Table of Contents

Inventory of the Various Small Collections, 1786 - 2011, and undated

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Descriptive Summary

Abstract: This collection consists of various small collections held at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.
The collection consists of forty-eight small collections that were donated by individuals, families, organizations, and unidentified individuals. Each collection has its own arrangement and description. Topics included in this collection are African American education and schools, African American fire fighters, African American businesspeople, African American social life, customs, and organizations, family histories, land title, deeds of real estate for individuals and African American churches, the 1969 Hospital Worker's Strike, African American nurses, African American religous organizations, newspaper clippings, photographs, funeral programs, marriage licenses, and other records that document African American life in Charleston, South Carolina and in the South in general.
Title: Various Small Collections, 1786 - 2011, and undated
Creator: Various.
Repository: Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston
Call Number: AMN 9000
Language of Material: Material in English
Extent: 2.5 linear feet
(6 archival boxes)

Biographical Note

Each collection's biographical and historical information can be located in the collection overview section of the finding aid.


Collection Overview

Each small collection is considered a series.

0001. Hicks and Steele Family Papers: The Hicks family, originally from Savannah, Georgia and New York, are an African-American family in Charleston, South Carolina. John O. Hicks married Sadie Steele and had one son, J. Maurice Hicks, father of Janet Hicks.

The Steele family, originally from Missouri, are decedents of the Randolph family who left Charleston, South Carolina in 1800 and relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey.

The collection includes materials related to Hicks and Steele family members, gathered by Janet Hicks. Materials include a marriage certificate for Robert A. Steele and Selina L. Spearing; a Steele family tree; and photographs of Sadie Steele Hicks, J. Maurice Hicks, and others.

0002. Shaw Memorial School: The Shaw Memorial School is named after Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment of black troops during the Civil War. Upon his death at Fort Wagner near Charleston harbor, Shaw's friends and family raised funds to construct a school. With additional funds from the New England Freedman's Aid Society and other Northern philanthropists, the Shaw Memorial School opened its doors in 1865. The students were predominantly black, and classes were taught largely by Northern missionaries.

When the New England Freedman's Aid Society dissolved in 1874, the Charleston board of school commissioners agreed to oversee the school for a period of 10 years, under the provision that the schoolhouse would be maintained for children of color and that only black teachers were to be used. After a satisfactory ten-year period, the school's property was transferred to the Charleston city school board in 1884, and the school continued to run a curriculum for students aged six to fifteen.

In 1938, the Shaw Memorial School ceased to be an education institution. The building, located at 22 Mary Street, served a number of other purposes during the 20th century and was placed on the National Register in 1973.

The original building has since been demolished and replaced by a Boys and Girls Club of America.

This collection contains attendance certificates of former Shaw Memorial School students, 1882-1889, as well as clippings and correspondence relating to the property after it ceased to hold classes, 1938-1990.

0003. Fredricka Jenkins-Andrews Papers: Fredricka Jenkins was born January 4, 1914, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The eldest of seven children, she grew up in Charleston and graduated from the Avery Normal Institute in 1931 with a first place honor in Pedagogy and class rank of Salutatorian. She immediately began teaching in Charleston County public schools.

In 1946, Fredricka Jenkins married Richard N. Andrews and moved to Buffalo, New York. Initially, she did not teach there, but participated in a number of community organizations until she enrolled at Buffalo State College. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1963, and numerous academic awards. She continued her education there and in 1969 received a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education with permanent Certification in Elementary Supervision. From September 1963 to June 1979, she taught at School #53 in the Buffalo Public School System. For her teaching performance, Jenkins-Andrews received an Outstanding Teachers of America award in 1972 and was nominated for National Teacher of the Year in 1974.

Fredricka Jenkins-Andrews retired from the Buffalo Public School System in 1979. She died in 2010.

The collection contains materials related to Fredricka Jenkins-Andrews' teaching career. Includes correspondence regarding award nominations, 1972-1973; materials related to her retirement ceremony and other professional recognition; and clippings regarding her career, post-retirement teaching activities, and community involvement.

0004. Francis "Frank" Sturcken: Francis "Frank" Sturcken graduated from the College of Charleston in 1951. That year, he wrote an essay denouncing segregation entitled "The Liquid South" for the College's annual Bingham Oratorical Contest and won the contest for the third consecutive year. In this piece, Sturcken wrote that segregation laws were "based upon the lie that the Negro can be segregated and not discriminated against.... In a complex society such as ours, that is, of course, impossible. You can have no segregation without discrimination."

The essay piqued the interest of Judge Julius Waties Waring, who distributed it to his associates and promoted its publication in various newspapers throughout the country, although it received minimal local attention.

This collection contains materials related to Frank Sturcken's essay, "The Liquid South." Includes copies of the essay, a memoir, correspondence in reaction to the essay, and clippings. Much of the material contains personal annotations.

0005. Augustus Holt Collection on Charleston Little League: In 1954, a group of African Americans from Charleston, South Carolina organized a baseball league for the youth of their community. In 1955, the organization became known as the Cannon Street YMCA Little League, hosting four teams. It was the first and only all-black league in South Carolina sanctioned by the National Little League Program.

In the 1990s, Augustus Holt, an African American shipyard worker, volunteered as a baseball coach for the Dixie Youth League, but Holt and other parents declared they were offended by the Confederate battle flag on the uniform and the historic reasons for Dixie Youth's founding. In 1993, Holt also conflicted with the city's recreation director over the second-place trophy, which was eventually awarded to Holt's team. In 1994, Augustus Holt succeeded in bringing Little League back to Charleston. Holt became president of the Charleston American Little League, overseeing the sports program and organizing a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars baseball team.

Augustus J. Holt collected various materials regarding Charleston, South Carolina youth baseball during his crusade to return Little League baseball to Charleston and his later tenure as president of the Charleston American Little League. Newspaper clippings cover the Cannon Street YMCA baseball team; Little League baseball in Africa; and segregation in recreation in Charleston and the American South; and the establishment of the Charleston American Little League in 1994. Materials also include requests for support and flyers by the Charleston American Little League; programs and statements depicting the impact of the Cannon Street YMCA Baseball League and its successor, the Charleston American Little League; and a photograph of Augustus Holt with his son, Lawrence Holt, and others.

0006. Fred Stroble Papers: Fred Stroble, a native of Charleston, attended Archer Elementary and Burke High Schools before joining the United States Navy. Stroble went to various law enforcement schools and had joined the City Police Department in 1962 as a patrolman. Later, he worked as a detective with the vice squad. Stroble was named the first African American Deputy Sheriff for Charleston County in 1969. He was appointed Deputy United States Marshal in 1972. Stroble also served the United States District Court for 36 years.

By the time of his retirement in 2008, Stroble had served in law enforcement for 46 years and had served on special assignments in every state in the United States. Among his case load, Stroble was assigned to the Watergate trial and was one of four hundred United States Marshals sent to Boston during school desegregation.

The collection contains materials related to Fred Stroble's career in law enforcement. Includes newspaper clippings regarding appointments and various crimes cases, 1972; photocopies of correspondence regarding promotions and letters of recognition, 1962-1976; and photographs depicting Stroble in his uniform, as part of the City Police Department, and during an appointment ceremony.

0007. Jerodene Ellis Papers: Jerodene Ellis was a 1945 graduate of Laing High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She moved to Philadelphia, where she lived for 37 years. There, she earned a business and public administration degree from Temple University and became employed as a personnel specialist for the City of Philadelphia, eventually returning to Mount Pleasant.

The collection contains a Palmer Method handwriting book used by Jerodene Ellis in the sixth grade and Ellis' graduation diploma from Laing High School in 1945.

0008. Kwadjo Campbell Campaign Ephemera: Larry Roy Campbell, Jr., more commonly known as Kwadjo Campbell, served as a Charleston City Councilman for District 4 for nearly eight years. Campbell, an African American, was an outspoken supporter for Charleston's East Side. A vocal critic of Charleston mayor Joe Riley, Campbell ran an unsuccessful bid for mayor against Riley in 2003.

In 2005, Campbell was indicted on campaign finance charges; he also faced separate marijuana possession charges and was arrested for failure to pay child support. His Councilman term ended in July 2005 after his indictment.

In early 2007, Campbell was sentenced to pay fines and restitution for two campaign finance violations and a marijuana possession charge, to which he had pleaded guilty, and was placed on probation. In June 2007, Campbell returned to Charleston to organize voter registration drives and assist the then-mayoral campaign of William Dudley Gregorie.

In February 2010, Kwadjo Campbell announced his intention to run for mayor of North Charleston in 2011.

The collection contains campaign stickers and flyers for Kwadjo Campbell, likely during his 2003 mayoral election campaign against Joe Riley.

0009. Mosquito Beach Community: Mosquito Beach, an island and community located on Sol Legare Road in James Island, South Carolina was an important recreational site for African Americans during the early to mid-twentieth century when laws segregated beaches and other facilities.

The island began as an oyster factory until the 1930s, at which time community founders, Joe "King Pin" Chavis and Andrew "Apple" Jackson Wilder, Sr. set in motion the Mosquito Beach Community. It was renamed for its abundant mosquito population, and became home to several local seafood stands, restaurants, a boardwalk pavilion, bars and dance clubs.

In the 1980s and 90s, the area declined due to storms, hurricanes and changes in social economic conditions.

In 1990, William G. Wilder, member of the Mosquito Beach Association, Inc. tried to get the land listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the State Historic Preservation Office.

The collection includes of a history of the area by Joe Chavis and Andrew Jackson Wilder, Jr.; plotted surveys of Sol Legare Road; correspondence with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History; various photocopied newspaper articles concerning Mosquito Beach; and a group photograph on the boardwalk.

0010. African American Firemen in Charleston: African American firemen have served in the Charleston Fire Department since 1882.

The collection includes photocopied photographs of uniformed firemen and clippings from News and Courier about Black fire fighters in the Charleston Fire Department. In a 1956 article, the News and Courier reported that Black firemen received "the same privileges in pay, sick leave, and other benefits" as did White firemen; however, fire stations remained segregated.

0011. Thomas Miller Papers: Thomas Miller, an African American, attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Bishop England High School in Charleston, South Carolina in 1974. He later attended the University of South Carolina, and presumably was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The collection includes a memory book with messages and pop culture references to Thomas Miller from classmates and Charleston-area high school students, 1974; school portraits of female acquaintances, circa 1974; and newspaper clippings related to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.'s participation in intramural basketball at the University of South Carolina, 1977.

Acquisitions Information: Received from Ruth Miller, May 2005.

0012. Irene and Mary White Papers: Contains correspondence of Mary and Irene White with African American soldiers, insurance policies, photographs, travel book, and memo book.

Acqusitions Information: Donated by Jack Thompson in 2009.

