A guide to the performing arts collections in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives

prepared by Gail Weir

Third Edition February 2000

If you have any questions about using or contributing to the Newfoundland Performing Arts Collections, please contact:

Archives and Special Collections
Queen Elizabeth II Libray
Memorial University
St. John's, NL
A1B 3Y1>

phone: (709) 864-4349; fax: (709) 864-2153


One of the best things we ever did was archive our stuff, because suddenly all that material became available to us. Before, it was just big boxes of stuff and now they have started to catalogue it and organize it. We discovered our own material through the archives.

Andy Jones of CODCO, in The Sunday Express

In these days of massive exposure to outside pop culture, it is vitally important to retain documented evidence of our own cultural and artistic development where it can be studied and probably wondered at, particularly by young people...A sense of history is vitally important to future direction.

John Holmes, theatre critic, in The Evening Telegram

The more time that passes, the fewer materials are left and the more you have to speculate what it was like.

Helen Peters, English professor, in the MUN Gazette

Table of Contents

Who, what, when, where and why?
Brief history.
What are the Performing Arts Collections?
What do we collect?
Who are you?
What can we offer you?
STAGE project.
Performing Arts Collections.



"The Newfoundland Tempest", produced by Resource Centre for the Arts, February 1982, featured Andy Jones, Kay Anonsen, Kent Barrett, Geoff Butler, Noel Dinn, Ed Kielly, Janet Michael, Pam Morgan, Dave Panting, Leon Sobieski, Charles Tomlinson and Michael Wade.


A scene from Al Pittman's
"West Moon" produced by
the Mummers Troupe, 1980,
featuring Rick Boland,
Kevin Noble, Sheilagh Guy,
Pat Byrne, Judy Parsons,
Jim Payne, Sherri Smith,
Ed Kielly, Janis Spence
and Greg Thomey.



A quick reference to the who, what, where, when and why of Archives and Special Collections [top]



Who are we?

We are Archives and Special Collections.

What are we?

We are a repository for original Newfoundland manuscripts and documents, and are dedicated to preserving the province's social and cultural heritage. An important part of our mandate is the collection and preservation of performing arts material.

Where are we?

We are located on Level 1, Room 1006, of the Queen Elizabeth II Library at the St. John's campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

When did we begin collecting performing arts material?

In 1982.

Why?

In response to a call for help from the Newfoundland performing arts community.

A brief history. [top]

The Centre for Newfoundland Studies is a special collection in the Queen Elizabeth II Library of Memorial University, dedicated to preserving the textual heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the historical, cultural and literary record of its people. It began as a separate entity within the Memorial University Library in 1965. As the book collection developed, archival and manuscript material also began to accumulate. This material consisted of personal papers, manuscripts, diaries, original documents and photographs. Many of these records had been presented to the university as gifts and bequests; others had been donated by faculty and students. In 1979, the task of transforming this increasingly useful and valuable material into a properly ordered archive was begun. In 1997, Archives and Special Collections, which is located on Level 1 of the Queen Elizabeth II Library, has more than 1,000 linear feet of catalogued archival material.

A scene from "Pilk's Madhouse", a benefit for the Resource Centre for the Arts, February 1985, featuring Kent Barrett, Maisie Rillie, Andy Jones, Mary Walsh, Beni Malone, Mercedes Barry, Lois Brown, Randy Follett, Jennice Ripley, Des Walsh, Kate Heeney, Gerard Janes, Charlie Tomlinson, Cathy Jones, Peter Pope and Cathy Ferri.


A scene from "Angel Street", a Victorian thriller performed by the St. John's Players, 1946(?), featuring Sadie Organ, Bruce Feather, Eileen Jackson, Bessie Thomas, Ted Conroy, Miles Furlong and Doug Strong.



What are the Performing Arts Collections? [top]



In 1982, the Centre for Newfoundland Studies and the Memorial University Folklore and Language Archive (MUNFLA), together with members of the local performing arts community, launched a joint project to collect primary material dealing with the history of the performing arts (theatre, music and dance) in Newfoundland and Labrador. The resulting collections are steadily increasing in numbers thanks to the co-operation of theatre companies, playwrights, performers and behind-the-scenes workers, both professional and amateur. Individual collections range in size from two pages to 16 metres. The earliest material we have is an 1865 program of music; the latest material is from a performance being staged this week. The electronic media (tape and film) materials collected are housed at MUNFLA (Room E4038); textual, photographic, and other paper-based records are kept in Archives and Special Collections (Room L1006).

As more members of Newfoundland's performing arts community have become aware of what we are doing at Archives and Special Collections and at the Folklore and Language Archive, the performing arts collections have grown into a valuable resource for academic research, a tangible record of performance history, and a readily accessible reference for the restaging of productions. At the same time, an important part of our heritage is being preserved for future generations.

What kinds of performing arts material do we collect? [top]



We collect anything in the paper, photographic and audio/video media that documents any facet of the performing arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, works by Newfoundlanders anywhere, and works about this province that are produced elsewhere, both amateur and professional.

Some examples of what we collect:

And remember: material does not have to be old to be archival.

