The Register of
Felicita Collection of Photographs and Ephemera,
1927-1932

MSS 711

Mandeville Special Collections Library
University of California, San Diego

Extent:
0.2 Linear feet (1 archives box)

Abstract

The collection is comprised of photographs, negatives, programs, and promotional materials relating to the historical pageant Felicita, written by Benjamin F. Sherman and performed annually from 1927-1932 in Escondido, California.

Historical Background

The historical pageant Felicita, based on a story purported to be true of a local American Indian woman of that name, was performed annually in Escondido, San Diego County, from 1927 to 1932. Written by Benjamin F. Sherman, the pageant adapts material from Elizabeth Roberts' Indian Stories of the Southwest (1917) and from the events of the Battle of San Pasqual (1846).

Scope and Contents of Collection

The Felicita Collection of Photographs and Ephemera contains gelatin silver photographs ranging in size from 2.5x3.5" to 8x10" and real photo postcards. The collection includes images of performers, performances, and the set (an outdoor amphitheater, now Felicita Park). Eleven images represent the performers and set in 1927. The remainder are undated. Programs in the collection list performers and staff, and provide brief biographies of actors Mildred Voorhees (Felicita) and David Henderson (Mr. Richard). The 1927 program contains a schedule of Escondido's Grape Day festivities. A newspaper clipping includes an image of the local woman, Felicita, in old age.

Finding aid generated: 2011-04-13