Oseola McCarty Collection
Collection
Identifier: M442
Scope and Contents
The Oseola McCarty Collection consists primarily of materials that document her donation to The University of Southern Mississippi. Included are the multitude of honors and awards bestowed on her, photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia. Also included are photographs and documents pertaining to other aspects of her life. The collection also includes materials pertaining to her estate.
This collection should be of interest to persons researching the history of USM, notable African Americans, or philanthropic giving.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1920-1999
Creator
- McCarty, Oseola, 1908-1999 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Noncirculating; available for research.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).
Biographical / Historical
Oseola McCarty was born on March 7, 1908, in Wayne County, Mississippi, near the small town of Shubuta. She was the only child of Lucy McCarty. She never married, never had children, never learned to drive, only had a sixth grade education, yet she became a national heroine.
Miss Ola, as she was known to her family and friends, moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in about 1916, where she lived with her mother, her grandmother (Julia Smith McCarty), and her aunt (Evaline McCarty). Her grandmother died in 1944, her mother in 1964, and her aunt in 1967. After her aunt’s demise, she lived alone for the remainder of her life, in a small wood frame house on Miller Street. She attended Eureka Elementary school, but dropped out in sixth grade to help care for a sick aunt. She earned her living by washing and ironing clothes, and since she was alone in the world, she lived frugally and saved money religiously. By 1995, her savings had grown to approximately $250,000, and she decided to donate a large portion of it ($150,000) to The University of Southern Mississippi to provide scholarships for deserving students. The first McCarty Scholarship was awarded to Stephanie Bullock in 1995. By 2005, seventeen bright young students had benefited from the scholarship, and the number continues to grow. When the story of her generosity was released to the press, money began pouring in to the University for the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Fund, and numerous awards were heaped on Miss McCarty, including the Presidential Citizen’s Medal, the nation’s second highest civilian award. She traveled extensively in the next few years, accepting awards, appearing on television programs, and dropping the ball in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, 1996. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Harvard University in 1996, and in 1998 she became the first recipient of an honorary doctorate from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Miss McCarty died on September 26, 1999. On October 2, her body lay in state in the rotunda of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building at USM, prior to memorial services later that day. She is interred in Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg.
Miss Ola’s life was based on simplicity and an abiding faith in God. In 1996, she published a compilation of philosophical sayings that had guided her life, titled Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. In an article regarding her scholarship fund, she is quoted as saying, “When I leave this world, I can’t carry nothing away from here. Whatever I have, it’s going to be left here for somebody. Some child can get their education, to help them along, because you can’t do nothing now unless you get your education. I don’t regret one single penny I gave to the college. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t have that much more to give.”
Extent
24 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
In 1995 Miss Oseola McCarty, an African American laundress, donated the bulk of her life’s savings, $150,000, to The University of Southern Mississippi to provide scholarships for deserving students. This collection documents her generous act and the multitude of honors and awards presented to her in the ensuing years.
Arrangement
The collection is divided into five series:
· Series I: Subject File
· Series II: Photographs
· Series III: Awards
· Series IV: Memorabilia
· Series V: Estate Records
Provenance
Materials in this collection were donated to McCain Library and Archives in several increments, beginning in December 1995. The primary donor was Miss Oseola McCarty. Other donors were Paul Laughlin, Jewel Tucker, and William E. “Bud” Kirkpatrick.
Existence and Location of Copies
For Digitized Materials from this collection, see: External Documents link at bottom of page.
