This document, which is called a "finding aid," describes an archival collection.
In the course of daily life, individuals, families, organizations, and businesses create and keep information about their
activities. When such records are no longer needed on a day-to-day basis, a portion judged to possess enduring historical
value may be preserved and maintained as archival collections. Archival records take many forms, including correspondence,
diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, and sound recordings. Archival materials may also include maps, scientific
data, artifacts, and electronic records such as emails or databases.
Prepared by archival staff, finding aids provide a history of the person or organization that produced the collection, an
overview of the collection, and a detailed list of the collection's contents.
Finding aids are used by researchers to determine whether materials within a collection may be relevant to their research.
While not exhaustive, finding aids help researchers identify the particular boxes or folders that may hold items of interest.
Descriptive Summary
Abstract:
John Foster Potts, Sr. (1908-1998), African American educator and author, was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Leila Snead
and John Moultrie Potts. Potts worked as a teacher and principal in numerous schools including Avery Institute, where he served
until it closed in 1954. Potts married Muriel Logan and had five children.
The collection includes material relating to Potts' personal and professional life. His biographical papers include an unpublished
autobiography, as well as material regarding Potts's service as a United States navy recruiter. His family papers include
Potts's narrative history of the family, with some correspondence, clippings, ephemera and related matter. Materials also
include Potts' and his wife Muriel, her family, and their children. Potts family property papers detail ownership and use
of land in East Flat Rock, North Carolina. Also included is Potts' history of early black families in East Flat Rock, and
his history of The Society of Necessity, and The Kingdom of Happy Land. The Charleston, South Carolina real estate papers
document Potts's ownership and sale of two properties. Writings of Potts include speeches and articles on various educational,
civil rights, religious and other topics, with many commencement speeches. Longer works include a draft of his master's thesis
(1937), and drafts of his history of the Palmetto Education Association. School materials document Potts's education and teaching
in secondary schools in Gary, Indiana, Columbia, South Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina. There is material regarding
his directorship of Avery Institute, and his presidency of Voorhees School and Junior College (later Voorhees College). Other
papers document his affiliation with the Triangle Association of Colleges of South Carolina and Georgia, the Moton College
Service Bureau, and the Technical Assistance Consortium to Improve College Services (TACTICS), and other agencies for whom
Potts consulted. Civic and social organization papers include materials regarding Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi
Phi Fraternity, the Wolverine Social Club of Flat Rock, North Carolina, and some card clubs. Miscellaneous materials include
plaques, awards, some photographs, newspapers, and printed matter.
Title:
John F. Potts, Sr. Papers, 1885 - 2005
Creator:
Potts, John F., Sr.
Repository:
Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston
John Foster Potts, Sr., African American educator and author, was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on April 18, 1908 to Leila
Snead and John Moultrie Potts. In 1916, the family relocated to their ancestral home in East Flat Rock, North Carolina. Potts
attended Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and Benedict College's high school division in Columbia, South
Carolina. He received a college degree from Benedict College in 1930.
Potts began substitute teaching, eventually becoming assistant principal at Columbia's Booker T. Washington High School. In
1936, he moved to Gary, Indiana to teach at Roosevelt High School. He received his Master's degree from Cornell University
in 1937. In 1939, Potts became Principal at Waverley Elementary School in Columbia, South Carolina. From 1942-1945, he served
in the United States Naval Reserve as Chief Petty Officer as a Recruiting Specialist. After an earlier marriage and divorce
to Alma Forrest, he married Muriel Logan in 1943, and raised five children: Leila, John Jr., Paula, Camille, and the adopted
Alma Young.
In 1945, the American Missionary Association named Potts Director of the Avery Institute in Charleston, South Carolina, where
he served until the school closed in 1954. In the same year, Potts became President of Voorhees School and Junior College,
Denmark, South Carolina. Under his administration, Voorhees became an accredited four-year liberal arts school. Potts retired
from Voorhees two years later in 1970. From 1970-1973, he served as Executive Director and Secretary of the Triangle Association
of Colleges of South Carolina and Georgia and Director of the Moton College Service Bureau, Washington, D.C. He returned to
Voorhees for a year, and then from 1974 to 1985 worked as an independent educational evaluator and consultant to several Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and authored two books, The History of South Carolina State College, and A History of the Palmetto Education Association. He returned to Voorhees as President Emeritus in 1983. In his third retirement (1985-1986), Potts served as Director of
Church Relations at Voorhees. Potts served as president and/or vice president for several educational organizations including
the Palmetto Education Association (PEA) (1946-1950); Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (1952); and was a board
member for numerous national organizations.
