Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to the Partheneia Texts, Reports and Music
CU-223
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Collection Title: Partheneia texts, reports and music,
Date (inclusive): 1912-1936
Collection Number: CU-223
Creator:
University of California (1868-1952). Partheneia
Extent:
8 boxes (9.15 linear ft.)
Repository: The
Bancroft Library. University Archives.
Berkeley, California 94720-6000
Abstract: Texts of the plays, annual reports on the preparation and completion of the year's activities, and original music composed
for the pageant.
Physical Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Languages Represented:
English
Collection is open for research.
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts
must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft
Library 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 by the reader.
[Identification of item], Partheneia texts, reports and music, CU-223, University Archives, The Bancroft Library, University
of California, Berkeley.
Materials were collected on an annual basis by University Archives; often as gifts of the authors and composers.
Partheneia, an original, open-air pageant or masque presented each spring term, was initiated in 1911 by Miss Lucy Sprague,
then dean of women. A competition for a student-written script was held in the previous fall term, the general theme being
that of the transition from girlhood into womanhood; 400-500 women took part in the performance.
The first Partheneia, presented on April 6, 1912, was performed under the oaks bordering the eucalyptus grove. It was not
a satisfactory location for spectators, however, and later performances were given in Faculty Glade. The Partheneia was produced
regularly until interest in pageantry declined generally. It was discontinued in 1931.
The collection consists of texts of the plays, reports on the year's activities, and music composed or used in the productions.
There is a small amount of correspondence and one unused play at the end of series 1.