No information about the life of Lew Dale is known except for the evidence provided in this collection. He was a vaudeville and minstrel performer during at least 1892-1907 in the United States. He appears to have been married as the program for the Acopic Theatre in June 1898 lists "Mrs. Lew Dale" as one of the performers.
This collection contains 24 programs and 1 poster for vaudeville shows and 1 black and white photograph of a vaudeville performer in black face. All of the items are for shows in which Lew Dale performed as a comedian, ventriloquist, minstrel showman, and musician. The materials date from 1892-1907. The shows were performed in the following states in the United States: Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Each program includes Lew Dale as a solo act or as part of a duo. There are 3 duo acts represented: Allen & Dale, Fredo &Dale, and Dale & Dare. Most of the shows list Lew Dale as a musician and comedian. He specialized in playing novelty instruments such as the Marimaphone and the Electrobalco Bells. The programs also list all the other performers for each show and include advertisements for local businesses and political candidates.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
The materials are organized chronologically.
Lew Dale Vaudeville collection, Ms.2016.017, Brown University Library.
Purchased by Brown University Library in 2015.
See also:
Vaudeville and minstrel performer who called himself Del Fuego standing wearing black face, a light-colored striped shirt, short pants, dark stockings, and shoes. Photograph by Loomis in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Inscription handwritten in pencil on verso: "To My Friend Lew Dale Yr Truly Del Fuego Beach & Bowers Ceader [sic] Falls Iowa Tusday [sic] Jan 19 1892, A Dam [sic] Cold Night."
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The poster is very fragile and in 3 pieces. Handwritten note in pencil on verso of bottom piece of the poster and continues on middle piece: "Jan 12 -94 Mr. Lew Dale, If you have orchestration for your end song please send it if you only have one copy send it and I will have it orchestrated. How long will it take for you to drill the people for afterpiece and what kind of wardrobe to wear? Please let us know quick and oblige. Yours H.E. R[adabaugh], Mgr. Foy, Johnson, McClintock Minstrels, Commercial Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa”
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