0013. Edward N. Brown Papers: Edward N. Brown was born at Drayton Hall, South Carolina. In August 1943, Brown was inducted into the U.S. Navy where he worked as a second class cook and in 1945 he was honorably discharged from his service. In 1946, Brown became an ordained Baptist Minister in Charleston, South Carolina. His first position was at Jerusalem Baptist Church, he left there to pastor at Eastside Baptist church on Nassau Street in Charleston. Rev. Brown died on October 2, 1966.

Information on the Eastside Baptist Church can be found here: //eastsidebaptist29403.tripod.com/id3.html

The collection consists of documents relating to: Brown's ministry at Eastside Baptist Church and other religious organizations, an Eastside Baptist Church Record and Minute Book (1948-1958), his Naval dog tags, and notes for speeches and meetings.

0014. Mary Steiger: Mary Steiger worked as an Assistant at the Avery Institute under the direction of the American Missionary Association and when Mr. M.A. Holmes served as principal. Steiger was from Westfield, Massachusetts and may have made acquaintance of John Ashley there. The collection contains correspondence (1886-1888) between Mary Steiger and John Ashley.

Acquisition Information: Donated by Mary Furman Bortz from Tampa, Florida.

0015. Bazilio Gonzales: Contains the deed of conveyance of 24 Montagu Street in Charleston, South Carolina to Virginia Ferrette for $2,800 from Bazilio Gonzales. Virginia Ferrette was probably the daughter John M. Ferrette, who was a Caucasian man who fled to Charleston from Saint Domingue. She was a free person of color. Bazilio or Basilio Gonzales was a Portuguese immigrant who arrived in Charleston in 1829.

0016. Sameera V. Thurmond: Sameera Thurmond has conducted genealogical research charting her biracial family ancestry to George Washington Thurmond, James Strom Thurmond's grandfather. James Strom Thurmond, was a United States Senator from South Carolina. Strom Thurmond was a strong advocate for racial segregation and ran for President of the United States in 1948 as a member of the segregationist States Rights Democratic Party. In 2003, it was revealed that he had fathered a daughter with his family's African-American maid, Carrie Butler, and paid for her college education. He never publically acknowledged his daughter, but his family did. The collection consists of a written genealogy of the Thurmond family focusing on the Black lineage.

Additional information about Strom Thurmond can be found in the book, Strom: The Complicated Personal and Political Life of Strom Thurmond by Jack Bass and Marilyn Thompson.

0017. African American South Carolina Women's History Course: Research and student papers document the work of students in African American women's history scholar Darlene Clark Hines' College of Charleston course held in the fall of 2007. Most of the papers highlight African American women's contributions to the health profession, highlighting women like Dr. Rosslee Tenetha Green Douglas and Maude Cullen.

0018. Ambrose E. Gonzales: Ambrose Gonzales was born on a plantation in Colleton County, South Carolina in 1857 and his father was Ambrosio Jose Gonzales a Colonel in the Confederate Army, who fought in the Civil War. Gonzales and N.G. Gonzales, his brother, founded The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina. He did several works to bring the Gullah dialect to public awareness through publishing sketches of Gullah in the newspaper as well as through writings, such as The Black Border. Gonzales died in 1926.

The collection contains photocopies of correspondence between Ambrose Gonzales and James Rice regarding various issues including the possible sale of Rice's library, their plantations, and Gonzales' work, The Black Border, etc. Also, included is a 1928 letter from a Archibald Rutledge, future poet laureate, to Rice regarding his literary gift.

Additional biogrpahical information can be found at //library.sc.edu/socar/uscs/2007/ricejh07.html

0019. Simmons Family: Alfred Simmons (married to Henrietta Gaillard) started a fishing company in 1876 at 31-33 Market St., and then his sons Edward, Theodore, and Charles took over. Edward Simmons (1876-1951) operated a store on East Bay Street. Later these two businesses consolidated to form Simmons Ocean Fish Co. The company sold turkeys, chicken, and seafood.

Edward Simmons' children became leaders in their own right: Edward Simmons, a Howard graduate and lawyer; Theodore R. Simmons, works with his father; Naomi S. Scott, a Haynes Institute and Atlanta School of Social Science graduate and secretary of a YWCA in St. Louis, MO.; Prince B. Simmons, a Hampton Institute graduate and soldier; Rev. William J. Simmons, a Lincoln University graduate and pastor in a Presbyterian church in Roanoke, VA.; Charles Simmons, a Sumner high school graduate and works with his father; and Reuben Simmons, a Lincoln University graduate and works for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC.

Edward Simmons was considered to be a business and community leader in Charleston.

Items in the collection include documents regarding Simmons Ocean Fish, Co., 1938-1949; family photographs; Edward Theodore Simmons and Edward Simmons, Diploma and Obituary, 1945 and 1951; and genealogical research.

0020. Thelma Murray: Thelma Francis Murray-Pettigrew was born on September 30, 1923 to Rev. Harry M. Murray, Sr., and Orville Wright Murray. She attended St. Peter's Catholic School (kindergarten to 2nd grade), Immaculate Conception High School (4th-10th grades), Avery Institute High School (11th-12th), graduated in 1941, and graduated from Avery Normal Institute in 1942. She graduated with her B.A. in elementary education from South Carolina State College in 1951 and obtained a Masters in Early Childhood Education from the Teachers College of Columbia University in New York, NY in 1960.

Murray began her teaching career at Jennie Moore Elementary School in Mt. Pleasant, SC; she also taught at the Head Start, Ben Tillman Elementary School; Daniel Jenkins in North Charleston; and Simonton and Rhett elementary schools in Charleston County School District 20. She retired in 1976. Murray was active in community organizations such as St. Patrick's Women's Guild, the YWCA of Greater Charleston, National Council of Negro Women, South Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, and Charleston Democratic Women.

In 1988, she married William F. Pettigrew.

Items in the collection include Murray's professional journal log, 1951 and Charleston City Federation of Colored Women's Club Annual Memorial Tea Donation Envelope, 1970

0021. Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program (CLAW): The Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World (CLAW) at the College of Charleston was established to promote scholarship on the Lowcountry, the Atlantic World, and the connections between the two. CLAW's mission is to strengthen the College's instructional program and to promote the public understanding of the region and its place in a broader international context by fostering research that illuminates the constant contact and cultural exchange among the various Atlantic cultures, societies, and ethnicities. The collection contains the 2007-2008 event schedule for "Commemorating the Abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade."

Official website //prosper.cofc.edu/~atlantic/

0022. Jenkins Orphanage Institute: The Jenkins Orphanage was started in 1891 in Charleston, SC by Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins (1862-1937) to care for African American orphans of the city, who because of their race were not being taken in at area orphanages. Daniel Jenkins, born a slave and orphaned at a young age, was also the father of the classical composer Edmund Thornton Jenkins (1894-1926). Upon Daniel Jenkins' death, his wife, Eloise, succeeded as president of the orphanage until 1941, when Reverend Paul Daniels (d. 1961) took charge of the orphanage until 1961. The Orphan Aid Society, chartered in 1892 and organized from members of Reverend Daniel Jenkins and Paul Daniels' church, Fourth Tabernacle Baptist, was the governing board of the orphanage.

The orphanage was initially located in Jenkins' home at 660 King St. In 1893, Jenkins received permission from the city to use the abandoned building of the Old Marine Hospital at 20 Franklin St. to house the growing number of resident orphans, 536 by 1896. In 1937, the orphanage moved to a farm on the outskirts of the city. The orphanage, still in existence, is currently located at 3923 Azalea Drive, in North Charleston.

To raise money for its administration, the Jenkins Orphanage Band was started. The jazz band toured nationally and internationally, and was credited for the invention of the 1920s dance craze known as "the Charleston." Famous Jenkins Orphanage Band members include William "Cat" Anderson, Jabbo Smith, and Freddie Green.

Items in this collection include correspondence and historical information.

0023. Henry Fordham: A land conveyance document details the transaction from William B. Yates, T.W. Howell, and William P. Lea to Nelson Richardson, Titus Gregory, Jacob Weston, Samuel Weston, James Johnston, Charles H. Holloway, and William Berry for a Line St. property. On February 9, 1854 Yates, Howell, and Lea sold the Line St. property to Richardson, et. al. for the purpose of establishing a burial ground for free persons of color on the "Charleston Neck". Historical information about the land purchased by Yates, Howell, and Lea can be found in the article, "The St. John's Burial Association and the Catholic Cemetery at Immaculate Conception, City of Charleston, South Carolina: What became of the Repose of the Dead?" by Michael Trinkley and Debi Hacker, 1994.

0024. Thomas Stoney: Thomas Porcher Stoney was the Mayor of Charleston, SC, from 1923 to 1931 and vigorously embraced historic preservation as official civic policy.

The collection contains an anonymous postcard written to Stoney inviting him and other South Carolina Democrats to see democracy in action.

0025. William Lewis: Contains the original and a typed transcript of the slavery bill of sale that took place in the Sumter District of South Carolina in 1846. The bill denotes that Big Tom, Dinah, Harvey, Elias, and Ira were sold by William Lewis (who purchased John Durant's estate) to Franklin J. Moses for the sum of $1,795.

It is unclear whether the enslaved people were sold to Franklin J. Moses Jr. or Sr., however, both men were Republican politicians in South Carolina. Franklin Moses, Sr. became the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court in 1868, and Franklin Moses, Jr. was the 75th Governor of South Carolina.

0026. Mosquito Fleet Association, Inc.: The Mosquito Fleet Association, Inc. was incorporated on December 1, 1988, by Melvin Middleton and William M. Lawrence. The Mosquito Fleet Association, Inc. was incorporated on December 1, 1988 by Melvin Middleton and William M. Lawrence. The association was created to promote independent fishing, provide facilities for fishing; and to preserve, reconstruct and maintain the history, tradition and heritage of the Mosquito Fleet. Their offices were at 1 Laurens St. in Charleston, SC.

The collection includes the association's by-laws, meeting minutes, report of corporation, and certificate of incorporation.

0027. John Conroy: John Conroy (1926/1927-1981) was the Chief of Police in the City of Charleston for 13 years. He arrived in Charleston in 1968 a little before the 1969 Hospital Workers' Strike began.

The collection contains a letter from John Conroy to Father William J. Joyce from Arlington, VA. Conroy states that he was sorry to miss the going away party for him and thanks him for his help during the 1969 Hospital Workers' Strike that occurred in Charleston.

0028. Black Diaspora Project: The Black Diaspora Project had many aims including but not limited to creating a database of Black funeral homes and churches; and one that would chart the migration patterns of African Americans between the North (ex. New York City) and the South (ex. Charleston and New Orleans).

The collection contains a report entitled "From Runaways to Migrants" by Jean Pierre Le Glaunec (pages 1-2 are missing) and the funeral programs of individuals.

