Dandy Darkies (subject file) | Archives and Special Collections Catalog

Dandy Darkies (subject file)

The Dandy Darkies was a minstrel show that took place at Denison from 1894-1934, but not every year.  It was sponsored in the early 1900's by the Denison Athletic Association and was a popular event of the day. Denison students, mostly male, dressed in blackface and performed a vaudeville type show, following the script of most minstrel shows of the period.  Denisonian articles detail the performances as well as the reception of the audiences.  A Denisonian article from 1916 announcing tryouts is also included.  What appears to be cast photo showing students in blackface is included in the file along with a program for the show performed on March 20. 1900.  The program lists the songs performed along with the performers.

File contains several printouts of Denisonian articles from 1908-1912 and one from 1916 announcing tryouts with a handwritten notation indicating the absence of a show that year due to lack of interest.  In addition, one photo reproduction of the cast along with a page from the 1900 Adytum noting the program, including songs and performers.  Several additional sources are listed on a separate sheet.

SUBJ 019