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Arthur Loy Clippings Regarding Tobacco Road

 Collection
Identifier: MSS -243-SC

Scope and Content

This collection consists of one scrapbook entitled "An Historical Collection Concerning Incidents in Regard to 'Tobacco Road'." The scrapbook includes thirty mounted newspaper clippings related to the controversial production of the play 'Tobacco Road,' in Albuquerque, New Mexico, between January 18 and April 30, 1936. Articles are from the Albuquerque Journal and the Albuquerque Tribune. They are typically editorial in nature, although advertisements for the play itself, and letters condemning the production from Archbishop Gerken are also included.

The collection was previously called Arthur Loy Clippings.

Dates

  • 1936

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biography/History

Arthur Loy, teacher and salesman, was born on May 2, 1914, in Tontagany, Ohio. He came to Albuquerque in 1930 and joined the Ilfeld Company as a salesman until 1937. After that time, Loy worked as a teacher in various Albuquerque High Schools.

In 1937, Albuquerque's Kimo Theater tried to put on a production of 'Tobacco Road,'a play based on a book by Erskine Caldwell and adapted for the stage by Jack Kirkland. The story is about rural life in the American south and contains various scenes and language that offended civic governments throughout the United States. It was banned in many jurisdictions.

As the controversy over the Albuquerque production grew, a debate raged in local papers concerning free speech. Included in this collection are letters condemning the play by Archbishop of Santa Fe, R.A. Gerken. Ultimately, the play was canceled before opening night by a city commission with the support of local clergy. The play's production company, however, instigated legal action to force the Kimo to honor its contract. By April 1936, Judge Fred Wilson reinstated the play and it was performed for New Mexico audiences.

Extent

1 Folder

Abstract

The Arthur Loy clippings relate to Albuquerque's controversial production of the play 'Tobacco Road' in 1936.

Relevant Secondary Sources

  • Caldwell, Erskine. Tobacco Road. New York: Modern Library, 1960.
Title
Finding Aid of the Arthur Loy Clippings Regarding Tobacco Road, 1936
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Processed by Tad McIlwraith
Date
©2002
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 243 SC::Arthur Loy Clippings Regarding Tobacco Road)//EN" "nmu1mss243sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451