0029. Charles F. Pequette, Sr.: Charles Pequette, an African American firefighter, served on the Charleston Fire Department beginning April 1, 1890 until he retired in 1931. The collection chronicles the fatal 1915 accident and subsequent reactions that killed CFD's Assistant Chief M. Morris, and injured Pequette and six others.

0030. Clionian Debating Society: The Clionian Debating Society was formed in 1847 to pursue learning and mental improvement. The men debated set topics of the times, such as Western Civilization and government; and had orations on subjects such as education. The organization met monthly and members included Gabrial H. Barron, Enoch G. and Simeon W. Beaird, Henry Cardozo, Wm. H. Gaillard, J. Greene, P.A. Hyames, Augustus L. Horry, J. Mood, Jr., and Wm. O. Weston. The male membership was mostly from elite free Black families in Charleston. Each member paid dues and donated books to the society's library. The organization existed to at least September 1856.

More information can be found in Edward Drago's book Charleston's Avery Center: From Education and Civil Rights to Preserving the African-American Experience.

The collection contains photocopies of meeting minutes, 1847-1851 (except 10/1/1948-3/5/1949).

0031. City of Charleston: Contains an official notice that states that neither Richard Holloway, Richard Fordham, nor Hannah Burnett (sp) have any judgments or decrees against them in the City Court of Charleston, SC.

0032. Ella Pearson Mitchell and Henry Mitchell: Ella Pearson Mitchell was raised in Charleston, SC, attended Avery Institute, obtained her bachelor's and doctoral degree from Talladega College and her Masters in Arts from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University. She graduated from Claremont School of Theology with her ministry degree. She has taught at schools in Los Angeles, New York City, Richmond, VA; and Atlanta. Henry H. Mitchell is a native of Columbus, Ohio he attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and obtained his doctorate of theology from Claremont School of Theology. Henry and Ella married on August 12, 1944 and since 1988, they have taught at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. Both of them have written on Black religious experiences and co-write the Mitchell Update.

The collection contains biographical and professional papers, 1986-2004.

0033. The Charlestonian Club: The collection contains the 1931 Lincoln-Douglass Dinner Program and a 1927 speech that discusses influential African American men in Charleston, important institutions, such as the Avery Institute and implores the audience to be proud of their history and to work together to sustain the community for future generations.

0034. Mae Purcell and Holloway Scrapbook: Mae Holloway Purcell (1891-1982) is the daughter of Henry and Martha Holloway, but because of their early deaths she was raised by her aunt and uncle-Mr. and Mrs. James Harrison Holloway. They lived in a house on Beaufain St. in Charleston, SC, which was built by her Great-Grandfather, Richard Holloway. Purcell graduated from Avery Institute in 1909 and then went on to attend Fisk University, where she obtained an A.B. in Science in 1914. She taught at various schools including Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C.; Burke Industrial School in Charleston, S.C; and Shaw School. In 1936, she began working at Dart Hall Branch Library in Charleston, SC and taking classes at the University of Wisconsin. In 1950, she graduated from North Carolina College, where she obtained her graduate degree in Library Science. When the branch librarian of Dart Hall Library, Mrs. Susan Dart Butler, retired; Purcell took over this position. She retired in 1964, but stayed active through civic, church, library and community work.

She married Dr. Herbert Eugene Purcell in 1935; who died in 1941, they had no children.

Historical Note

The Holloway scrapbook was created by James Harrison Holloway in the 1900s. He wanted to create a scrapbook containing certain papers that his mother and grandmother had saved, such as Richard Holloway's citizenship papers, bills of sale, tickets from community events, and other material that document early Black life.

The collection contains biographical notes on Mae Purcell and material from Holloway Scrapbook, 1892-1963.

0035. Randolph Kirkland: The collection contains a survey, which was undertaken by the South Carolina Historical Society in an effort to identify African-American soldiers who were born in South Carolina in order to compile a history for future generations. Furthermore, this was a preliminary effort to identify the facts and the scope of the research to undertake the endeavor.

Randolph Kirkland has written the following books on the Civil War: Broken Fortunes (1995), which contains the names and regiment of 18,666 men of South Carolina who died in the Civil War; and Steadfast to the Last (1995), which contains the names and regiment of South Carolina Parolees.

The collection contains a survey entitled South Carolina Designated Regiments in Federal Service 1862-1866 and Prince Rivers' U.S. Army Service Record, 1997 and 2005.

0036. Gamble Family: The collection contains a family history publication that was compiled by Raimonda (Kirk) Martin in 1985, it documents family history to 1730. The Gamble family line originates in Williamsburg County of South Carolina with John Gamble, a White planter, who had four slaves. John Gamble died in 1819, but his descendants (White and Bi-racial) moved westward to Arkansas just before the Civil War. Most of the early Gamble family members were enslaved and after the Civil War they were farmers and/or cattlemen. One Black Gamble family member, Eli, was killed during the "Howard County Riot of 1883."

0037. Joi Mayo: Joi Mayo completed, "A "Beacon Light:" Immaculate Conception School's Encouragement of Charleston's Black Middle and Upper Classes" for fulfillment of a Masters of Arts degree in History from the Graduate College of the College of Charleston and The Citadel.

Abstract This is a study of Immaculate Conception School, (ICS) a private African American Catholic institution in Charleston, South Carolina founded in 1908, with particular emphasis on the years of 1930-1940. Its purpose is to show how black Catholic education in the city was intertwined with issues of class and status in the black community, while illustrating the efforts of African Americans to improve educational opportunities. African American parents utilized Immaculate Conception's challenging and competitive curriculum to prepare students for post-secondary institutions and ensure that they received the skills to remain in or enter the black middle and upper classes. As a result of the encouragement of their parents, members of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, and community leaders, a large number of ICS students completed college and entered professional occupations. In order to determine the background of the students and their mindsets, I have examined a variety of diverse sources, including the US Manuscript Census of Population from the years of 1920 and 1930, the Beacon Light which served as the school's newspaper and yearbook, and other materials. I also conducted interviews with several alumni and faculty of ICS. This study illustrates how Immaculate Conception School allowed African American youth to escape Charleston's social and economic structures that suppressed the development of blacks.

The electronic version can be found here: //lowcountrydigital.library.cofc.edu/u?/CCT,7323. Note access is limited to College of Charleston IP addresses.

The collection contains "A "Beacon Light" Immaculate Conception" Thesis Research Notes and Presentation, 2010-2011.

0038. Mears Family: Frances Lavinia Robertson Kimber and her daughters started compiling family history information beginning in 1979. Through research the earliest member the family has located is George Mears, a white male, who married Martha Ward (1830-1902), an African American woman. They lived at 8 Inspection St. in Charleston, SC. Mears was a ship captain and also worked as a ship carpenter.

The family histories contained in this chart include the genealogy of the following branches: Harleston, Robertson, Mears, Poinsette, Brown, Lawson, Wright, Barron, DeVault, Jackson, Mickey, Stevens, Lee, Pinkard, Bishop, Greene, Mackey, and Kimber.

The collection contains the May 30, 2005, draft publication (vol. 1, no. 5) of the Mears Family History.

0039. Edith Randall Hammond Papers: Edith Randall Hammond, was born on June 8, 1896, in Charleston, SC to Charles Hayes and Martha Randall. Hammond attended the Avery Normal Institute and graduated in May 1914, at the school she developed skills in dress making among others. In 1916, Hammond left Charleston to work as a seamstress in a Gentlemen's Club in Philadelphia, PA. In 1918, she married Winston Purcell Hammond. After her husband's death, she pursued her Doctor of Divinity and was ordained a minister in the Church of Religious Science. In 1939, she co-founded The Church of Divine Light in Philadelphia. In 1940, she graduated from nursing school and worked at Pennsylvania Hospital until December 1941; she left there and worked at a defense plant operated by the Marine Corps. Edith Randall Hammond died in 1982.

The collection contains Hammond's 1914 Avery Normal Institute graduation invitation, a brief biography, and eight photographs including photos of Hammond at various stages of her life, of husband, Winston Hammond, and of Robert Hammond, Sr., her son.

Acquisition Information: Donated by son, Robert Hammond, Sr.

0040. Damon George Thomas and Damon Ireland Thomas: Damon Ireland Thomas was born on August 16, 1875 in Houma, Terrabonne Parish, LA. He was a stage performer and a theater manager. Throughout the 1900s, he managed the Lincoln Theater in Charleston, SC; the Bijou Theater in Tampa, FL; and one in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, he wrote for the Chicago Defender during the 1920s, where he wrote about hosting individuals like Oscar Micheaux, and E.D. Lee. In the Defender he wrote on motion picture news and what was happening at various Black theaters in the South and the North. The Lincoln Theater served the African American population in the area and was successful.

Damon George Thomas was born in 1918 in New Orleans, LA. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from South Carolina State College in 1966 and served as an Attorney for the SC District Courts.

The collection contains several newspaper articles written by Damon Ireland Thomas for the Chicago Defender, correspondence, diplomas, and family genealogy.

0041. Gary Towles: Gary Towles donated Plantation Echoes (A Three Act All Negro Dramatic Musical Production) program and copied sheets of the synopsis. The April 16th, 1936 play was held at the Hibernian Hall in Charleston, SC and was staged and produced by Rosa Warren Wilson.

0042. Arthur Clement: Arthur John Howard Clement, Jr., (1908-1986) was an African-American businessman, civic leader, and political activist. He attended the Avery Normal Institute in Charleston, SC and went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., where he earned his high school diploma in 1926 and his baccalaureate in 1930. He worked at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in Durham, NC, Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC. His career with North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company ended in 1967, when he became Director of Admissions and Career Counseling at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC.

Clement was active in the South Carolina Progressive Democratic Party and in 1950, he became the first African American in South Carolina to run for Congressional office as a Democrat. In later years he became involved in the Republican Party.

His papers are held at the University of South Carolina's Caroliniana Library.

The collection contains a card from E.M. Parker thanking him for a letter he sent to her and wishes him the best in the new year.

0043. McFall Family: Thomas McFall was born on November 27, 1908 to Dr. John Allen and Mrs. Josephine E. Carr McFall in Charleston, SC. He attended Avery Institute and Lincoln University and earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan's School of Medicine. McFall completed his residency at Homer G. Phillips in St. Louis, MO, returned to Charleston to practice, and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during WWII. He was one of the leaders behind establishing the McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital in Charleston.

McFall died on June 9, 1969 at McClennan Banks Hospital. He was married to Blanche S. McFall and they had three sons-T.C. McFall Jr., Frank McFall, and Bernard McFall.

Acquistion Information: Items in the collection were donated by Thomas Carr McFall, Jr. and Konrad A. Mark. There were three separate acqusitions, the 1985 acqusition of the diplomas; a 1990 acqusition of Paul McFall's I.D. and dues book, Joesph Smith's Brass Membership Card, and the Freemason's Monitor; and a 1993 acqusition of a 1940s Thomas McFall photo in his U.S. Marine uniform.

