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Clark Gesner Papers

Notifications

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Gesner

Most renowned for having written the book, music and lyrics for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Clark Gesner, Princeton Class of 1960, was born March 27, 1938, in Augusta, Maine, the son of H. Mortimer Gesner, Jr., a Unitarian minister, and Eleanor Clark Gesner. Gesner attended high school in Plainfield, New Jersey where he wrote and performed in high school theater productions. Like his grandfather, Herbert M. Gesner, Class of 1890, Gesner joined Triangle Club at Princeton, serving as cast member, writer, musical director and vice-president. He also produced a one-act musical Mother Loves Me in 1958. He majored in English and wrote his senior thesis on "The Evolution of the American Musical Theater, 1925-1960."

Gesner was an important figure in early children's television, writing for Captain Kangaroo, Mister Mayor, The Children's Television Workshop, and its programs, Sesame Street and The Electric Company.

After college, Gesner worked briefly for the Captain Kangaroo television show beginning in 1961, holding cue cards and doing some writing while also composing music and lyrics for a Yale Drama School production. Drafted into the Army in 1961, Gesner spent his two-year military career at Governor's Island and in Manhattan selling theater tickets at the USO in Times Square, while continuing to write for Captain Kangaroo and producing his first recording, A Musical Visit to Captain Kangaroo's Treasure House, in 1962. After his discharge in 1963, Gesner continued to work for Captain Kangaroo, the Mister Mayor show, and wrote satirical pieces for the television show That Was the Week That Was, and recorded Societus Manificat, a satire on Lyndon Johnson's Great Society from Julius Monk's 1965 review "Pick a Number XV."

During the early 1960s, Gesner had begun writing songs based on Charles Schulz's Charlie Brown comic strip characters but was unable to get permission from United Features to use the characters in his songs. Eventually Gesner sent Schulz a tape of some of the songs and Gesner soon had permission to record them which he did in 1966 with Orson Bean as Charlie Brown and Gesner as Linus. At the time, Gesner had no plans for a musical based on this pre-production "concept album." However, encouraged by Arthur Whitelaw, Gesner quickly wrote the book for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which opened Off-Broadway on March 7, 1967 and ran nearly 1600 performances at Theater 80 in the West Village. An attempt to move the play to Broadway in 1971 closed within a month of opening night. A 1973 television show, road companies, productions in a number of foreign languages, and a 1999 revival fared better. The play remains a staple of local and community theater and Gesner commented that it was his "MacArthur Grant," providing a steady income for the rest of his life. Gesner was to write other plays, including Animal Fair, The Ransom of Red Chief, the musical review The Jello is Always Red (1998), The Adventures of Betty Boop, and The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall. None ever achieved the success of Charlie Brown, and the latter closed on Broadway after a single performance in 1979 (it was also staged at McCarter Theater in 1977). Gesner also acted in various small theater productions in New York City (for instance B.T. McNicholls's Musicals in Concert) and in summer stock at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont for many years. Gesner authored Stuff, etc.: A Collection (1970) and wrote special material for television, Broadway and night-club reviews.

Gesner was a bachelor all his life. He joined the Advance Science Writing Program at Columbia University during the 1967-1968 academic year. He also served on the Triangle board and on the Advisory Council of Princeton's English Department. Gesner died on July 23, 2002, of a coronary in New York City.

Gesner's papers document his entire career and include scripts and scores, as well as production notes, correspondence, publicity and reviews, and photographs. The papers include materials related to his plays, music, television, and writings, including materials from his collegiate years, as well as a small number of business papers. Notably productions include You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall, and Animal Fair.

Clark Gesner's Undergraduate Alumni File (Class of 1960) in the Princeton University Archives was consulted during preparation of biographical note.

Gift of Page Gesner on December 15, 2006, with additional gifts from Melissa McGann of the Charles Schulz Museum on November 8, 2006 and the gift of the Plainfield High School musical recording from Jeannette Boucher on May 28, 2009. Additional gifts of manuscripts, programs, clippings, and recordings were given by Andrea Fleck Clardy on October 1, 2009 and October 16, 2009. The recording of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown arranged by "Bugs" Bower was purchased by the department on October 6, 2009.

For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.

