John A. Himmelein papers

The John A. Himmelein papers document the history of his theatrical group, "The Ideals," primarily from 1892 to 1905. From a study of these records, predominately consisting of correspondence, contracts, receipts, box office statements, and plays, one can document the experiences of this theatrical group and its impact on the communities in which it performed.

A study of the group itself is best served by a combination of the correspondence, contracts, receipts, box office statements, and newspaper clippings. First, one will be able to formulate the basic touring route of the group, consisting of the cities visited and the length of stay. The success of "The Ideals" as a performing group can be derived from the box office statements, newsclippings, and correspondence from John Himmelein's manager, Dave H. Woods. The financial position of the group is found in the receipts and box office statements. From the examination of these two items, one can determine the types of goods and services purchased by the group as well as its overall financial standing. The incoming cash flow can in part be found in the box office statements and in the correspondence. Finally, an examination of the numerous plays will provide insight into the types of works performed by "The Ideals."

The John A. Himmelein papers also may be studied in the broader context of theater or entertainment in general. "The Ideals" can be compared with other theater or entertainment organizations of the time period or can be used to illustrate the development of American local theater up to the present time. A study of the plays themselves illustrate the type of works being performed during the late 1800's and early 1900's, thereby providing some insights into the accepted values of society at that time.

Includes incoming correspondence from actors requesting jobs, theatrical managers with information on the availability of certain plays and ticket sales, and business associates with information on the performances of "The Ideals."

Consists of thirty-two identified plays (varying in number of parts present) used by the Himmelein theatrical group. Also contains several unidentified play books.

Contains hotel, baggage and theater contracts for the cities toured by "The Ideals."

Consists of a record of ticket sales at the local theaters in the various cities where the group performed, and a record of the expenses of "The Ideals" including printing, travel, and rental expenses.

Consists primarily of undated reviews of performances put on by "The Ideals." The cities also are unidentified for the most part.

Contains undated advertisements and broadsides of the various plays presented by "The Ideals"; three play programs containing the name, cast and acts of the play, as well as the coming attractions and local advertisements for the city in which the play was performed; several undated tickets and free pases for various plays presented by the group; three published plays most likely performed by "The Ideals"; and musical scores most likely used by "The Ideals" with their performances.