Photograph Log
M442-1 Oseola McCarty and Family 5 x 7 Sepia circa 1920
Oseola McCarty, approximately twelve years of age, poses with family members outside their home. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-2 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5 B & W circa 1930s Formal head and shoulders portrait of Miss McCarty. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-3 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5; 5 x 7 B & W circa 1930s Formal head and shoulders portrait of Miss McCarty, similar to M442-2. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-4 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color; B & W 1995 President Bill Clinton pins the Presidential Citizen's Medal on Miss McCarty during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-5 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color 1995 Autographed picture of President Clinton shaking hands with Miss McCarty. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-6 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color 1995 President Clinton presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Miss McCarty during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-7 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty is wearing a nurse's uniform, prior to receiving an honorary degree from the Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-8 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty adjusts her cap, prior to ceremony awarding her an honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-9 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty admires her image in a mirror, prior to receiving her. honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-10 Oseola McCarty and Priscilla Smith 3Y2 x 5 Color July 17, 1997 Miss McCarty and Ms. Smith are posed in Miss McCarty's living room. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-11 Oseola McCarty Named Honorary Grandmother 5 x 8 Color undated Miss McCarty was named Honorary Grandmother by students of Jones Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Ms. Standing behind her are School Superintendent Dr. Gordon Walker (2nd from left), and School Librarian Mrs. Jo Newman (2nd from left). Others are unidentified. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-12 Oseola McCarty, Paul Laughlin, and Dr. Aubrey Lucas 5 x 7 B & W July 1995 Seated left-to-right on a sofa are Mr. Laughlin, Miss McCarty, and Dr. Lucas. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-13 Oseola McCarty, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Bill Pace 5x7 B&W July1995 USM President Dr. Aubrey Lucas shakes hands with Miss McCarty, as USM Foundation Director Bill Pace looks on. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-14 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is seated next to her bed. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-15 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is seated next to a table. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-16 Oseola McCarty in her room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is standing next to her bed. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-17 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is standing behind a chair. Several items of memorabilia are displayed on the wall behind her. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-18 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5 Color 1996 . Miss McCarty receives honorary title of registered nurse. Beside her is a sign that says "Welcome to the Fishbowl Oseola McCarty RN. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-19 Oseola McCarty and Others 4 X 5 Color 1996 Miss McCarty poses with others after receiving honorary title of RN. Individuals with her are identified on back of the image. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-20 Oseola McCarty Autographs Program 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty signs a program at a meal following reception of honorary RN. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-21 Oseola McCarty and Jewel Tucker 2x 3 Color circa 1995-1997 Miss McCarty and Mrs. Tucker (Administrative Secretary, USM Office of the President) are standing side-by-side. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-22 Oseola McCarty and Rudy Giuliani 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty (partially hidden by podium) waits with New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-23 Oseola McCarty and Mary Lacy Montgomery 4 x 5 Color 1997 Miss McCarty poses with Hattiesburg's Miss Hospitality 1997, Mary Lacy Montgomery. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-24 Oseola McCarty at Mississippi State University 5 x 7 B & W circa 1997 Miss McCarty poses with Marlin Ivey, Dr. Horace Fleming, Mrs. Jewel Tucker, Dr. Thomas Layzell, and James Luvene. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-25 Oseola McCarty and Scholarship Recipients 5 x 7 B & W circa 1997 Pictured with Dr. Horace Fleming, unidentified scholarship recipient, Stephanie Bullock, Miss McCarty, Carletta Barnes, Joseph Milton, and an unidentified man. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-26 Oseola McCarty 5 x 7 B & W circa 1995 Miss McCarty is holding a copy of The Holy Bible. The photo is by Steve Coleman. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-27 Oseola McCarty, Stephanie Bullock, and Carletta Barnes 5 x 7 B & W circa 1996 Miss McCarty with the first (Bullock) and second (Barnes) recipients of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-28 Oseola McCarty, Gov. Kirk Fordice, and Others 4 x 6 Color 1997 Mississippi Governor, Kirk Fordice, presents a commendation to Miss McCarty, as USM President Dr. Horace Fleming and an unidentified woman look on. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-29 Oseola McCarty Receives Aetna Award 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and other recipients of the Aetna Voice of Conscience Award pose on a stage. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-30 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color 1996 An unidentified woman pins Miss McCarty's cap on prior to her receiving the honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-31 Oseola McCarty in San Bernardino 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty plucks an orange from a tree in San Bernardino, California. She was one of four African Americans honored during Black History Month by the City of San Bernardino in 1997. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-32 Oseola McCarty in San Bernardino 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty stands in an orange grove in San Bernardino, California. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-33 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997-1998 Miss McCarty visits the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-34 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997-1998 Miss McCarty gazes at the Eternal Flame at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-35 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997:-1998 Miss McCarty looks at the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. monument at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-36 Oseola McCarty in New York 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and two unidentified women wait to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve 1996. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-37 Oseola McCarty in New York 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty, Jewel Tucker, and an unidentified woman wait for time to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve 1996. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-38 Oseola McCarty at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is seated at a table with copies of her book, Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-39 Oseola McCarty and Jewel Tucker at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty and Mrs. Tucker at a book signing for Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-40 Oseola McCarty in Cincinnati 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty is presented a plaque by the Franciscan Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later toured the Proctor and Gamble Plant, makers of Tide detergent, which Miss McCarty used exclusively. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-41 Oseola McCarty in Cincinnati 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty is presented a plaque by the Franciscan Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later toured the Proctor and Gamble Plant, makers of Tide detergent, which Miss McCarty used exclusively. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-42 Kate Davis 4 x 6 Color 1998 Kate Davis stands in front of Miss Oseola McCarty's portrait in the USM Administration Building. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-43 Oseola McCarty and Kate Davis 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty presents a vase to Ms. Davis. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-44 Oseola McCarty at The Arlington 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty, Jewel Tucker, and Kate Davis have dinner in the dining room of The Arlington. (Box 7, Folder2)
M442-45 Oseola McCarty at Home 4 x 6 Color · 1998 Miss McCarty is seated on her bed at her home on Miller Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-46 Oseola McCarty and Cousin 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty wears doctoral regalia, as she prepares to receive the first honorary degree ever awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi. Standing beside her is a young woman believed to be her cousin. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-47 Oseola McCarty Cuts Birthday Cake 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty cuts a large rectangular birthday cake, as Jewel Tucker looks on. The celebration took place at USM's R. C. Cook Student Union. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-48 Oseola McCarty Relaxes at Home 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty is seated on a sofa that is covered with a USM throw. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-49 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 8 x 10 B & W 1997 Miss McCarty receives a standing ovation at the annual meeting of the Council for Advance and Support of Education (CASE), District III, Atlanta, Georgia. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-50 Oseola McCarty and Others 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty (center) stands outside her home on Miller Street, with an unidentified man and woman. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-51 Oseola McCarty, Parade Grand Marshal 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is standing beside a white limousine, labeled "Parade Grand Marshal Oseola McCarty." She is wearing an African outfit, and the occasion is probably the July 4, EURO Reunion Parade in Hattiesburg. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-52 Oseola McCarty and Rudy Giuliani 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani pose together prior to dropping the hall in Times Square on New Year's Eve. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-53 Oseola McCarty at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is surrounded by admirers, as she signs copies of her book, Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-54 Oseola McCarty at Ole Miss 5 X 7 B & w 1996 Miss McCarty and six others are presented Awards of Distinction by The University of Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-55 Oseola McCarty at Ole Miss 5 X 7 B & w 1996 Miss McCarty is presented an Award of Distinction by the University of Mississippi. Three unidentified persons are pictured with her. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-56 Oseola McCarty on a Beach 3 x 5 Color circa 1996-1997 Miss McCarty is standing, with an expanse of beach in the background. