EMENS, HOMER FARNHAM

(1862-1930)

The scene designer was born in Volney, New York, and learned his skill as an apprentice to Philip Goatcher at theMadison Square Theatre, followed by a few seasons at Philadelphia's Chestnut Street Theatre. On returning to New York, he created the sensational illusion of a freight car wreck inThe Main Lineat the Lyceum in 1886. He was the original designer of the legendary sawmill inBlue Jeans(1890). He spoke about changes he had seen in stage design practices in an interview forTheatre Magazine(August 1908).