Ralph D. Lee Papers

Collection

Identifier: WH556

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection contains photographs of actors and actresses who appeared at theaters managed by Lee (1930s), clippings, correspondence, reviews and billings of plays. Includes personal and military records (1864-1908) of father, David K. Lee (1849-1917),

Dates

1864-1983

Creator

Lee, Ralph D., 1886-1961 (Person)

Language of Materials

Material is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

Ralph D. Lee was born January 26, 1886 in Denver; attended Manual Training High School. In 1909, he entered show business as a member of a Manual Quartet and starred at the Tabor Theater that season. He traveled with a road show company at close of summer 1909 season. He returned to Denver and acted and directed with the Woodward Players and Wilkes Players at the Denham Theater. Also appeared in plays at Elitch's Garden's Theater and appeared with Gladys George, Emmett Vohan, and Lewis Stone. In 1930, he took over management of Old American Theater at 16th and Curtis streets as well as Rialto Theater. In 1933, he began management of the Tabor and also managed the Aladdin, Broadway, Isis, and Bluebird theaters in his 20 years with the Fox Theater chain. In 1951, he retired from managing the Bluebird Theater. He and his wife, Viola Krantz, had one son, Donald Lee. Ralph D. Lee died on March 27, 1961 in Denver, Colorado. He was well-recognized as a fixture in Denver show business from the days of vaudeville to legitimate theater.

Extent

1 Boxes ; (1 linear feet)

1 oversize boxes

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Donald K. Lee, 1992.

General

Catalog record based on preliminary inventory.

Subjects

Actors -- Colorado -- Denver. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Lee, Ralph D., 1886-1961 -- Archives.
Military records Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Motion picture theaters -- Colorado -- Denver -- History. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Personal papers Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Photographs Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Scrapbooks. Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Theater -- Colorado -- Denver -- History. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Theatrical managers -- Colorado -- Denver. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings