Subseries

This subseries is composed of four scrapbooks, three of which are devoted to Willie Eckstein. These extremely rich collections contain postcards, correspondence, show tickets, handbills, invitations, concert programs and press clippings. They illustrate the pianist's fame and document his professional and philanthropic activities, along with his friendships and family relationships.

The first scrapbook traces the early years of Willie Eckstein's career, primarily from 1900 to 1925. It contains postcards, letters, show tickets, invitations, concert programs and photographs. It documents the pianist's precocious fame, notably in several articles that describe him as a child prodigy. There is a craft that young Willie Eckstein made for his parents, a letter from his brother August, a watercolour by his sister Clara and an account of a visit to Washington written by his father George Hugo Eckstein. The second album, composed of press clippings, letters, concert programs and musical scores, traces the pianist's career, primarily during the 1920s and 1930s. It documents Willie Eckstein concerts in Montreal venues and private performances for rich Montreal families. Several documents also chronicle his involvement in fundraising events and shows to benefit clubs, sports leagues and charities. In addition, the scrapbook contains photographs of Willie Eckstein at various times of his life along with genealogical notes about his family. A third, thinner, scrapbook contains press clippings assembled by the artist between 1938 and 1954. It primarily chronicles performances given by Eckstein, including some to benefit soldiers and veterans, and publicity for his composition, "The 'V' Song," composed during the Second World War. In addition, the album contains a letter from a Toronto Star journalist dated May 23, 1942, and a photograph of the artist as a young boy.

The fourth scrapbook was compiled by pianist and organist Charles "Chas" Summers, a very close friend of Willie Eckstein. This impressive collection, entitled by its author "My Life Is (Mostly) in Your Hands (with apologies to Eddie Cantor)," includes numerous press clippings, letters, musical scores and photographs, along with testimonials from several friends and celebrities. It reflects the musician's interests and professional activities, including many performances as a member of the Eckstein Jazz Orchestra, which played for First War veterans and at dances and events held by various organizations, clubs and associations. The memorabilia compiled by Summers is annotated with handwritten notes, sketches and collages that illustrate the artist's eccentric personality.