Guide to the Ruth Beckford Papers

Sean Heyliger
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
659 14th Street
Oakland, California 94612
Phone: (510) 637-0198
Fax: (510) 637-0204
Email: aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org
URL: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/locations/african-american-museum-library-oakland
© 2013
African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.

Guide to the Ruth Beckford Papers

Collection number: MS 60

African American Museum & Library at Oakland

Oakland, California
Processed by:
Sean Heyliger
Date Completed:
02/18/2015
Encoded by:
Sean Heyliger
© 2013 African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Ruth Beckford papers
Dates: 1915-1998
Collection number: MS 60
Creator: Beckford, Ruth.
Collection Size: 11.5 linear feet (22 boxes + 1 oversized box)
Repository: African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland, CA 94612
Abstract: The Ruth Beckford Papers include dance programs, correspondence, lesson plans, oral histories, manuscripts, newspapers clippings, and photographs documenting Beckford’s career as a noted African-Haitian dancer, actress, and teacher.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English

Access

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.

Access Restrictions

Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.

Publication Rights

Permission to publish from the Ruth Beckford Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

Preferred Citation

Ruth Beckford papers, MS 60, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.
Beckford, Ruth, Penny Peak, and Jeff Friedman. Going for happiness: an oral history of Ruth Beckford. 1995

Acquisition Information

Collection donated by Ruth Beckford to the Afro-American Center for History and Life, 1991.

Processing Information

Processed by Sean Heyliger, Archivist, January 15, 2015. Finding aid updated by Sean Heyliger on 2017-12-27 to add material from Acc.#2017-093.

Biography / Administrative History

Dancer, teacher, and author Ruth Beckford was born on December 7, 1925 in Oakland, California, the youngest of four children of Cora and Felix Beckford. Both her parents were active in Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association, her father served as secretary of the U.N.I.A. Oakland Branch and her mother worked as a Black Cross nurse. At age 3, Beckford began taking dance lessons from Florelle Barsford and by age 8 she was performing professionally as a dancer in local vaudeville acts with her twin brothers, Felix W. and Felix Garvey Beckford.
In 1943 during her senior year in high school, Beckford joined Katherine Dunham’s Company, training for three weeks before performing with the company at shows on the West Coast. After high school, she attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Physical Education and studied modern dance with Caryl Cuddleback. While studying at the university, Beckford became the first African American member of the Orchesis Modern Dance Honor Society. After graduating in 1947, she found and directed the first recreational modern dance program in the country teaching dance classes for the Oakland Recreation Department at DeFremery Recreation Center. She would lead the dance program for twenty years while also performing with Anna Halprin and Welland Lathrop dance companies.
In 1954 Beckford started her own dance company, Ruth Beckford African-Haitian Dance Company, which toured across the country performing African and Haitian dances. The company’s first performance was at the University of California, Berkeley’s Wheeler Auditorium. In the same year, Beckford opened dance studios in Oakland and San Francisco offering classes in African-Haitian dance using the Dunham technique. Beckford toured with her dance company, taught classes at her dance studio, and directed the Oakland Recreation Department’s Modern Dance Program until she retired from performing dance and disbanded her dance company in 1961 and retired from the City of Oakland in 1967. She continued teaching at her two dance studios until closing both in 1975.
After retiring from dance, Beckford shifted to writing and acting. In 1974, she signed with Grimme talent agency and she performed in theater productions at the Oakland Ensemble Theater and parts in various television and movie roles. She appeared in Maya Angelou’s made-for-television movies Circles and Tapestry, the PBS television series Up and Coming, movie roles in The Principal (1987), Angels in the Outfield (1994), America’s Dream (1996), and in television commercials for Safeway, JC Penny, and Little Debbie Snacks.
Beckford began writing after she was asked by Katherine Dunham in 1975 to write her authorized biography. Katherine Dunham: A Biography was published in 1979. She also published two cookbooks both titled, A Little Bit of This and Some of That, and a three part play, ‘Tis The Morning of My Life, co-authored with Ron Stacker Thompson. The play was a comedy-drama about a relationship between a younger man and older woman. Beckford produced and starred in the first production of Part I of the play at the Live Oak Theatre in Berkeley, California in 1984, but she tore her Achilles tendon on the play’s preview performance and was forced to wear a cast for the entire production. Productions of Part II-Part III of ‘Tis the Morning of My Life were performed at Mills College in 1986 and 1987 and a production of Part I ran at the New Federal Theatre in New York in 1989 with the original cast.
In addition to her accomplishments in dance and theater, she has been active as a motivational speaker, a dance panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts (1972-1974), credited with creating the Black Panther Free Breakfast Program, and worked as a counselor with the City of Oakland Job Training Partnership Act office and the Berkeley office of the Department of Social Services. She has received numerous dance and community service awards and has been inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, Oakland Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame, and the Bay Area Isadora Duncan Dance Community Hall of Fame.

Scope and Content of Collection

The Ruth Beckford Papers include dance programs, correspondence, lesson plans, oral histories, manuscripts, newspapers clippings, and photographs documenting Beckford’s career as a noted African-Haitian dancer, actress, and teacher. The papers document the bulk of Beckford’s career from her beginning as a teenage dancer in Oakland in the 1930s through her career as a professional dancer, actress, and teacher. The papers are organized into eight series: I. Biographical material II. Dance III. Theater IV. Writings V. Teaching materials VI. Photographs VII. Oral histories VIII. Printed material.
Biographical material includes Beckford's resumes and biographical sketches, assorted personal correspondence, Oakland High School graduation programs and her diploma, transcript of an oral history interview conducted by the San Francisco Performing Arts Library and Museum, and awards presented to Beckford from various arts and community organizations. The dance series consists of Beckford's dance programs from the 1930s-1990s, dance contracts, correspondence, newspaper clippings and Ruth Beckford and Company publicity material. Also included are material related to Beckford's trip to Haiti and her involvement with the Katherine Dunham Museum in East St. Louis. The bulk of the theater series document productions of Beckford's play, Tis’ the Morning of My Life, and includes correspondence, fundraising records, production notes, cast and staff biographies, financial and legal records, newspaper reviews, and publicity material of productions of the play in Oakland and New York City and for a possible movie production. The series also includes Beckford’s script and promotion packet for the television series “Up and Coming,” a call sheet and contract for “The Principle,” and assorted flyers for Oakland Ensemble Theater productions. The writings series includes drafts of parts I-III of Beckford’s play Tis’ the Morning of My Life, poems, a short story, “The Myth,” A Little Bit of This … And a Little Bit of That cookbook, and How I Got to the Top or OOOOOOOOHHHH My Aching Back comic book. The series includes notes and transcripts for various speeches given by Beckford to various performing arts and community groups.
Teaching materials include Beckford’s lesson plans and notes for teaching beginning-intermediate-advanced African-Haitian dance classes and program descriptions and evaluations of the Oakland Recreation Department’s Modern Dance Program. Also included are Beckford’s notes teaching Katherine Dunham’s dance techniques and two videotapes of Beckford teaching “Black dance in action” class at Mills College in 1974.
Photographs include 542 photographs and are arranged into five subseries: Family, Dance, Theater, Katherine Dunham, and Assorted. Family photographs includes childhood photographs of Ruth Beckford and portraits of Beckford’s mother and father, Cora and Felix Beckford, including a portrait of them taken at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Dance photographs consist mostly of publicity photographs of Ruth Beckford’s Dance Company and photographs of performances taken at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s. The theater series includes photographs of Tis’ the Morning of My Life productions and behind the scenes photographs of the cast and crew. The photographs of Katherine Dunham include her as a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley and a seminar in San Francisco, California, publicity stills of her dance company, and at her museum in East St. Louis.
The oral histories included in the collection consist of a series of interviews conducted in 1971-1972 with prominent and long-time African American residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Interviews were conducted with Tom W. Anderson of the Dining Car Cooks' and Waiters' Union Local 456; M. Robinson Baker, director of the Oakland Y.M.C.A.; Beckford’s mother, Cora Beckford; Albert Butler, descendent of an early California family; Urania P. Cummings, artist and immigrant from the West Indies; E.A. Daley, publisher of the California Voice newspaper and World War I veteran; W.A. Deane, member of Marcus Garvey’s U.N.I.A.; Oakland scoutmaster William H. Golden; California Voice sports writer Bill Hinds; Sophronia Johnson of the San-O-Bar Club, an African American social organization; Walter Thomas Jourdan, union leader and organizer of the Miscellaneous Workers Union, Inc.; Mary C. Netherland, descendent of an early California family; barber Sydney James Scott; Willete Smith, member St. Augustine Church (Oakland, California); Charles H. Tilghman, printer and owner of Tilghman Press; Iantha H. Villa, North Oakland Baptist Church and California State Association of Colored Women’s Clubs; and Oakland firefighter Bill Williams.
The printed material series consists of assorted books, newsletters, newspaper clippings, and artifacts collected by Ruth Beckford. A majority of the items relate to dance including newspaper clippings on Beckford, convention programs she attended or performed at, and dance programs and journals. Also included is the funeral program of her mother, Cora Beckford.

Arrangement

Series I. Biographical material Series II. Dance Series III. Theater Series IV. Writings Series V. Teaching materials Series VI. Photographs Series VII. Oral history cassette tapes Series VIII.Printed material

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Beckford, Ruth.
Dunham, Katherine.
African American dance.
African American dance--History.
African American dance teachers.
African American dancers--Biography.
Dance, Black--History.
Dance, Black--United States.
Dance--California--History.
Dance--United States--History.
Oakland (Calif.)--History.


 

Biographical material

Physical Description: 24 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes Ruth Beckford's résumés, biographical sketches, plaques and awards, diplomas, personal correspondence, and oral history transcript.

Arrangement

Arranged by format.
Box 1:1

Biographical sketches circa 1980s

Box 1:2

Résumés circa 1980s

 

Correspondence

Box 1:3

Outgoing 1961-1976 and undated

Box 1:4

Incoming circa 1940s-1979

Box 1:5

Incoming 1980-1998

Box 1:6

Thank you letters 1974-1995

Box 1:7

Retirement 1967, 1975

 

Education

Box 1:8

Oakland High School graduation program 1937

Box 1:8

Oakland High School graduation invitation 1938

Box 1:8

Graduation booklet 1944

Box 1:8

Oakland Technical High School diploma 1944

Box 1:8

Oakland High School graduation program 1944

Box 1:8

Oakland Technical High School invitation [two copies] 1972

Box 2:1

Oral history transcript, “Going for happiness: an oral history of Ruth Beckford” 1995

Box 1:8

Beckford family coat of arms 1972

 

Awards

 

Award certificates

Box 2:2

Assorted 1955-1997

 

Oversized

Box OM20:7

City of Oakland 1967-12-27

Box OM20:7

City of Los Angeles 1985-10-25

Box OM20:7

CitiCentre Dance Theatre presents a salute to dance 1987-09-12

Box 21

Certificate of special Congressional recognition 1997-06-22

Box OM20:7

West Oakland alumni 1997-09-06

Box OM20:8

San Francisco Foundation 1998-10-17

Box 2:3

San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership awards 1998

Box OM20

Maharishi award 1982-09-26

 

Plaques

Box 2:4

Ivy Leaf Club of Alpha Kappa Alpha 1959-04-19

Box 2:4

Texas College alumni 1967

Box 2:5

Cultural and Ethnic Guild 1972

Box 3:6

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Berkeley Alumni chapter 1975

Box 2:5

9th annual Marin City Festival 1983

Box 3:5

Alumni Association of Oakland Technical High School 1983

Box 4:1

National Council for Black Studies 1983-04-08

Box 2:6

CDEA Heritage Award 1988

Box 2:6

American Vanity Plate Award circa 1980s

Box 3:1

Assemblywoman Barbara Lee award 1994-02-24

Box 3:2

Youth-on- the-Move Inc. Educators Hall of Fame 1997

Box 3:3

Dance and Music Advisory Committee 1990-10-01

Box 4:2

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition 1997-06-18

Box OM20

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition 1997-06-22

Box OM20

Certificate of award 1997-09-06

Box 3:4

Oakland Private Industry Council 1998-07-20

 

Dance

Physical Description: 9 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes dance programs, contracts, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publicity material, and films documenting Ruth Beckford's dance performances.

Arrangement

Arranged by format.
 

Dance programs

Box 4:3

Mid-Nite show, New Lorin Theatre benefit St. Augustine Church 1934-05-29

Box 4:3

Untitled program circa 1935

Box 4:3

The Theatre Guild of St. Cyprian’s Mission presents “Footlights of Hollywood” New Japanese Y.M.C.A. San Francisco, California 1937-05-22

Box 4:3

Florelle Batsford School of Dancing annual recital, Women’s City Club Theater [two copies] 1938-06-11

Box 4:3

Linden Business & Professional Club of the Linden Branch Y.W.C.A. presents a 1939 Kiddies Revue, Central Y.W.C.A., Oakland, California 1939-05-29

Box 4:6

A program of dance Saturday and Sunday evenings, Halprin-Lathrop Studio Theatre, San Francisco, California circa 1940s

Box 4:3

Florelle Batsford presents Ruth Beckford in a dance recital, Y.W.C.A. Oakland [card enclosed][three copies] 1940-02-20

Box 4:3

Lauretta Butler’s 23rd annual Kiddie’s Revue featuring Kopper Kolored Kiddies Late of Hiwaii, Lincoln Theatre [2 copies] 1940-07-19

Box 4:3

Annual candle lighting service for the recognition of members of Linden Branch Y.W.C.A at Beth Eden Baptist Church 1940-12-08

Box 4:3

Annual girl reserve mother-daughter banquet, Linden St. Y.W.C.A. 1941-05-28

Box 4:3

Women’s Auxiliary of Saint Augustine Episcopal Mission sponsors A Swing Revue” presented at the Jewish Community Center 724 14th St. Oakland, California 1941-08-09

Box 4:3

Rhythm at Miss Van Sloppins’ (A musical comedy) written by Electra Kimble for presentation by the Las Hidalgas Club of Girl Reserves of the Linden Y.W.C.A. 1942-06-26

Box 4:3

Hilker Attractions Royal Victoria Theatre Katherine Dunham and her Dancers [2 copies] 1943-04-13

Box 4:3

Hilker Attractions presents Katherine Dunham and her “Cabin in the Sky” Dancers Royal Victoria Theatre circa 1940s

Box 4:3

Ellison-White Bureau presents Katherine Dunham and her Dancers, Portland Public Auditorium [2 copies] 1943-04-18

