Guide to the Henry Delton Williams Papers
Sean Dickerson
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
© 2017
African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Henry Delton Williams Papers
Collection number: MS 154
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
Oakland, California
- Processed by:
- Sean Dickerson
- Date Completed:
- 2017-06-08
- Encoded by:Sean Dickerson
- 2017-06-08
© 2017 African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Henry Delton Williams Papers
Dates: 1950-2012
Collection number: MS154
Creator:
Williams, Henry Delton.
Collection Size:
6.75 linear feet
(5 boxes + 3 oversized boxes)
Repository:
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Abstract: Henry Delton Williams (b. 1941), costume designer who crafted pieces for Motown and Hollywood stars, was born in Alexandria,
Louisiana. The Henry Delton Williams Papers includes performance costumes, clothing, and accessories designed by Williams,
as well as correspondence, clippings, photographs and assorted printed material documenting his career as a gospel singer
and fashion designer.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
No access restrictions to the Henry Delton Williams Papers . Collection is open to the public.
Access Restrictions
Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.
Publication Rights
Permission to publish must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Preferred Citation
Henry Delton Williams Papers, MS 154, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.
Acquisition Information
Collection donated to the African American Museum & Library at Oakland by Henry Delton Williams.
Processing Information
Processed by Sean Dickerson, June 08, 2017.
Biography / Administrative History
Henry Delton Williams (b. 1941), costume designer who crafted pieces for Motown and Hollywood stars, was born in Alexandria,
Louisiana. His father worked at the local saw mill, performed gospel music and provided tailoring services. In 1945, hearing
of naval supply jobs in the Bay Area, the family moved to West Oakland, California. The family then relocated to East Oakland
where Williams attended Roosevelt Junior High School and Oakland High School. Williams went on to work at the Chevrolet assembly
line while pursuing a career in gospel music, singing with such talents as the Hawkins Family and on the weekly live gospel
show for KRE radio, Berkeley.
In 1963, Williams was offered a singing contract with the Los Angeles Gospel All Stars. After returning to Oakland, Williams
decided to pursue a career close to the entertainment business and enrolled in Laney College to be a designer-tailor. After
graduating in 1968 Williams opened The Original Brothers clothing store at the corner of 18th and San Pablo Streets in West
Oakland. The Original Brothers was the first dashiki shop in the Bay Area, a West African-inspired garment which found a market
in America during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Popular with Merritt College students, the Original Brothers
also developed Afro hair care products, predating the introduction of Johnson's Afro Sheen. When students at Oakland High
protested in demand of a Black Student Union in 1969, the Original Brothers were called alongside the Black Panthers to negotiate
between the administration and the students.
Around this time, Williams began making slack suits for the Whispers (then performing in residence at the San Francisco Whisky-A-Go-Go)
and the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Over the next decades he would develop a business designing entertainment costumes for performers
such as
Martha
Reeves
, Tina Turner, Marvyn Gaye, Sherrie Payne, Freda Payne, the actor and former Oakland Raider Fred Williamson, Janie Bradford,
and Lenny Williams of Tower of Power. Williams also made costumes for Hollywood productions, such as
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976), and the Fred Williamson films
Adios Amigo (1976),
Death Journey (1976),
Mean Johnny Barrows (1976), No Way Back (1976), and
One Down Two to Go (1982). He would later go on to open A.F.A.R. ("American Fruit with African Roots") Creations Fashion Art Gallery and remained
active through his career designing for Motown events such as the Tribute to Heroes and Legends (HAL Awards). In 2010, the
African American Museum & Library at Oakland honored Williams in the exhibition
Extraordinary Person, Extraordinary Life.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Henry Delton Williams Papers includes performance costumes, clothing, and accessories designed by Williams, as well as
correspondence, clippings, photographs and assorted printed material documenting his career as a gospel singer and fashion
designer. The papers are arranged into seven series: Series I. Costumes and accessories Series II. Correspondence Series III.
