Inventory of the Thomas W. Sefton Laurel and Hardy Collection

Series 1 Albums 1933-1994

Physical Description: 4 archival document boxes

Scope and Content Note

Series 1 contains a number of albums that Thomas W. Sefton used to hold his personal correspondence with Stan Laurel and the stills of Laurel and Hardy movies. Especially valuable is the album found in Box 2, Folder 5, which contains correspondence between Stan Laurel and Thomas W. Sefton from 1961 through 1965. In this correspondence, Laurel comments on the making of the Laurel and Hardy films, as well as other aspects of moviemaking in the 1920s. Stan Laurel wrote comments on the movie stills n Box 3, Folder 1, discussing the making of the movie depicted in the still. Thus, these albums serve as a source for the history of moviemaking during the silent era and early period of "talkies." Dates provided in the box and folder list are those of datable materials in the folders. The titles that Thomas W. Sefton assigned to the albums are in quotation marks at the beginning of the content field.

Box 1 : 1

Photograph album re banquet of "Sons of the Desert" club honoring Ida Kitaeva. 57 9x7 and 10x 8 black and white photographs (separated from album). Original album with scroll and motto of "Sons of the Desert" club 1966

Box 2 : 1-3

"Laurel and Hardy Off-Screen and Misc." Album with photographs, postcard, correspondence. Separated from album 1933-1994 (dates broken)

Box 2 : 4

"Laurel and Hardy. Special Information." Copies of the "The Desert Song," a newsletter listing films of Laurel and Hardy and surviving copies 1985-1986

Box 2 : 5

"Stan Laurel 1960-1965." Album with photographs, newspaper articles, and correspondence between Stan Laurel and Thomas W. Sefton. Separated from album 1961-1968 (dates broken)

Box 2 : 6-8

"Laurel and Hardy 1927 to 1928 Silent." Album with stills from Laurel and Hardy short films and films, photographs, correspondence 1963

Box 2 : 9

"Laurel and Hardy 1928 to 1929 Silent." Album with stills from Laurel and Hardy short films and films, photographs. Separated from album undated

Box 2 : 10

"Laurel and Hardy 1929 to 1935. Sound." Album with stills from Laurel and Hardy short films and films, photographs. Separated from album undated

Box 2 : 11

"Laurel and Hardy 1934 to 1952. Sound." Album with stills from Laurel and Hardy short films and films, photographs. Separated from album undated

Series 2 Subject Files 1961-1988

Physical Description: 1 archival document box

Scope and Content Note

Thomas Sefton had a number of file folders housing information on his interest in the work of Laurel and Hardy. Included here is Thomas W. Sefton's correspondence with Virginia Hardy, the daughter of Oliver Hardy, and Babe London, the comedienne who appeared in silent films in the 1920s, and with Laurel and Hardy. There are also a number of newsletters of Laurel and Hardy fan clubs. The dates of this series range from 1965 to 1988. In the content field, the name "Sefton" followed by a four digit number represents his filing system. The title that Thomas W. Sefton assigned to the folder is found in quotation marks at the beginning of the content field.

Box 1 : 1

"Newsletter. Pratfall. Sefton 2255." Issues of Pratfall, Laurel and Hardy fan newsletter 1971-1973

Box 1 : 2

"Newsletter. Bowles Dessert. Sefton 2256." Issues of Bowles Dessert, Laurel and Hardy fan newsletter 1977 1981-1988

Box 1 : 3

"Notecards Laurel and Hardy Movies. Sefton 2257." Thomas W. Sefton notecards on Laurel and Hardy short films and films; includes notes of Stan Laurel with his opinions of films and short films undated

Box 1 : 4

"Newsletter--News Reels (sic), The Dancing Cuckoos. Sefton 2258." Laurel and Hardy fan newsletter 1972-1975

Box 1 : 5

"The Intra Tent Journal. Sefton 2259." "Sons of the Desert" quarterly newsletter 1981

