Call Number:

MC.1276

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

1 linear ft. (1 box, 4 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

George L. Myers collection of circus materials (HC.MC 1276), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1906-1952 (inclusive)

Creator:

Myers, George L., 1886-1953

Abstract:

George L. Myers (1886-1953) was a performer in travelling theater, opera, and circus companies between 1906 and 1952, including Price of Pilsen Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, and Baily Bros. Circus. The collection contains scrapbooks, photographs, and information documenting the routes taken by the companies.

George Latimer Myers was born April 11, 1886 in York, Pennsylvania to Jacob C. and Minerva L. Myers. He was a performer in theater, opera, and circuses, where his work included being equestrian director. Between 1906 and 1952, he was involved with a number of travelling companies, including Price of Pilsen Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, Passion Play, and Baily Bros. Circus. Myers died January 17, 1953.

Materials in this collection document George L. Myers's life as a travelling circus and theatrical performer. Scrapbooks include formal headshots and publicity photos of other performers, as well as snapshots probably taken by Myers. Almost all images are identified with names. The scrapbooks are organized by the company/production and date. Volume 1 dates from 1923 to 1926 and includes photographs from Myers's time with the Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, and Baily Bros. Circus. It also includes a Wild West show with Sitting Bull Jr. and numerous images of Native Americans. Volume 2 dates from 1906 to 1921 and covers travel with the Newborough Opera Co., Time, Place, and Girl Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Prince of Pilsner Co., and Sells-Floto Circus. Images include performers in blackface and men performing as women. There is also a section at the back of unidentified cabinet cards, including many images of children; it is possible that these are family members. The atlas documents routes and stops on trips from 1945 to 1952. Route notebook records each show Myers travelled with, and the dates on which each show performed in a location. Matted and loose photographs include further photographs of performers; while some are labeled, most are not. A few are inscribed to Myers.

Materials in the scrapbooks and route notebook were retained in their original order.