The Boston Herald Clipping File

Collection

Identifier: MSS 003

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Boston Herald Clipping File consists of reviews and articles (news clippings), programs, autographs, advertisements, press releases, and correspondence all related to theater productions (both amateur and professional) in and around Boston and New York City. The collection also contains some material produced by Emerson College.

Dates

1807 - 1970

Creator

Hirsch, Sam (Person)
Norton, Elliot (Person)
Hughes, Elinor (Person)

Language of Materials

Records in English.

Conditions Governing Use

Some materials may be subject to copyright. No part of the materials protected by copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the copyright holder. Researchers are required to seek permission from the copyright holder to reproduce and/or publish materials under copyright.

Preferred Citation: [Container number], [Folder Title], The Herald Clipping File, Emerson College Archives, Emerson College, Boston, MA.

Biographical / Historical

Elinor Hughes served as a major critic for Boston's theater community for nearly forty years. Born in Cambridge, she attended Radcliff College and immediately began working at the Boston Herald following graduation. She initially served as assistant to renowned critic Philip Hale, which included maintaining his theater clipping files. Upon his retirement in 1934, she took over his position as theater critic for the Herald, becoming first woman drama critic for a major Boston newspaper.

As a reviewer, Hughes predominantly acted as the Drama and Film Critic for the Boston Herald, contributing to the columns "The Play's the Thing" and "Screened at the Movies." Additionally, she contributed articles highlighting and interviewing film and stage actors. Aside from her work at the Herald, Hughes also contributed to the Junior League News Bulletin and the Hollywood Reporter. She collected clippings of these articles through her career and compiled them in bound volumes, which were indexed with names of plays, films, and actors.

Extent

43 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in two series: Clippings and Biographical Information

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

The collection is stored offsite and 48 hours notice is required for use.

Other Finding Aids

A box list is available in the Emerson College Archives & Special Collections.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was assembled by Sam Hirsch, Elinor Hughes, and Elliot Norton during their employment at the Boston Herald. The Boston Herald gave the collection to Emerson College in 1984.