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Records of Amazingrace Coffeehouse

 Collection
Identifier: 31/6/67

  • Staff Only
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

Records consist of newspaper clippings and other items documenting the history of the Amazingrace Coffeehouse, and of posters advertising events and performances. 

Clippings and flyers, dating between 1971 and 1978, are arranged chronologically.  Many of the clippings are photocopied from the Daily Northwestern and other publications. One folder contains materials relating to reunions of the Amazingrace Family (most extensively, a reunion in 2011 which included several musical events held at Evanston and Chicago venues, as well as  an exhibit at the Northwestern University Library).

The posters, with the bulk dating between 1973-74, are arranged chronologically (with the exception of one oversized poster from 1972 at the bottom of the box).  Some posters announce one performer or group, while other posters list all upcoming events and performances for the month.  Most of the posters are silkscreens on colored stock, featuring the bold graphic style of the era.  The majority of the posters have been encapsulated in mylar by the Northwestern University Library Conservation Laboratory to protect them.

An undated poster, printed by Amazingrace, promoting “Up Against the Wall!,” an exhibit of posters from the Northwestern University Library that was displayed at the Dittmar Gallery, was added to the records as the last poster in the box.

Dates

  • 1971 - 2011
  • Other: Majority of material found within 1971 - 1978

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on use of the materials in the department for research; all patrons must comply with federal copyright regulations.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is stored at a remote campus location and requires two business days advance notice for retrieval. Please contact the McCormick Library at specialcollections@northwestern.edu or 847-491-3635 for more information or to schedule an appointment to view the collection.

Extent

2.00 Boxes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Records of Amazingrace Collective document this Northwestern and Evanston coffeehouse from its beginning during the student strike of May 1970, through its growing success as a top music venue--emphasizing, but by no means limited to, the folk scene--in Scott Hall, then Shanley Pavilion--and its final double life in Evanston and Oregon. Materials include newspaper clippings, correspondence, and posters advertising Amazingrace’s events and performances.

Arrangement Note

The posters and clippings are organized chronologically. An undated poster was added to the end of the series.

Method of Acquisition

The records of the Amazingrace Coffee House were transferred from the University Archives' General Files. Additional clippings and photocopies were added to the collection over time. Additional poster added October 1, 2007- accession unknown.

Related Materials

See also posters created by Amazingrace members for non-Amazingrace events:

Acc # 11-190 (poster by William Graessle)   

Acc # 11-191 (18 posters by Craig LaFollette)

Separated Materials

A few duplicate clippings were discarded.

Processing Information

Jennifer Liebman, August, 2000. Revised Feb. 2002, Nov., 2010, Oct., 2011, and Dec., 2011.

Title
Guide to the Records of Amazingrace Coffeehouse
Author
Jennifer Liebman, Allen Streicker
Date
01/08/2000
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Library Details

Part of the Northwestern University Archives Repository

Contact:
Deering Library, Level 3
1970 Campus Dr.
Evanston IL 60208-2300 US
847-491-3635