This collection was processed by Matt Callahan and Ingmar Saberi in 2009. Finding aid written by Matt Callahan in August 2009.

Duplicate materials, largely sheet music and scripts, and a collection of newspaper advertisements unrelated to Gesner's career were separated from this collection (approximately 6 linear feet).

Publisher
Manuscripts Division
Finding Aid Author
Matt Callahan
Finding Aid Date
2009
Sponsor
Processing of this collection was supported by the Princeton University Class of 1960.
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. For instances beyond Fair Use, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.

Collection Inventory

Scope and Contents

This series looks at Clark Gesner's major theatrical productions. These productions include You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall, Animal Fair, Betty Boop and The Jello is Always Red, and the television show Captain Kangaroo. For each production this series contains scripts, production notes, music, business correspondence, social correspondence, playbills, and newspaper clippings.

Arrangement

The productions are organized by size of the files.

Physical Description

23 boxes

Physical Description

6 boxes

Piano-Conductor's Score, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Script, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Prompt Book, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Snoopy Prompt Book, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lyrics and Production Notes, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Charlie Brown in French, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Various Charlie Brown Magazines, 1967-2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Printed Books, 1966-1981. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Memorabilia, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook and Kodak Picture From Productions, 2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Printed Sheet Music For Don Miller's "The Kite", 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Original Handwritten Manuscripts, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lead Sheets and Negatives of YGMCB Songs Titled A-K, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lead Sheets and Negatives of YGMCB Songs Titled L-Z, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Additional Songs as Filed By Gesner, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Script Fragments and Lyric Sheets, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Glee Club Rehearsal Papers, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Children's Textbooks and Coloring Book, 1967-1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Published Music Books and Scores, 1965-1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Day Book Marked Charlie Brown, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lyrics and Production Notes, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc. Contract Papers, 1966-1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

1965-1969, 1965-1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1970-1974, 1970-1974. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1975-1979, 1975-1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1980-1985, 1980-1985. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1986-1999, 1986-1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fan Mail and Social Correspondence, 1966-1993. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fan Mail and Social Correspondence, 1968-1994. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills, 1967-1993. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Posters, 1967-1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills and Magazines of Other Plays As Filed By Gesner in YGMCB Boxes, 1965-1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Educational Materials Referencing YGMCB, 1967-1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

1967-1970, 1967-1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1967-1971, 1967-1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1967-1973, 1967-1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1967-1988, 1967-1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1977-1993, 1977-1993. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

6 boxes

Complete Script (One Typed and One Published), 1979-1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Working Copy of Script, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

1977-1978, 1977-1978. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1978-1979, 1978-1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1979-1983, 1979-1983. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1983-1985, 1983-1985. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Published Book Called 'Basic Catalogue of Plays' That Catalogues MH, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

1977, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1977-1979, 1977-1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1979-1982, 1979-1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1982-1989, 1982-1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Copyright Papers for Morrissey Hall Title, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lyric Fragments and Corrections, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Record Album Papers as Filed by Gesner, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Casting Notes as Filed by Gesner, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

MH Poster Drawings and Sketches, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Saint Trinians Notes (The Inspiration for UGMH), 1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

General Correspondence, 1970-1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

General Correspondence, 1973-1975. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

General Correspondence, 1975-1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills and Publicity, 1979-1980. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Printed Reviews, 1976-1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

1974-1987, 1974-1987. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1977-1978, 1977-1978. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1978-1986, 1978-1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

1977, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings on Stock, 1976. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Sheet Music, 1977-1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Original Handwritten Music, undated. 3 folders.
Physical Description

3 folders

Complete Copy of ACT II Conductors Score, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Sheet Music, undated. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Backer's Audition Script as Filed by Gesner, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Santa Maria Production Papers, 1976. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Santa Maria Handwritten Notes, 1976. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook From Santa Maria Production, 1976. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills and Magazines of Other Plays As Filed By Gesner in UGMH Boxes, 1977-1986. 3 folders.
Physical Description