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-57 Oseola McCarty Aboard an Airplane 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1997 Miss McCarty gazes out the window of a plane on one of her many trips. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-58 Miss Oseola McCarty Lies in State 4 x 6 Color Oct. 2, 1999 Miss McCarty lies in state in the rotunda of the USM Administration Building, prior to memorial services in Bennett Auditorium. USM President Dr. Horace Fleming and others pay their respects. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-59 Miss Oseola McCarty Lies in State 4 x 6 Color Oct. 2, 1999 Mrs. Jewel Tucker and others pay their respects, as Miss McCarty lies in state in the rotunda of the USM's Administration Building. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-60 Stephanie and Stephen Bullock 3 x 5 Color 1995 Stephanie Bullock, first recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship, is pictured with her twin brother, Stephen, in their Hattiesburg High School graduation regalia. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-61 Stephanie Bullock 3 x 5 Color circa 1995 Formal portrait of Ms. Bullock, first recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship. She is wearing a pastel pink dress. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-62 Joseph Milton 5 x 7 Color December 18, 1998 Mr. Milton, a recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship, is pictured in graduation regalia, holding his USM degree. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-63 Students at Becker Elementary School 4 x 6 Color circa late 1990s Ms. Sue Kirkland's 7th grade English class at Becker Elementary School, Becker, Mississippi. The students are posed outdoors, and an inscription on the back of the photo says, "Miss McCarty, you're our hero!" (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-64 Alisha Bertha McCarty 2 x 3 Color Sept. 1987 Studio portrait of three-month-old Alisha all dressed in pink. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-65 Jameilya Polk 2 x 3 Color 1990 Ten-year-old Jameilya is wearing a red and white cheerleader uniform. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-66 Cutrell Smith Varnado 3 x 4 Color 1986 Two-week-old Cutrell is pictured in an infant carrier. A note on back of the photo identifies the baby as Alma Smith's grandson. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-67 Valerie A. Brown 3x3 B&W undated Valerie appears to be about three years of age. She is wearing a frilly · dress, patent leather shoes, a dainty little hat, and is carrying a patent leather purse. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-68 Andre McCarty 2 x 3 Color undated Studio portrait of seven-week-old Andre, with a blue blanket as a backdrop. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-69 Adrian McCarty 1 ½ x 2 Color undated Studio portrait of Adrian, wearing a red Izod shirt. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-70 Robert "Bobby" Walker 2x3 B&W 1962 Studio portrait of Mr. Walker. Note on back says, "Class of January, 1962." (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-71 Mary McCarty 2x3 B&W 1946-1947 School Days image of Mary, as a student at Shubuta Elementary School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-72 Willian1Otis "Sonny" McCarty 2 X 3 B &W 1963-1964 School Days photo of Sonny as a student at Shubuta Elementary School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-73 Larry (?) Austin 2x3 B&W 1951-1952 School Days photo of six-year-old master Austin, as a student at Camp School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-74 Julia Gazelle McCarty · 2x3 B&W undated Studio portrait of Miss Julia McCarty in graduation regalia. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-75 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 22, 1999 SFC Green is standing beside3 a bamboo structure. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-76 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 22, 1999 SFC Green is standing in front of a group of totem poles. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-77 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 21, 1999 SFC Green is standing on what appears to be a village street. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-78 Sergeant First Class Green in Martinsville, Virginia 3 x 5 Color 1998 SFC Green is pictured at Christmastime.
M442-79 Dr. and Mrs. Fred Fielder 3 x 4 Color Dec. 1989 Studio portrait of Dr. Fielder and his wife, Vivian. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-80 Jackie, John III, and Michael 5 x 7 Color undated Studio portrait of three children: Jackie (age 3), John III (age 13), and Michael (age 7). (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-81 John and Marcia 5 x 7 Color undated Studio portrait of a couple in their 30s or 40s, identified only as "John and Marcia." (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-82 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Five young male students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-83 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Four young female students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-84 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Six young female students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-85 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa1996 Seven students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York- four female and three male. Students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-86 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color · circa 1996 Six students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York-five female and one male. Students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-87 Oseola McCarty in New York 5 x 7 B & W Nov. 13, 1995 Miss McCarty is pictured with Speaker of the New York City Council, Peter F. Vallone, Sr., and students of Public School No. 70. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-88 Thomas Earl McCarty 8 x 10 B & W circa 1952 Mr. McCarty is pictured in his U.S. Army uniform. He is Miss Oseola McCarty's second cousin. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-89 Clarence 3x4 B&W undated Clarence is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "As Ever. Clarence." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-90 Patricia McCann 4x5 B & W 1957 Patricia is pictured in graduation regalia. She was a neighbor and distant relative of Miss Oseola McCarty. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-91 Kathryn 3x4 B7W undated Kathryn is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "As Ever, Kathryn." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-92 Virginia McCarty Poole 3x4 B &W undated Virginia is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "To Aunt Lucy." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-93 Leonard Otis McCarty 4x5 B&W undated Leonard is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "With Love, Leonard." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-94 Oseola McCarty with American Flag 8 x 11 Color 1995 Miss McCarty displays a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-95 Oseola McCarty in Doctoral Regalia 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty prepares to receive the first honorary degree awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-96 Oseola McCarty in Olympic Relay 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and other participants in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay receive keys to the City of Columbia, Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-97 Oseola McCarty at Harvard 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty in procession at Harvard University, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-98 Oseola McCarty and Others 5 x 7 B & W 1995 Miss McCarty is portrayed with Stephanie Bullock, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Bill Pace in front of her home. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-2 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5 B & W circa 1930s Formal head and shoulders portrait of Miss McCarty. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-3 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5; 5 x 7 B & W circa 1930s Formal head and shoulders portrait of Miss McCarty, similar to M442-2. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-4 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color; B & W 1995 President Bill Clinton pins the Presidential Citizen's Medal on Miss McCarty during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-5 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color 1995 Autographed picture of President Clinton shaking hands with Miss McCarty. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-6 Oseola McCarty and President Bill Clinton 8 x 10 Color 1995 President Clinton presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Miss McCarty during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-7 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty is wearing a nurse's uniform, prior to receiving an honorary degree from the Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-8 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty adjusts her cap, prior to ceremony awarding her an honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-9 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color June 2, 1996 Miss McCarty admires her image in a mirror, prior to receiving her. honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-10 Oseola McCarty and Priscilla Smith 3Y2 x 5 Color July 17, 1997 Miss McCarty and Ms. Smith are posed in Miss McCarty's living room. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-11 Oseola McCarty Named Honorary Grandmother 5 x 8 Color undated Miss McCarty was named Honorary Grandmother by students of Jones Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Ms. Standing behind her are School Superintendent Dr. Gordon Walker (2nd from left), and School Librarian Mrs. Jo Newman (2nd from left). Others are unidentified. (Box 6, Folder 16)
M442-12 Oseola McCarty, Paul Laughlin, and Dr. Aubrey Lucas 5 x 7 B & W July 1995 Seated left-to-right on a sofa are Mr. Laughlin, Miss McCarty, and Dr. Lucas. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-13 Oseola McCarty, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Bill Pace 5x7 B&W July1995 USM President Dr. Aubrey Lucas shakes hands with Miss McCarty, as USM Foundation Director Bill Pace looks on. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-14 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is seated next to her bed. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-15 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is seated next to a table. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-16 Oseola McCarty in her room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is standing next to her bed. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-17 Oseola McCarty in her Room at Arlington Retirement Community 4 x 6 Color Apr. 4, 1999 Miss McCarty is standing behind a chair. Several items of memorabilia are displayed on the wall behind her. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-18 Oseola McCarty 4 x 5 Color 1996 . Miss McCarty receives honorary title of registered nurse. Beside her is a sign that says "Welcome to the Fishbowl Oseola McCarty RN. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-19 Oseola McCarty and Others 4 X 5 Color 1996 Miss McCarty poses with others after receiving honorary title of RN. Individuals with her are identified on back of the image. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-20 Oseola McCarty Autographs Program 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty signs a program at a meal following reception of honorary RN. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-21 Oseola McCarty and Jewel Tucker 2x 3 Color circa 1995-1997 Miss McCarty and Mrs. Tucker (Administrative Secretary, USM Office of the President) are standing side-by-side. (Box 6, Folder 17)