Box 1 : 6

"Tent Flap. Sefton 2260." Laurel and Hardy fan newsletter 1972

Box 1 : 7

"Sons of the Desert. Sefton 2261." Laurel and Hardy fan newsletter 1971

Box 1 : 8

"Correspondence. Sefton 2262." Thomas W. Sefton correspondence, telegrams, photograph re Laurel and Hardy and other film interests. Correspondents include Virginia Hardy and Babe London 1961-1988 (dates broken)

Box 1 : 9

"Film ordering. Sefton 2263." Thomas W. Sefton correspondence, order forms re orders of Laurel and Hardy films 1961-1985 (dates broken)

Box 1 : 10

"Laurel/Hardy Clippings. Sefton 2264." Sons of the Desert banquet program; newspaper and magazine articles re Laurel and Hardy 1965-1985 (dates broken)

Box 1 : 11

"Misc. Sefton 2265." Postcards, guide to movie ratings system; newspaper article 1972-1973

Series 3 Scripts 1935-1983

Physical Description: 1 archival document box

Scope and Content Note

Thomas W. Sefton collected a number of scripts, most of which were at one time in the hands of Stan Laurel. Most scripts most likely come from the 1940s and 1950s and concern Laurel and Hardy radios skits. The prime example of a script from the golden era of Laurel and Hardy's filmmaking is that for "The Fixer Uppers," a Laurel and Hardy short film of 1935. This script was Laurel's original, and Ida Laurel, Stan Laurel's widow, gave it to Sefton.

Box 1 : 1

"Another Fine Mess." Copy of script and Thomas W. Sefton incoming correspondence re script's acquisition 1983

Box 1 : 2

"A Spot of Trouble." Script, annotated by Stan Laurel. Photocopy for research use undated

Box 1 : 3

"Do You Take This Woman?." Rewritten by Charles F. Riesner undated

Box 1 : 4

"Laurel and Hardy Audition no. 2." 2 copies of script, one with autograph of Stan Laurel. Photocopy for research use undated

Box 1 : 5

Untitled script, with autograph of Stan Laurel at top of page one undated

Box 1 : 6

"Be A Man." Script given to Stan Laurel by Harry Moreny. One act skit by Sean O'Casey: "A Pound on Demand" 1950

Box 1 : 7

Synopsis for untitled Laurel and Hardy comedy. Basis for "Way Out West"? 1936

Box 1 : 8

"The Substitute. An English Farce." Typed copy undated

Box 1 : 9

"Home from the Honeymoon." One act play by Arthur Jefferson (Stan Laurel?). Cf. Box 1, Folder 13, this series undated

Box 1 : 10

"Laurel and Hardy Spot." Autograph of Stan Laurel at top of page one. Photocopy for research use undated

Box 1 : 11

"Getting A Driver's License." "Property of Laurel and Hardy Feature Productions." Annotated by Stan Laurel? Photocopy for research use undated

Box 1 : 12

"Three O'Clock in the Morning." "Property of Laurel and Hardy Feature Productions." Annotated by Stan Laurel. Photocopy for research use undated

Box 1 : 13

"Home from the Honeymoon." Script with Stan Laurel. Cf. Box 1, Folder 9, this series undated

Box 1 : 14

"The Fixer Uppers." Stan Laurel's copy of original script given by Ida Laurel to Tom W. Sefton in 1965 1935

Series 4 Sketches 1941 1993

Physical Description: 3 oversize folders

Scope and Content Note

This small series consists of sketches of the comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy, some of which Stan Laurel himself owned. Apparently an unknown party donated them to Thomas W. Sefton.

Box 1ov : 6

(1) Sketch of Stan Laurel by Marshall Powers. (2) 2 3x5 inch color photographs of Thomas W. Sefton with sketch and unidentified persons. Tags: "(1) Formerly property of Stan Laurel, Hollywood, California. (2) This caricature of Stan Laurel hung in his Santa Monica home for many years." 1941

Box 1ov : 7

Sketch in black and white of Laurel and Hardy, by "Dawn." Sketch in pencil re handcrafted gold spikes 1993

Box 2ov : 2

Sketch in black and white of Laurel and Hardy, by "Byrd." undated undated

Series 5 Lobby Cards, Posters 1934-1983

Physical Description: 15 oversize folders

Scope and Content Note

Thomas W. Sefton's collection of lobby cards and posters of Laurel and Hardy short films and films make up this series. The holdings range from some of the best movies that the duo made, eg, "Way Out West," to some of their lesser, eg, "The Bullfighters." In the content field, the name "Sefton" followed by a four digit number represents his filing system.