0044. Fraser Family Papers and Robert Howard: James Wilbur Fraser (1870-1923) was an apprentice carpenter who worked in Central America. The date and location of birth is inconclusive. Robert H. Fraser, James' brother, worked at Spiegal's Music Store in Charleston, SC, as a piano tuner. In 1897, James married Catherine Eddena Gourdin (1877-1954). They had eleven children (Anna G., Wilbur, James Wilbur, George Wesley, Catherine Elizabeth, Marguerite A., Caroline E. (Carrie), Emily Edna, Mary Jeanette, Helen V., Ruth L.). The Fraser children attended the Avery Institute, Immaculate Conception, and Burke High School based on preference. Most of the children went on to pursue higher education.

Fraser was able to purchase 48 lots in the northern Charleston area that boarded the following streets Sumter, President, Fishburne, and Johnsons Court. Three lots were sold to individuals and one was given to church trustee, George Brown. The area became to be known as Fraser Field. In 1924, Fraser Auto Repair shop was opened on 73 Cannon St., the shop served both White and Black Charlestionians. It was run by James Fraser, Jr., until 1941/42, when he began teaching.

As a result of taxes owed, Fraser Field was put up for auction and was bought by the City of Charleston, and was later deeded to the School district to build Burke High School.

Robert H. Howard owned slaves from 1833-1864, the number he owned is uncertain, but information from the family bible he notes the names of some of the women and their children's names.

The collection includes Fraser Family history, Petition to Prove Will, Correspondence, and James Fraser, Jr. College Transcript; Fraser Auto Repair Business History and Daybook Book; and Robert H. Howard's Family Bible.

0045. Various African American Church Deeds and Documents: Churches in this collection are Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church, New Hope Baptist Church, St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church; and an individual collection of Joseph and Carrie James, who were leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Items in this collection relate to church mortages, deeds of real estate, court documents in relation to title ownerships, and Joseph and Carrie James Certificates of involvement in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

0046. Unidentified Items: The collection consists of individual items that do not belong to a particular creator. Items include Williamsburg County Principal's or Teacher's Report for Negro Schools, 1930-1931; a leaflet/report sent by the Worker's Defense League regarding Sheriff Walter Clark in Fort Lauderdale, F.L; proporty papers of Cosmo Brockington; loan notices; marriage licenses (Samuel Jenkins to Pearl Washington and Leroy Goodwin to Anna E. Gathers); The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertifer, 11/17/1786; Poster of the Setting for "Porgy and Bess;" a photograph of an unidentified male; a handwritten copy of "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson; and an Abstract of Title for 11 Henrietta St., which once belonged to Jehu Jones.

0047. Alexander Gourdine: The collection consists of newspaper clippings from Charleston papers, an issue of the Parvenue, the Burke High School newspaper and the book Tuskegee to Voorhees by Dr. J.F.B. Coleman, 1922. These items were collected by Alexander Gourdine, the father of donor Barbara Clark. Gourdine is the son of Amelia Noisette Gourdine. Clark donated the items in April 2012.

0048. John Stall Papers: The collection consists of mortage of real estate papers for property on Spring St. and King St. in Charleston, SC; bond notices including those between Stall and domestic slave trader, Ziba Oakes; receipts from Office of County Commissioners, Charleston County; notices from the Charleston County Auditor; correspondence; bill of sales; a labor contract between J.E. Heaps and ten laborers; publications, and J.E. DeLorme Ledger Book dated 1860.

Collection Arrangement

0001. Hicks and Steele Family Papers, 1882-1916

0002. Shaw Memorial School, 1876-1990, and undated

0003. Fredricka Jenkins-Andrews Papers, 1972-1982

0004. Francis "Frank" Sturcken, 1951-1999, and undated

0005. Augustus Holt Collection on Charleston Little League, 1955-1995

0006. Fred Stroble Papers, 1962-1976

0007. Jerodene Ellis Papers, 1939-1945

0008. Kwadjo Campbell Campaign Ephemera, circa 1998-2004

0009. Mosquito Beach Community, 1953-1990

00010. African American Firemen in Charleston, circa 1910s-1984

0011. Thomas Miller Papers, 1974-1977

0012. Irene and Mary White Papers, 1926-1952, and undated

0013. Edward N. Brown Papers, 1945-1990, and undated

0014. Mary Steiger, 1886-1888

0015. Bazilio Gonzales, 1857

0016. Sameera V. Thurmond, 1991

0017. African American South Carolina Women's History Course, 1981-2007

0018. Ambrose E. Gonzales, 1913-1928, and undated

0019. Simmons Family, 1938-2002, and undated

0020. Thelma Murray, 1951 and 1970

0021. Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program (CLAW), 2007-2008

0022. Jenkins Orphanage Institute, 1932 and 2000

0023. Henry Fordham, 1854

0024. Thomas Stoney, 1936

0025. William Lewis, 1846

0026. Mosquito Fleet Association, Inc., 1988-1991, and undated

0027. John Conroy, 1971

0028. Black Diaspora Project, 1999-2001, and undated

0029. Charles F. Pequette, Sr., 1907-1935, and undated

0030. Clionian Debating Society, 1847-1851

0031. City of Charleston, 1849

0032. Ella Pearson Mitchell and Henry Mitchell, 1986-2004

0033. The Charlestonian Club, 1927-1931, and undated

0034. Mae Purcell and Holloway Scrapbook, 1892-1963

0035. Randolph Kirkland, 1997 and 2005

0036. Gamble Family, 1985

0037. Joi Mayo, 2010-2011

0038. Mears Family, 2005

0039. Edith Randall Hammond Papers, 1914-1975, and undated

0040. Damon George Thomas and Damon Ireland Thomas, 1920-2009

0041. Gary Towles, 1936

0042. Arthur Clement, 1973

0043. McFall Family, 1901-1985, and undated

0044. Fraser Family Papers and Robert Howard, 1809-1948, 2001, and undated

0045. Various African American Church Deeds and Documents, 1911-1960, and undated

0045.1 Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1929 and 1930

0045.2 Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1927 and 1935

0045.3 Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923 and 1927

0045.4 Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church, 1935 and 1945