Box 4:3

Cecilia Moore presents Katherine Dunham and her dance company, Moore Theatre, Seattle, Washington 1943

Box 4:3

Katherine Dunham and her dance company, Masonic Temple Auditorium, Spokane, Washington [3 copies] 1943-04-19

Box 4:4

Eight super attractions Carmen Amaya [et. al.], California Concerts, Inc. 1943-1944

Box 4:4

The Dance as presented by members of Orchesis, University of California [two copies] 1945-06-01

Box 4:4

The Dance as presented by members of Orchesis, University of California 1945-06-06

Box 4:4

Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Alpha Epsilon Chapter announces first annual spring concert series 1946

Box 4:4

Alpha Epsilon Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity University of California announces first spring concert series [two copies, The Sphinx Club card enclosed] 1946

Box 4:4

Alpha Epsilon Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity presents dance concert, University High School Auditorium, Oakland, California 1946-05-26

Box 4:4

The Dance as presented by members of Orchesis, University of California 1947-05-22

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. modern dance concert 1949-10-29

Box 4:6

Modern dance concert sponsored by the Oakland Recreation Department circa 1950s

Box 4:4

Untitled program 1951-11

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents fifth annual dance concert, Hoover School, Oakland, California 1952-06-27

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents sixth annual dance concert, Hoover School, Oakland, California 1953-05-08

Box 4:4

University of California, Berkeley dance symposium 1955-03-12

Box 4:4

Omega Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority presents the 1955 Jabberwock, Oakland Auditorium Theatre, Oakland, California 1955-04-01

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents ninth annual modern dance concert, Oakland Auditorium Theatre, Oakland, California 1955-06-22

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents ninth annual modern dance concert, Oakland Auditorium Theatre, Oakland, California flyer 1955-06-22

Box 4:4

Percussion accompaniment annual dance symposium of Northwest District of AAHPER, Women’s Building, Corvallis, Oregon 1956-02-24

Box 4:4

Northwest District Dance Section annual dance symposium, Oregon State College 1956-02-24

Box 4:4

International Night presented by the Business and Professional Women of East Bay, Inc., Berkeley High Little Theatre 1956-04-21

Box OM20:6

Ruth Beckford and Company, An evening of primitive dance, University of California, Berkeley 1956-01

Box 4:4

Workshop in basic dance sponsored by the Oakland Recreation Dept. 1956-10-06

Box 4:4

Veterans’ Wives Civic Club, Inc. present an evening of primitive dance by Ruth Beckford and Company, Richmond Memorial Auditorium, Richmond, California [two copies] 1956-11-10

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents eleventh annual modern dance concert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, California 1957

Box 4:4

Dancer’s workshop of Marin 1957

Box 4:4

Oakland Recreation Department presents “Charm and All Its Splendor,” Brookfield Recreation Center, Oakland, California 1957-06-16

Box OM20:6

Ruth Beckford and Company, Two programs of primitive dance, University of California, Berkeley 1957-08-01

Box 4:4

University of California lifelong learning university extension Committee on Drama, Lectures, & Music presents summer programs 1957

Box 4:4

KPFA program folio September 29-October 12, 1957

Box 4:4

Twelve Big Sisters presents a program of primitive dance by Ruth Beckford and Company, Bovard Auditorium, University of Southern California [two copies] 1957-11-10

Box 4:4

Palo Alto Community Activities Committee presents a program of primitive dance by Ruth Beckford and Company, Dinkelspiel Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University 1957-11-29

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents twelfth annual modern dance concert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, California 1958

Box 4:4

University of California lifelong learning university extension summer concerts 1958

Box 4:4

4th annual International Night presented by the Business and Professional Women of East Bay, Inc., Oakland Auditorium 1958-07-27

Box 4:4

Ruth Beckford and Company in a program of primitive dance circa 1958

Box 4:4

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents 13th annual modern dance concert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, California 1959-05-08

Box 4:4

A revue of song and dance presented by Florelle Lee Batsford School of Stage Dancing featuring guest artists Ruth Beckford and her famous company of dancers and drummers, Paris Theater 1959-12-08

Box 4:4

First annual “Dancers of Faith,” Dance Festival of World Religions, Philharmonic Auditorium 1959-11-15

Box 4:4

Ruth Beckford and her famous company of dancers and drummers in folklore and rituals of Haiti, Africa, and Trinidad, Marines Theatre, San Francisco, California [two copies] circa 1960s

Box 4:5

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents the 14th annual modern dance concert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, California 1960-04-12

Box 4:5

City of Oakland Recreation Dept. presents the 15th annual modern dance concert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, California [two copies] 1961-03-28

Box 4:5

Second annual Humboldt State College Festival of the Arts 1961-05

Box OM20:6

Ruth Beckford and Company in two programs of primitive dance, University of California, Berkeley 1961-07

Box 4:4

University of California Committee for Arts and Lectures presents 1961 summer Program [two copies] 1961

Box 4:5

University of California Committee for Arts and Lectures presents two evenings of primitive dance by Ruth Beckford and Company with John Lewis [two copies, ticket stub enclosed] 1961-08-18

Box 4:5

Oakland City College Merritt Campus modern dance symposium, Dance Association of the Secondary Schools of the East Bay 1964-04-18

Box 4:5

Oakland Recreation Department presents 3 creative dance concerts 1965

Box 4:5

Oakland Recreation Department presents 3 creative dance concerts, Oakland Technical High School 1967-05-20

Box 4:5

Texas College alumni presents the top ten of 1967 at their pre-Christmas Celebrity Ball, Esther’s Orbit Room, Oakland, California [two copies] 1967-12-17

Box 4:5

Mills College dance concert 1968-01-17

Box 4:5

University of California Committee for Arts and Lectures in cooperation with the Intercampus Cultural Exchange Committee presents the Ghana Dance Ensemble 1968-10-28

Box 4:5

Sacramento State College extension division, Ruth Beckford African-Haitian Dance [two copies] 1968-11-05

Box 4:5

University of California Committee for Arts and Lectures presents Les Danseurs Africains, L’Ensemble Nationale du Cameroun 1970-03-08

Box 4:5

Elendar Barnes and Deborah Brooks present their dance concert “Back to Black” at Berkeley Community Theater 1970-06-14

Box 4:5

University of California Committee for Arts and Lectures presents the Alvin Ailey City Center Dance Theater 1975-10

Box 4:5

San Francisco Dance Film Festival 1977

Box 4:5

Soul Vibrations VIII, “Tribute to Blacks in Dance,” Laney College Theatre 1978-11-19

Box 4:5

Merritt College presents a musical potpourri [two copies] 1979-06-23

Box 4:5

Sacramento City College presents a dance workshop featuring modern and jazz dance plus a film and lecture 1980-03-29

Box 4:5

Merritt College Community Services and the Oakland Bay Area Links, Inc. present Reminiscin’ III, a tribute to Oakland’s Earl Fatha’ Hines 1980-06-25

Box 4:6

Illinois and Chicago salute Katherine Dunham 1983-11-28

Box 4:6

1984 Olympic Black Dance Festival 1984

Box 4:6

Talking Dance Project, The Body Betrayed [two copies] 1992-09-14

Box 4:6

Harambee Dance Ensemble’s 4th annual Pan-African Dance Experience undated

Box 4:7

Contracts 1953-1961

Box 4:7

Correspondence 1935-1961

 

Publicity

Box 4:7

Ruth Beckford and Company with John Lewis in a program of primitive dance circa 1950s

Box 4:7

Ruth Beckford and Company publicity data circa 1950s

Box 4:7

Ruth Beckford Chatmon dance biography circa 1950s

Box 5:1

Newspaper clippings 1937-1995

 

Trip to Haiti

Box 13:6

Notes undated

Box 13:6

The playbill for Lavinia Williams and Haitian Voodoo Dancers at La Belle Creole undated

Box 13:6

Pan American flight map New York and Caribbean circa 1950s

Box 13:6

Haiti-dance by Lavinia Williams [inscribed by author] 1959 [?]

Box 20:6

Katherine Dunham museum 1970-1982

Box shelf

"African-Haitian dance," Channel 9 television performance, 16mm films (4) 1968-05

 

Theater / Acting

Physical Description: 45 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes production material documenting Beckford's play, 'Tis the Morning of My Life, television series, theater flyers and newspaper clippings.

Arrangement

Arranged by theater production and format.
 

'Tis the Morning of My Life

 

Correspondence

Box 5:2

Incoming 1984-1989

Box 5:3

Outgoing 1984-1987

Box 5:4

Thank you notes 1984-1989

 

Fundraising

Box 5:5

Mailing lists circa 1980s

Box 5:6-9

Solicitation letters and notes 1984-1988

Box 5:10

Ticket reports 1985

 

Publicity

Box 5:11

Press releases and notes 1984

Box 6:1

Discussion groups 1984

Box 6:2

Promotion material 1984-1988

Box 21

Layout drafts of publicity material circa 1980s

 

Financial records

Box 6:3

Receipts 1985

Box 6:1

Payrolls [RESTRICTED] 1984-1985

Box 6:5

Bank statements 1985

Box 21

Financial spreadsheets 1984-1985

Box 6:6

Income statements 1984-1985

Box 6:7

Notes 1985

 

Legal records

Box 6:8

Cast release forms 1986-1987

Box 6:9

Actors’ Equity Association contracts 1987-1989

Box 6:10

State Compensation Insurance Fund 1987

Box 6:11

Limited partnership agreements 1984

Box 6:12

Dissolution of limited partnerships 1985

Box 7:1

Henry Street Settlement’s New Federal Theatre contract undated

Box 7:2

Applications for copyright 1984

 

Productions

Box 7:3

Cast members and biographies 1985

Box 7:4

Rehearsal schedules 1985 and undated

Box 7:5

Sets and lighting 1987

Box 7:6

Wardrobe 1984

Box 7:7

Production calendars 1984, 1987

Box 7:8

Theme song undated

Box 7:9

Props undated

 

The Movie

Box 7:10

Production materials 1984

Box 7:11

Notes 1986-1987

Box 7:12

Opening nights 1983-1985

Box 7:13

Live Oak Theater 1984

Box 7:14

Los Angeles (Inner City) Cultural Center 1985

Box 7:15

Assorted notes 1984-1989

Box 7:16

Theater programs 1984-1989

Box 8:1

Newspaper clippings/reviews 1983-1989

 

“Up and coming” television series

Box 20:3

Promotion packet circa 1980

Box 20:3

Script [with handwritten notes] circa 1980

 

“The Principal”

Box 20:3

Minimum freelance contract 1987

Box 20:3

Call sheet 1987

Box 20:4

“Spanning the Golden Gate” proposal and notes 1977

 

Theater flyers

 

Oakland Ensemble Theater

Box 8:2

To Be Young, Gifted and Black [two copies]

Box 8:2

The Death of Bessie Smith undated

Box 8:2

Richard III 1976

Box 8:2

The Good Doctor undated

Box 8:2

Guys and Dolls undated

Box 8:2

And Still I Rise undated

Box 8:2

Ten Little Indians undated

Box 8:2

The Fantasticks undated

Box 8:2

An Evening of One-Acts circa 1977

Box 8:2

Blues for Charlie 1975

Box 8:2

Richard Wright's Native Son undated

Box 8:2

PBS’ The American Short Story [The Sky is Gray] 1980

Box 8:2

America’s Dream [HBO] 1996

Box 8:2

2nd Annual East Bay Theatre Arts Festival undated

Box 8:2

E.A. Elliott Production Company’s Dunbar undated

Box 8:3

Correspondence 1974-1975 and undated

Box 8:4

Newspaper clippings 1974-1980

 

Writings

Physical Description: 16 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes Beckford's draft scripts of 'Tis the Morning of My Life, poetry, a short story, cookbook, comic book, and notes for speeches.

Arrangement

Arranged by format.
 

Tis’ the Morning of My of Life

 

Part I

Box 8:5

Bound draft undated

Box 8:6

Act one drafts [4 copies] 1983

Box 8:7

Ruth Beckford’s 1st edition draft 1984-08

Box 8:8

Revised script [two copies] 1985

Box 9:1

Parts II drafts undated

 

Part III

Box 9:2

Drafts 1987

Box 9:3

Ruth Beckford’s script and notes 1988

 

Movie

Box 9:4

Early draft and notes 1983

Box 9:5

Screenplay draft 1986

Box 9:6

Short story, “The myth” 1976

Box 9:7

Poems 1972-1992

 

A Little Bit of This And a Little Bit of That cookbook

Box 9:8

Draft and notes 1974, 1983

Box 10:1

A Little Bit of This … And a Little Bit of That part I-II [eight copies] 1982-1983

Box 10:2

How I Got to the Top or OOOOOOOOHHHH My Aching Back comic book drafts and letter 1981-1982

 

Speeches

Box 10:3

“What is dance,” Emeryville High School career day 1971-03

Box 10:3

“Black dance: a panel discussion with Greta Brown … [et al.],” Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center 1972-01-09

Box 10:3

“So you want to have a dance company,” 3rd Annual Association of American Dance Companies, San Francisco Hotel 1973-02-23

Box 10:3

“Usually you see the finished product, I will give you some insight in the preparation,” National Council of Negro Women, St. Augustine Church 1974-03-31

Box 10:3

“Why do I dance,” California Dance Educators Association 1974-04-20

Box 10:3

Save the museum rally speech in front of city hall 1975-12-11

Box 10:3

Introduction to California dance class 1976

Box 10:3

Black dance 1976

Box 10:3

“Philosophy of performing,” Performing Arts Archives 1976-04-09

Box 10:3

Untitled, Performing Arts Archives 1976-04-15

Box 10:3

“Remarks on art as an elitist activity,” Art in the Community forum series, Laney College Theater 1976-11-06

Box 10:3

M.C. filler African Historical Society to benefit the Zimbabwe medical campaign 1978-04-30

Box 10:3

“Career day,” Career Day at Westlake Junior High School 1978-05-09

Box 10:3

“Ruth Beckford, an evening with” 1978-06-10

Box 10:3

Acceptance speech for Miss Dunham, Cultural and Ethnic Affairs Soul Vibrations VIII 1978-11-19

Box 10:3

“Achievement against the odds” 1979

Box 10:3

Lecture for ministers training 1979-01

Box 10:3

Introduction of Ted Pontiflet’s book Poochie, Martin Luther King Jr. Library 1979-03-25

Box 10:3

Book signing for Beth Wilson, Ted Pontiflect and Ruth Beckford 1979-07-29

Box 10:3

Untitled 1980-01-12

Box 10:3

Emory College film class 1980-04

Box 10:3

“Achievement against the odds,” Crocker Museum, Sacramento, California 1980-07-05

Box 10:3

“Black women in the arts,” Marin City Festival 1983-07-02

Box 10:3

Oakland Technical High School Hall of Fame 1983-11-04

Box 10:3

“The arts,” Black history class, Oakland High School 1984-02-24

Box 10:3

Men of Tomorrow awards reception 1984-08-19

Box 10:3

“From birth, the aging process,” McClymonds High School ’50 Reunion 1984-10-13

Box 10:3

Chi Kappa Pho, Annual California and Pacific Northwest Recreation and Park Conference luncheon, Sacramento, California 1985-03-03

Box 10:3

“Stress,” Dr. T. McGee Ave. Baptist Church 1985-09-04

Box 10:3

Alameda-Contra Costa Chapter of Links, Inc. 1985-06-15

Box 10:3

8th Annual Ethnic Dance Festival circa 1986

Box 10:3

Acceptance speech, Everybody’s creative arts 10th anniversary Calvin Simmons 1987-09-12

Box 10:3

Drama class, Laney College 1987-09-26

Box 10:3

Interview David Mitchell, Dance Theater of Harlem undated

Box 10:3

Fannie Coppin Jackson Club speech undated

Box 10:3

Acceptance speech, Oakland Parks and Recreation Department Hall of Fame [?] undated

Box 10:3

Untitled note cards for speech undated

Box 10:3

“Why do I teach" undated

 

Katherine Dunham: A Biography

Box 12:1

Correspondence with publishers 1977-1979

Box 12:1

Outline undated

Box 12:1

Book cover and publicity flyers 1979

Box 12:1

Promotional information undated

Box 12:1

“A treatment for Against All Odds (The Story Katherine Dunham)” by Ron Stacker Thompson based on Katherine Dunham: A Biography by Ruth Beckford-Smith [two copies] undated

 

Teaching materials

Physical Description: 12 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes Beckford's teaching notes, lesson plans, and handouts; material related to the Oakland Recreation Department's dance program; and videocassette of dance class taught by Beckford at Mills College.

