Sold for $4,410
Solomon Franklin Smith (1801-1869) was born in Norwich, NY, in 1801, then ventured west in the 1820s to study law. By 1823, he began his career as a theater manager in Cincinnati, OH. Smith formed a partnership with fellow actor Noah Ludlow, in Mobile, AL, in 1835, which lasted until 1853. Together, Smith and Ludlow built the first theater in St. Louis, MO. Smith was well known throughout the Mississippi Valley and was considered one of the greatest Shakespearean actors in St. Louis in the mid-19th century. In addition to acting, Smith was also at times a printer, editor, preacher, and lawyer. A Jacksonian and strong Unionist, he opposed slavery and secession. Smith spent the final years of his life practicing law in St. Louis, where he died on 20 April 1869.
Among the many highights included in this collection are 2 copies of Sol Smith's book entitled, Theatrical Management in the West and South for Thirty Years. Interspersed with Anecdotal Sketches: Autobiographically Given by Sol. Smith, Retired Actor. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1868 (each copy laminated in plastic, expected wear). Smith's memoirs draw on his personal experiences and include some of his finest anecdotes about audiences and theatrical performances of the 1830s-1850s.
Half plate, hand-colored ambrotype of Sol Smith and his family housed in full leatherette case (fully separated at hinge). -- Sixth plate ambrotype of his son standing in a studio setting, housed in full leatherette case (fully separated at hinge). -- CDV of a group of men identified on accompanying paper mount as "Sons of Sol Smith the actor, Two of whom became famous actors." St. Louis, MO: J.A. Scholten, 1869. -- Oval, painted portraits of Sol Smith and his wife, each approx. 17 x 21 in., housed in gilt frames (portrait of Sol Smith under cover glass, few surface abrasions; portrait of wife lacking cover glass, surface abrasions and partially loose from frame, with reverse side reinforced with tape).
[With:] Approx. 44 CDVs and cabinet card photographs of Smith family members, friends, theatre managers, actors, and other personalities, various studio imprints, including: 10+ photographs of family members, many identified on verso. -- CDV of a woman identified on accompanying paper mount as "Mrs. Kate J. Brainard taught at Mary Institute. Was a very fine director of girl's chorus's." -- 8+ cabinet photographs of theatre personalities and managers, some signed and inscribed, including William Faversham, Joe Jefferson, A. Neilson, Robert Haworth, and Miriam Nesbitt. Condition of photographs fair to very good.
[Also with:] Handwritten copy of The Carpenter of Rouen (front cover detached). -- 20+ printed plays, theatre programs, and other booklets dating from the 19th-early 20th century. Play titles include Pocahontas, The Sleeping Draught; A Farce in Two Acts, and The Agreeable Surprise: An Opera in Two Acts.
Together, more than 70 photographs, books, programs, and other ephemera related to Sol Smith, his family, and theatrical career.