0045.5 New Hope Baptist Church, 1911, and 1930-1934

0045.6 St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923

0045.7 Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1935-1939

0045.8 Joseph and Carrie James, 1947-1960

0046. Unidentified Items, 1786-1999, and undated

0047. Alexander Gourdine, 1886-1946

0048. John Stall Papers, 1832-1909



Subject Headings

  • Hicks family.
  • Hicks, J. Maurice -- Photographs.
  • Hicks, Sadie Steele -- Photographs.
  • Steele family.
  • Jenkins-Andrews, Fredricka Celestine, 1914-2010.
  • Sturcken, Francis.
  • Holt, Augustus J.
  • Stroble, Fred.
  • Ellis, Jerodene
  • Campbell, Larry Roy, Jr.
  • Chavis, Joe.
  • Wilder, Andrew Jackson, Jr.
  • Miller, Thomas.
  • Douglas, Rosslee Tenetha Green, 1928-.
  • Gonzales, Ambrose Elliott, 1857-1926.
  • Gonzalez family -- Correspondence.
  • Yates, William Black, 1809-1882.
  • Stoney, Thomas P. (Thomas Porcher), 1889-1973.
  • Conroy, John F.
  • Cardozo, Henry, 1830-1886.
  • Holloway, Richard, 1776-1845.
  • Mitchell, Ella Pearson.
  • Mitchell, Henry H., 1919-.
  • Holloway, James H. (James Harrison), 1849-1913.
  • Holloway family.
  • Kirkland, Randolph W. (Randolph Withers), 1920-.
  • Gamble family.
  • Mears family.
  • Hammond family.
  • Hayes family.
  • Henderson, Elliott Blaine.
  • Wilson, Rosa Warren.
  • McFall, Thomas Carr, 1908-1969.
  • McFall family.
  • Fraser, James.
  • Fraser family.
  • Dart, John L., 1854-1915.
  • Dart, Julia.
  • James, Joseph.
  • James, Carrie.
  • Jones, Jehu c.1769-1833.
  • Brockington family.
  • Jenkins, Samuel.
  • Washington, Pearl.
  • Goodwin, Leroy.
  • Gathers, Anna E.
  • Johnson, James Weldon, 1871-1938.
  • Heyward, DuBose, 1885-1940.Porgy.
  • Gershwin, George, 1898-1937.Porgy and Bess.
  • Wright, Elizabeth Evelyn, 1872-1906.
  • Coleman, J. F. B.
  • Gourdine, Alexander.
  • Oakes, Ziba B., 1806-1871.
  • Limehouse family.
  • Dereef family.
  • Thurmond, Strom, 1902-2003 -- Relations with African Americans.
  • Thurmond, Strom, -- 1902-2003 -- Family.
  • Rice, James Henry, 1868-1935.
  • Moses, Franklin Israel, 1838-1906.
  • Harleston family.
  • Robertson family.
  • Poinsette family.
  • Brown family.
  • Wright family.
  • Barron family.
  • DeVault family.
  • Duvall family.
  • Jackson family.
  • Mickey family.
  • Stevens family.
  • Lee family.
  • Pinkard family.
  • Bishop family.
  • Greene family.
  • Mackey family.
  • Kimber family.
  • Shaw School (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Avery Normal Institute -- Alumni and alumnae.
  • College of Charleston -- Alumni and alumnae.
  • Cannon Street YMCA All Stars (Baseball team.
  • Charleston American Little League.
  • Laing High School (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) -- Alumni and alumnae.
  • Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.
  • Voorhees School and Junior College.
  • Bishop England High School -- Alumni and alumnae.
  • Immaculate Conception High School -- Alumni and alumnae.
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Zeta Zeta Chapter (University of South Carolina).
  • United States. Navy.
  • Avery Normal Institute -- Employees.
  • Jenkins Orphanage Institute (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Charleston (S.C.) Police Department.
  • Charleston (S.C.). Fire Dept.
  • Clionian Debating Society (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Brown Fellowship Society.
  • Immaculate Conception High School (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Lincoln Theater (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasterers International Union of America.
  • Claflin University.
  • Iowa State College.
  • African Methodist Episcopal Church -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (Mount Pleasant, S.C.).
  • African Methodist Episcopal Church -- South Carolina --Charleston.
  • Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church (Charleston, S.C.).
  • United Order of Tents of J.R. Giddings and Joliffee Union.
  • Workers' Defense League.
  • American Missionary Association.
  • National Council of Negro Women.
  • Jenkins Orphanage Band.
  • McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Chicago defender.
  • Charleston evening post 1905.
  • Charleston evening post 1909.
  • News and courier (Charleston, S.C. : Daily) 1886.
  • News and courier (Charleston, S.C. : Daily) 1891.
  • African American families -- South Carolina.
  • African Americans -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- Education -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- Education -- South Carolina -- History -- 19th century.
  • Natural disasters -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • School attendance -- South Carolina -- History -- 19th century.
  • African American teachers -- New York -- Buffalo.
  • Teachers -- New York -- Buffalo.
  • Women teachers -- New York -- Buffalo.
  • Segregation -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Segregation -- United States -- History.
  • Segregation in education -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Segregation in education -- United States -- History.
  • African American baseball players -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- Segregation -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Discrimination in sports -- South Carolina.
  • Little league baseball -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American police -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Police -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • United States marshals.
  • Penmanship -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.
  • African American politicians -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • City council members -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Elections -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- History.
  • Political campaigns -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- History.
  • Politicians -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- Recreation.
  • Discrimination in public accommodations -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Historic sites -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American fire fighters -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Discrimination in employment -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Fire fighters -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American clergy -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American sailors.
  • Free blacks -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American nurses -- South Carolina.
  • African American midwives -- South Carolina --Charleston.
  • Plantation owners -- South Carolina.
  • Plantation life -- South Carolina -- History -- 19th century.
  • Sea Islands Creole dialect -- Texts.
  • African American businesspeople -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Family-owned business enterprises.
  • Orphanages -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Slave trade -- America -- History.
  • Slave trade -- Africa -- History.
  • Slave bills of sale -- South Carolina.
  • Charleston (S.C.) -- Politics and government.
  • Fishing -- Atlantic Coast (U.S.)
  • Fishing -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American fishers -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Hospital Workers' Strike, Charleston, S.C., 1969.
  • Funeral homes -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Migration, Internal -- United States.
  • Rural-urban migration -- United States.
  • Fire departments -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Societies, etc.
  • Debates and debating -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Societies.
  • Freemen -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Intellectual life -- 19th century.
  • Racially mixed people -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Women clergy.
  • African American churches.
  • African American preaching.
  • African American librarians.
  • Racially mixed people -- Arkansas.
  • African American schools -- South Carolina --Charleston.
  • African American students -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Cemeteries.
  • African Americans -- Education (Secondary) -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- History.
  • African American girls -- Education (Secondary) -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Slave trade -- America.
  • African Americans -- Education -- Social aspects.
  • Catholic schools -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Women dressmakers -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Women dressmakers -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
  • African American nurses -- Pennsylvania.
  • World War, 1939-1945 -- Participation, African American.
  • Motion picture theaters -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American theater.
  • African American lawyers.
  • Creole dialects, English.
  • American poetry -- African American authors.
  • African American freemasonry.
  • Labor unions -- Cement industry workers -- New York (State) -- New York.
  • Labor unions -- Plasterers -- New York (State) -- New York.
  • African American automobile industry workers.
  • Decedents' estates -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Deeds -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Abstracts of title -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Mortgage loans -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American Methodists -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American Episcopalians -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African American churches -- South Carolina -- Mount Pleasant.
  • African American Baptists -- South Carolina -- Mount Pleasant.
  • Church records and registers.
  • Land titles.
  • African American fraternal organizations.
  • African Americans -- South Carolina -- Williamsburg County.
  • African American students -- South Carolina -- Williamsburg County.
  • African American Schools -- South Carolina -- Williamsburg County.
  • Marriage licenses.
  • African American couples -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Nursing -- United States.
  • African Americans -- Florida -- Fort Lauderdale.
  • Discrimination in criminal justice administration.
  • African Americans -- Legal status, laws, etc.
  • African American high school students -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Periodicals.
  • Slave traders -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • African Americans -- South Carolina -- Genealogy.
  • Estates (Law) -- South Carolina.
  • Slave records -- South Carolina.
  • Life insurance policies.
  • African American soldiers -- Correspondence.
  • Racially mixed people -- South Carolina.
  • African American teachers -- South Carolina.
  • Women teachers -- South Carolina.
  • Teaching -- Vocational guidance -- South Carolina -- Orangeburg.
  • Antislavery movements.
  • African Americans -- South Carolina -- 20th century.
  • Court records -- South Carolina -- Charleston District.
  • Clubs -- South Carolina -- Charleston.
  • Speeches, addresses, etc.
  • African American soldiers.
  • African American freemasons.
  • African American Baptists -- South Carolina.
  • East Side (Charleston, S.C.) -- History.
  • East Side (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Mosquito Beach (S.C.) -- Maps.
  • Mosquito Beach (S.C.) -- Photographs.
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- African Americans.
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Participation, African American.
  • South Carolina -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
  • South Carolina -- Genealogy.
  • Arkansas -- Genealogy.
  • Howard County (Ark.) -- Race relations.
  • King Street (Charleston, S.C.).
  • Philadelphia (Pa.)-- Newspapers.
  • Philadelphia County (Pa.)--Newspapers.
  • Charleston (S.C.) -- Drama.
  • Correspondence.
  • Photographs.
  • Clippings
  • Ephemera.
  • Interviews.
  • Minutes.
  • Diplomas.
  • Programs.
  • Obituaries.
  • Estate records.
  • Receipts.


Related Material

These collections below can provide more context to some of material within the various collections

1. Brown Fellowship Society (AMN 1005)

2. International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen (AMN 1052)

3. McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital (AMN 1058)

4. Holloway Family-Scrapbook (AMN 1065)

Detailed Description of the Collection

0001. Hicks and Steele Family Papers, 1882 - 1916.

(4 folders)

Separated Material

9001v-OPF/1

Box 1   Folder 1
Marriage Certificate: Robert A. Steele and Selina L. Spearing, 1882
Box 1   Folder 2
Photographs: Family Members, 1890-1916
Includes photographs of Sadie Steele Hicks ("Grandma" Hicks), circa 1890, and J. Maurice Hicks, 1915-1916.
Box 1   Folder 3
Photographs: Unidentified, circa 1890s-1910s
Box 1   Folder 4
Pedigree of John R. Steele, 1904
9000v-OPF/1

0002. Shaw Memorial School, 1876 - 1990, and undated.

(5 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Attendance Certificate: Whithers Houston, 1876
Box 1   Folder 2
Attendance Certificates: Martha Mears, 1882-1889
Box 1   Folder 3
Attendance Certificate: Susan Mears, 1882
Box 1   Folder 4
Attendance Certificate: Robert Mears, 1885
Box 1   Folder 5
Clippings and Correspondence, 1938-1990, and undated
Includes photocopies of newspaper clippings that discuss the use of the building for tornado refugees in 1938 and its designation on the National Historic Register as well as a correspondence about the fate of the property.

0003. Fredricka Jenkins-Andrews Papers, 1972 - 1982.

(3 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Awards and Nominations, 1972-1973
Box 1   Folder 2
Retirement, 1979
Box 1   Folder 3
Clippings, 1972-1982

0004. Francis "Frank" Sturcken, 1951 - 1999, and undated.

(3 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Essay: "The Liquid South," 1951
Box 1   Folder 2
Correspondence, 1951, 1953, and 1999
Box 1   Folder 3
Clippings, 1951 and undated

0005. Augustus Holt Collection on Charleston Little League, 1955 - 1995.

(4 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Clippings, 1955-1994
Box 1   Folder 2
Correspondence and Flyers: Charleston American Little League, 1994-1995
Box 1   Folder 3
Correspondence and Programs: Cannon Street YMCA Baseball Anniversary, 1995
Box 1   Folder 4
Photograph: Augustus Holt, Lawrence Holt, and Others, circa 1994-1995

0006. Fred Stroble Papers, 1962 - 1976.

(3 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Correspondence, 1962-1976
Box 1   Folder 2
Clippings, 1972
Box 1   Folder 3
Photographs, 1962-1970s

0007. Jerodene Ellis Papers, 1939 - 1945.

(2 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Palmer Method Handwriting Book, circa 1939
Box 1   Folder 2
Diploma: Laing High School, 1945

0008. Kwadjo Campbell Campaign Ephemera, circa 1998 - 2004.

(2 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Pro-Kwadjo Campbell Stickers and Flyers, circa 1998 - 2004
Box 1   Folder 2
Anti-Joe Riley Stickers, circa 1998 - 2004

0009. Mosquito Beach Community, 1953 - 1990.

(5 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Photograph and Negatives, 1953
Box 1   Folder 2
Plats: Sol Legare and Mosquito Beach Road, 1985
Box 1   Folder 3
Newspaper Articles, 1986-1988
Box 1   Folder 4
History, 1988
Includes handwritten and typed essay of Mosquito Beach's history, 1953-1988, by founders Joe Chavis and Andrew Jackson Wilder, Sr.
Box 1   Folder 5
Oyster Factory National Register Eligibility: Correspondence and Application, 1990

0010. African American Firemen in Charleston, circa 1910s - 1984.

(2 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Photographs, circa 1910s-1940s
Box 1   Folder 2
Clippings, 1956-1984

0011. Thomas Miller Papers, 1974 - 1977.

(3 folders)
Box 1   Folder 1
Memory Book, 1974
Includes messages and pop culture references to Thomas Miller from classmates at Bishop England High School, former classmates from Immaculate Conception School, and students from Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Box 1   Folder 2
School Portraits, circa 1974
Includes four school photographs of female students from Fort Johnson High School, Wando High School, and other Charleston area high schools.
Box 1   Folder 3
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: Intramural Basketball - Clippings, 1977
Includes clippings from the University of South Carolina's student newspaper, The Gamecock. Articles relate to the intramural basketball games, including teams from African American fraternities.

0012. Irene and Mary White Papers, 1926 - 1952, and undated.

(5 folders)
Box 2   Folder 1
Correspondence and Insurance Policies, 1926-1933
Contains correspondence to Irene White regarding the birth of her children from City of Charleston's Department of Health; and insurance policies from Atlantic Coast Insurance Company taken out on the White family by Irene. There is also a photo of an unidentified woman.
Box 2   Folder 2
Correspondence, 1942-1943
Contains letters and correspondence to Mary White from LeRoy Jenkins and Lonnie Wright. The subject matter of the letters mostly relate to a possibility of romantic relationship between Mary and the two gentlemen.
Box 2   Folder 3
Correspondence, 1944
Contains correspondence to Mary White from LeRoy Jenkins as well as other acquaintances.
Box 2   Folder 4
Correspondence, 1945-1952, and undated
Contains letters and correspondence addressed to Mary and Irene White from acquaintances and family.
Box 2   Folder 5
Miscellaneous: Photos, Travel Guide, and Memo book, 1942 and undated
Includes the Azores Traveller's Guide to St. Michael's; a barely used memo book with biographical information about Irene White; a notice about a Morris Brown A.M.E. Annual Picnic; and two photos; one of an unidentified woman in about the 1940s and another of a group of unidentified young boys.

0013. Edward N. Brown Papers, 1945 - 1990, and undated.

(5 folders)
Box 2   Folder 1
Miscellaneous Cards, 1945-1946 and undated
Contains Brown's 1946 Certificate of Ordination to the Baptist Ministry, his certificate of Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy, and his selective service registration certificate. In addition, there are two copies of Brown's calling card.
Box 2   Folder 2
Eastside Baptist Church Record and Minute Book, 1948-1958
The Eastside Baptist Church's Woman's Missionary Society Record and Minute Book was maintained by Mrs. Julia H. Brown, who served as the secretary. The record book has a list of members, dues paid by members, some minutes, and incomes and expenditures.
Box 2   Folder 3
Notes, 1977-1983
Rev. Brown's notes for speeches and meetings; and lists of men's names.
Box 2   Folder 4
Boyd's National Baptist Pastor's Guide, 1990
Contains the Boyd's National Baptist Pastor's Guide with Brown's notation and marks. The book was created by R.H. Boyd to provide African-American Baptist pastors with a way to help their parishioners with the issues that concerned them.
Box 2   Folder 5
Dog Tags, undated
Contains Brown's U.S. Navy dog tags and for a man named Theodore Hutchinson.

0014. Mary Steiger, 1886-1888.

( 1 folder)
Box 2   Folder 1
Correspondence with John Ashley, 1886-1888

0015. Bazilio Gonzales, 1857.

(1 folder)
Box 2   Folder 1
Deed of Land: 24 Montagu Street, 1857
Contains the deed of conveyance of 24 Montagu Street in Charleston, South Carolina to Virginia Ferrette for $2,800 from Bazilio Gonzales.
Virginia Ferrette was probably the daughter John M. Ferrette, who was a Caucasian man who fled to Charleston from Saint Domingue. She was a free person of color.

0016. Sameera V. Thurmond, 1991.

(1 folder)
Box 2   Folder 1
The Thurmond Family: A Black Lineage, 1991
Contains a written genealogy of the Thurmond family including photos, newspaper clippings, marriage certificates, maps, and other material that document the history of this family.

0017. African American South Carolina Women's History Course, 1981-2007.

(2 folders)
Box 2   Folder 1
Papers of Chinenyem V. Nwadiugwa, 1981-2007
Contains the information compiled by Chinenyem V. Nwadiugwu on Maude Cullen, an African American midwife in Charleston, South Carolina. Includes biography of Cullen, Nwadiugwa's research notes, health reports about African Americans, scholarly articles, newspaper clippings, and articles related to African American health. There are thirty-seven color photos taken at a 2007 museum exhibit on 20th Century medicine at Berkeley Museum in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Some of the photos contain captions on the back.
Box 2   Folder 2
Papers of Jasmine Utsey and Alicia Woolridge, 2007
Contains the student papers of Jasmine Utsey, entitled "From 'C' Street to Washington D.C.: The Remarkable Professional Career of the Honorable Rosslee Green Douglas" and Alicia Woolridge's, "Black Women in South Carolina of the Health Profession Statistical Analysis of the Pioneers to the Present." Also included are the deeds of gift forms for the papers.

0018. Ambrose E. Gonzales, 1913-1928 and undated.

(5 folders)
Box 2   Folder 1
Correspondence with James Henry Rice, Jr. 1913-1922
Contains photocopies of correspondence between Ambrose Gonzales and James Rice regarding various issues including the possible sale of Rice's library, their plantations, and Gonzales' work, The Black Border, etc.
Box 2   Folder 2
Correspondence with James Henry Rice, Jr. 1923
Contains photocopies of correspondence between Ambrose Gonzales and James Rice regarding personal and family issues, the running of Rice's plantation, and their professional obligations.
Box 3   Folder 3
Correspondence with James Henry Rice, Jr., 1924-1928
Contains photocopies of correspondence and newspaper clippings. Topics of the correspondence include publications, travels, and race relations. The 1928 letter is from Archibald Rutledge, future poet laureate, to Rice regarding his "literary gift."
Box 3   Folder 4
Correspondence with James Henry Rice, Jr., undated
Contains photocopies of correspondence and newspaper articles that discuss the importance of Gonzales' work, his publications, and personal/family issues.
Box 3   Folder 5
Photograph of Ambrose, undated

0019. Simmons Family, 1938-2002, and undated.

( 5 folders)
Box 3   Folder 1
Materials Regarding Simmons Ocean Fish, Co., 1938-1949
Photocopies of newspaper clippings regarding the beginnings of Simmons Ocean Fish Co., about the Simmons family; and the advertisements that the company placed in The News and Courier.
Box 3   Folder 2
Edward Theodore Simmons and Edward Simmons, Diploma and Obituary, 1945 and 1951
Contains the diploma of Edward Theodore Simmons from Avery Institute High School in 1945; and Edward Simmons' obituary written by James Logan.
Box 3   Folder 3
William J. Simmons, One Moment Please, 1978
A published version of One Moment Please, with the inscription To: Thelma From W. Simmons. The book is a collection of prayers generated by Simmons after a long a varied ministry, in particular from his work on the Community Worship television program in Middle Tennessee.
Box 3   Folder 4
David Paul Simmons: Correspondence and genealogical research, 2002
Mainly consists of correspondence from David to his cousin Edward Simmons of Charleston about their family history; and a family history chart focusing on the descendents of Alfred and Henrietta Simmons.
Box 3   Folder 5
Family Photographs, undated
Contains photographs of the following members of the Simmons family: Prince Boulware Simmons, Wilma P. Simmons, David Simmons, Barbara Louise, and unidentified.

0020. Thelma Murray, 1951 and 1970.

(2 folders)
Box 3   Folder 1
Contents of Spiral Bound Journal for Education Class 303-306, 1951
Contains Murray's professional journal log that she kept when she was taking the Directed Teaching in the Elementary School course at Felton Training School in Orangeburg, SC from June to July 1951; the course requirements, and the list of suggested readings.
Box 3   Folder 2
Charleston City Federation of Colored Women's Club Annual Memorial Tea Donation Envelope, 1970

0021. Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program (CLAW), 2007-2008.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Event Schedule, "Commemorating the Abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade", 2007-2008
Contains program booklet that has the monthly schedule of event taking place in the Lowcountry to commemorate this event (June 2007-September 2008) and a timeline charting the events leading up to and after the abolition of the slave trade. The initiative was a joint program between the Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program (CLAW) and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

0022. Jenkins Orphanage Institute, 1932 and 2000.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Correspondence and Historical Information, 1932 and 2000
Contains the original and a photocopy of a letter from Daniel Jenkins to Mr. Edward K. Pritchard, attorney-at-law about timber payments; and a photocopy of page 75 from Charleston, South Carolina Black in America Series by John Meffert, Sherman Pyatt, and the Avery Research Center.

0023. Henry Fordham, 1854.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Land Conveyance, 1854
William B. Yates, T.W. Howell, and William P. Lea are conveying land they purchased on Line St. for a burial ground for free persons of color to Nelson Richardson, Titus Gregory, Jacob Weston, Samuel Weston, James Johnston, Charles H. Holloway, and William Berry.

0024. Thomas Stoney, 1936.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Postcard, 1936
An anonymous postcard written to Stoney inviting him and other South Carolina Democrats to see democracy in action, specifically referring to African-American and White women working side by side in the sewing rooms in Moncks Corner and Bonneau.

0025. William Lewis, 1846.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Bill of Sale, 1846
Contains the original and a typed transcript of the slave bill of sale that took place in the Sumter District of South Carolina in 1846. The bill denotes that Big Tom, Dinah, Harvey, Elias, and Ira were sold by William Lewis (who purchased John Durant's estate) to Franklin J. Moses for the sum of $1,795.

0026. Mosquito Fleet Association, Inc., 1988-1991, and undated.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Organization Documents, 1988-1991, and undated
Documents include the association's by-laws, meeting minutes, report of corporation, and certificate of incorporation.

0027. John Conroy, 1971.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Correspondence, 1971
Contains a letter from John Conroy to Father William J. Joyce from Arlington, VA. Conroy states that he was sorry to miss the going away party for Joyce and thanks him for his help during the 1969 Hospital Workers' Strike that occurred in Charleston.

0028. Black Diaspora Project, 1999-2001, and undated.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Project Materials: Report and Funeral Service Programs, 1999-2001, and undated
Contains a report entitled "From Runaways to Migrants" by Jean Pierre Le Glaunec (pages 1-2 are missing) and the funeral programs of individuals (arranged alphabetically). The report is a content analysis of the funeral programs to examine the moving patterns of African-Americans between the northern and southern regions of the United States.

0029. Charles F. Pequette, Sr., 1907-1935, and undated.

(2 folders)
Box 3   Folder 1
Newspaper Clippings and Photographs, 1907-1935, and undated
Contains scrapbook sheets with newspaper clippings about Pequette and the 1915 Charleston Fire Department automobile accident that killed Fire Chief Morris; and black and white photographs of Pequette and one of the Charleston Fire Department.
Box 3   Folder 2
Compact Disc: Clippings and Photographs, undated
The CD-R disc is supposed to contain images of the clippings in the scrapbook and others; photographs; and an inventory of images. However, as of April 3, 2012, the disc cannot be read.

0030. Clionian Debating Society, 1847-1851.

(1 folder)
Box 3   Folder 1
Photocopies: Meeting Minutes, 1847-1851 (except 10/1/1948-3/5/1949)
Contains photocopies of meeting minutes from the Clionian Debating Society, the originals are held at the Charleston Library Society.

0031. City of Charleston, 1849.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Credit Check, 1849
An official notice that states that neither Richard Holloway, Richard Fordham, nor Hannah Burnett (sp) have any judgments or decrees against them in the City Court of Charleston, SC.

0032. Ella Pearson Mitchell and Henry Mitchell, 1986-2004.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Biographical and Professional Papers, 1986-2004
Contains biographical material, an article written by Mitchell entitled "Redigging the Wells: Genesis 26:12-24;" copies of The Mitchell Update newsletter (1986-2004); a list of Henry's and Ella's books from Alibris obtained 10/2005; a postcard advertisement for Henry's book Black Church Beginnings: The Long-Hidden Realities of the First Years; and promotional material for Ella's book Those Preaching Women. The folder is arranged by subject: biographical, newsletters, and writings/publications.

0033. The Charlestonian Club, 1927-1931, and undated.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Program Materials: Speeches and 1931 Lincoln-Douglass Dinner Program, 1927-1931, and undated
The seventh annual 1931 Lincoln-Douglass Dinner occurred on February 14, 1931 in New York City; a 1927 speech discusses influential African American men in Charleston, important institutions, such as the Avery Institute and implores the audience to be proud of their history and to work together to sustain the community for future generations. There is an additional copy of the same speech, but the author extended some sections and added content for another program.

