The collection is open and available for use.
Contact the archivist regarding copyright to these materials.
Holak collection (PA 49), Performing Arts Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis.
Purchased from Herb Gahagen in 1989 by the University of Minnesota Theatre Arts Department, the University Libraries and outside donors.
The collection was processed by Wendy Rae Waszut, 1990-1991.
The following is a link to an online database containing digitized
versions of the renderings in this collection:
The Holak Collection focuses on the first generation of stage design for fraternal organizations by scenic studios located throughout the Eastern United States of America. Containing 182 pieces, this collection represents some of the first theatrical elements supplied to fraternal organizations during the late-nineteenth and the early-twentieth century. Although a majority of the collection represents the work of one studio, Sosman and Landis (Chicago, Illinois), other studios, such as The New York Studio, are identifiable. This collection was salvaged from an abandoned scenic studio in New York City in the late 1980s by Mr. Holak, a former employee of The New York Studio.
This collection holds some of the earliest examples of theatrical designs for Masonic ceremonial staging. Represented by 174 colored renderings and 8 pencil sketches, they depict not only the Scottish Rite Temple of Freemasonry, but also the York Rite Temple of Freemasonry.
An unpublished finding aid with detailed contents is available in the Manuscripts Division.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.