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Collection Overview
 
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Description
The Stephens Family Papers consists of photographs and ephemera documenting Stephens Restaurant, Virginia's winning entry in a 1915 newspaper contest, and Virginia Stephens Coker's achievements as a lawyer.
Background
William Stephens was born in 1870 in Accomack County, Virginia. He moved out to California while still a child and attended school in Oakland and San Francisco. After graduation, he completed coursework at Heald College before taking a job with the Southern Pacific Railway in 1886. Beginning as a Sleeping Car Porter, he worked his way up to a clerkship under H.E. Huntington, assistant to the company's President. Significant events:
Extent
.25 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Stephens Family Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.