Performing Arts

Abstract

The Beaumont Civic Opera Buffs were established in 1973 as a fundraising and publicity group for the Beaumont Civic Opera. The purpose of the Buffs was to aid the Beaumont Civic Opera in bringing high-quality performances to Beaumont and the surrounding area. The Buffs held fundraising events, sold tickets, and helped organize productions. This collection contains their administrative and financial records, as well as correspondence, programs, and scrapbooks.

Abstract

Founded in 1880, the Beaumont Enterprise newspaper has served its local community for over one hundred and thirty years. This collection contains newspaper clippings and photographs from the paper, organized by subject. The bulk of the materials were created in the 1970's and 1980's.

Abstract The Brooks Family Papers consists of four family members. Henry C. Brooks, Dorothy G. Brooks, and their two daughters, Rebecca A. Brooks and Nancy B. Neild. Mr. Brooks for many years managed the Fashion department store in Beaumont. His wife helped to raise their two daughters, Nancy and Rebecca. Nancy has long been active in several civic organizations in Beaumont including the Junior League and the the Spindletop Chairty Horse Show. Her sister, Rebecca, was a professional model and actress...

Abstract Charlene Kiker (1929-2004) was a lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas. She worked as a secretary for over thirty years with Mobil Oil Corporation and was president of the Desk and Derrick Club of Beaumont. She had a strong interest in the arts and music and was also involved with the Beaumont Civic Opera, Beaumont Symphony Orchestra, Beaumont Music Commission, Melody Maids, Interfaith Choir, and the choir of the First United Methodist Church. The Charlene Kiker Papers consist of meeting...

Abstract Gordon F. Baxter was born on December 25, 1923, in Port Arthur, Texas. He resided in Beaumont from 1959 until his death on June 11, 2005. During his professional career he was a writer, radio broadcaster, and a airplane pilot. He was well-known for his independent spirit and proved to be a colorful figure in his profession. These papers include personal papers and correspondence, artifacts, scrapbooks, publications, slides, and photographic negatives related to his personal life and...

Abstract The Jefferson Amusement Company was founded in 1917 by Sol Gordon and Joe Clemmons. The Company's headquarters was located in Beaumont where some of the most elegant movie theaters were located including the famous Jefferson Theater which opened in 1927. This collection focuses on the maintenance of the Beaumont theaters, especially the Liberty and Jefferson theaters, film release schedules, contracts and financial correspondence, income ledgers, booking schedules, construction blue prints...

Abstract The Jefferson Theatre was designed by architect Emile Weil in 1927, orignially for the Jefferson Amusement Company. The theatre closed in 1972, but reopened after an extensive restoration in 2003. This collection consists of materials originally collected by the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society. The majority of the collection is comprised of deeds, oil leases, financial records, and correspondence related to the estates of Lena Mayer and Sol E. Gordon and their relatives. The...

Abstract Morris Cloninger graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and taught English at both Conroe and South Park High Schools. Concetta (nee Mazzagatti) Cloninger became interested in theatre while a student at South Park High School and then attended Lamar Junior College, where she studied under Irene Arnett. She later won a scholarship and did post graduate work at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theater Arts in Pasadena, California. Upon leaving California, Concetta took the stage...

Abstract Naaman Johnson Woodland, Jr. (1926-2015) was a lecturer for many decades in the Lamar University History Department. He was Vice President as well as Chairman of the Artists Selection Committee for the Beaumont Music Commission, corresponding with performers and agencies to arrange performances in Beaumont. This collection primarily consists of correspondence between Naaman Johnson Woodland, Jr. and a wide variety of performers and talent. Files contain correspondence, programs, headshots,...

Abstract

This collection consists of materials related to the shared interest of Ruth and Rex Goode in music and the arts and their involvement in the Beaumont community. Student piano recital programs, musical performances, and publications of music and arts organizations in the Beaumont region make up the bulk of the collection.

Abstract The Beaumont Symphony Society was formed in 1950. After several of its members had visited symphony orchestras in Houston and Dallas, the Society decided to sponsor numerous guest appearances of out-of-town symphonies to perform in Beaumont. Out of this endeavor a Beaumont Symphony Orchestra was created in 1953. A Beaumont Women's Symphony League was soon formed in 1955 to help organize major fund raising events as the Viennese Ball, Debutante program, and the Symphony of Trees each...