Pollak, Robert. Papers, 1950-1970

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Music (excluding jazz)

No restrictions.

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Pollak, Robert. Papers, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Robert Pollak was born on June 24, 1903 in Cleveland, Ohio. He received his Ph. B from the University of Chicago in 1924. He was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including the Blackfriars, Three-Quarters Club, and Owl and Serpent. He was also editor of the campus newspaper the Daily Maroon.

Pollak remained involved in the University community after graduation. As a member of the Quadrangle Club, he was involved in writing and staging the Club's yearly Revels. Pollak is credited with introducing the faculty wives chorus line to the Revels in 1938. In the 1950s and 1960s, Pollak co-wrote popular shows with Robert Ashenhurst.

Pollak also wrote columns about theatre and music for several Chicago newspapers. His commentaries appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times in the 1940s and 1950s and in the Hyde Park Herald in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Robert Pollak Papers consist of materials relating to the faculty revels at the Quadrangle Club of the University of Chicago, including: scores, scripts, photographs, clippings, and press releases. The collection also includes clippings of Pollak's column "The Lively Arts," published in the Hyde Park Herald between 1961 and 1970.

The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections:

• Names
  • Pollak, Robert P., b. 1903
  • University of Chicago-History
  • Quadrangle Club (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Darwin Centennial Celebration (1959: University of Chicago)
  • Hyde Park Herald