3 folders

Physical Description

6 boxes

Complete Script with Production Notes, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Original Lead Sheets, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Unused Parts, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Synthesizer Book for 'Gallery Players', 2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Starobin Orchestral Scores for Instrumental Pieces, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Cello Score, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Synthesizer Score (1 of 2 Folders), 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Synthesizer Score (2 of 2 Folders), 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Vocal Arrangements for "Migration", "Dawn Chorus", and "Vase of Flowers", 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Horn Score, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Reed Score, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Percussion Score, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

PrimaFacie: An Anthology Of New American Plays, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Reviews, 2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Notes and Background Work, 1987. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

ACT II Original Typed Copy, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

ACT II Notes, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fully Script Edited For Reading, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Sheet Music, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Original Manuscripts and Copies, 1986. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Lyrical Notes, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

AF Production at the Coteria in Kansas City, MO, 1995. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Miscellaneous Scripts, 1988. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

AF Production at the Denver Center for Performing Arts in Denver, CO, 1990. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Slides From Production at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Preparation for Denver Show Including: Audition Notes, Casting Notes, and Business Correspondence, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Unopened Mail/Materials, 1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1987-1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1986. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Outside Materials/Mail, 1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1989-1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Outside Materials, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Business Correspondence and Contracts, 1989-1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings, 1986-1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scripts, Songs Notes, and Sheet Music, 1987. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Business Correspondence, 1987-1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings from Gallery Players Production, 2000-2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Production Notes from Gallery Players Production in New York City, NY, 2000-2001. 3 folders.
Physical Description

3 folders

Physical Description

2 boxes

"Finnerty Flynn and the Singing City" Manuscript and Additional Songs, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Finnerty Flynn and the Singing City" Additional Songs, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Songs By Bob Brush As Filed By Gesner, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Songs By David Connell, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Songs By Dan Wilcox, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Songs By John Glines, 1966-1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Songs By Clark Gesner, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Music Partial File in Original Order, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Old Folk Singer" (Greenjeans) Songs, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Early Manuscripts, 1962. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Treasure House" Script and Music, 1962. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Pictures From an Elementary School Class, 1964. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings, 1964. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous CK Papers Including: Writings; Children's Poems; Promotional Items; Museum Prints, 1961-1963. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Business Correspondence, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc Papers for Finnerty Flynn, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Television Scripts and Production Notes, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fan Mail From CBS Station, 1964-1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Social Correspondence, 1962. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Finnerty Flynn Album, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

CK Album "Musical Visit", 1961. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lyrics and Notebooks, 1961. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

2 boxes

Revisions: The Adventures of Betty Boop (First Part of Act I) and ACT II Script and Notes, 1983-1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Working Scripts, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Additional Scripts and Lyrics, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings, 1981-1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Business Correspondence, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous, 1983. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Full Script with Spring 1984 Revisions, 1984, 1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Production Work, 1983. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Pieces After Assembly – 1989 July 17 As Filed By Gesner, 1989, 1989 July 17. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Papers, 1984. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Miscellaneous Papers, 1984-1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Norman Steven's Papers, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Norman Steven's Papers Con't, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Norman Steven's Papers Con't, 1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

Lyrics and Scenes, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Dutch Treat Club Version, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Score, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Photos From NYC Production, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sheet Music and Lyric Sheets, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sheet Music and Lyric Sheets, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sheet Music, 1998. 3 folders.
Physical Description

3 folders

Complete Script and Music, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Added Songs For Long Version, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner Interview About Play, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

This series looks at Gesner's smaller musical productions and works. These folders include production notes, music, playbills, and additional related papers. Series 2 also contains miscellaneous music from 1968 as filed by Gesner.

Arrangement

Arranged by production or work.

Physical Description

2 boxes

Down, Down, Down Productions Notes and Papers, 1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Down, Down, Down Photos, 1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fiorello! for The Mayor Musicals Benefit, 1993. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Bottoms Up! Playbill and Reviews, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

L'Opera Francaise, 1997. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Iolanthe, 2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sweeney Todd Opening Notes, 1997. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Rah, Rah, Rahway by Tom Kleh, 1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Bloomers, 2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Time Machine by Carlos Gorbea, 1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

Photos, 1997. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Playbills, Published Script Book, and Contact Sheet, 1997-1999. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Music and Production Notes, 1997. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Complete Script, 1997. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

Working Copy, 2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Final Script and Sheet Music, 2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Original Sheet Music, 2000. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sheet Music and Lyrics, 2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Papers, 2001. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Music, 1968. 4 folders.
Physical Description

4 folders

Additional Miscellaneous Music As Filed By Gesner, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

This looks at past writing projects and performances as filed by Gesner. These folders include a number of very small musical productions, songs, sermons, articles, and various projects by Gesner. There are also assorted folders containing work by other composers.

Arrangement

The files are kept in the original order as left by Gesner.

Physical Description

5 boxes

Physical Description

4 boxes

"Carl's Song", 1974. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Children's Television Workshop, The TV Show and Filmlets, 1968-1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Corn Does Push Already and The Television Short Plays, 1991. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Record, 1975. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Madeline, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Grumm: A Christmas Play, 1971-1981. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Quote Book, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Feiffor's People at the Pretender Theater, 1976. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

All Kinds of Christmases, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Fieldston at The Summer Performing Arts School, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Progress of a Dirty Word, 1977. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Polk Valley Jug Band, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Wart!, 1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Wart! Additional Scripts and Notes, 1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Elves and the Shoemaker, 1981-1985. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Once Upon A Fable Insert, 1986. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Young Arthur & The Kingdom of the Dreamer, 1989. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Alice Cannon Review, 1979-1980. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Drew Curtis Machine, 1980. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Nassau Hall Model, 1975. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Book Review of Sammy Cahn's Rhyming Dictionary, 1984. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Monster Song" from Children's Television Workshop Special, ABC, 1974. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Princeton Alumni Weekly Article, 1978. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Princeton Alumni Weekly Article Con't, 1978. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Channel 12 Shultz Story, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Milwaukee Trip, 1976. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Life With the Livingstons" for the Cavett Show, 1975. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Columbus, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous Projects, 1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sound Record, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"51st State", "Alphabet," and "East Side, West Side", undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"51st State: The World Trade Center: A Eulogy", 1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

A Proposal For Twenty-Six One-Hour Televisions on Health for Children's Television Workshop, 1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Found On The Elevator, 1969. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

My Very Own TV Show for Children's Television Workshop, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Wilderness" Sermon, 1973. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

"Changes" Sermon, 1971. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

"Science Show" from Children Television Workshop, 1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Cutout Square, Number One Films For Electric Company, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Maze and Folding and Cutting Films For Electric Company, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Hands" For Sesame Street, 1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Children's Television Workshop, 1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Children's Television Workshop Sesame Street, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

2 boxes

"The Other Leading Brand", 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

TV Workshop- NATAS, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Cellophane, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

New Faces Correspondence, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Peanut Butter Affair by Julius Monk's Plaza 9 Correspondence and Clippings, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Peanut Butter Affair by Julius Monk's Plaza 9 Music and Lyrics, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Summerfolk" for Captain Kangaroo, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Skin Of Our Teeth, 1960s. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Gone With The Wind" Songs, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Individual Songs Review Material, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Army Soldier Show Governor's Island, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jay Kerr Music, 1960s. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Bob Gesner Music, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Pickwick Records and Miller Brady Association Correspondence, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Red Buttons", undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Barbara Cason, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Barbara Feldon, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Barbara Minkus, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Shirl Conway, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

That Was The Week That Was, 1964. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"New Faces of 1966" by Leonard Sillman, 1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Industrial Shows, 1960s. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Dear Folks Back Home", 1963. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

Series 4 contains the legal/business correspondence from Jeremy Music Inc. and Gesner Music Inc. These papers consist of general business correspondence as well as applications and approvals for copyrighting a song.

Arrangement

The folders are filed as they were by Gesner and contain general business correspondence arranged by date and then are filed by individual song.

