Ralph Elliott Margetts papers
Collection
Identifier: MS 0603
Scope and Contents
The Ralph Elliott Margetts papers (1926-1980s) consist mainly of theater programs for plays which were acted in or directed by Margetts. Some news clippings, correspondence, and other materials are also included.
Dates
- 1926-1980s
Creator
- Margetts, Ralph E., 1909-1997 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
Conditions Governing Use
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Biographical Sketch
Ralph Elliott Margetts was born in Salt Lake City on March 7, 1909, to an already well-known acting family. His first professional acting roll came in 1926 when he was featured in "Pictures in the Hallway," at the Salt Lake Theatre. One year after completing high school he served a mission for the L.D.S. Church in France and Belgium, from 1928 to 1931. While there he learned to speak French. This ability later helped him launch his acting career. Upon his return, he went to work for an uncle in Aspen, Colorado, as a gold miner. Two years later he returned to Salt Lake City to attend L.D.S. Business College. After completion of his study of stenography, he made a trip to Hollywood where he met a friend who encouraged him to audition at the Gateway Theater. Because he was able to speak with a French accent, he got a part in Orson Welles' play "The Ideal Husband." Since this role was not salaried work, he worked as a shoe salesman to support himself. Later he was to supplement his income by working as a make-up artist for Max Factor at some of the leading studios.
When the United States entered World War II, Margetts joined the Navy and was assigned to a station in San Francisco. While in the Navy he met and married Winnifred Snell, who was also in the Navy. They were married on March 13, 1943. He served in the Navy until 1947. Attending the University of Utah on the G.I. Bill after the war, Margetts earned his B.A. and M.A. After completing his studies, he taught French, Speech, and Theater at the University for two years. In 1953, Margetts joined the faculty at Chico State College in California, where he was director of the theater. Later he served on the faculty at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. He returned to the University of Utah in 1957 to teach Speech and Drama, and to direct at the University Theater. Margetts received his Ph.D. in 1959 from the University of Utah. He retired in 1976.
When the United States entered World War II, Margetts joined the Navy and was assigned to a station in San Francisco. While in the Navy he met and married Winnifred Snell, who was also in the Navy. They were married on March 13, 1943. He served in the Navy until 1947. Attending the University of Utah on the G.I. Bill after the war, Margetts earned his B.A. and M.A. After completing his studies, he taught French, Speech, and Theater at the University for two years. In 1953, Margetts joined the faculty at Chico State College in California, where he was director of the theater. Later he served on the faculty at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. He returned to the University of Utah in 1957 to teach Speech and Drama, and to direct at the University Theater. Margetts received his Ph.D. in 1959 from the University of Utah. He retired in 1976.
Extent
4 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Ralph Elliott Margetts papers (1926-1980s) consist mainly of theater programs for plays which were acted in or directed by Margetts. Ralph Margetts (b. 1909) was a professor of drama at the University of Utah and an actor and director in Salt Lake City.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ralph Elliott Margetts.
Separated Materials
Photographs were transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0356).
Processing Information
Processed by Gary Wright in 1991 and 1993.
Creator
- Margetts, Ralph E., 1909-1997 (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Ralph Elliott Margetts papers
- Author
- Finding aid created by Gary Wright.
- Date
- 1991 (last modified: 2019)
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository
Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu