Roland Burke Hennessy papers

1858-1935 [bulk 1900-1930]

Roland Burke Hennessy (1870-1939) was an editor, publisher, drama critic, and poet. He founded the theatrical publication the New York Star and was its editor from 1908 to 1936. He became editor of the Vaudeville News, a publication of the Keith circuit, when it merged with the New York Star. He was also publisher and editor of the periodical Radio World. The Roland Burke Hennessy papers (1858-1935, bulk 1900-1930) contain photographs of vaudeville performers, producers, and other associates of Hennessy's; letters, cards, and telegrams to Hennessy; clippings; programs; and miscellaneous other materials. The bulk of the programs are for vaudeville shows and plays in New York City theaters. Subjects of the letters include Hennessy's poems, publications, writings, and other activities. There are letters regarding his poem Liberty Aflame, which was adapted into a vaudeville spectacle in 1917. Photographs include images of E.F. Albee, Lew Dockstader, Blanche Ring, and Maude Adams as Peter Pan. Hennessy was friends with actor Louis Mann, who is represented in the collection by photographs, letters, clippings, and programs. There are also programs and clipings from the career of Hennessy's wife, Muriel McArthur, who acted with Mann in Julie Bonbon (1906). The collection includes printed copies of two poems by Hennessy. The earliest item in the collection is an 1858 program for a Philadelphia performance of An Unequal Match and Blanche of Brandywine. The collection includes some photocopies and annotations by Hennessy's daughter, Cecile Burke Barnett.