Papers about theatrical performances by Robert Ames, 1930-1982

Archive

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Alameda Museum & Meyers House and Gardens

Name/Title

Papers about theatrical performances by Robert Ames, 1930-1982

Entry/Object ID

2024.90.2

Scope and Content

Acc. No. 24.90.2 Subject Category: Citizens of Alameda Date or Period: 1930-1982 Object: papers Description: A collection of letters, clippings, handbills, and photos. Size: various History of Objects: Paper mementoes regarding the amateur theatrical roles played by Robert Harding Ames, who was brought to Alameda as a boy, and lived here the rest of his life. He was employed as a clerk at the Bethlehem Shipyards, and later at the engineering department at City Hall. Noteworthy is a summary list of theatrical roles, a collection of radtio scripts, correspondence with Val (Valentine) Newmark of the Little Theatre (forerunner of the Altarena Playhouse), and a collection of photos and a typed memoire, as well as photocopied magazine, regarding the 'Cavalcade of the Americas', a production that took place on a huge stage during the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island, 1940. Donor: Estate of Helena B. Ames Donation Date: 03/21/2006 Catalog Completion Date: 11/29/2024 Details: - 1919, Program 'The Hi Senior Follies', Class of June 1919 (name posted 'Harding Ames'). - 1923, Program 'In Walked Jimmy', at Neptune Palace Theatre, Alameda Chapter No. 210 Order of DeMolay presents - 1924: handbill San Francisco Showmen, Curran Theater, 'The Front Page' - 1929: Program, Annual Christmas Charity Show, Alameda Lodge No. 1015 B.P.O. Elks - 1932: Program, Annual Charity Show, Alameda Lodge No. 1015 (Elks), 'The Sannons of Broadway' - 1938: Clippings, newspaper unknown, regarding Little Theatre production 'Riddle Me This' - 1940: Clipping, Alameda Times-Star, January 17; Clipping re Little Theatre production 'The Night of January 16th' - 1940: photos, photocopied magazine with accompanying note (in which some of the photos were used), typed memoire 'A summer to Remember', Appreciation Certificate, re 'America! Cavalcade of a Nation', production during the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island, 1940 - 1941: Note from Ford E. Samuel, president Alameda Little Theatre, re production 'Night Must Fall', featuring Doris Haslett Goodman and Robert Ames et al. - 1944: typed letter on bright blue tissue paper (carbon copy) addressed to 'Jack', mentioning the 1940 Cavalcade - 1946: program, American Legion Alameda Post No. 9 and Amercian Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 9, presenting The Players Guild in 'Accent on Youth', Adelphian Club, Clippings of reviews from the Alameda Times Star about this play, and typed letter from Wm. Woodall to 'Bob' regarding performance in 'Accent on Youth' - 1946: Handbill Geary Theatre, San Francisco Showmen, presenting 'The Front Page' - 1946, List of Previous Stage and Radio Experience, - 1938-1948: Collection of 4 Radio scripts in folder: 'One out of Seven', 1945; 'Night Editor', 1948, 'One Special for Doc', undated; 'My Secret Ambition', 1938. - 1948: Typed letter from Wm Woodall, The Alameda Little Theatre, Inc, to Bob re possible roles in next performance 'Three Taps at Twelve' - undated: two undated notes, addressed to 'Dear Bob', signed 'Val' and 'Val Newmark' thanking for assistance in 'Jan. 16' and an unnamed play - 1983: carbon copy of letter from Helene Ames to thank Valentine Newmark re card sent to Bob Ames, and reply from Valentine to Helene.