Box 1ov : 1

"Bogus Bandits. Sefton 2209." 1983

Box 1ov : 2

"Bohemian Girl. Sefton 2210-2217." 8 lobby cards undated

Box 1ov : 3

"Nothing But Trouble. Sefton 2224-2231." 8 lobby cards 1945

Box 1ov : 4

"Block-Heads (sic). Sefton 2218-2223." 8 lobby cards undated

Box 1ov : 5

"Our Gang" lobby cards (3). Given to Thomas W. Sefton by Ivor de Kirby undated

Box 2ov : 1

"Way Out West." 4 Lobby cards undated

Box 2ov : 5

6 posters from "Cinema Safety Productions," using scenes from Laurel and Hardy shorts undated

Box 2ov : 6

Mounted poster, "March of the Wooden Soldiers" 1945

Map case 5

"The Bohemian Girl" undated

Map case 5

"The Bullfighters." TWS 2234 1945

Map case 5

"Swiss Miss." Sefton 2233 undated

Map case 5

"Nothing But Trouble." TWS 2232 1945

Map case 5

Poster: "Janus Films Presents the Hal Roach Productions of Laurel and Hardy" undated

Map case 5

Poster re showing of classic Laurel and Hardy films undated

Map case 5

"Pack Up Your Troubles" undated

Series 6 Photographs 1953-1994

Physical Description: 1 archival document box, 7 oversize folders

Scope and Content Note

Found in this series are stills from Laurel and Hardy short films and feature films, such as "The Roaring Twentys" and "Big Business," that Thomas W. Sefton acquired by purchase, and his personal photographs of, for example, Hal Roach. Also in this series are photographs of Laurel and Hardy's tour of England in 1947. This series also holds commercial postcards of the comedy team. In the content field, the name "Sefton" followed by a three or four digit number represents his filing system.

Box 1 : 1

7 color photographs re Hal Roach and Thomas W. Sefton meeting at Bel Aire Country Club. Christmas cards to Thomas W. Sefton from Hal Roach 1979-1986 (dates broken)

Box 1 : 2

8x10 color photograph of Hal Roach, autographed to Thomas W. Sefton (Sefton 3957). 3 3x5 color photographs, Hal Roach with Thomas W. Sefton, Howard Keel, Ninon DeRosa (Sefton 3612). 1983 Hal Roach and family Christmas portrait (Sefton 3961). 8x10 color and black and white photographs of Thomas W. Sefton case with Laurel and Hardy photographs and mementos. 5x7 color photograph of 100th birthday of Hal Roach. 8x10 black and white photograph of Hal Roach (Sefton 362) 1982 1983 1992

Box 1 : 3

8x10 black and white photograph of Loretta Young (Sefton 392). With autograph to Stan and Ida Laurel undated

Box 1 : 4

8x10 black and white photograph of Stan Laurel with Oscar (copy). Sefton 363 undated

Box 1 : 5

6 8x10 and 2 5x7 black and white photographs of "First Laurel and Hardy scholarship" 1971

Box 1 : 6

Newspaper photograph of final photo session of Laurel and Hardy. Newspaper article re thirtieth anniversary of the death of Stan Laurel 1995

Box 1 : 7

Copper plates with images of Laurel and Hardy (Sefton 9535, Sefton 9536) undated

Box 1 : 8

Twenty black and white Laurel and Hardy postcards. Advertisement re same 1994

Box 1 : 9

7 8x10 stills from Laurel and Hardy films and film shorts and other films. 1 postcard; negatives. Sefton 2249. Gift of Wes Harris to Thomas W. Sefton 1977

Box 1 : 10

26 8x10 stills from Laurel and Hardy films and film shorts. Sefton 2197 undated

Box 1 : 11

8x10 stills from Laurel and Hardy films and film shorts. Sefton 2250 undated

Box 1 : 12

20 black and white photographs (different sizes) re Laurel and Hardy tour of England, probably in 1947 undated

Box 1 : 13

8 8x10 black and white photographs of Stan Laurel, and Laurel and Hardy 1976

Box 1 : 14

10 black and white photographs (different sizes) of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and others undated

Box 1 : 15

Individual photographs of Stan Laurel cut out from other photographs undated

Box 1 : 16

3x5 black and white photograph of Stan Laurel in Santa Monica home; includes negative. 7x5 photograph of Stan Laurel and Mary Harris; with letter to Thomas W. Sefton re photograph 1985

Box 1 : 17

"Laurel/Hardy Laughing 20's." 21 8x10 stills from Laurel and Hardy films and short films undated

Box 1 : 18

2 8x10 black and white photographs of Lucille Hardy (Sefton 2251) 1978

Box 1 : 19

"Laurel and Hardy 1932 Studebaker Promotion" (Sefton 2140). 3 8x10 black and white photographs (reproductions) undated

Box 1 : 20

8x10 still from "The Devil's Brother" undated

Box 1 : 21

"Photos." 4 black and white prints from Stan Laurel negative of same at home. 5 black and white prints from Stan Laurel negative of same and wife on cruise with Oliver Hardy and wife. 2 black and white photographs of Laurel and Hardy in England. 8x10 color and black and white photographs of Thomas W. Sefton case with Laurel and Hardy photographs and mementos 1953

Box 1 : 22

Print of painting of Laurel and Hardy 1980

Box 1ov : 8

Black and white photograph of Laurel and Hardy from Station KFVD. Image of Thomas W. Sefton imposed on photograph. Mounted reproduction of San Diego Trust and Savings Bank advertisement with Laurel and Hardy. Mounted reproduction of group picture of Laurel and Hardy on tour of England undated

Box 1ov : 9

Mounted color photograph of Hal Roach, Scott Carpenter, and Thomas W. Sefton 1981

Box 1ov : 10

4 14x11 black and white publicity photographs of Laurel and Hardy. 2 blow-ups of photographs from book re Stan Laurel 1910 trip to the United States with the Karno Pantomine Company undated

Box 1ov : 11

Enlarged black and white reproduction of scene from Laurel and Hardy film short, "Men O'War" undated

Box 2ov :

Montage of scenes from Laurel and Hardy films and film shorts. Autographs of Laurel and Hardy removed undated

Box 2ov : 4

Enlarged black and white reproduction of scene from Laurel and Hardy film short, "Two Tars" undated

Box 2ov : 7

Mounted enlarged photograph black and white reproduction of scene from Laurel and Hardy film short. With caption "About Your Raise" undated

Series 7 Miscellaneous Documents and Materials 1946-1990

Physical Description: 2 archival document boxes; 1 oversize box; 3 oversize folders

Scope and Content Note

This series was created to account for all the loose and unorganized material that came in the collection. Among these items are photographs of the great movie producer Hal Roach during his visits with Thomas W. Sefton; publications of the Grand Order of Water Rats, the British social club of movies stars devoted to charitable causes; and Stan Laurel's personal autograph book. In the content field, the name "Sefton" followed by a four digit number represents his filing system.

Box 1 : 1

Envelopes from Stan Laurel to Thomas W. Sefton 1961-1964

Box 1 : 2

Hal Roach: Christmas cards. Invitation to Hal Roach birthday party (Sefton 3953). Hal Roach Santa Anita Race Track program 1981 1982 1987 1990

Box 1 : 3

Pratfall, Laurel and Hardy fan magazine. Amateur Cine World. Bowler Dessert (Sefton 2215), Laurel and Hardy fan magazine. Article re Stan Laurel museum in Ulverston, England; postcard re same (Sefton 2213) 1964 1972 1987

