Research Catalog

Lily Yuen papers

Title
Lily Yuen papers, 1926-1992.
Author
Yuen, Lily, 1908-
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StatusFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 643Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives

Details

Description
.4 lin. ft. (1 flat box)
Summary
The Lily Yuen Papers provides some documentation of the dancing and entertainment career of this revue performer, in addition to containing personal family papers. A small number of papers pertain to Yuen's mother, brother, husband, and her sister and colleague, Libo (Olivia) Yuen. Of interest are two manuscript joke books containing hundreds of jokes, many titled, often about the relationship between men and women. There are also programs for the Brownskin Models, "Fast and Furious" and "Yeah Man," and sheet and manuscript music, some with parts, and most annotated, including "Can't Believe" and "Why Do I Lie to Myself About You?" A scrapbook of newsclippings documents Yuen's career as a Brownskin Model during the group's nationwide tours (1926-1930). The scrapbook emphasizes Yuen's fellow dancer, Blanche Thompson, who was a principal dancer in Brownskin Models, as well as Florence Mills of "Bye Bye Blackbirds" fame. Yuen's sister, Libo, is also mentioned in the scrapbook as a dancer.
Subjects
Genre/Form
Scrapbooks.
Note
  • Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
Source (note)
  • Rose Dezonie
Biography (note)
  • Lily Yuen was a singer and dancer, who also considered herself a comedienne, performer of novelty songs, parodies and specialty acts, as well as an emcee, during the 1920's and 1930's. She was a principal in the Brownskin Models, an annual touring revue produced by Irvin C. Miller in which her sister, Libo, also appeared. Yuen performed in "Broadway Rastus," "Fast and Furious" and "Yeah Man." Lily Yuen, also known as "Hoy Hoy" and "Pontop," was born in Georgia and lived her adult life in New York City.
Indexes/Finding Aids (note)
  • Finding aid available.
Processing Action (note)
  • Processed
  • Cataloged
Call Number
Sc MG 643
OCLC
NYPW04-A4
Author
Yuen, Lily, 1908-
Title
Lily Yuen papers, 1926-1992.
Biography
Lily Yuen was a singer and dancer, who also considered herself a comedienne, performer of novelty songs, parodies and specialty acts, as well as an emcee, during the 1920's and 1930's. She was a principal in the Brownskin Models, an annual touring revue produced by Irvin C. Miller in which her sister, Libo, also appeared. Yuen performed in "Broadway Rastus," "Fast and Furious" and "Yeah Man." Lily Yuen, also known as "Hoy Hoy" and "Pontop," was born in Georgia and lived her adult life in New York City.
Indexes
Finding aid available.
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Finding Aid
Research Call Number
Sc MG 643
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