Prompt Book for Ante Bellum Stage Play "Absence Of Mind" –– Property Of Actress Miss Julia Daly

, circa 1860; 8 1/4" x 6 1/2"; 24 pages; brown paper wraps. Hand written prompt book of popular American comedic actress Julia Daly for her role in a one act play entitled "Absence Of Mind," playing the character of ‘Jerusha Doolittle,’ colorful Podger Family cook/housekeeper who rules the domestic roost with an iron hand and a yarn-spinning, oath-spouting tongue which never tires. The geographic setting is not specifically identified, but references to Vermont likely indicate somewhere in New England. A thoroughly American work, with reference made to Uncle Sam, Thomas Jefferson, the American language, and the ongoing Civil War ("this little family quarrel we’re havin’.") Other named characters include Master Podger, dipsomaniac owner of the estate; a daughter, Miss Podger; shiftless son John Podger; and ‘Irish,’ a red haired young boy recently hired by the Master for odd jobs around the property. The fourth wall is broken at the end of the play after Jerusha announces that she is going away. Miss Podger pleads with her, telling her she simply can’t be spared. Jerusha is nevertheless resolute, "Don’t keer. I’m goin’," she says. When Miss Podger persists that she just can’t go, Jerusha softens, "Well! I reckon I’ll come back again if you really want me to." "Of course we do," responds Miss Podger, then, turning to the audience, "And you! ... Then I hope the time will not be too far distant when we can all again amuse you with the follies of ‘Absence Of Mind.’" Here the curtain falls. Other performing credits for Julia Daly can be found in "Fool Of The Family" at London’s Adelphi for a six week run from July 12 to August 25, 1860, and "Ireland As It Was," "Child Of The Regiment," and "In And Out Of Place" at Cleveland’s Atheneum in 1864. In the last of these she played seven parts, receiving enthusiastic praise in the "Ohio Statesman." She was married to actor/manager Wayne Olwine who in 1854 was hired by publisher William Vaughn Spencer to write the texts and prefaces for his distinguished American play series "The Boston Theatre." Olwine’s success later led him to publish his own series in New York entitled "Olwine’s New York Theatre." Very Good, clean, binding sound, no loose or torn pages, ink bright, legibility excellent. Handwritten both sides on twelve leaves of blue paper with the J. Butler watermark. "Property of Miss Daly" inscribed on front. Rare.