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.
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Megan Mummey
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.

Contents of the Collection

"Al. G. Field Minstrels" poster,, 1939

  • Case 6, Drawer 2
To top

General,, 1939

  • Box 1, Folder 22
To top

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.

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.



Submit a request for SCRC materials.




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.