San Francisco theatre scrapbook

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 6145

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Dates

Creation: 1859-1872

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Music Library. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Music Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Historical note

The Bella Union Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened in 1849 as a gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco later that same year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained a gambling house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow, turned it into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times (and the scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union was getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.

Extent

0.7 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Scrapbook of theatre listings from San Francisco theaters, primaily the Bella Union and the New Bella Union Theatres, but also including the Alhambra and Pacific Theatres (San Francisco) and the Theater Comique in Sacramento. Most of the items are titles clipped from programs, but some also list casts and descriptions. Scattered throughout the scrapbook are penciled annotations. The Bella Union Theatre, located on Washington Street in San Francisco, originally opened in 1849 as a gambling house, and then presented the first minstrel show in San Francisco later that same year. Although it occasionaly presented theatrical performances, it remained a gambling house until 1856 when gambling was abolished, and the proprietor, Samuel Tetlow, turned it into a melodeon, or a variety hall/theater. The building was burned numerous times (and the scrapbook makes reference to an out of town performance "while the New Bella Union was getting furnished"). It remained an active theater until 1895 when it was turned into a museum; the building was ultimately destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906.