Who are you? [top]

You may be (or you may have been):

an acrobat, acting instructor, actor, actress, adjudicator, administrator, artistic animateur,
artistic director, assistant anything, audio recorder, best boy, board member, bookkeeper,
busker, camera operator, casting director, choreographer, clown, comedian, comedienne,
comedist, community concert organizer, company manager, composer,
corresponding secretary, costume designer, costume maker, critic, dance instructor, dancer,
deck crew chief, designer, director, drama coach, dramaturge, executive director,
financial manager, fly operator, follow spot operator, furniture maker, gaffer,
general manager, groupie, high school drama teacher, house manager, juggler, lighting designer,
lighting technician, magician, make-up artist, mask constructor, mime, movement coach,
mummer, musician, playwright, poster designer, program designer, photographer, producer,
production manager, prompter, property manager, publicity director, puppet maker,
puppeteer, raconteur, recitation artist, record keeper, recording secretary, scenic artist,
service club concert organizer, set builder, set designer, singer, songwriter, sound effects person,
sound technician, stage manager, stagehand, technical assistant, technical director,
tour technician, treasurer, university drama teacher, vocal coach, vocalist, volunteer,
wardrobe supervisor...

or...

simply a person who loves to go to the theatre.
Your involvement may be (or may have been) as an amateur or a professional.
You may be (or may have been) involved in live performance, radio, television or movies.

What can we offer you? [top]



1. A safe, secure place to put all those papers that are cluttering up your basement, attic or closets:

Most theatre groups don't have the resources to hire someone to care for their material. Papers that are no longer in use tend to be thrown into cardboard boxes and stored either in cold, damp basements, where the danger of flooding is very real, or in attics that go from too cold in winter to too hot in summer, and where leaking roofs can also cause damage. On top of this, mice and insects have no sense of history and will chew indiscriminately on any kind of paper. Often, records are scattered among members of a theatre troupe, with some boxes of papers in one person's basement and others in someone's mother's attic. Members may have it in the back of their minds to get the stuff all together in a safe place some day, but will some day come before that basement floods, or before that attic leaks? Our archives is temperature and humidity controlled 24 hours a day. Our modern building has round-the-clock security and fire protection.

2. Archivally approved storage containers that will help to preserve your papers for posterity:

Most file folders and storage boxes used for general storage contain acid, which aids in breaking down the paper on which your notes, scripts and records are kept. We place the papers in acid-free file folders and store them in acid-free boxes. Photographs and negatives are placed in special plastic sleeves. Posters are preserved between sheets of heavy plastic and stored flat in large poster drawers. Audio and video tapes are handled in the MUN Folklore and Language Archive, where they are copied onto archival quality tape and transcribed for safe-keeping.

3. Easy access to your material:

We arrange and describe the papers for ease of access. We then prepare a finding aid. The finding aid has an introduction that gives the background of the papers in the collection and how they were generated. This is followed by an explanation of any restrictions that may be on the papers. Generally, the only restrictions are on the scripts, the copyright for which remains with the author(s). We allow researchers to look at scripts and take notes, but they must have written permission from the author(s) in order to obtain a photocopy. Occasionally, certain personal files may be placed under restricted access for a limited period. The finding aid also has a biographical or historical background of the individual or group that generated the papers. This is followed by an explanation of how the papers are arranged. Access to the papers is never restricted for the person or group to which they originally belonged. We will provide a reasonable amount of photocopying and one copy of each audio and video tape to the creator of the papers at no charge.

4. A break on your income tax:

On request, material will be evaluated by a qualified appraiser following guidelines established by the National Archival Appraisal Board and Revenue Canada and you will receive a receipt for tax credit.

5. The satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to preserve the history of the performing arts in this province for future generations:

Your participation in performing arts activities may not have been extensive, but you can play a part in the preservation of the performing arts history of this province by depositing any material that you have, no matter if it is only a few items, to Archives and Special Collections. When researchers are trying to form a picture of what the performing arts were all about in this decade or this century, each item will be an important part of the puzzle for them. Something that you possess just may be the missing piece that will help to make the picture clear. Don't assume that someone else will deposit the material. Material in your collection in the archives may be cited in history books of the future.

6. Finally, we are offering a chance at immortality:

A performance, whether it be in theatre, music or dance, is a fleeting thing. It lasts for a brief moment and then it is gone forever. By depositing your papers in the archives, you assure yourself a place in the history of this province. A year, a decade, or a hundred years from now, journalists, scholars and historians will be searching through our performing arts material looking for information for their articles, their theses and their books on the history of the performing arts in Newfoundland. Will you be a part of that remembered history? Or will the record of your contribution to the performing arts be lost to time in a land fill or at the local dump?

STAGE Project [top]

A project to collect and preserve the oral, written and visual history of the performing arts in Newfoundland and Labrador and to make that material available to researchers

In 1994, Dr. Denyse Lynde, a drama specialist in Memorial University's Department of English and Gail Weir, Performing Arts Archivist with the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, aided by a three-year grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC), launched STAGE (SSHRCC Theatre Archives Grant Enterprise). Each semester university students are hired to conduct tape-recorded interviews with people who have had theatre experience of any kind in this province. The students use a set of questions designed to elicit information on how individuals became involved in theatre and what that involvement is or has been. The goal of this project is to interview as many of Newfoundland's theatre community as possible and to record this information for posterity.

