May 20, 2008

Havig to Present “Studying Mass Amusements in Missouri History” at the Society

Cultural historian Alan R. Havig studies the people, places, and businesses that cater to the amusement of Missourians, and how entertainment and leisure activities affect individuals as well as communities. Havig will discuss part of his work in “Studying Mass Amusements in Missouri History” on June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at The State Historical Society of Missouri.

Havig’s talk will stem from his most recent work as editor of Filling Leisure Hours: Essays from the Missouri Historical Review, 1906-2006, but the current Stephens College archivist has hardly just appeared on the cultural history scene. His Columbia, An Illustrated History is well known to mid-Missourians, and he has documented the career of comic Fred Allen (Fred Allen’s Radio Comedy), as well as writing a history of the Shelter Insurance Company (“It’s a Proud Business”). He has also contributed numerous articles to journals and other publications.

In Filling Leisure Hours, Havig showcases fourteen pursuits that have engaged Missourians in their time away from work during the last two centuries.

Discover:

• the immigrant experience in “Fritz, our Cousin German,”
• conflicts of race in the boxing ring with “Seeking the Great White Hope,” and
• an interesting gender study of the unconventional Fannie Hurst.

Join:

• Dizzy Dean as he delights St. Louis Cardinals fans, angers grammarians, and confounds Major League Baseball management while “‘Butcherin’ Up the English Language a Little Bit’” in the broadcast booth.

“Studying Mass Amusements in Missouri History” is free and open to the public. The State Historical Society is located on the ground floor, east side of Ellis Library on the University of Missouri campus. Parking is available in nearby garages and is free after 5 p.m.

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