MOELLMAN, CARL FREDERICK (19 Aug. 1879-3 July 1950) combined an artistic temperament with business acumen to become one of the area's foremost lithographers. Born in Cincinnati, he was the son of Charles and Mary Frey Moellman. His father was associated with the U.S. Lithograph and Playing Card Co., headed by an uncle, John H. Frey. Young Moellman studied art with Frank Duveneck at the Cincinnati Art Academy and proceeded to New York, where he worked for the Ottomann Lithograph Co. and became a follower of the avant-garde group of artists known as "The Eight." He came to Cleveland in 1905 to become superintendent for the Otis Lithograph Co. in the CAXTON BLDG. Continuing himself to paint, he joined with WM. SOMMER in 1911 to establish the KOKOON ARTS CLUB. He became the first president of the group. When Otis Lithograph was sold in 1926, Moellman founded the Continental Lithograph Corp. on E. 72nd St. with $121,000 capital. It grew from a volume of $250,000 its first year to $4 million during WORLD WAR II. By the 1950s it employed 250 skilled artisans in the production of outdoor billboards, movie lobby posters, and sales displays. Moellman was active in several local clubs and a director of the Lithographers National Assn. In 1912 he had married the former Laura Conkey, who predeceased him. They had 4 children: Albert, Laura, Thomas, and Gwendolyn.
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