Bertha Buchanan Fulbright Scrapbooks

Collection

Identifier: Collection 422

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The first two scrapbooks (the two with strips of tape across the spine) contain large photos of famous actors, actresses, playwrights, and producers of the time. The two Powers Opera House Scrapbooks contain clippings from a specific production's program followed by the Grand Rapids Press's review of that play. There are occasional photos of the actors and actresses involved and ticket stubs in both of these scrapbooks. The last two scrapbooks are labeled on the first page as "Photographic Art Studies," which contain large professional headshots of different people in theater at the time.

Dates

Circa 1900 to 1930

Biographical / Historical

Bertha Eugenia Buchanan, born in July 1887, was the daughter of John L. Buchanan and Auretta Buchanan. Her father John was the vice-president of the Royal Furniture Company, and from 1907-1911 Bertha was living with her family. Sometime between 1913-1915 she married Pascal Fulbright, an auto mechanic. In the 1920 census it appears they moved out of the family home to 312 Plainfield when their son John was 3.

Her interest in the Powers Opera House and theatre productions appears to stem from her involvement with The Moonlight Literary Club and Lady Harmony Lodge No. 88. In 1901, she is listed in the Evening Press as the Moonlight Literary club's treasurer, piano player, and occasional reader. In 1903 and 1905 she is listed in the Evening Press as being a Lady Harmony Lodge's lady usher and organist. Also involved in Lady Harmony Lodge No. 88 is a Mrs. John L. Buchanan, Bertha's mother. She was living in Rockford when she passed away on March 16, 1973. Listed in her obituary is one son, John T. Buchanan, who donated these materials in her name.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains six scrapbooks by Bertha Buchanan (later Bertha Fulbright) pertaining to the Powers Opera House and theatre in the early 20th century.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift from Mr. John Fulbright, accession number 1995.010

Related Materials

Collection #216: Grand Rapids Public Library Ephemera (Box 8 - Theaters)

Collection #239: Grand Rapids Public Library Scrapbook Collection (Box 63 - 4 more Powers Theatre Scrapbooks)

Collection #349: Gary L. Hill Broadway Theatre Guild Stage Door collection