M442-22 Oseola McCarty and Rudy Giuliani 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty (partially hidden by podium) waits with New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-23 Oseola McCarty and Mary Lacy Montgomery 4 x 5 Color 1997 Miss McCarty poses with Hattiesburg's Miss Hospitality 1997, Mary Lacy Montgomery. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-24 Oseola McCarty at Mississippi State University 5 x 7 B & W circa 1997 Miss McCarty poses with Marlin Ivey, Dr. Horace Fleming, Mrs. Jewel Tucker, Dr. Thomas Layzell, and James Luvene. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-25 Oseola McCarty and Scholarship Recipients 5 x 7 B & W circa 1997 Pictured with Dr. Horace Fleming, unidentified scholarship recipient, Stephanie Bullock, Miss McCarty, Carletta Barnes, Joseph Milton, and an unidentified man. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-26 Oseola McCarty 5 x 7 B & W circa 1995 Miss McCarty is holding a copy of The Holy Bible. The photo is by Steve Coleman. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-27 Oseola McCarty, Stephanie Bullock, and Carletta Barnes 5 x 7 B & W circa 1996 Miss McCarty with the first (Bullock) and second (Barnes) recipients of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-28 Oseola McCarty, Gov. Kirk Fordice, and Others 4 x 6 Color 1997 Mississippi Governor, Kirk Fordice, presents a commendation to Miss McCarty, as USM President Dr. Horace Fleming and an unidentified woman look on. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-29 Oseola McCarty Receives Aetna Award 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and other recipients of the Aetna Voice of Conscience Award pose on a stage. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-30 Oseola McCarty 8 x 10 Color 1996 An unidentified woman pins Miss McCarty's cap on prior to her receiving the honorary nursing degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. (Box 7, Folder 1)
M442-31 Oseola McCarty in San Bernardino 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty plucks an orange from a tree in San Bernardino, California. She was one of four African Americans honored during Black History Month by the City of San Bernardino in 1997. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-32 Oseola McCarty in San Bernardino 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty stands in an orange grove in San Bernardino, California. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-33 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997-1998 Miss McCarty visits the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-34 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997-1998 Miss McCarty gazes at the Eternal Flame at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-35 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 4 x 6 Color 1997:-1998 Miss McCarty looks at the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. monument at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-36 Oseola McCarty in New York 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and two unidentified women wait to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve 1996. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-37 Oseola McCarty in New York 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty, Jewel Tucker, and an unidentified woman wait for time to drop the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve 1996. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-38 Oseola McCarty at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is seated at a table with copies of her book, Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-39 Oseola McCarty and Jewel Tucker at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty and Mrs. Tucker at a book signing for Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-40 Oseola McCarty in Cincinnati 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty is presented a plaque by the Franciscan Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later toured the Proctor and Gamble Plant, makers of Tide detergent, which Miss McCarty used exclusively. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-41 Oseola McCarty in Cincinnati 4 x 6 Color 1997 Miss McCarty is presented a plaque by the Franciscan Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later toured the Proctor and Gamble Plant, makers of Tide detergent, which Miss McCarty used exclusively. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-42 Kate Davis 4 x 6 Color 1998 Kate Davis stands in front of Miss Oseola McCarty's portrait in the USM Administration Building. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-43 Oseola McCarty and Kate Davis 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty presents a vase to Ms. Davis. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-44 Oseola McCarty at The Arlington 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty, Jewel Tucker, and Kate Davis have dinner in the dining room of The Arlington. (Box 7, Folder2)
M442-45 Oseola McCarty at Home 4 x 6 Color · 1998 Miss McCarty is seated on her bed at her home on Miller Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-46 Oseola McCarty and Cousin 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty wears doctoral regalia, as she prepares to receive the first honorary degree ever awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi. Standing beside her is a young woman believed to be her cousin. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-47 Oseola McCarty Cuts Birthday Cake 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty cuts a large rectangular birthday cake, as Jewel Tucker looks on. The celebration took place at USM's R. C. Cook Student Union. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-48 Oseola McCarty Relaxes at Home 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty is seated on a sofa that is covered with a USM throw. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-49 Oseola McCarty in Atlanta 8 x 10 B & W 1997 Miss McCarty receives a standing ovation at the annual meeting of the Council for Advance and Support of Education (CASE), District III, Atlanta, Georgia. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-50 Oseola McCarty and Others 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1998 Miss McCarty (center) stands outside her home on Miller Street, with an unidentified man and woman. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-51 Oseola McCarty, Parade Grand Marshal 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is standing beside a white limousine, labeled "Parade Grand Marshal Oseola McCarty." She is wearing an African outfit, and the occasion is probably the July 4, EURO Reunion Parade in Hattiesburg. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-52 Oseola McCarty and Rudy Giuliani 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani pose together prior to dropping the hall in Times Square on New Year's Eve. (Box 7, Folder 2)
