Performance and Entertainment

Digital collections that fall within the John Hay Library’s Performance and Entertainment STRATEGIC COLLECTING DIRECTION. Here you will find digitized materials that document the history and creative process of performing arts and provides a window into public life and popular entertainment in the Americas through plays, dance, film, music, photography, and pornography.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

Items in this collection

The gallant 171st. of the Old Keystone

Recounts formation of the 171st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment of men drafted for nine months' service. Recounts formation of the 171st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment of men drafted for nine months' service. Composed by S.H. Williams, private Co. C., 171st, P.M. Printed in two columns divided by single line within border of type ornament sections. Text of song in 16 four-line stanzas.

The fruits of the Spirit

by Mary V. Harris. Title on p. [1] of sheet within border of type ornaments. On p. [2] of sheet: "Promises to overcomers" or nine single line verses from Psalms, Romans and Revelation.

The frogs of Windham: an original comic opera in three acts

Printed in three columns divided by single lines within double-line border. On page [2] wood-engraving of frogs captioned: Voices of the night. Program for performance of Burton E. Leavitt's comic opera at Brattle Hall, Cambridge, March 2-3 under auspices of the Young People's Society of the First Universalist Church; the year is not given. Includes accounts of the frog incident in prose and poetry and synopsis. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence; 1891 is last date mentioned in program.

The Friend's burial

The Friend's burial

Brown University

Broadsheet printed in dark blue and green. On recto border of flowers in green at upper corners. Poem in eight four-line stanzas. Type-signed at end: J.G. Whittier. "By permission of Houghton Mifflin & Co." Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

The freemen's song

The freemen's song

Brown University

Adapts parable of the rich man in Hell appealing to Lazarus in Abraham's bosom to have the "Father Snake (Valandigham)" appealing from Hell to Uncle Abe. Adapts parable of the rich man in Hell appealing to Lazarus in Abraham's bosom to have the "Father Snake (Valandigham)" appealing from Hell to Uncle Abe. Text of song in 16 four-line stanzas. At end of text: Bloomington, Ill., Feb. 1864.

The freedman's hymn

The freedman's hymn

Brown University

Poem begins with Biblical events, then speaks of Civil War as recently over. Poem begins with Biblical events, then speaks of Civil War as recently over. By Benjamin Little, of Florida. Printed in two columns divided by single line. Text of song in 23 four-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Oh! Heaven, Heaven so sweet. Suggested publication date from date of end of Civil War.

The free flag

The free flag

Brown University

By A. Watson. Printed in one and two columns divided by double lines. At head of title two cuts of American flag with stars arranged differently, one carried by an eagle with scroll inscribed: From the lakes to the gulf, from sea to sea, Base slavery is dead, our flag is now free; below title shield bearing stars and stripes and legend: Federal Republic Ever Enduring. Includes poem in eight stanzas and prose offer of flags in cloth, brass, and stained glass.

The Four Years' War is over

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The Four Years' War is over

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The Four Years' War is over

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The four years

The four years

Brown University

Tune: "Captain with his whiskers" With decorated initials in title.

The four seasons

The four seasons

Brown University

by Edward Carswell. Poem. At head of title: No. 14. Printed area: 19.6 x 11.1 cm. Printed within decorative and single line borders. Illustration of the four stages of man's life, with the vice associated with each stage. First line: In spring-time Satan sowed the tares among the wheat.

The four seasons

The four seasons

Brown University

by Edward Carswell. Poem. At head of title: No. 14. Printed area: 19.6 x 11.1 cm. Printed within decorative and single line borders. Illustration of the four stages of man's life, with the vice associated with each stage. First line: In spring-time Satan sowed the tares among the wheat.