Guide to the Dr. Pauline E. Brooks and Abye family collection CEMA 190

Mari Khasmanyan, 2018. Revisions by Calli Force, 2019.

UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections

University of California, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara 93106-9010

special@library.ucsb.edu

URL: http://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections

2019 October 15

Title: Dr. Pauline E. Brooks and Abye family collection

Identifier/Call Number: CEMA 190

Language of Material: English

Contributing Institution: UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections

Physical Description: 10.41 linear feet (8 oversize flat boxes, 1 document box)

Creator: Brooks, Clarence

Date (inclusive): 1916-1939

source: Brooks, Pauline E.

Abstract: The Dr. Pauline E. Brooks and Abye family collection consists of early Black film actor Clarence Ahart Brooks' personal collection of films, early Black scripts and plays, documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, correspondence, lobby cards, and advertisements pertaining to the Lincoln Motion Picture Company (1916-circa 1923) and other early Black filmmaking companies. Included, too, are press releases, publicity plans, press reviews, organizing efforts and contexts of early Black filmmaking. Clarence Ahart Brooks was co-founder and Executive Secretary of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, the lead actor in at least three of its five films, and an important force in emergence and development of the Black film industry in the United States. The Lincoln was headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and is widely considered the first Black-founded film production company with a national system of distribution. Created with the mission to more realistically portray the lives and experiences of African Americans, the Lincoln's Black-cast films starkly contrasted with Hollywood's limited and stereotypic Black images. The period of this collection, 1916-1939, overlaps with the height of Jim Crow segregation in the United States, when cultural and legalized racial segregation and white racism were prominent characteristics of U.S. society. Dating from 1916-1939, this collection consists of films, personal letters, screen plays, scrapbooks, and photographs collected by Brooks.

Physical Location: Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library

Language of Material: The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of Item], Dr. Pauline E. Brooks and Abye family collection, CEMA 190. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Dr. Pauline E. Brooks (daughter of Clarence Ahart Brooks), Aman Brooks Abye, AyeNay Audra Abye, and Mikael Asseffa Abye (grandchildren of Clarence Ahart Brooks), 2017.

Processing Information

Processed by Mari Khasmanyan and Natalia Gonzalez, 2018. Processed by Calli Force, 2019.

Biographical / Historical

Clarence Ahart Brooks (1896-1969) was a distinguished actor (stage and screen). He co-founded the Lincoln Motion Picture Company (founded 1916), and was the company's leading male actor after the resignation of Noble Johnson. This American film production company largely operated out of Los Angeles, California, with an office in Omaha, Nebraska. Lincoln Motion Picture Company is widely considered the first movie company founded by Black filmmakers with a national distribution.

The founding President of Lincoln Motion Picture Company was Noble Johnson, who also acted in Hollywood films. Clarence Ahart Brooks was Executive Secretary, Dr. James T. Smith was Treasurer, George P. Johnson was a writer and distributor, and musician Dudley Alfonzo Brooks (brother to Clarence) was Assistant Secretary. The Brooks family (including Clarence's step father, Leon Daniels), along with others, were among the earliest financial investors in the company.

The Lincoln Motion Picture Company's films included: Realization of a Negro's Ambition (1916), Trooper of Troop K (1917), Law of Nature (1918), A Man's Duty (1919), and By Right of Birth (1921). The company also edited a one-reel pictorial news film pertaining to race-related conditions (Lincoln News Pictorial, 1919), as well as arranged for the Cinematographic Division of the French army to document Black troops at the front in World War I (The American Colored Troops at the Front, 1919, one reel).

Lincoln films starred Black casts and showcased African American talent. These films by the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and several other films in which Clarence Brooks played leading or featured roles reflected stories, issues, perspectives, and experiences intended to more realistically portray the lives of African Americans and the diversity of their communities. These images starkly contrasted with the often limiting and stereotypical portrayals of Black people and other people of color common within the U.S. mainstream media of the era. After the Lincoln Motion Picture Company closed (ca. 1923), Clarence played leading roles in Absent (1928), Rosebud Films (Harry A. Gant supervising producer), and in Georgia Rose (1930), Aristo Films (Harry A. Gant, director). Clarence went on to play roles in other films: e.g. Universal Studios' Arrowsmith (1931) with Ronald Coleman and Helen Hayes, and with Herbert Jeffrey in Harlem Rides the Range (1939) and Bronze Buckaroo (1939). Clarence Ahart Brooks, Spencer Williams Jr., and others in Black cinema and theater also organized in efforts to accomplish the following: generate opportunities for employment for African American talent, stimulate talent for the arts, uplift and perpetuate Black theatricals, and promote and encourage talent in youth.

The Lincoln Motion Picture Company is significant not only because it was the first to produce and distribute Black films nationally but also that it did so during an era of highly organized and legal racism in the U.S. that limited African Americans' access to mainstream opportunities and institutions, including funding (because of racial discrimination from banks, limited economic resources because of racially uneven wages, etc.), advertising outlets (limited mostly to Black newspapers), and screening locations (not in mainstream movie theaters, but in Black- owned venues, churches, school auditoriums, etc.). Also notable is the fact that several of these pioneers of Black cinema were very young. At the age of nineteen, Clarence Brooks assumed the position of Executive Secretary of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and was responsible for overseeing its business endeavors, signing legal documents, performing in its pictures, and financially investing in the company.

