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Libby Prison Minstrel Show - Civil War Libby Prison Minstrel Show

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 900.00 USD
Libby Prison Minstrel Show - Civil War Libby Prison Minstrel Show
<B>Libby Prison Minstrel Show</B></I> A scarce printed broadside for a Christmas Show staged by Union prisoners in 1863, one page, 6" x 15.75, [Richmond], December 24, 1863. Libby Prison was created out of a tobacco warehouse in Richmond owned by the Libby and Son tobacco company. The prison was used exclusively to house Union officers until 1864 when it was converted for use to include Confederate military criminals. Overcrowding and a lack of adequate sanitation gave Libby Prison a notorious reputation -- second only to the Andersonville Prison camp in Georgia. Offered here is a relic from the days before conditions had deteriorated too far, a playbill for a minstrel show in three parts: "<I>The Libby Prison Minstrels!</B></I>" The show included a series of songs including "<I>Who will care for Mother Now</B></I>" and "<I> Do they think of me at Home</B></I> " as well as a skit entitled <I> "Rival Lovers</B></I>" as well as a "Masquerade Ball" and "<I>The Whole to Conclude with a Grand Walk-Around.</B></I>" Offered with a stereo card view of the prison by C. F. Johnston of Richmond. Backed with contemporary lined paper, a few minor marginal chips not affecting text, light creases, else near fine condition. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.