Guide to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee Audio Recordings Collection
Sean Dickerson
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
© 2013
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Oakland, California 94612
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Fax: (510) 637-0204
Email: aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org
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African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee Audio Recordings Collection
Collection number: MS208
African American Museum & Library at OaklandOakland, California
- Processed by:
- Sean Dickerson
- Date Completed:
- 2017-03-24
- Encoded by:
- Sean Dickerson
© 2013 African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Title: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee audio recordings collection
Dates: 1974-1977
Collection number: MS 208
Creator:
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee.
Collection Size:
.75 linear feet
(1 box)
Repository:
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland, CA 94612
Abstract: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was California’s first state historical park designated to African-American pioneers.
The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee audio recordings collection consists of 22 audiocassette of
regional meetings, public hearings, and oral history interviews with the townspeople of Allensworth.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.
Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.
Permission to publish must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee Audio Recordings Collection, MS 208, African American Museum &
Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.
Processed by Sean Dickerson.
Biography / Administrative History
While working as a draftsperson for the California State Parks department in 1969, landscape architect Cornelius "Ed" Pope
noticed that there were no state parks in California dedicated to the history of African-Americans in California. Inspired
to sustain the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, Pope identified
Allensworth, California, the first, last, and only town in California founded, financed, and governed by African Americans
as an ideal historic district to fill that absence. Pope had attended elementary school in Allensworth while his family lived
in Colonel Allen Allensworth’s former home from 1938 to 1940. Together with Eugene and Ruth Lasartemay of the East Bay Negro
Historical Society, Pope successfully lobbied state park officials and state legislators to consider the feasibility of a
State Historic Park at Allensworth, helping to shepherd the project through the community review process.
Appointed in October 1969 by California Department of Parks and Recreation director William Penn Mott, Jr., the Colonel Allensworth
State Historic Park Advisory Committee was established to “provide for the public a historical prospectus of the Black American,
his role, his contributions, and concerns.” Members of the Advisory Committee included Elena Albert, Cecil Berkley, Hattie
Crawford, Earle Fletcher, Marcella Ford, Edward France, chairman Dr. Kenneth Goode, vice-chairman Alfred Green, secretary
Kathryn Green, Dr. Ernest Hartzog, Gemelia Herring, James Holloway, Grandvel Jackson (President of the San Francisco branch
of the NAACP), Marty Jenkins, Leamon King, treasurer Eugene Lasartemay, Ruth Lasartemay, Gaynelle Miles-Green, Frances R.
Miller, Cecil B. Murrell, C.J. Patterson, Ben F. Peery, Cornelius “Ed” Pope, George W. Pope, Willie Pope, Jefferson Pierro,
Josephine B. Smith, Dr. Robert Thornton, Royal E. Towns, Dr. Robert Trotter, Flo Williams, Vassie D. Wright, and Margaret
Wheaton. The committee was chaired by Dr. Kenneth Goode, Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of California, Berkeley,
while Alfred Green served as chairman for the Subcommittees on Land Acquisition and Site Planning. Green, a building contractor
in Los Angeles, had also assisted in authoring the 1969 Watts Redevelopment Project Plan.
In 1971, the legislature requested the
Allensworth Feasibility Study, which confirmed Pope’s earlier findings of the glaring deficit of African-American sites within California’s state park
system and in 1972 the Allensworth Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. By 1973, the state
had acquired the land, and the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee, under the direction of Dr. Kenneth
Goode, began work on further land acquisition and site planning. In May 1976, the state Department of Parks and Recreation
approved plans to develop the park, and on October 9, 1976, the park was dedicated. The Colonel Allensworth State Historic
Park Advisory Committee continued to operate under Al Green and later Alice C. Royal to proceed with preservation, restoration
and development of the park. Under Alice C. Royal the Advisory Committee produced staffing reports and resource management
plans and promoted the Allensworth townspeople as beneficiaries of the park under the Allensworth Citizens Council. Alice
C. Royal is the author of
Allensworth, the Freedom Colony: A California African American Township.
Allensworth, California, was founded in 1908 through the California Colony and Home Promoting Association by former slave
and retired army chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, together with Professor William A. Payne, retired miner John
W. Palmer, African Methodist Episcopal Church Minister Dr. William H. Peck, and real-estate specialist Harvey Mitchell. Admirers
and contemporaries of Booker T. Washington, Allensworth and his colleagues sought to acquire land and create a self-sustaining
African-American colony away from socioeconomic stagnation and racial segregation. Although the community only flourished
for a short time, over the next decade some three hundred African-American pioneers had established a self-sufficient farming
community with its own school, church, businesses, and municipal government.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee audio recordings collection consists of 22 audiocassettes.
