Theatrical costume collection

Descriptive Summary
Title: Theatrical costume collection
Creator: Roma, Rosa
Inclusive Dates: 1900-1927
Language(s): English
Extent: 3.5 Linear Feet 3 boxes and 1 folder
Collection Number: ms3022
Repository: Hargrett Library

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Collection Description

Historical Note

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.

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.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

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

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

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1

Photographs

Some of the photographs are autographed. Two are autographed by Sophie Tucker.

 

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1

Dress - black with red beads (some loose)

 

1

shawl - orange and black

 

1

Lace collars, bodice, and pieces

 

1

Cloth red rose

 

1

Gloves - wrist length, cotton with open dots with colored rings around cut-outs

 

1

Gloves - wrist length, kid, with gold studs on the wrist

 

1

Gloves - elbow length, open bow and stitching

 

1

Gloves - elbow length, kid, flowers with rhinestone centers

 

1

Gloves - elbow length, black lace

 

1

Gloves - above the elbow length, kid, 6-3/4 tag still attached

 

1

Gloves - above the elbow length, kid, unmatched

 

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2

Dress - heavily beaded, aqua

 

2

Dress - purple and coral beads

 

2

Music

Several violin pieces, "Rose O' Mine," and a manuscript copy of "Violin Solo with Duncan Sisters."

 

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3

Feathers

 

3

Blue plumage fan

 

3

Small stand-up hair comb

 

3

Large ivory-colored hair comb