Larson (Gerard A. and Georgia B.) Theatre Collection, 1678-1999, bulk 1830-1930

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Summary

Abstract:
The collection consists of over 200 years of theater memorabilia, primarily from the Haymarket district in London, the bulk of which dates between 1830 and 1930. Gerard and Georgia Larson assembled this collection over their lifetimes, focusing heavily on collecting items related to famous nineteenth century actors such as Sir Henry Irving. This collection includes their extensive autograph collection as well as a substantial collection of early playbills dating back ot the mid-eighteenth century, a promptbook for a mid-nineteenth century play, and original artwork created for Lyceum souvenir booklets. The collection also contains literature on nineteenth and twentieth century plays and staging, in particular a four year run of Craig Gordon's publication The Mask, and a small number of letters and play booklets related to Gerard Larson's teaching career.
Extent:
4 Linear Feet (3 manuscript boxes, 1 flat box & 14 oversize folders)
Language:
The collection is in English and French.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item including date], [Folder Title], MSS 2010/34, Gerard A. and Georgia B. Larson Theatre Collection, Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University Archives, California State University, Sacramento.

Background

Biographical / historical:

Gerard (Gerry) A. Larson (1923-1999) was born in Chicago but raised in New York where, due to parental influence, he first fell in love with the theater. He obtained his doctorate in 1957 from the University of Utah, where he met his wife, Georgia. Dr. Larry Shumate recruited him for the newly established CSUS theatre department immediately after graduate school and he worked as a professor in the department until 1994. During his tenure at this institution, he directed numerous student plays including the first musical produced by the theatre program and the early operas. In addition to his work with the CSUS theatre and other area performing arts centers, Gerard was an avid collector of theatre memorabilia, particularly 18th and 19th century memorabilia related to the London's Haymarket area. This hobby directly affected his teaching activities, on at least one occasion he directed a play at CSUS that dated back to this era. Even after completely retiring from CSUS in 1993, he contined to be active in the theater, performing with his wife in the 1996 production "Love Letters." He died after a bout of pneumonia in 1999 at the age of 75, leaving behind his wife and several nieces and nephews.

The daughter of Helen and James Bobolis, Georgia (Bobolis) Larson, a Utah native, married Gerard Larson in 1957. A teacher by profession, her avocation during her husband's lifetime was assisting Gerard Larson in his work. She acted in several of his plays, including his 1963 production of Hamlet, and their two person performance of "Love Letters." She is an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox church, and in recent years has written productions for the CSUS theater program. She currently lives in Sacramento.

Acquisition information:
The Gerard A. and Georgia B. Larson Theatre Collection was donated by Georgia Larson in May 2010.
Custodial history:

Gerard and Georgia Larson assembled this collection over Gerard Larson's lifetime. Although they collected some of the materials themselves, some they bought from Autographs and Documents Historiques. Amongst the items they collected were several pre-assembled collections. These collections include a group of letters either sent to or received by Charles Manby that relate to his management of the Adelphi. Another such grouping is the letters assembled by Charles Willett from various famous actors, during the course of his writing career. Finally, a Haymarket theatre district ephemera collection assembled by James Towers over the course of his lifetime, exists within this collection.

Processing information:

Finding Aid prepared by Elena Smith.

Accruals:

No additions are expected.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Copyright is protected by the copyright law, Chapter 17 of the U.S. Code. Requests for permission to publish, quote, or reproduce from collections must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Department of the Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University Archives. Permission for publication is given on the behalf of the Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University Archives, California State University, Sacramento as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Collection is open for research. Some restrictions may apply.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item including date], [Folder Title], MSS 2010/34, Gerard A. and Georgia B. Larson Theatre Collection, Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University Archives, California State University, Sacramento.

Location of this collection:
University Library, MS 6039
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819, US
Contact:
916-278-6144
lib-scua@csus.edu
Website