Harold P. Abrams Collection

Harold P. Abrams Collection

The material in this collection primarily consists of photographs of club entertainers. Most of these photographs are "head shots" and publicity photographs. Some are autographed. Also included in the collection are a few business papers, such as a contract, telegram, and biographical notes for a few performers. Photographs were identified by Abrams and often dated with the years of performances at the various clubs. The owner of several nightclubs in Atlantic City, Harold "Hal" Paul Abrams was intimately involved in the Atlantic City entertainment industry. He owned Paradise Club, Harold's Club, and Basin Street, and was general manager of the 500 Club. On one occasion, Abrams saved Count Basie, the leader of a swing band performing at the Paradise Club, from drowning when Basie fell out of their fishing boat. Abrams died in 1999.