The Bob Sheldon Collection

This past year THS member and theatre documentarian Bob Sheldon passed away.  After his passing, his daughter contacted the archive and said he had a collection of scrapbooks that she would like to donate to THS, knowing the organization and theatres were close to his heart.

The collection comprises 33 scrapbooks and a binder of prints that Mr. Sheldon compiled.  Nearly all of the material is devoted to documenting past and present Chicago theatres, and it represents an amazing and thorough look at the vast number of theatres the city once had.

The People’s Theatre, Southwest Chicago. From the Bob Sheldon Collection.

The People’s Theatre, Southwest Chicago. From the Bob Sheldon Collection.

Organized by street, the scrapbooks comb through the city, road by road, and offer researchers pictures of the theatre when it was operating, as well as snapshots taken later by Mr. Sheldon of the site (of the existing theatre, re-purposed building, or empty lot) as it stood in the early 2000’s.

This collection is a testament to the great part Chicago played in cinema history, as well as a view on how that legacy is (or isn’t) commemorated today.  The photos are often accompanied by photocopied ephemera and information about the theatres.  The collection has been uploaded to the online catalog and a finding aid is currently in the works.

If you find this story fascinating, we have a treasure trove of information about the history of your favorite theatres.  Sign up for an account on historictheatres.org and enter through the STAGE DOOR!

For nearly fifty years Theatre Historical Society of America has been celebrating, documenting, and promoting the architectural, cultural, and social relevance of America’s historic theaters. However, we can’t do it alone. Support from cinema lovers, architects, historians and people like you are paramount to our success.  Become a member today, and help us preserve the rich history of America’s greatest theatres.