Clay family papers, 1920s-2004, bulk 1928-1934

Summary

Creator:
Clay, James Eldridge, 1903-1962 and Clay, Ernest Paris, 1892-1959
Date:
1920s-2004, bulk 1928-1934
Extent:
1.25 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Clay family papers, ms 3854, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The papers consist of photographs of the Clay Comedy Show, Clay Cinema Show, and members of the family; a photo album of Martha Ann Clay as a child; two scrapbooks documenting the tent shows; and genealogical research.

Biographical / historical:

Ernest Paris Clay (1892-1959), son of William Salathial Clay and Ethel Ann Walker, married Katherine Maddox (1905-1941) and they had one child, Martha Ann Clay (1930-1975). Prior to the First World War, Ernest Clay was a professional photograph and after the war he and his brother Cappy (Alvin) opened a theater in Windsor, Ill. Later Ernest purchased a tent show, renaming it Clay's Comedy Show, and traveled around the United States showing silent films. Ernest's brother James Eldridge (1903-1962) assisted him with the tent show and later began his own traveling show, Clay's Cinema Show. Ernest Clay and his family settled in McDonough, Ga. and opened the McDonough Theater. In 1934, James Clay and his family settled in Conyers, Ga. and opened the Conyers Theater.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Clay family papers, ms 3854, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.