Physical Description

2 boxes

Gesner Music Inc Business Correspondence, 1960-1963. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner Music Inc Business Correspondence, 1965-1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc Business Papers, 1963-1975. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Jeremy Music Inc Business Papers, 1967-1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc Business Papers, 1969-1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc "The Peanut Butter Affair", 1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc Business Papers, 1971-1974. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeremy Music Inc Contract Agreements For: The Loud Book; The Silly Book; and The Soft Book, 1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jay Kerr File, 1967-1971. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Jay Kerr Songs, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Jeffery Moss File, 1964. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

David Connell File, 1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

ABC Records, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Charles Seton File, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Copyright For Music Not By Gesner, 1965-1966. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Inventory Index Cards, 1960-1965. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Copyright For Gesner Songs (Non-YGMCB Songs), 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner's Acceptance to The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, 1962. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner Lead Sheets (Volume II), 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lead Sheets for Non-Gesner Music (Volume III), 1960s. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Rejected Applications, 1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Robert Brush File, 1972. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Sign Songs", 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Piano" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Viola" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"I'm Glad I Can't Fly" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Imaginary Travels" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"String Instruments" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Why I'm Not A Pilot" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"My Airplane" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Schroder" Copyright, 1971. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"My Blanket and Me" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Mother Bisquits" Copyright, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Old MacDonald Had a Dog", 1966-1968. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

This series includes all the materials donated to the Mudd Library by Melissa McGann. The work found here is mostly from Gesner's early years and collegiate years. The folders contain early plays, songs, and scripts.

Arrangement

These materials remain in the order in which they were received.

Physical Description

2 boxes

Black Hardcover Notebook Containing Carbon Copy of Play With No Title Page, undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

(Featured players include William Shakespeare, R. Burbage and the Queen of England.)

Physical Description

1 folder

That's the Spirit Play By Gesner, 1954. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

The Pagan Love Song Playbill, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Dodo and the Dinosaur Handwritten Play From Early Childhood, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Thanks a Million Script, Including Songs, 1955. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Binder With Original Gesner Music, Handwritten and Printed, 1958. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

That's Christmas to Me by Earl Brown and Clark Gesner, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Robin Hood, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Sheet Music, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Ocean Suite" Sheet Music, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Day After Day", 1954. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner's Belwin Spiral Manuscript Book, 1954. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

(Lyrics for "Stalemate" and music for "The Lament", "In the Still of the Night", "An Undersea Song", "It is Spring", "Shoe Shine", "Love in the Air", "Never More", "East of the Sun", and "La Valse d'Arene".)

Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner's Notebook From 92 Holder Hall, 1959. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Sheet Music, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Composer's Notebook, 1954. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Sheet Music, undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

(Includes "Let's You & I Stay Together", "Channel Girls", "Bow Music", "Revival", "March", "Easy Way", and "Island Dance".)

Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Sheet Music, 1954. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

(Includes "Carnival", "Now the Day is Starting", and "An Undersea Song".)

Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner's Belwin Manuscript Book, 1957. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sheet Music, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Black Hardcover Notebook With Copy Of Play With No Title Page, undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

(This is another version of the play in Box 33, Folder 1.)

Physical Description

1 folder

Monogram Music Book, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Christopher Columbus Play, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Three Original, Student Written One Act Plays for Theatre Intime, Playbill, 1959-1962. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Musical Theatre, Drama, and Literature Handwritten Story, 1954. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"'Twas The Night Before Christmas" Lyrics by Gesner, 1951. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Lyrics and Playbills, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Captain Kangaroo Music, Scripts, Production Notes, 1958. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gesner's Personal Mail, 1958-1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Indenture Between Gesner and Cornelius Burke, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Unlabeled Kodak Photographs, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Triangle Club Poster in German, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Property Value and Tax Information For Ghent Properties, 1998. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Sweet Spring Is Your Time" and Chart Exploring American Music History, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Empty Envelope From The Children's Theatre Press, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Lyrics in Folder Labeled 'Fall 1961', 1961. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Gloriana Scripts and Lyrics, 1961. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Handwritten Music, 1940. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Mother Loves Me Playbill From Murray Theatre at Princeton University, 1958. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Blue Book Exam Test Booklet, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Sketch Pad, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Notebook Titled 'Lyrics 1959-1960', 1959-1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Plainfield High School Newspaper The Entrée, 1953-1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Nose On Your Face Complete Script, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

This series contains all the multimedia and photographs in the Gesner collection. The photographs are arranged by production and are mostly undated. In addition to CDs and various multimedia Box 1 also contains miscellaneous papers including Gesner's 40th Reunion papers and photos and an untitled book.

