Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
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- Textual record
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- Source of title proper: Title based on contents of fonds.
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Statement of scale (cartographic)
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Dates of creation area
Date(s)
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1921-1922, n.d. (Creation)
- Creator
- Bradley, Myrtle
Physical description area
Physical description
0.5 cm of textual records
Publisher's series area
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Archival description area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Myrtle Bradley was born in the U.S.A. ca. 1874. She married Charles Bradley and they had two children, Donald born in 1894 and Dorris born in 1901. Charles was the manager of the Swift Plant in Cleveland, Ohio. The family immigrated to Canada in 1908 when Charles became the manager of the J.Y Griffin & Co. meat packing plant (later known as Swift’s). Their first residence was at 539 – 8th Avenue. Another daughter, Louise, was born in 1912.
Charles Bradley was considered a prominent businessman in Edmonton and remained as general manager of the Swift Canadian Co. until his death in July 1924. He had left his home in Edmonton to visit the family farm in Winterburn on Tuesday July 2, 1924 and seemed to have disappeared. He was reported missing and a search was started. The following day his car was spotted west of the city and his body was found nearby. His death was ruled an accident due to heatstroke caused by an intense heat wave that began July 1st, 1924. It was reported that temperatures reached 35C (96F) breaking all previous records.
Myrtle Bradley died in March 1971 and is buried in the Edmonton Cemetery.
Custodial history
It is not known how Harriet Snowball acquired the material from Myrtle Bradley.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of two programmes and one news clipping of the Empire Theatre which opened in 1920 on 103 Street just north of Jasper Avenue. It operated as Edmonton's premier theatre until it was converted into offices during the Second World War. Its lifespan was roughly coincidental with the golden age of drama, opera, and vaudeville. Stars such as Harry Lauder, Charlie Chaplin, and Will Rogers were among the performers. The building was used not only as a playhouse but also for political gatherings, sports broadcasts, and city theatrical productions.
Note: both programmes include a variety of advertisements of local businesses of the time, including full page ads for Swift’s on the inside front covers.
Item List:
- Programme – “The Victorian Maid – A Musical Comedy”, New Empire Theatre, Feb. 10th, 11th & 12th, 1921;
- Programme – “The Girl Of My Dreams – A Musical Comedy”, New Empire Theatre, Feb. 23rd, 24th & 25th 1922;
- Newspaper clipping – “’The Three Twins’ Goes With Eclat From Rise to Drop of the Curtain at Empire Theatre”, unknown paper, n.d.
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
This fonds was donated to the City of Edmonton Archives by Harriet Snowball in 1971.
Arrangement
The material was arranged by the archivist in chronological order.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Location of originals
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Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions on access.
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Copyright may apply.
Reproduction restrictions may apply.
Finding aids
See Scope and content above.
Associated materials
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
General note
Accession number: A71-20
General note
Formerly known as the Mrs. H. Snowball collection, then as the Empire Theatre fonds.
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Rules for Archival Description (RAD)
Archives Society of Alberta Subject Terms