In another news, Gegoux opens a new business, the Watertown Copying House.  Upset over embellished photographs flooding into the market, Gegoux told the newspaper, "But in these days of adulteration, it would be strange if spurious material did not come in vogue even in portraiture."  He started his new business to compete directly with responsible for what he called, "an article which is a poor counterfeit." (8.062)

News from Watertown (1890 to April 12, 1893)

8.001)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 4, 1890 - Saturday Eunice Ivers, of Marlborough, Mass., to Theodore Gegoux, of this city, property in the town of Alexandria; $800.

8.002)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 4, 1890 In his show-case at the entrance of his studio, Gegoux, the artist, exhibits a very life like portrait of Landlord H. B. Phelps of Henderson, N. Y.  This is one of Gegoux's club rate portraits and is a very fine production.

8.003)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 18, 1890 - Saturday There is on exhibition for a few days at Gegoux's studio, a beautiful crayon portrait of the late Mrs. Julia Bider, mother of Mrs. Dr. A. A. Gettman, of Chaumont. Friends are invited to view the portrait.

8.004)  The Watertown Re-Union - January 22, 1890 - Wednesday There is on exhibition for a few days at Gegoux's studio a beautiful crayon portrait of the late Mrs. Julia Rider, mother of Mrs. Dr. A . A. Settman, of Chaumont.   Friends are invited to view the portrait.

8.005)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 23, 1890 - Thursday Gegoux, the artist, exhibits, in his show-case, an excellent crayon portrait of the late Mrs. Sprong, mother of Mrs. M. S. White, of this city.  The portrait almost "speaks" for itself.

8.006)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 25, 1890 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, will soon open another "club" for crayon portraits.  It consist of 25 life-size bust, free hand drawings.  Every subscriber to the club is requested to furnish a good photograph to work from and, if possible a sitting to the artist.  The club rate will be as in the preceding one $12.50 each.  This is a good opportunity secure a really first-rate portrait at a trifling cost.

8.007)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 30, 1890 - Thursday Artist Gegoux has just completed a life - size crayon picture of the late Leonard Pfister, who formerly resided at No. 38 Factory street in this city, and it is attracting considerable attention. The only likeness ever taken of the deceased during his life-time was a small tin-type picture which does not resemble him as he appeared in his later years.  Being familiar with the features of Mr. Pfister, the artist made the picture mostly from memory, and he did his work exceedingly well.  It is a perfect picture in every respect.

8.008)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 1, 1890 - Saturday On Monday Gegoux, the artist, will open the subscription for a "club" for crayon portraits.  It will be limited to 25 bust portraits.

8.009)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 8, 1890 - Saturday A fine crayon portrait of the late Rev. Henry Spencer, of Syracuse, formerly pastor of the State street Methodist Episcopal church in this city, has just been completed by Prof. Gegoux and is on exhibition in his showcase at the entrance to his studio.  Those who remember the subject of the artist speak well of the production.

8.010)  The Watertown Daily Times - March 6, 1890 - Thursday At the residence of Mrs. E. H. Wells, No. 2 Lamon street, last evening, which was the occasion of Mrs. Julia A. Clark's eighty-first birthday, a pleasant party celebrated the event.  A life-sized crayon portrait of Mrs. Clark, the work of Prof. Gegoux, was hung and was admired by the assembled guests.  The picture was a gift from Mrs. Clark's daughter.

8.011)  The Watertown Daily Times - March 8, 1890 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, has just completed a beautiful portrait of the late Mrs. John R. Wilson.  It will be on exhibition at his studio for a few days.  Friends are invited to see it.

8.012)  The Watertown Times, April 9, 1890 - Wednesday Gegoux, the artist, has just completed a pastel portrait of the little, daughter of Prof. Shaver, of the High school.  It is on exhibition in the show window of Van Namee's drug store, and those who know the subject declare that the artist has been very happy in the delineation of the features and the reproduction of the expression, as well as in the nicety of finish for which all of Prof. Gegoux's work is noted.  As much may be said of the crayon portrait of the late Mabel Andrews, daughter of W. S. Andrews, which is shown in Prof. Gegoux's case at the entrance leading to his office.

8.013)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 19, 1890 - Saturday Artist Gegoux has completed a portrait of the late Mrs. McConnell, mother of Recorder Joseph A. McConnell, and the friends are invited to inspect it at the studio.

8.014)  The Watertown Daily Times - May 27, 1890 - Tuesday Artist Gegoux will occupy a studio at Point Vivian this summer.  Truckman Oliver made a trip the other day with some of Prof. Gegoux's belongings.

8.015)  On the St. Lawrence - May 30, 1890 - Friday Artist Gegoux, of Watertown, will occupy a studio at Point Vivian, this summer.

8.016)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 12, 1890 - Thursday The farm-house of Hiram Houghton on Wells Island, at a point nearly opposite Point Vivian, caught fire at 10 o'clock Monday night and burned to the ground. Artist Gegoux, who has a cottage on Point Vivian, sketched the scene, which was one of rare beauty. The house was insured. The loss is about $600 or $800.

8.017)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 14, 1890 - Saturday The Thousand Islands   ...   But the fishermen are not all that come here.  Prof. Gegoux is here to sketch the beautiful scenes.  He has a cottage at Point Vivian and lives alone just now.  His only companion on the point is Capt. Priest of Plessis.

