San Francisco theatre scrapbook, 1859-1872

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Summary

Title:
San Francisco theatre scrapbook
Dates:
1859-1872
Abstract:
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.
Containers:
Box: 1
Extent:
0.7 Linear Feet 1 box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], San Francisco theatre scrapbook, Collection no. 6145, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Background

Scope and content:

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, one of which suggests that the scrapbook was put together by a member of the Bella Union Troupe. Another, signed "Ned Buckley" also suggests that Buckley was that troupe member. Also included is a single sheet of paper with the words to "Summer of Love".

Biographical / historical:

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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Sue Luftschein
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2017-11-01 13:28:18 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], San Francisco theatre scrapbook, Collection no. 6145, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Location of this collection:
Doheny Memorial Library, Room G-24
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1822, US
Contact:
(213) 740-0183
ajustice@usc.edu
Website