Rousseau family papers, 1904-1958

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Summary

Creators:
Rousseau family.
Abstract:
The Rousseau family was a family musical ensemble consisting of husband and wife, Walter H. and Margaret Rousseau, and their seven children: Anna E. Rousseau, James L. Rousseau, Charles P. Rousseau, Milton T. Rousseau, Margaret Rousseau, and Green M. Rousseau. Beginning the 1910s, the family began performing at church and vaudeville theater venues throughout California, including a four month long performance at the Panama-California International Exposition in San Diego, California in 1915-1916. The Rousseau family papers include photographs, correspondence, and contracts that document the musical performances and business activities of the Rousseau family.
Extent:
.1 linear feet (1 box)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

Rousseau family papers, MS 44, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Rousseau family papers include photographs, correspondence, and contracts that document the musical performances and business activities of the Rousseau family. The papers consist of 21 photographs of various members of the Rousseau family, including two group photographs from the 1920s depicting members of the Rousseau family musicians with their musical instruments. The papers also includes letters of recommendation from theater hall managers attesting to the musical abilities of the Rousseau family, a letter related to the Rousseau’s performance at the Panama-California International Exposition in 1916, two contracts for performances at theaters throughout California, and W.H.H. certificate of appointment for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in El Centro, California.

Biographical / historical:

The Rousseau family was a family musical ensemble consisting of husband and wife, Walter H. and Margaret Rousseau, and their seven children: Anna E. Rousseau, James L. Rousseau, Charles P. Rousseau, Milton T. Rousseau, Margaret Rousseau, and Green M. Rousseau. Beginning the 1910s, the family began performing at church and vaudeville theater venues throughout California, including a four month long performance at the Panama-California International Exposition in San Diego, California in 1915-1916. The family performed as the ‘World’s Most Famous Rousseau Family of Musicians’ and the ‘Silver Star Musical Family’ playing an assortment of over 25 musical instruments, including the steel guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and violin.

Processing information:

Processed by Sean Heyliger, 06/28/2013.

Arrangement:

Series I. Photographs Series II. Correspondence Series III. Contracts

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.

Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish from the Rousseau Family Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

Preferred citation:

Rousseau family papers, MS 44, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Location of this collection:
659 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612, US
Contact:
(510) 637-0198
aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org
Website