1. Subject Files, 1915-1979

The series contains material documenting the financial and promotional activities, administrative and performance history, musical repertoire, and public opinion of the band over time.  In addition to programs, posters, press releases, biographical sketches, financial ledgers, and music sheets and lists, the series contains scrapbooks, many newspaper clippings, published works about the band, awards received by both Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, and ephemera such as Gray's auto registration, high school diploma, World War I cap, and gun permit.  Financial records document band earnings, employee advancements and refunds, bank, payroll, and expense accounts, and band personnel.  Also included are detailed indexes to the collection's musical scores and arrangements (Series 4) and phonograph records (Series 5), as well as materials documenting Northeastern University's musical tribute to Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra (1979).  Audio tapes of the event -- marking the 50th anniversary of the band and the donation of its materials to the university -- contain remarks by WGBH radio host, Ron Della Chiesa, and performances of the group's compositions and arrangements by the Dick Johnson Orchestra.