This “Moorish-style” building was opened on Locust & Broad in 1876 for the crowds of the Centennial Exposition. It was known originally as Kiralfy’s Alhambra Palace, it offered the general public not only theatrical extravaganzas but also a beer garden and an open-air restaurant. J.H. Haverly, owner of a virtual minstrelsy entertainment empire, bought the property shortly after the Exposition. During his brief ownership the building was known as Haverly’s Theatre. By the end of the nineteenth century, the minstrel craze of the 1870s and 1880s waned, and as Haverly stopped his touring the building became known as the Broad Street Theatre until it was demolished in 1937. This building and Haverly’s production are perfect late examples of nineteenth century Orientalism and American traditions of black-face minstrelsy. Rich subjects for research and perspective.
Just a little bit of Forgotten Philly for Friday.
Image Credits:
The poster was imaged here at HSP and will be available on our Digital Library next week.