Scrapbook, 1937-1938

The collection is composed of two sections, records and newspaper reviews, as well as eight bound scrapbooks that document the ILGWU musical "Pins and Needles." The first section primarily contains photocopies of reviews, articles, and stories from various newspapers. Also included are playbills and some copies of programs and playbills from theaters across the country where "Pins and Needles" appeared. There is some information on cast members, a few interviews, and of particular interest, the complete vocal score to the musical. The material, and especially the articles and reviews, help to chronicle the success and popularity of the show.



Additionally there are eight bound scrapbooks that illustrate the history and publicity of the musical through clippings and articles. The newspaper clippings are glued to the pages and many have come lose. The scrapbooks are fragile and in poor condition and therefore difficult to handle. The information contained in the scrapbooks are as follows:



Scrapbook Box 6: 1935-1937. This book contains clippings about Labor Stage and some of the shows and performances in addition to "Pins and Needles," including "Steel." Also included are playbills, and clippings and articles from newspapers across the country.



Scrapbook Box 7: 1937. This book contains clippings from Yiddish language newspapers.



Scrapbook Box 8: 1937. The book focuses solely on clippings and information about the Labor Stage performance of John Wexley's strike drama "Steel," a play about the unionization of the steel industry.



Scrapbook Box 9: 1937-1938. Included in this book are clippings, articles, reviews, and brief newspaper snippets for "Pins and Needles".



Scrapbook Box 10: 1937-1938. The book contains a collection of small clippings from newspapers across the country that mentioned or had a story on "Pins and Needles."



Scrapbook Box 11: 1938-1939. Collected in this book are small clippings and announcements from newspapers that mention "Pins and Needles."



Scrapbook Box 12: 1940. This book has programs, articles and clippings that document the new version of the show, "New Pins and Needles."



Scrapbook Box 13: 1937-1943. The book holds newspaper articles and clippings, programs, and tickets for not only "Pins and Needles," but other Labor Stage productions and events as well.