Box 1 : 4

Laurel and Hardy stickers; "Way Out West" postcard (Sefton 2254). Laurel and Hardy funny money (Sefton 3361). Newspaper article re Hal Roach. Newspaper article re comedy of Laurel and Hardy 1984

Box 1 : 5

"Stan Laurel Radio": Thomas W. Sefton correspondence re same. Letter re Laurel and Hardy tour of England (photostatic copy). Note re "Sons of the Desert" banner 1947 1978 1980

Box 1 : 6

Larry Harmon autographed, to Stan Laurel, cartoon (Sefton 9542) undated

Box 1 : 7

Grand Order of Water Rats book of rules. The Trap, official bulletin of the "Grand Order of Water Rats." Pen of the Grand Order of Water Rats (Sefton 663). Grand Order of Water Rats dinner program, guests of honor, Laurel and Hardy. Not in Sefton 663. History of the Grand Order of Water Rats." Not in Sefton 663. 1946-1948

Box 1 : 8

Forty-five RPM records (2 copies): "Laurel and Hardy in London" (Sefton 2243). Forty-five RPM record: "Honolulu Baby" (Sefton 2214) 1975

Box 1 : 9

Thomas W. Sefton ingoing and outgoing correspondence re the Sons of the Desert (Sefton 2153) 1983

Box 1 : 10

Thomas W. Sefton photocopy of report on lost Laurel and Hardy film, "The Rogue Song" 1981

Box 1 : 11

"Stan Laurel Scrapbook," by Dean Kaner. 2 copies 1985

Box 1 : 12

Article re friendship of Lisa Mitchell with Stan Laurel (Sefton 2417) 1977

Box 1 : 13

Corrigenda to John McCabe book Laurel and Hardy. Order form and blurb re Laurel and Hardy book. Notes re Thomas W. Seftton's Laurel memorabilia. French president's invitation to Stan Laurel for lunch and menu for Stan Laurel luncheon (photocopies) 1947 1950 1977

Box 1 : 14

"Laurel and Hardy Club Register." Attendance lists, club roster, and meeting agenda 1988-1993

Box 1 : 15-16

Thomas W. Sefton note-card file re Laurel and Hardy films and film shorts. Includes photographs of Laurel and Hardy film locations 1968 1973 1975

Box 1 : 17

Telegram from Ida Laurel to Thomas W. Sefton; telegrams, correspondence, newspaper articles re discovery of Laurel and Hardy film shorts and films 1971 1980 1982 1983

Box 1ov : 12

Iduna Film flyer honoring Hal Roach. San Diego Trust and Savings Bank advertisements and tickets re Laurel and Hardy festival 1985

Box 1ov : 13

Stock certificate, Hal Roach Company. "Tom" Sefton "Sons of the Desert" membership. California State Assembly resolution honoring Stan Laurel. License for play at Embassy Theatre, England 1952 1965 1983

Box 2ov : 8

Oversize get well card to Stan Laurel undated

Box 3ov

Grand Order of the Water Rats autograph book given to Stan Laurel. 3x5 color photographs of Thomas W. Sefton's Grand Order of the Water Rats memorabilia. Stan Laurel Grand Order of Water Rats subscription. Grand Order of Water Rats rule books. Invitation to Grand Order of Water Rats dinner for Laurel and Hardy. 5 6.5x8.25 black and white photographs of Grand Order of Water Rats lodge; correspondence re same. 1947 1952 1959

Box Shelf

2 wooden boxes with name tags of "Sons of the Desert" members, of San Diego undated

Series 8 Audiocassettes, Reel-to-Reel Audiotapes, and Videocassettes circa 1961-1987

Physical Description: 1 archival document box, 1 oversize box

Scope and Content Note

In this series are Thomas W. Sefton's personal copies of Laurel and Hardy radio programs and music, made on audiocassettes and reel-to-reel audiotapes. Thomas W. Sefton assigned titles to these audio materials, which have been reproduced, at least in part, in quotation marks in the content field. Also included is a videocassette recording of a public showing of Laurel and Hardy film shorts, presumably in San Diego. In the content field, the name "Sefton" followed by a four digit number represents his filing system. The titles that Thomas W. Sefton assigned to the these audiotapes are found in quotation marks at the beginning of the content field. The Department of Archives and Special Collections will not duplicate this material, which is open only for research use.