Newspaper clippings Series IV. Tribute to Heroes and Legends (HAL Awards) Series V. A.F.A.R Creations Series VI. Assorted
printed material Series VII. Photographs
Arrangement
Series I. Costumes and accessories
Series II. Correspondence
Series III. Newspaper clippings
Series IV. Tribute to Heroes and Legends (HAL Awards)
Series V. A.F.A.R Creations
Series VI. Assorted printed material
Series VII. Photographs
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Payne, Freda
Reeves,
Martha
Williams, Henry Delton
African American fashion designers.
Costume design--California--Los Angeles--History--20th century.
Fashion--African influences.
Soul (music).
Rhythm and blues music--California.
Costumes and accessories
Physical Description: 6 boxes
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes performance costumes, fashions, and accessories designed or used by Henry Delton Williams.
Box 2
Two piece men's brown polyester suit work by (worn by Lenny Williams)
Box 3
Leopard Suit "Crowns" hat (worn by Freda Payne)
2005-06-15
Box OM 55
Two piece men's Kente suit (worn by Henry Delton Williams)
Box OM 56
Gold metallic lace halter top and gold lace ruffled bell bottom pants (worn by
Martha
Reeves
)
Box 5
Green and gold "Crowns" hat
Box 4
Four Afro wigs (worn during the Wizard of Fashion stage production)
2010-10
Box 5
Three black berets (worn during the Wizard of Fashion stage production)
2010-10
Box 5
Ten cowgirl party hats (worn during the Wizard of Fashion stage)
2010-10
Correspondence
1998-2011
Physical Description: 1 folder
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes letters of thanks and an e-mail regarding an interview with Henry Delton Williams.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Box 1:1
Letter from
Martha
Reeves
to Henry Delton Williams re: thanks
1998-09-03
Box 1:1
Letter from Eulanna Allen to Henry Delton Williams re: 2008 PHAT Friends Award
2008-03-31
Box 1:1
E-mail from Janie Bradford to LaVera re: Questions for the Delton interview
2011-01-18
Newspaper clippings
1972-2002
Physical Description: 1 folder
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes press and clippings regarding Henry Delton William's career as a gospel singer and fashion designer.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Box 1:2
Jet magazine cover featuring Honey Cone Trio (wearing Henry Delton Williams)
1972-09-02
Box 1:2
"The 'D' is for distinguished' newspaper clipping
circa 1970s
Box 1:2
Newspaper advertisement for Mopres Recording star Mr. Delton at the Memory Lane Supper Club, Los Angeles
circa 1970s
Box 1:2
"Mr Delton"
The Communcator
1981-07-16
Box OM 23
Photocollage of newspaper clipping "Fashion star has designs on Oakland,"
Oakland Tribune and Henry Delton Williams A.F.A.R. Creations business card
1998
Box 1:2
"Oakland Caravan Goes to Hollywood,"
The Post
2002-09-29
Box 1:2
Inside Oakland feature on Henry Delton Willams
2002-09-29
Tribute to Heroes and Legends (HAL Awards)
1988-2008
Physical Description: 3 folders
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes programs, invitations, and special editions of
Entertainment Connection magzine from the Tribute to Heroes and Legends (HAL Awards). Also includes a DVD of Henry Delton Williams interviewing entertainers
at the 2008 HAL Awards.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by format.
Entertainment Connection magazine
1988-2006
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine Vol. 1 No. 5
1988-09
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine Vol. 3 No. 22
1990-07
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine 2002 HAL souvenir edition
2002-09
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine 2003 HAL souvenir edition
2003-09
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine 2006 HAL souvenir edition
2006-09
Box 1:3
Entertainment Connection magazine 2006 HAL souvenir edition
2006-09
Programs and invitations
1996-2006
Box 1:5
Program for the seventh annual HAL Awards
1996-09
Box 1:5
Program for the seventh annual HAL Awards
1996-09
Box 1:5
Invitation to the thirteenth annual HAL Scholarship Awards [two copies]
2002-09-22
Box 1:5
Brochure for the thirteenth annual HAL Awards
2002-09-27
Box 1:5
Brochure for the fifteenth annual HAL Awards
2004-09-24
Box 1:5
Brochure for the fifteenth annual HAL Awards [two copies]
2005-09-23
Box 1:5
Invitation to the HAL Scholarship Award [two copies]
2005-09-25
Box 1:5
Brochure for Heroes and Legends Over the Years
undated
A.F.A.R Creations
undated
Physical Description: 1 folders
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes promotional material related to A.F.A.R. ("American Fruit with African Roots") Creations Fashion Art Gallery.
