Lincoln Caswell as Abraham Lincoln

              Figure

LINCOLN CASWELL
(HIMSELF)
as ABRAHAM LINCOLN
On the steps of the United States Mint Building, Wall Street, New York City

For terms and open dates write to
THOMAS BRADY
Speakers' Bureau
EXCLUSIVE MANAGER
236 WEST 44th ST., NEW YORK
Telephones, Lackawanna 1875–1876



Reincarnation!

ABRAHAM LINCOLN OPENS THE DOOR AND WALKS IN!


Photo by SCANDLIN

Printed in U. S. A.
COPYRIGHT 1928, BY THOMAS BRADY.

Let us have faith that Right makes Might; and in that faith let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.




IN introducing Dr. Lincoln Caswell, I am well aware that anything I may say will not adequately convey to my clients this inspiring impersonation and interpretation of our martyred President.

The character of Abraham Lincoln has been studied for personal pleasure, historic purpose, educational advancement, moral value and spiritual inspiration.  It has also been exploited theatrically at odd periods.  But to sound the depths of so great a character is a work worthy of a lifetime.

After years devoted to this study and after diligent effort in surmounting serious difficulties in the presentation of this supreme character in American history, Dr. Caswell has built up a portrayal in as vivid a style as possible with such characteristics of Lincoln as exhibited at the height of his career while leading this nation through the throes of an unparalleled Civil War, giving freedom to the slave and salvation to the Union.

There having been nothing of the theatrical in the entire composition of Lincoln, this presentation is purposely one of nature itself, rather than one of mirrored nature as we might term the theatre.  It would be far easier for the portrayer to surround himself with scenic equipment and a cast of players, but that would defeat the purpose—that of projecting the dominating spirit of Lincoln in all his characteristic simplicity.

Dr. Caswell does not lecture; he does not talk ABOUT Lincoln—he simply IS Lincoln when before the audience.  From the very moment he steps on the stage to the last exit, he never once comes out of the character.

He looks like Lincoln, talks like him, acts like him.  He converses with people of Lincoln's day.  He makes the audience live again the thrilling events of those momentous times.

The wit and humorous stories of that master of story telling fall from his lips in truly natural fashion, convulsing the audience with laughter as Lincoln brings home a telling point.

Here is a living, breathing portrayal of Abraham Lincoln.  In appearance, stature, mannerisms and voice he holds you spellbound—so astounded are you that you feel you must be in the actual presence of the great emancipator.

If you are interested, please advise me, and I shall be glad to quote terms and open dates.

Jhoo Brady





Figure


Photo by SCANDLIN

And, that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

HEAR THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS FROM LINCOLN'S OWN LIPS




ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(AN INTERPRETATION)

CHARACTER PORTRAYALS OF THE GREAT AMERICAN THAT INCLUDE:—

A DAY WITH LINCOLN AT THE EXECUTIVE MANSION.
LINCOLN'S STORIES AND HUMOR.
LINCOLN'S INTERVIEWS WITH HISTORIC PERSONS OF HIS DAY.
LINCOLN PRESIDING OVER THE FAMOUS WAR CABINET IN SESSION.
MEMORABLE SAYINGS OF THE MASTER MIND AND WIT.
SIGNING THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.




The selection of data from the wealth of material at hand has been a taxing problem, the final choice of which Dr. Caswell has made with greatest care, maintaining a strict regard for the historic.  These events which have been chosen are in such order as to follow the chronological sequence, but it is obvious that this order could not be strictly adhered to in all minor details.  The dramatis personae are actual characters of that period, and the language is for the most part Lincoln's own, care having been taken to preserve the accurate Lincoln phraseology.



PRELUDE
Consists of President-elect Lincoln's farewell to the citizens of Springfield as he left for the inauguration at Washington.



ACT I
Opens with the summer of the second year of the Civil War, approximately a month before the battle of Antietam.

