Christina Olson papers

Collection

Identifier: Dance-MS-Olson

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Collection

Small collection of items relating to Olson’s performance as a Turkish dancer at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Includes documents of employment and assessment of her dancing skill. Also, three Exposition items: a ticket of admission, a program for the Turkish exhibition and Olson’s personal passbook with her photograph attached. Added are Olson’s diploma from Chicago’s National Conservatory of Music and her marriage certificate. Also, two photographs of Olson as a child and as an adult.

Dates

Creation: 1891-1918

Creator

Olson, Christina, 1881- (Person)

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The Christina Olson papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

Ownership and Literary Rights

The Christina Olson papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections at reference@newberry.org.

Biography of Christina Olson

Chicago dancer.

In 1891, Christina Olson received a diploma from the National Conservatory of Music in Chicago for completing a course of studies in pantomime. At the age of twelve she was engaged to perform as a Turkish dancer in the Turkish Theater on the Midway at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Olson married Charles Edward Snyder in 1895 in Clinton, Iowa.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 oversize box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Material relating to Chicago dancer Christina Olson, who at the age of twelve performed as a Turkish dancer in the Turkish Theater at the World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893. Includes music school diploma, hand-written documents concerning her employment and performances, her marriage certificate and two photographs. Also, three items relating to the Exposition – a general ticket of admission, her passbook and a program for the Turkish Theater.