OPEN TODAY: 10 A.M.–5 P.M.

Tickets

Manuscripts

John Q. Adams Recollection of Early Theatricals in San Francisco

Image not available

Description
This essay was read by Adams before the California Historical Society on April 8, 1890. Adams states that "the Stage is the mirror of mankind; the reflex of society." He begins with a poetic description of California, then relates the first days of paying entertainment in San Francisco, in the form of "Mr. Rowe's the first Circus." He describes the early city of San Francisco as he remembers it, and reports that the first concert in the city's history was given on June 22, 1849 by Stephen C. Massett. The first theater was The Eagle Theater, which opened in late 1849 as a covered tent, and the first performance was of "The Wife, or A Tale of Mantua" given on January 16, 1850, given by the Eagle Theater Company. Adams reminisces of theater manager Tom Maguire and the various theaters under his management, and of the Adelphi Theater, built in 1851. Adams reports that the French, Chinese, and Germans had their own performances as well, and that there was Spanish bullfighting and horse racing near the Mission Dolores. He writes of many performers, including Adelaide Neilson and Edwin Forrest. When the Metropolitan Theatre opened in 1853, it was lauded as "the most magnificent temple of histrionic art in America," according to Adams.
Type
Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date
1890, April 8.
Call number
mssHM 19063
Creator
Adams, John Q(Opens in new tab)
Provenance
Grabhorn Collection, January 1945.
Dimensions
31 cm :
Find out more
View in the Library catalog(Opens in new tab)

You might also be interested in

  • Image not available

    John Adams, Philadelphia, letter to Abigail Adams, Braintree, Massachusetts :

    Manuscripts

    Letter regarding Adams' extended separation from his family in which he lists the multiple tasks involved in the founding of the new nation. Contemporary copy of a letter that was intercepted by the British.

    mssHM 27214

  • Image not available

    John Adams speech to the King of England :

    Manuscripts

    Draft of John Adams's speech on the occasion of presenting of his letter of credence to George III on June 1, 1785. With a note by James G. Palfrey dated January 7, 1854, attesting that the manuscript "was given to me on this day by his grandson, Charles Francis Adams." Includes engraved portrait of John Adams, approximately 1830-1833; "drawn & printed by Childs & Inman, Philadelphia" and "Pub'd by Peabody & Co., New York." Speech is hinged to mounting paper; bound in full green Morocco; gilt stamped cover and spine. Cover title: "John Adams. Holograph Manuscript of his Speech on Being Presented to the King of England as American Ambassador. 1785." Spine title: "John Adams. Original Manuscript."

    mssHM 783

  • Image not available

    John Quincy Adams, St. Petersburg, Russia, letter to James Madison :

    Manuscripts

    Letter written while Adams was serving as minister to Russia. He discusses his inability to return to the United States to accept the nomination for justice of the Supreme Court, and the possibility that Madison has already sent his replacement to Russia in anticipation of Adams' leaving his post. Adams also mentions the recent birth of his daughter. Letter marked "private."

    mssHM 23014

  • Image not available

    John Quincy Adams, Washington, D.C., letter to John Gorham Palfrey :

    Manuscripts

    Adams reports that he still has not finished his article on China for the North American Review; he is too busy in Congress and preparing for a U.S. Supreme Court case, most likely United States v. The Amistad.

    mssHM 26329

  • Image not available

    John Adams, Mount Wollaston, Massachusetts, letter to Jean Luzac, Leyden, Holland :

    Manuscripts

    Introducing William Dandridge Peck, Professor of Natural History, who is traveling to Europe. Adams discusses the 1779 Constitution of Massachusetts 1779 and the clause inserted by him that the legislature has the duty to encourage science and natural history. He also mentions Professor Peck's publications, and mutual friends of Adams and Luzac. Adams laments the cutting off of communications between himself and Luzac and between the U.S. and Europe in recent years. Letter is addressed to John Luzac.

    mssHM 22905

  • Image not available

    John Adams, Philadelphia, letter to Elbridge Gerry :

    Manuscripts

    Letter to Gerry, recently appointed to a special diplomatic commission to France, in which Adams lists several objections and opinions previously expressed by others to Gerry's appointment. Adams also expresses his wish for peace with France but also his concerns with fidelity to the public and U.S. self-defense; he also discusses the character of General John Marshall. Letter is endorsed by Gerry.

    mssHM 22828