Scrapbook and Small Archive from Washington, D.C. area Organist, Mary B. Taber Hazard
Washington, D.C. 1865-1916. Scrapbook 9.5x7," [46]pp. Staple bound pages in detached, brown wrappers with "Programs" in manuscript on front. Chipping, soiling, and wear to yapped edges, first page loose and laid in, else sound internally. With six related, ephemeral items.
Mary B. (Taber) Hazard (1850-1935) was an active piano and organ soloist and accompanist for Washington, D.C. area churches, the Esther Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Washington Operatic Association under the direction of John Philip Sousa. The scrapbook consists of numerous clippings devoted to various performances both by Mary and her family members. Several at the beginning are devoted to a children's production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Pinafore, complete with costume illustrations. Most clippings are music and theater related although at least one details Mrs. Hazard's activity at a local compass whist game. On the final pages of the scrapbook are mounted nine autograph letters, signed from various D.C. area lodges thanking Mrs. Hazard for her performances.
Laid in are:
1. 8x5" printed program for a literary and musical benefit concert at the Temperance Temple, 1875.
2. 7.5x5" printed program for a performance of Nellie H. Bradley's Mother Goose and Her Temperance Family at the Masonic Temple, 1887.
3. 6.5x4" nicely printed menu card for a reception at Fick's Restaurant celebrating John Philip Sousa and Edward M. Taber's (Mary's brother) operetta, Desiree. Taber wrote the libretto for this production, which is often referred to as America's first comic opera. Desiree debuted at the National Theater in May, 1884, with rising star, DeWolf Hopper making his operatic debut. Unrecorded in OCLC.
4. 5x3.5" bifolium souvenir program from the Philadelphia debut at Haverly's Theatre in November, 1884, of Desiree. This production was put on by the McGaull Opera Comique Co. under the direction of Harry Wannemacher. The program was "presented to every lady on opening night." Unrecorded in OCLC.
5. 11x8.5" ALS from Geo. W. Sammis, GM of the De Wolf Hopper Comic Opera Company to Mary's brother, Edward M. Taber.
Price: $375.00