These recordings provide insight into the concerns and activities of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory
Committee, which was organized to support and advise the State Parks Commission as to the development of the Colonel Allensworth
State Historic Park. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was California’s first state historical park designated to African-American
pioneers and along with George Washington Carver State Park in Bartow, Georgia, one of the first parks in the nation dedicated
to African-American history. Recordings include regional meetings, public hearings, and oral history interviews with the townspeople
of Allensworth.
Series I. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee cassette tapes
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
African Americans--California--Allensworth--History.
Allensworth (Calif.)
California. Department of Parks and Recreation
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (Calif.)
Cultural resources
Historic sites--Conservation and restoration--California--Allensworth.
National Register of Historic Places
African American Museum & Library at Oakland Vertical File Collection, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland
Public Library
Allensworth Materials, Tulare County Library: Annie R. Mitchell History Room
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Photographic Collection, California State Parks Photographic Archives
Royal E. Towns Papers, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Commission Meeting, Los Angeles, California 1974-07-12
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 18 (min): 15 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 31 (min): 38 (s) Side B
The July 12, 1974, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee meeting includes State Parks Commissioner Robinson’s
response to reports produced by the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee. Committee members raise objections
to plans proposed by consultants which would include the development of recreation areas within the park. The appropriateness
of recreational facilities at the site is debated. Committee Chairman Dr. Kenneth Goode speaks to the historical value of
the town and recommends any recreation areas be supportive to interpretative functions of the park.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee presentation of plaque to Governor Reagan, Sacramento, California 1974-12-04
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 13 (min): 19 (s) Side A
The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee presents a progress report on the status of financial commitments
to Governor Ronald Reagan. The restoration goals, total acquisition of land for development, and the building of conference,
lodging and service areas are discussed. Governor Regan is presented with a plaque in appreciation of his support for the
Allensworth project. The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee, jointly with the California Department
of Parks and Recreation, present Cornelius "Ed" Pope with a plaque recognizing his efforts.
Box 1
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Department of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Fresno, California [Tape 1] 1975-04-18
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 39 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 30 (s) Side B
The April 18, 1975, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee holds public hearing with the State Parks Commission
for a review and discussion of the Allensworth development plan. Chairman Dr. Kenneth Goode, speaking on behalf of the Advisory
Committee, presents on a revised proposal, the support received from national groups such as the NAACP, and the need to acquaint
African-Americans with the parks system. Committee members George Pope, Jefferson Pierro, and Al Green comment on restoration
plans for the town. Allensworth citizens Mrs. Herring, James Larkin, and Colonel Allensworth's granddaughter, Mrs. Smith respond
to the proposed form of the park. Dr. Alexander Lark, of the California State University, Fresno, discusses the educational
dimension of the project, strategies for teaching the history of the town, possible outreach opportunities, and the possibility
for the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park to reinforce political awareness in African-American visitors. The State Parks
Commission department presentation includes a review and discussion of the development plan, projected costs, and expenditures
to date.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Department of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Fresno, California [Tape 2] 1975-04-18
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 46 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 28 (s) Side B
Continuation of the April 18, 1975, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee public hearing with the State
Parks Commission for a review and discussion of the Allensworth development plan. The Advisory Committee's revised plan is
not accepted by the Parks Commission on the basis of not being in accordance with the historic unit administrative code. Parks
Commissioners highlight the proposed educational complex and museum, which would include a Black Arts section, Hall of Black
Fame, and section of historic exhibits including African-American figures in wax and bronze statues. The museum is determined
to be beyond the scope of a historical unit. The general purpose of the park as a focal point for an African-American political
voice under the revised plan is discussed as being beyond the interpretation of history and classification as a historic unit.
