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Thompson Westcott scrapbooks of Charles Durang's history of Philadelphia theater between the years 1749 and 1855, 1868 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear feet (6 volumes)
Abstract:
A native of Philadelphia, Thompson Westcott (1820-1888) was one of the city's leading journalists and historians of his generation. Westcott's scrapbooks consist of the complete series of the 267 chapters of Charles Durang's history of theater in Philadelphia between the years 1749 and 1855, published as weekly installments in the Sunday Dispatch from 1854 to 1863. Including page numbers, indexes, and lists of illustrations, the six volumes (available to be viewed online) are interleaved with images of theaters and portraits of famous actors and artists, as well as with personal correspondence, playbills, and additional clippings on theatrical subject.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Clyde Fitch typescripts and letters, circa 1890-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear_foot (2 boxes)
Abstract:
William Clyde Fitch (better known as Clyde Fitch, 1865-1909) is considered one of the most successful American playwrights of his time, and the first to be produced abroad on a regular basis. This collection consists of typescripts of ten unpublished plays and four autograph letters written by Fitch.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Edgar Fahs Smith papers, circa 1870-1940 (inclusive)

Extent:
110 boxes
Abstract:
The papers comprise Smith's personal and business correspondence, including exchanges with the United States Army Chemical Warfare Service regarding the use of chemical weapons in World War I; notebooks of his chemical research; bound lectures from his teaching; biographical material; personal photographs; pamphlets written by Smith; memorabilia that includes awards and certificates; and clippings. The bulk of the correspondence with Smith runs from 1877 until his death in 1928; correspondence dated after 1928 is addressed to his widow, Margie A. Smith.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Gilchrist Family papers, circa 1823-1939 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 boxes
Abstract:
A small but interesting collection of letters and the diaries of Grace Gilchrist Frend from 1907 to 1939. Family members include Anne Burrows Gilchrist, wife of Alexander Gilchrist and mother of Percy Carlyle Gilchrist (scientist/engineer), Beatrice Carwardine Gilchrist (physician who committed suicide), Herbert Harlakenden Gilchrist (painter who also committed suicide later in life), and Grace Gilchrist Frend (would-be singer). The family were intimates of Thomas Carlyle and many pre-Raphaelite painters. Anne was a champion of Walt Whitman; Alexander researched the life of William Blake (a posthumous publication compiled by Anne).

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Joseph W. Catharine papers regarding the Thomas W. Evans estate, 1897-1931, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
2.2 linear feet (6 boxes)
Abstract:
The Joseph W. Catharine papers contain records, correspondence and legal documents dating from 1897 to 1931, which relate to the litigation of the Thomas W. Evans estate. Although Dr. Evans, a wealthy dentist, left a clear last will and testament, it took about sixteen years for his estate to be administered due to a string of legal battles between the heirs, executors and City of Philadelphia (represented by Catharine in his capacity as Assistant City Solicitor). The collection includes professional correspondence, legal notes and memoranda, formal legal documents filed by name of court, the records of the Thomas W. Evans Museum and Institute Society, and the financial records of the estate's dispensation.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Elizabeth T. Miller papers, 1928-1960, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
1.35 linear_foot (5 boxes)
Abstract:
The Elizabeth T. Miller papers, part of the Caroline F. Schimmel Collection of Women in the American Wilderness, contain documentation of Miller's 1940 travels through Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, along with some later correspondence and recollections of the trip. Miller, a commercial artist from Baltimore, Maryland, undertook this journey with her cousin, sculptor and archaeologist Benjamin Turner Kurtz; the acclaimed operatic singer Carolyn Long; and photographer John Henry Coon. The majority of the collection consists of scrapbooks documenting various Mayan ruins and archaeological sites in these countries. Essays published in the Bulletin of the Natural History Society of Maryland (and a few unpublished pieces) written by Miller and Kurtz are also included, as are miscellaneous photos, notes, letters, publications and documents relating to this trip.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Marian Anderson supplementary papers, circa 1916-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:
48 boxes
Abstract:
Papers supplementing the Marian Anderson Papers, comprising correspondence (general and fan mail); business correspondence, records and contracts; manuscript and typescript biographical materials; some materials belonging to her sisters Alyse Anderson and Ethel DePreist, her mother Anna D. Anderson, and her husband, Orpheus H. Fisher; Anderson's notes, journals, calendars, and financial documents; correspondence and memorabilia from James DePreist; programs and publicity materials; clippings; awards and tributes; and memorabilia.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Backward glance: typescript, 1933 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 item (295 leaves)
Abstract:
An annotated carbon typescript written by Edith Wharton entitled Backward Glance dated 1933

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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William B. Richard World War II letters, 1945 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.25 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:
Corporal (later Sergeant) William B. Richard was an American airman who served with the 1346th Army Air Force in eastern India during World War II. From February to November 1945 he wrote letters to his mother Mrs. Sarah Jane Richard on the uneventful day-to-day experiences of his tour of duty.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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University of Pennsylvania Library records regarding the opening of the Rare Book Room, 1947 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.4 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:
The Rare Book Room at the University of Pennsylvania opened on May 27, 1947. The opening was attended by more than five hundred guests, and speeches were given by Dr. Charles W. David, Director of Libraries; President George W. McClelland; Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach; and the primary speaker for the evening, Randolph G. Adams, Director of the William L. Clements Library of the University of Michigan. The collection contains administrative documents pertaining to the planning of the event including program details, correspondence, acceptances, and regrets.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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