THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH, August 30, 1965, page 19-A

ALBERT E. ARMBRUSTER

Albert E. Armbruster, retired owner of the old Armbruster Scenic Studio, died
Monday at his home, 3102 North High Street.  He was 97.  The Armbruster studio,
designer of custom-built stage settings, was founded by his father, Matthias,
in 1845.  The studio was located for many years at 249 Southpark Street.  Mr.
Armbruster started in the business as a paint boy at the age of 14.  He became
owner upon his father’s death in 1920.  All of the famed minstrels in the early
part of the century were Armbruster customers, as were many Shakespearean produ-
cers and Fortune Gallo of the San Carlo Opera Company.  The firm had once supp-
lied the demand of Broadway extravaganza, along with productions at the Hartman
Theatre and Masonic Temple.  In 1890, this when Elmer Eaton Vance, producer of
“The Limited Mail,” brought about a revolution in the stage scenery business by
ordering untrained which could be moved across the stage, Armbruster is obliged
mounting the canvas on cables and pulleys.  In later years, schools and organiz-
ations rented Mr. Armbruster’s scenery products.  Mr. Armbruster, Long identified
with cultural and art circles in Columbus, also exhibited his paintings in shows
at the Southern Hotel Art Gallery.  Mr. Armbruster was a past president of the
Columbus Maennerchor and a member of Humboldt Lodge of Masons, Scottish Rite and
Shrine. Nieces and nephews survive.  Service will be at 2 PM Wednesday at Southwick
funeral home, where friends may call from 7 to 9 PM Monday and Tuesday.