When the original proposal for this project was presented to SSHRCC in 1992, the aim was to hire students to travel throughout the province during the summer months to interview theatre people, not only those involved with amateur theatre groups but also those taking part in community and school concerts. The amount of funding received did not allow us to do this. However, through various student aid programs we have been able to hire Memorial University students to carry out the work in St. John's during semesters on a part-time basis during semesters. For several semesters Sir Wilfred Grenfell College students conducted interviews in Corner Brook as well. Project co-leader Gail Weir has also had the opportunity to interview people in St. Lawrence, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville, Labrador City and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. In 1998, the project received a second three-year SSHRCC grant which allowed us to move closer to our original objective. Subsequently, for each of the three summers, four students were hired to conduct interviews in their home communities in various parts of the province.

As of Spring 2003, we have interviewed 275 individuals, many of whom have participated in theatre activities in several communities in the province. These interviews have all been transcribed. To enhance their research value, we plan to create indices of individuals, groups, plays and venues. If you would like to know more about this project, please contact:

Denyse Lynde/ Department of English/ Memorial University/ St. John's, NF/ A1C 5S7; phone: (709) 864-3201; fax: (709) 864-4528; e-mail: dlynde@mun.ca

or

Gail Weir/ CNS Archives/ MUN Library/ Memorial University/ St. John's, NF/ A1B 3Y1; phone: (709) 864-4349; fax: (709) 864-2153; e-mail: gweir@mun.ca

The Performing Arts Collections [top]

Note: Some of the collections in this guide form a portion of larger collections. Only the performing arts portions are listed here. See A Guide to the Archival Holdings of the Centre for Newfoundland Studies for more complete listings.

ANDERSON, HUGH ABERCROMBIE, 1890-1965.

Script, 1929.
1 item.
New York theatrical producer, born St. John's, Nfld.
Script: "The Mermaid Tavern, A One-Act Play, with Music", May 1929.
Acquired from Gilbert Higgins, Stephenville, Nfld., 1996.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-147

ANDERSON, JOHN MURRAY, 1886-1954.

Programs.
5 leaves.
New York theatrical producer, born St. John's, Nfld.
A program of the John Murray Anderson production, "Thumbs Up!" and a musical
score for "How High the Moon" from his production of
"Two For the Show".
Acquired from Livyers, St. John's, Nfld., 1989; Robert Jackman, New York, NY, 1990.
MF-288

ANOTHER TIME (RECORD ALBUM), 1991.

Press kit, 1991.
9 leaves.
Press kit for the release of the album "Another Time".
Acquired from Pigeon Inlet Productions, St. John's, Nfld., 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-230

ATLANTIC BROADCASTING COMPANY (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.).

Barrelman papers, 1937-1956.
6.75 m.
Radio program of St. John's, Nfld., 1937-1955.
Scripts for the Barrelman radio program sponsored by F.M. O'Leary Ltd. with
Joseph R. Smallwood, 1937- 1943, and Michael F. Harrington, 1943-1955;
listener correspondence.
Acquired from Frank J. O'Leary, St. John's, Nfld., 1971.
Not to be used for publication in any form without written permission of
Frank J. O'Leary, St. John's, Nfld.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-028

AVALON GLEE CLUB (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.).

Minutes, 1861.
2 leaves.
Glee Club of St. John's, Nfld.
Resolutions adopted at a preliminary meeting of the Avalon Glee Club, June 20, 1861.
Photocopied from the original, MG 611, at the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland
and Labrador, St. John's, Nfld., 1985.
MF-285

BARRELMAN see ATLANTIC BROADCASTING COMPANY (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.).

BARRETT, BARBARA, 1922-.

Papers, 1947-1993.
66 cm.
Theatre director, of St. John's, Nfld., born Huddersfield, England.
Copies of scrapbooks documenting Barrett's involvement in theatre, journalism
and the Girl Guides in Newfoundland; programs, photographs, set models,
audio cassettes and discs, correspondence and other papers
related to theatre productions.
Acquired from Barbara Barrett, St. John's, Nfld., 1993.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-178

BASEMENT THEATRE, 1973-.

Papers, 1974-1990.
6 cm.
Theatre established in the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre basement in 1973.
Posters, programs, photographs and publicity material related to Basement Theatre productions.
Acquired from Barbara Barrett, St. John's, Nfld. 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-173

BOLAND, RICHARD M., 1953-.

Papers, 1970-.
2.66 m.
Actor, playwright, born Curling, Nfld.
Radio, film and stage scripts, production notes, programs,
handbills, minutes of meetings, correspondence, financial statements, and clippings.
Acquired from Richard Boland, St. John's, Nfld., 1985-.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-124

THE BOYS OF ST. VINCENT (FEATURE FILM).

