Garner Newton "Al. G. Field Minstrels" Collection
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Garner Newton "Al. G. Field Minstrels" Collection
- Date
- 1939
- Creator
- Newton, Garner
- Extent
- 0.15 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- Minstrel music.
- Minstrel shows
- Posters.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by format.
- Preferred Citation
- 2012MS023: [identification of item], Garner Newton "Al. G. Field Minstrels" Collection, 1939, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Minstrelsy, the exaggerated theatrical performance through song, dance, and speech of African-American life, was popular form of American entertainment from the 1830s to the 1890s. Often minstrel shows were performed in black face, though following the Civil War, African-American performers became common. Due to the advent of vaudeville, minstrel shows declined in popularity in the early 20th century, but continued to be staged by amateur performers until the 1950s.
- The Huntington, West Virginia, police department sponsored the performance of this Al. G. Field minstrel show in 1939 to raise money for the purchase of new radio equipment. Garner Newton, an actor from Lexington, Kentucky, directed the minstrel show.
- Scope and Content
- The Garner Newton "Al G. Field Minstrels" Collection consists of a minstrel show poster from 1939 and associated documents. These include a newspaper clipping about the show; the birth certificate of Garner Newton, Jr.; and an advertisement for Garner Newton's services furnishing costumes and scenery. The poster reads "Al. G. Field Greater Minstrels / Gov. Bowen / He was bred in old Kentucky."
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
