Theatrical costume collection, 1900-1927

Summary

Creator:
Roma, Rosa
Date:
1900-1927
Extent:
3.5 Linear Feet 3 boxes and 1 folder
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Theatrical costume collection, ms3022, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of stage costumes and photographs, some autographed by Sophie Tucker, Nellie V. Nichols and Rosa Roma. Included are dresses, gloves, music, feathers and hair combs, all apparently collected by Rosa Roma during her career on stage.

Biographical / historical:

Sophie Tucker was a famous entertainer of Russian birth. Born Sophia Abuza, she moved with her family to the northeastern United States. After eight years in Boston, the Abuzas moved their restaurant to Hartford, Connecticut, where Sophie began her show business career by occasionally singing to the restaurant's show-business clientele. A notably large woman, Sophie is quoted as saying that, "size didn't matter if you could sing and make people laugh." In 1908 Florenz Ziegfeld hired her for his second Follies where she was a show stopper.

Nellie V. Nichols was an actress and vocalist.

Rosa Roma, known as the Gypsy violinist, performed in theatres in the early 1900s.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Theatrical costume collection, ms3022, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.