Scope and arrangement
The Robert Baral Papers covers an entire era in American theater on the revue form of theatrical entertainment from the turn of the century to the 1930s. There are copious clipping files on Florenz Ziegfeld, his productions of the Ziegfeld Follies, the Ziegfeld girls and notable performers, and artwork (caricatures and drawings). Baral also collected numerous photographs from this era, many of which appeared in his book, Revue. Of special note are some designs from the French-Russian designer Erté.
Part of his collection consists of personal and professional papers dealing with his own life as a journalist and writer, such as correspondence with publishers, colleagues, and others; royalty statements; his military service; his residence at the New York Athletic Club, and his family in Indiana.
The Robert Baral papers are arranged in three series:
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This series consists of all personal and related business papers of Robert Baral and his family.
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This series contains clippings and photographs that were used in Baral research for his book Revue. Some of the images may also have been used in the book itself.
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This series is made up of clippings and photographs primarily of Revue materials which have been separated from other series because of their size.