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Keith/Albee

Title: Abda Corporation ledger, Pawtucket, RI, February 7-October 16, 1920
Subject: Theaters, Operating costs, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Star Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1920-1930

Title: Abda Corporation ledger, Pawtucket, RI, July 9-October 29, 1921
Subject: Theaters, Operating costs, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Star Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1920-1930

Title: Abda Corporation ledger, Pawtucket, RI, October 23, 1920-July 2, 1921
Subject: Theaters, Operating costs, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Star Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1920-1930

Title: American Red Cross correspondence, 1940-1942
Subject: War work, Theaters, American Red Cross, United States, 1940-1950

Title: B. F. Keith's Theatre Program, 1902-1911
Subject: Theatrical productions, Theaters, Vaudeville, Albee, Edward, 1928-, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1900-1910, 1910-1920

Title: Bijou & Star clipping book 129, Pawtucket, RI, September 25, 1912-August 2, 1918
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, World War, 1914-1918, Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Star Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1910-1920

Title: Bijou & Star clipping book 130, Pawtucket, RI, August 3, 1918-June 21, 1921
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), Star Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1910-1920, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou (formerly Keith's) clipping book, Pawtucket, RI, March 1, 1909-September 28, 1912
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Bijou Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1900-1910, 1910-1920

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 71, August 16, 1913-October 28, 1914
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1910-1920

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 72, September 9, 1922-March 1, 1924
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 73, March 2, 1924-September 18, 1925
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 74, September 22, 1925 - December 18, 1926
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 75, December 24, 1926-May 25, 1927
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou Theatre clipping book 76, May 31, 1927-August 11, 1928
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, 1920-1930

Title: Bijou Theatre programs, New York, 1891 and 1902
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Rosenquest, J. Wesley (James Wesley), 1858 or 1859-1918, United States -- New York -- New York, 1890-1900, 1900-1910

Title: Boston Museum 53rd season, 1893
Subject: Theatrical productions, Field, R. M. (Richard Montgomery), 1834-1902, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1890-1900

Title: Broadway Theatre clippings, 1901-1902
Subject: Theatrical productions, Theaters, Litt, Jacob, 1860-1905, Brooks, Joseph, Broadway Theatre (New York, N.Y. : 1445 Broadway), United States -- New York -- New York, 1900-1910

Title: Criterion Theatre, London, between 1900-1910?
Subject: Theatrical productions, Curzon, Frank, England -- London, 1900-1910

Title: Film Exchange Transfer Company receipts, December 1940-April 1943
Subject: Theaters, RKO Albee Theater, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1940-1950

Title: Film Exchange Transfer Company receipts, May 1943-January 1945
Subject: Theaters, RKO Albee Theater, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1940-1950

Title: Greek War Relief letter, March 1941
Subject: War relief, Theaters, Greek War Relief Association. Amusement Industry Division, M & P Theatres Corporation, United States -- Rhode Island, Greece, 1940-1950

Title: Keith-Albee manager reports, September 2, 1902-September 3, 1903
Subject: Theatrical productions, Vaudeville shows, United States -- Rhode Island, United States -- Massachusetts, United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia, United States -- Ohio -- Cleveland, United States -- New York -- New York, United States -- Michigan -- Detroit, 1900-1910

Title: Keith's clipping book 122, Pawtucket, RI, October 4, 1903-February 21, 1905
Subject: Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Theaters, Vaudeville, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1900-1910

Title: Keith's clipping book 123, Pawtucket, RI, February 25, 1905-December 30, 1910
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1900-1910, 1910-1920

Title: Keith's (Stock Co.) clipping book, Pawtucket, RI, August 18, 1906-March 8, 1909
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1900-1910

Title: Knights of Columbus member addresses, circa 1900-1930
Subject: Fraternal organizations, Knights of Columbus. Rhode Island State Council, United States -- Rhode Island, 1900-1910, 1910-1920, 1920-1930

Title: La Petite Revue clipping book, 1908-1910
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), United States -- Rhode Island, United States, 1900-1910, 1910-1920
Description: Publicity records for traveling companies assembled by Charles Lovenberg (long-time manager of Keith's Theatre).

Title: Letters of congratulations, 1941
Subject: French, George E., Frank, Howard, Heller, Harold, RKO Service Corporation, United States -- New York -- New York, 1940-1950

Title: Managers' report book 19, July 4, 1915-November 13, 1916
Subject: Theatrical productions, Theaters, United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, United States -- Rhode Island -- Woonsocket, United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1910-1920

Title: Master Motion Picture Company correspondence, 1942
Subject: Motion pictures, Previews, Master, M., French, George E., Master Motion Picture Company, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1940-1950

Title: Movie theater advertising, 1938
Subject: Theaters, Motion pictures, Four Star Program Company, United States -- Massachusetts -- Boston, 1930-1940

Title: Music Hall & Scenic clipping book 124, Pawtucket, RI, December 21, 1910-April 15, 1917
Subject: Theaters, Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1910-1920

