1912 B. F. Elbert Princess Theatre Des Moines Iowa Signed Performance Letter

$11.79

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Description

From the end of the 1800s through the early 1900s, most theatre and opera house managers in the United States and Canada had to book their entertainment through Syndicates which controlled the touring schedules of most traveling shows and entertainers. One of the most prominent Syndicates was run by Marc Klaw and Abraham Lincoln Erlanger in New York City. Charles Osgood was their booking manager. This lot is a letter sent in 1912 to Osgood from B. F. Elbert, manager of the Princess Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa. In the letter, Elbert confirms that they are holding dates for an upcoming performance of “The Traveling Salesman”.

B. F. Elbert was the manager of the Princess Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa during the mid-1910s. In 1915, he introduced a significant innovation by installing a Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra in the theater. This instrument was an early form of theater organ designed to accompany silent films, providing a more immersive experience for audiences. This installation marked the first time such an instrument was used in a theater in Des Moines.

The typed letter is on Princess Theatre letterhead and is approximately 11″ tall by 8.5″ wide. It is hand-signed by B. F. Elbert.

Condition

This letter is in very good condition. It has been folded for mailing. It has light wrinkles, smudges, edge wear, and toning typical of old paper items. Please review the included photos of the actual item to make a complete determination of its condition.

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