SC066-1 Alfred Gregory Theater Program Scrapbooks Finding Aid

Alfred Gregory, a local attorney, was born August 15, 1858, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and died in Kansas City on May 15, 1946. His father was the first president of the University of Illinois. He had both an engineering and law degrees. He moved to Kansas City in 1889 and practiced law with Henry Beardsley. Josephine Karnes, daughter of J. V. C. Karnes, became his wife in 1892. Mr. Gregory loved to travel, visiting Europe often. He also was a lover of music and art. An account of Alfred Gregory's life can be found in the "Kansas City Bar Bulletin," V.23, #2, April 1947, p.11. These six scrapbooks are arranged chronologically, starting in 1875 and ending in 1927. It is believed that they belonged to Alfred Gregory and reflect his interests in the local arts, clubs, and professional activities. The pages primarily contain theater play bills, notices, and programs, as well as banquet menus for club and association events, newspaper clippings, cards, invitations, and other ephemeral items. The items particularly related to theater pertain not only to local but other American cities as well as international locales. Programs include orchestral, theater, and various types of musical performances including opera. There are a number of Knife and Fork Club menus as well as items pertaining to the Kansas City Bar Association. Early local theaters are well represented as well as events at Convention Hall and the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra.