Molka Reich papers, 1904/1986

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Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the Molka Reich papers must be obtained from Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Preferred citation:

Molka Reich papers, C0229, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
6.0 linear feet (9 boxes)
Creator:
Reich, Molka
Abstract:
The Molka Reich papers includes playscripts, programs, puppetry newsletters, newspaper clippings, photographs, and scrapbooks with most of it dating from the 1930s to the 1950s. About half of the material directly relates to the Federal Theatre Project, especially the newspaper clippings, programs, and scrapbooks. Many of the puppetry newsletters and playscripts are from after the 1930s. Some of the material relates to the actor Scott Griffin who acted with the Federal Theatre Project in Miami, Florida, alongside Reich.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Molka Reich papers, C0229, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The Molka Reich papers includes playscripts, programs, puppetry newsletters, newspaper clippings, photographs, and scrapbooks with most of it dating from the 1930s to the 1950s. About half of the material directly relates to the Federal Theatre project, especially the newspaper clippings, programs, and scrapbooks. Many of the puppetry newsletters and playscripts are from after the 1930s. Some of the material relates to the actor Scott Griffin who acted with the Federal Theatre Project in Miami, Florida, alongside Reich.

Series 1 contains many different types of materials including essays, puppetry newsletters, play synopses, published plays, vaudeville sketches, marionette patterns in various sizes, and original artwork by Ken Bare. Materials are arranged alphabetically.

Series 2 contains newspaper clippings from Miami, Florida, newspapers. Many of the newsclippings are reviews for plays that Molka Reich or Scott Griffin were involved in. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Series 3 contains photographs both black and white and color and in a variety of sizes. Photographs consist of portraits of Molka Reich, and Scott Griffin, as well as production photographs, and photographs of a Jack and the Beanstalk marionette. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Series 4 is the largest series and contains scripts for plays and some radio productions. Some of the scripts have accompanying music, mostly handwritten. This series is arranged alphabetically by title.

Series 5 contains programs for Federal Theatre productions and non Federal Theatre productions that were performed in Miami and Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Long Island and Pawling, New York; and The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Series 6 contains scrapbooks that have been disassembled and foldered. The Molka Reich scrapbook 1928-1948 contains mostly material relating to Scott Griffin. There is also a scrapbook for marionette newspaper and magazine clippings, a scrapbook with clippings and programs from productions in Miami, and a scrapbook containing calendar programs for the Starlight Theater in Pawling, New York. This series is arranged by size of material.

Series 1 contains many different types of materials including essays, puppetry newsletters, play synopses and published plays and vaudeville sketches, marionette patterns in various sizes, and original artwork by Ken Bare. Materials are arranged alphabetically.

Blueprint for portable stage

Original artwork for set and other designs - watercolors, pencil drawings

Newsletters, catalogs, pamphlets related to dolls, marionettes, and puppets

Pamphlets and newsletters related to George Mason events revolving around puppetry and the Federal Theatre Project

"Dear Charlotte", possibly from Scott Griffin

Newsletters from The Puppetry Guild of Greater New York, The Puppeteers of America, The Puppeteers of America Regional Reporter for the Southeast Region, D. C. Puppetimes, George Mason University Golden Anniversary Puppetry Festival, The Puppet Guild of Greater Miami, Barry University Department of Theatre, The Puppet Masters calendar featuring famous puppeteers, itinerary for trip to Japan (UNIMA XV 1988)

12 Plays for Boys and Girls edited by Ben Blake with pictures by Bill Siegel; The Slave with Two Faces by Mary Carolyn Davies

Three issues: Art of Acting Issue (1936), Second Art of Acting Issue (1937), Fall Issue (1937)

Series 2 contains newspaper clippings from Miami, Florida newspapers. Many of the newsclippings are reviews for plays that Molka Reich or Scott Griffin were involved in. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Ah, Wilderness; Altars of Steel

Boy Meets Girl; The Bride the Sun Shines On

Candle Light; Chalk Dust; Coquette; Criminal at Large

Miami Federal Theatre; Molka Reich; Mystery of the Boardwalk Asylum

"New Director Named for Theatre Project", article about Dorothea Lynch becoming state director for the Federal Theatre.

Smilin' Through; actor Scott Griffin

Series 3 contains photographs both black and white and color and in a variety of sizes. Photographs consist of portraits of Molka Reich, and Scott Griffin, as well as production photographs, and photographs of the Jack and the Beanstalk marionette. This series is arranged alphabetically.

1 production photograph featuring actors on stage. An actor in center is holding a gun to his head.

Color photographs of Jack and the beanstalk puppet.

12 oversize photographs, 10 of which are professional portraits taken by Charles Cooper in Miami, Florida.

2 oversize matted photographic portraits of Molka Reich.

14 color photographs of Reich leading a marionette demonstration.

9 black and white photographs of Reich's marionettes, staged productions with actors, and includes two photographs of an audience of children watching Bimbo perform.

Series 4 is the largest series and contains scripts for plays and some radio productions. Some of the scripts have accompanying music, mostly handwritten. This series is arranged alphabetically by title.

Includes script and sheet music

Abstract

Scott Griffin's copy

Photocopy

Director's copy

Includes note from Syl to Helen: "Couldn't find the columns I mentioned to you, but in the search uncovered some old Morgan scripts I did for the Eversharp show. The enclosed is an excerpt, from about the only one that could be cut and still be effective. Probably would serve as a space filler and be good for a few laughs. Will try to find the other stuff for a later issue."

Photocopy of Federal Theatre Project script

Photocopy

Sheet music

Radio production with Andrew Jergens

Photocopy

Photocopy of script and sheet music

Photocopy

Script for the American Brotherhood: The National Conference of Christians and Jews

Photocopy. Includes four scripts, one for each actor.

