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Guide to the Melzrine and Warren Moore Papers
MS 111
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Table of contents
Title: Melzrine and Warren Moore papers
Dates: 1931-1994
Collection number: MS 111
Creator:
Moore, Melzrine.
Creator:
Moore, Warren.
Collection Size:
.25 linear feet
(1 box)
Repository:
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland, CA 94612
Abstract: The Melzrine and Warren Moore papers include military records, correspondence, church and funeral programs, and photographs
documenting the life of Melzrine and Warren Moore. The papers are organized into four series: Warren Moore, Melzrine Moore,
photographs, and assorted printed material. The bulk of the Warren Moore material relate to military service and employment
at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and the Naval Supply Center in Oakland, California. The Melzine Moore items are mostly educational
records, including report cards, a commencement program, and diplomas, related to her attending the Colored High School in
Lake Charles, Louisiana. The collection also includes six family photographs of the Moore family in Oakland, California, an
assortment of church and funeral programs, and a World War II ration booklet.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.
Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.
Permission to publish from the Melzrine and Warren Moore Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library
at Oakland.
Melzrine and Warren Moore papers, MS 111, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.
Donated to the Northern California Center for Afro-American History and Life by Deitra R. Moore-Atkins on April 11, 1995.
Processed by Sean Heyliger, 01/24/2014.
Biography / Administrative History
Warren Moore
Warren Moore (1921-1993) was born on October 19, 1921 in Garland, Louisiana to Spencer Moore and Nettie Biggers. After graduating
from the 2nd Ward Colored High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he was drafted into the United State Army in 1942. While
stationed in Needles, California, he met Melzrine Lavan and the couple moved to Alameda, California where they were married
on December 28, 1943. During World War II, Moore earned the World War II victory medal, Good conduct medal, Asiatic Pacific
campaign medal, and American campaign medal before his honorable discharge in 1946. Following the war, he worked at the Oakland
Naval Supply Center for 38 years and worked as a television repairman beginning in the 1950s. He was an avid ham radio operator
and an active member of Evergreen Baptist Church in Oakland, California.
Melzrine Moore
Melzrine Moore (1922-1994) was born on July 24, 1922 in Roanoke, Louisiana to Jules Lavan and Emily Smith. She attended the
Colored High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana and following her graduation in 1941 attended Leland College and Teaching School
in Cameron, Louisiana. After meeting Warren Moore while stationed in Needles, California, the couple moved to Alameda, California
where they were married in 1943. She was employed at the Oakland Naval Air Station from 1946-1964 and was an active member
of the Bella Vista Parent Teacher Association and the Evergreen Baptist Church in Oakland, California.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Melzrine and Warren Moore papers include military records, correspondence, church and funeral programs, and photographs
documenting the life of Melzrine and Warren Moore. The papers are organized into four series: Warren Moore, Melzrine Moore,
photographs, and assorted printed material. The bulk of the Warren Moore material relate to military service and employment
at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and the Naval Supply Center in Oakland, California. His papers include assorted Army and Navy personnel
and employment records, an enlisted man’s temporary pass, pamphlets on the 93rd Fighting Division, business cards, an application
for federal employment, and a nine page description detailing his job duties as a customs inspector at the Naval Supply Center.
The Melzine Moore items are mostly educational records, including report cards, a commencement program, and diplomas, related
to her attending the Colored High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The collection also includes six family photographs of
the Moore family in Oakland, California, an assortment of church and funeral programs, and a World War II ration booklet.
Series I. Warren Moore
Series II. Melzrine Moore
Series III. Photographs
Series IV. Assorted printed material
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
World War, 1939-1945 -- Participation, African American.
United States. -- Army. -- Infantry Division, 93rd.
Naval Supply Center (Oakland, Calif.).
Deitra Moore-Atkins collection, MS 92, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.