Historical and biographical information provided by Dr. Pauline E. Brooks in consultation with Dr. Cara Caddoo a historian with the University of Indiana.

Scope and Content

The Dr. Pauline E. Brooks and Abye family collection consists of Clarence Ahart Brooks' personal collection related to his acting (stage and screen), filmmaking and presentations, business actions, and the general economic and racial contexts of the era. A major part of this collection relates to Clarence Ahart Brooks and the Lincoln Motion Picture Company (1916-circa 1923), considered to be the first movie company founded by Black filmmakers with a national distribution. Clarence was co-founder and Executive Secretary of this film company, and its leading male actor. This collection has professional and personal material that includes original early Black scripts and plays, legal/accounting and other documents, photographs, films, newspaper clippings, letters, lobby cards, and advertisements pertaining to the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and other early Black filmmaking companies. Also included are press releases, publicity plans, press reviews, and other ephemera concerning the broader context of early Black filmmaking of the time period, 1916-1939.

Arrangement

This collection is physically arranged according to record size, shape, type, or housing needs. The unique identifier originally attributed by the donor to each each record is documented at the item level.

Related Materials

Researchers may also wish to consult:

George P. Johnson Negro Film Collection (Collection 1042). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

http://dhbasecamp.humanities.ucla.edu/afamfilm/sources-further-reading/

Subjects and Indexing Terms

African American actors

African Americans in motion pictures

African Americans in the motion picture industry

Motion picture studios -- California -- Los Angeles

Advertisements

Audiovisual materials

Clippings (information artifacts)

Correspondence

Financial records

Lobby cards

Photographs

Press releases

Printed ephemera

Scrapbooks

Scripts (documents)

Brooks, Pauline E.

Brooks, Clarence -- Archives

Lincoln Motion Picture Company -- Archives

box 1-2

Scrapbook 1916-1939

General

Compiled by Clarence E. Brooks. Contains: images of Brooks in various films, newsclippings, articles, programs, pamphlets and scenes.

box 3, folder 1-3

Screenplay Book ca. 1921

General

Juanita (original music score) featured in film By Right of Birth (1921) Clarence A. Brooks on cover page; music and words by John C. Spikes. Spikes - Bros and Carter Publishers, 1203 Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California.

Twelve (12) Screenplays include "Readin' Granny's Will," "Experience Meeting," "The Quiltin' Bee," "The Home Coming," "Emancipation Party," "The Hour of Parting," "The Parson's Pound Party," "Singin' Practice," "Granny's Birthday Party," "One Winter Night," "Silver Wedding," and "Flood Waters."

Actors listed include the following: Clarence Brooks, Spencer Williams, Laura Bowman, Arthur Ray, Gertrude Saunders, Cleo Desmond, Fay Fifer, LeRoy Antoine, Dusty and the Four Tones, Ira Hardin, Leon Buck, Gladys Davis, Johnny Porter, and Lucius Brooks. Plays include set design, characters, filming instructions, assigned actors, music/songs, props, no. scenes, scene nos. Some pages have handwritten edits. Each play is complete. The last page of each play ends with "Finis" or "End."

box 3, folder 4-5

Photographs 1916-1949

General

Folder 4 contains: glossy photos of Clarence Brooks and 1 other actor (1 photo), Clarence Brooks and 2 other actors (3 photos), Clarence Brooks, Ronald Coleman and other actors in Arrowsmith, head and shoulders photo of Clarence Brooks in pinstripe suit, tie and hat, and 8 distinctly different glossy photos from a film with Clarence Brooks, other actors and Joe Louis, Heavyweight Boxing Champ of the World.

Folder 5 contains: photo of Clarence A. Brooks' home with handwritten notes on folded backside of photo by Mrs. Clarence Brooks (AKA Dr. A. Fay Poindexter-Podiatrist), photo of Clarence Brooks plus 3 women in By Right of Birth produced by Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, California, and handwritten notes about play/film on letter size paper.

box 3, folder 6

Advertisements 1921-1928

General

Folder contain advertisements for: Absent produced by Harry A. Grant Rosebuf Films featuring Clarence Brooks, By Right of Birth featuring Clarence Brooks of Lincoln Motion Picture Co. 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA, Pointed Paragraphs and handout advertisement for Absent featuring Clarence Brooks on the front page and 5 photo highlights of the film on the back page.

box 3, folder 7

Announcements 1919-1928

General

"Announcement Extraordinary" Rosebud Films, 3 names in letterhead: Clarence Brooks, Harry Grant, T.E. Hudson and "What is a Man's Duty" reprint from Monitor Omaha, Nebraska.

box 3, folder 8

Bankbook for Brooks Brothers Pharmacy February 1, 1928- May 15, 1929

General

Pharmacy located at 1801 Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA. Book is 14 sheets, double sides and contains 13 pages of bank entries.

