Collection Description

This collection consists of 63 volumes compiled by Alexander Henry Higginson documenting his career as an author, foxhound breeder, and Master of Hounds, and documenting the theatrical career of his wife, actress Mary Newcomb. Volumes include typescript copies of diary entries, congratulatory letters from leading English sportsmen, accounts of dog breeding, and photographs of sportsmen, dogs, and hunting events.

Volumes related to Mary Newcomb include typescript reminiscences of the World War II acting troupe, the Mary Newcomb Players, and memories of theatergoing found in vols. 28-37, as well as letters and photographs from actors found in the volume entitled "The Front Row: Theatrical Reminiscences."

Fox hunting papers related to Higginson's tenure as Master of the Cattistock Hounds and South Dorset Hounds in Dorset, England, and as a guest at numerous English meets are fully illustrated with series of photographs of events and people involved. Higginson also documented hunting meets with Lord Bathhurst at Cirencester Park, 1929, Sir Edward Curre, 1931, F. W. Knight, 1931, Sir Ian Amory, 1936, and Lord Beaufort, 1939.

Other notable documents include letters from James T. Babb, 1937, Algernon Craven, 1932, George Henshell, 1930, Myra Hess, 1954, John Masefield, 1930, John Milne, 1932, Henry Goodwin Vaughan, 1930-1934, James G. Winant, 1941, and other leading English and American sportsmen.