Scope and Contents
Availability
Conditions Governing Use
Preferred Citation
Biographical / Historical
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Betty Jean Thornton Smith Scrapbook
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2020.026
Physical Description:
1 box
(one scrapbook)
Date (inclusive): 1949-1978; 2005; undated
Date (bulk): 1950s-1960s
Language of Material:
English
.
Scope and Contents
The Betty Jean Thornton Smith Scrapbook collection (1949-1978; 2005; undated) contains one scrapbook that details the life
of Betty Jean Thornton Smith, an African American model, actress, teacher, and school principal. Many of the pages are inscribed
with "mom" making the scrapbook's most likely compiler, Smith's child. This scrapbook contains mostly clippings and other
material that relates to Smith's time at Lincoln University- a HBCU in Jefferson City, Missouri, such as reports on plays,
parties Smith attended, and a few clippings that discuss Smith's time as the business manager of the LU's alumni chapter in
Los Angeles, and her attendance at various alumni events. Other clippings in this scrapbook discuss Smith's time as a clothing
model in the Los Angeles area for Francois Andre, and her work as a teacher and principal at San Fernando's El Retiro School
for Girls. Many of the clippings feature images of theatrical productions; fashion shows; portraits; social events; and others.
Some of the other clippings in this scrapbook feature images of Smith's parents- Mr. and Mrs. William Thornton; clippings
about her husband, Alonzo M. Smith, a Lincoln alumnus and sales representative for Lucky Strike; and a tribute to Smith's
friend, Louise Cummings which includes a funeral program, clippings, and photographs taken at a theater production. Some other
notable clippings include: cover of the 1949 LU Homecoming program featuring Smith; images from "Mirror News" featuring El
Retiro School; a hand drawn image of Smith; a program for a play directed by Smith entitled "The Girl from Nowhere"; and clippings
regarding Smith's role in the stage production "Born Yesterday". Clippings come from newspapers such as The Los Angeles Tribune,
The Afro-American, the Chicago Defender, MIrror News, and Los Angeles Sentinel.
Also included in this scrapbook is correspondence from A.S. "Doc" Young, Johnson Publishing Co. that discusses the possibility
of using Smith's image for a feature in "Jet" or "Ebony" as well as some of Smith's thoughts and inquires about African American
experiences in show business; a letter from Jet photo editor, Wesley South asking Smith to send a photograph and brief biography
to him; and a letter of recommendation for both Alonzo and Betty Smith from Chester Stovall, Director Industrial Relations,
Urban League of St. Louis Inc. to Mr. Wesley R. Brazier, Executive Director, Urban League of Los Angeles prior to the Smiths'
move to Los Angeles.
Availability
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
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.
Preferred Citation
Biographical / Historical
Betty Jean Thornton Smith, a native of Pittsburgh, PA. attended Duffs Iron City Business College in Pittsburgh prior to Lincoln
University (LU)- a HBCU in Jefferson City, Missouri. At LU, Smith was a Commerical Education major, with a minor in Speech
and Dramatics and starred in several of the university's Stage Crafters productions. After graduation, Smith moved to Los
Angeles, CA. where she was a model at Francois Andre for Charm Studios, as well a teacher at El Retiro High School for Girls
in San Fernando, where she later became principal at age twenty-six. She was also involved in the LU Alumni Association as
their business manager. Smith was married to Alonzo Smith, also a LU alumnus, who graduated in 1951 with a major in Business
Administration. Alonzo was a high school teacher who later worked as a sales representative for Lucky Strike.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Theater
African American models
African American universities and colleges
Teachers
Scrapbooks
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Smith , Betty Jean Thornton
Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Mo.)