DATES: 1896-1933
CREATOR: Brotherton, Thaddeus Herndon
ABSTRACT: Collection of Thaddeus Herndon Brotherton’s papers related to elocution and his career at Smith Academy.
SCOPE: This collection contains Thaddeus Herndon Brotherton’s papers for his career as an orator and elocution teacher in St. Louis, Missouri. Not all documents are dated, but they range from approximately 1896-1933. The materials are divided into seven folders labeled A-G based on content and form, including recital programs, manuscripts, body building, oration performance pieces, letters, and Smith Academy materials. Formats include broadsides, newspaper clippings, typescript, manuscripts, and booklets.
HISTORY: Thaddeus Herndon Brotherton was a St. Louis orator and elocution teacher, active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He performed at locations around St. Louis, including churches, hotels, and lodges. From at least 1906-1907, Brotherton taught elocution at Smith Academy (1856-1917), which was a private boys’ preparatory school for Washington University, St. Louis.
PROVENANCE: Donated to the St. Louis Mercantile Library in 2018 by Jim Babcock, Volunteer Curator, Branson Centennial Museum.
ACCESS: This is collection M-697. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
RESTRICTIONS: Folder G contains restricted student records. Contact the curator for more information.
EXTENT: 1 linear foot
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”
INVENTORY
Folder A: Elocution recital documents, including programs, newspaper advertisements, and reviews (29 items)
Folder B: Manuscripts (11 items)
Folder C: Bodybuilding and YMCA documents (5 items)
Folder D: Oration performances pieces, including newspaper clippings and typescript (44 items)
Folder E: Letters (11 items)
Folder F: Smith Academy (7 items)
Folder G: Student Records (7 items) [RESTRICTED, contact curator for further information]
