Joe Citti scrapbook, 1933-1944
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Arrangement:chronological

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

Housed in Small Collections Box 13.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: Scrapbook compiled by Joseph R. Citti (1912-2003). The scrapbook documents his time working as a performer in 1933. The scrapbook, which is not in chronological order, contains mostly loose undated newspaper clippings about and reviews of a production called the Gaieties of 1933. Also included is a 1933 cast roster on Belmont Theater letterhead, two blank Actor's Equality Diplomas, contest rules, a completed entry form and a damaged headshot of Joe Citti for The Tennessean-Paramount Screen Opportunity Contest from June 1933. The bulk of the collection is made up of a program, newspaper clippings and reviews about a Jeter-Smith musical revue called Why Not? from November 1933. Also included is an advertisement for the variety show the Vanities of 1934, a newspaper clipping featuring a photo of Citti and three social invitations belonging to his stepson, dating from 1940 and 1944.

Cite as: Joe Citti Scrapbook, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17U.S. Code).

Patricia Huffman Walker;,Gift;,2003.,Acc.2003.052

Related Materials: Jeter-Smith Dance Collection, a holding of the Nashville Public Library.

Joseph R. Citti was born on October 15, 1912 to John Citti and Agnes Aleesio Citti. He was raised on his grandparent's Nashville area farm. In 1933, at the age of 21, Joe worked as an assistant to the director of a traveling variety show called the Gaieties of 1933. The show was held at the Belmont Theater in Nashville, Tennessee. In the fall, of that same year, Joe was a chorus singer in a Jeter-Smith musical revue entitled Why Not? Joe kept a scrapbook of his time working in the theater. In 1938, Joe married Bessie Rousseau and became a stepfather to her son Robert M. Smotherman. In 1954, at the age of 42, after having worked in various sales positions, Joe opened the Grand Ave Self Service Laundry at 1603 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. Joe ran the business for 27 years until he closed it in 1981. After the laundry closed, Joe worked as a real-estate agent until his retirement. Joe Citti died on April 15, 2003 at the age of 90 and is buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee.

In English.

Donor, Patricia Walker is the executrix of Joe Citti's estate.

Processed;,2018;,Karen Piper

No further accurals are expected.