Arrangement

Arranged by format.
 

Oakland Recreation Department, Modern Dance Program

Box 10:4

“Program” 1950

Box 10:4

Director’s evaluation of the Tenth Annual Modern Dance Concert 1956-05-22

Box 10:4

“Modern dance program [two copies]” circa 1961

Box 10:4

Summary of conversation between Mary Joyce, Ruth Beckford, and Carol Pulcifer on October 25, 1962 1962-10-29

Box 10:4

“Pregnant girls program” 1964

Box 10:4

Modern dance budget, June 20 –August 26, 1966 1966

Box 10:4

“Modern dance – Oakland Recreation Department history, July, 1947-December, 1967” 1969-02-17

Box 10:4

“Modern dance in public recreation programs: values of contemporary dance and an example of a successful program,” Z. Carol Pulcifer undated

 

Teaching notes

Box 10:5

First annual symposium, New Century Center 1947-08-25

 

Lesson plans

Box 10:6

Mazon – an African type of dance performed as an interlude in voodoo dance 1956-12

Box 10:6

Barre 1958-07-21

Box 10:6

Yonvalou, Ibo, Pas Rigol 1958-07

Box 10:6

Barre, Dahome debout, Conga 1959

Box 10:6

Modern master class #1 [class roster on reverse side] 1960-03-05

Box 10:6

Master class, Alameda High School 1960-05-10

Box 10:6

Beginners primitive dance [reverse side Oakland Recreation Dept. Modern Dance, letter re: proper attire, 1961-06-27] 1964-01

Box 10:6

Advanced primitive dance 1964-03-02

Box 10:6

Primitive masters class 1964-04-19

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1964-11-23

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1965-03

Box

Primitive dance 1965-09-20

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1966-01

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1966-04-18

Box 10:6

San Jose State 1966-05-25

Box 10:6

Accompanist percussion seminar, Mills College 1966-06-07

Box 10:6

Intermediate-advanced primitive dance [reverse side, Ruth Beckford primitive dance class flyer, undated] 1966-04-18

Box 10:6

African ballet 1966-11

Box 10:6

Primitive dance 1967

Box 10:6

Advanced primitive dance 1967-10

Box 10:6

Yonvalou-Conga 1968

Box 10:6

Skyline High School master class [reverse side, New Orleans house presents Afro-Jazz with the sounds of the Black Messengers] 1968

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1968-01

Box 10:6

Intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1968-04

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1969-01

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance Spring 1969

Box 10:6

Beginners-intermediate-advanced primitive dance 1969-09

Box 10:6

San Jose-Sacramento master class 1969

Box 10:6

Sacramento master class 1969-1970

Box 10:7

Master class 1970-1971

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced banda conga 1970-01

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced meringue, banda, pas rigol circa 1970s

Box 10:7

Laney College and San Marin master class 1971

Box 10:7

Master class and K. Dunham, Chico State University 1970-04-03

Box 10:7

Master class Sacramento high schools 1970-11

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced congo and samba 1971-01

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced congo and pas rigol 1970

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate meringue and pas rigol 1970

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced Winter 1971

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced yonvalu Summer 1971

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced mahi and voodoo Fall 1971

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced barre, yonvalu, and mahi Fall 1971

Box 10:7

Master class 1972

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced 1972-05

Box 10:7

Beginners class 1973-01

Box 10:7

Beginners class Spring 1973

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced Spring 1973

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced Spring 1973

Box 10:7

Marin Ballet Festival 1973-05-10

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced class 1973-07

Box 10:7

Miss D’s [Dunham ?] Summer 1973

Box 10:7

Intermediate-advanced class 1973-11

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced class 1974-01

Box 10:7

Planning for taping 1974-03-21

Box 10:7

Black dance in action master class, Mills College 1974-04-06

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced class 1974-04

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced class 1974-07

Box 10:7

Miss D. [Dunham] East St. Louis 1974-10

Box 10:7

Beginners-intermediate-advanced class [flyer enclosed] 1975-05-03

 

Teaching handouts and notes

Box 10:8

“Tools for expression through movement” circa 1960s

Box 10:8

Lecture I undated

Box 10:8

Two agbeko songs undated

Box 10:8

Teaching notes undated

Box 10:8

Congo drum classes African-Haitian rhythms flyer undated

Box 10:8

Ruth Beckford and Company members responsibility circa 1950s

Box 10:8

Ju ju undated

Box 10:8

Dahomey and veve undated

Box 10:8

Composition course undated

Box 10:8

Dahomey stories undated

Box 10:9

Composition research 1968-01

Box 11:1

Readings in black dance, Afro-American Studies Spring 1974

Box 11:2

Southern Illinois University master classes 1973

Box 11:3

Scene studies, Dr. Edward Blair Intersection Theater 1979-08

Box 11:4

You’re Over 40, So What?: women in midlife 1980

Box 11:5

San Francisco Bay Area Dance Coalition 1985

 

Dunham technique

Box 11:12

Brief notes on Dunham technique undated

Box 11:12

Report from Ruth Beckford consultant 1973

Box 11:12

Isolation and progressions 1974

Box 11:12

African Haitian dance theory and practice for teachers, Katherine Dunham fundamental circa 1970s

 

“Black dance in action,” Mills College

Box 14

Class technique and dance, videotape #1 1974

Box 14

Dance pattern, videotape #2 1974

 

Photographs

Physical Description: 542 photographs

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes photographs documenting Beckford's family, dance, and theater performances.

Arrangement

Arranged into five series: Family photographs, Dance, Theater, Katherine Dunham, and Assorted.
 

Family photographs

Box 18

Portrait of Felix Beckford, father of Ruth Beckford [001] circa 1920s

Box 18

Portrait of Cora Beckford, mother of Ruth Beckford [002] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford as child standing in front yard [005] circa 1920s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford [third from right] standing with group of girls in front of church [?] entrance [006] circa 1930s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford in uniform saluting in front yard as man takes photograph in foreground [007] circa 1930s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford (second right) dancing with three girls in front yard [008] circa 1930s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford in uniform talking to girl in front yard [009] circa 1930s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford (second left) dancing with three girls in living room [010] circa 1940s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford (bottom center) and girls in group photograph in living room [011] circa 1940s

Box 18

Gloria Faucett and Ruth Beckford posing on sidewalk with two men in military uniform [012] 1944

Box 15

Ruth Beckford graduation photograph, inscribed: 'To my dear mother your daughter, Ruth' [033] 1943-12-25

Box 17:4

Portrait of Felix Beckford [158] circa 1940s

Box 15

(left-right): Fowler D. Beckford (twin brother), Felix W. Beckford (father), and Felix G. Beckford (twin brother) [159 A-B] 1943-04-09

Box 18

Cora Beckford and Felix Beckford posing in studio portrait at Panama-Pacific International Exposition [180] 1915

Box 18

Portrait of Cora Beckford [182] 1958

Box 18

Group photograph of the Fowler girls (left-right, back row): Annie, Cousin Avis, Aunt Roxie, Nona, Aunt Rennie, Nonie, Cora Beckford, Ruth Beckford, Aunt Rennie's sister (left-right, front): Aunt Ethel, cousin Janet, cousin Bobbie [259] circa 1940s

Box 18

Cora Beckford (right) and unidentified woman in living room, reverse: 'my wedding Jan 9 1966 at home' [185] 1966-01-09

Box 19

Ruth Beckford [?] standing in front yard reading book [432] circa 1930s

 

Dance

Box 18

Ruth Beckford and male dancer performing on stage, man playing bongo drum in the background [018] undated

Box 18

Ruth Beckford at microphone accepting plaque for Katherine Dunham at Bay View Opera House [020] 1979-05

Box 15

Two girls holding stack of books on heads while dancing on stage [028] undated

Box 15

Ruth Beckford dancing on stage with man with cane and hat [029] undated

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and three men and women dancing on stage [030] undated

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and three men and women dancing on stage [031] undated

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and man dancing on stage [032] undated

Box 16:2

Ruth Beckford posing in dance leotard [034] 1955-03-23

Box 16:2

Ruth Beckford in dance leotard balancing on one knee [038] 1952 [?]

Box 16:2

Barbara Clark, Mary Berry, and May Otis Jackson dancing [039] 1950

Box 16:2

Ruth Beckford dancing at DeFremery Recreation Center [040] 1952-06

Box 16:2

Adult modern dance class at Mosswood Park, Oakland, California [041] 1959

Box 16:2

Gloria Miller, Suzanne Angle, and Gloria Pezzalo modern dance concert at Oakland Auditorium Theater [042 A-B] 1955

Box 16:2

Jim Sartan, Ruth Beckford, and Deeley Stouner performing "Retrospect" DeFremery Recreation Center [043] 1951

Box 16:2

Four girls in Ruth Beckford dance class participating in first concert at New Century Recreation Center [044] 1947-11-23

Box 16:2

Two girls pulling arms of young man in straw hat on stage performing "The Country Boy Comes to the City," Oakland Auditorium [046] 1955

Box 16:2

Two girls and young man in straw hat performing of "The Country Boy Comes to the City," Oakland Auditorium [047] 1955

Box 16:2

Dancers at DeFremery Recreation Center (left-right): Leo Goudeau, James Green, Dorothy Johnson, Barbara Williams, Mary Berry [048] 1952-06

Box 16:2

Class pose, Joint boys and girls dance class, DeFremery Recreation Center [049] 1952-06

Box 16:2

Ruth Beckford and Elendar Barnes Harrison [?] at Laney College [050] 1971-02

Box 16:3

Ruth Beckford dancing in Haitian dress at Roberts Regional Parks [054 A-G] 1961

Box 16:3

Unindentified man dancing on stage [059] undated

Box 16:3

Men and woman dancing on stage with two man playing drums [060] undated

Box 16:3

Dr. Joel Lewis' Dance of Mating African Suite at San Francisco Marines Memorial Theater [061] 1958

Box 16:3

Last performing of Bamboche at University of California Berkeley [062] 1961

Box 16:3

Unindentified man dancing on stage [063] undated

Box 16:3

Unindentified man dancing on stage [064] undated

Box 16:3

Two men dancing on stage [065] undated

Box 16:4

DeFremery Recreation Center dance class (left-right): Antoinette Brown, Estelle Terry. Peggy Winston, Marvel Martin [072] 1952-06

Box 16:4

Ruth Beckford in dancing pose [073] 1952

Box 16:4

Oakland Museum's Soul Vibrations Caribbean Holiday steel band Mary Smith, Ben Hazzard, Ruth Beckford and unidentified [075] 1971

Box 16:4

Ruth Beckford in dance pose [081] circa 1950s

Box 16:5

Dancers performing on stage [084] undated

Box 16:5

Dancers performing on stage [085] undated

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford at Katherine Dunham: A Biography book signing at Liberty House [086] 1979-10-27

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford and Robert Taylor dancing Banda [089 A-B] undated

Box 16:5

Dancers performing on stage [092] undated

Box 16:5

Betty Carroll dancing portrait, inscribed: 'To a wonderful teacher and wonderful person to know. I wish you success and happiness in whatever you do. I thank you for everything you have done for me. Love always Betty Carroll '56' [096] 1956

Box 17:1

Girl praying on grass as two girls stand in the background, reverse: 'Washington School "Teachers Pet" 1955 Oak Audi' [099] 1955

Box 21

Woman in skirt in dance pose [104] 1958-03

Box 17:1

Woman in skirt in dance pose [105] circa 1950s

Box 17:2

Vanoye Aikens and unidentified woman on stage at Barre House [118] undated

Box 17:2

Dance class [120] undated

Box 17:3

Dancers performing on stage [130 A-B] undated

Box 17:3

Dancers performing on stage [131] undated

Box 17:3

Ruth Beckford and Lt. Ernest Howard talking at Katherine Dunham: a biography book signing party at the Oakland Museum [132] 1979-07

Box 15

Party at Katherine Dunham's (back row): Ruth Beckford, Lynwood Morris, Tommy Gomez [134] 1954-02

Box 17:4

Ruth Beckford and three dancers in Haitian dress holding fruit trays [153] 1956

Box 17:4

Robert Taylor, Clarence Jackson and Al Jones as zombies in "Black Sorcery" [154] 1958

Box 17:4

Two girls anticipating auditions for tryouts to the junior modern dance honor society at DeFremery Recreation Center [155] 1960

