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First Negro minstrel act...
First Negro minstrel act...
Item # 554257
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December 21, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, December 21, 1799 On page three under "Federal-Street Theatre" is a notice for a presentation of the "Tragedy of Oroonoko, Or, the Royal Slave."
In the notice is mention that at the "End of act 2d. the Song of The Negro Boy, by Mr. Graupner."
According to the noted reference book "Kanes Famous First Facts" this was the first Negro minstrel act and it was performed by Johann Christian Gottlieb Graupner, described in Kane as the father of Negro songs. Graupner performed the tune in black face and accompanied himself on the banjo. He was well received and thereafter specialized in popularizing Negro songs.
The front page of this issue has a gracious letter from Patrick Henry to the Sec. of State. In his letter Henry regretfully declines his appointment to be an envoy to France due to poor health, signed in type: Patrick Henry.
The front page also has letters from the President to the Senate and one to the House, each signed in script type: John Adams.
Spine is a bit irregular, a few small pieces missing in the margins, a fee minor margin tears, a bit of lite staining.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