M442-53 Oseola McCarty at Book Signing 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Miss McCarty is surrounded by admirers, as she signs copies of her book, Simple Wisdom for Rich Living. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-54 Oseola McCarty at Ole Miss 5 X 7 B & w 1996 Miss McCarty and six others are presented Awards of Distinction by The University of Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-55 Oseola McCarty at Ole Miss 5 X 7 B & w 1996 Miss McCarty is presented an Award of Distinction by the University of Mississippi. Three unidentified persons are pictured with her. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-56 Oseola McCarty on a Beach 3 x 5 Color circa 1996-1997 Miss McCarty is standing, with an expanse of beach in the background. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-57 Oseola McCarty Aboard an Airplane 4 x 6 Color circa 1996-1997 Miss McCarty gazes out the window of a plane on one of her many trips. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-58 Miss Oseola McCarty Lies in State 4 x 6 Color Oct. 2, 1999 Miss McCarty lies in state in the rotunda of the USM Administration Building, prior to memorial services in Bennett Auditorium. USM President Dr. Horace Fleming and others pay their respects. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-59 Miss Oseola McCarty Lies in State 4 x 6 Color Oct. 2, 1999 Mrs. Jewel Tucker and others pay their respects, as Miss McCarty lies in state in the rotunda of the USM's Administration Building. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-60 Stephanie and Stephen Bullock 3 x 5 Color 1995 Stephanie Bullock, first recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship, is pictured with her twin brother, Stephen, in their Hattiesburg High School graduation regalia. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-61 Stephanie Bullock 3 x 5 Color circa 1995 Formal portrait of Ms. Bullock, first recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship. She is wearing a pastel pink dress. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-62 Joseph Milton 5 x 7 Color December 18, 1998 Mr. Milton, a recipient of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship, is pictured in graduation regalia, holding his USM degree. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-63 Students at Becker Elementary School 4 x 6 Color circa late 1990s Ms. Sue Kirkland's 7th grade English class at Becker Elementary School, Becker, Mississippi. The students are posed outdoors, and an inscription on the back of the photo says, "Miss McCarty, you're our hero!" (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-64 Alisha Bertha McCarty 2 x 3 Color Sept. 1987 Studio portrait of three-month-old Alisha all dressed in pink. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-65 Jameilya Polk 2 x 3 Color 1990 Ten-year-old Jameilya is wearing a red and white cheerleader uniform. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-66 Cutrell Smith Varnado 3 x 4 Color 1986 Two-week-old Cutrell is pictured in an infant carrier. A note on back of the photo identifies the baby as Alma Smith's grandson. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-67 Valerie A. Brown 3x3 B&W undated Valerie appears to be about three years of age. She is wearing a frilly · dress, patent leather shoes, a dainty little hat, and is carrying a patent leather purse. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-68 Andre McCarty 2 x 3 Color undated Studio portrait of seven-week-old Andre, with a blue blanket as a backdrop. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-69 Adrian McCarty 1 ½ x 2 Color undated Studio portrait of Adrian, wearing a red Izod shirt. (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-70 Robert "Bobby" Walker 2x3 B&W 1962 Studio portrait of Mr. Walker. Note on back says, "Class of January, 1962." (Box 7, Folder 3)
M442-71 Mary McCarty 2x3 B&W 1946-1947 School Days image of Mary, as a student at Shubuta Elementary School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-72 Willian1Otis "Sonny" McCarty 2 X 3 B &W 1963-1964 School Days photo of Sonny as a student at Shubuta Elementary School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-73 Larry (?) Austin 2x3 B&W 1951-1952 School Days photo of six-year-old master Austin, as a student at Camp School. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-74 Julia Gazelle McCarty · 2x3 B&W undated Studio portrait of Miss Julia McCarty in graduation regalia. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-75 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 22, 1999 SFC Green is standing beside3 a bamboo structure. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-76 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 22, 1999 SFC Green is standing in front of a group of totem poles. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-77 Sergeant First Class Green in South Korea 3 x 5 Color May 21, 1999 SFC Green is standing on what appears to be a village street. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-78 Sergeant First Class Green in Martinsville, Virginia 3 x 5 Color 1998 SFC Green is pictured at Christmastime.