Photocopy

Multiple scripts with holiday themes

Miscellaneous mostly handwritten pages of sheet music and lyrics, some for marionette productions

Photocopy

Script and sheet music

Includes script and music

Includes script and music

Photocopy

Photocopy

Pages 2 to 30. Characters include Mrs. Giles, Mrs. Adams, Harry, Miss Mobray, and Walter.

Scott Griffin's script

Series 5 contains programs for Federal Theatre productions and non Federal Theatre productions that were performed in Miami and Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Long Island and Pawling, New York; and The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Altars of Steel; Ah, Wilderness!; The Bishop Misbehaves; The Bride the Sun Shines On; Criminal at Large; Coquette; Chalk Dust; Craig's Wife; A Classic Vaudeville; The Emperor's New Clothes; Engaged; Folk Music in the Roosevelt White House (produced by the Smithsonian Institution Office of Folklife programs)

The Ghost Train; The Gallows Gate; The Great Sebastians

The Happiest Millionaire; If Ye Break Faith; Inherit the Wind; International Society for Contemporary Music; Lightnin (invitation and program); The Loud Red Patrick

Double sided one page flyer for the Marionette Unit directed by Molka Reich. The front page features reviews from places the troop performed, the back features their repertoire.

May Day; Margin for Error; The Mask and the Face; Mehitable Wing; The Matchmaker; The New York Idea; The 9th Guest; No Time for Sergeants; One More Spring; An Evening of Experimental One Act Plays; Post Road

Two invitations for events at the Molka Reich Studio.

The Starlight Theatre (1957 Summer calendar); Room Service; The Reluctant Debutante; Smilin' Through (includes ticket, programs, press release, for Jacksonville, Florida production); Separate Tables; Sabrina Fair; Twelfth Night; Visit to a Small Planet; Whom Dreams Possess; What a Life; What a Woman Wants; Witness for Prosecution

Series 6 contains scrapbooks that have been disassembled and foldered. The Molka Reich scrapbook 1928-1948 contains mostly material relating to Scott Griffin. There is also a scrapbook for marionette newspaper and magazine clippings, a scrapbook with clippings and programs from productions in Miami, and a scrapbook containing calendar programs for the Starlight Theater in Pawling, New York. This series is arranged by size of material.

Separated 8.25"x9.25" scrapbook pages with 5"x7" black and white photographs adhered to them. Photographs feature marionettes and Molka Reich.

1 of 5

2 of 5. Newspaper clippings, programs, telegrams, and handwritten notes to and about Scott Griffin regarding theatre productions including: Coquette, This Thing Called Love, two one act plays performed at the Little Theatre (Bereguisse and The Torch-Bearers), a calendar for plays at the Florida Forum and Assembly (1934), The Pretender, Broken Dishes, Hired Husbands, The Nervous Wreck, The Big Pond, Why Wives Worry, Smilin' Thru, Thank You, and The Love Critic.

3 of 5

4 of 5. Includes programs for The Last of Mrs. Cheney, Our Town, Little Women, and Room Service. Includes playscripts for If Ye Break Faith and Two Crooks and a Lady, as well as handwritten and typewritten notes, a flyer for the production of Coquette, and an entry ticket for the Manhattan Repertory Theatre Co. at the Miami Playhouse.

5 of 5. Material relating to Billy Griffin (later Scott Griffin). Includes negatives and portrait print as well as report cards and calling cards.

1 of 2. Contains primarily magazine and newspaper articles featuring marionettes. There is also a certificate for Mrs. Howard Fitch for completing the Cultural Olympics in Woodstown, New Jersey (May 5, 1938). Clippings and certificate are attached to scrapbook paper.

2 of 2. Contains loose newspaper and magazine clippings featuring articles on marionettes.

Includes newsclippings, newsclippings attached to paper, a program, and marionette patterns.

Includes programs for the West Florida Music and Arts Festival, International Society for Contemporary Music (1931), newspaper and magazine clippings featuring marionettes.

Newspaper articles from the Monitor titled "Marionettes by Children" that illustrate how one can make their own marionette.

Oversize. Molka Reich scrapbook featuring newspaper clippings and programs from Miami Federal Theatre and non Federal Theatre productions. Pages have been separated.

Oversize. Scrapbook pages separated, featuring programs and newspaper clipping from productions performed at Starlight Theater in Pawling, New York.

Biographical / historical:

Molka Reich studied puppetry under Remo Bufano in New York during the 1920s. She and her husband moved to Miami, Florida, in 1930. While there, she joined the Federal Writers Project, and then the Federal Theatre Project. She started with the FTP as an actress but soon was working with the marionette unit where she made puppets, wrote and adapted scripts, and built sets. As an actress she appeared in the Federal Theatre production Engaged that was performed in August of 1936. She stayed with the Federal Theatre Project until 1939, after which she continued to be a proponent for puppetry. In Miami, she served as president of the Business and Professional Women's Club.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Molka Reich in 1980 and 1981. Scott Griffin material presented by Molka Reich for the Scott Griffin estate on June 25, 1979.
Processing information:

Processed in December 2012 by Greta Kuriger Suiter. EAD completed in January 2013 by Greta Kuriger Suiter.

Arrangement:
  1. Series 1: Essays, newsletters, published works, and miscellany, 1904-1950 (Boxes 1-2, 9)
  2. Series 2: Newspaper clippings, 1936-1986 (Box 2)
  3. Series 3: Photographs, circa 1930s-1940s (Boxes 2, 9)
  4. Series 4: Playscripts, 1920s-1953 (Boxes 2-6)
  5. Series 5: Programs, 1928-1950s (Boxes 6-7)
  6. Series 6: Scrapbooks, 1920s-1950s (Boxes 7-8)
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard