Amphion Club Collection, 1893-1963

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Summary

Title:
Amphion Club collection
Dates:
1893-1963
Creators:
Amphion Club.
Abstract:
The Amphion Club, founded in 1892, was instrumental in bringing internationally-recognized performing artists to San Diego. This collection includes Club and performance records.
Extent:
0.5 Linear feet 1 box
Language:
Preferred citation:

Amphion Club Collection, MS 134, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of items pertaining to the Amphion Club. Administrative documents in the collection include information on Club history, taxes, and membership, including a certificate awarded to Jessie T. Buker for 25 years of service. A number of yearbooks chronicle Club activities and performances. There are also a number of newspaper clippings reporting on Club activities and Club-hosted musical performances. The collection also encompasses the musical performances hosted by the Club. This includes brochures and programs for series and individual performances, as well as records of artists and venues.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1892, the Amphion Club was a powerful force in the development of the San Diego music scene. According to the club constitution, the organization’s primary goal was to increase the musical knowledge of its members and to elevate the musical tastes of the community. The membership paid dues, and club income was used to sponsor events. Initially, meetings and performances by local musicians were held in the homes of club members, but membership quickly grew, and soon the club began hosting concerts at local venues and attracting artists from around the world. The Amphion Club succeeded in bringing internationally renowned classical performers to San Diego by offering them a full audience and handsome compensation. Among these artists were pianists Sergei Rachmaninoff and Ignace Paderewski, contralto Marian Anderson, dancer Anna Pavlova, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Carrie Jacobs Bond, and Italian soprano Amelita Galli-Curci. The main venues associated with the Amphion Club were the Isis Theater, Spreckels Theater, Russ Auditorium, Savoy Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre. For many years, performances were available only to members and their guests, but in 1930, the club began selling tickets to the general public. The organization finally dissolved in 1948, due to increasing competition in San Diego’s concert scene.

Gertrude Gilbert (d. 1947) was the long-standing club president (1907-1908; 1911-1946) and a key figure in the musical and cultural movements of the city. Another key figure was Mrs. Jessie “Brownie” Buker (b. 1874, d. 1972), who is the probable compiler of much of this collection. Mrs. Buker was secretary-treasurer of the club from 1918-1948. Born in Illinois, she came to San Diego in 1912 and was married to Benjamin A. Buker. Jessie Buker was instrumental in the success of the Amphion Club and in the growth of the arts and culture in San Diego. Aside from her work with the Amphion Club, Mrs. Buker was a concert manager for Los Angeles impresario L.A. Behymer, worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and was a member of the Altrusa Club and the San Diego Retirement Association.

Acquisition information:
Much of the collection appears to have been compiled by Mrs. B.A. Buker. At least part of the collection was donated by Mrs. B.A. Buker in 1970. The visitor’s book was donated by the Wednesday Club in 1978.
Processing information:

Collection processed by Jennifer Ho on July 13, 2011.

Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Arrangement:

Items in the collection are arranged by subject.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Jennifer Ho
Sponsor:
Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.
Date Prepared:
July 13, 2011
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2011-12-06T13:44-0800

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

Amphion Club Collection, MS 134, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website