8.018)  On the St. Lawrence - June 20, 1890 - Friday Mr. A. B. Cutting has recently received two life-size portraits of his deceased daughter Harriet, which, for excellence of workmanship and life-like resemblance, are beyond criticism.  One is a pastel, enlarged from a photograph taken just before Miss Cutting sailed for Germany.  The coloring is perfect, and the artist has most happily caught a wonderfully natural expression.  We think we never saw a portrait so true to life, the other picture is a crayon enlarged from a photograph taken in Germany.  It is very delicate and soft in the touching, yet very dear, and is a most beautiful work of art and we venture to say it is the finest specimen of crayoning in this county.  It is life-like, perfectly natural, and by many would be preferred to the pastel.  Both portraits are the work of Theo. Gegoux, Watertown's talented artist, Gouverneur Herald.

8.019)  On the St. Lawrence - June 20, 1890 - Friday Prof. Gegoux, of Watertown, who has a cottage on Point Vivian, is on the river for the season.

8.020)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 26, 1890 - Thursday T. Gegoux is in the city from Alexandria Bay and will keep his studio open until Saturday night.

8.021)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 28, 1890 - Saturday Fine Portraits. Gouverneur Herald: Mr. A. B. Cutting has recently received two life-size portraits of his deceased daughter Harriet, which, for excellence of workmanship and life-like resemblance, are beyond criticism.  One is a pastel, enlarged from a photograph taken just before Miss Cutting sailed for Germany.  The coloring is perfect, and the artist has most happily caught a wonderfully natural expression.  We think we never saw a portrait so true to life.   The other picture is a crayon enlarged from a photograph taken in Germany. It is very delicate and soft in the touching, yet very clear, and is a most beautiful work of art. And we venture to say it is the finest specimen of crayoning in this county.  It is life-like, perfectly natural, and by many would be preferred to the pastel.  Both portraits are the work of Theo. Gegoux, Watertown's talented artist.

8.022)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 8, 1890 - Friday Among the Watertonians at Point Vivian are Theo. Gegoux and family, Geo. Haas and family, J. A. Quencer, wife and daughter, Geo. H. Mowe and family and William Clark and wife.

8.023)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 23, 1890 - Saturday WAS IT INCENDIARY Suspicions and Stories About the Conflagration at Thousand Island Park-Strange Circumstances. In connection with the fire at Thousand Island park Thursday morning, many stories are afloat, and each account of the guests who were above the first floor when the fire broke out, intimates that some one set tbe hotel afire.  The fact is that a certain man had become miffed at the action of some park officials who puts stop to certain practices which were indulged in.  Mr. Warner alludes to this man as "the tramp."   There are certain circumstances that strengthen Mr. Warner's suspicions.  Miss Warner, the proprietor's daughter, who was on the top floor of the hotel when the alarm sounded, said that she could have got out of the hotel with less difficulty, if it were not for "a horrid tramp," who went through the halls shouting that there was no fire.  If he heard anybody yelling fire, he would run up to them and take them by the throat. The action of this man has been very strange.   That evening be was seen walking through the halls of the hotel.  He was around just after the fire started, taking things out of the hotel as if he wanted to save them from the fire. No one has seen or heard from him since.  Mr. Warner alleges that he saw a man looking at him through the window when he was making up the cash that night before the fire.  He was dressed like a tramp and talked about the firemen's association, which shows that if he was a crazy man, as some believe, he was more or less interested in what was going on in Watertown.  The man talked to a guest about the inadequate fire protection in the hotel and said if it ever caught it would be doomed to total destruction.   Strange as it may seem, that same man was in the hotel hall, all dressed and rushing about when the fire was first discovered.  When the first alarm was made by Mr. Thompson, the man grabbed his throat and hissed between his teeth "Shut up.  You will scare the people."  Mr. Warner believes that the scheme was one for plunder.  The tramp had not been seen on the grounds after the fire, and many valuable things that were brought out of the hotel are missing.   One of the guests of the hotel who believes that the fire was incendiary, declared that he opened the door into the bakery and smelled burning oil. He thinks that anyone could easily have entered the bakery from the rear and started the conflagration.  Up to yesterday, S. J. Little, who is reported missing at Thousand Island park, had not pot in an appearance.  It may be possible that the name was not Little, and that be left the islands early the next morning.  The family of William Anderson, of Brooklyn, were rendered temporarily destitute by the fire, and his daughter, borrowed shoes to get home.  Their clothing and return tickets were destroyed.  The occupant of room No. 12 has not been seen since the fire.  At one time he had escaped from the hotel, but he wanted to save valuables and tried to do it. It is barely possible that he was caught in the fire and could not get out again.   A Turk who sold novelties was a border at the hotel, and has not been seen since the fire.  Mistakes might easily be made, however, and no one can say positively but that he escaped and took the first boat for Clayton or the Bay.  Mr. Warner says that his personal loss is $3,000.  The park officials will rebuild.   Rev. J. F. Dayan told a TIMES reporter early in the season that it was the intention of the park authorities to put in an electric light plant for next season and to re-build the foundation to the hotel.  Whether they will put in an electric light plant under the circumstances remains to be seen.  There is no doubt that the hotel can be replaced for less than it cost originally.

8.024)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 27, 1890 - Wednesday Will Organize a Club On exhibition in the store of D.S. Miller is an admirable pastel portrait of Fred Sargent, which was done by Prof. Gegoux.  The artist of this production last year organized a club of members, of which portraits were made in oil, crayon, or pastel.  The professor believes that he can do even better work than last year by confining himself mostly to pastel, and will therefore make a largely reduced rate for a club of 25 to be organized next week for pastel portraits, doing no other work except at full rates.  But each member of the club will be called upon to give regular sittings, as Prof. Gegoux will take no portraits from photographs.