Video cassettes, 1993.
2 items.
Video cassettes comprising part 1 and part 2 of the feature film.
Acquired from Bert Riggs, St. John's, Nfld., 1994.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-327

BROWN, CASSIE (CASSIE EILEEN), 1919-1986.

Papers, 1949-1986.
85 cm.
Author, born Rose Blanche, Nfld.
15 scripts of Brown's stage plays with notes, research materials,
rough drafts, and revisions for radio and television;
60 scripts for Atlantic School Broadcast.
Acquired from the estate of Cassie Brown, St. John's, Nfld., 1988.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-115

BROWN, LOIS, 1956-.

Papers, 1976-1992.
40 cm.
Actor, dancer, drama teacher, artistic animateur, playwright,
born Corner Brook, Nfld.
Scripts, programs, posters, correspondence, news paper clippings, photographs,
audio and video tapes of theatre and dance productions.
Acquired from Lois Brown, St. John's, Nfld., 1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-218

BUCHANAN, ROBERTA, 1937-.

Papers, 1987.
11 leaves.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Poems and monologues written by Buchanan and performed in "The Meeting" at the
LSPU Hall; correspondence.
Acquired from Roberta Buchanan, St. John's, Nfld., 1987.
MF-251

BUEHLER, RICHARD, 1934-.

Papers, 1969-1989.
70 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University of
Newfoundland, and actor, born Centralia, Illinois.
Financial statements, scripts, notes, programs, contracts, photographs,
publicity and clippings related to Buehler's work with various theatre groups.
Acquired from Richard Buehler, St. John's, Nfld., 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-162

BURRY, DEAN MICHAEL.

Papers, 1993.
1 cm.
Born Gander, Nfld.
Script of music and libretto, poster and program for one-act opera.
Acquired from Dean Michael Burry, Gander, Nfld., 1993.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-303

BUTT, GRACE, 1909-.

Papers, 1938-1989.
60 cm.
Playwright, journalist and poet, born Brigus, Nfld.
Financial statements, notes, programs, photographs, and clippings related to the
St. John's Players; brief to the Royal Commission on National Development in the
Arts, Letters and Sciences; scripts, notes, reviews, clippings,
programs, awards and correspondence related to Butt's plays, 1940-1989.
Acquired from Grace Butt, St. John's, Nfld., 1982-1994.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-032

CAHILL, THOMAS, 1929-.

Papers, 1950-.
25 cm.
Playwright and television producer, born St. John's, Nfld.
Stage, film and radio scripts, correspondence, programs and clippings.
Acquired from Thomas Cahill, St. John's, Nfld., 1976, 1985, 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-122

CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION. NEWFOUNDLAND.

Records, 1955-1985.
3 m.
The records of the regional producers of performance programming,
especially Paul O'Neill, including individual files of dramatic productions and scripts
under consideration, administrative records for arts and entertainment
programming, and school and religious broadcasting.
Acquired from Paul O'Neill, St. John's, Nfld., 1986.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-066

CHISLETT, ANNE, 1942-.

Papers, 1975-1998.
66 cm.
Playwright, born St. John's, Nfld.
Scripts, programs, publicity material, contracts, correspondence, articles, reviews and photographs.
Acquired from Anne Chislett, Colborne Township, ON, 1992-1998.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-228

CODCO (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.), 1973-1994.

Papers, 1972-1994.
16 m.
Professional theatre troupe formed in Toronto, 1973.
Scripts, working papers, programs, posters, news clippings, reviews,
articles, photographs, audio and video tapes, correspondence and
financial records related to CODCO stage, television and film productions.
Acquired from Andy Jones, St. John's, Nfld., 1988; Mary White and Greg Malone,
St. John's, Nfld., 1994.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-121

COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.), 1946-c.1976.

Records, 1948-1976.
4 cm.
Volunteer organization set up to bring musicians and vocalists to Newfoundland.
Minutes, programs, membership, clippings and correspondence of the Association.
Acquired from Maurice Wilanski, Thornhill, ON, 1986.
Preliminary list of files is available.
COLL-092

CORNER BROOK PLAYMAKERS (NFLD.), 1954-1985.

Papers, 1953-1985.
93 cm.
Amateur theatre company formed by Paul O'Neill in Corner Brook,
Nfld., 1954.
Articles of association, correspondence, minutes of meetings, membership
information, newsletters, programs, publicity, news clippings, scripts and photographs
of the group's activities and productions, including involvement with
the Dominion Drama Festival, Regional Drama Festival,
Festival of One Act Plays, the Junior Playmakers, and the High School Drama Festival.
Acquired from Elizabeth Companion, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1992;
Stuart Fraser, St. John's, Nfld., 1992 and 1993; Jim O'Rourke, Corner Brook,
Nfld., 1995; Joan Chambers, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1995.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-221

CORNER BROOK ROTARY MUSIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION (NFLD.), 1962-.

Records, 1962-1995.
38 cm.
Association established to administer adjudicated music competition, sponsored
by the Rotary Club of Corner Brook and held annually at Corner Brook, Nfld.
Committee minutes; lists of committees, directors, venues, adjudicators,
awards and scholarships; summary of classes and entries; programs and syllabi.
Acquired from Judge Lloyd Soper, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1994.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-189

DALTON, MARY.