Box 1:6
A.F.A.R. Creations, Henry Delton Williams business card
undated
Box 1:6
A.F.A.R Creations tri-fold brochure
undated
Box 1:6
A.F.A.R. Creations Art Gallery announcement
undated
Assorted printed material
1953-2012
Physical Description: 2 folders
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes assorted printed material collected by Henry Delton Williams related to his life and career as a gospel singer and
fashion designer.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Box 1:7
Oakland Tribune home delivery certificate of merit to Henry Delton Williams
1953-11-30
Box 1:7
Poster (small), black and white advertisement for the Designers Fashion Forecast featuring Henry Williams Delton with Johnny
Talbot and De Thangs, Sportsman Club, Oakland, California
1966-09-25
Box 1:7
Merritt College 1970 Track guide, inscribed: To Henry, life long friend, Warren,' reverse: 'model for the Original Brothers
1968-1969'
1970
Box 1:8
The Songs of Janie Bradford songbook
1975
Box 1:7
Movie Poster (small)
Adios Amigo
1976
Box 1:7
Movie Poster (small)
Death Journey
1976
Box 1:7
Movie Poster (small)
Mean Johnny Barrows
1976
Box 1:7
Movie Poster (small)
No Way Back
1976
Box 1:7
Spokane American Music Festival program
1997-07-03
Box 1:7
Event advertisement for the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy 9th Annual Funny Girlz, Herbst Theater
2007-05-19
Box 1:7
Card advertisement for Blues in the Night, Post Street Theater
circa 2000s
Box 1:7
Flyer for the benefit concert the Smooth Sounds of Llloyd Gregory and Friends
2012-05-12
Photographs
1950-2010
Physical Description: 5 folders
Series Scope and Content Summary
Includes Includes 56 photographs, most of Henry Delton Williams' clothing designs and clients.
Arrangement
Arranged by identification number
Box 1:9
Anne Williams and Henry Delton Williams [001]
1950
Box 1:9
Henry Delton Williams Oakland High School class photo [002]
1957
Box 1:9
Henry Delton Williams Oakland High School graduation photo [003]
1959
Box 1:9
Group portrait Henry Delton Williams with two singing partners [004]
1960
Box 1:9
Henry Delton Williams tabling for the Original Brothers Afro Products, Oakland Auditorium [005]
1968
Box 1:9
Photograph of a female and male model wearing designs by Henry Delton Wililams, reverse: 'modeling at the Playboy Club in
San Francisco' [006]
1969
Box 1:9
Henry Delton Williams modeling a two piece brocade suit with oversized bow (front view) [007]
circa 1960s
Box 1:9
Henry Delton Williams modeling a two piece brocade suit (alternate view) [008]
circa 1960s
Box 1:9
Autographed photograph of Earl. L Scarborough with Janelle Commissiong, inscribed: ‘to Delton, always proud, always beautiful,
Earl Scarborough’ [009]
1977
Box 1:9
Unidentified man in red polyester suit [010]
circa 1970s
Box 1:9
Group photograph of Fred Williamson and Pam Grier posing on a tennis court with three unidentified men [011]
circa 1970s
Box 1:9
Autographed portrait of Honey Cone signed by Shelly Clark, inscribed: ‘to Delta, I hope we work together forever’ [012]
circa 1970s
Box 1:9
Autographed photo portrait of
Martha
Reeves
, inscribed: ‘Where’s that man of mine? Delton!!’ [013]
circa 1970s
Box 1:10
Henry Delton Williams and Barry Gordon [014]
circa 1991
Box 1:10
Henry Delton Williams,
Martha
Reeves
, Sherrie Payne, Claudette Robinson and two unidentified men [015]
1995
Box 1:10
Photograph of (left to right) Henry Delton Williams, Sherrie Payne, Freda Payne, and Fran Gray [016]
circa 1990s
Box 1:10
Group portrait of (left to right) Freda Payne, Sherrie Payne, and Fran Grey, wearing designs by Henry Delton Williams [017]
circa 1990s
Box 1:10
