Hattie and Minnie Mooser papers, 1877-1967

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Creators:
Mooser, Hattie, 1878-1970 Mooser, Minnie, 1881-1979
Abstract:
Hattie and Minnie Mooser were hostesses who were a part of the bohemian and theatrical life of San Francisco. The collection consists primarily of scrapbooks documenting the Mooser sisters' interest and work in theater and their businesses (the Tiffin Room and the Aladdin Nite Club).
Extent:
Number of containers: 2 boxes, 8 oversize boxes (linear feet: 4)
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Hattie and Minnie Mooser papers, BANC MSS 2010/728, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists primarily of scrapbooks documenting the Mooser sisters' interest and work in theater and their businesses (the Tiffin Room and the Alladin Nite Club). The scrapbooks contain mostly clippings and some ephemera, but a few include photographs of the Tiffin Room and the Aladdin Nite Club (including some photographs of the Chinese employees of the nite club). Two scrapbooks document in papers and photographs the history of the Mooser family and the life of George Mooser (brother), who was a theatrical manager and agent. One photo album consists of autographed headshots of the vaudeville performers who were hosted by the Mooser sisters at their nite club. The collection also includes biographical materials, including a short typed manuscript of a memoir that discusses the sisters' childhood, the opening of the Tiffin Room, Hattie's work in social service, the sisters' work with children, and the Bohemian world of 1920s San Francisco.

Biographical / historical:

Hattie and Minnie Mooser were sisters and hostesses who were a part of the bohemian and theatrical life of San Francisco. They (along with their brothers George and Leon) were born in Nevada to Samuel and Rose Mooser, raised in Sacramento, and, in 1900, moved to San Francisco. Hattie was involved in social service, and worked for the juvenile court, giving benefits on its behalf with guest stars from local theaters. In 1918, Hattie founded the first municipal children's theater in San Francisco, which later expanded into a children's art center and a tearoom. In 1921, Minnie helped Hattie open San Francisco's first supper club, in Chinatown, called the Aladdin Studio Tiffin Room. In 1925, they opened the Aladdin Nite Club; because of its refusal to sell liquor and thereby compete with other clubs which did sell liquor, it was forced to close in 1929. In 1933, the two sisters managed the Beach Chalet in Golden Gate Park. During World War II, they volunteered as cooks and hostesses at the Stage Door Canteen, a club for those serving in the military.

Acquisition information:
The Hattie and Minnie Mooser papers were given to The Bancroft Library by the Judah L. Magnes Museum in 2010.
Processing information:

Processed by the Judah L. Magnes Museum staff. Additional processing by The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life Staff in 2011.

Accruals:

No additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.

Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.

Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Hattie and Minnie Mooser papers, BANC MSS 2010/728, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
Website