Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Record Source University of Pennsylvania Form Clippings (information artifacts) Form Photographs Year 1930 to 1934

Miscellaneous items collection, 1899-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.4 linear feet
Abstract:: This is an artificial collection of miscellaneous items that came to the Bates Center unsolicited and/or for which provenance is unclear. These individual items are not related to each other by subject, material type, or provenance. Materials may include organizational records, correspondence, personal notebooks, and ephemera.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Barbara Bates Center for the Study of The History of Nursing [Contact Us]

Nursing History Small Collections, 1856-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.87 linear feet
Abstract:: The Bates Center's Small Collections are various, unrelated accessions that have been individually assigned collection numbers. Many of the Small Collections consist of a single folder.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Barbara Bates Center for the Study of The History of Nursing [Contact Us]

Hedgerow Theatre Company records, 1901-2016 (inclusive)

Extent:: 59.5 linear feet (67 boxes)
Abstract:: The Hedgerow Theatre Company was established in 1923 by Jasper Deeter, a New York based actor and director. Located in the Rose Valley Arts and Crafts Community of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Hedgerow holds the distinction as the longest serving Repertory Theatre in America. The Hedgerow Theatre Company records contains a wide variety of materials, from business records and show materials to member ephemera and photographs. The collection provides both a practical and intimate look into the workings of this repertory theatre.

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

H. H. Furness Memorial Library manuscript collection, 1575-1991 (inclusive) 1812-1930 (bulk)

Extent:: 10 linear feet (20 boxes and one oversized folder)
Abstract:: The H.H. Furness Memorial Library focuses on the study of Shakespeare and other Tudor and Stuart dramatists. Horace Howard Furness (1833-1912) and his son Horace Howard Furness Jr. (1865-1930) founded and edited the Variorum Shakespeare and their library was donated to the University of Pennsylvania in 1932. This collection contains personal correspondence to and from Rev. William Henry Furness (1802-1896), Horace Howard Furness, and Horace Howard Furness, Jr., largely relating to Shakespearean study and the H.H. Furness Memorial library; notebooks; copies of speeches and articles; and other assorted items relating to Shakespearean scholarship or to the Furness family.

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

Ray Evans papers, 1921-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 155 boxes
Abstract:: The Ray Evans papers comprise materials documenting his career as the lyricist for the songwriting team of Livingston and Evans. The collection contains correspondence, sheet music, lyrics and scripts, press clippings, audio and visual recordings, photographs, programs, awards, memorabilia, and art work. Also included are personal mementoes, including some from his time as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers will find online access to selected material via the Ray Evans Resource Guide.

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

Howard Fast papers, 1903-2006 (inclusive) 1931-2003 (bulk)

Extent:: 41 linear feet ((105 boxes, 1 oversized folder))
Abstract:: Howard Melvin Fast (1914-2003) was a best-selling and prolific American author of historical fiction, mysteries, and science fiction, known for his books on themes of patriotism, social justice, and the immigrant experience. He wrote nearly 100 books and more than 150 short stories, as well as numerous screenplays, stage plays, and newspaper columns. The Howard Fast papers include correspondence, journals, appointment books, address books, financials, writings, promotion and reviews, scrapbooks, biographies, profiles, chronologies, bibliographies, interviews, governmental and political files, vital records, personal documents, awards, photographs, artwork, and audiovisual materials. The papers were deposited at the University of Pennsylvania over the course of 45 years and represent nearly all facets of the writer's life.

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

Mary Navis collection, 1933-1949 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.2 linear feet (1 box)
Abstract:: Mary Navis, known as "the duchess of swing," was a female big band leader and trumpeter. She once performed in Ina Ray Hutton's all-female group, but left to head her own group with an all-male backing. This collection consists of correspondence, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and photographs, spanning from 1933 to 1942 and all related to Navis's career.

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

Philadelphia Orchestra Association records, 1900-2023 (inclusive)

Extent:: 570 linear feet and 36 linear feet (36 boxes. these are currently available for research.)
Abstract:: The Philadelphia Orchestra was founded in 1900, and has developed and maintained its status as a prominent symphonic ensemble throughout its existence. Its history informs and intersects with the broader history of music in the twentieth century, as well as numerous historical movements, events and developments on a regional, national and global scale. The records of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association document its activities from 1900 to 2023 through administrative records, concert programs, photographs, scrapbooks and audio and visual recordings. This collection is not fully processed. While materials listed here have been processed and are available for research, a significant portion of the collection, labeled "unavailable," remains in process and cannot be consulted at this time. As soon as additional portions of the collection are completed they will be made available via additions to this finding aid. The last addition of completed materials occurred on October 26, 2023.

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

Helen, Ira, and Michael Wolfert papers, 1920-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:: 33 linear feet (35 boxes)
Abstract:: This collection includes material related to the lives and work of Helen (1901-1985), Ira (1908-1997), and Michael Wolfert (1936-2001). It contains correspondence between the family and others; manuscripts by all three subjects, as well as others; financial documents; personal documents; photos taken by and of the family; newspaper clippings collected by Helen and Ira; and notes and miscellanea from all three subjects.

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

Ted Weems collection, circa 1910-1985 (bulk: 1922-1965) (inclusive)

Extent:: 18.3 linear feet (47 boxes)
Abstract:: Ted Weems (1901-1963) was a musician, an American bandleader, and the director of the Ted Weems Orchestra. He gained national renown for several hits, including "Somebody Stole My Gal," "Piccolo Pete," and "Heartaches." This collection documents the professional musical career of Weems with scores, sheet music, and song sheets; photographs and images; scrapbooks; and recordings. There is limited family and personal material; and in general, this collection shows Weems's public persona rather than the private man.

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