John W. Cooper collection, 1887-2001.

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John W. Cooper collection, 1887-2001.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/79459185

The John W. Cooper Collection documents Cooper's long career as a ventriloquist. Included are letters received from ventriloquists, magicians and other entertainers discussing their experiences, and from various organizations where Cooper performed, arranging and thanking him for his performances, including USO Camp shows during World War II (1906-1966). Letters from William S. Berger, president of the Vent Haven Museum in Kentucky, discuss the museum, and there is correspondence with entertainment organizations to which he belonged. There are also a few scripts of dialogue for Cooper and his figure, Sam, and writings by Cooper regarding teaching the art of ventriloquism to students. Promotional literature and programs for Cooper's performances as well as other ventriloquists including William S. Berger and other performers, are in the collection. Scrapbooks about his career include programs, letters, promotional material, and news clippings (1897-1947).

3.8 linear ft.

New York Public Library System, NYPL

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8233116

New York Public Library System, NYPL

Related Entities

There are 7 Entities related to this resource.

Cooper, John W. (John Walcott), 1873-1966

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6x9330p (person)

John Walcott Cooper (1873-1966) was a Brooklyn born ventriloquist. From 1886 until about 1890 he was a singer with The Southern Jubilee Singers. Cooper debuted as a ventriloquist in the 1895-1896 theatrical season, and gave his first professional show in 1897. He began touring the minstrel circuit with Richards and Pringles Georgia Minstrels as early as 1901. In addition to ventriloquism, with his first wife, Etta Freeman, a pianist, he told stories in dialect, did fancy paper teari...

Reid, Willie Mae

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67m10z4 (person)

Berger, W. S. (William Shakespeare), 1878-1972

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6rv1d69 (person)

Bergen, Edgar, 1903-1978

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60p1r06 (person)

Vent Haven Museum (Covington, Ky.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6dg1jvk (corporateBody)

Lewis, Shari.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6z7077z (person)

Maynard, Joan

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6w38n8d (person)