Theatre reviews, 1980-1987.
0.5 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University
of Newfoundland, born Lakeview, Nfld.
Theatre reviews which were published in the weekly magazine,
The Newfoundland Herald and the newspaper, The Evening Telegram.
Acquired from Mary Dalton, St. John's, Nfld., 1987.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-135

DEVINE, MARIE.

Papers, 1916-1974.
13 cm.
CBC TV costume designer and amateur theatre volunteer,
St. John's, Nfld.
Programs and news clippings related to the Dominion Drama Festival
and the Newfoundland Regional Drama Festival, and photographs of CBC TV's
Yesterday's Heroes and St. John's Players productions.
Acquired from Marie Devine, St. John's, Nfld., 1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-229

DICKS, EILEEN, 1921-.

Papers, 1959-1965.
6 cm.
Playwright, born London, England.
Records, scripts, correspondence, clippings and photographs of the
Wabana Little Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group which
flourished at Wabana, Nfld. during the late 1950s to early 1960s.
Acquired from Eileen Dicks, Manuels, Nfld., 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-161

DUNCAN, NORMAN, 1871-1916.

Papers, 1896-1956.
11 cm.
New York-based author, born Brantford, ON.
Manuscripts and typescripts of "The Mother" and other plays;
correspondence.
Acquired from Susan Duncan, New York, NY, 1986.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-067

GARD, PETER, 1949-.

Papers, 1980-1989.
4 cm.
Author, of Petty Harbour, Nfld.
Performing arts articles written for The Newfoundland Herald.
Acquired from Peter Gard, Petty Harbour, Nfld., 1989.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-146

GOLDIE, TERRY, 1950-.

Theatre reviews, 1979-1988.
4 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University
of Newfoundland, 1977-1988.
Theatre reviews which were broadcast on CBC Radio and also published
in the newspaper, The Sunday Express.
Acquired from Terry Goldie, St. John's, Nfld., 1979-1988.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-134

GODFREY, STUART, 1912-1996.

Papers, 1936-1991.
28 items.
Civil servant, born London, England.
Programs, news clippings and correspondence related to his singing recitals.
Acquired from Jean Barnes, St. John's, Nfld., 1990;
Stuart Godfrey, Ottawa, ON, 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-333

GOLDIE, TERRY, 1950-.

Theatre reviews, 1979-1988.
4 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1977-1988.
Theatre reviews which were broadcast on CBC Radio and also published in the newspaper, The Sunday Express.
Acquired from Terry Goldie, St. John's, Nfld., 1979-1988.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-134

GOUGH, WILLIAM, 1945-.

Papers, 1965-.
4 m.
Television producer and author, born Halifax, NS.
Scripts, drafts and correspondence related to his career as a radio announcer
and producer, and writer for television.
Acquired from William Gough, Toronto, ON, 1986.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-108

HOLMES, JOHN, 1920-.

Papers, 1951-1985.
60 cm.
Actor, radio and television producer and theatre reviewer, born
London, England.
Scripts, programs, musical scores, clippings, reviews, production notes,
correspondence, photographs and 1977 Canada Summer Games material.
Acquired from John Holmes, St. John's, Nfld., 1985.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-127

HORWOOD, JOAN, 1928-1986.

Papers, 1961-1973.
3 cm.
Author and broadcaster, of St. John's, Nfld.
Scripts for radio program and radio play.
Acquired from Derek Brown, St. John's, Nfld., 1988.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-167

HOWLETT, CHARLES JOSEPH, 1885-1932.

Photographs, 1920s.
1 cm.
Dentist and mayor (of St. John's, 1929-1932), born St. John's, Nfld.
Photographs of theatrical productions in which Howlett took part
in the 1920s in St. John's.
Copied from the originals in the possession of Howlett's niece, Joan Simms,
St. John's, Nfld., 1989.
Preliminary index to the collection is available.
MF-287

JACKMAN, ROBERT, ?-1993.

Papers, 1891-1980.
6 cm.
Communications technician, actor, slight-of-hand artist.
Scripts of the CBC television program Skipper and Company;
programs, correspondence and other items collected by Jackman.
Acquired from Robert Jackman, New York, NY, 1990.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-163

JACKSON, STEPHEN, 1958- / SMITH, LORRAINE, 1957-.

Papers, 1972-1990.
13 cm.
Travel agent, born Halifax, NS; library assistant, born St. John's, Nfld.
Scripts, programs, news clippings, publicity and correspondence
relating to their theatre involvement, including Solo Theatre Company.
Acquired from Stephen and Lorraine Jackson, St. John's, Nfld., 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-215

JANES, PERCY (PERCY MAXWELL), 1922-.

Papers, 1947-.
1 m.
Author, born St. John's, Nfld.
Working notes, drafts, manuscripts and typescripts of plays.
Acquired from Percy Janes, St. John's, Nfld., 1976, 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-014

JONES, ANDY, 1948-.