Lincoln's office at the Executive Mansion.  He begins his day's duties, meeting people in various walks of life.



ACT II
The same scene later in the day.



ACT III
Involves the solution and the dissolution of slavery.  War cabinet meets in memorable session.  The genius of the master mind is shown in the handling of men.



ACT IV
Represents the reaction of Lincoln's mind to the forces of despair and triumph.  The action takes place in the late summer of 1864.




Not Like Lincoln But Lincoln Himself.






TRIBUTES

GREATER BUFFALO ADVERTISING CLUB ON APPEARANCE OF LINCOLN CASWELL BEFORE THEM
This meeting was an epoch making event in the annals of the Club when Dr. Lincoln Caswell brought us his vivid portrayal of Lincoln.

Drinkwater gave us a noble and inspiring view in drama and book, history has painted the pathos and grandeur of the Martyr-President, but to Lincoln Caswell alone has come the lot of bringing a flesh and blood realization, true to the great Emancipator in every gesture, in views and manner, as well as in outward appearance.

Dr. Lincoln Caswell brought us a picture that will never fade—his impersonation ranks among the mountain peaks of experience in the lives of those who saw is.

His meeting with us was one of the best of the year, and in the common language of advertising circles—He is a Wow.

J. JAY FULLER, President.

Mr. Caswell gave the Buffalo Ad Club a return engagement in November 1926, and in February 1927, under arrangements with the same Buffalo Ad Club he spoke before all the High Schools of the City of Buffalo on four different occasions.



NEW HAVEN ROTARY CLUB New Haven, Conn.
May I take this opportunity of saying how much all members of the Club appreciated the wonderfully fine presentation which Dr. Lincoln Caswell gave them.  It is something that will live in our memories for a long while.  I have heard a great many enthusiastic comments about it since the meeting.

JOHN B. DAWSON, Chairman, Program Committee.



BAPTIST TEMPLE Rochester, N. Y.
Here is a word straight from the heart that you may quote for me:

Dr. Lincoln Caswell's portrayal of the character of Abraham Lincoln, in dress, in manner, and in word is a superb exhibition that thrilled an audience which filled the Baptist Temple.  Perhaps the outstanding tribute due Dr. Caswell for the evening's program lies in the fact that he held his audience spellbound for two hours.

REV. CLINTON WUNDER, Pastor.



SAINT JAMES' CHURCH Madison Ave. and 71st St., New York.
I am glad to say how delighted we were with Dr. Lincoln Caswell's presentation.  He made Lincoln a very vivid and living personality to us all.  We felt it was a most inspiring evening and one of real educational value.

REV. FRANK WARFIELD CROWDER, Rector.



FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Middletown, Conn.
I am writing to express to Dr. Lincoln Caswell our great appreciation of the very inspiring impersonation and interpretation of Abraham Lincoln which he gave for us Sunday evening, May 22nd.  Not only is his physical resemblance to Mr. Lincoln remarkable, but his interpretation of his personality is reverent and adequate.  From beginning to end he held the closest interest of the entire congregation.  Since that evening I have heard from every side exceptionally strong expressions of appreciation.  The members of the G. A. R. were especially pleased.  I am sure from the reaction upon not only those who heard him Sunday night at the Church, but also those who heard him at the High School that his work carries with it a splendid Americanization quality.  I have already been asked by several to have him for a return engagement, and trust to be able to do so.

REV. RALPH A. CHRISTIE, Pastor.



ROCHESTER ROTARY CLUB
We do not know of any time when the Rotary Club has been so enthusiastic over anything as they were your Abe Lincoln sketch.

It certainly was wonderfully well done, and I am sure was thoroughly well enjoyed by every one who heard it.

WM. H. CAMPBELL, Secretary.

We are again considering the matter of having Dr. Lincoln Caswell come here for a five-day period this fall to go into the public schools under the auspices of the Rotary Club.