box 4

Photographs 1919-1931

folder 1, item 2.03a

Untitled undated

General

In a suit and tie with another man in suit and tie

folder 1, item 2.03b

Untitled undated

General

In a mining outfit and 4 other miners

folder 1, item 2.03c

Untitled undated

General

In a 3-piece suit and tie, standing, pointing in a field/farm and a young woman sitting up high on the back of a truck

folder 1, item 2.03d

Untitled undated

General

In a 3-piece suit, bow tie, jockey's cap, talking with a well dressed woman and 2 other well dressed people (1 man, 1 woman)

folder 1, item 2.03f

Untitled undated

General

3-piece suit, dark dotted bow tie, holding a cap, shaking hands with a man as a young woman looks on

folder 1, item 2.03g

Untitled undated

General

Dark, 3-piece suit, bow tie, holding a hat in left hand, and 2 women and 1 other man all dressed nicely, 1 woman getting into back seat of a car

folder 1, item 2.03h

Untitled undated

General

Inside a room with a piano in left corner, formal wear (tux) with arms around a woman (formal wear and holding a fur coat) in a doorway

folder 1, item 2.03i

Untitled undated

General

In formal wear (tux) knocking a man (in tux) down onto the floor

folder 1, item 2.03k

Untitled undated

General

Clarence, alone, seated, as a young man, in top hat (rounded), bow tie, white gloves and a walking stick

folder 1, item 2.03l

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

4 people (3 seated, 1 standing) a young Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty"

folder 1, item 2.03m

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

3 people: Clarence Brooks (well-dressed in a 3-piece checkered suit and tie with circles) sitting on grass with a woman (sitting on grass) and a child (standing) in "A Man's Duty"

folder 1, item 2.03n

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

2 people: Clarence Brooks, well-dressed in a 3-piece suit (holding up a ring) and a woman sitting on a bench together "A Man's Duty"

folder 2, item 2.03o

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

3 people standing (1 is a young girl) Clarence Brooks holding his cap, in a casual suit. Clarence and a woman addressing the young girl. "A Man's Duty"

folder 2, item 2.03p

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

Clarence, woman and child in a convertible car. 3-piece suit, tie, cap with bill. A suitcase in back of car. "A Man's Duty"

folder 2, item 2.03q

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

Clarence Brooks sitting on ground, center, front row of what seems to be all cast photo "A Man's Duty"

folder 2, item 2.03r

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

Clarence on ground with more than 1 dozen people standing around, "A Man's Duty"

folder 2, item 2.03s

Untitled undated

General

Clarence, formally dressed, standing, alone, in an archway

folder 2, item 2.03t

Untitled undated

General

Clarence and first wife, Josie Hamilton Brooks

folder 2, item 2.03u

Untitled undated

General

Clarence and first wife, Josie Hamilton Brooks

folder 2, item 2.03v

Untitled undated

General

Clarence and first wife, Josie Hamilton Brooks

folder 3, item 2.03w

Untitled undated

General

Approx. 40-something Clarence, hat, knitted multicolor tie, dark suit with white handkerchief. Head and shoulders

folder 2, item 2.03x

Untitled undated

General

Approx. 40-something Clarence, knitted multicolor tie, dark suit with white handkerchief, without hat. Head and shoulders

folder 2, item 2.03y

Untitled undated

General

Approx. 40-something Clarence standing outdoors, nice suit, holding hat

folder 3, item 2.03z

Untitled undated

General

Approx. 25-35 years old. Clarence in a dotted bow tie, 3-piece suit, holding cap and 2 other actors, 1 male, 1 female

folder 3, item 2.03cc

Untitled undated

General

4 people: Clarence holding hat in right hand, facing 3 other actors (1 young female (perhaps holding Clarence's hand), 1 older female,1 man in suit, vest, bow tie, top hat and holding a bible) All well-dressed.

folder 3, item 2.04a

Untitled undated

General

2 male actors (1 is Spencer Williams): 1 is kneeling and supporting the other, 1 is laying on the ground on his back

folder 3, item 2.04b

Untitled undated

General

2 actors, the male actor is holding the female actor, trying to draw her closer to him, she is turning away from him. Interior of a house

folder 3, item 2.04c

Untitled undated

General

Beautiful, smiling, well-dressed (with long white beads, stocking and heels) Standing in an archway, on a patio of a house. Full length

folder 3, item 2.04d

Untitled undated

General

1 male actor, hat and 1/2 length tie. Leaning on a fence/wall in the yard

folder 3, item 2.04e

Untitled undated

General

Back of photo says "Virgil Owens" in hand printing. Full length, actor in hat, bow tie, button down sweater and riding pants and boots. Leaning against an old house

folder 3, item 2.04f

Untitled undated

General

Well-dressed man and woman, standing holding hands, smiling, laughing in a hotel lobby. Desk clerk in the background

folder 3, item 2.04g

Untitled undated

General

Backstage large equipment used by Universal Pictures

folder 3, item 2.04h

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

Cast photo, "The Exile" an Oscar Micheaux Production (11 or 12 people visible)

folder 3, item 2.04i

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

Cast photo, "The Exile" an Oscar Micheaux Production (13 people visible)

folder 3, item 2.04j

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

2 cast members in "The Exile" an Oscar Micheaux Production

box 5

Photographs, original scripts and stories, constitution and bylaws 1917-1931

folder 1, item 2.04k

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

3 cast members in "The Exile" an Oscar Micheaux Production

folder 1, item 2.04l

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

"A Man's Duty" 4 cast members

folder 1, item 2.04m

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

1 cast member, Oscar Micheaux's "The Exile", well-dressed in top hat, scarf, bow tie, overcoat

