The Fred D. Valva collection is comprised of 143 boxes containing the working theater orchestra library assembled by Fred D. Valva (1878-1933) of Worcester, Massachusetts. Valva was described at the time of his death as the "premier orchestra leader in Worcester on the Poli circuit" having spent his thirty-year-long professional life as conductor for the Plaza, Palace, and Elm Street theaters. The Valva Collection includes both orchestral parts and the conductor's scores for several thousand popular songs and special musical effects used in vaudeville and movie houses from the turn of the century to the end of the silent picture [film] era in the late 'twenties. This collection was a gift from the Worcester Public Library.