Holak collection
Scope and Content Note
This collection holds some of the earliest examples of theatrical designs for Masonic ceremonial staging. Represented by 174 colored renderings and 8 pencil sketches, they depict not only the Scottish Rite Temple of Freemasonry, but also the York Rite Temple of Freemasonry.
Dates
- approximately 1908-1923
Creator
- Holak, Mr. (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Restrictions on Access
The collection is open and available for use by researchers in the Andersen Library Reading Room.
Restrictions on Use
Contact the archivist regarding copyright to these materials.
Historical Note
The Holak Collection focuses on the first generation of stage design for fraternal organizations by scenic studios located throughout the Eastern United States of America. Containing 182 pieces, this collection represents some of the first theatrical elements supplied to fraternal organizations during the late-nineteenth and the early-twentieth century. Although a majority of the collection represents the work of one studio, Sosman and Landis (Chicago, Illinois), other studios, such as The New York Studio, are identifiable. This collection was salvaged from an abandoned scenic studio in New York City in the late 1980s by Mr. Holak, a former employee of The New York Studio.
Extent
8 boxes
Abstract
Collection contains 174 colored renderings and 8 pencil sketches of stage design for fraternal organizations.
Physical Location
High Bay
Other Finding Aid
An unpublished finding aid with detailed contents is available. Please contact the Performing Arts Archives for details.
Acquisition
Purchased from Herb Gahagen in 1989 by the University of Minnesota Theatre Arts Department, the University Libraries and outside donors.
Alternate Form Available
The following is a link to an online database containing digitized versions of the renderings in this collection: Scenic Collections
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Wendy Rae Waszut, 1990-1991.
- Scene painting Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Sosman and Landis
- The New York Studio
- Title
- Holak collection
- Author
- Karen Spilman
- Date
- December 2004
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Collecting Area Details
Contact The Performing Arts Archives Collecting Area