Box 17:4

Stormy Weather with Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway and His Band and Katherine Dunham and her Troupe, Fats Waller, Nicholas Brothers publicity still [156] 1943

Box 17:4

Ruth Beckford in dance pose on one leg [157] undated

Box 15

Ruth Beckford, age 13, performing toe acrobatics [160 A-B] 1938

Box 15

Ruth Beckford, age 10, performing splits [161 A-B] 1935

Box 15

Ruth Beckford, age 10, performing chest stand [162 A-B] 1935

Box 18

Ruth Beckford performing on stage in last show of "African Suite" [163] 1961

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and John Lewis giving last bow at performance at University of California's Hearst Theatre [164] 1961

Box 18

John Lewis and Ruth Beckford performing on stage in last show of Remise Des Collier [165] 1961

Box 18

Ruth Beckford giving last bow in performance of "Bamboche" [166] 1961

Box 18

Ruth Beckford performing "Rite de Passage," Spokane, Washington [175] 1943-04

Box 18

Ruth Beckford performing "Rite de Passage," Spokane, Washington [176] 1943-04

Box 18

Y.W.C.A. girl reserves "Chattanooga Choo Choo" dance (left-right): Gwen, Ruth Beckford, Leona, and Lorrain [183] circa 1940s

Box 18

Y.W.C.A. girl reserves "Chattanooga Choo Choo" dance (left-right): Lorrain, Leona, Ruth Beckford, and Gwen [184] circa 1940s

Box 15

John Lewis and Ruth Beckford performing on stage in last show of Remise Des Collier [189] 1961

Box 15

Last show "Talking Drums" at University of California Berkeley (left-right): Tiger, Popeye, Kenneth, Glen [190] 1961

Box 15

Performance of "African Suite" at University of California Berkeley [191] 1961

Box 15

Clarence Perry and Ann Williams in last performance of Bamboche at University of California Berkeley [192] 1961

Box 15

Robert Taylor and Ruth Beckford in last performance of "Banda" at University of California Berkeley [193] 1961

Box 15

Robert Taylor and Ruth Beckford in last performance of "Banda" at University of California Berkeley [194] 1961

Box 18

John Lewis in last performance of Bamboche at University of California Berkeley [195] 1961

Box 15

Group of men and women clapping on stage at awards ceremony [210] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting Zak and Naomi Diouf the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [211] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting Ronn Guidi the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [212] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting Zak and Naomi Diouf the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [213] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Two unidentified women speaking at podium at award ceremony [214] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and unidentified man speaking at podium at awards ceremony [215] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Two men holding plaque at awards ceremony [216] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting plaque to unidentified man at awards ceremony [217] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Man speaking at awards ceremony [218] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting [-] Vaughn the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [219] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Unidentified woman speaking at podium, Ruth Beckford holding award standing to the left [220] 1997-10-26

Box 15

Ruth Beckford presenting C.K. Ladzekpo the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [220] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Ruth Beckford speaking at podium at awards ceremony [222 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Ruth Beckford posing at awards ceremony [223 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Group photograph of honorees at awards ceremony [224 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Group photograph of honorees at awards ceremony [225] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Ruth Beckford holding bouquet of flowers at award ceremony [226 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Tarika playing cello on stage at awards ceremony [227 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Unidentified woman speaking at podium, Ruth Beckford holding award standing to the left [228 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Ruth Beckford presenting [-] Vaughn the Ruth Beckford Award to Extraordinary People in the Field of Dance [229 A-B] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Ruth Beckford speaking at podium at awards ceremony [230] 1997-10-26

Box 18

Walter Chatman and Ruth Beckford seated at awards ceremony [231] 1997-10-26

Box 15

DeFremery Recreation Center staff holiday card [233] circa 1950s

Box 15

DeFremery Recreation Center staff holiday card [234] circa 1950s

Box 15

DeFremery Recreation Center staff holiday card [235] circa 1950s

Box 15

DeFremery Recreation Center staff holiday card [236] 1955

Box 17:6

Al Jones, Zach Thompson, and Clarence Jackson in Combite [256] circa 1960s

Box 17:6

Thamar Wherit, Ruth Beckford, Antionette Brown in Black Sorcery [257] circa 1960s

Box 17:6

Ruth Beckford in various dance poses [258] circa 1950s

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [259] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [260] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [261] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [262] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [263] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [264] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [265] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [266] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [267] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [268] 1955

Box 18

Ruth Beckford leading dance class at Berkeley Community Church Studio [269] 1955

Box 18

Dancers performing on stage in production of African Suite at Marines Memorial Theater [270] 1957-10-13

Box 18

Dancers performing on stage in production of African Suite at Marines Memorial Theater [271] 1957-10-13

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [287] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [288] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [289] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [290] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [291] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [292] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [293] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [294] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [295] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [296] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [297] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [298] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [299] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [300] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [301] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [302] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [303] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [304] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [305] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [306] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [307] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [308] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [309] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [310] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [311] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [312] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [313] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [314] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [315] 1960

Box 15

Ruth Beckford performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [316] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [317] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [318] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [319] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [320] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [321] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [322] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [323] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [324] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [325] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [326] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [327] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [328] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [329] 1960

Box 15

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [330] 1960

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and Robert Taylor performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [331] 1960

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and Robert Taylor performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [332] 1960

Box 19

Debra Brooks and Elendar Barnes dancing on stage, M.A. thesis, Berkeley High School [426] 1970-06

Box 19

Debra Brooks and Elendar Barnes dancing on stage, M.A. thesis, Berkeley High School [427] 1970-06

Box 19

Debra Brooks and Elendar Barnes dancing on stage, M.A. thesis, Berkeley High School [428] 1970-06

Box 19

Shirley Brown standing in dance pose in backyard, reverse: '1965 Shirley Brown primitive' [431] 1965

Box 19

Portrait of woman, caption: 'To Miss Beckford, Love Mabel' reverse: 'To my dancing teacher, who means a lot to me and tops in my book.' [434] circa 1960s

Box 19

Portrait of woman, caption: 'To Miss Bee, Love, Gaby [?]' [435] 1960-06

Box 19

Albirda Rose, Cleo Parker, Ruth Beckford, Lucile Ellis, and Tommy Gomes at St. Louis workshop [442] 1993

Box 19

Albirda Rose, Cleo Parker, Ruth Beckford, Lucile Ellis, and Tommy Gomes at St. Louis workshop [443] 1993

Box 19

Cleo Parker, Ruth Beckford, Lucile Ellis, and Tommy Gomes at St. Louis workshop [444] 1993

Box 19

Lucile Ellis and Tommy Gomes at St. Louis workshop [445] 1993

Box 19

Lucile Ellis, Ricardo [-], and Tommy Gomes at St. Louis workshop [446] 1993

Box 19

Robert Taylor and Ruth Beckford dancing on stage at University of California Berkeley [472] 1961

Box 19

Three drummers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [473] 1961

Box 19

Three drummers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [474] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [475] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [476] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford dancing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [477] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [478] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [479] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [480] 1961

Box 19

Dancer jumping and touching toes on stage at the University of California Berkeley [481] 1961

Box 19

Dancer lifting female dancer in air on stage at the University of California Berkeley, reverse: 'Bamboche' [482] 1961

Box 19

Dancer jumping on stage at the University of California Berkeley [483] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [484] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [485] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [486] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [487] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [488] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [489] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and dancer performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [490] 1961

Box 19

Ruth Beckford jumping on stage at the University of California Berkeley [491] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [492] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [493] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [494] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [495] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [496] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [497] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [498] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [499] 1961

Box 19

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [500] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [501] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [502] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [503] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [504] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [505] 1961

Box 22

Dancer performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [506] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [507] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [508] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [509] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [510] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [511] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [512] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [513] 1961

Box 22

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [514] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [515] 1961

Box 22

Ruth Beckford and dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [516] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [517] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [518] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [519] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [520] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [521] 1961

Box 22

Dancers performing on stage at the University of California Berkeley [522] 1961

Box 21

John Lewis and Ruth Beckford performing "African Suite" on stage at the University of California Berkeley [524] 1961

Box 21

Lionel Samuels, Kenneth Brooks, and Ted Swisher playing bongo drums [525] 1959

Box 21

Betty Carroll, Zack Thompson, and Ann 'Tweed' Williams in Bel Aire [526] 1959

Box 21

Oakland Museum's Soul Vibrations II (left-right): Clifford Perry, Bradford Perry, Glen Perry, Santiago Herrera (standing in back) [527] 1972

Box OM20

Ruth Beckford in dance pose, Lao Ezulee solo [540] 1957

Box OM20

Ruth Beckford and Clarence Jackson, Retro Sacrifice (live chicken) [541] circa 1957

Box OM20

Ann Williams, Toni [?] Brown, Ruth Beckford, Betty Carroll in "Combite" Part two women's dance [541] circa 1957

 

Theater / Acting

Box 18

Ruth Beckford and man and woman standing with luggage [013] 1989-02

Box 15

Man and woman loading van, Ruth Beckford standing to the right [014] 1989-02

Box 15

Ruth Beckford dancing next to van [015] 1989-02

Box 18

Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame awards at Paramount Theater (left-right): Ruth Beckford dressed as Edith Head in Raisin in the Sun, Bernard Johnson (designer) and unidentified woman [019] 1977

Box 15

Cultural and Ethnic Affairs movie premier Let's Do It Again at Theater 70 (left-right): Dr. Godbold, Mrs. Godbold, Ruth Beckford, Bee Bee [023] 1975-10-14

Box 15

Ruth Beckford holding screenplay talking with director [026] 1974-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford receiving hair and makeup for KCET's Circles [027 A-B] 1975-03

Box 16:2

Asia McFarlane and Christopher Bell-James in 'Tis the Morning of My Life [036] 1984-08

Box 16:2

Billy Hutton as Ken and Ruth Beckford as Roxie in 'Tis the Morning of My Life [051 A-C] 1984

Box 16:3

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members Margarette Robinson as 'Dottie', Melvin Thompson as 'Wayne Jr.', and Ruth Beckford as 'Roxie' [052 A-M] circa 1980s

Box 16:3

Harry Belafonte and Ruth Beckford [055] 1979-03-24

Box 16:3

Harry Belafonte and Ruth Beckford singing [056] 1979-03-24

Box 16:3

Harry Belafonte and Ruth Beckford talking [057] 1979-03-24

Box 16:3

Ruth Beckford at the University of California Berkeley during interview for Belva Davis' "All Together Now" [058] 1976-05

Box 16:3

Billy Hutton as Ken and Ruth Beckford as Roxie [066 A-F] undated

Box 16:4

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members (left-right): Ruth Beckford as 'Roxie', Thompson as 'Wayne Jr.', and Margarette Robinson as 'Dottie' [067 A-F] undated

Box 16:4

'Tis the Morning of My Life contact sheet, Margerette Robinson, Jamillah, and Ruth Beckford in front of Oakland Museum [34 images][068] circa 1980s

Box 16:4

Portraits of Ruth Beckford [070] circa 1980s

Box 16:4

Billy Hutton and Ruth Beckford in 'Tis the Morning of My Life [071] 1989-02

Box 16:4

On set of Sister Act II, Nob Hill School, San Francisco, California (left-right): John [-], Ruth Beckford, Ron Stacker Thompson, Bill Duke, Whoopie Goldberg [074] 1993-06-23

Box 16:4

Portrait of Ruth Beckford, Black Theatre Alliance [076] 1979-01-18

Box 16:4

Ruth Beckford in Oakland Ensemble Theater's "The Good Doctor" [078] circa 1970s

Box 16:4

Ruth Beckford smiling at casting party for Oakland Ensemble Theater's "The Good Doctor" [079] circa 1970s

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford Essence Magazine portrait and Oakland Ensemble Theater's Native Son publicity still [088 A-B] 1977, 1988

Box 16:5

Dennis Hopper and Ruth Beckford talking, reverse: 'Anna Halprin's mother's place, Redwood estate at pool' [091] circa 1970s

Box 16:5

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members (left-right): Margarette Robinson as 'Dottie', Melvin Thompson as 'Wayne Jr.', and Ruth Beckford as 'Roxie' [093] circa 1980s

Box 17:1

Oakland Ensemble Theater's Native Son cast (left-right): Melvin Thompson, Ruth Beckford, and Marie Bryant [101] 1977-06-07

Box 17:1

Charlie L. Russell, Oakland Ensemble Theater's Ten Little Indians [102] 1977-02-11

Box 17:3

San Francisco Examiner article, " Albee's 'Bessie Smith' well done [133 A-B] 1974-06-18

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford in character [contact sheet, 12 images][142] circa 1970s

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford in character [contact sheet, 12 images][143] circa 1970s

Box 17:4

Portrait of boy and girl [contact sheet 34 images][146] undated

Box 17:4

Portrait of Ruth Beckford and unidentified man and women [contact sheet 34 images][147] undated

Box 17:4

Portrait of boy and girl [contact sheet 20 images][148] undated

Box 17:4

Portraits of Billy Hutton as Ken and Ruth Beckford as Roxie in 'Tis the Morning of My Life [contact sheet 11 images] undated

Box 17:4

Ruth Beckford and Ann attending Daria Halprin and Dennis Hopper's wedding [150] 1972-05-14

Box 18

Olivia Cole and Ruth Beckford casting Stockton bus on ferry in "The Sky is Gray" [196] 1979-10-13

Box 18

Ruth Beckford in costume standing next to organ on set of "The Boy the Painted Christ Black" Dallas, Texas [203] 1995-06-22

Box 15

America's Dream HBO premier at Geoffrey's (left-right): Geoffrey Pete, Ruth Beckford, Ron Stacker Thompson [204] 1996-02

Box 15

Walter Chatman and Ruth Beckford attending premier of HBO's America's Dream [205] 1996-02

Box 15

Group photograph at premier of HBO's America's Dream [206] 1996-02

Box 15

Ron Stacker Thompson, Ruth Beckford and unidentified woman attending premier of HBO's America's Dream [206] 1996-02

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and unidentified woman attending premier of HBO's America's Dream [208] 1996-02

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and Ron Stacker Thompson speaking at podium at premier of HBO's America's Dream [209] 1996-02

Box 17:5

Billy Hutton as Ken in 'Tis the Morning of My Life [237] circa 1980s

Box 17:5

'Tis the Morning of My Life Part II cast members Ruth Beckford, Jamillah, and Margarette Robinson [238] 1987-07-31

Box 17:5

Ten Little Indians press luncheon (left-right): Ron, Charlie Russell, Ruth Beckford [239] 1977-02

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford as Miss Emily Caroline Brent in Ten Little Indians [240] 1977

Box 17:5

Director Charlie L. Russell sitting on stage [241] 1977-02

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford in scene from The Good Doctor [242] 1976-06

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford in scene from The Good Doctor [243] 1976-06

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford, John Harris, and Joyce Payton starring in Cotton Club Review [244] 1975

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford and John Harris starring in Cotton Club Review [245] 1975

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford publicity still for Brebner's Agency [246] 1975-08-30

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford publicity still [247] 1975-08

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford and cast performing "The Story" in To Be Young, Gifted, and Black at Frick Junior High School [248] 1975-02

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford performing "The Story" in To Be Young, Gifted, and Black at Frick Junior High School[249] 1975-02

Box 17:5

Ruth Beckford performing "People on back porches" in To Be Young, Gifted, and Black at Frick Junior High School[250] 1975-02

Box 17:5

Vice principal, Ron Stacker Thompson, and Ruth Beckford talking at performance of To Be Young, Gifted, and Black at Frick Junior High School [251] 1975-02

Box 17:6

Paul Crissy and Ruth Beckford in closing scene of To Be Young, Gifted, and Black [252] 1974-12

Box 17:6

Ruth Beckford performing on stage [253] circa 1970s

Box 17:6

Ruth Beckford and cast performing in A Raisin in the Sun [254] 1974-12

Box 17:6

Rhonda White, Ruth Beckford, and John Harris performing in A Raisin in the Sun [255] 1974-12

Box 18

Thomasina Reed presenting roses to Ruth Beckford on opening night of The Death of Bessie Smith [272] 1974-06

Box 18

Thomasina Reed presenting roses to Ruth Beckford on opening night of The Death of Bessie Smith, reverse: "cousin Avis in back Happy ending in my 1st opening' [273] 1974-06

Box 18

Arlene Slaughter, Susan Montock and Ruth Beckford on opening night of The Death of Bessie Smith [274] 1974-06

Box 18

Ruth Beckford and Clint Eastwood on set of movie The Enforcer, caption: 'Clint Eastwood "The Enforcer" I was a liquor store hostage (silent bit)' [275] 1976-07

Box 18

Ruth Beckford and Clint Eastwood on set of movie The Enforcer [276] 1976-07

Box 18

Ruth Beckford on set of Clorox commercial at Parkview Launderette 1778 Haight St. San Francisco, California [277] 1977-09-07

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and director Ron Stacker Thompson in rehearsal, caption: 'rehearsal - learning how to top' [278] circa 1970s

Box 15

Happy Ending "Cheers to the Harrisons (left-right): Precious DeWitt as Vi, Charles Cooper as Junie, Chuck Fields as Arthur, and Ruth Beckford as Elle [279] 1974-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and Barry Austin talking [280] 1974-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford in Happy Ending "Elle, Where's My Brown Suit?" [281] 1974-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford, caption: "Wow, I finally got all my lines" [282] circa 1970s

Box 15

Ruth Beckford acting on stage [283] 1974

Box 15

Ruth Beckford as Mother Henry in Blues for Charlie [284] 1975-10

Box 15

Ruth Beckford as Mother Henry in Blues for Charlie [285] 1975-10

Box 15

Ruth Beckford as Mother Henry in Blues for Charlie [286 A-B] 1975-10

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life's Billy Moore and Rhonda shopping at Acorn Supermarket [335] 1987

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life's Scott Kuoe and Billy Moore shopping at Acorn Supermarket [336] 1987

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life's Ron Stacker Thompson shopping at Acorn Supermarket [337] 1987

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life's Wendy Hershey and daughter shopping at Acorn Supermarket [338] 1987

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life's Billy Moore, Ruth Beckford, and Ron Stacker Thompson shopping at Acorn Supermarket [339] 1987

Box 18

Ron Stacker Thompson reading letter [340] 1988-07

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life Part III cast members Billy Hutton and Melvin Thompson in dressing room at Mills College [341] 1988-07

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life Part III cast members Jamillah Gallman and Margarette Robinson in dressing room at Mills College [342] 1988-07

Box 18

View from apartment at 65 Columbia 9G [343] 1989-01

Box 18

Exterior of house, reverse: 'Ron's mansion, Westchester, N.Y.' [344] 1989-01

Box 18

Street scene, West 123rd St. Harlem [345] circa 1980s

Box 18

Melvin Thompson, Margarette Robinson, Fino and Ruth Beckford standing next to stairwell #16, W. 123rd St. [346] 1988-12-26

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life marquee at the Henry Street Settlement Arts for Living Center [347] circa 1980s

Box 18

Exterior of New Federal Theatre [348] circa 1980s

Box 18

Front lobby bulletin board with 'Tis the Morning of My Life publicity [349] circa 1980s

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life unfinished set, New York [350] 1989-01

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life unfinished set, New York [350] 1989-01

Box 18

Dottie's unfinished art, 'Tis the Morning of My Life, New Federal Theatre, New York [351] 1989-01

Box 18

Dottie's and Ron setting up for opening reserved seats [352] circa 1989

Box 18

Low level - Dottie's, high level - Roxie's, set of 'Tis the Morning of My Life [353] circa 1989

Box 18

Roxie's sofa on set of 'Tis the Morning of My Life [354] circa 1989

Box 18

Dottie's hutch on set of 'Tis the Morning of My Life [355] circa 1989

Box 18

Unidentified woman in 'Tis the Morning of My Life dressing room, reverse: 'Dottie!' [356] circa 1989

Box 18

Two women and girl sitting in 'Tis the Morning of My Life dressing room [357] circa 1989

Box 18

Iliana in 'Tis the Morning of My Life dressing room, reverse: 'Iliana - my dresser' [358] circa 1989

Box 18

Ruth Beckford posing with two women, reverse: 'lobby on Suzette's group night' [359] circa 1989

Box 18

Group photograph of 'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members, reverse: 'closing night after show going to curtain call with Woody for diner' [360] 1989-02-12

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life Woody and Ruth Beckford [361] 1989-02-12

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life stage manager Jacquil, producer Woody and Ruth Beckford [362] 1989-02-12

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members unloading luggage at J.F.K. airport [363] 1989-02-13

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members leaving for J.F.K. airport [364] 1989-02-13

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast members leaving for J.F.K. airport [365] 1989-02-13

Box 18

Suzette Johnson and Elendar Barnes Harrison unloading luggage at J.F.K. airport [366] 1989-02-13

Box 18

Suzette Johnson and Elendar Barnes Harrison [367] 1989-02-13

Box 18

View from airplane window [368] circa 1989

Box 18

Front lobby bulletin board with 'Tis the Morning of My Life publicity [369] circa 1989

Box 18

Front lobby bulletin board with 'Tis the Morning of My Life publicity [370] circa 1989

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life [?] set [371] circa 1980s

Box 18

Two women sitting in park [372] circa 1980s

Box 18

Two girls wearing 'Tis the Morning of My Life t-shirts [373] circa 1980s

Box 18

Three women sitting at table [374] circa 1980s

Box 18

Ron Stacker Thompson holding leather bag [375] circa 1980s

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast and crew dinner [376] circa 1980s

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast and crew dinner [377] circa 1980s

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast and crew dinner [378] circa 1980s

Box 18

'Tis the Morning of My Life cast and crew dinner [?] [379] circa 1980s

Box 18

Man and woman smiling [380] circa 1980s

Box 18

Woman smiling in doorway [381] circa 1980s

Box 18

Group of women eating at table [382] circa 1980s

Box 18

Group of women eating at tables [383] circa 1980s

Box 18

Unidentified man [384] circa 1980s

Box 19

Men and women sitting in orange chairs [385] circa 1980s

Box 19

Ruth Beckford talking to man and woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [386 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [387] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [388] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [389] 1985

Box 19

Two women attending opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [390] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [391 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Ron Stacker Thompson attending opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [392 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and girl at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [393] 1985

Box 19

Ruth Beckford chatting at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [394 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [395 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [396 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater, reverse: 'Rhonda 'Tis I 85' [397 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified man at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [398] 1985

Box 19

Murray Moray [?] attending opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [399 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [400] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [401] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [402 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Ruth Beckford at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [403 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Georgia Tays attending opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [404 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Unidentified woman at opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [405] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [406] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [407 A-B] 1985

Box 19

Opening reception for 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I at Live Oak Theater [408] 1985

Box 19

Freddie Howard and Belva Davis in 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I [409] 1987

Box 19

Billy Moore standing next to camera [410] 1987

Box 19

Georgia Tays and Ron Stacker Thompson [411] 1987

Box 19

Scott [-], Sharon Martin, and Rhonda White Warner 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I [412] 1987

Box 19

Rhonda White Warner 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I [413] 1987

Box 19

Sharon Martin, makeup, 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I [414] 1987

Box 19

Rhonda White Warner and Wendy Hershey's daughter at 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part I pilot shoot at Acorn Supermarket [415] 1986

Box 19

Camera and television at Freddie Howard's home [416] 1987

Box 19

Ruth Beckford standing in front of RV, reverse: 'Safeway National San Ramon Oct. 15 1985' [417] 1985-10-15

Box 19

Ruth Beckford standing in front of RV, reverse: 'Safeway National San Ramon Oct. 15 1985' [418] 1985-10-15

Box 19

Ruth Beckford on set of "The Principal" caption: 'Hell's Angels Cisco/AD, Tia/ Black teen actor "The Principle" reverse: 'Balucci - his secretary, Gosset, Dawn Chawn' [419] circa 1980s

Box 19

Ruth Beckford and Olivia Cole in bus scene of "Sky is Gray," Stockton, California [420] 1979-08

Box 19

Ruth Beckford in front of building, reverse: 'Free spirit 'Maxie' Librarian SF Oct 84' [421] 1984-10

Box 19

Gift Harris, Ruth Beckford, and Yule Caise on set of "Up and Coming" television series [422] 1980-04-20

Box 19

Ruth Beckford on set of "Up and Coming" television series [423] 1980-01

Box 19

Ruth Beckford performing as "Roxie" in production of 'Tis the Morning of My Life Part III at Mills College' Lisser Hall [424] 1988

Box 19

Ruth Beckford, Gamy Taylor, and daughter at "Up and Coming" television series rehearsal [440] 1980-04

Box 19

Gamy Taylor, Ruth Beckford, and Robert DoQui on set of "Up and Coming" television series [441] 1980-01

Box 19

Exterior of Henry Street Settlement Playhouse [447] 1989-02

Box 19

'Tis the Morning of My Life set [448] 1989-02

Box 19

'Tis the Morning of My Life set [449] 1989-02

Box 19

KRON reporter Belva Davis and Bill [-] [450] 1986-02

Box 19

KRON reporter Belva Davis and Bill [-] [451] 1986-02

Box 19

KRON reporter Belva Davis [452] 1986-02

Box 19

Extras Artis Dawson, unidentified man, and Keishia Holt [453] 1986-02

Box 19

Unidentified woman [454] 1986-02

Box 19

Unidentified woman, reverse: 'Freddie's house' [455] 1986-02

Box 19

Scott [-] - sound, Georgia Tays -lights and assist sound [456] 1986-02

Box 19

Extra Janet Buffington [457] 1986-02

Box 19

Three women sitting at table, reverse: '2 go-fers & Roe' [458] 1986-02

Box 19

Producer Wendy Hershey and Belva's friend still cameraman [459] 1986-02

Box 19

Julia Hare, Leona Harris, Adilah Barnes, and Henrietta Green circle meeting at Marquette Robinson''s house [460] 1986-02

Box 19

Julia Hare, Leona Harris, Adilah Barnes, and Henrietta Green circle meeting at Marquette Robinson''s house [461] 1986-02

Box 19

Julia Hare, Leona Harris, Adilah Barnes, and Henrietta Green circle meeting at Marquette Robinson''s house [462] 1986-02

Box 19

Julia Hare, Leona Harris, Adilah Barnes, and Henrietta Green circle meeting at Marquette Robinson''s house [463] 1986-02

Box 19

Leona Harris, Adilah Barnes, Henrietta Green, and Ruth Beckford circle meeting at Marquette Robinson''s house [465] 1986-02

Box 19

Two unidentified women [466] 1986-02

Box 19

Two women and man sitting in chairs [467] 1986-02

Box 19

Man playing piano [468] 1986-02

Box 19

Ruth Beckford, Lou Gossett Jr., and unidentified woman on set of "The Principal" [469] 1987-02

Box 19

Dock-O-Bay, Rhonda, Baby, waiter [470] 1986-02

Box 19

Unidentified man reading book [471] 1986-02

Box 20:11

Danny Glover speaking to Ruth Beckford [534] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Ruth Beckford talking [535] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Ruth Beckford and unidentified woman smiling [536] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Danny Glover and Ruth Beckford [537] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Danny Glover [538] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Danny Glover and Ruth Beckford talking [539] 1989-03

Box 20:11

Negatives, photographs #27 [includes five additional negatives of Ruth Beckford in hair and makeup] undated

Box 20:11

Negatives, photographs #372-379 circa 1980s

Box 20:11

Negatives, photographs #386-408 circa 1980s

Box 20:11

Negatives, photographs #450-468 circa 1980s

Box 20:11

Negatives, photographs #160-162 undated

Box 20:11

Negative portrait of Ruth Beckford circa 1970s

 

Katherine Dunham

Box 18

Katherine Dunham at East St. Louis Museum [016] 1969-11

Box 17:1

Katherine Dunham [098] circa 1970s

Box 17:1

Lucille Ellis and Katherine Dunham performing at Barre House [?] [106] 1955

Box 17:1

Ricardo Avalos and Katherine Dunham in "Lady with the Cigar" from "Tropics and Le Jazz Hot: From Haiti to Harlem", Amsterdam [107] 1955

Box 17:1

Katherine Dunham posing in ball gown and fan [108] undated

Box 17:1

Portrait of Katherine Dunham [109] undated

Box 17:1

Katherine Dunham reclining in Sara Bernhardt dressing room Acaraje [110] 1960

Box 17:1

Katherine Dunham dancing Ciros' [111] 1955

Box 17:1

Batucada, Vanoye Aikens and Katherine Dunham, Paris, France [112] 1950

Box 17:1

Katherine Dunham posing in fishnet stocking [113] undated

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham sitting on stool [114] undated

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham posing in fishnet stocking [115] undated

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and dancers performing L'Ag'Ya [116] 1936

Box 17:2

Stroboscopic of L'Ag'Ya [117] 1943

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and Ava Gardner dancing on set of The Bible: In the Beginning [119] 1964

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and University of Chicago chancellor Rendelman at Distinguished Service Award ceremony [121] 1969

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and two Haitian friends conducting research [122] undated

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and President Leopold Senghor of Senegal [123] 1962

Box 17:2

Ruth Beckford assisting Katherine Dunham in her role as visiting professor in the Afro-American Studies Department of the University of California Berkeley [124] 1976-05

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham in goat cart [125] undated

Box 17:2

Portrait of Katherine Dunham and brother Albert Jr. [126] undated

Box 17:2

Katherine Dunham and John Pratt [127] 1939

Box 17:2

Marie-Christine Dunham sitting on porch [128] circa 1970s

Box 17:3

Katherine Dunham, John Pratt, and Marie-Christine Dunham [129] 1974

Box 17:4

Vanoye Aikens and Katherine Dunham performing Acaraje in Hollywood [152] 1955

Box 18

Katherine Dunham giving seminar at Yerba Buena Cultural Center in San Francisco, California [168] 1994-11

Box 18

Katherine Dunham giving seminar at Yerba Buena Cultural Center in San Francisco, California [169] 1994-11

Box 18

Katherine Dunham lying in bed at hotel [170] 1994-11

Box 18

Katherine Dunham giving seminar at Yerba Buena Cultural Center in San Francisco, California [171] 1994-11

Box 18

Katherine Dunham giving seminar at Yerba Buena Cultural Center in San Francisco, California [172] 1994-11

Box 18

Katherine Dunham giving seminar at Yerba Buena Cultural Center in San Francisco, California [173] 1994-11

Box 19

Katherine Dunham signing book for Lt. governor of Illinois Paul Simon at East St. Louis Museum [436] 1969-11

Box 19

Senegalese drummer Ural Wilson performing at East St. Louis Museum [437] 1969-11

Box 19

Lt. governor of Illinois Paul Simon speaking with woman at East St. Louis Museum [438] 1969-11

Box 19

Katherine Dunham speaking with Lt. governor of Illinois Paul Simon at East St. Louis Museum [439] 1969-11

 

Assorted

Box 18

Portrait of unidentified man in houndstooth coat and hat [003] undated

Box 18

Portrait of unidentified man in suit [004] 1962-03

Box 18

Ruth Beckford standing in food stamp line at 'Victory Hotel' [017] 1980-01-22

Box 15

Ruth Beckford sitting on sofa [021] 1975-05

Box 15

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [022] 1975-05

Box 15

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [024] circa 1970s

Box 15

Barry Austin and Ruth Beckford talking [025] 1974-06

Box 15

Portrait of unidentified man holding pipe [035] 1943-04-09

Box 16:2

Portrait of Margarette Robinson [037] circa 1980s

Box 16:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [053] circa 1990s

Box 15

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [069] circa 1980s

Box 16:4

Bongo drummer publicity still, inscribed: 'Miss B love thanks for everything Al Harvie [?]' [077] 1964

Box 16:4

Josh Rose installation party (Left-right, first row): Velma Davis, Edna Dodson, Nadine Willis, Cleodel Johnson, Ramona Mapels, Nell Wilson, Arjere Johnson, Ruth Beckford, Jane Gaines (left-right, second row): LaVeda Scott, Dora Lee Petty, May Reed, Jaunita Wilson, Eola Paige [080] 1958

Box 16:4

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [082] circa 1980s

Box 16:5

Derek L. Thompson's The Young and the Restless publicity still, inscribed: 'To Miss B. best of luck Derek'[083] circa 1980s

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford and Jacqueline Butler Hairston [087] 1979

Box 16:5

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [090] undated

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford sitting on sofa [094] circa 1980s

Box 16:5

Nun in habit and 'Pray for Sex' button sipping beer with man [095] 1971-10-30

Box 16:5

Ruth Beckford portraits [097] undated

Box 17:1

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [100] circa 1944

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 25 images][135] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 31 images][136] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 18 images][137] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 30 images][138] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 14 images][139] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford sitting in chair [contact sheet, 17 images][140] 1987-05

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [contact sheet, 12 images][141] circa 1980s

Box 17:3

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [contact sheet, 11 images][144] circa 1970s

Box 17:4

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [contact sheet, 32 mages][145] undated

Box 17:4

Ruth Beckford and Stokely Carmichael attending Free Huey Newton rally at Oakland Courthouse [151] 1968-08

Box 15

Ruth Beckford speaking at 25th anniversary ceremony for the Berkeley Oakland Support Services at Scottish Rite Temple [167] 1996

Box 15

Ruth Beckford serenade on stage at 70th birthday party celebration [174] 1995-12-07

Box 15

Ruth Beckford attending luncheon for Clarence and Robert, Kincaids Jack London Square [177] 1996-12

Box 15

Ruth Beckford posing in cheetah printed overcoat [178] 1995-12

Box 15

Ruth Beckford working at desk [179] 1995-10

Box 15

Stained glass window made by Ruth Beckford [186] circa 1990s

Box 15

Ruth Beckford's 70th birthday party at Georffreys (left-right): Altha Kennedy, Naima Lewis, Rosemary Kennedy, Elendar Barnes Harrison [187] 1996-12-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford serenade on stage at 70th birthday party celebration [188] 1995-12-07

Box 15

Gwen Austin and Ruth Beckford posing at 70th birthday celebration at Geoffreys [197] 1996-12-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford at 70th birthday celebration at Geoffreys [198] 1996-12-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford speaking at 70th birthday celebration at Geoffreys [199] 1996-12-06

Box 15

Ruth Beckford serenade on stage at 70th birthday party celebration [200] 1995-12-07

Box 15

Ruth Beckford receiving a standing ovation at 70th birthday party celebration [201] 1995-12-07

Box 15

Ruth Beckford standing in front of airbrush backdrop of Bay Bridge [202] circa 1990s

Box 18

Mirror and bureau [232] circa 1990s

Box 15

Ruth Beckford and Cecelia Hurwich talking at 70th birthday party [333] 1991-01

Box 15

Man sitting in chair, inscribed: 'To Ruth, who will always be very special to me. Love, Clay and Robert Kincaids' [334] 1996-12

Box 15

Ruth Beckford speaking to the Private Industry Council's Women in Skilled Trades graduation at EBMUD board room [334] 1995-06

Box 19

Ruth Beckford sitting at desk with foot in cast talking on telephone [425] circa 1970s

Box 19

Portrait of unidentified man [429] circa 1940s

Box 19

Man and woman walking on street, reverse: 'Dear Ruth, Here is one of those pictures they take on the street. It is not very good, but you get the idea. Love, Margie' [430] circa 1940s

Box 19

Group photograph of women standing around buffet table [433] circa 1950s

Box 21

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [523] circa 1950s

Box 21

Young boy on the ferry to Gorée Dakar, Senegal [528] 1973

Box 21

Woman stirring pot, gewel naming ceremony Kaolack, Senegal [529] 1973-12

Box 21

Woman dancing at Independence Day celebration Banjul, The Gambia [530] 1974-02

Box 21

Griot and kora Banjul, The Gambia [531] 1974-02

Box 21

Tapping for palm wine near Rufisque, Senegal [532] 1973-11

Box 21

Young Malinké dancer Banjul, The Gambia [533] 1961

Box 21

Portrait of Ruth Beckford [103] circa 1990s

Box 20:11

Group photograph of Ruth Beckford and group of men and women [contact sheet, six images with negatives][104] circa 1990s

 

Oral history cassette tapes

Physical Description: 23 cassette tapes + 7 microcassette tapes

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes 18 oral history interviews conducted by Ruth Beckford with longtime African American residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also included are archivist interviews with Beckford describing her archival collection donated to the Center for Afro-American History and Life.

Arrangement

Arranged by interviewee.
Box 14

Interview with Tom W. Anderson, Dining Car Cooks' and Waiters' Union Local 456 1972-01

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 37 (min):44 (s)
Material Specific Details:

Description

Arrival in Oakland in 1907 [00:01]; Social conditions and employment of African Americans in Oakland [00:24]; Jobs for African Americans in San Francisco [02:58]; San Francisco Strike of 1917 [03:30]; Working for Pacific Mail Company [05:20]; Joining the Dining Car Cooks' and Waiters' Union in 1936 [06:18]; Anderson’s affiliations with labor and housing organizations [07:50]; Lifetime membership in the NAACP [09:20]; Disadvantages African Americans faced in Oakland [09:54]; Getting the first African American, June Riley, and Chinese employee hired at hamburger restaurant and D’Arcy Cafe [10:20]; Advocating for African American cooks and waiters to be hired for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition [11:09]; African American housing in Oakland [11:40]; Tom Anderson Terrace Housing Complex at 421 E. 18th St. Oakland, California [13:00]; Secretary-treasurer of Dining Car Cooks' and Waiters' Union [14:33]; Retired employees in union [15:45]; Meeting with national union representatives [17:10]; New trains [18:10]; Decline of cooks and waiters on railroad trains [18:57]; African American businesses in Oakland [23:30]; Sprigs Restaurant and Sim’s Restaurant [24:15]; Retired men’s dinner at Spenger’s [25:25]; Donating to the NAACP [26:38]; Mayor Houlihan asks Anderson to join State Federation of Labor and Oakland Housing Authority [28:24]; Judge R.L. Harris trophy [33:55]; Labor Day parade in Oakland [35:48]
Box 14

Interview with M. Robinson Baker, Oakland Y.M.C.A. director 1972

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 41 (min):19 (s)

Description

Introduction [00:00]; First acquaintance with Y.M.C.A. in the 1920s [00:25]; Y.M.C.A. moved from Market St. to 8th and Filbert St. / Linden St. [01:21]; Hiring first full-time director Richard Smith [02:20]; Joining Y.M.C.A. staff in 1937 as part of federal program [03:05]; Y.M.C.A. programs and participants [06:29]; Richard Smith [09:25]; Hardship among African Americans during the Great Depression [10:30]; Y.M.C.A programs during the Great Depression [11:35]; Facing job discrimination as an African American [13:05]; Having to get permission to take children swimming [14:50]; Central Division and North Oakland branches of Oakland Y.M.C.A [16:52]; North Oakland Y.M.C.A. sport programs [18:23]; Hi-Wi [?] Club of Y.M.C.A. [19:20]; Attempt to fire him [21:18]; Relationship with parents of Y.M.C.A. participants [23:17]; Left Y.M.C.A. in 1939 [25:29]; Hiring of Joshua Rose as his replacement [27:17]; Jobs as social worker and insurance salesman [27:56]; Joshua Rose and Pete Taylor [27:37]; Lionel Wilson participation with Y.M.C.A. [30:30]; Budget cuts [31:27]; Serving on Y.M.C.A. Board of Managers [32:26]; Guidance to young African Americans [36:35]
Box 14

Interview with Cora Fowler Beckford, mother of Ruth Beckford circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 14 (min):29 (s)

Description

Introduction [00:00]; Residence in Los Angeles, California [00:33]; Father’s employment as Baptist missionary minister in Los Angeles, California [01:23]; Children in family [02:35]; Jobs for African Americans in Oakland [03:03]; Meeting and courtship with Felix Beckford [04:18]; Felix Beckford working as a taxicab driver in San Francisco, California [05:00]; Salary as a taxicab driver [07:03]; Felix Beckford work as a car polisher in Oakland known as ‘Felix the Cat’ [07:50]; Beckford children [11:07]; Operating a miniature golf course in Oakland in the 1930s [11:48]
 

Interviews with Ruth Beckford

Box 14

Cassette I, Envelope L/K, discussion of God circa 1990s

Box 14

Cassette II circa 1990s

Box 14

Cassette III, Notebooks 4,5,6, Tis’ The Morning Parts 1-3 1991-07-08

Box 14

Cassette IV, acting book #1 1991-06-25

Box 14

Microcassette I, dance book #3 circa 1990s

Box 14

Microcassette II, envelope E/F circa 1990s

Box 14

Microcassette III, notebook #2 circa 1990s

Box 14

Microcassette IV, dance #3 circa 1990s

Box 14

Microcassette V, dance packet B/C 1991-05-16

Box 14

Microcassette VI, photographs box z / 5X7s circa 1990s

Box 14

Microcassette VII, Beckford I complete 1991-03-10

Box 14

Interview with Albert Butler, Early California families, Side A circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 35 (min): 53 (s)

Description

Working for Dr. T. E. Shumate’s drugstore [00:00]; Dr. T. E. Shumate hiring African Americans [02:04]; Shumate’s influence on San Francisco mayor James Rolfe [03:04]; Taking case of champagne to mayor Rolfe [03:55]; Dr. T. E. Shumate and Butler come to defense of Jewish customer harassed by police officer [05:53]; Third Baptist Church in San Francisco [09:00]; Art [11:12]; Letter from California Historical Society re: Alfred J. White [11:57]; Dr. William Whipper Purnell [15:19]; Mayme Netherland [?][16:18]; Victoria Shorey and Capt. William T. Shorey [17:25]; Mary Pleasant [24:08]; Inaudible [27:00]
Box 14

Interview with Albert Butler, Early California families, Side B circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 45 (min): 03 (s)

Description

Introduction [00:00]; Birth in Oakland, California [00:36]; Early schooling in Oakland, California [01:11]; Work for H.S. Crocker Company [01:53]; Exemption for service during World War I [02:48]; Oakland Postmaster Paul Schaffer and War Exemption Board [02:56]; Given the nickname ‘Dutch’ [04:02]; Job discrimination against African Americans in the Bay Area [04:28]; Brother’s mortuary business/Hudson’s Funeral Home [05:56]; Brother’s cancer from working with formaldehyde [08:53]; Brother’s apprenticeship with Luther Hudson [09:10]; Working for Walter G. Maddox, timetable expert [10:00]; Grandfather Alfred J. White and Butler family [17:36]; Pacific Coast Appeal newspaper [19:20]; Maddox boulevard [20:30]; Barbary Coast nightclub and Lester Matte [?][21:44]; Discrimination against African Americans in nightclubs and restaurants [23:06]; Aftermath of 1906 earthquake [24:35]; Cable cars in San Francisco [31:04]; Congo’s laundry [34:43]; Sam King and Lou Precell [?] [35:53]; Dr. William Whipper Purnell [36:16]; Dodson family [37:05]; Getting in trouble with parents for going to Barbary Coast nightclub [37:37]; Nightclubs in West Oakland [39:53]; Rashdall Mercantile Store [40:30]; Creole Café and Slim Jenkins[41:16]; Porters in West Oakland [42:06]; Todd Graham’s gambling place [42:17]; Letts and Fisher saloon [43:00]; Forcing young men into conscription during World War I [43:20]
Box 14

Interview with Urania P. Cummings, Artist and West Indian Community in San Francisco circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 38 (min): 06 (s)

Description

Birth in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands [00:00]; Move to California in 1922 [00:55]; Life in San Francisco [01:12]; West Indians in San Francisco [01:39]; Ambition to become an artist and musician [02:18]; Marriage to Mr. Cummings and children [03:17]; Social life in San Francisco [3:37]; Cosmo debutante ball and Cricket Club [04:21]; Early West Indians in San Francisco [5:25]; Mrs. LaSalle, ancestor of Mr. Lasartemay, and the Cochran family [06:45]; Pharmacist Dr. McLean [07:56]; West Indian employment in San Francisco [08:59]; Husband worked as a printer for Mr. Watson’s California Voice [09:33]; West Indian churches in San Francisco [10:20]; No discrimination against African Americans in San Francisco schools [12:05]; Living in Berkeley [14:00]; Passion for music and art [14:27]; Patch houses and art exhibit in Virgin Islands [15:57]; Memories of reciting George Pope Morris’ poem “Woodman, Spare That Tree” [17:34]; Art exhibits in Bay Area [18:40]; Subjects for artwork [20:37]; Callaloo and calabash bowls [22:12]; Returning to school [24:49]; Private exhibition of artwork [27:53]; Three generations of artists [29:30]; Social clubs in San Francisco [31:20]; Marcus Garvey Club meetings at Hamilton Hall [33:14]; Cosmo ball at Scottish Rite Hall [34:07]; Social gatherings in homes and Golden Gate Park [35:47]; Taking Parson’s Ferry to Oakland [36:30]
Box 14

Interview with E.A. Daley, Publisher of the California Voice newspaper and World War I veteran, Tape 1, Side A 1971-09-22

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 44 (min): 19 (s)

Description

Talking about recording [00:19]; Birth and family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama [00:42]; Move to Oakland in 1920s [01:49]; Courtship of wife in Pensacola, Florida [02:31]; Schooling in Atlanta, Georgia [05:50]; Lost voice and hearing during World War I [06:30]; Reason for moving to Bay Area [07:07]; Return from World War I and stops drinking coffee [07:55]; Marriage returning after the war and teaching in Florida [08:50]; Housekeeping company and start of newspaper career [11:11]; E. Marshall, previous owner of the California Voice [12:47]; Fight between Oakland Sunshine and California Voice [13:35]; Purchase of the California Voice and attending Sacramento Junior College [14:44]; Changes to newspaper after purchase and real estate business[18:26]; Offices at 2624 San Pablo Ave. and construction of new building at 814 San Pablo Ave. [18:21]; Famous African Americans in Oakland, California [20:47]; Sim’s Oakland Café in West Oakland [21:30]; Participation in the Knights of Pythias masons [23:00]; Organizing Alameda Republicans with Lester McFarlin [26:58]; Alameda County Superior Court Judge Fisher fraudulently sues African American using eminent domain to evict him from Oakland Hills [27:42]; Walter Francis White’s anti-lynching bill [30:12]; California Voice support of the NAACP [30:20]; Member of Republican Party [32:38]; Support for Byron Rumford [32:55]; Support for Edmund ‘Pat’ Brown [34:18]; Governor Goodwin Knight appointment of Judge John Wesley Bussey [35:05]; Circulation of the California Voice and selling the newspaper [40:50]; California Voice employees [42:32]; Newspaper advertising [43:58]
Box 14

Interview with E.A. Daley, Publisher of the California Voice newspaper and World War I veteran, Tape 1, Side B 1971-09-22

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 26 (min): 4 (s)

Description

Opposing [unidentified] politician in the California Voice [00:00]; Supporting Byron Rumford [01:12]; Mike Kelly [02:10]; Mr. Summers, first black clerk in recorder’s office [02:50]; Losing money not going against African Americans [03:36]; No recording [04:15-5:33]; Wife’s involvement with the California Voice [05:34]; Lewis [?] and Paul Cobb editors of newspaper [06:30]; Admiration for Walter White and Roy Wilkins [08:25]; Testimony dinner for him at Jack London Square in 1962 [08:54]; African American population in Oakland in 1922 [11:24]; Northern and Southern California branches of the NAACP [11:48]; Electing Walter Gordon NAACP president [12:43]; Electric Housekeeping business [13:08]; Working in the Oakland and Berkeley post offices [15:23]; Organized First A.M.E. Church of Oakland and Beth Eden Baptist Church men’s clubs with Jesse Ford [22:19]; Signatures for church [23:30]; Villa’s [?] restaurant and nightclub [24:50]
Box 14

Interview with E.A. Daley, Publisher of the California Voice newspaper and World War I veteran, Tape 2, Side A circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 29 (min): 22 (s)

Description

Anniversary of arrival in Bay Area [00:00]; Residences in Berkeley [01:07]; African Americans in South Berkley and North Oakland [01:21]; Reconstruction and opening of McClymond High School [02:23]; Castlemont and Oakland high schools [03:38]; Drafted and travel to England during World War I [04:38]; African American officers [08:17]; Applies to become an orderly [09:23]; 92nd Battalion [11:37]; Segregation of white and black troops under Americans but not the French [11:23]; Housing discrimination against African Americans by Italian Americans [14:00]; Blake Powell [?] [15:30]; Discrimination faced by African Americans [18:09]; African American businesses on 7th St. in Oakland [18:49]; Sweetwines’ Catering [19:16]; African American churches in Oakland and Berkeley [20:09]; Dr. G.C. [?] Coleman getting African Americans jobs [22:30]; Discrimination against African Americans in restaurants in Oakland, California; Taft, California; and Bakersfield, California [23:22]; Helping African Americans coming to Oakland [25:25]; Changes in the NAACP [26:50]; General Fouca [?] in French army [28:27]
Box 14

Interview with W.A. Deane, Universal Negro Improvement Association (U.N.I.A.) circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 6 (min): 31 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Amy Jacques Garvey [00:13]; Appeal of the U.N.I.A. [02:04]; Meeting and parade of U.N.I.A at Madison Square Garden in 1921 [02:53]; Black Cross Nurses [03:03]; Amy Jacques Garvey and two children [04:00]; Admiration for Marcus Garvey [05:17]
Box 14

Interview with William H. Golden, Scout Master, Side A 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 44 (min): 23 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Introduction [00:08]; Early life and arrival in Oakland, California in 1929 [00:25]; American Legion [01:26]; Appointed head of Boy Scout troop [03:18]; Participation of parents in Boy Scouts [03:25]; Infomart at Oakland Auditorium [04:05]; First aid and Red Cross instructor [05:00]; Red Cross and CCC [05:39]; Teaching first aid at Camp San Pablo Dam [06:02]; Camp Minnewawa in San Diego [06:28]; Spike Camp [07:15]; First time using first aid when son broke his arm [07:53]; Assistant district commissioner of Boy Scout troops [09:25]; Scouting office on 14th St. in Oakland [10:42]; Teaching scouts public health and first aid [11:43]; Phases of scouting [14:18]; Requirements for public health merit badge [14:45]; Merit badge instructor [16:50]; Age groups and phases of boy scouts [17:16]; Changes in the boy scout book [19:50]; Camping with the Boy Scouts [22:05]; Boy Scouts uniform [23:46]; Boy Scouts camps at Joaquin Miller Park, Diamond Oak Camp, and Los Mochos [?] [24:14]; Projects at Boy Scout camp [27:03]; Medical examinations [28:49]; Size of Boy Scout troops [29:12]; Boy Scout troop at North Oakland Baptist Church [31:00]; Integrated Boy Scout troops [32:18]; Cub scouts [32:53]; Pack meetings [33:54]; Beginning of Scout-O-Rama [34:23]; Describing photograph of scouting at Naval Supply Depot and coffee plant [35:52]; Wendell Henry, commissioner of North and West Oakland scouts [38:58]; Adult scouts uniform [39:45]; Describing photograph of scouts building a fire [41:14]; Arrowhead award [42:53]
Box 14

Interview with William H. Golden, Scout Master, Side B circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 10 (min): 21 (s)

Description

Leadership training meetings [00:00]; Outstanding service award [00:48]; Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver award [02:36]; Order of the Arrow award [06:55]; Royal Towns’ black scout troop at Taylor Memorial Church in 1935 [09:00]
Box 14

Interview with Bill Hinds, California Voice sports writer, Side A 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 44 (min): 21 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Beginnings in sports as a baseball and basketball player [00:12]; Naming of sports column as “Here It ‘Tis” [01:50]; Writing for California Voice and opportunity to meet sport celebrities [02:15]; Meeting Jackie Robinson [03:07]; Frank Robinson playing at McClymonds High School [03:57]; African American prize fighters in Oakland [05:14]; San Pablo Park Baseball League [08:25]; Oakland baseball players [10:21]; Pitcher Arthur ‘Kelly’ Williams [10:48]; Oakland catchers [11:36]; San Pablo Baseball League in Oakland during the Great Depression [12:13]; Thugs would get into fights at game [13:27]; Byron O’Reilly, league manager [14:00]; San Pablo Park located at corner of Russell St. and Park St. [14:41]; Tennis players Richard Dempsey and Arnold [?] Baranco [15:51]; Western States Golfing Association trophy [18:10]; Gilmore family and African American golfers [20:12]; Discrimination faced by African American golf pros at Richmond Golf Course and lawsuit [22:42]; E.F. Joseph avid golfer [23:39]; Meeting in Fresno of prominent African American golfers from Northern and Southern California [23:44]; Gambling on the golf course [25:21]; Golf tournaments [26:27]; Arthur LaRue [28:50]; Few women golfers [29:09]; Playing golf with Jimmie Lunceford and Frank [-] [30:03]; African American football players on East-West Game and Kenny Washington [31:32]; Snubbed by University of California coming out of high school [33:08]; Cactus Jack Curtis and recruiting African American football players at Stanford University [34:17]; Wally Gordon [35:51]; Football players John Molden [?] and Coleman ‘Smoke’ Francis [36:30]; Lack of African American football players at Bay Area colleges [37:28]; Invitation to play football from University of Washington [38:43]; Few opportunities for African American basketball players in 1930s, coaches preference for white players [39:18]; Basketball league and games between Alpha and Omegas at the Armory [41:20]; Basketball and football roughest sports [43:00]
Box 14

Interview with Bill Hinds, California Voice sports writer, Side B circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 13 (min): 52 (s)

Description

African Americans acceptance in track and field [00:00]; Discredited racial theories why African Americans excel in high jump event [00:42]; Exceling at sprints [01:38]; African runners competing in long distance running [02:02]; Discrimination against African Americans at Olympic Club in San Francisco [03:30]; African American athletes avoiding University of California [04:10]; African American exceling at Oakland city track meet [04:30]; Archie Williams [05:30]; Celebration for Archie Williams returning from 1936 Olympics [06:45]; Few African American jockeys in horseracing [07:52]; Ken North working with C.S. Howard’s horse Seabiscuit,[08:48]; Oscar Otis and Walter McMorris [09:42]; African American horse trainers [10:31]; African American jockey at Golden Gate Fields [12:26]; African Americans in ice hockey [12:54]
Box 14

Interview with Sophronia Johnson, San-O-Bar Club 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 27 (min): 30 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Joining the San-O-Bar Club [00:33]; Social and dancing club [01:20]; Theme of club formals [01:38]; New Year’s Breakfast Dance [02:02]; Ben Watkins and Arnold [?] Baranco performing at club dances [02:50]; Spelling and meaning of San-O-Bar [03:40]; Dances held in Oakland in Berkeley [04:44]; 300 members in club [05:22]; Club organized in 1927 by E.D. Gray [06:26]; Club’s leadership: Vivian Marsh, Fox Barrett [?], Julia [-], William Rich, Luther Hudson, Richard Moore, Ida Jackson, Eddie Jones [06:48]; Preamble of club’s constitution[07:54]; Husband Stanley Johnson president of club [08:47]; Change of officers [09:05]; President Calvin Kelly [09:28]; Executive board [09:40]; Elected secretary in 1956 [10:38]; New Year’s Breakfast Dance and Black and White Formal [12:07]; Men and women’s dress to the Black and White Formal [13:50]; Changes in dress to formal [15:01]; Original members of club [16:07]; Easter Cocktail Party [17:14]; Reads letter from Hilton hall rental manager [21:44]; Picnic at Knowland State Park [23:52]; Club leadership and committees [25:44]
Box 14

Interview with Walter Thomas Jourdan, Organizer of Miscellaneous Workers Union, Inc. circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 41 (min): 28 (s)

Description

Arrives with family in Oakland in 1913 [00:00]; Attending Prescott School [00:34]; Working as a dining car dishwasher for the Southern Pacific Railroad [01:35]; Working in express business in Alameda for Sylvester Hackett [02:05]; Wages working for Southern Pacific Railroad [03:21]; Hired on San Francisco waterfront during 1919 Strike [04:12]; Experience working as wench driver on San Francisco waterfront [05:37]; Danger traveling from docks to Ferry Building during 1919 Strike [08:52]; Travel back to New Orleans to visit father [11:21]; Job as construction laborer with father [12:06]; Marriage to visit wife Jenny Williams [12:36]; George Montgomery and Mr. Howard [12:50]; Fisherman along Chef Menteur [14:42]; Serving Huey Long [15:27]; Working for American Express Company as a horse groomer [16:16]; Family visit and convince him to move back to Oakland in 1930 [17:13]; Few jobs for African Americans in Oakland in 1930 [17:55]; Working for the WPA building Oakland Airport runway [18:35]; Building airport retaining wall in channel [20:02]; Creation of the Cooks, Waiters, Porters, and Janitors Club/Miscellaneous Workers Union, Inc. [20:42]; Union charter [22:16]; Attempts to get hired in the shipyards during World War II [24:26]; Petitioned Boilermakers Union for auxiliary charter for African Americans [24:38]; List of charter union members [25:38]; Trainee program for union members [27:12]; Criticism for seeking charter [27:52]; Only qualified mechanic Carl Laurence [?] Jackson hired as riveter [28:21]; Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California [28:54]; Fighting to get African American union members at Shipyard #2 [29:12]; African American workers willingness to learn the trades [31:50]; Miscellaneous Workers Union, Inc. workers competing with Boilermakers union members for jobs [33:29]; Miscellaneous Workers Union, Inc. workers still working in shipyards [35:00]; Bulletin of the union [36:50]; Garbage collection in Oakland during the 1910s [40:05]
Box 14

