Alonzo J. May photograph collection
Abstract
This collection contains the photographs related to May’s “Men and Women of the Stage” and “Dramatic Encyclopedia of Baltimore, 1750-1904,” which document the history of theater in the Mid-Atlantic. The collection illustrates the places and people written about in May’s book.
Dates
- 1860-1960
Creator
- May, Alonzo J., 1856-1912 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research use.
Conditions Governing Use
The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.
Biographical / Historical
Alonzo J. May was a musician and music teacher in Baltimore. He taught private lessons in several instruments, including piano and parlor organ, at 10 Madison Avenue. He also published several arrangements of well-known songs. He wrote both “Men and Women of the Stage” and “May’s Dramatic Encyclopedia of Baltimore, 1750-1904,” which chronicle the history of theater in both Baltimore and across the United States and Europe.
Extent
2.67 Linear Feet (4 full Hollinger boxes; 1 flat box)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of J. Richard Wilkins, November, 1977.
Scope and Contents
The Alonzo J. May Photograph Collection contains the photographs related to May’s “Men and Women of the Stage” and “Dramatic Encyclopedia of Baltimore, 1750-1904,” which document the history of theater. The collection illustrates the places and people written about in May’s books.
The collection is broken into six series: Actor Portraits; Children’s theater; Theaters; Baltimore Buildings; Miscellaneous; and Oversized Photographs. The photographs are organized within the series alphabetically by subject. Portraits of actors and actresses make up the bulk of the collection. The portraits vary in size but are primarily carte-de-visites and cabinet cards, and some of the photographs are autographed by the sitter. The collection also includes photographs of Baltimore theaters, such as the Holliday Street Theatre and Arnold’s Olympic Theatre, and other landmarks. Later photographs of children’s theater productions also are a part of the collection.
Creator
- May, Alonzo J., 1856-1912 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Alonzo J. May photograph collection
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- Lara Westwood
- Date
- 2014-09
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- 2020-02-08: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org