Volume III: Biographies

MARTIN, Ernest J.

Studio employee (1913-1917)

Ernest J. Martin and his son shown painting a scenic panel at the Thanhouser studio. Courtesy Ruth Martin Cameron (Q-22)

Thanhouser Career Synopsis: Ernest J. Martin worked for Thanhouser as a scenic artist.

Biographical Notes: Ernest J. Martin was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1869. In a letter published in the New Rochelle Standard-Star in 1987, his daughter, Ruth Cameron Martin, recalled: "My father, Ernest J. Martin, came to New Rochelle in 1913 to work in the studios as head scenic artist. He painted the scenery drops, sets, props, and interiors used in the movies. My older brother assisted my father in the scenic work, and my older sister worked in the film labs cutting, splicing, and proof viewing films. He was about 48 years old when he started working for Thanhouser in 1913."

New Rochelle city directories indicate that in 1914 Ernest J. Martin lived at 14 Pratt Street, and from 1915 to 1917 at 9 Pratt Street. In 1917 he was working as a scenic artist in New York City, where at one time he operated his own company. His death occurred in New Rochelle Hospital, on July 26, 1938, following a lengthy illness. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Fredericka Strehan Martin; a son, Henry, of Lincoln Park, New York; three daughters, Mrs. Ruth Cameron and Miss Dorothy Martin, of New Rochelle, and Mrs. Freda Hommel of Dingman's Ferry, Pennsylvania; and two sisters who lived in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Mrs. Beatrice Nelson and Mrs. Leah Laidlaw.

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