The Francis Craig Collection contains material ranging in date from 1919 to 1990 and make up 1.88 linear feet. The papers include personal and biographical information, correspondence, memorabilia, and photographs. The major portion of the collection, however, dates from the 1930’s and 1940’s and consists of clippings, sheet music, and recordings. The papers are arranged in five series:
Series I: General file, 1919 – 1994
Biographical and personal information, correspondence, memorabilia,
information regarding the donation of memorabilia to the Hermitage
Hotel, publicity flyers, radio scripts, and the appellee’s brief filed in
response to a copyright lawsuit lodged unsuccessfully against Craig over
the tune “Near You.”
Series II Clippings and Publications, 1930 – 1990, nd
Clippings of articles and advertisements about Craig’s tours and
performances and about the success of “Near You” and other songs,
clippings, of articles and obituaries of people associated with Craig’s
band, photocopies of scrapbooks, and scattered issues of various
publications containing references to Craig.
Series III Sheet Music, 1924 -1961
Sheet music and orchestrations of Craig’s compositions and works by
other composers that Craig recorded.
Series IV Photographs, c. 1930’s and 1940’s
Photographs of Francis Craig and others, as well as pictures of billboards
and marquees from his tours.
Series V Recordings, 1940 – 1962, nd
Long play and single records, audio cassettes, and 7 ½ ips reel-to-reel tapes. These recordings are primarily music with some interviews.
Overview | Biography | Scope and Content Note | Boxes 1 - 3 | Boxes 4 - 5 | Complete Guide (PDF)