Kindly let me know by return mail what your charge is for the five-day period.

WM. H. CAMPBELL, Secretary.



KIWANIS NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT CONVENTION Bridgeport, Conn.
Dr. Lincoln Caswell was a smashing success at the entertainment of the District Convention of Kiwanis Clubs here in Bridgeport.  On all sides we have heard the highest praise of his performance.

WALLACE M. BAYLISS, Treasurer.



MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Springfield, Mass.
No word from me could add any appreciation.  The verdict was unanimous.  The best that I can say is that we would like to have him for a return engagement.  Every lover of democracy should hear Dr. Lincoln Caswell.  His interpretation is the best I ever saw.  He thrilled the big audience from start to finish.  Dr. Caswell is Abraham Lincoln on the stage.

B. A. HOOVER, Gen.-Se'cy, Y. M. C. A.



HEADQUARTERS NATIONAL WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS Oberlin, Ohio.
Having listened for the first time myself to Dr. Lincoln Caswell's complete evening's program, it has occurred to me, that some arrangement might be worked out between the National Organization of the Women's Relief Corps and Dr. Caswell.

As National President of the Women's Relief Corps, I would like to bring him before many of the Communities of this land, that he may make Abraham Lincoln real to the young people of our country.  Would he consider some such plan?

EDITH MASON CHRISTY, National President, W. R. C.



IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH Valparaiso, Ind.
I do not see how my poor words can add anything to the nation-wide press comments on Dr. Caswell's presentation of Abraham Lincoln.  To say that it was superb, life-like, charming, etc., would be but to say that he is a great actor of a great role.  The effect upon me was that time turned back-wards.  The Lincoln of my boyhood days, whom I never hoped to see, stood before me in the flesh.  Yes, I too was in that crowd that stood in the rain when he made his farewell address to the citizens at Springfield.  Maybe he didn't recognize me, but I was in his office in the White House when he had that little tilt with Seward about pardoning that New England boy sentenced to be shot; and I sat in at his cabinet meetings, and I eaves-dropped when he conversed with himself, and I stood right in front of him when he gave his memorable Gettysburg Address.  And then something happened.  He had finished.  That was not a platform on a battle ground, that was a stage.  I rubbed my eyes and began to realize that we were in the Memorial Opera House and that it was the year 1928 and not 1863.  Perhaps some will say it was a pleasant dream, but I know, I had seen and heard Abraham Lincoln.

REV. GEO. F. SCHUTES, Pastor.



THE PRESIDENT'S CHURCH
First Congregational Church Washington, D. C.
Whenever Dr. Lincoln Caswell can come to Washington again, we wish to have him repeat his marvelous impersonation and interpretation of Abraham Lincoln.

The great audience which filled the First Congregational Church of Washington responded to his inspiring presentation.

Beyond the striking physical resemblance and the accurate historical representation, we felt the deep spiritual import of Dr. Caswell's excellent work.

It was not Lincoln Caswell whom we saw and heard; it was Abraham Lincoln himself.  Scores of people in the audience who had seen Lincoln were amazed and enthusiastic.

JASON NOBEL PIERCE, Pastor.

After speaking three times in this church, Dr. Pierce has asked Mr. Caswell for a return engagement.




COLLIER'S NATIONAL WEEKLY
Article by Walter Davenport.
DR. LINCOLN CASWELL BRINGS LINCOLN TO US
They had considerable difficulty in getting the Colonel to attend at all.

He had heard Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg—had, in fact, stood within ten or fifteen feet of the Emancipator when those clear, earnest words had been spoken.

Therefore, the Colonel objected to having some actor man, got up as Lincoln, make stage play of those Gettysburg phrases.  Like as not, the actor would be some young squirt born yesterday.  It sounded plumb sacrilegious to him....