Potts was awarded three Honorary Doctorates, Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina (1956); Benedict College, Columbia,
South Carolina (1959); and Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia (1969). He was a former Grand Basileus of the
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (1953). Potts died in 1998.
The collection includes materials relating to Potts' personal and professional life. His biographical papers include an unpublished
autobiography and material regarding Potts's service as a United States navy recruiter. His family papers include Potts's
narrative history of the family, with some correspondence, clippings, ephemera and related matter.
Materials also include Potts's and his wife Muriel, her family, and their children, with data on the Logan family, including
notes regarding dismissing Dr. William Miller Logan from military service (circa 1917) for being African American; sheet music
autographed by Langston Hughes and school and other papers regarding her teaching career, along with report cards and programs
of the children; and some personal correspondence that includes thank you notes from Elizabeth Avery Waring.
Potts family property papers detail ownership and use of land in East Flat Rock, North Carolina, putting it into the United
States Soil Bank program and a tree conservation program. Also included is Potts' history of early black families in East
Flat Rock, and his history of The Society of Necessity, a mutual aid society for African Americans, and The Kingdom of Happy
Land, a community established by emancipated slaves from Mississippi, as well as papers regarding his service as a historian
at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The Charleston, South Carolina real estate papers document Potts' ownership
and sale of two properties, one being 54 Montagu Street, sold to Palmer College.
Writings of Potts include speeches and articles on various educational, civil rights, religious and other topics, with many
commencement speeches. Longer works include a draft of his master's thesis (1937) regarding growth of African American population
in Gary, Indiana, and drafts of his history of the Palmetto Education Association, along with notes on that organization and
the Palmetto State Teacher Association.
School materials document Potts's education and teaching in secondary schools in Gary, Indiana, Columbia, South Carolina,
and Charleston, South Carolina. There is material, as well, regarding his directorship of Avery Institute, and his presidency
of Voorhees School and Junior College (later Voorhees College), with information on student unrest at Voorhees (circa 1969),
employment of his wife Muriel, and loan of Edwin Augustus Harleston paintings.
Other papers document his affiliation with the Triangle Association of Colleges of South Carolina and Georgia, the Moton College
Service Bureau, and the Technical Assistance Consortium to Improve College Services (TACTICS), and other agencies for whom
Potts consulted.
Civic and social organization papers include materials regarding Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity,
the Wolverine Social Club of Flat Rock, North Carolina, and some card clubs.
Miscellaneous materials include plaques, awards, some photographs, newspapers, and printed matter.
Includes draft by Potts, "A History of the Potts Family of Flat Rock, NC" and a draft of "The History of the Family of George and Lavinia Potts;" with questionnaires completed by family members.
Box 1 Folder 4
Family Histories, 1990
Includes bound typescript by Potts, "A History of the George and Lavinia Potts Family of Flat Rock, North Carolina," regarding his grandparents and their descendents.
Box 1 Folder 5
Family Reunion, 1979 and 1990
Includes memorandums, letters, questionnaires, mailing lists and handwritten notes regarding "Back to the Roots Reunion" in East Flat Rock, North Carolina. With Potts's handwritten remarks at reunion.
Box 1 Folder 6
Martha R. Potts (also known as Mattie Love), 1902-1912, and undated
Include teacher's second grade certificates from Henderson County, North Carolina; wedding invitation; and folding wooden
fan with hand drawn designs.
Box 1 Folder 7
Edwin Potts and Fred Henderson Potts, 1964 and 2005
Include laminated obituary of Potts's brother Edwin (misidentified as "Edward"; and photocopied newspaper clipping regarding Potts's uncle Fred Henderson Potts.
Box 1 Folder 8
Summons and Divorce Decree, 1940-1942
For Potts and his first wife, Alma Forrest.
Box 1 Folder 9
Historiography Coat of Arms with Correspondence and Certificate, 1971
Box 1 Folder 9
Sylver Logan-Sharp, 1991
Includes autographed Interview Magazine article featuring Potts's granddaughter Sylver Logan-Sharp, singer and former member of music group Chic.
Dr. William Miller Logan and Thomas Logan, 1917 and 1945
Inlcudes photocopied notice to William Logan to appear for physical examination; with later note regarding his dismissal from
service for being African American; also includes obituary for Thomas Logan, Muriel Logan Potts' great grandfather.
