Search Results

1. Harry Von Tilzer and H. Harold Gumm papers, 1878-1959

   approximately 11,000 items. 76 containers. 1 mapcase folder. 26.0 linear feet. -- Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

   Summary:

   The Harry Von Tilzer and H. Harold Gumm Papers consist of both personal and professional papers of composer and music publisher Harry Von Tilzer (1872-1946) and his brother, H. Harold Gumm (1881 or 82-1973), who was a lawyer, agent, and producer in the entertainment business. After having served as attorney for the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. (HVTMPC) for several decades, Harold Gumm served as executor of Harry Von Tilzer's estate and took over the company when Von Tilzer died in 1946. This collection contains the records of the HVTMPC which are inextricably combined not only with Harry Von Tilzer's papers but also with Gumm's papers and those of his firm Goldie & Gumm. Von Tilzer's personal papers include correspondence, writings, legal and financial documents, and drafts of his autobiography. The HVTMPC materials primarily consist of music (manuscript and printed), lyrics (manuscript and typewritten), scripts, legal and financial records, and a catalog of works published by HVTMPC. Most of Gumm's subject files relate to his activities as an agent for many prominent black performers of the 1930s and 1940s. Materials relating to their brothers (music publisher Will Von Tilzer; songwriter Albert Von Tilzer; and Jules and Jack Von Tilzer, who both worked in the family business) also appear in the collection. In addition, the collection contains programs, photographs, and clippings.

   Please note:

   Some or all content stored offsite.

2. American / Century Play Company scripts and business papers, 1894-2006

   approximately 16,000 items. 187 containers. 94.5 linear feet. -- Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

   Summary:

   The American Play Company / Century Play Company was a conglomerate publishing house that represented many of the most prominent American playwrights and dramatists of the 20th century. The scripts and business papers in the collection document numerous aspects of American theater production history, including author representation, show production, publishing, and licensing for television, film, radio, and stock productions. The script library notably includes five working copies of The Glass Menagerie (1944) by Tennessee Williams and early performance drafts of Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie (1921), Mourning Becomes Electra (1931), and Strange Interlude (1923). The collection also highlights several unpublished, unproduced works by female playwrights, such as Harriet Ford and Margery Benton Cooke.

3. Warner/Chappell collection, 1880-1987

   approximately 56,200 items. 415 containers. 173.5 linear feet. -- Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

   Summary:

   Warner/Chappell Music is an American music publishing company that traces its establishment to Chappell & Co. in London in 1810. Warner/Chappell grew in part due to its acquisition of other music publishers, many of which played prominent roles in New York City's Tin Pan Alley and in the production of shows on Broadway and elsewhere. The Warner/Chappell Collection primarily consists of scores for musicals, most intended for Broadway, but some for film, television, and other venues. The majority of the scores are manuscripts in the hands of arrangers, songwriters, and copyists, and includes combinations of full scores, piano-vocal scores, parts, and lyric sheets. The collection also contains manuscripts for popular songs and works for orchestra, band, and chamber ensembles, as well as a small number of business papers, programs, and cancelled checks.

   Please note:

   Some or all content stored offsite.

4. Harry and Sara Lepman collection, 1890-1945

   800 items. 7 containers. 2.0 linear feet. -- Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

   Summary:

   Dentist Harry Lepman and his wife Sara collected American political memorabilia and artifacts. The collection consists of sheet music, mostly songs, the majority of which were composed to rally public support for military efforts in the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The patriotic titles are enhanced by colorful cover art depicting American patriotic themes and images. Many notable songwriters of the day are represented, including Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, and Albert and Harry von Tilzer.