The Annette Starr Bruce Hudson papers consist of photographs, correspondence, brochures, programs, newspapers clippings, awards, and ephemera documenting her career as an instructor of dance, modeling and charm classes.

Annette Starr Bruce Hudson (1920-2002) was born on March 16, 1920 to Elmer G. and Marguerite Starr in Oakland, California. After the death of her mother at age 7, she was largely raised by her grandmother, Mary A. Starr in Oakland, California. She attended Golden Gate Junior High School and University High School graduating in 1939. She worked as a waitress during the Golden Gate Exposition in 1939 before eventually teaching charm and etiquette classes at DeFremery Recreation Center in West Oakland beginning in 1950. After graduating from the Merle Norman Institute in 1953, she opened a Merle Norman Studio selling cosmetics and perfumes. In 1954, she opened a charm and modeling studio, Annette's Studio of Transformation, in Berkeley, California, which trained hundreds of graduates each year in personality development, voice and diction, wardrobe, modeling, makeup, hairstyling, figure control, visual poise, and social grace. In the 1950s, Hudson also wrote the social event column, People!, Places!, and Things!, for the African American newspaper The California Voice.

5.75 linear feet (7 boxes + 2 oversized boxes)

Permission to publish from the Annette Starr Bruce Hudson Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum amp; Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.