Pioneering Theatre Historian Remembered

posted by Andy Pierce on November 20, 2003 at 10:49 am

Brother Andrew Corsini Fowler, 87, a native Chicagoan who helped found Theatre Historical Society of America in 1969 with Time-Life Editor Ben Hall, of New York, died recently while in convalescent care in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Brother Andrew was the first volunteer editor and archivist of what has become the THSA archives, museum and 1,000-strong international membership. He led by example. His relationship-building correspondence (in the day of typewriters and carbon copies!) and sharing of photographs and information showed how we can always expand our acquaintance, broaden our understanding and enjoy this shared interest in the history of theatre design and use.

Personally, I appreciate his sharing so much and being so approachable about his experience and memories.

(Brother Andrew’s obituary appeared in the Nov. 18, 2003 edition of the Chicago Tribune.)

Comments (2)

GaryParks
GaryParks on November 20, 2003 at 3:23 pm

I have been a member of the Theatre Historical Society since 1987, and have enjoyed every minute of my membership—the wonderful magazine MARQUEE, attending the Conclaves as often as I can, and the wonderful friends I’ve made. I only met Brother Andrew once, briefly at one of the THS annual Conclaves, but let me state for the record that I deeply appreciate all he did. It is clear that THS would not be where it is today without him.

fmbeall
fmbeall on November 20, 2003 at 11:27 pm

I knew Brother Andy since 1971. He was not only a founder of THS, but also it’s soul. As the original editor of Marquee, he brought thousands of lovers of theatres buildings together.

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