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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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Actors' role books, [1870]-1878, undated (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

This collection of about sixty handwritten actors' role books (1870-1878, undated) provides a glimpse into the world of nineteenth century theater in the United States. The role books seem to have belonged to the actor Philip Augustus Anderson though some were copied by, or on behalf of, other performers of the day including Lotta Crabtree, Laura Keene, Annie Lewis, John Lester Wallack, John Edward McCullough, Joseph Proctor and Lucille Western. Nearly all of the role books are annotated with production notes.

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

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Joseph Francis Ambrose Jackson scrapbook on theatrical subjects, 1857, 1886-1902 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.5 linear feet (2 boxes)

Abstract:

Joseph Francis Ambrose Jackson (1867-1946) was a historian, lecturer, artist, journalist, and writer active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This scrapbook contains newspaper clippings on theatrical subjects, dating from 1886 to 1902, and includes reviews, interviews, short biographies, and articles relating to the history of American theater.

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

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Charles Zuber papers on the history of theater in Cincinnati, circa 1937 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.5 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Charles Zuber (1872-1938) was a sports writer for the Cincinnati Times-Star from 1895 to 1910 who intended to write a definitive history of early Cincinnati theater events. This collection includes a heavily annotated typescript draft of his articles on the history of theater in Cincinnati; notes from his research on the topic; and a more polished typescript, possibly a finished version designed to become a complete history.

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

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Ada Rehan papers, circa 1879-1918 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 boxes

Abstract:

The collection consists primarily of correspondence addressed to Ada Rehan but also includes some memorabilia, such as an analysis of Katharine in The Taming of the Shrew in Ada Rehan's hand, clippings, dedications, menus and invitations, and programs and playbills.

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