Box 1 Folder 11
Correspondence: John and Muriel Potts, 1943-1945
Includes handwritten letters from Potts to Muriel proposing marriage, planning wedding, and mentioning activities traveling
throughout South Carolina as a Naval Recruiter.
Box 1 Folder 12
Correspondence: Relatives and Friends, 1945-1975
Box 1 Folder 13
Choral and Sheet Music, 1921, 1930 and 1943-1945
Used by Muriel Potts; includes Hall Johnson sheet music autographed by Langston Hughes.
Box 1 Folder 14
Intermediate Teacher's Certificate and Grade Reports, 1951-1952
For Muriel Potts in English, Public School Music and Teacher Librarian, Charleston, South Carolina; and grade reports from
State Agricultural and Mechanical College, South Carolina.
Box 1 Folder 15
Leila Potts, 1954-1967
Includes Simonton Public School, Charleston, South Carolina letter regarding Leila; Voorhees School and Junior College commencement
invitation; and letters written by Leila to her parents.
Box 1 Folder 16
John Foster Potts, Jr., 1952-1953, and 1960
Includes Report cards from Simonton Public School and Kent School, Connecticut.
Box 1 Folder 17
Paula Potts, 1965-1975
Include programs and photocopied clipping regarding Paula's performance in Virginia State College Choir; and University of
South Carolina commencement program.
Box 1 Folder 18
Camille Potts, 1967-1970
Includes report cards from Denmark, South Carolina schools; Demark-Olar High School commencement program; and correspondence
regarding student loans.
Box 1 Folder 19
Photographs, circa 1900-1970
Includes Muriel Potts and her grandmother, Lavinia Potts; and group photo of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority banquet with with
Muriel Potts, Cynthia McCottry (later McCottry Smith) and Emily DeCosta.
5. East Flat Rock, North Carolina Property Papers, 1926-1993.
Box 2 Folder 4
Purchase Agreement, 1926-1927
Regarding James P.E. Love purchasing six and one quarter acres from Jacob Goodwin.
Box 2 Folder 5
Property Renovation Estimates, 1954
Includes letters by Potts to his brother Edwin and Aunt Martha Love regarding obtaining lumber estimates and materials needed
for renovation of property.
Box 2 Folder 6
Correspondence: Lumber and Renovation Estimates, 1955
Includes letters by Potts to brother Edwin,uncle Fred and cousin Hortense Potts; aunt Martha Love regarding relocating from
New Jersey; and negotiations with contractors regarding the acquisition and handling of lumber and building materials.
Box 2 Folder 7
Soil Bank Program, 1956-1957
Includes correspondence and invoices with Hendersonville County Agent and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil
Conservation Service regarding placing land into the Soil Bank program; as well as pond and dam construction on property;
and correspondence regarding landscaping and family visiting.
Box 2 Folder 8
Tree Farm, 1958-1959
Includes correspondence, contract and invoices regarding planting pine trees and shrubbery; timber sale contract; USDA Conservation
Reserve Program.
Box 2 Folder 9
Family and Property Correspondence, 1960-1964
Includes letters from Potts and invoices.
Box 2 Folder 10
Tree Farm, 1969
Includes correspondence, contract and map from Henderson County and USDA Soil Conservation Service regarding recommendations
for woodland; tree marking service agreement; soil map; and request for bids regarding timber and pulp.
Box 2 Folder 11
Tree Farm, 1970-1971
Includes deed, correspondence and invoices with attorney and Soil Conservation Service regarding property, boundary change;
revised Soil and Water Conservation plan; timber sales; power of attorney of cousin Lavinia Potts Lassiter to Potts regarding
selling trees; record of saw timber and pulp wood.
Box 2 Folder 12
Tree Farm, 1972-1974
Includes correspondence, contracts and invoices to cousin J. Kenneth Lassiter regarding timber sales; North Carolina State
Forest Service surveying and site clearance; and certificate regarding Potts's tree farm.
Box 2 Folder 13
Tree Farm, 1992
Includes letters and copy of blueprint from North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources approving
funding of Potts's forest management plan.
Box 2 Folder 14
Proposed Lease Agreement, 1993
Includes letters, contract, notes, and newspaper clipping regarding Sunrise Trust using Potts' Flat Rock property.
Box 2 Folder 15
Miscellaneous Material, 1942-1991
Includes letter with budget from St. John in the Wilderness Church; letter with excerpts from South Carolina textile statistics;
and photocopied newspaper clippings regarding war insurance for timber.