folder 1, item 2.04n

Noble Johnson, Lincoln Films Los Angeles 1917

General

Noble Johnson-photo portrait, well-dressed, dark suit. Front: photo of face and shoulders. Noble M. Johnson, Lincoln Films, Los Angeles. Back: From Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1103 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif TROOPER K

folder 1, item 2.04o

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

2 cast, 1 man and 1 woman, man is putting a ring on a seemingly happily surprised woman. "A Man's Duty"

folder 1, item 2.04p

Clarence Brooks in "A Man's Duty" 1919

General

2 cast, 1 man and 1 woman, man in chair (smoking) woman seated on a pillow at his feet "A Man's Duty"

folder 1, item 2.04q

Jamie Smith, Lincoln Films Los Angeles, Calif. undated

General

Jimmie Smith, Lincoln Films, Los Angeles, 1 person

folder 1, item 2.04r

Untitled undated

General

Well-dressed young woman standing in an archway

folder 1, item 2.04s

Untitled undated

General

Cast photo

folder 1, item 2.04t

Untitled undated

General

Well-dressed woman, hat and fur

folder 2, item 2.04u

Untitled undated

General

Well-dressed woman, fur

folder 2, item 2.04v

Untitled undated

General

1 actor, male, well-dressed, 3-piece suit, shows face, shoulders and waist; holding a cigarette in left hand (Edward Thompson?)

folder 2, item 2.04w

Untitled undated

General

1 male actor, dressed in tux, bow tie, standing in an archway (Edward Thompson?)

folder 2, item 2.04x

Untitled undated

General

1 male actor, in a suit and tie, wearing white hat with black band, shows face, shoulders, and waist (Edward Thompson?)

folder 2, item 2.04y

Untitled undated

General

1 female, light complexioned, shiny, silver-like evening dress, with matching oblong earrings

folder 2, item 2.04z

Untitled undated

General

1 medium-darker complexion female actor, beautiful, well-dressed in a polkadot jacket, triple band necklace, earrings, cap-like hat and large white flower on left lapel

folder 2, item 2.04aa

"Oscar Micheaux's Production: 'The Exile' With an All Star Colored Cast" 1931

General

2 actors (1 man in tux and bow tie, and 1 female in all cream-colored clothing) She is handing the man a revolver (gun). From Oscar Micheaux's "The Exile"

folder 2, item 2.04bb

Untitled undated

General

2 actors (1 older male in a farmer-like hat and 1 much younger female (Rosa Lee Lincoln?), light colored dress and bow-tie shoes

folder 2, item 2.04cc

Untitled 1917

General

1 military male carrying a wounded military male, with white medical gauze on the carried man's head. Back of photo TROOPER K, From Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1103 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif.

folder 2, item 2.04dd

Untitled undated

General

2 actors (1 male, hand outstretched, seated on a plough drawn by 2 horses; 1 female standing in light dress, wavy hair)

folder 2, item 2.04ee

Untitled undated

General

2 actors (1 older woman in light dress, standing on porch, pointing with left hand and 1 man with hat in hand, leaning against a pick axe)

folder 2, item 2.09z

Constitution and By-Laws March 1929

General

Constitution and Bylaws for an organization that serves people in the arts in areas related to employment, skill and talent development, communing, charity and encouraging and mentoring youth in the arts. Page 9 is torn and has signatures. Authors are Clarence A. Brooks and Spencer Williams Jr. There are signatures of the organization's Office Holders, Board of Directors, and several Members.

folder 2, item 2.16a

"Georgia Rose" 1930

General

"Georgia Rose" Summary of complete story, typed, 1.5 spacing or double- spaced. Some handwritten corrections, and page 8 has 9 lines handwritten. Stapled in upper left corner. Page numbers at bottom center. Light paper-bag color

box 6

Photographs, correspondence, flyers and brochures, financial records, newspaper clippings 1912-1939, 1968

folder 1, item 2.03j

Clarence Brooks as Dr. Marchand in "Arrowsmith" undated

folder 1, item 2.05h

Newsclippings 1912 July 30

General

"Roosevelt Will Meet Negro Issue Fairly" AL. 2 pages pinned together

folder 1, item 2.05i

News Clippings 1924 September 25

General

(1) "How the Negro has Contributed to Our Culture" L.A. Times (2)"De Priest to Ask Full Privileges" (3)"Peerless Firm is headed by Man of 33." Herald: October

folder 1, item 2.07b

Correspondence 1934 November 22

General

Sack Amusement Enterprises, 610 Soledad Street, San Antonio, TX. Nov 22, 1934 (1) Letter: 1-sided typed on dark pink/salmon color paper. (2) Envelope: dark pink/salmon color. Mr. Clarence A. Brooks, 40 Micheaux Pictures Corp. 200 West 135th St., New York, NY. Postmarked Nov 22, 1934, 7:30 pm, San Antonio, TX

folder 1, item 2.07c

Correspondence 1925 September 30

General

Letter from 4232 Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL. Addressed to Clarence A. Brooks, Secretary, Lincoln Motion Picture Co., L.A., Calif. Sept 30, 1925. Re: 50 shares of stock purchased May 1, 1922. (Bond Certificate #215) (Will Hudson) Postmarked October 5, 1925

folder 1, item 2.07d

Correspondence 1925 September 17

General

Unopened Envelope. Sept 16, 1925. Addressed to Lincoln Motion Picture Co. 1103 Central Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. From W.J. Haskins, 83 Suffield St., Hartford, Conn

folder 1, item 2.07e

Correspondence 1924 November 11

General

Unopened Envelope. To: The Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. From: N.E. Duvergee. St. Thomas, V.I.