State Parks Commissioners point to the park’s location as too far away from interested parties, and encourage the development
of urban parks where African-Americans reside in greater numbers. The question is raised whether delays in approval resulted
from being a historic unit proposed by African-Americans to honor an African-American leader. Recommendation is made for the
historic site as outlined and restricted to the historical park boundaries. After the public hearing, Al Green conducts house
to house visits with the townspeople of Allensworth to talk about the pilot plan for the rehousing and relocation of residents.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Commission Meeting, Bakersfield, California 1976-05-14
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 16 (min): 09 (s) Side A
The May 14, 1976, meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee meeting includes remarks by Al
Green on the updated Allensworth Feasibility Study, 1976 General Development Plan and Resource Development Plan, and Cornelius
“Ed” Pope. The first 10 minutes of the recording contain ambient crowd noise.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee and Department of Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Committee Special Meeting, Sacramento, California [Tape 1] 1976-07-26
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 60 (min): 00 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 32 (min): 21 (s) Side B
The July 26, 1976, Allensworth Advisory Committee and Department of Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Committee special meeting
includes introducing the staff relative to Allensworth State Historic Park and presents work on the temporary visitor’s center
in the town’s historic core. Drafts for the ranger's office, agricultural shed, exhibit trailer, graphic panels, audiovisual
room and artifact displays are discussed.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee and Department of Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Committee Special Meeting, Sacramento, California [Tape 2] 1976-07-26
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 37 (min): 26 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 28 (min): 35 (s) Side B
Continuation of the July 26, 1976, Allensworth Advisory Committee and Department of Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Committee
special meeting to introduce staff relative to Allensworth and present work on the temporary visitor’s center in the town’s
historic core. Drafts for the ranger's office, agricultural shed, exhibit trailer, graphic panels, audiovisual room and artifact
displays are discussed. Included on the tape are also Al Green’s remarks at the 19 February, 1974, Annual Meeting of the Board
of Directors of Parks and Recreation Western Regional Conference held in Los Angeles, California.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Allensworth, California 1976-09-11
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 35 (min): 43 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 04 (min): 28 (s) Side B
History interview with Allensworth town resident, Armilda Archer Smith, daughter of George and Lucy Archer. Her father was
a farmer and her mother was a midwife and general nurse in Allensworth. The Archer family had relocated along with Joshua
Singleton to Allensworth from Kansas in 1912 when Mrs. Smith was 10 years old. She was educated at the first town elementary
school, located in James Hackett’s home, by William A. Payne and Margaret Prince. During summer breaks, Mrs. Smith worked
at the granaries and frequented the Mary Dickinson Memorial Library run by Ethel Hall Norton. Born May 30, 1895, Norton was
among those few African-American librarians in the early 20th century with an opportunity to provide public library service
to an African-American clientele. Mrs. Smith also recalls various town residents such as Joshua Singleton, the General Store
Owner and friend of the family, Mary Gross, owner of the Allensworth drugstore, and other early citizens.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Los Angeles, California [Tape 1] 1976-11-13
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 46 (min): 27 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 46 (min): 30 (s) Side B
The November 13, 1976, official meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee held in Los Angeles,
California includes remarks from Committee members on the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park dedication. Cecil Berkeley
reviews the October 9, 1976, dedication ceremony and its attendance. Betty Williams presents the mock-up of the Allensworth
souvenir book and discusses the attendance list and groundbreaking program. Josephine Smith, Program Chairman, shares her
remarks about the dedication. Kay Green speaks about former Allensworth pioneers who travelled from Los Angeles to attend
the ceremony and their reminiscences. Resolutions from the legislature are discussed by committee members.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Los Angeles, California [Tape 2] 1976-11-13
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 60 (min): 40 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 37 (min): 20 (s) Side B
Continuation of the November 13, 1976, official meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee
in Los Angeles, California. Al Green discusses the new orientation trailer. Mrs. Croslyn, former teacher at Allensworth, shares
her participation in the dedication ceremony program and recollections of moving to the town, the school, and the Hackett
and Phillips family. The future of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee is discussed with possibilities
raised of contracting with the state or becoming a cooperating association. Eugene Lasartemay, Cecil Berkley, George Pope
and Kay Green recommend the Advisory Committee remain intact but restructure and reduce to quarterly meetings. The Treasury
Report is presented by Eugene Lasartemay as to the historical reconstruction and interpretative planning and research budget.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Central Valley Area 1976-12-04
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 61 (min): 37 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 59 (min): 55 (s) Side B
Topics discussed at the December 4, 1976, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee meeting include procedures
for operating a cooperating association, visitor services, reports on crowd control during the park dedication ceremonies,
agricultural uses of farm areas within the town, park maintenance, and water use issues at Colonel Allensworth State Historic
Park.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee East Bay Negro Historical Society Bay Area Meeting, Oakland, California 1976-12-11
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 57 (min): 74 (s) Side A
The December 11, 1976, East Bay meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee includes considerations
for the change of committee format, how to encourage African-Americans to settle as landowners and employees in Allensworth,
ways to bring portable water to the town in abundant supply, and appeals to youth to fill the void of African-American farmers
in the area. Chairman Al Green discusses the need for promoting present African-American economic opportunity. Dr. Kenneth
