Tom Lederer ‘Huckleberry’ (musical) collection
Finding aid created by San Francisco History Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
2017
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
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Title: Tom Lederer ‘Huckleberry’ (musical) collection
Dates: 1962 May-June
Collection Number: SFH 470
Creator/Collector:
Lederer, Tom
Extent: 2 folders
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: San Francisco high school musical program, accompanied by press clippings about this controversial production.
Language of Material: English
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for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Tom Lederer ‘Huckleberry’ (musical) collection. San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
Gift, 2017.
Biography/Administrative History
Tom Lederer was one actor in the George Washington High School production of ‘Huckleberry’ in early June 1962. The local
branch of the NAACP pushed for a boycott of the production, as it featured African American students playing the parts of
slaves. The performances were well-attended, and the boycott by African Americans was near complete.
Scope and Content of Collection
One folder includes printed program for the stage musical ‘Huckleberry,’ by Andrew Belling, performed June 1-2, 1962 by George
Washington High School, San Francisco students; program is signed by some of the actors. Folder includes local press clippings
reporting the boycott of the production by the San Francisco branch of the NAACP as well as other protests. One folder includes
a bound set of photocopies of the program and clippings, with the addition of a photocopy of the original script.
Finn, Huckleberry (Fictitious character)—Drama.
African American actors
African Americans in musical theater
African Americans—Race identity.
Belling, Andrew
Twain, Mark 1835-1910. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
George Washington High School (San Francisco, Calif.)
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. San Francisco Branch
San Francisco (Calif.)—Race relations.