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By Scott Schwartz
Collection Overview
Title: Eddie Morris Sheet Music and Photographs, 1889-1954
ID: 12/9/161
Primary Creator: Morris, Eddie (1887-1932)
Extent: 0.75 cubic feet
Arrangement: Organized in two series: Series 1, Sheet music, and Series 2, Photographs and Personal Papers and Objects. Series 1 is arranged alphabetically by song title; Series 2 is arranged chronologically, then alphabetically by subject.
Date Acquired: 05/15/2018
Subjects: Music, Music - United States, Vocal music
Formats/Genres: Photographs
Languages: English
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Consists of sheet music and photographs documenting Eddie Morris' acting career and the performers who worked with him between 1902 and 1932.
Biographical Note
Eddie Morris (1887-1932) was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Morris, and his father was a well known tailor to the Decatur community. Eddie had a fascination for the theatrical stage as a young boy, and his ability to mimic personalities made him a popular entertainer for the local community. When he was old enough to work he took a position with the Decatur Powers Opera house and was given the position of treasurer. He later worked for the H. I. Baldwin Grain and Commission company, and in 1907 went to Philadelphia as the private secretary to the president of the Economic Life Insurance Company. With this experience and his love of the stage he took a position as secretary for Henry W. Savage, who at the time, was the leading theatrical producer in New York City. Eddie's talent was soon recognized and he was give a part in George Ade's "College Widow," and his theatrical career matured in major parts in Frohman's "Arcadians," Klaw and Erlanger's "Pink Lady," "The Little Cafe," and many other productions. In 1915 he travelled to England where he worked on two motion pictures. As a travelling actor he toured much of the eastern United States, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, and South Africa. After returning to the United States after World War I he settled in California with his wife, daughter, and mother.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
Acquisition Source:
James Page
Acquisition Method:
Gift.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: Sheet Music, 1889-1954],
[Series 2: Photographs and Personal Papers and Objects, ca. 1902-1925],
[
All]
- Series 2: Photographs and Personal Papers and Objects, ca. 1902-1925
- Series 2 consists of photographs, most autographed, and postcards, depicting Eddie Morris, and his friends and colleagues, as well as an autographed shirt collar. Photographs are arranged chronologically, then alphabetically by subject.
- Box 3
- Item 1: Autographed shirt collar
Detachable shirt collar autographed by the cast of Henry W. Savage's "The College Widow," performed at Adelphi Theatre, London, England. Includes a tag with newspaper clipping.
2019.1209161.01
- Box 2
- Folder 1: Photographs, 1902-1910
- Photograph of Hazel Dawn, 1902. Photograph of Doc(?) Kelly, with note from "Sis" on back, 1908. Photograph of Francis Tyler, April 1908. Photograph of Alf Grant, Sept. 12, 1909. Photograph of Maxine Hampton, 1909-10.
- Folder 2: Photographs, 1910-1912
- Photograph of Jock McKay, Oct. 1, 1910. Photograph of Lillie, April 21, 1911. Photograph of "Mother," from Pink Lady Co., 1911-2. Photograph of Maurice, Jan. 31, 1912. Photograph of Pauline, from Pink Lady Co., June 21, 1912. Photograph of Alice Hageman, 1912.
- Folder 3: Photographs, 1912-1925
- Photograph of Maurice Hegman, 1912. Photograph of Fred Emerson, 1913. Photograph of Alice Hageman, 1913. Photograph of Jack Henderson, 1913. Photograph of Lillian Ludow, 1913. Photograph of the Manhattan Opera Company, 1913 (two copies). Photograph of Eddie Morries â??as â??Pottleâ?? in â??Poppyâ?? at the Gaiety Theatre, with letter on back, Nov. 21, 1924. Photograph of Olive Carew, Mar. 17, 1925.
- Folder 4: Photographs: Adams - Francis, undated
- Photographs of Dolly Adams, Jean Barnette, Edvina Barry, J.A. Butler, Flora Crosley, Dorothy, Frau Eleanor, J.K. Emmet (as "Fritz in Ireland"), Beatrice d'Essling, Lizzie Evans, and Emma Francis (with Magsumom(?) and Aboshun).
- Folder 5: Photographs: Ferrell - "Little Maud", undated
- Photographs of Ferrell, Eunic Goodrich, Fred Everson, Little Sabel Johnny(?), John L. Kearney (as "The Mayor of Tokio), and "Little Maud."
- Folder 6: Photographs: Loveskee - Moore, undated
- Photographs of Loveskee, Moya Maurerey, Maxine(?), Jock McKay, G.H. Miller, and Dick Moore.
- Folder 7: Photographs: Morris - York, undated
- Photographs of Morris with unidentified friends and colleagues, on a boat in a group, and at the Oakland Orpheum. Photographs of Schidling, Mrs. Vauder, Nellie York, Will, and three photographs of Violini.
- Folder 8: Photographs, group photos and unidentified, undated
- Photographs include a postcard with a note from "Two Sisters in Devon," a photograph of a young woman, a photograph of a parade or rally, a photograph of a woman in a white dress (signed for Morris), and two group photographs of theater companies.
- Folder 9: Photographs, unidentified, undated
- Includes photographs of two young women, a man holding a hat, and an older man with glasses.
- Folder 10: Photographs and Papers, 1915
- Photograph from Chicago Sunday Tribune, May 9, 1915. Pictorial Magazine containing printed photographs from "The Birth of a Nation," Lincoln Square Theatre, Decatur, IL, undated.
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