Heath, Thomas Kurton, 1853-1938
Person
Biography
Thomas Kurton Heath met James McIntyre in 1874. They developed a blackface tramp minstrel act which remained popular for nearly fifty years. Their most famous skit, the Ham Tree, was the basis for a stage play which starred W.C. Fields at the New York Theatre in 1905. Their blackface minstrel shows served as models for vaudeville and film stars including Al Jolson.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
McIntyre and Heath Archive
Collection
Identifier: MS133
Abstract
The McIntyre and Heath Archive contains the files of the vaudeville partnership of James McIntyre and Thomas Heath, which spanned more than five decades from 1874 until 1927. It includes contracts for bookings, wage reports, scripts for productions, photographs, handbills and posters, sheet music, clippings, and correspondence. McIntyre wrote detailed letters to his wife, Maude, which included news about his theatre engagements, travel, finances, and health. Production scripts include...
Dates:
1878-1936