Katherine Geis portrait

Dated ca. 1920-1929, this is a portrait of Katherine Geis, opera singer and music teacher, seated on a stool. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1875, Katherine showed an interest in music and theater at an early age, possibly influenced by her father's participation in the A.G. Field Minstrel Show for many years. She made her first public appearance at age five as a little midshipman in "Pinafore" in Lancaster. She later appeared at the Schultz Opera House in Zanesville, Ohio, where she sang selections from "Pinafore." At age twelve, she made her first professional appearance as Josephine from "Pinefore," and soon after enrolled in the Cincinnati College of Music. Katherine graduated at age eighteen and earned the Springer Gold Medal for her voice. After graduation, she performed in operas in Kentucky and worked for the Airon Opera Company and later married a tenor in the company, Charles Geis, in 1895. Geis was involved in many civic organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, Business and Professional Women's Clubs, and City Federation of Women's Clubs. She was a member of the Board of County Visitors, pianist and director for the Weller Theatre Orchestra, member and president for two years at the Thursday Morning Club, and forerunner of the Women's Choral Club, was its second president and served as director for many years. Throughout her life she taught music from her home