folder 1, item 2.07f

Correspondence 1925 April 4

General

Unopened Envelope. To: Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc. (forwarded to 1121 Central Ave. From 2816 Pratt St. Omaha, Neb.) From: Mrs. Nona E. Potter, 118 Greater St. Ft. Wayne, Indiana

folder 1, item 2.07g

Correspondence 1929 April 7

General

Unopened Envelope. To: Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc., 1121 Central Ave, Los Angeles, Calif. From: L.R. Gaines, Box 59, Shoreline, Ohio.

folder 1, item 2.07h

Correspondence 1927 January 26

General

To: Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Envelope Dated Jan. 28, 1927. Letter dated Jan. 26, 1927. From: Cecil B. deMille Pictures Corporation. Actor Rod LaRocque is under sole contract with deMille and all must respect that.

folder 1, item 2.07i

Correspondence 1925 July 1

General

2 page letter. Handwritten. July 1, 1925. From: Mrs Ida B. Baldwin, 2002 Pulaski St., Little Rock, Ark. Envelope: July 2, 1925. Addressed to: Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. A colored woman is asking if Lincoln Motion Picture Co. accepts/considers photo play scenarios written by amateurs.

folder 1, item 2,07j

Correspondence 1925 September 16

General

Typed, 1 page. Sept. 16, 1925. Letterhead: Queen of the West Chapter, No. 21, O.E.S. From: Alice A. Brown, % Mr. E. F. Hughes, 415-N-Clifford Ave., Brentwood, Park. West. Los Angeles, Calif. Envelope: Addressed to: Southern California Investment Co. Fiscal Agents, Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1154-Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. A housekeeper employed by a lawyer is requesting response about the $50 she has invested. (No. 204)

folder 1, item 2.07k

Correspondence 1925 July 11

General

3-page, folded, handwritten. From: Alice A. Brown, Purchased $50 worth of stock, May 9, 1922, when living in Nogales, Arizona. Envelope: July 11, 1925, Los Angeles, Calif. Addressed to Southern California Investment Co. 1154 Central Ave, Los Angeles, Calif.

folder 2, item 2.07l

Correspondence 1924 December 1

General

To: Mr. Phillip J. Fay, 318 Merchants Ex. Bldg, San Francisco, Calif. Dear Mr. Fay- In Re: McGinnis and Con. Bldg. Assn. Yours very truly, CAB/B. Estate escrow not yet closed.

folder 2, item 2.07m

Correspondence 1924 December 5

General

Addressed to: Mr. Clarence A. Brooks, 842 Wall Street, Los Angeles, Calif. Letterhead: Title Guarantee and Trust Co. Re: Escrow No. 541140.

folder 2, item 2.07n

Correspondence 1924 May 13

General

Letterhead: Estate of Continental Building and Loan Association, A Corporation, Bankrupt. Addressed to: Mr. Clarence A. Brooks, Secretary, 842 Wall St., Los Angeles, Calif. From: Phillip J. Fay, Trustee.

folder 2, item 2.08a

Pamphlet undated

General

"Very Important" A pocket directory of Progressive Negro-Owned Business Enterprises in Harlem. Opened, folded into three sections, includes names and addresses of businesses (groceries, laundries, etc.) that serve Negros. Published by: National Negro Progress Assoc. Inc., 200 West 135th Street, New York, Rm. 216

folder 2, item 2.08b

Handout 1922 March 23

General

"How to Write for the Screen" by Thomas H. Ince (Director General of Paramount Artcraft Production) copied by Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc. from the issue of Silverscreen .

folder 2, item 2.08c

Flyer 1928

General

Clarence Brooks in "Absent" Rosebud Films, advertisement=8.5" x 8.5" for Absent. Side 1: Clarence Brooks. Side 2: Rosebud Theatre 1940 Central Ave (other films). Co-stars: George Reed, Virgil Owens, Rosa Lee Lincoln

folder 2, item 2.08d

Flyer 1928

General

Rosebud Theatre film flyer. Advertisement for World Premier showing "Absent" on back lower right corner. Advertizes 8 films (7 white films, 1 black). Co-stars: George Reed, Virgil Owens, Rosa Lee Lincoln

folder 2, item 2.08e

Program 1931

General

Grauman's Chinese Theatre Presents "Trader Horn", Metro-Goldwyn-Mayers Miracle Picture of 1931. Photos and story of a white woman in Africa (white goddess of the Africans) receiving 2 white men, filmed in "dense jungle of the Congo". (a) Names: African tribes and chiefs (b) white hunters (c) officials from territories of: Tanganyika, Uganda (protectorate), Colony of Kenya, Anglo-Egyptians, Sudan, Belgium, Congo. Africans served the white woman, Nina. Co-stars: Riano Tindami and Mutia Omoolu.

folder 2, item 2.08g

Program undated

General

Samuel Goldwyn Presents Ronald Coleman with Helen Hayes at the Gaity Theatre, inside the fold, Clarence Brooks is listed in Cast. Handwritten note: "Went last night the 22nd Dec"

folder 2, item 2.08h

Flyer 1921

General

Front "By Right of Birth" featuring Clarence Brooks, Anita Thompson and Webb King. Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc. 1121 Central Ave., L.A. Back: Pointed paragraphs (Gant's personal direction) 8 photos from films.