8.025)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 28, 1890 - Thursday Artist Gegoux of this city, is thinking of making an ideal painting of the conflagration at Thousand Island Park.

8.026)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 28, 1890 - Thursday The pastel portrait club which Gegoux, the artist, will organize, will strictly be limited to 25 in membership.  During the artist's brief absence from this city the book of entry will be placed at D. S. Miller & Co.'s store, where samples of his work are on exhibition, and where full information as to price and regulations will cheerfully be given.  September 1st is the opening day "First come, first served," will be the motto.

8.027)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 28, 1890 - Thursday Photographed By Its Own Light. During the great fire at the Thousand Island Park at 2 o'clock on the morning of Thursday last.  An enterprising lad and a most successful amateur photographer, succeeded in obtaining an excellent picture of the burning hotel by the light of the conflagration.  The view was secured in front of the hotel just as the high tower was falling.  Not only as an artistic novelty, for such it is, but also as a fitting souvenir of a night of terror and destruction, this picture well merits an extended sale.  So far as is known it is unique in its character, and the young artist certainly merits encouragement, in this remarkable production.  Copies of the picture may be had at A. R. Wilson's store, or by addressing J. Cooper Stebbins, Watertown, N. Y.  The photograph is finely mounted on a large 6x8 card.

8.028)  Northern Tribune, Gouverneur, N. Y. - September 6, 1890 - Saturday Mrs. Isaac L. Foster left an order with Prof. Gegoux for a portrait of her late husband, while the professor was in town during the fair.  A number of our citizens are giving their patronage to Watertown's talented artist, and in every case perfect satisfaction has been given.

8.029)  The Ogdensburg Advance and St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat - September 11, 1890 - Thursday Gouverneur, Sept 8th. - Our fair is over and was a success in every particular.  There was good weather, a good exhibition, good attendance, good dinners and a good natured crowd.  Prof. Gegoux, of Watertown, attended our fair and was one of the judges of painting, crayon, pen and ink sketches. - Skipper.

8.030)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 26, 1890 - Friday Prof. Gegoux's studio is again open, and will remain so the remainder of the year.

8.031)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 29, 1890 - Monday Those who want a first-class portrait at a remarkably low cost, should subscribe to the club which Gegoux, the artist, is now organizing.  For particulars, call at his studio in the Van Namee block, where beautiful specimens of his work are on exhibition.

8.032)  The Ogdensburg Advance and St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat - October 9, 1890 - Thursday Professor Gegoux, artist of Watertown, is in town looking after portraits to paint.

8.033)  The Watertown Times, October 11, 1890 - Saturday Gegoux the artist has just completed a beautiful pastel portrait for Mr. and Mrs. S. Shepard of their deceased little boy. It is on exhibition in the artist's show case.

8.034)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 13, 1890 - Monday Mrs. S. M. Beebee of Gouverneur, N. Y., has given a command to Gegoux, our portrait painter, for a life size portrait of her husband.

8.035)  The Ogdensburg Advance and St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat - October 16, 1890 - Thursday Gouverneur, Oct 13th. - A fine crayon portrait of the late Wallace Foster, has just been completed by Prof. Gegoux.  This artist has done some fine work for parties here. - Skipper.

8.036)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 31, 1890 - Friday The handsome oil painting of Mr. H. H. Leach, of this city, which is on exhibition in Artist Gegoux's showcase on Public Square, is attracting much attention.  It is one of the best pieces of work ever executed by Prof. Gegoux, and he has reason to be especially proud of his effort.

8.037)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 1, 1890 - Saturday Artist Gegoux's Gouverneur Club. Tribune: At the suggestion of some of our prominent citizens, Gegoux, the artist, has consented to open a club in Gouverneur for pastel portraits. It will consist of ten life size bust portraits.  Every subscriber to the club will be requested to furnish a good photograph to work from and one (or more) sittings to the artist.   The club rate will be very low, but when the portraits are all completed the artist reserves the privilege of exhibiting them as a reception given to the patrons of the club and invited spectators.  The subscription list is now open at F. S. Tisdell's photograph gallery, where a few pastel portraits of well-known parties are on exhibition, and where full information concerning the club regulations will be given.  If the club is filled the artist will, during his stay here, paint gratis a life-site pastel portrait of the oldest male inhabitant of Gouverneur.

8.038)  Northern Tribune, Gouverneur, N. Y. - November 1, 1890 to November 19, 1890 A Club For Portraits - At the suggestion of some of our prominent citizens, Gegoux the artist has consented to open a club Gouverneur for pastel portraits. It will consist of ten life size bust portraits.  Every subscriber to the club will be requested to furnish a good photograph to work from and one (or more) sittings to the artist.     The club rate will be very low, but when the portraits are all completed the artist reserves the privilege of exhibiting them at a reception given to the patrons of the club and invited spectators.  The subscription list is now open at F. S. Tisdell's photograph gallery, where a few pastel portrait of well known parties are on exhibition and where full information concerning the club regulations will be given.  If the club is filled the artist will during his stay here paint, gratis a life size pastel portrait of the oldest male inhabitant of Gouverneur.

8.039)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 16, 1890 A crayon portrait of the late Mrs. C. E. Maxfield has been completed by Prof. Gegoux.

8.040)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 29, 1890 - Saturday An excellent likeness of the late Mrs. Micajah Horton has been completed by Prof. Gegoux, and is now on exhibition at his studio.  Friends are invited to call and see it.

8.041)  The Watertown Daily Times - December 8, 1890 - Monday A beautiful crayon portrait of the late Miss Mollie Reed, grand-daughter of Dr. H. W. Jewett, of Chaumont, N. Y., is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio.