Interview with Mary C. Netherland, Early California family circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 44 (min): 48 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Introduction [00:27]; Born in house at 714 Pine St. Oakland, California [00:49]; Born on May 26, 1876 [02:48]; Living in San Francisco [03:16]; Mother sends her to Red Bluff to live with grandfather, John Scott [03:40]; Moves to Stockton, California [04:20]; Grandmother brought to Sacramento, California as a slave [04:44]; Grandmother came to California around the horn [06:15]; Grandmother would not talk about slavery [07:11]; Grandmother named mother after sister that was sold into slavery [07:15]; Kate Grasses [08:01]; Mother naming her Mary [08:20]; Grandmother in Stockton [08:40]; Schools in Stockton [10:51]; African Americans going to school [15:20]; Ms. Quivas [?], Ms. Rodgers, and Ms. Hall [15:40]; Second Baptist Church of Stockton building [17:10]; Young people gather at her grandmother’s house [18:08]; No women’s clubs [19:30]; A.M.E. Church [20:07]; Mrs. Ted Reed [?][21:17]; Father Green and A.M.E. Church [23:24]; Church ministers [24:00]; Social activities at the church [25:32]; Mrs. Quivas [?][26:30]; Return to Oakland and Mr. Netherland [27:41]; Death of Tom Grischott from tuberculosis [29:01]; Fannie Coppin Club and Fannie Wall Home [30:00]; Bought last vacant lot to build house [31:50]; real estate agent L.A. Brown [32:40]; 15th St. A.M.E. Church of Oakland [34:26]; Mrs. Hinds and home for children [37:32]; Art and Industrial Club [40:00]; Fannie Wall Home [42:01]
Box 14

Interview with Sydney James Scott, Barber circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 28 (min): 52 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Introduction [00:12]; Start as a barber in Oakland, California [00:25]; Attended Moler Barber College in Oakland in 1934-1936 [00:59]; Apprenticed and purchased barbershop [01:54]; Changes in barbers’ equipment [04:25]; Requirements to become a barber [05:49]; Cost of a haircut and shave during the 1920s-1930s [06:49]; Class preferences for shaves [08:15]; Barber poles and medical services provided by barbers [09:10]; Barbers known as ‘tonsorial artists’ [10:51]; Barber prices and Barbers’ Journal [11:57]; First black female barbers during World War II [13:21]; Golf and bowling as hobbies [14:44]; President of the California Barbers Association [16:38]; Discrimination against African American barbers by local unions [18:00]; Love of music and travel [19:27]; Cutting hair of Paul Robeson, Count Basie, and celebrities staying at the California Hotel [20:15]; Trainee shop for young black barbers [21:20]; Appointment and work on the State Board of Barber Examiners [22:00]; Hairstyles over the years [27:00]
Box 14

Interview with Willete Smith, St. Augustine Church (Oakland, California) circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 25 (min): 12 (s)

Description

Clicking noises and testing [00:00]; Creation of the St. Augustine Church of Oakland, California [00:29]; Early buildings and services [03:04]; Church fundraising bazaar [04:46]; St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church of San Francisco [06:44]; Church guilds and men’s club [09:33]; Function of the altar guild [11:10]; Fathers Wallace, Lewis Austin Baskerville, Richard Young, and Earl Neal [12:00]; Fiftieth anniversary celebration [13:25]; St. Augustine Church (Oakland, California) fiftieth anniversary memorial book [15:30]; Grandmother’s conversion to the Episcopal church [16:50]; Her work with the church guilds and Sunday school [18:46]; Reason for holding Sunday school on Saturdays [19:45]; Husband and family members involvement in St. Augustine Church [21:12]; Vestry of other churches [22:16]; Church donations in honor of family members [22:44]; Testing [24:20]
Box 14

Interview with Charles H. Tilghman, printer and owner of Tilghman Press circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 16 (min): 39 (s)

Description

Introduction [00:00]; Spelling of last name [00:24]; Start of printing business [00:39]; Arrival in Oakland in 1904 [01:00]; Learning the printing trade in the Oakland public schools [01:20]; Bridges Printing [01:50]; Original location of printing business on 13th St. and Willow St. [02:07]; No other employees initially [02:55]; Extending credit to customers [03:21]; Competition from other printers [03:52]; Advertising [04:30]; No business permits needed [05:32]; Opened business in 1913 [05:50]; Discrimination from other businesses [06:16]; School and working at same time [06:54]; Son in printing business [07:36]; Customers from San Francisco [08:02]; 1915 Directory of Negroes in Bay Area [08:36]; Mother Hettie B. Tilghman work with women’s clubs [10:32]; Mother helped him to go into printing business [11:43]; Family from San Francisco [12:38]; Learning the printing trade [13:26]; Printing Bay Area newspapers [14:01]; One of largest African American printers in California [15:32]; One of only African American union printers in California [16:08]
Box 14

Interview with Iantha H. Villa, North Oakland Baptist Church and California State Association of Colored Women’s Clubs 1972-01-07

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 29 (min): 11 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Moved from Louisiana to Oakland, marriage and buying first home [00:25]; North Oakland Baptist Church [01:12]; Pastors of North Oakland Baptist Church [01:43]; Growth of North Oakland Baptist Church [03:45]; First meeting and establishment of the North Oakland Baptist Church [04:11]; Pastors of North Oakland Church of Christ [05:59]; Church fundraising events [07:03]; Fourth of July picnics at Pinehurst [08:15]; Church mortgage burning and history book [08:57]; Sunday school and missionary society [10:47]; Easter sunrise service [11:56]; Sunday school and History Committee [12:25]; Church mortgage burning and history book [14:29]; Three generation families attending North Oakland Baptist Church [16:27]; Thank you [18:21]; Linden St. Y.W.C.A. [18:56]; Order of the Eastern Star [20:16]; Fannie Wall Home and Day Nursery [21:25]; California State Association of Colored Women’s Clubs [22:20]; National convention in San Jose [27:10]; Oakland Outdoor Garden Club [28:12]
Box 14

Interview with Bill Williams, Oakland firefighter circa 1971

Physical Description: Cassette tape
Physical Description: Run Time: 39 (min): 43 (s)

Description

Testing [00:00]; Introduction [00:09]; Born at 6th and Jefferson [00:22]; St. John’s / Augustine Church [00:52]; Joining the St. John Church [01:21]; Moved around with family and returned to Oakland [02:27]; Stream trains on 7th St. [3:16]; Worked in building at 14th and Clay as an elevator operator [03:32]; Took Oakland fire department examination in 1919 [04:56]; Firemen’s working hours [05:30]; Firefighting platoons [06:18]; Firemen’s pay [06:32]; Engine #3 at 8th and Willow St. [06:54]; Firefighter’s horses [07:13]; Firefighter’s steam pump [07:50]; Worked as fire engine driver [08:33]; First motorize fire engines [09:56]; Fire pole and alarm [10:28]; Taking a fire call [11:59]; Facing discrimination in fire department [13:04]; Working at fire engine in Chinatown [15:15]; Bath tubs and poles in old fire houses [16:20]; Fire engine #3 [16:45]; African American firemen in Oakland in the 1920s [17:25]; Three men working per shift [18:12]; Firemen and children in neighborhood [18:36]; Distributed flour sacks at fire station during Great Depression [19:21]; Fire department organization [20:20]; African American firemen wouldn’t talk about discrimination [20:58]; Fire injuries [21:47]; Firemen’s uniforms [22:17]; [23:03]; Firemen’s tools [23:58]; First large fire - church at 12th and Clay St. [24:27]; First reaction to fire [24:40]; Gas masks [25:13]; Fire hoses [25:26]; Joking among firemen and fire spectators [26:03]; Bothered by dead bodies after fires [27:52]; Fires on skid row on Webster St. [28:36]; Horse show fire [29:21]; Lt. Towns and Engine #22 and punishing firemen [30:15]; C.L. Dellums and NAACP fight to integrate the fire department [31:18]; Work day routine and supplying gas to fire engines [32:13]; Supply house [35:19]; Retirement [36:57]; Encouraging men to become firemen, prohibiting card playing [37:45]; Number of African Americans employed in Oakland Fire Department [38:55]
Box 20:7

Transcript of interview with Vivian Osborne Marsh conducted by Mary Hubbard Jones January 16-19, 1972

 

Printed material

Physical Description: 25 folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

Includes assorted newspaper clippings, programs, newsletters, ephemera, and books.

Arrangement

Arranged by format.
 

Newspaper clippings

Box 11:6

Beckford family 1953-1991

Box 11:7

Interviews 1958-1998

Box 11:8

Oakland Museum black oral history tapes 1972

Box 11:9

Assorted 1941-1991

Box 11:10

Magazine clippings 1957-1988

Box 20:5

Soul Corner featuring Ruth Beckford 1997

 

Conference programs

Box 11:11

8th annual Pacific regional ballet festival 1973

Box 11:11

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area Alpha Wives Auxiliary Alpha Phi Alpha 68th anniversary convention [two copies] 1974-08-02

Box 11:11

California Arts Council touring/presenting program 1983

Box 11:11

National Council for Black Studies 7th annual conference program 1983-04-06

Box 11:11

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPL) 11th annual conference program 1984-11-17

Box 12:3

National Educational Film Festival awards program 1985-04-27

Box 12:3

Alameda-Contra Costa County Chapter The Links, Inc., second annual awards dinner-dance program 1985-06-15

Box 12:3

San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival program 1987

Box 12:3

A salute to dance: the celebration of life 10th anniversary gala [two copies] 1987-09-12

Box 12:4

Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame 1974-1986

Box 12:5

Inspirational materials 1978-1983

 

Programs

Box 12:6

Peal Primus and her company [signed][“African dance,” by Pearl E. Primus enclosed] circa 1950s

Box 12:6

David H. McIlwraith presents by arrangement with Stephen W. Sharmat Les Ballets Africains de La Republic de Guinea circa 1966

Box 12:6

Shirley Ann Brown graduate student in the senior/graduate concert, Mills College Dance Dept. 1972-04-26

Box 12:6

Akili Denianke funeral program 1991

Box 12:6

Teenagers of the Thirties 1992

Box 12:6

Rex Theatre Nutcracker program, Classic Ballet of Haiti of Mme. Lavinia Williams undated

Box 12:6

John Cornfield Associates, Inc. in cooperation with Columbia Artists Management Inc. presents Dancers of Mali undated

Box 12:6

Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute program undated

Box 20:8

Cora Beckford funeral program 1972

Box 20:8

Ewajo Centre class schedule Fall 1984

Box 20:8

East Bay Black Women’s Political Action Committee circa 1980s

 

Journals/magazines

Box 12:7

Ambrosia in celebration of black women 1980-10

Box 12:7

Dance Scope Spring/Summer 1978

Box 12:7

The Feet 1973-01

Box 12:7

The Feet 1973-06

Box 12:7

Performing Arts 1970-10

Box 12:7

Picturesque 1952-05

 

Newsletters

Box 13:1

Oakland Artscape July/August/September [two copies] 1992

Box 13:1

Oakland Artscape calendar 1992-06

Box 13:1

Rhonda White-Warner’s Tidbits September-October 1988

Box 13:5

CitiCentre Dance Theatre newsletter 1998-01

 

Monographs

Box 13:2

Partial list of Katherine Dunham choreography undated

Box 13:2

“The vodu at the peristyle, residence LeClerc Port-au-Prince, Haiti” undated

Box 13:2

“Catalogue of existing film of and by Katherine Dunham and The Dunham Company" 1973-12

Box 13:2

“A Tuskegee Institute report: race relations in the South – 1961” 1962

Box 13:2

“Five black poets: history, consciousness, love & harshness” 1975

Box 13:2

City of Oakland, Cultural Arts Division, infokit circa 1990s

Box 13:2

“Street meeting: poetry from the offspring of former slaves,” edited by M’Wile Yaw Askari 1979

Box 13:3

Today’s Women, Inc. souvenir ad book 1994-08-27

Box 12:6

 

Artifacts

Box 13:4

Tear-shaped locket undated

Box 13:4

Fabric swatches undated

Box 13:4

Leather ‘RB’ book cover undated

Box 13:4

Youth-On-the-Move, Inc. International Educators’ Hall of Fame sash undated

Box 20:8

Canadian Pacific menu circa 1940s

Box 20:10

Assorted notes 1985 and undated

Box OM20:5

Artwork, Portrait of woman by David Hunt 1957-11

Box OM20:5

Artwork, Crayon portrait of woman carrying bowl, Robert Taylor 1996

 

Books

Box 13:7

I Kept My Promise / by M’Wile Yaw Askari 1978

Box 13:7

Something New I Kept My Promise / by M’Wile Yaw Askari 1978

Box 13:7

The Courageous Person’s Guide to Friendship / by Eleanor Curry 1985

Box 13:7

Oh Little Black Girl / by Claire Mack 1977

Box 13:7

Adventures in Instrument Making / by Martha Mastich and Gloria Sperber 1964

Box 13:7

Metamorphosis of Supernigger / by B. Rap 1973

Box 13:7

Disturbing the Peace / Danny Harris 1978

Box 20:9

A mirror: a two-part volume of poems / by Sarah Webster Fabio 1969

Box 20:9

The white elephant / Stephen Morse (ed.) 1971

Box 20:9

Down & country / Glenn Myles 1974

Box 20:9

I know where I’m going: 26 folk songs for recorder and guitar / Arranged by Laura Rosenblatt 1952

Box 20:9

Poems by Dust 1969

Box 20:9

1964 Negro History Week pamphlet / Association for the Study of Negro Life and History 1964

Box 20:1

1965 Negro History Week pamphlet / Association for the Study of Negro Life and History 1965

Box 20:1

Openings & inner workings / by Rebecca Fuller; Nancy Lyons 1981

Box 20:1

A touch of innocence / by Katherine Dunham [inscribed by author to Ruth Beckford] 1959

Box 20:2

Sapphire’s second set of soul secrets / by Carolyn Jetter Greene 1977

Box 16:1

Kaiso!: Katherine dunham an anthology of writings / Veve Clark; Margaret B. Wilkerson (eds.) 1978

Box 21

Scrapbooks [archivist’s photographs of disbound scrapbooks]