"Theatricals in Philadelphia" scrapbooks, 1838-1936 (bulk 1838-1897). Series I, Volume 6, 1872-1896.
Abstract:
The collection is divided into two series. Series I includes the set of 15 scrapbooks, and series II consists of the 7 volumes of the title index. The materials included in the scrapbooks are not arranged following a precise order, which makes the consultation of these volumes potentially challenging. However, a few guiding principles could be identified. In most of the scrapbooks (volumes 1-11 and 13) the materials are grouped by artist or theatrical company, although not in alphabetical or chronological order. Some volumes are especially (although not exclusively) dedicated to specific genres. Volume 1 largely relates to opera; volume 8 focuses on comedy, comic opera, and burlesque; volumes 12 and 13 are dedicated to minstrel shows, circus, magic shows, and burlesque; and volume 15 includes materials on side shows and other exhibits of artifacts and technological curiosities. Volume 14 is exclusively dedicated to the Philadelphia theatrical scene during the Civil War years (1861-1865), and the materials that it contains are organized by performing venue. Researchers interested in a particular production are encouraged to consult the title index for the scrapbooks, which is located in series II. Because it is organized by title, however, the index is less helpful to locate specific artists, performing venues, articles, or other items in the scrapbook set. For these and other research criteria, researchers should consult the full description of each scrapbook, which can be found at the volume level in the finding aid. Each description include a list of the most prominent artists or theatrical companies featured in the volume, a list of performing venues, and a summary of notable articles, images, programs, playbills, and other materials found in the scrapbook.
Sold by Stanislaus Vincent Henkels on May 5, 1920 (acquired through the Morris L. Clothier Fund).
Relation:
Finding aid http://hdl.library.upenn.edu/1017/d/pacscl/UPENN_RBML_PUSpMsColl1384; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.1 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p35q4s69v; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.2 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p39g5h124; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.3 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3222rs8b; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.4 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3x922547; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.5 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3sj1bc1k; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.7 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3j09wr2z; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.8 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3d795x73; Digital facsimile for browsing (Colenda): ser.1:v.9 https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3pk07p0x
Physical Description Note: Two different bindings exist for the scrapbook series. The first, featuring large numbers but no title on the spine, is possibly the one used for all volumes when they were purchased in 1920. Some volumes were subsequently rebound using a new spine bearing the title "Theatricals in Philadelphia". This title was probably taken from the description of the set compiled by auctioneer Stanislaus Henkel prior to the purchase of the collection.; Processing Information: Formerly Dewey Folio 812H T342 and 812H T342 Ind.
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