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History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].
History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].
History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].
History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].

History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].

A 20th-century history bound up with 19th-century letters, circulars, etc.


History of the Hanus theater operation and show business family of Antigo, Wisconsin. The history was compiled c.1979 by Edmund Hanus from contemporary newspaper, magazine, and photographic sources as well as other Hanus family records and recollections and includes seven original manuscript and/or printed circulars and letters.

The history comprises photocopied pages bound with four original manuscript and printed letters or circulars dated 1899, 1904, 1921, and 1934. Two of the bound in letters are from theatrical promoters W.H. Fullwood of the Lyceum Theatre in Toledo, Ohio (on the letterhead of promoters Wallace, Gilmore & Co. of Oswego, New York) and Ogarita and Hatfield. There is also a typed letter from show bill lithographer, Greve Litho Co. The fourth bound in item is a printed circular letter to the stockholders from the Home Theatre Co. of Antigo, Inc. listing John Hanus as manager.

The total period of the Hanus family’s association with the theater and show business covered a span of 69 years dating from about 1894 to retirement in 1961. The relationship covered covered almost the entire spectrum of involvement in public entertainment and group accomodation [sic] during an era of colorful history; of names places, doings; of changing life styles, art forms and technical advances. (f[2])

Much of the history focuses on John Hanus, Sr. (1878–1957):

Having offered the public movie entertainment previously John Hanus felt there was a need for another modern theater in the community and so promoted the Home Theater [sic], serving as its manager for 27 years untill [sic] his death in 1957. Five sons and a daughter were associated with him in its operation. ...[The period of the Home Theater’s operation] covered the introduction of talking movies as well as 3-dimension and wide screen Cinemascope presentation, Vaudeville included. (f[5])

Additionally, three possibly related autograph letters signed, dated 1892 and 1904 or undated, are laid in to the Hanus family history. The undated letter is of some note: it was written by stage and film actress Marie Nordstrom (1886–1979) concerning her billing in a show entitled Let’s Pretend written by her sister Frances Nordstrom (1883–?), stage actress, playwright, and screen writer.


Description: History of the Hanus Family’s Association with the Theater and Show Business 1878–1961 [cover title].

[Various places, 1892–1934 and c.1979]. [35]ff. + [4]ff. manuscript and printed letters or circulars bound in + 3 ALsS ([5]pp.) laid in. Red, stiff paper wrappers with label on upper cover; three-hole brad binding. Letters with folds; overall, very good.

[3726346]

Price: $150.00

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