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George L. Myers collection of circus materials

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-1276

Scope and Contents

Materials in this collection document George L. Myers’s life as a travelling circus and theatrical performer. Scrapbooks include formal headshots and publicity photos of other performers, as well as snapshots probably taken by Myers. Almost all images are identified with names. The scrapbooks are organized by the company/production and date. Volume 1 dates from 1923 to 1926 and includes photographs from Myers’s time with the Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, and Baily Bros. Circus. It also includes a Wild West show with Sitting Bull Jr. and numerous images of Native Americans. Volume 2 dates from 1906 to 1921 and covers travel with the Newborough Opera Co., Time, Place, and Girl Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Prince of Pilsner Co., and Sells-Floto Circus. Images include performers in blackface and men performing as women. There is also a section at the back of unidentified cabinet cards, including many images of children; it is possible that these are family members. The atlas documents routes and stops on trips from 1945 to 1952. Route notebook records each show Myers travelled with, and the dates on which each show performed in a location. Matted and loose photographs include further photographs of performers; while some are labeled, most are not. A few are inscribed to Myers.

Dates

  • 1906 - 1952

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

George Latimer Myers was born April 11, 1886 in York, Pennsylvania to Jacob C. and Minerva L. Myers. He was a performer in theater, opera, and circuses, where his work included being equestrian director. Between 1906 and 1952, he was involved with a number of travelling companies, including Price of Pilsen Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, Passion Play, and Baily Bros. Circus. Myers died January 17, 1953.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 box, 4 volumes)

Language

English

Overview

George L. Myers (1886-1953) was a performer in travelling theater, opera, and circus companies between 1906 and 1952, including Price of Pilsen Co., Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Brinkley Girls Co., Sells-Floto Circus, and Baily Bros. Circus. The collection contains scrapbooks, photographs, and information documenting the routes taken by the companies.

Arrangement

Materials in the scrapbooks and route notebook were retained in their original order.

Acquisition

The George L. Myers collection of circus materials was purchsed by Special Collections, Haverford College in July, 2017 from James E. Arsenault and Company.

Processing Information

Processed by Sarah Horowitz; completed April, 2018.

Title
George L. Myers collection of circus materials
Author
Sarah Horowitz
Date
April, 2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting reproductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US