M442-79 Dr. and Mrs. Fred Fielder 3 x 4 Color Dec. 1989 Studio portrait of Dr. Fielder and his wife, Vivian. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-80 Jackie, John III, and Michael 5 x 7 Color undated Studio portrait of three children: Jackie (age 3), John III (age 13), and Michael (age 7). (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-81 John and Marcia 5 x 7 Color undated Studio portrait of a couple in their 30s or 40s, identified only as "John and Marcia." (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-82 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Five young male students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-83 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Four young female students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-84 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa 1996 Six young female students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York. The students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-85 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color circa1996 Seven students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York- four female and three male. Students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-86 Students at P.S. 78 4 x 6 Color · circa 1996 Six students at Public School No. 78 in Bronx, New York-five female and one male. Students are identified on the photo. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-87 Oseola McCarty in New York 5 x 7 B & W Nov. 13, 1995 Miss McCarty is pictured with Speaker of the New York City Council, Peter F. Vallone, Sr., and students of Public School No. 70. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-88 Thomas Earl McCarty 8 x 10 B & W circa 1952 Mr. McCarty is pictured in his U.S. Army uniform. He is Miss Oseola McCarty's second cousin. (Box 7, Folder 4)
M442-89 Clarence 3x4 B&W undated Clarence is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "As Ever. Clarence." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-90 Patricia McCann 4x5 B & W 1957 Patricia is pictured in graduation regalia. She was a neighbor and distant relative of Miss Oseola McCarty. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-91 Kathryn 3x4 B7W undated Kathryn is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "As Ever, Kathryn." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-92 Virginia McCarty Poole 3x4 B &W undated Virginia is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "To Aunt Lucy." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-93 Leonard Otis McCarty 4x5 B&W undated Leonard is pictured in graduation regalia. The photo is signed, "With Love, Leonard." (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-94 Oseola McCarty with American Flag 8 x 11 Color 1995 Miss McCarty displays a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-95 Oseola McCarty in Doctoral Regalia 4 x 6 Color 1998 Miss McCarty prepares to receive the first honorary degree awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-96 Oseola McCarty in Olympic Relay 4 x 6 Color 1996 Miss McCarty and other participants in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay receive keys to the City of Columbia, Mississippi. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-97 Oseola McCarty at Harvard 5 x 7 Color 1996 Miss McCarty in procession at Harvard University, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate. (Box 7, Folder 5)
M442-98 Oseola McCarty and Others 5 x 7 B & W 1995 Miss McCarty is portrayed with Stephanie Bullock, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Bill Pace in front of her home. (Box 7, Folder 5)
Subject
- McCarty, Oseola, 1908-1999 (Person)
Genre / Form
- Calendar.
- Essay.
- Letter.
- Menus.
- Newsletters.
- Photographs.
- Programs (Publications).
- Records (Documents).
- Wills.
Geographic
Topical
- African Americans.
- Awards.
- Bible records.
- Books.
- Brochures.
- Certificates.
- Financial documents.
- Humanitarianism.
- Memorabilia.
Uniform Title
- Title
- Oseola McCarty Collection
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- This collection was processed by Catherine Bowers and Yvonne Arnold. Abubaker Zahoor and Abigail Bowers worked on an addition to this collection in 2022.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Sponsor
- Series V of this collection was added as part of a National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) grant.
Repository Details
Part of the Historical Manuscripts and Photographs Repository
Contact:
118 College Drive - 5148
Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001
601.266.4345
118 College Drive - 5148
Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001
601.266.4345