8.042)  The Watertown Daily Times - December 31, 1890 - Wednesday Mr. Geo. L. Pillsbury, proprietor of the Grand Union hotel, at Marietta, O., and his mother, Mrs. Jas. W. Pillsbury, are in the city, the guests of Prof. Gegoux.  Mrs. Pillsbury is Mrs. Gegoux's sister.

8.043)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 14, 1891 - Wednesday "Mercy's Dream." A TIMES representative visited the ever attractive studio of Prof. Gegoux this morning and saw there a work of art which he has just completed and which will take rank among the best of his many excellent productions, if, indeed, it does not surpass them all.   It is a picture of "Mercy's Dream" from Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress."  Prof. Gegoux executed it from a copy of the famous painting by America's greatest artist, Daniel Huntington.  The work has been done by order of Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Day, of Sackets Harbor, who will certainly be greatly pleased with it, as they have in it a production worthy of a place in a gallery of choice paintings.  The artist has shown his invariably keen discernment and refined taste in the use of the numerous warm colors necessary to such a picture. Their blending is admirable, and the picture glows with rich beauty.  The half-reclining figure of the sleeper.  "Mercy," attests the power of the artist in making the discrimination between sleep and death.  The angel form is beautifully presented in every detail.   The picture affords commanding attractions for every eye, and will reward the careful study of lovers of art.  It will be on exhibition in Streeter, Brimmer & Olean's show window this afternoon and evening.  Prof. Gegoux is to be congratulated on the great degree of success he has attained in this work.

8.044)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 3, 1891 - Tuesday This week Saturday, Gegoux, the artist, will open his annual "club" for crayon portraits.  It will consist of 20 "life-size busts." "free hand drawings."  His club pictures have given great satisfaction and those wishing to become members should call early.

8.045)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 3 to 13, 1891 LARGE SIZE "FREE HAND" CRAYON PORTRAITS, by GEGOUX, AT CLUB RATES. Club opens on Saturday Feb. 7. Only 20 will be admitted.  First come First Served.

8.046)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 6, 1891 - Friday Prof. Gegoux says that, as he is going away the first of June next, he can admit but 20 members in his annual club for crayon portraits. Last year it was allowed to overflow and 57 were admitted.  Attention is called to an advertisement in Another column. T. GEGOUX, Van Namee Block.

8.047)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 14, 1891 - Saturday The colored pastel portrait of Mr. Charles E. Harris, the genial clerk at the Woodruff house, on exhibition in one of Streeter, Brimmer & Olean's show windows, is much admired, especially by the many friends and acquaintances of the original.  Theo. Gegoux was the artist.

8.048)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 16 to 26, 1891 Gegoux Portrait "Club" is filling rapidly.  Twenty is the limited number to be admitted, eleven of which have been taken.  Gegoux's Portraits Are all "Free Hand" work, not solar prints, Bromide prints (Air Brush "lamp black") finished to imitate crayon portraits.  You get the original article.  Studio is open in the evening. Gegoux, Portrait Painter, Van Namee Block.

8.049)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 18 to 21, 1891 Five More Wanted to fill Gegoux's "Club" of crayon portraits.  20 is the limited number.  Gegoux's Portraits are all "Free Hand" work, not solar prints, Bromide prints (Air Brush "lamp black")' finished to imitate crayon portraits. You get the original article. Studio is open in the evening. Gegoux, Portrait Painter, Van Namee Block.

8.050)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 24 to March 3, 1891 2 More wanted to fill Gegoux Club. Twenty is the limited number.  A Verbal Promise is Illicit and does not secure your membership. You must subscribe to the list in order to be counted "in it." Gegoux, Portrait Painter, Van Namee Block.

8.051)  The Watertown Daily Times - March 9 to May 7, 1891 IF YOU WANT A PORTRAIT IN OIL or A Portrait in Pastel or A Portrait in Crayon. I shall be pleased to execute your order.  Satisfaction guaranteed. Theo. Gegoux, Van Namee Block.

8.052)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 21, 1891 - Tuesday Gegoux, the artist, is now engaged on a pastel portrait of the late D. G. Wood of Gouverneur.

8.053)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 5, 1891 - Friday A pastel portrait of the late Duncan G. Wood, of Gouverneur, has just been completed by Prof. Gegoux and is now exhibited in the window of D. S. Miller & Co.  The work is of a high order of excellence, securing a perfect likeness of the subject under very difficult conditions, and the artist has deservedly received many warm words of commendation concerning it.

8.054)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 6 to 8, 1891 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, will close his studio for the summer about the 20th inst.

8.055)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 10, 1891 - Wednesday Two portraits in the show window of Snook & King are attracting much attention.  They are the work of Prof. Gegoux.  One is a likeness of Joseph A. McConnell, recorder of the city, done in crayon, and the other is a pastel of the late W. D. V. Rulison.

8.056)  The Watertown Daily Times - July 7, 1891 - Tuesday Prof. Gegoux's post office address from now till Sept. 1st, will be Point Vivian.

8.057)  The Oswego Palladium - July 14, 1891 - Tuesday Down the St. Lawrence - Items of Interest Picked Up Among the Islands Newspaper, Reporters In Abundance this Season Many Artists are There Also Drawing Inspiration from Nature Thousand Island Park. (Reprinted in The Ogdensburg Journal - July 17, 1891) July 13 - The St. Lawrence is becoming a place of resort to artists; among others we notice Mr. Frank H. Taylor, Philadelphia, whose "Shady Ledge" camp fires at Round Island have been particularly popular for the last few seasons and which will doubtless continue the coming season; also Professor Gegoux, Watertown, at Point Vivian; Miss Dutcher, Rochester, Sunrise Mountain, Thousand Island Park. Miss Florence Kinney

8.058)  Utica Weekly Herald, July 14, 1891 - Tuesday Mrs. D. G. Wood has received a very handsome pastel portrait of her late husband, done at the studio of Gegoux of Watertown.