6. Flat Rock, North Carolina Historical Materials, 1936-1990.
Box 2 Folder 16
Histories, 1990
Typescripts by Potts, "A History of the Early Black Families Flat Rock," giving the history of Mud Creek Baptist Church, Society of Necessity, a Black social aid group, and The Kingdom of Happy
Land, a community near the North Carolina-South Carolina border established by emancipated slaves from Mississippi (circa
1867) descendents of Flat Rock. Also includes an essay by Ernest Mims regarding Kingdom of Happy Land; with photocopied newspaper
clipping regarding Flat Rock.
Box 2 Folder 17
Society of Necessity of Flat Rock, circa 1936 and 1975
Manuscript by Potts on the Society of Necessity of Flat Rock, 1885-1975; with announcement of annual Society benefit.
Box 2 Folder 18
Black History Research Committee of Henderson County, Inc. By-laws and Articles of Incorporation, 1981
In which Potts served as Board of Director.
Box 2 Folder 19
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, 1971
Includes Letter from United States Department of the Interior National Park Service regarding Potts' position as a Seasonal
Ranger (Historian). Also, includes copy of transcript from television show, "See It Now," with Edward R. Murrow interviewing Sandburg; and newspaper clippings regarding Sandburg in Flat Rock.
Box 3 Folder 1
News Article, 1976
Photocopy of The Times-News regarding the history of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
7. Charleston, South Carolina Real Estate Papers, 1950-1988.
Box 3 Folder 2
54 Montagu Street, 1950-1956
Includes letter from The American Missionary Society regarding Potts acquiring Avery Institute's property; and statements
for commission checks and correspondence regarding Potts's rental of property, then selling to Palmer College.
Box 3 Folder 3
54 Montagu Street, 1957
Includes contract of sale and correspondence regarding loan and mortgage.
Box 3 Folder 4
Correspondence,1958-1960
From Charles E. Palmer regarding interest payments to Potts; and renewal insurance policy.
Writings by John Foster Potts, Sr. relating to schools and educational issues.
Box 3 Folder 8
Booker T. Washington High School: Class Reunion Speech, 1936
Box 3 Folder 9
Masters Thesis A History of the Growth of the Negro Population of Gary, Indiana, 1935-1937
Includes abbreviated version from Potts's Cornell University Graduate School; also includes paper regarding progressive schools.
Box 3 Folder 10
Essay: "Home Influence on School Work," 1941
Inlcudes issue of The Nation's Schools containg Potts's essay; The Palmetto Leader clipping regarding the essay.
Box 3 Folder 10
Speech,1941
Regarding Red Cross emphasizing efforts of Richland County, South Carolina Chapter and requesting participation from Black
citizens.
Box 3 Folder 11
Book Review: Color, Class and Personality, 1941-1942
Review by Potts, includes issue of The School Executive containing review, draft of review and correspondence from America School Publishing regarding Potts's article "Consumer Cooperation in the Elementary School."
Box 3 Folder 12
Speeches: Commencements, 1963-1972
Includes Emmett Scott School, Rock Hill, South Carolina; Barber-Scotia College, Concord, North Carolina; also includes Christian
theme speeches given at South Carolina schools such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Foster's Grove (Spartanburg), Benjamin F. Mays
School, Florence Chapel High School (Duncan) and Lincoln High School (McClellanville).
Box 3 Folder 13
Speeches: General Education, 1956-1967
Includes topics on Supreme Court's Brown versus Board of Education decision; student revolt, ethnic polarization, the Black Power movement, lowering of moral standards and additional teacher
responsibilities.
Box 3 Folder 14
Speeches: Civil Rights, 1964-1969
Topics include South Carolina Council on Human Relations; and President Johnson's Great Society.
Box 3 Folder 15
Speeches: Religion, circa 1965-1975
With notes on the New Testament and the freedom of religion.
Box 3 Folder 16
The History of South Carolina State College, circa 1977
Notes with chapter outline and contacts for Potts' book.
Box 3 Folder 17
Palmetto State Teachers Association (PEA): Constitution and Conference Programs, circa 1928 and 1948-1949
Box 3 Folder 18
Palmetto State Teachers Association (PEA): "PEA Education News," 1948
Features Potts as President (Original oversize is located in Plat Drawer #4].
Box 3 Folder 19
A History of the Palmetto Education Association, Draft by Potts
Includes letters and transcripts from Potts time as a graduate student; also includes letter from Harvard Graduate School.
Box 4 Folder 5
Roosevelt High School, 1937-1938
Includes teacher's contract and salary schedule for Potts's position as a Social Science teacher; with other Gary, Indiana
documents.
