Early Chattanooga Theater Memoirs of Karl Hawk Early Chattanooga Theater Memoirs of Karl Hawk

Memoirs and Memories of Karl D. Hawk

Few are fortunate enough to spend time in careers doing what they truly love. Karl D. Hawk was one of them. For over three decades, he was devoted to the behind-the-scenes world of theater. Karl began his career at the height of vaudeville and witnessed, from the wings, the rise of the motion picture industry. As grand theaters slowly traded limelight for projectors, he observed—and managed—this sweeping transformation from the inside.

Karl D Hawk
Karl Dugger Hawk - 1883-1966

Today, we’re lucky to glimpse back to that world through his words. His granddaughter, Janis Burke Speck, owns the Signal Mountain, Tennessee home he built in the early 1900s — one of the first in the newly founded town. In the 1930s, Karl’s memoirs appeared in the Chattanooga News-Free Press. A draft titled 36 Years Backstage was found among his scrapbooks, photographs, and personal records—all graciously preserved and shared by his granddaughter.

Enjoy the show.

36 Years Backstage
Stories of theater history
Scrapbook
Photos & memories

Scrapbooks and photo albums

Karl fell in love with the theater business at a young age, captivated by each new performance and the talent that came through town.

To me they seemed to be creatures of another world--of supernatural as it were--and when I stood in their presence, I was awed by them and many times I had wished that I might travel all over the country as they did and be like them.

He too saw how quickly that world was changing. The magic of live performance quickly shifted to motion pictures. We're fortunate he captured the world he once worked in with letters, photos, documents, and other memorobilia.

Courtesy Admission

Tivoli Theatre - 1930

1907

Theatrical Mechanical Associations membership card.

1937 TELEGRAM

Commonly used to request reserved tickets for performances.

Letter from friend in Army Air

March 30, 1943 - Karl's friend tells of learning teletype maintenance and weather forecasting. He closes with 'if I ever get my hands on (Hitler) the war will be over.'

Publix Theatres Corporation

A short-lived affiliate of Paramount Studios once owned the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga. Meanwhile, in Florida, George Jenkins was opening his first grocery stores. When Jenkins visited a Publix theater for the first time, he fell in love with the name, so when he planned to open his Winter Haven supermarket in 1930, he already knew what to call it. "Most of (the theaters) were closing up, and I liked the sound of the name, so I just took it for my store," he said, according to The Palm Beach Post.
Source: Thedailymeal.com

Karl Hawk leaves theater at age 61.

Resignation letter dated Nov. 29th, 1944 explains he can't do what's needed (physically) to get the job done. In fairness to to himself, and his employer - leaves on a high note.

36 Years Backstage
Stories of theater history
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