Guide to the John B. Archer Collection, circa 1912
Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-455-8000
E-mail: ricoll@provlib.org
Published in 2014
Collection Overview
| Title: |
John B. Archer Collection |
| Date range: |
circa 1912 |
| Creator: |
Archer, John B. (John Benjamin), 1872-1954 |
| Extent: |
1 linear foot
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| Abstract: |
This collection is comprised primarily of the work of John B. Archer. It contains scripts, arrangements, and sheet music of the various comic operas he wrote. |
| Language of materials: |
English |
| Repository: |
Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
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| Collection number: |
MSS023 |
Scope & content
This collection is comprised primarily of the work of John B. Archer. It contains scripts, arrangements, and sheet music of the various comic operas he wrote. Included are drafts in various stages of completion, almost all with handwritten notations. A scrapbook also contains extensive photographs of the staging of The Romany Maid. This scrapbook also includes programs and newspaper reviews.
Access Points
Subject Names
Subject Topics
Subject Topics
Document Types
Arrangement
The John B. Archer Collection is organized into a single series. It is organized by production, with music and scripts from the same play kept together. The only exception is for The Romany Maid, which is separated into two different boxes.
Historical note
Operettas or
Comic Operas became popular in England in the mid 19th century. Gilbert and Sullivan rose to popularity, and their style inspired many other composers to create similar experiences. These comic operas typically featured elaborate plots and humorous dialogue, and almost always ended happily.
John B. Archer was born in North Andover, MA, on October 24th, 1872. He authored numerous Comic Operas, many of which were performed in
Rhode Island. A composer, he also directed choral arrangements and lectured on choral music and on composers. He conducted the Choral Art Society of Providence
. He also gave a series of talks on international music. He died on February 6th, 1954 and is buried in
Swan Point Cemetery.
Access & Use
| Access to the collection: |
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department. |
| Use of the materials: |
Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references. |
| Preferred citation: |
[item number], [item title], John B. Archer Collection, MSS023, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library. |
| Contact information: |
Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-455-8000
E-mail: ricoll@provlib.org
|
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION |
| Acquisition: |
Unknown. |
| Accruals: |
No accruals are expected. |
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| ABOUT THE FINDING AID |
| Author: |
Finding aid prepared by Meghan Sullivan-Silva, 2014. |
| Encoding: |
Finding aid encoded by Stacie M. Parillo,
2014 November 28. |
| Descriptive rules: |
Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
| Related material: |
Florence Nelson Scrapbook, VM 008. |
Inventory
| Box 1, Folder 1 |
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Conscience = Freedom
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| Box 1, Folder 2 |
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Isle of Rest Part 1
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| Box 1, Folder 3 |
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Isle of Rest Part 1
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| Box 1, Folder 4 |
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Lend Me Five Shillings
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| Box 1, Folder 5 |
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No Trespassing
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| Box 2, Folder 6 |
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The Red Letter Orchestral Part 1
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| Box 2, Folder 7 |
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The Red Letter Orchestral Part 2
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| Box 2, Folder 8 |
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The Red Letter Orchestral Part 3
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| Box 2, Folder 9 |
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The Red Letter Script
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| Box 2, Folder 10 |
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The Red Letter Vocal Score Part 1
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| Box 2, Folder 11 |
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The Red Letter Vocal Score Part 2
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| Box 2, Folder 12 |
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The Romany Maid Vocal Score
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| Box 3, Folder 13 |
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The Romany Maid Scrapbook
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