Theaters

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-13

On the left, a theater manager is bribing an inspector during an inspection of fire prevention equipment, while the specter of the Grim Reaper hovers above. On the right, a female figure labeled “Public opinion” holds three diminutive men labeled “Politician, Manager, [and] Inspector” and points toward the remains of a theater following a fire.

comments and context

Comments and Context

The context of this cartoon, with artist Ehrhart being as forceful as he could be, is not named… but was clear to every reader: the recent Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago. Still regarded as one America’s most devastating disasters, the fire on December 30, 1903, less than a month previous, claimed more than 600 lives. It was a fire that spread quickly — a broken arc light igniting the muslin curtain — and the nation learned of burned bodies, closed exits, and bodies of panicked patrons crushed sometimes 10-deep in aisles and doorways.

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Francis de Salis Regan that he sympathizes with the work of the Aloysius Truth Society to censor lewd motion pictures and theatrical productions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-28

President Roosevelt sends good wishes to the founders of the “New Theatre” and expresses his support for their goals.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-19

Colorized postcard showing the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana decorated with portraits, flags, and flowers for Theodore Roosevelt’s visit. A handwritten note on the back notes the opera house is in the “Vale of Paradise.”

Collection

Marple Collection

Creation Date

1910

Postcard showing a panoramic view of a street and buildings in Algiers, Algeria. Charles C. Myers notes that the first building on the right is the city’s leading theater and directly faces a little park.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Showing one of the most attractive spots in the city. On the right you see the Municipal Theater Bldg and across the St from here is the”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing the front of the Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris, France. Many people can be seen walking and standing in front of the building. Charles C. Myers describes the cost and dimensions of the building and comments on the social impacts of attending the opera.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Grand Opera House of Paris is said to be the finest opera building in the world and also the largest. It covers an area of three acres of ground and cost about six million dollars. The interior is finished exclusively in marble of many colors. This building was erected according to Napoleons ideas and wishes but not until later years, being commenced in 1861 and finished in 1874. The stage is 180 ft wide and 82 ft deep.

The auditorium of this building is not extra large as it has a seating of only 21 hundred people. On the outside of the auditorium is a wide promenade extending clear around the building and it is here that you may see a show that is more amusing than the performance on the stage. The swell set of Paris–as well as all other countries, are there exhibiting themselves and the latest fashions invented, which seem to be here on trial exebition [sic] before being sent abroad and elsewhere to the fashionable world.”

Postcard showing the main staircase in the Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris. The staircase is surrounded by sculptures, candelabras, and lamps on both sides. Charles C. Myers notes that the staircase is made entirely of marble, with the steps in white marble and the railings and columns in various other colors. Myers describes the staircase as “a remarkable piece of art.”

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is the great marble staircase of world renown, that you will see when entering the building. This is the most noted of all staircases in the world, being made entirely of marble of all colors–the only white marble used is the steps while the ceiling and walls are of various colors and shades.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing an image of the interior of the Opéra Garnier’s stage, floor seats, and four tiers of box seats at full seating capacity. The domed ceiling is decorated, and a large chandelier hangs down. Charles C. Myers believes a visit to the opera house is worthwhile, even if one does not understand French. He notes that a box seat costs approximately five franc, or one dollar.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is an interior view taken during a performance while the auditorium was filed to the limit. The overhead paintings are said by critics to be some of the finest paintings that artists brush has ever done, and it is indeed a treat to one who loves art to visit this place and you will also hear one of the most noted theatre orchestras in the world. Even if you do not understand the French play that is on the stage, you will feel well pain for attending the opera.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

President Roosevelt greets an audience at the Opera House in Des Moines, Iowa. He is grateful for the greeting and the horsemanship of the guards that accompanied him on his drive through the city.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-04-28

A minister and a “Theater Manager” are crying because of poor attendance at sermons and theater closures due to “Poor Business.” A young boy on roller skates is nearby with a sandwich board that states “Sunday evening sermon by the Rev. Dr. Gums, on the Sin of Roller Skating.” A crowd of people are standing at the entrance to a “Roller-Skating Rink” in the background.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1885-03-18