8.059)  The Watertown Herald - July 18, 1891 - Saturday Gegoux has just completed a very lifelike pastel portrait of the late D. G. Wood, of St. Lawrence county.

8.060)  The Watertown Daily Times - July 29, 1891 - Wednesday High Priced Barbering Alexandria Bay, July 27. - Prof. Gegoux, the well-known artist of Watertown, is stopping with his family at their cottage on Point Vivian.  The Professor came to the Bay this morning for the purpose of having his hair clipped and his beard shaved.  Barber William Shepard did the work, and it was evident that he "pulled his leg" to use a slang phrase.   When the tonsorial artist had bathed the professor's face with bay-rum and artistically combed his hair, Prof. Gegoux tendered him the usual fee, ten cents for the shave and twenty cents for the hair cut.   But the barber kicked and demanded 75 cents, saying that his price was 25 cents for shaving and 50 cents for haircutting.  Of course, the customer paid the outrageous charges and left the shop in an angry frame of mind.   Such cases are daily occurrences.  The shop where the outrage was committed is located in the alley that leads from Marsden house to the St. Lawrence hotel, and perhaps it is needless to say that the ordinary prices prevail there, except when the over ambitious barber thinks that he has a victim he can trim to a higher tune.  Such cases only tend to drive business away from this place, and certainly everbody would be benefited if the outrage was stopped.

8.061)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 9, 1891 - Wednesday Prof. Gegoux has returned from his summer outing at Point Vivian.

8.062)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 10, 1891 - Thursday In connection with his portrait painting, Gegoux, the artist, will, on the first of October, open a copying house in this city.  Through that medium he can furnish crayon portraits from $1.50 to $15.  Persons desiring this line of work are asked to save their orders and watch for the opening.

8.063)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 14, 1891 - Monday How to Test Crayon Portraits. To the Editor of the TIMES: What constitutes a genuine crayon portrait is a question which is often asked me and which leads me to think that although thousands of people purchase them every year, very few purchasers know anything about them, and consequently pay for an article which is a poor counterfeit.  In order to answer the above question I must dwell on the material sold.  The word crayon is derived from the French (craie,) properly Cretan earth.  But the crayon now in use for deep shading is made of charcoal ground to a powder, stiffened with some tenacious substance and made into sticks or cylinders to be used in drawing.  Either of the above crayons are very durable, are accepted as the best, and are exclusively used in making genuine crayon portraits by applying the same to pure paper.  The above description gives an idea of a genuine crayon portrait.  But in these days of adulteration, it would be strange if spurious material did not come in vogue even in portraiture.  Long before photography was heard of, crayon portraits were made and had to be genuine, and of course, acquired great fame owing to their durability.   But now that photographic pictures, or prints, can be produced at remarkably low rates, many artists use them as a foundation, and produce strong and bold or weak and faint portraits, according to the ability of the artist and the amount of work he executes on them.  This portrait can be made just as durable as the genuine by having the photographic print made very faint and working over the whole surface, completely covering the photograph.   There are several other kinds which are found in the category of crayon portraits, among them being bromide, the lamp black, (air brush,) etc.  But you will interrupt and ask: "How can I discriminate and know when I see a genuine crayon portrait!"  If your eyes are not cultivated in that line you had better trust a responsible artist as you would just your jeweler in procuring you a diamond or any precious stone or which you could not detect the imitation.  But if you would like to know how to test a crayon, here is a good way: Take a rubber eraser and rub on the darkest shadows of the face, say the eyebrows or under the nose, and if by slight rubbing you produce the white paper, it is a free-hand, genuine crayon portrait, but if the surface remains dark it is an imitation. Theo Gegoux

8.064)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 19, 1891 - Monday On Monday next, Gegoux, the artist, will open another "club" for crayon portraits.  The number of entries will be unlimited, as this is the last club which he will ever organize for his best crayon portraits.  The time for subscription will be limited to October 1st, owing to the facy that after that date Mr. Gegoux will have agents solicting for his portraitures and cannot undersell his agents.

8.065)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 21 to October 1, 1891 The Watertown Copying House Is the name of a new institution which will open its doors to the public Thursday the first of October, in the Van Namee block, this city.  It will be under the direct management of Professor Theo Gegoux, the well-known portrait painter.  150 agents wanted.  Liberal commissions.

8.066)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 21, 1891 - Monday After the first of October you cannot have one of Gegoux's fine crayon portraits at club rate.  "Now" is the time to subscribe.

8.067)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 21 to 30, 1891 - Wednesday MISCELLANEOUS - THE WATERTOWN COPYING - House Is the name of a new institution which will open its doors to the public on Thursday, the first of October, in the Van Namee block, this city.  It will be under the direct management of Prof. Theo. Gegoux, the well-known portrait painter. 100 agents wanted. Liberal commission.

8.068)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 26, 1891 - Saturday The time for joining Gegoux's last "club" for crayon portraits terminates this month.  If you want a first class portrait at reduced price you are invited to subscribe.

8.069)  The Journal & Republican - Lowville - October 1, 1891 - Thursday Prof. Gegoux and family, of Watertown, also Miss Helen Hough, of Washington, D. C., have been guests of Mrs. Emory Allen's.