Box 4 Folder 6
Waverley Elementary School, 1939-1942 and undated
Includes Potts' contracts as principal; photograph, school paper The Magnet, and clippings regarding Potts' speeches to Columbia's African American community organizations, and essay published in The Nation's Schools.
Box 4 Folder 7
Allen University, 1939 and 1953
Includes bulletin featuring Potts as Director of Training; speech by Reverend John Alvin Bacoats, President, Benedict College
with references to Potts, an alumnus of Benedict.
Box 4 Folder 8
Certificates and Contract, 1946-1952
Regarding Potts's certification as social studies teacher in Columbia, South Carolina and principal in Charleston County School
District #20
Box 4 Folder 9
Correspondence, 1949-1952
From J. Strom Thurmond, Governor, regarding Charleston South Carolina House of Representative Lionel K. Legge's endorsement
of Potts for the Presidency of the State Agricultural & Mechanical College, in Orangeburg; and Legge's letter to Potts; also
includes letter to Potts requesting funding for Memphis Cotton Maker's parade.
Box 4 Folder 10
Honorary Degrees, circa 1950s-1969
Includes outline of Potts acceptance speech's for honorary doctorate, from Pedagogy, Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina;
similar honorary degree from Benedict College; essay by the Benedict President; program and speech with photocopied clippings
regarding Potts's Doctor of Humane Letters, honorary degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria.
Avery Programs and Events: Advertisement, 1946-1947 and 1954
Contains letters from Potts to editors of Charleston newspapers.
Box 4 Folder 12
Maintenance Fund, 1946-1947
Contains correspondence, proposals and financial reports from Potts and Reginald C. Barrett, Chairman of Avery's Administrative
Council regarding maintenance fund and proposals to the Charleston County Delegation.
Box 4 Folder 13
Proposals, 1945-1947
By Potts regarding Avery's educational philosophy and plans; proposal for junior college, professional improvement bulletins,
student council and training school.
Box 4 Folder 14
American Missionary Association Correspondnece, 1945-1949
From official Ruth Morton regarding Potts's future employment at Avery; also includes Fred Brownlee's memo regarding principal's
house on Montagu Street.
Box 4 Folder 15
Rosters, 1878-1946 and 1954
Incldues Avery students, administrators, alumni, and mailing lists; program card of appreciation service for Potts on his
departure from Avery.
Box 4 Folder 16
Miscellaneous Avery School Papers, 1950
Includes Potts's copy of a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, and autographed booklet Freedom's Rock, by Fred Brownlee regarding
his work with the American Missionary Association.
Schools: Voorhees School and Junior College and Voorhees College
Box 5 Folder 1
Financial Audit Report, 1954, 1967-1970 and 1985
Also includes Potts's reports to Voorhees Board of Trustees regarding status of the college and strategic planning.
Box 5 Folder 2
South Carolina Area Trade School (SCAT): Speeches, 1962 and 1968
Includes program and speech given at 1962 Honors' Day ceremony; speech regarding SCAT's 15th anniversary; and a commencement
speech.
Box 5 Folder 3
Voorhees Officials Meeting, circa 1968-1969
Includes transcript of meeting, in Potts's absence, regarding student grievances; trustee minutes regarding student unrest.
Box 5 Folder 4
Speeches, 1962-1984 by Potts
Topics includes programs to raise student academic levels; Voorhees' transition from a junior college; administration role
in facilitating change; 1969 address to campus unrest; along with general commencement speeches.
Box 5 Folder 5
Clippings, 1954-1968, 1985
Topics include Potts's appointments; Voorhees accreditation and expansion; and Leonard Dawson presidency.
Box 5 Folder 6
Muriel and John Potts's Faculty Employment Contracts, 1970-1971.
Box 5 Folder 7
Dedication and Tributes, 1973 and 1986
Includes materials regarding the dedication of Elizabeth Evelyn Wright and John Foster Potts Sr. College Library.
Box 5 Folder 8
Edwin A. Harleston Paintings Loan, 1971
Includes legal papers regarding the loan to Voorhees.
Box 5 Folder 9
Retirement, 1955, 1969-1970
Includes letters from Voorhees staff and students urging Potts to take a leave of absence, instead of retiring; documents
regarding pension plan.