The Colonel got up and went…  There appeared a tall, raw-boned man with the heavily whimsical mouth, the long melancholy nose and the shrewdly contemplative eyes of Abraham Lincoln and the unbrushed chimney of hat, the clumsy, unbuttoned coat and the nonchalantly flung shawl which seemed momentarily to be falling off the shoulders.

By Jove, it did look like Abraham Lincoln, and the Colonel looked a bit less unfriendly.  Then, very deliberately, the image removed the beaver hat and threw off the shawl and head slightly bowed forward and eyes hard on the audience, he began to speak:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers....

No classroom ranting about it.  None of that unnatural, sepulchral intoning of the elocutionist to this voice.  Very calm it was and subdued: a twanging barytone with the measured sureness of a speaker who was not trying to impress but was unburdening his heart.  Somebody who, like the Colonel, had heard Abraham Lincoln speak, had been coaching this actor man.

—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation under God—

The voice was as natural, as unaffected as the voice of a child singing to itself.  The Colonel stood up, not to protest.  He stood at stiff attention until the last word and stood on transfixed for a moment more.

I'd like, said he, to shake the speaker by the hand.  I'd like to tell him I heard Abraham himself speak those words in 1863.



DR. CASWELL PLEASES ILION AUDIENCE
IMPERSONATOR GIVES STRIKINGLY VIVID PORTRAYAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S CHARACTER.

Ilion, April 22—The name of Dr. Lincoln Caswell will be synonymous with that of Lincoln after the splendid impersonation and interpretation of the Great Emancipator given by him at the High School Auditorium Thursday, which will be long remembered by those who were present.
In the morning, students and faculty members to the number of 600 were assembled and in the evening another large audience was present.  Mr. Caswell is endowed with a strong physical likeness of Lincoln, which enables him to portray the character and keep his memory alive, and leaves a greater impression than would a study of the character from the printed word of history.
Dr. Caswell gave his impersonation in three acts and gave a most finished performance, his voice and mannerisms bringing out the strength, sympathy and humor of the martyred president.—

UTICA PRESS (N. Y.)



3,000 THRILLED BY DR. CASWELL

Abraham Lincoln visited Milton yesterday.
So real was the impersonation of the Great Emancipator that the thousands who heard Dr. Lincoln Caswell during his short stay here actually feel today that Lincoln was in their midst.
All the emotions characteristic of Lincoln were portrayed with splendid effect by Dr. Caswell.  Lincoln's stories, by which he invariably drove home his point; his humor, his suffering because of bloodshed both in the north and the south—for aren't the boys in the South our boys, too?—in every role he was superb.  The extraordinary resemblance Dr. Caswell bears to Lincoln brought home to the audience with added force the rugged honesty and singleness of purpose, as well as the kindness, strength and tenderness of Lincoln.  Probably one of the most dramatic moments is when, in the final act, with despair everywhere, he clutches the flag and declares I've stood by you, now you'll have to stand by me.—

MILTON (PA.) EVENING STANDARD.



BOARD OF EDUCATION of the City of New York Office of THE DIRECTOR OF LECTURES 500 Park Aveune.
It would be difficult to find words with which to express my gratitude and appreciation for the splendid and dignified performance Dr. Caswell so generously gave us for our City Hall celebration of Lincoln's Birthday.

His impersonation of the Great Emancipator was one of the finest, most sincere and most moving presentations I have ever seen.  He is not only endowed with the physique and the physiognomy peculiarly adapted to this difficult task but he approached the subject so reverently and yet breathed into it such a glowing spirit of humanity, not omitting even a genuine dash here and there of true Lincolnian humor, that it would be difficult to conceive how such a performance could be surpassed, except possibly by means of a complete dramatic setting.

I wish that this portrayal might be brought before every boy and girl of high school age in our city.  Since this is impossible on any formal official basis, I hope he will take steps to make arrangements wherever possible, with the various high school principals for utilizing this as the basis of a paid entertainment for the purpose of raising funds,—a practice which practically all our high schools indulge in from time to time, subject to the approval of the necessary authorities.

