Helscher, Fern

Fern Helscher was born in 1901, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Helscher of Robstown, Texas. She graduated from Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, in 1917, and first met Ted Shawn in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1928. In 1933 she began work as the press agent and booking manager for Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers. It was Helscher's efforts that made possible the now legendary 1,000 one-night performances of Shawn's company. Her close working relationship with Shawn extended into the 1940s when she assumed the position of business manager for Jacob's Pillow in Lee, Massachusetts. In 1948 Helscher organized and accompanied businessman Edward T. Clark during his tour of the Middle East and Asia as he endeavored to promote the World Government concept to foreign dignitaries after the tragedy of World War II. In the 1940s and 1950s Helscher promoted many dance artists, including José Limon, and Barton Mumaw. During the 1960s she traveled extensively, and in 1974 Helscher died on a return flight to New York City after a tour of Indian Ocean islands and West African countries.

From the guide to the Fern Helscher papers, circa 1910-1971, (The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.)

Fern Helscher (1901-1974) was a publicist and booking agent, who, through her long association with Ted Shawn and his circle, was instrumental in helping to increase the popularity of dance in general and in making dance an acceptable profession for men in the United States.

Born in Robstown, Texas, she graduated from Southwestern University in 1917 and first met Ted Shawn in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1928. In 1933, Helscher began work as the press agent and booking manager for Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers coordinating and generating publicity on behalf of Shawn as an individual artist, as well as for his company. Her close working relationship with Shawn extended into the 1940s when she assumed the position of business manager for Jacob's Pillow, the dance festival and school established by Shawn in Lee, Massachusetts. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s Helscher would promote the work of many dance artists, including José Limon and Barton Mumaw. She also traveled extensively throughout her life, most notably on a tour of the Middle East and Asia with New York State businessman Edward T. Clark to promote the concept of World Government. Helscher was returning from a tour of islands in the Indian Ocean and West African countires at the time of her death.

From the description of Fern Helscher papers, circa 1910-1971. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122898414