folder 3, item 2.08i

Program undated

General

"The Exile" written and directed by Oscar Micheaux. First modern all talking drama of Negro life. Cast: Eunice Brooks, Katherine Noisette, Nora Newsome, A. B. Comathiere, Stanley Morrell, Charles Moore, George Randol, Carl Mahon, Lou Vernon. Musical score by Donald Heywood. Cabaret entertainers.

folder 3, item 2.08j

Flyer 1939

General

Herbert Jeffrey "The Bronze Buckaroo" All colored musical, western, with the Four Tones, Nance's Place, Plain Dealing, Louisiana. July 20, two shows (7:45, 9:15) Children under 12 - 10 cents. All others 15 cents. Flyer color is paper sack color.

folder 3, item 2.08k

Flyer 1939

General

Herbert Jeffery Hollywood Productions "Harlem Rides the Range," with Spencer Williams, Clarence Brooks, F. E. Miller, Artie Young, Lucius Brooks, Tom Southern, John Thomas, Wade Dumas and Leonard Christmas. The Four Tones. Story by Spencer Williams and F. E. Miller. Richard C. Kahn Production. Distributed by SACK AMUSEMENT ENTERPRISES. Clarence Brooks in 2 of the 5 photos on front side. Back Side: Cowboy Herbert Jeffery on his horse "Stardusk". Musical. General, no date.

folder 3, item 2.08l

Flyer 1939

General

"Harlem Rides the Range" 2 shows, Aug 16 (7:45, 9:15) shown at Lecompte (colored elementary school) in Louisiana. 1 photo with cast info and Jeffery and woman and cowboy with gun. Clarence Brooks and Spencer Williams listed as part of cast. Children under 12- 10 cents. All others 15 cents.

folder 3, item 2.08m

Flyer 1939

General

"Harlem Rides the Range" flyer for showing at Colored High School, Haynesville, Louisiana. Wed July 24, two shows.

folder 3, item 2.08o

Flyer 1928

General

"Absent" Rosebud Films featuring CLarence Brooks. Produced under personal supervision of Harry A. Gant.

folder 3, item 2.08p

Flyer undated

General

"The Exile" Sack Amusement Enterprises

folder 3, item 2.09a

Lease document 1968 February 1

General

Subsurface oil and gas lease with Texaco. Cherry Brooks, Clarence A. Brooks. Nettie Washington. 2 lots, subdivision of Adams Street Park Tract.

folder 3, item 2.09b

Envelope 1915

folder 3, item 2.09c

Stocks certificate undated

folder 3, item 2.09c

Stocks certificate undated

frame 3, item 2.09c

Stocks certificate undated

folder 3, item 2.09d

Correspondence 1924 June 24

General

2 separate typed documents paper clipped together. Doc 1: June 9th, 1924. From: Clarence A. Brooks, Secretary. To: Atty Phillip J. Fay. 318 Merchants Exchange Bldg. San Francisco, Calif. Concerning Escrow. Doc 2: From: Title Guarantee and Trust Co. Los Angeles, Calif. To: Mr. Clarence A. Brooks, 842 Wall Street, Los Angeles, Calif. Concerning escrow No. 541140

folder 3, item 2.09d

Correspondence 1924 May 29

General

folder 3, item 2.09e

Coupons and stock certificates undated

General

The Union Tobacco Company. (1) United Project-Sharing Certificate (blue #345885) cash value one cent. (2) 12/3000 of a share (salmon color) #62518 BC (3) Void after Dec. 31 1929. 14/3000 of one share (pink-dark) #67786 GF (4) 30/3000 of one share (beige) #89231 KC (5) Wrigley's United Project Sharing Coupon

folder 3, item 2.09e

Coupons and stock certificates undated

General

folder 3, item 2.09e

Envelope undated

General

folder 3, item 2.09f

Correspondence 1924 November 14

General

Letter to: Josie Hamilton Brooks, 1333 E. 28th St., Los Angeles, Calif. LA CO Superior Court #11089. Re: Estate of Irene Hamilton, deceased. Hearing Nov. 26, 1924. Los Angeles

folder 3, item 2.09h

Correspondence 1925 October 29

General

Letterhead: California State Corporation Department. Addressed to: Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Re: Non-payment. Envelope: October 29, 1925, Sacramento

folder 3, item 2.09i

Correspondence 1924 July 7

General

State of California, Controller's Department. Notice of Corporation Taxes No.13625 $20. To: Lincoln Motion Picture Co., 1121 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Envelope: July 7,1924, Sacramento.

folder 3, item 2.09j

Legal agreement 1925 July 17

General

Legal Agreement, Store Lease. James R. Watt (lessor) Clarence A. Brooks (lessee)

folder 3, item 2.09j

Legal agreement 1925 July 17

General

Legal Agreement, Store Lease. James R. Watt (lessor) Clarence A. Brooks (lessee)

box 7

Financial records, newspaper clippings, flyers and brochures, paper negatives 1916-1934

General

This box contains at-risk paper materials that require special conservation treatment: newspaper clippings and a folded letter. These items should not be handled until they have been properly preserved. Items in this box include 2.06a, 2.06b, 2.07a, and 2.09g from the donor's inventory list.

folder 1, item 2.09m

Check register undated

General

Security Trust and Savings Bank, bank book and cover. Josie Hamilton Brooks.

folder 1, item 2.09n

Legal agreement undated

General

Calculations and data tables for 1921 and 1925 concerning people of color. Re: "What has Cryer Done for the Colored Man?"

folder 1, item 2.09o

Bank document 1927 September 13

General

City National Bank document. Signed by Brooks Bros. Pharmacy, Clarence A. Brooks. 1801 Central Ave., Los Angeles, Calif.

folder 1, item 2.09p

Permit receipts 1921-1924

General

3, 3-page typed copies (mimeographed?) of Public Works in Los Angeles, Permits and Valuations. For Years: 1921,1923,1924

folder 1, item 2.09q

Minutes 1924 July 25

General

Typed minutes for a July 28th, 1924 meeting, Clarence Brooks, recording Secretary.

folder 1, item 2.09r

Receipt 1929 November 2

General

Receipt from "The Artist Press, Ltd., Los Angeles, Calif. 400 score cards, paid, C.A. Brooks

folder 1, item 2.09s

Pamphlet undated

General

"What of the Future?" Printed beige pamphlet. Cover topics: To Fill a Great Need, Where Will You Live?, Thousands Are Coming, Your Help is Needed. Men Behind the Texas Association Investment Company, includes (Listed) Clarence A. Brooks as Secretary (and Secretary of Lincoln Motion Pictures Company and member of Alexander Realty Company, and Trustee) (seems related to #2.9.p and #2.9.n)

folder 1, item 2.09t

Statement of accounts 1928 December 3 - 1930 March 1

General

"Estate of Pauline B. Daniels," Statement of Account. 6 pages, typed, detailed, signed by Clarence A. Brooks.

folder 1, item 2.09v

Bank statements of loans 1916-1917

General

Bank statements of loans: Lincoln Motion Pictures borrows from Dudley Brooks (August 25, 1916); borrows from Leon Daniels (May 26, 1917); borrows from Clarence Brooks (August 25, 1916). Signatures: Clarence A. Brooks, Sec. (on two docs); Noble Johnson, Pres. and J.T. Smith, Treas.

folder 1, item 2.09w

Cashed checks undated

General

Cashed checks (all checks=7931), paid by Clarence A. Brooks. 1 check is written to Harry A. Gant. ($20).

folder 1, item 2.09x

Memorandum charge undated

General

Bank's monthly service charge

folder 1, item 2.09y

Agreement 1919 April 1

General

2 different, typed receipts. 1=black type, 1=red type.

folder 1, item 2.09aa

Balance sheet 1919 January 1

General

Public Accountant and Auditors/ J.B. Fewkes and Co. re: Lincoln Motion Picture Company.

folder 1, item 2.09bb

Check customer draft 1919 June 13

General

Side 1: (Handwritten) Received of Clarence Brooks, 800 shares of the capital stock & Lincoln Motion Picture. Side 2: (Printed form)

folder 2, item 2.09cc

Note 1916 May 24

General

Received of Clarence Brooks ($100), May 24, 1916, handwritten. Signed James T. Smith Treasurer, Per Moving Picture Proposition

folder 2, item 2.09dd

Received check 1916 June 15

General

Received of Clarence Brooks ($25) Signed James T. Smith

folder 2, item 2.09ee

Received check 1916 August 15

General

Received of Clarence Brooks ($100) Signed James T. Smith

folder 1, item 2.09ff

Receipt 1928 December 13

General

Conner- Johnson and Company/ Funeral Directors. Received of Mr. Daniels, for Pauline Daniels (deceased) (Clarence Brooks' mother) Dec. 13, 1928. $108.50

folder 2, item 2.09gg

Bill of sale 1917 November 10

General

Bill of Sale, Car purchase, $10 paid by C.A. and D.A. Brooks for Maxwell Tours 1915 Model

folder 2, item 2.09hh

Miscellaneous news clippings undated

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Miscellaneous Clippings

folder 2, item 2.09ii

Miscellaneous booklets undated

General

Miscellaneous Booklets

folder 2, item 2.09jj

Business card undated

General

Business card for "Jimmie Smith" and Pacific Coast News Bureau and Racial News of National Importance

folder 2, item 2.09kk

Miscellaneous flyers undated

General

Miscellaneous theatre and events announcements and other

folder 2, item 2.10b

Commendation July 1921

General

2 commendations (1) The Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, AL. March 14,1917. (2) Robert R. Church Jr., Memphis, March 28, 1917.

folder 2, item 2.10c

Commendation 1928

General

("Special" to Pittsburgh Courier) by Henry Jones, West Coast Courier Representative. Re: A preview of "Absent" (triumph)

folder 2, item 2.10d

Press 23 August 1928

General

Reprint L.A. New Age Dispatch. Re: "Absent" a Rosebud Production Premier featuring Clarence Brooks. 2 photos of Clarence and 4 columns of text. Triumph.

