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  • Collection ID 1981.0021
  • Creator Names Essanay Film Manufacturing Co.
  • Title Essanay Film Studios collection of visual materials [graphic].
  • Dates [ca. 1910-1939]
  • Physical description
    • 3 boxes of photographic prints : b&w ; 11 x 14 in. or smaller.
    • 2 albums (containing photographic prints) : b&w ; 11 x 14 in. or smaller.
    • 3 negatives : glass ; 8 x 10 in.
    • 4 motion picture reels of 4 : b&w ; 16 mm.
  • Access and usage restrictions
    • To consult the glass negatives in this collection in the Research Center it is necessary to make an advance appointment (email: Research@chicagohistory.org ).
    • In order to view an original motion picture film, it is necessary for a research copy to be made.
  • Collection summary Includes visual materials documenting the Essanay Film Studio in Chicago (Ill.) collected by camera man Marvin Spoor (Major Spoor). Includes images of the studio, the film crew, and stills from film productions. Also includes portraits of some of the actors and actresses in Essanay productions and photographs of Robert Lincoln laying a wreath at the Lincoln statue in Lincoln Park in Chicago. Negatives include three images of the film crew, possibly in or near Waukegan (Wis.), at Camp Calvert, at Whiskey Falls, and at Peabody Point (1915). Motion picture film includes two compilation reels of Essanay film productions, one reel of the George Ade fable, and one reel of Henry B. Walthall in The raven.
  • Location of Other Archival Materials Note Related materials at Chicago History Museum, Research Center, include the the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company photographs (2007.0138), the Essanay Film Studios records, the "George Spoor and Essanay Film Manufacturing Company manuscript collection," the Essanay Film Studios advertisements collection (1980.0007), and the Essanay News (publication cataloged in the library).
  • Finding Aids Note Container list available (1981-021).
  • Acquisition information Purchase, 1975 (1981.0021).
  • Names
    • Ade, George, 1866-1944 Portraits.
    • Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Statues Illinois Chicago.
    • Lincoln, Robert Todd, 1843-1926 Portraits.
    • Walthall, Henry B. Portraits.
    • Essanay Film Manufacturing Co.
    • Spoor, George K., 1871-1953.
    • Spoor, Marvin.
    • Spoor, Marvin, former owner.
  • Subjects
    • Actors 1910-1939. lctgm
    • Actresses 1910-1939. lctgm
    • Motion picture industry Illinois Chicago 1910-1939. lctgm
    • Motion picture studios Illinois Chicago 1910-1939.
  • Geographic coverage
    • Chicago (Ill.) Social life and customs 1910-1939.
    • Chicago (Ill.) Commerce 1910-1939.
    • Uptown (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Genre
    • Group portraits. gmgpc
    • Portrait photographs. gmgpc
    • Glass negatives. gmgpc
    • Motion pictures.
    • Gelatin silver prints. gmgpc
  • Uniform title Raven
  • Finding aid URL Finding aid available online http://chsmedia.org/media/fa/fa/1981/21.htm