8.070)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 2 to 6, 1891 CRAYON PORTRAITS For $1.50 at the Watertown Copying House get your pictures enlarged at home and save the agents commission.  You are invited to call and see samples. Bring your pictures with you and get estimates.  Watertown Copying House over 21 Public Square.

8.071)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 8 to November 19, 1891 GET YOUR PORTRAITS Copied at the Watertown Copying House.  You can get a beautiful crayon portrait for $3.00, $4.50, $6.00, and $8.50 according to size; the work is first grade and the best solar crayon in the market.  Bring your photos and see samples. Watertown Copying House, Van Namee Block, 3rd floor.

8.072)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 19, 1891 - Monday Friends of the late Mrs. Rose Haley are invited to call at Gegoux's studio to see a portrait which is now on exhibition for two or three days.

8.073)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 24, 1891 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, has just completed a life-size portrait of the late Mr. E. C. Baker.  Friends are invited to call and see it at his studio. Brookside Graves: BAKER E COLLINS OLD GROUND 04 06R 1825 1889 BAKER SARAH A (BARLOW) 11/21/1908 OLD GROUND 04 05R 1826 1908

8.074)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 18, 1891 - Wednesday Crowded With Exhibits. The 39th Separate Company's Exposition to Give Entertainment Instruction for the Multitude The art and industrial exposition which opens at the armory on Arsenal street tomorrow evening under the auspices of the 39th Separate company, and continue for two weeks, will far excel all other efforts of this organization in the line of amusements. ...... The art and loan exhibition can be seen in the opposite corner room.  Noticeable among the other fine works are several paintings from the brush of Prof. Theo. Gegoux, who needs no introduction to Watertownians.  In all its details and equipments it fully rivals some of the best art galleries of the big cities.

8.075)  The Watertown Times, November 19 to December 28, 1891 WANTED - 25 babies are wanted at Gegoux's studio to sit for their portraits.  A club of 25 pastel bust portraits of babies only will be formed.  Only 25 will be admitted and only first class photographs will be accept to work from and sittings to the artist to verify the likeness will be expected in each case.  Mothers who can comply with the above regulations can secure a beautiful portrait at a trifling cost. The club is now open.

8.076)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 21, 1891 - Saturday CROWDS AT THE ARMOURY Many Visitors View the Attractions of the 39th Separate Company's Exposition and Are Pleased. ............. The art and loan exhibit of pictures and paintings occupies the large room at east end of the building and the second floor, where some of the works of the following can be seen: T. Gegoux; Mrs. E. R. Maltby; L. L. Lowell; Miss Carrie Walsh; Helen Goodwin; E. M. Perry; T. Judd; Mrs. A. E. Wooley; Jennie Farnham; J. B. Morse; Fred Tucker; Blanche Gillespie; Edwin Acton; Charles Bragger; J. Yates Carrington; B. Perry; C. S. Willard; W. Quigley; Adolpbus Schreyer Armstrong; J. B. Moore; Mrs. Aird; W C. Green; and Gustavus Dora.

8.077)  The Watertown Daily Times - December 3, 1891 - Thursday Auctioneer Wise announced the result of the amateur photographers' contest last evening.  A. B. Phelan was awarded first prize of $25 for having the best general exhibit.  Miss Alice M. Baker won $10 and second prize for the best exhibit of flash - light photographs.  The third prize of $5 for the exhibit containing the best group of not less than four figures, was awarded to John S. Harrington, and Chas. G. Porter received the fourth prize of $5 for the best landscape view.  The judges were Theo. Gegoux, Will Hart, and Will Green.

8.078)  The Watertown Daily Times - December 11, 1891 - Friday A handsome pastel picture of the late Mrs. W. T. Scofield, of Philadelphia, this county, is on exhibition in D. S. Miller & Co.'s show window.  It is the work of Prof. Gegoux.

8.079)  The Watertown Daily Times - December 23, 1891 - Wednesday Things Suitable for Christmas Among Times advertisers who have goods suitable for Christmas gifts are the following: .. Theo. Gegoux - One of my fine pastel portrait paintings.

8.080)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 15, 1892 - Friday Tomorrow as advertised, Artist Gegoux will make up his annual club for pastel portraits.  The club is limited in membership and those who apply in time and can comply with the rules will be sure of a first class portrait at a very small price.

8.081)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 23, 1892 - Saturday A FINE PICTURE In D. S. Miller & Co.'s book store window is a picture which will have a tender interest to many who knew the original in life.  It is a portrait of little Sam, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Miller, whose peculiarly sad death occurred last October, while on a visit to New York and Brooklyn.  Gegoux is the artist who has placed on canvass a form and features so nearly like the boy that those who knew him best can suggest nothing lacking and nothing to change.   Dress, hair, the characteristic pose and the expression of the face are reproduced with marvelous success. The work is especially noteworthy from the fact that Prof. Gegoux had nothing but the memory of the boy's face, poorly aided by two photographs taken in infancy.  Fortunately, the artist knew the little fellow well and his success in giving the bereaved parents a picture of their child as he was in life is chiefly attributable to this fact.  The picture is another evidence of Mr. Gegoux's exceptional ability.

8.082)  The Watertown Re-Union - January 27, 1892 - Wednesday A Handsome Portrait. Theodore Gegoux, the well known artist of this city, has made a portrait of little Sam, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Miller, whose peculiar sad death occurred last October, while on a visit to New York and Brooklyn.  The work is especially noteworthy from the fact that Prof. Gegoux had nothing but the memory of the boy's face, poorly aided by two photographs taken in infancy.  The portrait is so lifelike, however, that it has attracted general attention.  The picture has been on exhibition in Mr. Miller's window for several days where it has been admired by all who have seen it.

