Scope and arrangement
The collection is primarily correspondence, mainly letters to theatrical booking agents from vaudeville actors. The main recipients are Al Fostell of New York City and Fred Sefton of Detroit. Many of the letters were written on stationery with elaborate pictorial designs promoting the entertainment offered. Also included in the collection are two notebooks including one that belonged to songwriter Billy Wylie, some loose pages of song lyrics, gags and skits for vaudeville acts, and some ephemera including a program, touring schedule and miscellaneous receipts and printed matter.
The Emerson collection on vaudeville is arranged in three series:
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Primarily correspondence, mainly letters to theatrical booking agents especially Al Fostell of New York City, from vaudeville actors. Other recipients include J. M. Norcross, Fred Sefton of Detroit and Friese. Many of the letters are notes written on stationery or fliers advertising the acts.
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Two notebooks and some loose pages, all handwritten, most undated, of songs, rhymes, gags and other act ideas.
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Consists of a program, touring schedule, handwritten receipts, autographs and miscellaneous printed material.