[ The Shakespeare Memorial Endowment Fund. ] Five items: circular, signed by H. C. Lacey, Organising Secretary, publicity booklet, notice,'Donation & Subscription Form', 'Associate's Card' of C. W. Townsend.

Five items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn. From the papers of C. W. Townsend, who acted in six productions at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in 1922. No other copies of any of the items located, either at the Folger, on COPAC, or on OCLC WorldCat. ONE: Typed Circular Letter, with genuine signature of 'H C Lacey'. on letterhead, in red and black ink with Shakespeare's , of 'Shakespeare Memorial Theatre | Stratford-upon-Avon | Endowment Fund.' 1 November 1923. 1p., 8vo. Addressed to 'Dear Madam'. 32 lines of text. After two paragraphs praising Shakespeare in inflated tones ('Other nations have produced a Goethe, a Dante, an Ibsen, a Tolstoy, a Moliere, but no other nation has produced a Shakespeare.'), Lacey explains: 'November 8th. is the tercentenary of the publication of the first Folio of his Works. Yet it is to our reproach that the one great Memorial to Shakespeare on English soil – the Theatre, Library, Sculpture and Art Gallery, Reading Room and Lecture Hall at Stratford-upon-Avon, is unable to complete its catalogue, maintain a librarian, or fully develop its educational facilities owing to lack of funds. | The entire Press of the English-speaking world, the leaders of Politics, Art, Drama, Literature, and Society, the Lord Mayor of London and the Mayors of the principal cities and towns warmly endorse the appeal of the Governors of the Memorial for funds to enable the intentions of the Founders to be fully realised. | To this end November 8th. is to be observed as National Shakespeare Day. […]' TWO: Publicity booklet explaining 'The Appeal for the Endowment of the Shakespeare Memorial | Theatre, Library, Art Gallery, &c., at Stratford-upon-Avon' and 'National Shakespeare Day Appeal for Tribute to Shakespeare | To endow the Memorial Theatre, Library, Reading Room, Art Gallery, and Lecture Room | Erected in the Poet's Memory in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Town of his Birth'. 4pp., 32mo. Landscape bifolium. The recto of the first leaf carries a reproduction of a painting of a river scene, with 'Our “Common Heritage.”' above, and 'The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, | Stratford-upon-Avon.' below. The two central pages carry an explanation, in small print, of 'The Appeal in Brief', with sections headed 'The Hope', 'The Measure of Realisation', 'The Great Need' and 'Will you pay tribute?' The reverse of the second leaf lists in two columns some of the 'numerous patrons, governors, hon. governors, and life members' supporting the appeal, from the Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin to 'Madame DE NAVARRO'. At the foot of the page is a quotation from The Times, 23 April 1923. THREE: Notice headed 'SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL THEATRE'. 1p., 8vo. Printed in red, with Shakespeare's coat of arms. Reads: 'NOVEMBER 8th. 1923. | The Governors earnestly appeal to every Life Member and Associate to mark the Tercentenary of the Publication of the First Folio by securing the support of their friends and enclose Circulars etc. which they trust will be passed to those interested.' FOUR: 'Donation & Subscription Form.' 'To the Treasurer Memorial Endowment Fund, Old Bank, Stratford-upon-Avon, England.' 1p., 12mo. Headed 'NOVEMBER 8th. 1623, | Publication of the First Folio of | SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS. | His Glorious Gift to Humanity. | NOVEMBER 8th. 1923. | NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE DAY | For the Endowment of his Memorial at Stratford-upon-Avon. | This is Your Opportunity to Pay Tribute | In return for his Priceless Gift. | Is it not worth a donation to keep his work alive? | If you cannot send pounds, send shillings, if you cannot send more at least send one.' FIVE: Printed 'Associate's Card', Shakespeare Memorial, Stratford-upon-Avon. Made out for 'Mr. C. W. Townsend. | The Maples. Clevedon. Somerset.' and signed 'A. Crowhurst. | pp. K.E.' Dated April 1923-1924. Printed on both sides of a card, with text on one side at 32mo, and the card folding into a 16mo bifolium, with grey covers and 'Associate's Card.' printed on the front. Text in small print on ten lines beneath associate's details, beginning: 'Associates are admitted to the Festival Club, the Library, Picture Gallery, Tower and Gardens. [...]'