Description
Scrapbook of theatre listings from San
Francisco theaters, primaily the Bella Union and the New Bella Union Theatres, but also
including the Alhambra and Pacific Theatres (San Francisco) and the Theater Comique in
Sacramento. Most of the items are titles clipped from programs, but some also list casts and
descriptions. Scattered throughout the scrapbook are penciled annotations. The Bella Union
Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened in 1849 as a
gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco later that same
year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained a gambling
house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow, turned it
into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times (and the
scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union was
getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a
museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.
Background
The Bella Union Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened
in 1849 as a gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco
later that same year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained
a gambling house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow,
turned it into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times
(and the scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union
was getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a
museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.
Extent
0.7 Linear Feet
1 box
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in
writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of
Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or
imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.