Title: Music Hall & Scenic, clipping book 126, April 30, 1921-May 31, 1924
Subject: Theaters, Musical revues & comedies, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1920-1930

Title: Music Hall and Scenic clipping book 125, Pawtucket, RI, April 15, 1917-April 27, 1921
Subject: Theaters, Vaudeville shows, Theatrical productions, Motion pictures, Motion picture theaters, Music Hall (Pawtucket, R. I.), Scenic Theatre (Pawtucket, R. I.), United States -- Rhode Island -- Pawtucket, 1910-1920, 1920-1930

Title: Myer Mulman letter, August 1941
Subject: Theatrical productions, United States -- Rhode Island -- Bristol, 1940-1950

Title: Operatic Festival clipping book, 1909-1911
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Opera singers, Vaudeville, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), United States -- Rhode Island, United States, 1900-1910, 1910-1920
Description: Publicity records for traveling companies assembled by Charles Lovenberg (long-time manager of Keith's Theatre).

Title: Plastic theater admission signs, undated
Subject: Theaters, Tickets, Entertainment events Admission
Description: Eight plastic signs with adult prices ranging from 44 cents to 85 cents and children's prices ranging from 25 cents to 35 cents.

Title: Playbills and theatrical programs, 1890-1923
Subject: Theatrical productions, Vaudeville shows, 1890-1900, 1900-1910, 1910-1920, 1920-1930

Title: Theater promotional posters, 1932-1970
Subject: Theaters, Empire Theatre (New Bedford, Mass.), State Theatre (Webster, Mass.), United States -- Massachusetts, 1930-1940

Title: Theatre clipping and programs scrapbook 131, 1910-1916
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Drama, Vaudeville, Orpheum Theatre (Philadelphia, Pa.), Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia, United States -- New York -- New York, 1910-1920

Title: Tuscany Troubadours clipping book, 1908-1909
Subject: Theaters, Theatrical productions, Vaudeville, Keith's Theatre (Organization : Washington, D.C.), United States -- Rhode Island, United States, 1900-1910
Description: Publicity records for traveling companies assembled by Charles Lovenberg, 1908-1909 (long-time manager of Keith's Theatre)

Title: USO theatre week sign, 1941
Subject: Theaters, World War, 1939-1945, Armed Forces, United States, 1940-1950

In collections

University of Iowa

Description

Details

Title: Keith/Albee
Contributor: Albee, Edward Franklin, 1857-1930
Keith, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1846-1914
Date Created: 1894/1935
Description: Benjamin Franklin Keith and Edward Franklin Albee became partners in the late 1880s to promote "polite" vaudeville. They lavishly remodeled several theaters on the east coast and began producing a brand of "high class" vaudeville. Crude remarks and risque costumes were censored from performances, and they even attempted to prohibit rude behavior by audiences. Keith was the financial head of the circuit, while Albee was the general manager and owner of several theaters. In 1906, Keith and Albee established the United Booking Office. Every act that sought employment at any of the member theaters had to work through this central office, which in turn charged a five percent commission per act. Thus Keith and Albee expanded their power base. In the 1920s the Keith/Albee circuit merged with a western chain of vaudeville theaters to form the Keith-Albee-Orpheum Circuit. In 1928, $4,500,000 worth of stock was sold to Joseph P. Kennedy's Radio Corporation of America (RCA) establishing the Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO). After this merger, motion pictures became the primary form of entertainment, while vaudeville survived only as an accompaniment to the feature film. The Keith/Albee collection primarily reports vaudeville programming in Rhode Island between 1894 and 1935, but it includes unique resources for studying vaudeville throughout the east coast and Ohio with a series of Managers' Reports spanning 1902-1923. The Keith/Albee circuit, as represented in these Reports, involves theaters in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Boston and Webster, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cleveland, Ohio. Theaters in Detroit, Washington, D.C., and New York City also appear with some regularity. The records of Keith/Albee chronicle the expansion of their circuit, changes in its leadership, and the eventual decline of vaudeville. Items dating as late as 1952 are as diverse as usher's manuals to building permits, air raid precautions to price schedules, and cash books to correspondence. The bulk of the collection is made up of 150 oversized scrapbooks (each about 16"Hx12"W and averaging over 250 pages). There are 29,216 scrapbook pages total.
Subjects: Library of Congress Subject Headings: Motion picture industry
Vaudeville
Theater management
Theatrical managers
Subjects: Corporate Bodies: Edward F. Albee Stock Co.
B.F. Keith (Firm)
Archival Collection: Keith/Albee
Keith/Albee Collection
Collection Identifier: MSC0356
Collection Guide: http://aspace.lib.uiowa.edu/repositories/2/resources/2
Host institution: University of Iowa. Libraries. Special Collections Department
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. U.S. and international copyright laws may protect this item. Commercial use or distribution of this digital object is not permitted without written permission.
Contact Information: Contact the Special Collections Department at the University of Iowa Libraries: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/contact
Item Type (DCMI): Collection
Item Type (AAT): scrapbooks
clippings (information artifacts)
correspondence