Box 1 : 1

"Interview with Stan Laurel at Santa Monica apartment. (Sefton 3614)." From radio program: "Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy." Length: 15 minutes(?) circa 1961-1965

Box 1 : 2

"L and H Convention Chicago circa 78." Tape of radio program: "Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy." Length: 90 minutes circa 1978

Box 1 : 3

"L and H Music England." Side A: "Ronnie Hazelhurst Music." Side B: "Soundtracks Laurel and Hardy" undated

Box 1 : 4

"Laurel and Hardy. Both sides." Side 1: "L and H." Audio clips of Laurel and films and film shorts. Length 45 minutes undated

Box 1 : 5

"Mr. Leo Meyerson accompanies two silent films provided by Mr. Thomas Sefton of San Diego on 31 October, (sic) 1987." "Hog Wild and Two Tars With Laurel and Hardy (Sefton 8310)." Videocassette. Length: 60 minutes 1987

Box 1 : 6

"Hal Roach Interview by Jack White. 1981 Roach Home." Beta tape. Length unknown 1981

Box 4ov : 1

"Greeting from Bob Lee and the Essex Film Club. Track no. 1 Intro and music score for Putting Pants on Philip. Track no. 2 Music and Effects for Two Tars." Reel-to-Reel tape: Bob Lee salutation to Stan Laurel and organ music for Laurel and Hardy short films. Length: approximately 45 minutes undated

Box 4ov : 2

"Greeting from Bob Lee and the Essex Film Club. Track no. 1 Intro and music score for Putting Pants on Philip. Track no. 2 Music and Effects for Two Tars." Reel-to-Reel tape: Bob Lee salutation to Stan Laurel and organ music for Laurel and Hardy short films. Length: approximately 45 minutes undated

Box 4ov : 3

"Monophonic recording, dubbed from a speed of three and three quarters IPS ... Essex Film Club Bob Lee Sept 21, 1964 ...." Reel-to-Reel tape: Bob Lee salutation to Stan Laurel and organ music for Laurel and Hardy short films. Length: approximately 25 minutes 1964

Box 4ov : 4

"Putting the Pants on Philip. Two Tars. 1st side. Musical Background. (Pants.) 2nd side Music and Sound Effects (2 Tars.)." Cf. Box 2, Case 6, this series. Length: approximately 40 minutes 1964

Box 4ov : 5

"First 7' reel - Full Track ... Two Tars ... Second 7' reel ...." Length: approximately 40 minutes undated

Box 4ov : 6

Thomas W. Sefton incoming letter and invoice re creation of master reel-to-reel tape for score of "Two Tars," and "Putting the Pants on Philip." Photocopies. Cf. Box 2, Case 4, this series 1964

Series 9 Memorabilia 1989

Physical Description: 3 records storage boxes, 1 oversize folder

Scope and Content Note

This series contains an eclectic run of items ranging from a Laurel and Hardy board game to plaster of paris busts of the two comedians that Thomas W. Sefton collected as part of his interest in Laurel and Hardy.

Box 1

Grand Order of Water Rats rat. Plaster of Paris bookends of Laurel and Hardy. "Sons of the Desert" rubber stamps. Figure of Marlin. Laurel and Hardy erasers and pencil sharpener. French Red Cross award to Laurel and Hardy. "Another Fine Mess" wooden statue. Laurel and Hardy watch. Miniature hat case with Stan Laurel bowler: memento for CBS program Salute to Stan Laurel." "One Good Turn" movie card. Laurel and Hardy birthday plates and napkins undated

Box 2

Laurel and Hardy board game. Laurel and Hardy rug. "Sons of the Desert" club banner. Bowler undated

Box Shelf

Stan Laurel plaster of paris statue undated

Box 3

Oliver Hardy plaster of paris statue undated

Box 1ov : 14

Laurel and Hardy calendar 1989

Box and Folder List