US-RP-MSS023 Guide to the John B. Archer Collectioncirca 1912 Finding aid prepared by Meghan Sullivan-Silva, 2014. Providence Public Library 2014 November 28.
Providence Public Library Special Collections150 Empire StreetProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 401-855-8000Fax: 401-455-8065E-mail: ricoll@provlib.org
 Finding aid encoded by Stacie M. Parillo, 2014 November 28. English Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) English Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
150 Empire StreetProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 401-455-8000E-mail: ricoll@provlib.org
 Archer, John B. (John Benjamin), 1872-1954 John B. Archer Collection circa 1912 Archer (John B.) Collection 1 linear foot This collection is comprised primarily of the work of John B. Archer. It contains scripts, arrangements, and sheet music of the various comic operas he wrote. MSS023 Historical note

Operettas or Comic Operas became popular in England in the mid 19th century. Gilbert and Sullivan rose to popularity, and their style inspired many other composers to create similar experiences. These comic operas typically featured elaborate plots and humorous dialogue, and almost always ended happily.

John B. Archer was born in North Andover, MA, on October 24th, 1872. He authored numerous Comic Operas, many of which were performed in Rhode Island. A composer, he also directed choral arrangements and lectured on choral music and on composers. He conducted the Choral Art Society of Providence. He also gave a series of talks on international music. He died on February 6th, 1954 and is buried in Swan Point Cemetery.

 Collection information

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department.

Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references.

[item number], [item title], John B. Archer Collection, MSS023, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library.

This collection is comprised primarily of the work of John B. Archer. It contains scripts, arrangements, and sheet music of the various comic operas he wrote. Included are drafts in various stages of completion, almost all with handwritten notations. A scrapbook also contains extensive photographs of the staging of The Romany Maid. This scrapbook also includes programs and newspaper reviews.

The John B. Archer Collection is organized into a single series. It is organized by production, with music and scripts from the same play kept together. The only exception is for The Romany Maid, which is separated into two different boxes.

Administrative information

Unknown.

No accruals are expected.

 Names Archer, John B. (John Benjamin), 1872-1954

Subjects Rhode Island -- Music -- 20th century Performing arts -- Rhode Island

RIAMCO Browsing Terms Performing Arts Titles

Types of materials clippings music (discipline) scrapbooks scores sheet music theater programs

Occupations

Functions

Additional information

Florence Nelson Scrapbook, VM 008.

1 1 Conscience = Freedom 1 2 Isle of Rest Part 1 1 3 Isle of Rest Part 1 1 4 Lend Me Five Shillings 1 5 No Trespassing 2 6 The Red Letter Orchestral Part 1 2 7 The Red Letter Orchestral Part 2 2 8 The Red Letter Orchestral Part 3 2 9 The Red Letter Script 2 10 The Red Letter Vocal Score Part 1 2 11 The Red Letter Vocal Score Part 2 2 12 The Romany Maid Vocal Score 3 13 The Romany Maid Scrapbook