Collection Guide
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Jones Family Langston University Collection
SPC.2020.038
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Jones Family Langston University Collection
Creator:
Jones, Carold Alfonzo , 1911-
source:
Tuskegee Institute
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2020.038
Physical Description:
2 boxes
Physical Description:
.84 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1922-1935; 1953-1959; 1960; 1965; 1970-1973; 1984-1987; undated
Abstract: This collection contains mostly "The Lion" yearbooks from Langston University, as well as Jones family obituaries, and a memory
book belonging to Carold A. Jones that contains photographs of Carold and his family, friends, and high school classmates
in front of homes and other buildings, posing in front of cars and outdoors, portraits, and images taken at Langston University
including images of students in caps and gowns, and class photographs. Also included in this collection are souvenir programs
and flyers for plays such as "Oklahoma!", "Anna Lucasta", and "Lost in the Stars" as well as for events such as the 7th Annual
Cavalcade of Jazz and "An Evening with Belafonte"; issues of a few magazines; a Langston University calendar and brochure;
and an annual report and constitution from Tuskegee Institute.
Language of Material:
English
.
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
For information about citing archival material, see the
Citations for Archival Material guide, or consult the appropriate style manual.
Reuben P. Jones (1907-1988) was born in Boley, Oklahoma to Harrison Julius Jones and Daisy Sally Smith Jones. He had three
brothers: Harold and Carold, who were twins and born in 1911; and Harrison. He also had cousins, Clarence Love, Virginia Hopewell,
Mary Lee Bigelow, Louise Bratton, and William Brunner. His family moved to McAlester, OK., and lived there until Reuben was
about nine years old. They then moved to Langston, OK. Reuben attended Langston University High School, and four years of
college receiving a B.S. in science with a minor in mathematics in 1928. Reuben, along with his brother Harold, worked by
helping his parents deliver mail for Langston and Coyle Post offices; and also worked building houses, and waiting tables.
Reuben also drove the Langston University football and basketball teams to and from games; and also played the coronet and
alto horns in the band and orchestra.
Reuben was a teacher, who began his career in Oklahoma at the Perry High School for one year, and as a principal of Clearview
High School for two years before moving to Trenton, NJ. in 1932 to accept a job at Jr. High School #5. While in NJ, Reuben
took extension courses at Columbia University and obtained a Master's Degree. Reuben taught mathematics and science for over
thirty years at Trenton city schools, retiring in 1971, and was a member of the New Jersey Teachers Association. Reuben was
married to Mrs. Doshia Jones and later to Mrs. Yvonne Jones and has a son, Ray A. Jones.
Harold Alonzo Jones, nicknamed "Blue" (1911-1986) was born January 7, 1911. He went to school at Langston University receiving
an 8th grade certificate and high school diploma. In 1935, Harold received a B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts, and lived in
Langston until he was about 24 years old. In 1940 he received a diploma from National Technical Schools in Los Angeles for
Radio, T.V., and Electronics; and also received a diploma from National Radio Institute of Washington, D.C. for taking a correspondence
course. Harold owned a shoe repair shop, and taught shoe making at Boley Training School for one year prior to moving to Los
Angeles, CA. in 1936 where he worked for the Post Office as a mail clerk for a number of years. Harold retired from working
at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard as an electronic mechanic, and served time in the Armed Forces in World War II, receiving
a rank of Corporal. He was also involved in church and was a member of the First A.M.E. Church and usher on Board No. 1; as
well as a member of the 500 club at F.A.M.E. with his wife, Lora H. Jones. He was also a member of Langston University Alumni
Association, Delta Masonic Lodge No. 21, Consistory No. 26, Shriners Egyptian Temple No. 5, American Legion, and Twins Convention.
He was formerly married to E. Velma Henderson and Lavonia Collins; and married to Lora H. Jones at the time of his passing.
Carold Alfonzo Jones, nicknamed "Red" (1911-unknown) was born January 7, 1911. He was married to Selma Leona Hardy Jones (1912-1984),
a native of Oklahoma born to Mr. and Mrs. Warren James Hardy in Drummond, OK. Carold and Selma were high school sweethearts
who met at Langston University High School. Selma graduated from high school in 1930 and received a Life Certificate from
Langston University in 1932. She then started her school teaching career in a one room school house in Garfield County, and
the following year, started teaching elementary and junior high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Enid, OK. until
1943. Carold and Selma were married on November 28, 1936 and made their first home in Enid, OK. From 1943-1946 they worked
at Kaiser Shipyard in Vancouver, WA. and moved to Los Angeles, CA. in 1946. In 1947, they joined Ward A.M.E. Church and served
as ushers. They are both life members of the National and Local Langston University Alumni Association; and life members of
the Exceptional Children's Opportunity School where they also served on the board of directors.
Sources "Reuben P. Jones; taught 30 years in Trenton schools" clipping; Reuben P. Jones, Selma H. Jones, and Harold A. Jones
obituaries located in Box 1, Folder 2, Jones Family collection, SPC. 2020.038.
The Jones Family Langston University Collection (1922-1935; 1953-1959; 1960; 1965; 1970-1973; 1984-1987; undated) contains
.84 linear feet and two boxes of mostly "The Lion" Langston University yearbooks, as well as obituaries, a memory book of
poems and photographs, and a few souvenir programs, flyers, and magazine issues. The memory book contains poems presumably
written by Carold and some of his friends, as well as notes and signatures from friends, classmates, and teachers. The memory
book also contains black-and-white photographs of Carold and his family including his brothers, parents, cousins, and aunts;
as well as images of his friends, classmates, and teachers from Langston University. This collection also has obituaries for
Reuben P. Jones, Harold A. Jones, and Selma Jones; and seven yearbooks from Langston University- the only historically black
college or university (HBCU) in Oklahoma. Finally, this collecion includes a few souvenir programs and flyers for plays such
as "Oklahoma!", "Anna Lucasta", and "Lost in the Stars" as well as for events such as the 7th Annual Cavalcade of Jazz, "An
Evening with Belafonte"; issues of a few magazines such as "Ebony Song Parade" and "New World News" Pictorial Quarterly; a
calendar and brochure from Langston University; and an annual report (1959-1960) and constitution from Tuskegee Institute.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans -- History
African American universities and colleges
Oklahoma
Photograph albums
Yearbooks
Theater programs
Programs
Los Angeles (Calif.)
Langston University
Jones, Reuben P. , 1907-1988
Jones, Harold Alonzo , 1911-1986
Jones, Selma Leona Hardy, 1912-1984
Tuskegee Institute