Sanford and Barbara Freeman Collection of Henrique Vivian Messetti Materials, 1943-1946

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Summary

Creators:
Messetti, Vivian, Freeman, Sanford, and Freeman, Barbara
Abstract:
These materials, which document the life of Henrique Vivian Messetti, a writer, performer, and member of a vaudeville-circus family active during the 1920's-1940's, were collected by Sanford and Barbara Freeman. Messetti began appearing on the stage at the age of four. Most of his work was in vaudeville/circus productions although he also claimed to have performed in a few motion picture serials. In later years he dropped his first name while continuing as a female impersonator. He was with, among others, the touring Messett's Great Road Show, Little Eva's Temptation Company, and F.A. Cunningham's Kick High Musical Circus. The majority of the collection contains Messetti's incoming correspondence.
Extent:
0.8 linear feet
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Organized into three series: 1. Correspondence, 2. Manuscript, and 3. Ephemera.

Biographical / historical:
Biographical Narrative

Henrique Vivian Messetti was born on September 5, 1918 in Spain where his parents were performing. Upon the family's return to the United States, Los Angeles became their permanent residence. Messetti began appearing on the stage at the age of four. Most of his work was in vaudeville/circus productions although he also claimed to have performed in a few motion picture serials. In later years he dropped his first name while continuing as a female impersonator. He was with, among others, the touring Messett's Great Road Show, Little Eva's Temptation Company, and F.A. Cunningham's Kick High Musical Circus.

Acquisition information:
Donated in 1999.
Physical location:
Researchers should contact Special Collections to request collections, as many are stored offsite.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library
100 NW Quad
Davis, CA 95616-5292, US
Contact:
(530) 752-1621
speccoll@ucdavis.edu
Website