If he cares to do this and feels that he could make such arrangements on any basis that would reasonably compensate him for the time and energy it would cost, he is quite at liberty to use this letter as a means of introduction to the principals of our various schools.

ERNEST L. CRANDALL, Director of Lectures and Visual Aids to Instruction.



ROXY THEATRES CORPORATION New York, N. Y.
We want to advise Dr. Caswell that his appearance as Abraham Lincoln here last May met with great success, and we are looking forward to the time when he can again be with us.

With best wishes, believe me.

ROXY (S. L. ROTHAFEL.)



FINE BIT OF ACTING

Abraham Lincoln visited Troy in person in 1861 while he was still President-elect; this morning he returned, so far as it was in the power of human genius to bring him.
Dr. Lincoln Caswell brought a real flesh and blood Abraham Lincoln to the school children of this city at the Troy Theatre this morning.
Altogether the performance was one of the finest bits of acting of its kind seen here for a long time.  Dr. Caswell not only makes Lincoln real to the present generation, but his selection of material has been most fortunate in that it accomplishes its purpose without resort to scenic equipment or cast of characters.
Dr. Caswell has the makings of an Abraham Lincoln in physical characteristics, without artificial helps.  With the aid of an unpressed black swallow tail, black streamer tie, high hat, which serves as his postoffice, whiskers and wart his appearance becomes inimitable.  Even so, an impersonation would fall flat unless the person making the study approached the characterization with appreciable intelligence and reverence—which Dr. Caswell does.  The result is a Lincoln atmosphere created, and impressions given that are not likely to be forgotten by those who witness the performance.—

TROY RECORD (N. Y.)



PORTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Brockton, Mass.
I think I am expressing the unanimous opinion of the great audience that crowded our large auditorium when Dr. Lincoln Caswell was here, when I say that his impersonation of Abraham Lincoln was one of the best things of the kind that we have ever seen or heard.  It did not seem possible that any one could so completely enter into the spirit as well as the character of Lincoln.  He has made a real contribution to our idea of the great Emancipator.

I hope that some time we will have the joy of welcoming him back to Brockton.  If he does come, I am sure that he will have an even greater audience than he had February 19th.

REV. HORACE F. HOLTON, D.D., Pastor.




I want everybody to know how much we all enjoyed Dr. Caswell.  He is a genius.  His presentation should be seen by every school pupil in America, were that possible.  It is very much worth while.  He makes Lincoln very real and very human, and thereby transforms our ideal of Lincoln into a Personality.

—H. E. PRATT, Principal, Department of Education, Albany High School, Albany, N. Y.

We were delighted with Dr. Lincoln Caswell.  His appearance, his motions, his spirit are all Lincoln's.  He is doing a great service to his generation.

—E. C. WARRINER, President, Michigan State Normal School, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

He gave us a splendid number.  We have never had a more attentive audience, although he talked for well over an hour and a half.  Two people told me they had seen Drinkwater's great play, Abraham Lincoln, but that Mr. Caswell's presentation was more pleasing and satisfactory.

—W. E. BENTLY, Supt. of Schools, Erie Co., N. Y., University of the State of New York.


Dr. Lincoln Caswell thrilled a large audience in the Municipal Auditorium, yesterday, when he gave a remarkable impersonation of Abraham Lincoln.  The Emancipation Proclamation act gave Mr. Caswell an opportunity for a rare dramatic display and he left a profound impression upon the audience.—
THE SPRINGFIELD (MASS.) UNION.


Dr. Caswell's acting was thoroughly natural, with nothing of the melodramic.  From the first moment he held the close attention of the audience.—
WATERVILLE (ME.) SENTINEL.

Dr. Caswell's interpretation of Lincoln is the best I have ever witnessed.  His personal characteristics which so closely resemble the great Lincoln make his audience believe that Lincoln himself is with them.

—ROY E. NICHOLS, Principal, Brandegee School, Utica, N. Y.

The entertainment was splendid.  The White Bureau is to be congratulated on having a man of Dr. Caswell's type to impersonate the greatest character in American history.

—JOHN A. PARTRIDGE, President, Maine Teachers' Association.

I saw Drinkwater's Lincoln in the London Lyceum, and yet Dr. Caswell gave us a truer Lincoln.

H. M. HANCOCK, Pastor, Glen Cove, L. I.

Dr. Caswell's interpretation of the scenes and events of the Martyred President was very realistic.

—GEORGE MORRIS, Supt. of Schools, Bloomfield, N. J.

Dr. Caswell made Lincoln live again.

—W. E. THOMPSON, Pastor, Freeport, L. I.



PUBLIC SCHOOLS
West New York, N. J.
You may be sure we were all very much pleased with Dr. Lincoln Caswell's impersonation of the great Emancipator.  I take pleasure in recommending his entertainment to any junior or senior high school.

W. W. STAVER, Principal.

While Dr. Caswell lives, Lincoln will not die.  It was a fine entertainment, blending instruction, amusement, and moral inspiration in unique form.  He could crowd the largest hall in the United States.

—WM. MacNICHOLL, Pastor, Centerport, L. I.

Dr. Caswell's impersonation is the most finished and artistic interpretation I have ever heard.

—REV. C. H. MORGAN, New York City.

Dr. Caswell caught the spirit of the great War President.  His art is worthy of the theme.

—WM. H. BURGWIN, Pastor, Brooklyn, N. Y.

I consider Dr. Caswell's presentation of Abraham Lincoln a masterpiece.

—J. LANE MILLER, Pastor, Hanson Place Church, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Our entire community was deeply impressed by Dr. Caswell's interpretation.

—GEO. E. BISHOP, Pastor, Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Dr. Caswell reaches such heights in his interpretation that at times Lincoln lives again in him.

—F. W. STACEY, St. James' Church, N. Y. City.


So faithfully was Dr. Caswell's impersonation carried out that had Lincoln's friends been in the audience they must have marvelled.—
THE WHITE PLAINS REPORTER.


It was in every respect a finished performance, so thoroughly studied and perfected with the 'Art that hides the art.'—
MIDDLETOWN TRANSCRIPT.


He portrayed in voice, gesture, appearance and mood the Martyred President in a manner that will never be forgotten.—
HIGHLAND DEMOCRAT, Peekskill, N. Y.

Dr. Caswell's evening with us was one long to be remembered.  We felt the 'Great Emancipator' was actually with us.

—W. G. WAR, General Secretary, Y. M. C. A., Geneva, N. Y.


Most remarkable impersonation of Abraham Lincoln.—
KENNEBEC (Me.) JOURNAL.

Mr. John H. Griffin, of the Springfield (Mass.)  Union, writing of Dr. Caswell's appearance before over 3,000 people in the Springfield Municipal Auditorium, where the Methodist General Conference was held, wrote as follows:

There were many personalities at the Auditorium this season, but the most distinct was Dr. Caswell's in his performance, which aroused such enthusiasm.  His impersonation is a revealed bit of artistry that every American should see.  All the books and schools are not half so effective in interpreting the character of the 'Martyr President' as is a single performance of Dr. Caswell.  I hope he will be seen here again next season.


Holding the closest attention of old and young, he well deserves the unqualified praise bestowed upon him for his wonderful characterization.—
SPRINGVILLE (MASS.) JOURNAL.



THE UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Bridgeport, Conn.
Dr. Lincoln Caswell's impersonation of Abraham Lincoln at our Forum on Sunday night, February 27th, was one of the best things we have had.  I am glad to recommend him without reservation.  He produced a very deep impression upon all who heard him here.  I hope it may be possible for him to come next year.

REV. WM. HORACE DAY, Pastor.