Lew Dale Vaudeville collection, 1892-1907

John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2016

Collection Overview

Title:	Lew Dale Vaudeville collection
Date range:	1892-1907
Creator:	Dale, Lew
Extent:	0.25 Linear feet
Abstract:	This collection contains 24 programs and 1 poster for vaudeville shows and 1 black and white photograph of a vaudeville performer in black face. All of the items are for shows in which Lew Dale performed as a comedian, ventriloquist, minstrel showman, and musician. The materials date from 1892-1907. The shows were performed in the following states in the United States: Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Each program includes Lew Dale as a solo act or as part of a duo. There are 3 duo acts represented: Allen & Dale, Fredo &Dale, and Dale & Dare. Most of the shows list Lew Dale as a musician and comedian. He specialized in playing novelty instruments such as the Marimaphone and the Electrobalco Bells. The programs also list all the other performers for each show and include advertisements for local businesses and political candidates.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	MS.2016.017

Scope & content

This collection contains 24 programs and 1 poster for vaudeville shows and 1 black and white photograph of a vaudeville performer in black face. All of the items are for shows in which Lew Dale performed as a comedian, ventriloquist, minstrel showman, and musician. The materials date from 1892-1907. The shows were performed in the following states in the United States: Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Each program includes Lew Dale as a solo act or as part of a duo. There are 3 duo acts represented: Allen & Dale, Fredo &Dale, and Dale & Dare. Most of the shows list Lew Dale as a musician and comedian. He specialized in playing novelty instruments such as the Marimaphone and the Electrobalco Bells. The programs also list all the other performers for each show and include advertisements for local businesses and political candidates.

Access Points

Subject Topics

• Minstrel shows
• Minstrel shows--United States--20th century
• Minstrel shows--United States--History--19th century
• Vaudeville

Subject Topics

• Programs
• Theater programs

Subject Topics

• Performing Arts

Arrangement

The materials are organized chronologically.

Biographical/Historical note

No information about the life of Lew Dale is known except for the evidence provided in this collection. He was a vaudeville and minstrel performer during at least 1892-1907 in the United States. He appears to have been married as the program for the Acopic Theatre in June 1898 lists "Mrs. Lew Dale" as one of the performers.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Lew Dale Vaudeville collection, Ms.2016.017, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	Purchased by Brown University Library in 2015.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Karen Eberhart.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2016-10-21
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Related material:

See also: Blondie Robinson collection of African-American Minstrel and Vaudeville photographs (Ms.2015.018)

Inventory

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