Collections A-Z
In addition to general collections and online subscription databases, journals, and ebooks, the Library holds more than 500 named collections which are distinguished by their specialized subject matter, age, uniqueness, or value. Most of the listed collections on this page are located in the John Hay Library. To locate digitized collections, see the list available at the Center for Digital Scholarship site and search the Brown Digital Repository.
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T. Nelson (Thomas Nelson) Downs collection, 1905-1938
Thomas Nelson Downs was a self-taught magician, specializing in coin tricks, who over the course of his career, performed in vaudeville acts all over the country, owned a vaudeville house, sold magic supplies, and wrote several books of magic instruction. This collection contains his correspondence with fellow magician Edward "Tex" McGuire, documentation of tricks (or "effects"), patents, advertisements, news clippings, photographs, and show programs.Format(s): Pamphlets, Graphics, Letters, Documents
Library: John Hay
NOTE: This collection is housed off-site. Prior notice is needed for retrieval
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Access to the collection:
Online Catalog (BruKnow):
General description of the collection available on BruKnow
Other Online Access:
RIAMCO: Guide to the T. Nelson (Thomas Nelson) Downs collection
In-house Access to the Collection:
Typescript Inventory
Electronic inventory available by request
Related Collections:
Smith Magic Collection