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Clay family papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Clay family papers | |
| Creator: Clay, James Eldridge, 1903-1962 | |
| Creator: Clay, Ernest Paris, 1892-1959 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1920s-2004 | |
| Bulk Dates: 1928-1934 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 1.25 Linear Feet (2 boxes) | |
| Collection Number: ms3854 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
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.
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.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Clay family papers, ms 3854, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
Related Collections in this Repository
Related collection in other repositories: E. P. Clay collection, Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection.