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Creator
Lagowitz, Harriet L., 1864-1931
Call number
*T-Mss 2023-007
Physical description
8.81 linear feet (9 volumes)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
Harriet L. Lagowitz scrapbooks, *T-Mss 2023-007. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

The Harriet L. Lagowitz scrapbooks, dated 1879 to 1893, were created by Harriet L. Lagowitz (1864-1931), a theatre enthusiast who documented New York City's theatrical productions during the latter part of the 19th century. The scrapbook holds clippings and playbills.

Biographical/historical information

Harriet L. Lagowitz (1864-1931) was the daughter of Jacob and Flora Lagowitz, who emigrated from Prussia (Germany) in 1858. Born in New Jersey, she was the youngest of six sisters. Prior to 1880, the Lagowitz's family moved to Manhattan. An avid theatregoer, she created scrapbooks about the theatre.

Lagowitz died in New York City in 1931.

Scope and arrangement

The Harriet L. Lagowitz scrapbooks, dated from 1879 to 1893, were compiled by her to document theatre productions in New York City. The scrapbooks hold newspaper clippings and playbills.

The playbills promoted concerts, dramatic plays, minstrel shows, operas and Shakespeare plays. These productions were held in theatres including the Booth's Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre, Germania Theater, Haverly's 14th Street Theatre, Madison Square Theatre, and the Wallack's Theatre. (note: The Haverly's 14th Street Theatre is the only theatre that continues to operate). Volume one holds mostly theatre programs.

Interfiled with the playbills were articles about actors, local gossip, obituaries, poetry, reviews, theatre companies, and news about the theatre world abroad. Lagowitz did not complete her final scrapbook. A group of clippings were not attached to the pages (volume 8).  

Arrangement

The scrapbooks were arranged chronologically and retain the local call numbers.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift of Actors Fund of America.

Revision History

One new volume added to the detailed description and extents and collection inclusive dates updated to reflect this new addition. (2024-08)

Processing information

Processed by Valerie Wingfield in 2023.

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor