Bell Theatre scrapbook, [circa 1910s]

University of Michigan William L. Clements Library

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Restrictions:: The collection is open for research.

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Summary

Creator:: Anonymous
Abstract:: This scrapbook contains materials relating to the Bell Theatre, likely located in Springfield, Oregon, around the 1910s. The theatre presented motion pictures, vaudeville acts, comedy acts, contests and lectures, and other events. The items in the scrapbook include programs, tickets, advertisements, newspaper clippings about the theatre, and other printed ephemera.
Extent:: 1 volume
Language:: English
Authors:: Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Bossio, September 2024

Background

Scope and Content:

This scrapbook contains materials relating to the Bell Theatre, likely located in Springfield, Oregon, around the 1910s. The theatre presented motion pictures, vaudeville acts, comedy acts, contests and lectures, and other events. The items in the scrapbook include programs, tickets, advertisements, newspaper clippings about the theatre, and other printed ephemera.

The Bell Theatre advertised themselves as having "all the latest motion pictures and vaudeville," and appeared to have been managed by Wallace Potter at the time of the items' creation. Some newspaper clippings reference a legal case of the city vs. Potter, who appears to have been arrested for operating his theatre contrary to an ordinance (passed over the mayor's veto) requiring moving picture shows to pay a license fee.

One newspaper article discussed an uptick in cocaine usage, calling it a "snow" habit. Some advertised events included minstrel shows/comedy acts and "prize baby" contests.

Biographical / Historical:

No additional historical or biographical information is available for this finding aid.

Acquisition Information:

2024. M-8105.2 .

Arrangement:

The collection is a single bound volume.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)