This finding aid is made available for public use following the Universal 1.0 Public Domain Dedication Creative Commons designation.
Link to PDF finding aid added in fall 2018
Cataloged and arranged.
The following boxes are located off-site: Box 6 CMI. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
A collection of letters written by various personages in theatrical and literary circles to Ira A. Hards and his wife, the actor Ina Hammer Hards. Among the letters are seventeen from George W. Cable and nine from Mary Austin, both of whom collaborated with the Hards in certain dramatic compositions. The collection also includes account books, appointment books, photographs, playscripts, programs, scrapbooks, and materials related to the Westchester Theatre.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Ira Hards correspondence; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Source of acquisition--Bonnell, Alice H. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1962. Accession number--M-62.
Source of acquisition--Bonnell, Alice H. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1975.
Ira Hards was primarily known as a theatrical producer.
Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/89.
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
This group of play scripts, chiefly of one-act plays, represents, for the most part, plays in which Ina Hammer (Mrs. Ira Hards) was the chief actress, author or co-author - sometimes a combination of these. Other authors, besides Mrs. Hards, include John Kendrick Bangs, the humorist, Harry Kemp, well-known poet and author and Evelyn Greenleaf Sutherland, a prolific writer of one-act plays for production.
Ina Hammer began her stage career in 1895 upon graduation from Sargents' School (now the American Academy of Dramatic Arts). She had leading parts in such productions as Barrie's
In 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Hards organized a very successful stock company in Mount Vernon, N. Y. which Mr. Hards directed and in which Mrs. Hards shared the leading roles with Sara Perry. Upon the closing of this stock company in 1918, Mrs. Hards left the stage to devote her time to her growing daughter. She continued, however, to be active in dramatic circles in Mount Vernon for many years. These one-act plays represent activity in the first 15 or 20 years of her career.
Script and eight parts
Script
Script
Script and two parts
Script
Script
Script
Script, 2 copies
Script
Script
Script
Script, 2 copies
Script, 2 copies, and four parts, 2 copies
Script
This addition includes account books, appointment books, programs, scrapbooks, and materials related to the Westchester Theatre.
Includes clippings and photographs