Townsend Walsh papers, 1763-1935, bulk (1890-1935)

Links

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Creator

Walsh, Townsend.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 5.5 linear feet (13 boxes)

Access Restrictions

Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.

Scope/Contents Note

Collection consists of materials documenting Walsh's professional career and his interest in the theatre and the circus. Bulk of correspondence, 1890-1935, is lettersto Walsh from authors, actors, theatrical agents, producers, and others concerning his work as a press agentand his collection of theatre and circus memorabilia. Writings include press releases, essays, manuscripts of works about the circus, and notes. Materials collected by Walsh include correspondence of theatrical and circus personalities, manuscripts, autograph signatures, clippings, and memorabilia. Also, family papers, Walsh's business records, and printed matter.

Biographical/Historical Note

Townsend Walsh (1872-1941) was involved with the American theatre as press agent, business manager, drama critic, playwright, collector, theatre and circus historian, and sometime actor. In 1897 his play, the Boys of Kilkenny, was produced in New York City. The next year he began workas a press agent in the theatre. From 1923 to 1926 he was a press agent for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In addition to his work as a press agent for theatrical companies, Walsh also worked directly for several newspapers as a drama critic. His writings included several plays, a published biography of Dion Boucicault, and two unpublished full-length studies on thecircus. He was an avid collector of theatrical and circus memorabilia.

Controlled Access Terms

• Boucicault, Dion, 1820-1890.
• Walsh, Townsend.
• Walsh family.
• Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows.
• Circus -- United States.
• Clowns -- United States.
• Theater -- United States.
• Theater -- Ireland.
• United States -- Social life and customs.
• Autographs.
• Authors.
• Press agents.
• Theatrical agents.

Additional Creator Names

• Coward, Edward Fales.
• Fiske, Minnie Maddern, 1865-1932.
• Hackett, Francis, 1883-1962.
• Hamlin, Fred.
• Hyde, James Clarence.
• Lawrence, Willian J. (William John), 1862-1940.
• Norwood, Edwin P.
• Pollock, Channing, 1880-1946.
• Quinn, John, 1870-1924.
• Shipman, Louis Evan, 1869-1933.
• Skinner, Otis, 1858-1942.
• Thompson, Lester.
• Waldron, James Albert.