Abraham Mandelstam papers

1911-1969 [bulk 1930-1949]

The Abraham Mandelstam papers date from 1911 to 1969 (bulk dates 1930-1949) and contain certificates, correspondence, photographs, and scripts that document his camp work, theater production endeavors, and his relationship to various people in the arts.

The bulk of the collection is photographs that primarily document theatrical performances. Most of the photographs are in albums, but there are several loose photos. The majority of the photographs are labeled, but a few are unidentified. Each photo album contains a single production, while loose photographs in file folders are from several plays. All of the photographs have been arranged chronologically. A few photos have been engraved with "Photographed by Abraham Mandelstam," and many others have his stamp on the back. However, it is not clear if Mandelstam was affiliated with every production included in this collection or if he was merely a patron of some. There is no indication whether any of the photographs come from Intimate Revue Group productions. In addition to the stage photography, there are some photos from the camps and a few personal photos of Mandelstam's prominent friends such as Albert Einstein (Box 3, Folder 1).

Correspondence in the collection is predominately incoming but there a several outgoing letters. The correspondence primarily documents the development of the Intimate Revue Group, and includes brochures, response letters, and some subscriber information. There are a few letters about the potential purchase of the Deertrees Theatre in Maine (Box 1, Folder 2). There are also many letters related to Camp Wigwam and Camp Hiawatha, as well as camp brochures and camp articles written by Mandelstam, such as "The Value of Dramatics in Camp" and "The Recent Eclipse of the Sun Best Observed from Camp Wigwam in Maine." Additionally, there are letters from prominent people such as writer Arthur Guiterman and musician Josef Hofmann. Guiterman shared his creative process and several poems with Mandelstam, while the Hofmann letters document his visit to Camp Wigwam. The personal correspondence includes some photographs and postcards. There is also a letter from President Richard M. Nixon asking Mandelstam for recommendations of individuals to bring into his administration (Box 1, Folder 2).

There are two certificates in the collection, one from the Actor's Fund for lifetime membership, and the other from the American Theatre Wing War Service for volunteer work. There are also several scripts, a few of which are authored or co-authored by Mandelstam, such as "Dog Gone----Child!", "Bonfire," and "Hope Deferred." There are a few letters about a "Bonfire" production in Bridgton, Maine, and a solicitation note about "Hope Deferred" in the correspondence (Box 1, Folder 2). There is no other contextual information about the scripts.