Lep Solomon papers

1921-1957

Lep Solomon served as treasurer of the Sam H. Harris Theatre, the Music Box Theatre, and of the Lambs Club in a career lasting from the 1910s into the 1950s. Solomon also served as president of the Treasurers Club of America, and was manager of City College of New York's Lewisohn Stadium. Although he was based in New York throughout his life, Lep Solomon happened to be visiting his daughter in Beverly Hills, Calif., when he died suddenly in August of 1957, at the age of 69. The majority of the Lep Solomon papers consist of documents related to his membership in the Lambs Club. There is also material concerning his other activities and affiliations, such as a certificate proclaiming Solomon's lifetime membership in the Actors' Fund of America. Of interest are several lengthy sheets of paper signed for Lep Solomon by his fellow members of the Lambs Club on special occasions. The earliest of these documents dates from 1931, and includes the autographs of Joe E. Brown, William Gaxton, Smith & Dale, and Harry Blackstone. Later examples, given to Solomon prior to travel or as Get Well messages during hospitalizations, include signees DeWolf Hopper, Fred Stone, Thomas Meighan, Ed Begley, Pat O'Malley and Royal Dano. Also in the collection is a special program printed on cloth for a one-night-only benefit performance for the Relief Fund of the Treasurer's Club of America. The performance took place at the Hudson Theatre on April 6, 1924, and featured Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Jack Benny, Robert Benchley, Jack Buchanan, and others.