folder 3, item 2.11a

Cards 1930

General

5 different devices/cards; "A Scene from 'Georgia Rose' (1930) Featuring Clarence Brooks with an all star Negro Cast" 1 duplicate

folder 3, item 2.12a

Press release 1921

General

"Another Lincoln Production" (8 paragraphs, single-spaced text) for "By Right of Birth" (1921) photoplay. 1-sided

folder 3, item 2.13b

Description sheet 1921

General

"Publicity that Pulls" Producers: Lincoln Motion Picture Co. Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. The oldest Negro film corporation in the world. Story "By Right of Birth" (1921) mistaken racial identity. Stars, Cast, Posters, Stills, Heralds, Extras

folder 3, item 2.14a

Program undated

General

"What of Your Future?" Where Will You Be at 65? Cover page: black and white photos: White people looking worried- (1)Man and Woman (2) 1 woman. A large booklet advertising why to invest in Lincoln. (3) Capitalization ($75,000 Capital Stock, $75,000 Common Stock, $1 per share). (4) Scenes. (5) Recommendations from important people across the country. (6) Fiscal Agents: Southern California Investment Co., 1154 Central Ave., L.A., Calif. (7) Repository: California Bank. (8) Clarence A. Brooks, Secretary.

folder 3, item 2.13a

Program 1928

General

Rosebud Films 1622 Cosmo Street, Hollywood, Calif. "Publicity that Pulls" "Absent" (1928) Identifies Production, The Story, The Stars, Posters, Stills, Heralds, Shots of Trailers, Extras. Return from war.

folder 3, item 2.15b

Description sheet undated

General

1-sheet. Description of character, education and experience of Atty M.H. Broyles to represent the 73rd District

folder 3, item 2.15c

Declaration of principles undated

General

1-Sheet. "Declaration of Principles" to the Republican elections of the 73rd Assembly District. Signed: M.H. Broyles

box 8

Flyers, posters, newspaper clippings, financial records

box 8, item 2.08f

Motion picture advertisement 1916-1919

box 8, item 2.09n

Calculations and data tables 1921-1925

box 8, item 2.08f

1916 Performances flyer 1916-1919

box 8, item 2.08n

Flyer 1928

box 8, item 2.05g

Newspaper 1933 July 23

box 8, item 2.09u

Finance ledger pages undated

box 8, item 2.09kk

Miscellaneous event announcements undated

box 8, item 2.09hh

Miscellaneous clippings undated

box 8, item 2.10a

Press and commendations 1921 June 18 - 1921 July 16

box 8, item 2.15a

Booklet undated

Press Sheet circa 1930

General

Item 2.12b: [Giant] Press sheet (Aristo Films) 6331 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywod, Calif. Suite 807. "Clarence Brooks in 'Georgia Rose'" (1930) 2-sided when fully opened. 1-sheet, folded to have 4 sdies. Photos of 8 lobby cards, scenes, description of cast, director's praises of cast, columns of related stories.

box 9

Scripts, constitution and bylaws ca. 1930

folder 1, item 2.16b

"Georgia Rose" script 1930

General

"Georgia Rose" Appears to be draft script, loose paper, no staples or paper clips. Starting with second page, there is a typed page number at top left corner. 40 pages, typed with camera instructions, dialogue, some handwritten corrections/edits. Page 40 says "Finis" Some sheets are very delicate.

folder 2, item 2.16c

"Georgia Rose" script 1930

General

"Georgia Rose" Appears to be completed final Script. Top corner old paper clip. Typed page numbers almost hidden underneath the top, centered paper clip. 26 pages. Page 26 is a half page and has "End."

folder 3, item 2.16d

"Bits from Hits with Clarence Brooks in Hollywood's Movieland" undated

General

"Bits from Hits with Clarence Brooks in Hollywood's Movieland" Script and filming instructions. 4 pages (handwritten page numbers at top center). Bits from 4 films with Clarence Brooks and directed by Harry A. Grant. Paper clipped at top center.

folder 4, item 2.16e

"The Metal that Won" script undated

General

"The Metal That Won," 16 pages, by Spencer Williams Jr. Paper clipped, page numbers typed at top right beginning with p.(2). Seems like an advanced draft and has some handwritten edits. Pg 1. is almost separated at the paper clip. Pages 15 and 16 have tears.

folder 5, item 2.16f

"The Metal that Won" script undated

General

"The Metal That Won," 13 pages. Story, Continuity and Dialogue by Spencer Williams Jr. Shorter version, has handwritten edits. Script has "Sound Dept" handwritten across the upper left corner on Pg 1.

folder 6, item 2.16f

"The Metal that Won" script undated

General

folder 7, item 2.16g

"The Devil's Fang's" cast of characters undated

General

"The Devil's Fang's" Cast of Characters complete. Page 1 has both black type and red type. Page 2- By Clifford S. Smith. Prologue takes place during war. Script is divided into episodes. (Ex. P.2, episode 1 is on page 4.) 10 episodes. 22=total number of pages

Audiovisual materials

item V9841/F1

Cowboy undated

item V9842/F1

Cowboy undated

item V9843/F1

Cowboy undated

item V9844/F1

The Bronze Buckaroo 1939

General

The Bronze Buckaroo is a 1939 film directed by Richard C. Kahn.

item V9845/F1

The Bronze Buckaroo 1939

item V9846/F1

Harlem Rides the Range 1939

General

Harlem Rides the Range is a 1939 black cowboy film directed by Richard C. Kahn.

item V9847/F1

Harlem Rides the Range 1939