Papers, 1897-1955 (inclusive), 1911-1920 (bulk).

ArchivalResource

Appell, Nathan, 1869-1928. Papers, 1897-1955 (inclusive), 1911-1920 (bulk).

Papers, 1897-1955 (inclusive), 1911-1920 (bulk).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/79392230

The Nathan Appell papers consists primarily of his business records, dating from 1897 to1955, though the bulk of the materials date 1911-1920. Correspondence details Appell's many business interests in the theatrical and bill posting arenas. While much of it is impersonal business correspondence, Appell's letters to his stock company managers, senior employees, and some of the performers he hired show in great detail how personalities and finances shaped each season. As the Secretary of the Association, Nathan Appell was responsible for recruiting and answering membership inquiries. Correspondence also discusses the political action of the Association. The file marked "Family" (Box 38, Folder 19) contains personal and frank letters that reveal much about Appell family relationships in the mid to late 1910s. The ledgers and datebooks give a quick picture of the financial status of Appell's interests, as well as of the acts and productions of the time. Financial records consist of box office statements, receipts, deposit slips and checkbooks. These relate primarily to Nathan Appell's theatrical stock companies in Malden and Somerville, Massachusetts, and to a lesser degree, his other various financial interests. These financial records and the contracts in a later series document well the outfitting and use of Appell's theater buildings, and his constantly changing staff of performers and support personnel. The show reports generated for the Wilmer and Vincent Company and the Central Managers Association provide an evaluation of the various acts on a night's bill. These range in date from 1914 to 1919 and review shows at the York Opera House, the Orpheum at Reading, the Colonial and Majestic at Harrisburg, and the Orpheum at Altoona. The Appell Collection also includes programs, scripts and sides, acting editions, photographs (generally of New York productions, used for publicity), motion picture heralds, catalogs, and industry directories.

53 boxes (ca. 52 linear ft.)

eng,

heb,

Houghton Library