8.083)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 18 to September 3, 1892 DO YOU WANT a portrait of your father or mother?  If so you can have one painted at Gegoux's that will suit you both in quality of work and price. You are invited to call and see samples before ordering elsewhere.

8.084)  The Watertown Re-Union - April 12, 1892 - Wednesday State Road H. B. Conaut has put Prof. Gegoux windmill on Point Vivian in running order for the coming season.

8.085)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 16, 1892 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, has just finished a life-size pastel portrait of the late Miss Essie Shortt, of Carthage.  It is a truthful production.

8.086)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 19, 1892 - Tuesday Gegoux, the artist, has completed two very fine crayon portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Steinhilber, of Evans Mills.  They are very life like.

8.087)  The Watertown Re-Union - April 20, 1892 - Wednesday Gegoux, the artist, has completed two beautiful crayon portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Steinhilber, of Evans Mills.  They are works of art.

8.088)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 26, 1892 - Tuesday An exceptionally fine crayon portrait is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio.  It is of the late Mrs. D. S. Brooks.  Friends are invited to call and see it.

8.089)  The Watertown Daily Times - May 23, 1892 - Monday Gegoux, portrait painter, will close his studio on or about the 10th of June.  He will spend the summer with his family at Point Vivian, Alexandria Bay.

8.090)  The Watertown Daily Times - August 2, 1892 - Tuesday Among the Watertownians of Point Vivian are Hannibal Smith and family.  Mrs. C. W. Austin and family, Mrs. Fenton Everette, Geo. W. Mowe and family, and Artist Theo. Gegoux and family.  Micajah Horton is the postmaster.

8.091)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 2, 1892 - Friday Theo. Gegoux, the well-known artist of Watertown, is postmaster at Point Vivian.  Mr. Gegoux has just completed a beautiful painting of Alexandria Bay by moonlight.

8.092)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 5, 1892 - Monday Mr. H. R. Heath, of Brooklyn, N.Y., has commissioned Gegoux, the artist, to paint a life size (full length) portrait of his son, Master Norman H. Heath.

8.093)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 5 to 24, 1892 ON OR ABOUT THE 10TH INST. Gegoux the artist will reopen his studio in the Van Namee Block where he will have on exhibition many paintings and sketches of the Thousand Islands.

8.094)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 19, 1892 - Monday Artist Gegoux and family have returned from Point Vivian.  Mr. Gegoux will open his studio tomorrow.

8.095)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 24, 1892 - Saturday Monday morning Gegoux, the artist, will form a "club" for pastel portraits.  Old and young will be admitted to this club at a uniform rate. Every member to give sittings to the artist until the portrait is finished, and satisfactory to all concerned. For further particulars call at his studio, in the Van Namee Block.

8.096)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 26, 1892 - Monday Only 15 members will be admitted in Gegoux's club for pastel portraits, all to be painted before 1893.

8.097)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 5, 1892 - Wednesday THE EXCURSION. About fifteen Hundred Patrons of the R. W & O. R. R. Company's Seventh Annual New York Trip. The Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg railroad's seventh annual excursion to New York was a success, although the crowd that went to Gotham from northern New York and the province of Ontario, Canada, was not as large as was expected. .... Among those in the coach as were John Barns; F. M. Otis; A. B. Wilson; Prof. Theo. Gegoux, N. B. Folsom, D. E. Case ...

8.098)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 24, 1892 - Monday Gegoux's club for pastel portraits is filling rapidly, only a few more wanted to complete the number.

8.099)  The Watertown Daily Times - October 25 to November 19, 1892 "Your Portrait Executed In Pastel." This means a life-size bust portrait in full colors; that which you can have by joining Gegoux's Club.  The membership is limited to 15. All must sit to the artist for their portraits.  No photographs used except in young children.  For further particulars call at Gegoux's Studio, Van Namee Block.

8.100)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 21, 1892 - Monday A very perfect pastel portrait of the late Miss Stevens, of Pulaski, is being exhibited in the show case of Prof. Gegoux.

8.101)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 23, 1892 - Wednesday Attention is called to Gegoux's advertisement.  He offers remarkably low prices for crayon and pastel portraits.

8.102)  The Watertown Daily Times - November 23, 1892 to February 16, 1893 PORTRAITS - Have you decided to have your portrait painted?  If so, do not send off by agents, when you can get better at home at reasonably low prices for fine work and reliable likenesses.  $5.00 will procure you a fine crayon portrait $15 a fine Pastel, at GEGOUX'S, 20 1/2 Public Square. Come and see samples.

8.103)  The Watertown Daily Times - January 5, 1893 - Thursday CAPT ZIMMERMAN RETIRES After Fifteen Years' Service and Five Years in Command, He Says Farewell to the 39th. Captain W. B. Zimmerman, of the 39th Separate company, has announced his purpose to forward his resignation to headquarters, to take effect Feb. l. ...... Lieut Boyer, in behalf of the company, invited the captain to have a crayon picture executed by Artist Gegoux at the company's expense, so that it could be placed in the company parlors with those of other former officers of the organization.

8.104)  The Watertown Daily Times - February 21, 1893 - Tuesday To RENT - House No. 15 Cedar St. Newly painted and papered, 7 rooms, good cellar. Possession given immediately. Inquire of THEO. GEGOUX, Van Namee Block.