Papers, 1969-1993.
2.5 m.
Actor, playwright and director, born St. John's, Nfld.
Radio, film and stage scripts, production notes, programs, handbills,
minutes of meetings, correspondence, financial records, reports, photographs and
publicity of productions in which Jones was involved.
Acquired from Andy Jones, St. John's, Nfld., 1993.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-240

JONES, GORDON P.

Papers, 1985-.
6 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Theatre reviews broadcast on CBC Radio.
Arranged alphabetically by title within years.
Acquired from Gordon P. Jones, St. John's, Nfld., 1986-.
COLL-132

LABRADOR CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL, 1975-.

Papers, 1978-1998.
30 cm.
One-week festival featuring stage performances of original student-written plays, arts and crafts displays and workshops in performing arts, creative writing, crafts and visual arts by visiting artists, founded by Tim Borlase and Noreen Heighton, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nfld.
Scripts and programs.
Acquired from Tim Borlase, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nfld., Helen Peters, St. John's, Nfld., 1994-2000.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-266

LEWIS, OLIVIA, 1955-.

Papers, 1974-1989.
13 cms.
Clothing designer, born St. John's, Nfld.
Scripts, programs, news clippings, correspondence and production notes of plays
in which Lewis was involved.
Acquired from Olivia Lewis, St. John's, Nfld., 1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-216

LONDON THEATRE COMPANY (ENGLAND), 1951-1957.

Programs, 1952-1957.
18 cm.
Professional theatre company formed Eastbourne, England, 1951.
Programs of St. John's productions.
Acquired from Muriel Hunter, St. John's, Nfld., Ralph Matthews, St. John's,
Nfld., Susan Jackson, St. John's, Nfld., 1977-1995.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-128

'LONGSIDE PLAYERS (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.), 1984-.

Papers, 1984-1990.
20 cm.
Amateur theatre company formed St. John's, Nfld., 1984.
Scripts, programs, posters, publicity material, reviews, photographs, correspondence,
articles and reports related to the company's productions.
Acquired from Ed Kavanagh, St. John's, Nfld., 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-219

MATTHEWS, EVELYN D. (EVELYN DOROTHY MILLARD), 1914-1983.

Papers, 1926-1983.
60 cm.
Headmistress, Bishop Spencer College and Professor of Mathematics,
Memorial University of Newfoundland, born England.
Speeches, addresses, essays, correspondence, programs of theatre and musical
productions.
Acquired from Ralph Matthews, St. John's, Nfld., 1983.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-048

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. EXTENSION SERVICE. VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS, 1960-1991.

Papers, 1960-1991.
1.08 m.
Division of Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Nfld.
Reports, budgets, correspondence and minutes of meetings related to the
administration of the division; grant applications, publicity, posters, course
information, photographs, and audio and video recordings related to
programs and courses.
Acquired from Memorial University, Extension Service, 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-214

MUMMERS TROUPE see RESOURCE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR DRAMA FESTIVAL, 1950-.

Publicity, 1950-.
50 cm.
One-week provincial amateur drama festival run annually by a group of volunteers,
first produced St. John's, Nfld.
Programs, directories, news clippings, photographs, awards and winners.
Acquired from various sources, 1982-.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-180

NEWFOUNDLAND PERFORMING ARTS. POSTERS.

Posters.
1180 items.
Posters of productions in theatre, music and dance.
Acquired from various sources, 1982-.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-143

NEWFOUNDLAND PERFORMING ARTS. PROGRAMS AND HANDBILLS.

Programs and handbills, 1865-.
1550 items.
Programs and handbills of productions in theatre, music and dance.
Acquired from various sources, 1982-.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-138

NEWFOUNDLAND PERFORMING ARTS. SCRAPBOOKS, 1968-1996.

News clippings, 1968-1996.
33 cm.
News clippings of performing arts events in the west coast region of
Newfoundland.
Acquired from Gilbert Higgins, Stephenville, Nfld., 1982-1996.
Filed chronologically.
COLL-184

NEWFOUNDLAND PERFORMING ARTS. SCRIPTS.

Scripts.
1.66 m.
Scripts of Newfoundland plays for radio, stage, television and movie
productions.
Acquired from various sources and copied from various collections, 1982-.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-144

NEWFOUNDLAND. ROYAL NEWFOUNDLAND REGIMENT.

Programs, 1960, 1964.
3 leaves.
Program for trooping the colour of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Corner Brook,
May 9, 1960, (includes explanation of trooping the colour; officers and colour party;
drill movements and music; brief history of the Regiment and list of battle honours);
program for 50th Anniversary Celebration, 1964.
Transferred from the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, 1987.
MF-264

NEWFOUNDLAND TRAVELLING THEATRE COMPANY (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.), 1971-1976.

Papers, 1972-1980.
24 cm.
Theatre company incorporated in St. John's in 1975.
Scripts, reviews, notes, correspondence, grant applications, photographs,
accounts and articles of association which document the history of this theatre company.
Acquired from Dudley Cox, St. John's, Nfld., 1985.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-129

NEWFY BULLET (RADIO PROGRAM), 1979-1980.

