|
From The Secret Ways of Al Baker
 February 27, 1927
Mr. A. M. Weiskoph
Dear Sir:
My contracts all other seasons were fares from and to New York. If you can see your way clear to do this, I’ll send signed contracts on and you can make change.
Very respectfully,
Al Baker
March 4, 1927
Dear Baker:
Your letter of February 27 received. Mighty sorry we cannot make the change that you suggest. As you know, the Chautauquas have had a mighty hard time of it the past two years, and we have got to watch our corners very closely. But I will meet you halfway and take you from New York and deliver you not further than Chicago from New York. If this is OK, you may make the railroads from New York and return to Chicago. If this is not OK, will you kindly wire me at my expense, for we should know immediately. Will all good wishes, I beg to remain
Sincerely yours,
H. D. Harrison
March 7, 1927
Telegram
New York and return is best I can do. Letter following.
Al Baker
March 7, 1927
My dear Mr. Harrison:
Sorry we can’t connect owing to such a sleight difference regarding fee.
My prop list for cake and colored paper is about twenty cents a day, and I figure fare to New York would offset this.
I gave at least twenty talks at various clubs last season and think some of them aided in the work for names.
Would gladly do the same for your bureau. Very sincerely yours,
Al Baker
March 10, 1927
Dear Mr. Baker:
Your telegram and letter regarding the contract for work on our circuit this summer have been received during the absence of Mr. Harrison on a trip to Florida.
Since he will be away some two weeks or more, the writer will assume the responsibility for authorizing the change in your contract so as to read “railroad fare from and return to New York City.”
You will please make this change in the contract which was sent to you some little time ago and after signing the duplicate copies, return them to us for completion.
Hoping that we will have the pleasure of meeting you and seeing your entertainment while on our circuit this summer, we are Very truly yours,
The Redpath Chautauquas
JPY, Assistant Treasurer
Undated
Redpath Bureau:
Enclosed find contract signed.
Thought it best that you make necessary changes.
Will look up some press material and send it on early next week.
Hoping you have a wonderful season, I am respectfully,
Al Baker
March 24, 1927
Dear Mr. Baker:
Enclosed you will find contract for the Chautauqua season, which Mr. Harrison has signed.
We hope you will have a very pleasant summer on the Atlantic Circuit. Cordially yours,
Redpath Chautauquas
AMW, Secretary to Manager
 | | Al Baker and Houdini | March 31, 1927
Redpath Bureau:
Enclosed find “Margery Challenge.”
Although this happened some time ago, Houdini is still fresh in the public mind. Hope it will be of some use to you for press work.
Kindly return, as Houdini having passed away, I am keeping it as a memento. Very respectfully,
Al Baker
April 13, 1927
Dear Mr. Baker:
We are glad to welcome you to the Atlantic Five-Day Circuit which opens at La Grange, Georgia, Monday, April 25th.
We are enclosing copy of the program, and from this you will notice that you appear on the third day. Your first appearance, therefore, will be on Wednesday, April 27th.
It will not be necessary for you to come to Chicago. You will please go direct to La Grange, Georgia.
In order that we may know that you have received the above instructions, please sign the enclosed copy and return to us at this office.
Looking forward to a pleasant summer with you as a member of our circuit, we remain Very truly yours,
Redpath Chautauquas
REB, Manager, Atlantic Five-Day Circuit
April 18, 1927
Telegram
About when must I leave New York? Kindly wire.
A. Baker
April 19, 1927
Telegram
Leave Sunday afternoon 3:40 Pennsylvania via Atlanta, arrive La Grange 6:24 Tuesday evening.
Redpath Chautauquas
April 20, 1927
Telegram
Are you sending tickets or should I buy? Answer quickly.
Al Baker
April 20, 1927
Telegram
You buy ticket La Grange. Mail expense Chicago office.
Regards,
Redpath Chautauquas
June 19, 1927
Dear Sirs:
Could you please inform me what Ohio town your Chautauqua circuit that Al Baker, the magician, is playing with…
I was informed by Mr. Ade Duval that the circuit he is on has traded with the circuit Baker is on, one date of an Ohio town for one date of an Indiana town.
As Mr. Baker is a very good friend of mine, I wanted to go over there to see him.
Thanking you in advance for any information you can give me, I remain most sincerely,
S. J. Collins
Hillsboro, Ohio
June 24, 1927
My dear sir:
We are glad to let you know that Al Baker will appear on the Lebanon Chautauqua program on July 4th.
This is the Ohio town to which you referred in your letter of the 19th. Very truly yours,
Redpath Chautauquas
August 15, 1927
Redpath Bureau:
Enclosed find expense report from August 8 to 10th.
I did not receive check for expenses July 31-August 5.
Expenses April 25 New York to La Grange, Georgia
Salary August 8 to 10th. Less $50 advance Al Baker
January 26, 1928
Dear Mr. Baker:
We have been informed that you are available for a circuit this coming season. We have a place for you on the Gulf Circuit. Therefore, we are enclosing copies of contract, which read the same as your contract of last season. In case you can take this place on the circuit, please sign both copies, returning same to us, after which we shall return your copy to you with our signature. In case that you are unable to accept this, please wire us “collect,” advising us immediately as we are now making definite arrangements for this circuit.
The Gulf Circuit will open at St. Augustine, Florida, about the 16th of March. The place that we will want to use you will probably be on the last afternoon of the five-day program.
Trusting to hear from you soon, and with kindest regards and best wishes, we are Sincerely yours,
O. O. Bottorff
Redpath Chautauquas
January 19, 1928
To find out more about Al Baker and his amazing magic, check out the latest publication from the Miracle Factory The Secret Ways of Al Baker .
Letters and photos courtesy University of Iowa, except the photo of Baker and Houdini, which is courtesy American Museum of Magic. Copyright 2003 The Miracle Factory. All rights reserved
|