0034. Mae Purcell and Holloway Scrapbook, 1892-1963.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Biographical Notes on Mae Purcell and material from Holloway Scrapbook, 1892-1963
Includes childhood and adult photographs of Mae H. Purcell, of an unidentified male wearing a Burke High School basketball jersey, and of an unknown musical event. Biographical materials on Mae, including a brief bio, her funeral program, a newspaper tribute article, and an Avery Normal Institute Merit Card. Additionally, there is correspondence from Cecelia Cabaniss Saunders, Mae's cousin, to Mrs. Jean Blackwell Hutson, the curator at the Schomburg Public Library in New York City, about donating the Holloway scrapbook to this institution. Contains excerpts from the Holloway scrapbook, on topics such as the social status of "free blacks" in Charleston, the occupations of these individuals, the history of the Brown Fellowship Society, and the history of how Blacks arrived in Charleston. Among the material from the Holloway scrapbook are handwritten transcriptions of some of the letters and photocopies.
Arranged by subject with Mae Holloway Purcell material first and then material from the scrapbook.

0035. Randolph Kirkland, 1997 and 2005.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
South Carolina Designated Regiments in Federal Service 1862-1866 and Prince Rivers' U.S. Army Service Record, 1997 and 2005
Contains the South Carolina Designated Regiments in Federal Service: A Survey of the Research Required to Prepare a History and roster of the those Black Americans who made up the five infantry regiments raised and identified with South Carolina in the Civil War 1862-1866. This research was prepared at the request of Stephen Hoffius, Director of Publications at the South Carolina Historical Society in Charleston, SC in 1997. The tabulations in the survey are based on the database rosters and unit service data found on the Civil War Solider and Sailors System of the National Parks Service, Washington, DC.
A photocopy of Prince Rivers' Army Service record, he served under Company A, 33rd Regiment U.S. Colored Solider Infantry and was born in Beaufort, SC.

0036. Gamble Family, 1985.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Gamble Family History, 1985
Contains the deed of gift from Margie Gamble Carter and correspondence from Leila Potts Campbell regarding the donation of the family history publication; and a photocopy of the publication, which includes census records, photographs, correspondence, maps, family charts, and biographical sketches on some family members.

0037. Joi Mayo, 2010-2011.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
"A "Beacon Light" Immaculate Conception" Thesis Research Notes and Presentation, 2010-2011
Contains the physical copies of transcripts of interviews of Sister Alice Chineworth, Sister Naomi Smith, and Father Leonard Cunningham; census records, which includes information about ICS students from the 1920 and 1930 Federal Census; and Mayo's thesis presentation notes and slides. Additionally, there is a CD-ROM that contains the digital files for the above, the thesis (hardcopy can be found in Avery Research Center's library-call number:LC 2779 M39 2010a), and the interview recordings.

0038. Mears Family, 2005.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Mears Family History, 2005
Contains the May 30, 2005 draft publication (vol. 1, no. 5) of the Mears Family History, which was prepared by Frances Lavinia Robertson Kimber, daughter of Marguerite Anna Mears and Richard Harleston Robertson of Charleston, SC. The publication is divided into thirteen chapters, each focusing on the descendants of various Mears family members. Contents of the publication include photographs, biographies of family members, family charts, data from census records, transcriptions of newspaper articles and funeral programs, and family recipes.

0039. Edith Randall Hammond Papers, 1914-1975, and undated.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Biography, Photographs, and Graduation Invitation, 1914-1975, and undated
Contains Hammond's 1914 Avery Normal Institute graduation invitation, a brief biography, and eight photographs including photos of Hammond at various stages of her life, of husband, Winston Hammond, and of Robert Hammond, Sr., her son.

0040. Damon George Thomas and Damon Ireland Thomas, 1920-2009.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Family History, 1920-1966, 2008-2009
Contains several newspaper articles written by Damon Ireland Thomas for the Chicago Defender (1920, 1923-1924) from the Proquest Historical Newspaper database; correspondence from the City of Charleston regarding the donation of land at 162 Coming St. for an African American fire house; and titles to real estate for various properties owned by D.I. Thomas. There are photographs of the fire house and the plaque noting the contribution of Thomas.
In relation to Damon George Thomas, the folder contains his diploma and certificate of attorney to SC District Court.
Includes copies of e-mails from John Coles to various individuals about Damon Ireland Thomas, Damon George Thomas, and Lincoln Theater in relation to compiling a family history; and photos of Damon Ireland Thomas, his wife Georgia Thomas, and Grandmother Dorothy Thomas Bloom.

0041. Gary Towles, 1936.

(1 folder)
Plantation Echoes: A Collection of Original Negro Dialect Poems was published in 1904 and written by Elliot Blaine Henderson. The work includes spirituals, songs, dance tunes, sermons and prayers. A copy of the 1937 recording of the work is housed at the American Folklife Center in Washington, DC (//www.loc.gov/folklife/guides/SouthCarolina.html)
Acquisition Information: Gift of Gary Towles.
Box 4   Folder 1
Plantation Echoes, 1936
Contains the Plantation Echoes (A Three Act All Negro Dramatic Musical Production) program and copied sheets of the synopsis. The April 16, 1936 play was held at the Hibernian Hall in Charleston, SC and was staged and produced by Rosa Warren Wilson.

0042. Arthur Clement, 1973.

(1 folder)
Box 4   Folder 1
Thank You Card, 1973
Contains a card from E.M. Parker thanking him for a letter he sent to her and wishes him the best in the new year.

0043. McFall Family, 1901-1985, and undated.

(2 folders (1 oversize) and 1 box)

Separated Material

Freemason's Monitor-HS475.F744 1901

Located in Avery 203A (Shelf S-6)

Brass Membership Card to Joseph Smith, undated

Bricklayer's Union Medal, 1901-1902

Bricklayer's Union Ribbon, undated

Paul McFall's picture I.D and due book for the Operative Plasters and Cement Finishers International Association, Local No. 60, 1932

9000-OPF/2 William J Sanders and Ellen Elizabeth Sanders Diplomas, 1888 and 1889

Box 4   Folder 1
Diplomas, Correspondence, and Photograph, 1888-1889, 1940s and 1985
9000-OPF/2-contains William J. Sanders' diploma from Claflin University and South Carolina Agricultural College Diploma (May 23, 1888); and Ellen Elizabeth Sanders' diploma from Avery Normal Institute (June 27, 1889).
Contains a letter from Konrad A. Mark to Thomas McFall regarding two diplomas that he found from the Avery Normal Institute and from Claflin College (circa 1880s) and a photo of Thomas McFall in his 1940s U.S. Marine uniform, he was a member of the 51st Marine Corp.
Box 5
Family Artifacts, 1901-1932, and undated
Joseph Smith's Brass Lifetime Membership Card to Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasters International Union of America. He held membership in the organization for fifty consecutive years.
Bricklayer's Union Medal was received by the Charleston Bricklayers Local No. 1 during the 1901-1902 South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition.
Bricklayer's Union Ribbon, worn by the President of the Local Union No. 1, possibly at funerals.
Paul McFall's 1932 picture I.D. and dues book for the Operative Plasters and Cement Finishers International Association, Local No. 60 in Harlem, NY. He was initated into the organization on June 4, 1923.
There is a CD with images of the ribbon and medal.
Located in Avery 203A (Shelf S-6)
   Volume 1
Freemason's Monitor, 1901
Located in Avery Research Center's Closed Stack Library, HS475.F744 1901.

0044. Fraser Family Papers and Robert Howard, 1809-1948, 2001, and undated.

(3 folders)
Box 6   Folder 1
Fraser Family history, Petition to Prove Will, Correspondence, and James Fraser, Jr. Transcript, 1920-1948, 2001
Contains a history/essay on the Fraser family mainly focusing on James Fraser, Sr., and how his career progressed and what paths his children took. There is also a family chart noting the birth and death dates of Fraser, his wife Cattie and their eleven children. Folder includes correspondence from the Avery Institute regarding tuition and scholarship for James Fraser, Jr. (1940s); and tuition receipts from Avery and Immaculate Conception. Photocopies of the petition to prove will for James Fraser, Sr.'s estate, which includes a list of dependents, an inventory of personal property and its value. Additional material includes James Fraser, Jr.'s 1947-1948 ledger of Real Estate Property and his page one of transcript from Iowa State College.
Regarding the building of Burke High School there is correspondence from City of Charleston's lawyer to James Fraser, Jr. regarding the Quit Claim Deed for Fraser Field and the title to real estate regarding this matter. Additionally, there are family letters noting the plans of and possible tensions between the children regarding the deeding of the land to the school district. There is also a July 1946 letter from the Negro Young Men's Christian Association of Charleston to James Fraser, Jr., asking him to use his family's influence to deed the land to their organization for a community center instead of to the school district.
A 2001 note from Donald Fraser to Sherman Pyatt, who was the Avery Research Center archivist, about the material he was sending regarding Fraser Field.
Box 6   Folder 2
Fraser Auto Repair Business History and Daybook Book, 1936-1947 and undated
Contains an essay on the beginning and ending of Fraser Auto Repair Shop and photocopies of business stationary and ledgers. The Daybook notes the name of the client, the make of the car, what work was done, and if it was paid.
Box 6   Folder 3
Robert H. Howard's Family Bible, 1809-1903, and undated
Contains photocopied pages from the family bible of Robert H. Howard (1807-1882), the physical copy is held by Dorothy O'Neil and genealogical charts.

0045. Various African American Church Deeds and Documents, 1911-1960, and undated.

(8 folders)

Arranged alphabetically by religious institution and then alphabetically by individual African American religous leadership.

0045.1. Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1929 and 1930.

Box 6   Folder 1
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1929 and 1930
Contains the 1929 mortgage agreement between Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church's Trustees and Pastor and Milton A. Pearlstine, as a Trustee for A.I. Orlansky. The agreement was for the property on the east side of Nassau Street and in the amount of $3,000; there are also receipts to the City of Charleston Treasurer. Additionally, there are court documents relating to ownership of land on the south side of Hampden Court (known as No. 21). In 1918, John Bonaparte, a Trustee at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, bought the land for the church in his name and with church funds. In 1929/1930, the church is petitioning the court for title to be transferred to the Trustees of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. Included in this 1929 documentation is a copy of the 1918 Conveyance of land from John Bonaparte to Rev. A.F.B. Horry.

0045.2. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1927 and 1935.

Box 6   Folder 2
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1927 and 1935
Contains 1927 and 1935 official notices from Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church's Chairman and Secretary regarding refinancing and mortgaging, respectively. In 1927, the Emanuel congregation refianced the property on Ashley and Mill St. after purchasing the church cemetery. In addition, there is a 1935 loan agreement between Church Trustees and Louis Cohen for $1500 to pay for paving assessments and City of Charleston abutment statements.

