Main content

Mitchell and Day family papers, 1889-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

The Mitchell and Day family papers contain two bound manuscripts, dated between 1889 and 1965, which directly pertain to these prominent Philadelphia families. The first volume is a play written by Langdon Elywn Mitchell, and the second is a family history written by George Valentine Massey II, referencing Kenneth Mackenzie Day and Helena Mary Langdon Mitchell Day as the primary figures of his historical research.

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

Main content

Charlotte Cushman Club records, 1818-2000 (inclusive) 1907-1998 (bulk)

Extent:

16.6 linear feet (26 boxes)

Abstract:

Founded in 1907, the Charlotte Cushman Club was originally intended to provide respectable lodgings for actresses appearing in Philadelphia theaters. In the years of World War II the Club ceased to provide residential services, becoming a favorite gathering place of theater lovers as well as of the many actresses and actors visiting the city with their touring companies. The Charlotte Cushman Club Records offer insight into the activities, the administration, and the membership of the Club during the whole life of the organization, until its closure in 1998. The collection also includes part of the holdings of the former Club's museum and library.

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

Main content

Joseph Martin du Colombier manuscript of "Napoleon Bonaparte, Martyr of St. Helena", 1840 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

This collection contains two manuscript drafts of Joseph Martin du Colombier's play, "Napoleon Bonaparte, Martyr of St. Helena," written in 1840. The first volume is a draft of the play written in English and the second volume is a draft of the play written in French. This play, possibly inspired by the return of Napoleon's body to France in 1840, describes the end of Napoleon's life during his exile in St. Helena.

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

Main content

Adelaide B. Snyder director's copy of The Beautiful People by William Saroyan, after 1941 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Adelaide B. Snyder (1881-1962) was a director and producer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who worked most notably at the Little Theatre of Philadelphia, now known as the Plays and Players Theatre. This collection contains her director's copy of The Beautiful People, a play written by William Saroyan and published in 1941. This copy is heavily annotated and includes extensive stage directions and other director's notes.

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

Main content

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]

Main content

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

Extent:

1 linear feet (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]

Main content

Margaret McHenry papers, 1930-1948 (inclusive)

Extent:

2 linear feet (6 boxes)

Abstract:

Margaret McHenry earned her doctorate in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1931. Her dissertation was titled "The Ulster Theatre in Ireland." Following her graduation, she taught English at Roxborough High School in Philadelphia and continued to write. This collection contains writings by Margaret McHenry, including "The Ulster Theatre in Ireland;" poetry; a biography of S. Weir Mitchell; and "A Booklover's Britain," later "England in English." For the most part, each of her works is represented by a nearly finished copy; and in some cases, with drafts and notes.

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

Main content

Robert L. Sherman collection of plays, 1853-1920 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 linear feet (8 boxes)

Abstract:

Robert L. Sherman, born in 1866, was a playwright and a theater manager. A prolific author, he began writing plays for Alexander Byers and the Chicago Manuscript Company, a printing business that sold and rented play scripts to theater companies in the United States from 1895 until 1922. Alexander Byers acquired most of the plays he published by pirating them. This collection consists of 139 mimeograph versions of play scripts which were part of the inventory of the Chicago Manuscript Company.

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

Main content

George H. Boker papers, 1837-1919 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.8 linear feet (2 boxes)

Abstract:

George Henry Boker (1823-1890) was an American poet, playwright, and diplomat whose patriotic writings supported the Union government during the American Civil War. This collection contains letters to and from Boker; a small portion of financial records, largely relating to the publishing of Boker's poetry; and poems, plays and other writings by Boker.

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

Main content

Joseph E. Gillet collection, 1909-1956 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.6 linear feet (4 boxes)

Abstract:

Joseph E. Gillet (1888-1958), a native of Belgium, was a professor of Spanish at Bryn Mawr College. He directed doctoral dissertations both at Bryn Mawr College and at the University of Pennsylvania, and he achieved several critical editions recognized in the academic world. His papers include photostats, transcripts and translations of Spanish texts, correspondence with his colleagues and libraries in America and Europe, clippings of journals mentioning his publications, and handwritten research notes.

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