The Curtiss Show Print collection, donated to Ohio State University Libraries' Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute by Nyle Stateler, is a remarkable compilation documenting the beautiful letterpress work done by the company for its show business clients. Curtiss Show Print began in Kalida, Ohio, in 1905, but founder Bill Curtiss moved his printing business to nearby Continental, Ohio, to take advantage of its location and access to the railroad. The shop specialized in turning orders around very quickly, and gained a reputation among its show business clients for fast and excellent work.
Shown here are the job tickets, ledgers, correspondence, and some of the prints from the more than 1200 printing blocks.
In 2005, Nyle Stateler and Curtiss Show Print were the focus of an award-winning documentary, Continental, Ohio, produced by Murphy & Associates. Inc., and WOSU-TV. Continental, Ohio, received the 2005 Midwestern Regional Emmy Award for a documentary program.