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Fuller Theatre Programs Collection

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-4306

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of 73 programs from the Fuller Theater in Kalamazoo ranging from 1918 to 1927.

Dates

  • Publication: 1918-1927

Creator

Fuller Theater Biography

Opened in 1909 by Horace Jerome “J.” Fuller, the Fuller Theater was a hub of entertainment in Kalamazoo until its closing in 1953. Neighboring the Elite Theater, the Fuller was located on the east side of Burdick St. and north of South St, the Fuller was designed by Kalamazoo architect Rockwell Adelbert “A.” LeRoy (b. 1864 d. 1950). Similar to other theaters in Kalamazoo, the Fuller was home to a variety of spectacles such as vaudeville performances, concerts, dance shows, stage plays, and motion pictures.

Horrace J. Fuller Biography

Horace J. Fuller (born 1850, died 1914) owned the Kalamazoo Hack & Bus company, a livery service providing transportation to the city. In 1894, Fuller purchased the property on Burdick St. and built a livery stable. Soon after, he built a three-story building that would house the original Wonderland Theater from 1906 to 1909, prior to the expansion of the performance space and change of name to the Fuller Theater.

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Programs were found in the collection.

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of 73 programs for various performances at the Fuller Theater in Kalamazoo. The programs are all printed in black ink on paper that was most likely once white. Eight of the programs are adhered to an orange cardstock backing. Four of these reinforced programs feature two programs on either side. One of the reinforced sheets contains two programs, one of which being The Hindu, featuring photographs from the production below. Two programs, Turn to the Right and Blossom Time are printed in black and orange colored ink on bright yellow paper. All images remain in black and white. Most programs feature advertisements for local businesses, as well as artwork and photographs promoting the performances. The programs range in size from 5” x 8.5” at the smallest and 9.5” x 6.25” at the largest. Most of the programs are in good condition, though many show signs of aging. A few of the programs contain smudged ink, discoloration, creasing, and minor tears.

Genre / Form

Topical

Title
Fuller Theatre Programs Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Ella Nelson; Stephanie Chapman
Date
2023-08-11
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490