My diary from Sydney, 1858-1859

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Summary

Creators:
Stephens, W.H.
Abstract:
Journal of W.H. Stephens' journey from Australia to Samoa, Tahiti, Honolulu, California, Mexico, and Panama. Includes detailed description of theaters in Australia and Northern california. Also includes some discussion of local customs and dress in Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Journal entries date from May 1, 1858 to June 6, 1859. The author first gives an account of the decline of drama in New South Wales, a decline that he blames on the arrival of the comedian James Simmonds, a performer brought to Australia by Lola Montez. Stephens' makes reference to Sydney, Melbourne, and Geelong theaters. He then sails from Sydney on a ship called the Ocean, and describes his travels in Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii with some attention to local customs and dress in all three places. Stephens' travels on the Eurydice from Tahiti to San Francisco. Once in San Francisco, he provides a detailed description of the local theatre scene and his professional engagements, as well as an overview of life in the city. The journal also records his travels in California's Gold Country (with some mention of local drama), Acapulco, Mexico, and Panama. The journal ends abruptly after Stephens reaches Panama.

Biographical / historical:

According to the manuscript, W.H. Stephens was an actor who performed in Australia until going to San Francisco in 1858.

Acquisition information:
Undated purchase by Lawrence Clark Powell, from P.J. Dobell.
Physical location:
Stored in UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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