Box 5 Folder 10
Event Programs and Invitations, 1956-1970 and 1987
Includes autographed program from Carmen Jones highlight by Muriel Rahn. Also includes football homecoming program; President
Leonard Dawson inauguration program; speech by Potts
Box 5 Folder 11-13
Scrapbook, 1954-1970
Taken from a disassembled scrapbook presented to Potts by Voorhees Pre-Alumni Council as a tribute. Includes photographs,
typescripts, cards, telegram and programs.
Box 5 Folder 14
Fundraising and Alumni Fund Report: Correspondence, 1992
From Leonard Dawson; also includes miscellaneous mailing lists.
Triangle Association of Colleges of South Carolina and Georgia, Inc. (TAC)
Box 6 Folder 1
Correspondence, 1970
Includes inquiries about college consortiums; TAC promotional brochure.
Box 6 Folder 2
Reports, 1970-1972
Incldues program status by Potts as Executive Director, regarding TAC's progress supporting Allen University, Benedict, Claflin,
Morris, Paine and Voorhees Colleges; with various other TAC reports on varied topics.
Box 6 Folder 3
Resignation, 1971
Incluldes letter regarding Potts's resignation; with later reports regarding his visits to the TAC office, with daughter Paula
as acting director.
Box 6 Folder 4
The Ford Foundation Reports, 1970-1972
Regarding progress on grant funding; and proposals requesting continued financial support for a central office.
Box 6 Folder 5
Paula Potts: Correspondence, 1973
To agencies regarding grant projects and funding.
Moton College Service Bureau and Technical Assistance Consortium to Improve College Services (TACTICS)
Box 6 Folder 6
Evaluation Proposals: Correspondence and Memorandums, 1973-1974 and 1978
With clipping regarding Potts stance on the lack of funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Box 6 Folder 7
Morton College Service and TACTICS Published Annual Reports, 1971-1973
Box 6 Folder 8
Survey of Federal Support for HBCUs and Support Service Handbook: Published Reports, 1971-1972 and 1976
Published by Moton College Service Bureau and edited by Potts; also includes TACTICS handbook regarding workshops for weekend
college and computer assisted instruction.
Box 6 Folder 9
HBCUs Reports, Minutes and Directories, 1971-1973, 1978 and 1992
Regarding long term planning, grant proposals guides and classifications.
Miscellaneous Educational Programs and Services
Box 6 Folder 10
Consulting Service with the Institutional Research Branch , 1982
Box 6 Folder 11
Title III Consulting Service with Grambling State University: Contracts and Evaluation Report, 1983-1988
Box 6 Folder 12
Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools Annual Convention: Program and Clippings, 1952
In which Potts was President.
Box 6 Folder 13
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education: Report, Minutes and Newsletter, 1968 and 1972
Box 7 Folder 1
Miscellaneous Writings and Papers, 1885, 1930s and 1969
Regarding Normal Institute for Colored Teachers; Bennett College; and "Oath of Afro-American Youth."
Civic and Social Organizations
Box 7 Folder 2-3
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 1938-1968
Includes certificates, programs, speeches, sheet music, and journal The Oracle with Potts's essay "Negro Builders of American Democracy."
Box 7 Folder 4-5
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Grand Boule, 1961-1970
Includes typescripts, Constitution and By-Laws, and photographs.
Box 7 Folder 6
Advisory Group on Mental Health Planning, 1941-1964
Contains letter from South Carolina Governor Robert E. McNair regarding Potts's involvement; and miscellaneous certificates.
Box 7 Folder 7
Entre Nous Club, 1988
Chaired by Potts; includes drafts of By-laws and minutes; also includes American Bridge Association handbook.
Box 7 Folder 8
Wolverine Social Club: Constitution, By-Laws, and Minutes, 1977-1983
Box 7 Folder 9
Vagabond School of Drama and Vagabond-Flat Rock Playhouse, 1985-1993
Includes correspondence and certificate from North Carolina Governor James G. Martin regarding Potts's service.
By Governor Richard W. Riley regarding Dr. John Foster Potts week in South Carolina, May 12-19, 1986.
Box 7 Folder 11
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Achievement Award, 1960
Box 7 Folder 12
Awards, 1980-1992
From Benedict College, Class of 1930 reunion; appreciation award from Avery Institute's Class of 1932; and South Carolina
Black Hall of Fame 1992 Honoree.
Box 7 Folder 13
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Centennial: Living Legacy Award from Voorhees, 1997
The nature of the Avery Research Center's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may
be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Avery Research Center claims only physical ownership
of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright
law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of
copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be
fully credited with the source.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], John F. Potts, Sr. Papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Donated by John F. Potts, May 1991 and Muriel L. Potts, November 2004.