Papers, 1979-1983.
12 cm.
Scripts of the CBC Radio variety series about the train, the Newfy Bullet,
written by David Ross and several contributing writers.
Acquired 1985.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-130

NICHOL, DON, 1952-.

Papers, 1986-1990.
0.25 cm.
Professor of English Language and Literature, Memorial University of Newfoundland,
born Twillingate, Nfld.
Newspaper column, "Touching That Dial", in The Evening Telegram
reviewing television programs; song lyrics and musical comedy sketch.
Acquired from Don Nichol, St. John's, Nfld., 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-299

NUNAKSOAMIUT PLAYERS, 1978-.

Papers, 1983-1988.
.05 cm.
Amateur theatre company formed Nain, Labrador, 1978.
Program, reviews, correspondence of the group's activities and productions.
Acquired from Tim Borlase, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nfld., 1996.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-359

OIL IN THE FAMILY (RADIO PROGRAM), 1982.

Papers, 1982.
31 cm.
Scripts, cost sheets, contracts, correspondence and clippings of the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation radio current affairs 'soap opera' produced by Christopher
Brookes.
Acquired from Christopher Brookes, Maddox Cove, Nfld., 1989.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-131

O'NEILL, FRANKIE (FRANCES GERARD), 1939-.

Papers, c. 1960-1992.
72 cm.
Social worker, actress and theatre reviewer, born St. John's, Nfld.
Theatre reviews as broadcast on the CBC Radio programs Arts Weekend and
Weekend AM and published in the newspaper, The Evening Telegram;
background notes; Stephenville Festival reviews and press releases; scripts.
Acquired from Frankie O'Neill, St. John's, Nfld., 1985-1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-123

O'NEILL, PAUL, 1928-.

Records, 1967-1983.
12 cm.
Author and historian; executive producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation,
born St. John's, Nfld.
Minutes, correspondence and papers relating to his work as executive producer with the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Acquired from Paul O'Neill, St. John's, Nfld., 1983.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-042

PINSENT, GORDON, 1930-.

Papers, 1970-1973.
13 cm.
Actor and playwright, born Grand Falls, Nfld.
Screenplay and publicity for the movie, "The Rowdyman"; manuscripts of the novel,
The Rowdyman.
Acquired from Gordon Pinsent, Toronto, ON, 1974.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-005

PITTMAN, AL, 1940-.

Papers, 1964-1987.
64 cm.
Author and Professor of English Language and Literature, Sir Wilfred Grenfell
College, Corner Brook, born St. Leonard's, Nfld.
Notes, drafts and typescripts of television scripts and plays; correspondence.
Acquired from Al Pittman, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1981, 1983.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-017

PORTER, HELEN, 1930-.

Papers, 1972-1987.
36 cm.
Author, born St. John's, Nfld.
Manuscripts and drafts of plays; correspondence; songs; reviews of local
productions.
Acquired from Helen Porter, St. John's, Nfld., 1979-1987.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-013

PROCUNIER, EDWIN R., 1927-.

Papers, 1963-1983.
45 cm.
Playwright and Professor of English, University of Western Ontario, born Lamaline, Nfld.
Correspondence, notebooks, play scripts, reviews, programs, and publicity material related to Procunier's plays.
Acquired from Edwin Procunier, London, ON, 1991-1993.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-233

RESOURCE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.), 1979-.

Papers, 1970-1991.
6 m.
Professional theatre company which succeeded the Resource Foundation for the
Arts as operator of the LSPU Hall, St. John's, Nfld., September 1979.
Log-books, reservation books, minutes of meetings, correspondence, grant applications,
posters, programs, production notes, manuscripts, scripts, reviews, rental agreements,
budgets, fundraising and operational statistics.
Includes some Resource Foundation for the Arts material from the early 1970s.
Acquired from Resource Centre for the Arts, St. John's, Nfld., 1988-1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-125

RESOURCE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS (ST. JOHN'S, NFLD.). MUMMERS TROUPE, 1971-1982.

Papers, 1971-1983.
2.4 m.
Professional theatre company incorporated in St. John's, Nfld. in 1972;
it was known as The Mummers Troupe and continued activity until 1982.
Scripts, production notes, programs, handbills, minutes of meetings, correspondence,
financial statements, touring itineraries, reviews, clippings and photographs.
Acquired from Christopher Brookes, Maddox Cove, Nfld.,1988 and Rhonda Payne,
Toronto, ON, 1989.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-126

RUBIA, GERALDINE C., 1929-.

Papers, 1966-1981.
46 cm.
Rehabilitation worker and author, born Brooklyn, NY.
Working papers, correspondence and scripts related to radio,
television and stage.
Acquired from Geraldine Rubia, Mount Pearl and St. John's, Nfld., 1984.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-050

RUSSELL, DORA, 1912-1986.

Papers, 1950s.
2 cm.
Journalist, born Change Islands, Nfld.
Russell's radio and television play scripts.
Acquired from Elizabeth Russell Miller, St. John's, Nfld.,1986.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-089

RUSSELL, TED, 1904-1977.

