Bertha Ott Papers, 1890s-1961

  • IdentificationMidwest MS Ott
  • TitleInventory of the Bertha Ott Papers, 1890s-1961, bulk 1909-1961 Midwest.MS.Ott
  • PublisherThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • RepositoryThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • Physical Description1.5 linear feet (4 boxes and 1 oversize loose folder)
  • Date
    • Bulk, 1909-1961
    • 1890s-1961
  • Location1 27 5
  • AbstractBusiness papers of Chicago concert manager Bertha Ott, including box office statements, photographs, correspondence, and programs. Ott was secretary to the impresario F. Wight Neumann for 20 years. After his death in 1924, she continued his work by forming her own company and managing concerts at the Auditorium Theatre, Studebaker Theatre, Civic Opera House, and a variety of other venues.
  • OriginationOtt, Bertha

Gift, Edward Ott, 1970.

The Bertha Ott Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

The Bertha Ott Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

Bertha Ott Papers, The Newberry Library, Chicago.

Catherine Grandgeorge, 2018.

Chicago concert impresario.

Bertha Ott was born around 1877 to German parents. She was secretary to the impresario F. Wight Neumann for 20 years, actively involved in the management of concerts and other events in Chicago. After Neumann died in 1924, Ott continued his work and formed her own company, managing concerts at the Auditorium Theatre, Studebaker Theatre, Civic Opera House, and a variety of other venues. According to her obituary, she retired in 1961 and died in January 1967.

Business papers of concert manager Bertha Ott, who brought a variety of musicians, singers, dancers, and performers to Chicago. Includes box office statements, photographs, correspondence, and programs for performances managed by Ott. Correspondence primarily regards F. Wight Neumann's death and Ott's assumption of the job. Box office statements provide insight into ticket sales and also include information on advertising costs for a few events. Programs and season announcement booklets are incomplete but cover the bulk of Ott’s career from the 1920s to 1961. Some programs and box office statements from Ott’s time as secretary to F. Wight Neumann are also included. Many of the photographs are inscribed to Ott, probably given to her around the time of the person’s performance in Chicago. Also includes some sheet music that appears to be used by Ott in her youth.

Materials arranged alphabetically and chronologically with oversize photographs at the end.

  • Names
    • Hess, Myra, Dame, 1890-1965
    • Kreisler, Fritz, 1875-1962
    • Neumann, F. Wight (Ferdinand Wight)
    • Ott, Bertha
    • Rachmaninoff, Sergei, 1873-1943
  • Subject
    • Chicago
    • Concert agents -- Illinois -- Chicago
    • Dance
    • Impresarios -- Illinois -- Chicago
    • Manuscripts, American -- Illinois -- Chicago
    • Music
    • Women