8.105)  The Watertown Daily Times - March 11, 1893 - Saturday Gegoux, the artist, has just finished a life-sized portrait in oil of Mr. Henry Jess.

8.106)  The Watertown Daily Times - March 21 to April 12, 1893 PORTRAITS - In oil, pastel and crayon.  Faithful portraits in crayon from $5.00 up; in pastel, $15.00 up; in oil $30 up.  Call and see samples at GEGOUX STUDIO, Van Namee Block.

8.107)  The Watertown Times, April 5, 1893 - Wednesday An Artist's Cottage Burned. A telephone message to Theodore Gegoux, of this city, this morning, announced to him his misfortune in the destruction by fire of his cottage at Point Vivian with all its contents.  The loss will amount to about $1,500, of which there is an insurance of $750, but in addition to the pecuniary value of the property destroyed, Mr. Gegoux is a very heavy loser by reason of the fact that nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone.  He had, besides the furniture, a number of frames and artist's materials in the cottage, and so far as can be learned nothing was saved.   The only cause that can be assigned as the origin of the fire is the burning out of a chimney in a neighboring farm house, and it is assumed that the high wind which prevailed last night carried a spark to the roof of the Point Vivian cottage.   Mr. Gegoux's summer home was a very pleasant one and located on a very attractive site on the mainland. Of late he has spent all the spring and summer months in it, and has done much studio work there.  He has been preparing to return to the cottage for the summer and would have started in about two weeks.  He is overwhelmed with the thought of the destruction of his work more than by the pecuniary loss which he has sustained.

8.108)  Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - April 6, 1893 - Thursday Watertown, April 5. The cottage belonging to Theodore Gegoux, an artist of this city, at Point Vivian, St. Lawrence river, was burned last night.  Loss $1,500, insurance $760.  It is supposed to have caught from a spark from a neighboring chimney on a neighboring farm house.

8.109)  The Watertown Daily Times - April 7, 1893 - Friday Theodore Gegoux, of this city, visited the ruins of his cottage at Point Vivian, yesterday.  He learned that everything had been destroyed.  Accept his boat and a part of his boat-house, and that but for the faithful and energetic work of men living near the scene of the fire, ten other cottages would have been destroyed.   When the fire was discovered his property was enveloped in flames, and there was no hope for it, but work was immediately begun on the other houses, and the flames were successfully fought.  As Mr. Gegoux's lot is one of the most sightly at Point Vivian, he will probably rebuild.  Insurance on the cottage and studio was $500, and $150 on the contents.  Mr. Gegoux estimates his loss at $750 above the insurance.

8.110)  On The St. Lawrence and Clayton Independent - April 7, 1893 - Friday Alexandria Bay News ... Prof. Gegoux’s cottage at Point Vivian was consumed by fire with all its contents Tuesday evening.  Origin of fire unknown.  It was discovered at the rear end of the building about 7 p. m.  The cottage was owned by Prof. Gegoux of Watertown.  The loss will be about $1,500, on which there is an insurance of $750, but in addition to the pecuniary value of the property destroyed, Mr. Gegoux is a very heavy loser by reason of the fact that nearly his entire summer’s work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone.  He had, besides the furniture, a number of frames and artist’s materials in the cottage, and so far as can be learned nothing was saved.  The only cause that can be assigned as the origin of the fire is the burning cut of a chimney in a neighboring farm house, and it is assumed that the high wind which prevailed carried a spark to the roof of the Point Vivian cottage.  Mr. Gegoux’s summer home was a very pleasant one and located on a very attractive site, on the mainland.  Of late he has spent all the spring and summer months in it, and has done much studio work there.  He has been preparing to return to the cottage for the summer and would have, started in about two weeks.  He is over­whelmed with the thought of the destruction of his work more than by the pecuniary loss, which he has sustained.

8.111)  The Watertown Herald - April 8, 1893 - Saturday Pictures Burned Theo. Gegoux the artist of this city, received a telephone message the other morning, stating that his cottage at Point Vivian, on the St. Lawrence river, had been destroyed by fire, together with all its contents.  The loss will amount to about $1,500, on which there is an insurance of $750.  He is a very heavy loser by reason of the fact that nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone.

8.112)  The Free Press, Gouverneur, N. Y. - April 12, 1893 - Wednesday The summer residence of Theo. Gegoux, the Watertown artist, situated at Point Vivian, was destroyed by fire last week.  The house contained his summer studio and there were many valuable sketches left there.  Nothing was saved.  There was an Insurance of $750 on the house and contents.

8.113)  The Watertown Re-Union - April 12, 1893 - Wednesday A Thousand Island Cottage Burned. Theodore Gegoux, the artist of this city, received a telephone message Wednesday morning, stating that his cottage at Point Vivian, on the St. Lawrence River, had been destroyed by fire, together with all its contents.  The loss will amount to about $1,500, on which there is an insurance of $750.  He is a heavy loser by reason of the fact that nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone.  Is is supposed that the burning out of a chimney on a neighboring farm house caused the fire, the sparks being blown to the Gegoux cottage.

8.114)  The Courier and Freeman, Potsdam, N.Y. - April 12, 1893 - Wednesday Theodore Gegoux, a Watertown artist, had the misfortune to lose his summer cottage at Point Vivian on the St. Lawrence, by fire last week.  The loss will amount to about $1,500, on which there is insurance of $750, but in addition to the pecuniary value of the property destroyed, Mr. Gegoux is a very heavy loser by reason of the fact that nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Islands region is gone. He had, besides the furniture, a number of frames and artist's materials in the cottage, and so far as can be learned nothing was saved.