Papers, 1928-1983.
22 cm.
Teacher and author, born Coley's Point, Nfld.
Russell's radio and television play scripts.
Acquired from Elizabeth Russell Miller, St. John's, Nfld.,1986.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-089

ST. JOHN'S AMATEUR MINSTRELS (NFLD.).

Financial statements, 1864.
8 leaves.
Theatre troupe of St. John's, Nfld.
Financial statements for 1864.
Photocopied from the original, MG 661, at the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland
and Labrador, St. John's, Nfld., 1985.
MF-286

ST. JOHN'S FOLK ARTS COUNCIL (NFLD.).

Records, 1966-1992.
1.5 m.
Established 1966.
Financial records, annual reports, executive minutes, address lists,
publicity, photographs.
Acquired from Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive,
and Andrew Samuelson, St. John's, Nfld. 1984; St. John's Folk Arts Council, 1992;
Fred Rayment, St. John's, Nfld., 1994.
COLL-051

ST. JOHN'S GLEE CLUB (NFLD.), 1951-1955.

Records, 1951-1956.
7 cm.
Choral group of St. John's, Nfld.
Administrative records, programs and news clippings of performances.
Acquired from Jean Barnes, St. John's, Nfld., 1990; Stuart Godfrey, Ottawa, ON, 1991.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-159

SIR WILFRED GRENFELL COLLEGE. DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE (CORNER BROOK, NFLD.).

Publicity material, 1988-1994.
2.5 cm.
Theatre department of the School of Fine Arts, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College,
Corner Brook, Nfld.
Publicity material: posters, programs and press releases.
Acquired from the Department of Theatre, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College,
Corner Brook, Nfld., 1990-1994.
Preliminary list of the collection is available.
COLL-133

SMITH, LORRAINE see JACKSON, STEPHEN, 1958- / SMITH, LORRAINE, 1957-.

STAGG, BRUCE, 1952-.

Papers, 1980-1993.
7 cm.
Drama teacher, playwright, and author, born Catalina, Nfld.
Scripts, news clippings, correspondence, programs and video tapes of Stagg's plays.
Acquired from Bruce Stagg, Hillview, Nfld., 1992.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-220

STIRLING FAMILY.

Papers, 1846-1938.
6 cm.
Residents, of Twillingate, Nfld.
Correspondence, legal documents, photographs and newspaper clippings of the Stirling family, including opera singer, Georgina Stirling.
Acquired from Wyngate Manuscripts, Bethesda, MD, 1989; and Amy Peyton, Gander, Nfld., 1998.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-251

THEATRE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (CORNER BROOK, NFLD.), 1979-.

Publicity material, 1984-1990.
5 cm.
Professional theatre company founded by Maxim Mazumdar, Corner Brook, Nfld.
Posters, programs, press releases, photographs and news clippings.
Acquired from Edmund MacLean, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1990; Theatre Newfoundland
and Labrador, Corner Brook, Nfld., 1992-1993;
Gilbert Higgins, Stephenville, Nfld., 1995.
Preliminary inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-136

VOLK, MAUREEN, 1954-.

Papers, 1982-1990.
0.5 cm.
Director, School of Music, Memorial University of Newfoundland, born Macklin, SK.
Reviews broadcast on CBC Radio Weekend AM of classical music performances
held in St. John's, Nfld.
Acquired from Maureen Volk, St. John's, Nfld., 1989 and 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-293

WALSH, DES, 1954-.

Papers, 1970-.
72 cm.
Author, born St. John's, Nfld.
Manuscripts and early drafts of plays; correspondence.
Acquired from Des Walsh, St. John's, Nfld., 1990.
Inventory of the collection is available.
COLL-148

WARREN, CHRISTINE.

Programs and musical scores, 1920-1939.
2 cm.
Programs include the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Irish Christian Brothers in
Newfoundland, and Miss Galway's Pupils' Exhibition of Dancing, June 12, 1939.
Musical scores include "Tune of the Silver Skate" and "Come to the Ball".
Acquired from Christine Warren, St. John's, Nfld., 1983.
MF-202

WELCOME TO CANADA (FEATURE FILM), 1989.

Publicity material, 1989.
1 cm.
National Film Board of Canada feature film shot at Brigus South, Nfld.
Script, publicity package, poster and video cassette.
Acquired from National Film Board of Canada, Montreal, PQ, 1989.
Inventory of the collection is available.
MF-294


Cast of "Abie's Irish Rose", March 18, 1929, Bishop Feild College Auditorium, featuring Gus Neary, Charles Howlett, Max Channing, Madeline Kavanagh, Paddy Dobbin, Antonia Hutton, Harold Hayward, Ralph Herder, Elizabeth Howley and Randell Jeans. The orchestra was conducted by Gus Stafford. The show was in aid of the new wing of the Church of England Orphanage erected by the Orphanaid Club.
Go to QEII home page Archives and Special Collections
Queen Elizabeth II Library
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador   Canada   A1B 3Y1
Telephone:864-4349   Fax: 709-864-2153
E-mail: archives@mun.ca

August 11, 2010