0045.3. Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923 and 1927.

Box 6   Folder 3
Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923 and 1927
Contains the 1923 court documents in regards to Francis Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church's title to land at the Northeast corner of Columbus and Hanover in the City of Charleston; and a 1927 insurance policy taken out at the church's other property at 9-11 Laurel St. in Charleston.

0045.4. Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church, 1935 and 1945.

Box 6   Folder 4
Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church, 1935 and 1945
Contains the Title of Real Estate between Rev. G.E. Nelson and Rev. G.E. Nelson, Rev. R.W., Sam Pinckney, C.W.D. Freeman, and Joseph Smalls, who are Trustees of the Mt. Carmel Methodist Protestant Church for the land at the Southeast corner of Nassau and Cooper streets in Charleston; and a 1945 resolution that mortgages the land to Sylvia Yaschik.

0045.5. New Hope Baptist Church , 1911, 1930-1934.

Box 6   Folder 5
New Hope Baptist Church, 1911, 1930-1934
Includes court documents in regards to New Hope Baptist Church's ownership to land known as Accabee Tract in Charleston, SC. In 1911, the church was deeded the land by Charleston Suburban Land and Investment Company; and in 1930 the church mortgaged the land to Milton A. Pearlestine as Trustee for A.I. Orlansky. There are 1934 notices written by R.B. Gillins, Secretary of the New Hope Baptist Church that states that A.B. Brown, Richard Black, and J.E. Mungin are the sole Church Trustees and as such they are authorized to borrow $200.00 to pay the church's lender.

0045.6. St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923.

Box 6   Folder 6
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1923
Contains notices from St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church's general body secretary and the secretary of the Board of Trustees and the signed agreement regarding the sale of "All that tract of land situate west of the State Road, thirteen (13) miles north of Charleston, containing about one half acre more or less, being the tract which was conveyed to the church by B.J. Whaley to I.L. Baker."

0045.7. Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1935 and 1939.

Box 6   Folder 7
Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1935 and 1939
Includes court documents in regards to Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church's ownership of land beginning on the east side of Smith Street, near the corner of Morris Street. On February 3, 1923, Julia P. Dart conveyed the property to the Trustees of Shiloh Union Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1930, the Trustees of the Charleston Church found out that the Union Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States would not contribute funds for them to pay off their debt. In early 1935, a membership meeting was called and the Shiloh Union congregation decided to sever its ties with the Union Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States. Consequently, Shiloh Union defaulted on their payment to Dart and the Trustees decided to re-convey the property to her. However, in October 1935, Dart sold the land back to them for $1,800 to be paid as it is outlined in the agreement. In addition, there is another title to real estate dated 1939 between these two parties, but it is unsigned.

0045.8. Joseph and Carrie James Papers, 1947-1960.

Possibly donated by Gary Towles (766-2892)
Box 6   Folder 8
Joseph and Carrie James Certificates, 1947-1960
Contains the 1948 certificate that acknowledged that Joseph James was appointed Presiding Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Newberry District; and the 1947 conference program from the District Conference of the Manning District of the A.M.E. Church. Includes Carrie James' 1949 membership certificate to the Queen Vashti Tent No. 127 of the Charleston, SC and of the Endowment Department of the United Order of Tents of the J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union. Carrie also served as an Evangelist and a Conference Worker for the Palmetto Annual Conference.

0046. Unidentified Items, 1786-1999, and undated.

(3 folders)
Box 6   Folder 1
Various Items, 1911-1999, and undated
Abstract of Title for 11 Henrietta St., 1913-Contains the abstract of title for 11 Henrietta St. in Charleston, SC. The title has been traced back to 1802, where the owner was Jehu Jones, who supposedly deeded it to Dido Middleton.
Cosmo Brockington's Property Papers, 1911 and 1918-Cosmo Eugene Brockington (1879-1950) was married to Emily Doty Brockington (1879 - 1927). They had two children Cosmo Eugene Jr. (1910-1955) and Norma Hazel Brockington Wooten (1909 - 1934). Brockington's parents were John Rhett Brockington and Ella Miller. Includes Cosmo E. Brockington's mortgage to the Charleston Savings Institution in the amount of $4,600 for land on the north side of Henrietta St. in Charleston. Additionally, there is the Mortgage of Real Estate, with Insurance Tax and Attorney's Fees agreement between George Gilbert and Cosmo Brockington in the amount of $3,650 for the land on Henrietta St.
Charleston Real Estate Exchange Form, 1919-The real estate agreement between Sam Rittenberg for Israel Friedburg and Wm. R. Campbell for the property at 16 Line Street in Charleston.
Williamsburg County Principal's or Teacher's Report for Negro Schools, 1930-1931-Contains the 1930-1931 Negro Williamsburg County Principal's or Teacher's Report to the County Superintendent. The report of unidentified school notes how many teachers taught, the value of the school and its furniture, attendance numbers, and enrollment numbers including reporting how many dropped out, were promoted, or who failed.
Fort Lauderdale Case, 1945-A leaflet/report sent by the Worker's Defense League regarding Sheriff Walter Clark in Fort Lauderdale, F.L. who is enforcing discriminatory fines and imprisonment sentences. The League is using the report to increase awareness and to garner support against peonage and enforced labor of African Americans.
Collection Information and Accession Form for a gift donation given by John Ackerman, 1999
Loan Note, undated-Handwritten note signed by Gates Lreas, Edward Izzard, John Sterns, G.W. Smith, T.L. Taylor, and D.S. Crum that states that they have the authority to raise money by loan from anyone who will for the amount of $1,000.
Unidentified Photograph of African American male, undated
Two possible papers/lectures/sermons written by an unidentified individual and the poem "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson written by the same person.
Box 6   Folder 2
Marriage Licenses, 1938 and 1941
Contains the South Carolina marriage licenses for Samuel Jenkins to Pearl Washington (December 21, 1938); and Leroy Goodwin to Anna E. Gathers (May 14, 1941). On both licenses the couples are noted as being of the African race and having United States nationality.
Box 6   Folder 3
The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertifer, 11/17/1786 and a Poster of the Setting for "Porgy and Bess," 1985
Separated Material

9000-OPF/3

The nation's first daily newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, began publication on September 21, 1784 by John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole. Many independent newspapers ran before that on a weekly or monthly basis.
The newspaper contains articles referring to Charleston's ports and advertisements for enslaved labor in an unknown location.
Includes a 1985 poster which features the setting used for the 1970 "Porgy and Bess" play at the Charleston Symphony. The set was designed by Emmett Robinson and the poster is signed by him.

0047. Alexander Gourdine, 1886-1946.

(1 volume and 2 folders)
Box 6   Folder 1
Newspaper Clippings, 1886-1905
Contains clippings from The News and Courier dated September 8, 1886, the clippings mostly document African American experiences after the earthquake.
The Sunday News dated February 15, 1891, contains an article relating to those in the Morris Street Baptist Church that either supported or opposed J.L. Dart; an article about a Black man named Issac Wilson looking for his wife; and about the death of Louisa Holmes, who was burned to death.
The Charleston Evening Post dated April 7, 1903, March 4, 1905, and March 4, 1909. The articles discuss crimes committed by African Americans, the death of N.G. Gonzales, who co-founded The State newspaper, the Seminole Indian Mission in Florida, a Jenkins Orphanage fundraiser, an event at the Black Y.M.C.A., an advertisement for White Barber Shop, and about cotton prices.
   Volume 
Tuskegee to Voorhees by Dr. J.F.B. Coleman, 1922
This book charts the efforts of Elizabeth Evelyn Wright to found Voorhees College. Wright was from Georgia and studied at Booker T. Washington's famed Tuskegee Institute. Knowing the importance of education, she moved to Denmark and started the first of several schools in the rural area.
Box 6   Folder 2
The Parvenue, 11/1946
Separated Material

9000-OPF/4


0048. John Stall Papers, 1832-1909.

(6 folders)
Box 6   Folder 1
Mortgage of Real Estate and Bonds, 1832-1873
Contains several mortgage of real estates, some in relation to the Stalls and others are not. There are notices of land mortgages between Stall and Z.B. Oakes, Stall and William Thomason; Stall and Thomas Limehouse for property on King St. Other non-Stall related mortgages include those between T. Easterling and Joseph Nettles for a plantation in Goose Creek; William Oakley and Wagner (sp) for land on King St. in Charleston, SC; and John Wilson and William O'Neill for land on Drake St.
Includes several bond notices including bonds between John Stall and Thomas Limehouse to Sarah Boone; John Stall to William Neal; John Stall to Ziba B. Oakes and others.
Box 6   Folder 2
Office of County Commissioners Receipts and Notices from the Office of County Auditor, 1851-1884, and 1909
Receipts from Office of County Commissioners, Charleston County when taxes were paid and some were paid to J. DeReef or to A.J. Rausier. Also contains receipts from Z.B. Oakes that notes that he paid his bond.
Contains notices from the Charleston County Auditor regarding assessments and taxation. The letters are mainly from A.J. Rausier, who was the collector of the 2nd district and some refer to Joseph DeReef as an assessor.
Box 6   Folder 3
Correspondence, 1863-1891
Contains correspondence in regards to Stole (sp) being appointed to be an agent overlooking part of Middleton's land; to Stall about checks and receipts that have not been delivered; a letter from a lawyer noting that he has received from Stall a deed of Josiah P. Hughes; and a note from workers of Sarah Stall regarding wages.
Box 6   Folder 4
Legal Documents, 1851-1867
Includes two bill of sales of that detail that John R. Stall bought two male slaves, one was purchased from Z.B. Oakes and the other from James Vidal.
Includes an 1867 agreement between a J.E. Heaps and approximately ten laborers to work on his plantation in the Charleston area; a document that prohibits Alexander G., an African American male, from being near Browning; and a document that notes John Stall as an administrator of the estate of A. Browning and provides an estate inventory.
Box 6   Folder 5
Publications, 1862 and 1878
State of South Carolina, Executive Council Chamber, Columbia March 1862 resolution that notes, that the President of the Confederate States has made the military quota for South Carolina is 12,590 men and it details who are the eligible men are and who are exempted from service.
A bill dated December 3, 1862 that notes that changes made to the Militia and Patrol Laws of South Carolina. The bill was submitted by W.H. Evans of the South Carolina House of Representatives and as a part of Committee on the Military.
Photocopy of a book/pamphlet entitled "My Doctor Gave it Me and I Did Eat. The Demon's Alluring Drug" (1878), which includes personal testimonials about the effects of opium and how addictive it is.
Box 6   Folder 6
J.E. DeLorme Ledger Book, 1860
A ledger book organized by customer name for a store.


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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], Various Collections, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.

Processing Information

Processed by Haykal, Aaisha, 05/2012

Encoded by Haykal, Aaisha, 05/2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

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