Freda Payne in a quilted jacket designed by Henry Delton Williams [018]
circa 1990s
Box 1:10
Colorful suit jacket, reverse: 'hand sewed by the elder of the tribe in West Africa, designed by Henry Williams," [019]
circa 1990s
Box 1:10
Autographed photo portrait of
Martha
Reeves
, inscribed: “thank you for my lovely birthday gift, the jacket that feels like a hug from a dear friend,” [020A/B]
1997
Box 1:10
Former Ladies of the Supremes autographed photo to Henry Delton Williams [021]
1998
Box 1:10
Smokey Robinson with Henry Delton Williams [022]
1998
Box 1:10
Lunell Campbell wearing Henry Delton Williams [023]
2007
Box 1:11
The Temptations at the Heroes and Legends Awards [024]
2002-09
Box 1:11
Vivica Fox at the Heroes and Legends Awards [025]
2002-09
Box 1:11
Group photograph of (left to right) Freda Payne, Galdys Knight and Henry Delton Williams at the Heroes and Legends Awards
at the Beverly Hills Hotel [026]
2002-09
Box 1:11
Sequence halter top, reverse: 'design for
Martha
Reeves
and the Vandellas,' [027]
circa 2008
Box 1:11
Group photograph (left to right) Henry Williams, Paul Moody, the Supremes, and Martha and the Vandellas, Las Vegas Hilton
[028]
circa 2000s
Box 1:11
Unidentified woman wearing a Henry Delton Williams two piece suit [029]
undated
Box 1:11
Unidentified man wearing a Henry Delton Williams Kente suit [030]
undated
Box 1:11
Henry Delton Williams wearing Kente Cloth two-piece suit [031A/B]
undated
Box 1:11
Kente suit (two piece) [032]
undated
Box 1:11
Freda Payne performing on stage [033]
undated
Box 1:11
Freda Payne wearing a fur coat [034]
undated
Box 1:11
Rack of Henry Delton Williams kente suits [035A/B/C]
undated
Box 1:12
Tyrone Thompson, caption: 'designer-entertainer-Original model 1969' [036]
undated
Box 1:12
Henry Delton Williams wearing a fur coat on fashion show stage [037]
circa 2000s
Box 1:12
Henry Delton Williams on fashion show stage [038]
circa 2000s
Box 1:12
Henry Delton Williams playing the piano [039]
undated
Box 1:12
Woman in "Crowns" hat with unidentified students [040]
undated
Box 1:12
Man in cowboy hat standing with HAL Awards and Scholarship Dinner sign [041]
undated
Box 1:12
Three unidentified women walking red carpet [042]
undated
Box 1:12
Freda Payne, unidentified woman, and Henry Delton Williams [043]
undated
Box 1:12
Promotional photo for Snoop Dogg featuring Uncle Chucc [044]
2008
Box 1:13
Model in white pantsuit walking Henry Delton Williams fashion show at the African American Museum & Library [046]
2008
Box 1:13
Model in dress worn by Lunell Campbell walking Henry Delton Williams fashion show at the African American Museum & Library
[047]
2008
Box 1:13
Model in dress worn by Lunell Campbell walking Henry Delton Williams fashion show at the African American Museum & Library
[048]
2008
Box 1:13
Model in black gown walking Henry Delton Williams fashion show at the African American Museum & Library [049]
2008
Box 1:13
Henry Delton Williams at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland [050]
2008
Box 1:13
Henry Delton Williams posing with costume in
Extraordinary Person, Extraordinary Life exhibit [051]
2010
Box 1:13
Henry Delton Williams posing in
Extraordinary Person, Extraordinary Life exhibit [052]
2010
Box 1:13
Henry Delton Williams outside the African American Museum & Library at Oakland [053]
2010
Box 1:13
Martha
Reeves
costume on display in
Extraordinary Person, Extraordinary Life exhibit (front view) [054A/B]
2010
Box 1:13
Martha
Reeves
costume on display in
Extraordinary Person, Extraordinary Life exhibit (side view) [055]
2010
Box 1:13
Barbara Lee speaking at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland [056]
2009-05-16