Goode discusses the role of the Advisory Committee after the formal dedication of the park and encourages the evolution of
the committee into a cooperating association, which might have a broader membership, and the establishment of an Allensworth
foundation. Margaret Wheaton supports Dr. Goode's suggestion in order to negotiate concessions contracts. The prospect of
leasing farmland is discussed, with significant preference given to Allensworth residents and African-American farmers.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Women's Civic Improvement Club Meeting, Sacramento, California [Tape 1] 1977-02-05
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 13 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 37 (min): 49 (s) Side B
Topics discussed at the February 5, 1977, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee Women's Civic Improvement
Club meeting include the procedures for forming a cooperative association and possible Allensworth community trust for projects
in the town site. Eugene Lasartemay proposes incorporating as a corporation and contracting with the state to operate the
park and fully complete the general development plan. Betty Williams, Marcella Ford and Frances Miller favor remaining in
an advisory role to the State Parks Commission. Betty Williams requests discussion of alternative organizational structures.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Women's Civic Improvement Club Meeting, Sacramento, California [Tape 2] 1977-02-05
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 56 (min): 03 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 49 (s) Side B
Continuation of the February 5, 1977, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee Women's Civic Improvement
Club meeting in Sacramento, California. Motions are made that the committee remain the Colonel Allensworth State Historic
Park Advisory Committee and continue to operate within an advisory framework. Grandvel Jackson is appointed as chairmen of
the Ad Hoc Committee on Reorganization. Sam Colors presents drawings of proposed reconstructions for the Carter House, Singleton
General Store, Hackett House, the livery stable and the Allensworth Hotel. The Colonel’s House is proposed as usable for a
living history museum, while the General Store and Allensworth Hotel are discussed as potential sites for operating concession
and lodging facilities within the park. Cecil Berkley presents on proposals for the leasing of the Colonel Allensworth State
Historic Park farmlands to train African American youth in farming technologies. Former Allensworth resident Jefferson Pierro
shares recollections of raising cattle and cotton farming in the town.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Women's Civic Improvement Club Meeting, Sacramento, California [Tape 3] 1977-02-05
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Black Student Union Meeting, California State University, Bakersfield, California 1977-02-07
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 31 (min): 11 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 31 (min): 16 (s) Side B
The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee meets with the California State University, Bakersfield, Black
Student Union to discuss the history of Allensworth on the occasion of 1977's Black History Month. Chairman Al Green delivers
a slide presentation on the work of the Advisory Committee, the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, former Allensworth
pioneers, and the struggle to bring the park to dedication. Green also discusses the United States Bicentennial, the contributions
of African American soldiers beginning with the Revolutionary War, and Colonel Allen Allensworth's military career. Questions
are taken from Student Union members.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, San Jose, California [Tape 1] 1977-03-12
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 36 (min): 26 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 38 (min): 57 (s) Side B
The March 12, 1977, official meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee includes Margaret Wheaton’s
historical review of Allensworth, Cornelius Pope’s presentation on the park’s interpretative functions, George Pope’s brief
report on maintenance work, the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park staff report, and Grandvel Jackson’s report on cooperative
associations and the reorganization of the committee.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, San Jose, California [Tape 2] 1977-03-12
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 06 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 46 (min): 04 (s) Side B
Continuation of the March 12, 1977, official meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee. Concerns
regarding the lack of visitor facilities under the present development plan are discussed. Eugene Lasartemay presents the
Treasury report. George Pope presents a report on the California State University, Bakersfield, Black Studies project course
assigning a student to research the original dates of construction of buildings considered for reconstruction in the Allensworth
State Historic Park.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, San Jose, California [Tape 3] 1977-03-12
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 34 (min): 22 (s) Side A
Continuation and final remarks of the March 12, 1977, official meeting of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory
Committee. Cecil Berkley reports on the leasing of farmland within the Allensworth State Historic Park. Lois Carson presents,
on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee on Planning, recommendations for how to accept donations of plant life.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Allensworth, California [Tape 1] 1977-04-02
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 60 (min): 00 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 60 (min): 11 (s) Side A
The April 2, 1977, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee official meeting includes reports on efforts
to assist the townsfolk of Allensworth to become beneficiaries of the park, including a docent program involving the Allensworth
Citizens Council. Grandvel Jackson presents analysis of proposals for reorganization of the Allensworth State Historic Park
Advisory Committee and responds to Betty Williams’ proposed organizational structure for an Allensworth cooperating association.
Cecil Berkley and Royal E. Towns present on behalf of the Publicity Committee.
Box 1
Allensworth Advisory Committee Meeting, Allensworth, California [Tape 2] 1977-04-02
Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 60 (min): 29 (s) Side A
Physical Description: Run Time: 46 (min): 29 (s) Side A
Continuation of the April 2, 1977, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Advisory Committee official meeting at Allensworth,
California. Cecil Berkley and Royal E. Towns present a report on behalf of the Publicity Committee. Allensworth residents
Samuel Pierro and Joseph Hines present on the soil and cotton farming conditions in the town. Eugene Lasartemay presents the
Treasury report. Marcella Ford reads a report on collecting artifacts for interpretative use.