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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
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Dan Bessie collection, 1900s-1990s (scattered dates)

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Summary

Creator:
Bessie, Dan.
Abstract:
Collected materials relating to Harry Burnett, who with Forman G. Brown and Roddy Brandon were the three openly gay partners forming the Yale Puppeteers and who operated the Turnabout Theater in Hollywood. Also, materials related to Leo Burnett, an advertising executive, and other Burnett family members. The collection includes correspondence, diaries, photographs, drawings, clippings, and ephemera.
Extent:
0.8 linear feet
1 oversize folder
Language:
English
Call Number:
0310 Aa 2 Ac
Authors:
Finding aid created by Bentley Historical Library staff. Updated by Olga Virakhovskaya in December 2024.

Background

Scope and Content:

Published material and correspondence relating to Leo Burnett and his agency; postcards and letters of Harry Burnett; a small collection of material related to Noble Burnett; diary with scattered entries of Forman G. Brown, 1985-1989, and other Forman G. Brown writings; miscellanea regarding the Yale Puppeteers and the Turnabout Theater. Photographs relating to the Yale Puppeteers and the Turnabout Theater; include photo of Albert Einstein holding a puppet with his likeness; also portrait of Forman G. Brown and snapshots of childhood activities, ca. 1907, of Harry and Leo Burnett family of Ann Arbor and Saint Johns, Mich.

Biographical / Historical:

Harry Burnett (U-M Class of 1923), Forman G. Brown (U-M Class of 1922), and Richard (Roddy) Brandon were the three openly gay partners forming the Yale Puppeteers and who operated the Turnabout Theater in Hollywood. Leo Burnett (U-M class of 1914) was Harry's brother and founder of Leo Burnett, Co., the fourth-largest advertising firm in the U.S. Noble Burnett, Harry and Leo's father, was a merchant.

Acquisition Information:
Donated by Dan Bessie (donor no. 9250 ) in April 2004.
Rules or Conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open without restriction.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Donor retains his copyright.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[item], folder, box, Dan Bessie collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

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Collection

Dan Bessie collection, 1900s-1990s (scattered dates)
Call Number 0310 Aa 2 Ac
Total components 9
Last indexed 2025-02-09