Arrangement

Arranged by media type.

Physical Description

4 boxes

Celeste Holm Demo Recording of UGMH, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Floppy Disk of "The Kite" Arranged By Don Miller, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Vinyl Record of Thanks A Million by Clark Gesner from Plainfield High School, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Plainfield High School Compact Disk of Music, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Class of 1960 40th Reunion Photos and Paperwork, 2000, 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Stuff A Collection by Peter Ferris Sheets, undated. 4 folders.
Physical Description

4 folders

Personal Photo Album and Pictures From Smaller Productions Including Bongo Fever and The Mayor Musicals, 1993-2000. 1 box.
Physical Description

1 box

Bongo Fever Photos, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Photos, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Captain Kangaroo Photos, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall Photos, 1970s. 1 box.
Physical Description

1 box

Scope and Contents

This last series contains all of Gesner's oversize work from the collection. The oversize contents include sheet music, manuscripts, conductor's scores, posters, a scrapbook, and Gesner's diploma from Princeton University.

Arrangement

Arranged by size.

Physical Description

4 boxes

Oversize Music from UGMH, YGMCB, and Posters From Betty Boop and YGMCB, undated. 1 box.
Physical Description

1 box

Oversize Complete UGMH Music By Song, undated. 1 box.
Physical Description

1 box

Princeton University Diploma 1960 Scrapbook From 1970 Correspondence, and Personal Notebook From 1964, 1960-1970, 1960. 1 box.
Physical Description

1 box

UGMH Full Production Music, undated. 4 folders.
Physical Description

4 folders

UGMH Piano Conductor's Rehearsal Score, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Assorted Oversize Music, 1940. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Animal Fair Unused Parts, 1990. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scope and Contents

This series contains unprocessed additions to the collection. The series includes scripts, scores and recordings, as well as photographs and correspondence, related to music and plays by Gesner. These include You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Princeton University Triangle Club productions, and Plainfield High School productions.

Arrangement

Arranged by accession number.

Physical Description

4 boxes

Physical Description

1 box

"All Kinds of Christmases" Lead Sheet, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Animal Fair" Script and Score Demo on CD and Audiocassette, 1988. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

Correspondence, Photographs, and Obituaries, 1993-2002. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Newspaper Clippings, Playbills, Correspondence, and Photographs, 1956-1982. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Programs, Playbills, and a Photograph, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Scores and Playbills, 1954-1992. 2 folders.
Scope and Contents

(Includes material from Princeton Triangle Club shows, 1957-1960.)

Physical Description

2 folders

"Wildernesses" Script, 1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

3 boxes

"All Kinds of Christmases" Choral Arrangement, 2004. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"The Brooklyn UU Bridge" Church Newsletter, 2005. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Finnerty Flynn and the Singing City Picture Book, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Stuff, Etc., by John Gordon (signed by Gesner), 1970. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Wildernesses" Script, 1973. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Book, Playbills, and Songs, 1967. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Found on the Elevator, 205 W. 57, 2/11/69," Record, 1969. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Mother Loves Me" Recording, 1958. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Thanks A Million" Recording, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Thanks A Million" Recording, Plainfield High School, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Breakfast in Bedlam" Recording, Princeton Triangle Club (signed by Gesner), 1960. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Singing City" Recording for Captain Kangaroo Audition (signed by Gesner), 1964. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"For Heaven's Sake!" Recording, Princeton Triangle Club (signed by Gesner), 1959. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Gloriana" Recording, undated. 4 folders.
Scope and Contents

(5 records and 1 audio cassette)

Physical Description

4 folders

"Peanuts in Song" Demonstration Record, Gesner Music, Inc. (signed by Gesner), undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Plainfield High School Annual Choral Festival Recording, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

"Thanks A Million" Recording, by Clark Gesner, Plainfield High School, 1956. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall, Original Cast Album, 1979. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Recording, MGM, 1966. 2 folders.
Physical Description

2 folders

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Original Cast Album, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Unmarked 12" Record, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Physical Description

1 box

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Off-Broadway Recording, Music Arranged by "Bugs" Bower, 1974. 1 folder.
Physical Description

1 folder

Print, Suggest