Robinson Locke papers

Collection – Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0332

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The correspondence and scrapbook material of Robinson Locke, a newspaper editor, owner, and theater critic date from 1885-1927. The documents detail Locke's career primarily as a theater critic, by providing his reviews and descriptions of various plays. Moreover, a number of letters, telegrams, and news articles document various plays, Locke's personal life, and the public response to his review of plays. Also included in the collection are a number of printed materials profiling Locke's many personal contacts both in and outside of the theatrical world. In addition, a small number of financial files are included in the collection that provide a limited amount of information.

Dates

Creation: 1885-1927

Extent

0.64 Cubic Feet (1 flat box)

Creator

Locke, Robinson, 1856-1920 (Person)

Scope and Contents

The heart of the Robinson Locke collection lies in the correspondence between Locke and various actors, directors, writers, and the public concerning his review of plays. This is a valuable tool for learning about the variety of plays produced during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Moreover, the reviews and correspondence provide insight into the public's acceptance or rejection of these plays. In addition, this correspondence illuminates the large number of contacts Locke had nationally with the theatrical community. Also valuable are the scrapbook materials in the collection. The newspaper clippings detail the names and nature of the plays Locke reviewed. They also provide information on the public perception of different types of plays, the reception of the theater in general, and the evolution of the theater.

The collection also includes subject files, financial documents, and printed materials. These items, however, are minimal and lack the breadth necessary for an extensive study of Locke's financial situation, his professional or personal life.

Biographical / Historical

Robinson Locke (1856-1920) was the son of David Ross Locke, former owner of and writer for the Toledo Blade newspaper, and assumed control of the newspaper in 1885. Locke also wrote for the paper for nearly twenty years as a theater critic under the name of "Rodney Lee."

Locke also was very active outside of the publishing field. He owned a very extensive dramatic library which included reviews of many plays and actors. This library was donated to the State of New York after his death. President Arthur appointed him United States Consul to England in 1883. More locally, Locke was a member of the Toledo Club, Commerce Club, Toledo Yacht Club, and the Rowfant Club of Cleveland. He was a member of the Toledo School Board, a trustee to the Toledo Museum of Art, and President of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. He was also a founder of the Northwestern Ohio Historical Society and a thirty-third degree Mason. Locke died in 1920 from complications from appendicitis.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Additional Description

Materials Specific Details

All of the documents located in this collection are glued to sheets of cardboard paper. One page of this cardboard paper may include several different documents. Therefore, each sheet is given a number which is located on the sheet's bottom corner. The Box/Folder inventory includes a listing of each sheet by its number and the type of documents located on the sheet.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The records were donated and transferred to the Center for Archival Collections in October 1983 through the cooperation of Barbara Floyd of the Ohio Historical Society.