Appell, Nathan, 1869-1928.

Nathan Appell was perhaps the best known theatrical man in Pennsylvania during his lifetime. Appell was born in 1869, and died at his home in York, Pennsylvania on May 24, 1928. During his career he owned and managed a number of theatres throughout Pennsylvania, put out several touring companies, and established theatrical stock companies in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In addition to these responsibilities, Appell was the Manager of the Harrisburg Advertising Company and the York Poster Advertising Company, the secretary of the Central Managers Association, a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Friar's Club and the Elks.

From the description of Papers, 1897-1955 (inclusive), 1911-1920 (bulk). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 79392230

Nathan Appell was perhaps the best known theatrical man in Pennsylvania during his lifetime. Appell was born in 1869, and died at his home in York, Pennsylvania on May 24, 1928. During his career he owned and managed a number of theatres throughout Pennsylvania, put out several touring companies, and established theatrical stock companies in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In addition to these responsibilities, Appell was the Manager of the Harrisburg Advertising Company and the York Poster Advertising Company, the secretary of the Central Managers Association, a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Friar's Club and the Elks.

Nathan Appell began his career in Harrisburg, where he was responsible for building and managing both the Lyceum Theatre (later named the Orpheum) and the Majestic Theatre. He was also the manager of the Opera House in that city, giving him something of a monopoly in the town. His interests and involvement with the Wilmer and Vincent Theatre Company eventually led to the management of theatres in Allentown, Shenandoah, Reading, Pottsville, Lebanon, Norristown, Carlisle, Hanover, Red Lion, and Lancaster.

Beginning in 1897 Nathan Appell managed several touring companies, including the King Dramatic Company, and the Cameron Clemens Company. In 1902 he established the Highland Park Stock Company at York, Pennsylvania. Soon after he installed stock companies in Utica, New York: and in Pennsylvania at Williamsport, Altoona, and Harrisburg. Appell also managed tours of the Allen Stock Company, Miss Helen Grayce (Mrs. Nathan Appell), the Grayce-Chatterdon Company, and the Arthur Chatterdon Company. In 1915 Nathan Appell formed stock companies at the Temple Theatre in Malden, Massachusetts, and at the newly built Somerville Theatre in Somerville.

Appell appears to have been involved in theatrical advertising as early as 1902, when he served as advertising agent for the Harrisburg production of J. H. Pain's "The Last Days of Pompeii." Eventually, he became manager of both the York Poster Advertising Company and the Hanover Poster Advertising Company.

Nathan Appell served as treasurer for the Central Managers Association from 1918 to 1920. This organization served as a voice for the interests of the managers of houses across the United States which played one night stands. After two years, the CMA was absorbed into the International Theatrical Association.

From the guide to the Nathan Appell papers, 1897-1955 (inclusive), 1911-1920 (bulk)., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)