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.

Form of Material Photocopy of letter, reply, and translation of January 12, 1916, correspondence from A.G. McIlwaine in Tyler, Texas, to H. Whiting McIlwaine in Knoxville, Tennessee, concerning Whiting’s daughter marrying Stuart Irby from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.A.G., Whiting’s uncle, is concerned that his niece, Lizzie, is marrying someone he knows very little about. He asks a list of questions which his nephew answers by writing on the reverse of the letter. Someone, Deb, transcribes his...

Scope and Contents

This collection contains clippings, correspondence, memorabilia, menus, invitations, media, scrapbooks, photographs, speeches and planning materials for The Mystic Krewe of Zeus. The materials primarily date 1924-2020.

Scope and Contents

This collection includes records of Orpheus Club activities from 1926 to 1986.

Abstract

The Selby Parker collection consists of one essay, a typescript, and miscellaneous articles written by and pertaining to the Mississippi author and former Youth Court Counselor of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This collection is of particular interest to researchers studying the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Mississippi authors and journalists, the University of Southern Mississippi, and local Hattiesburg history.

Abstract

This collection contains historical materials, children’s books, and various magazines.

Form of Material

A collection of correspondence, estate documents, certificates, newsletters, genealogical materials and other items pertaining to the families of Abner Polk and his wife, Ida Chambers Polk. Abner Polk was born in Lawrence County, Mississippi in 1860, and Ida Chambers was born in Washington County, Alabama in 1867. Abner and Ida were married on February 13, 1890, and lived in Marion County, Mississippi until approximately 1898, when they moved to Hattiesburg.

Abstract

Memorabilia from Hattiesburg, the Demonstration School, Mississippi Normal College, State Teachers College, and The University of Mississippi.

Abstract

The collection includes various items related to Anita Prados’ time as a student at Mississippi Normal College (now known as the University of Southern Mississippi) from 1914 to 1915, including an “Application for Advance College Credits” from 1922.

Scope and Contents The bulk of the George Thomas Preer Papers consists of diaries in which Preer recorded minute details from his daily life, his occupational activities, and his avocational pastimes of gardening, carpentry, and writing. Many friends and associates are mentioned, as are current events of 1948, and 1955 - 1979.The first diary covers events of 1948 when Preer held a pastorate in Lafayette , Louisiana. The remaining annual diaries, from 1955 - 1979, chronicle events and daily life at...

Abstract

The Betty Press Photographs Collection consists of three CDs of images taken by award-winning photographer Betty Press, which show damage along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Hattiesburg after Hurricane Katrina. There are also forty-one pages of letters left on a tree felled in the photographer’s yard. This collection is particularly useful for researchers studying Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi storms, and public reactions to natural disasters.

Scope and Contents The bulk of the Mary Winton Pulley Papers consists of diaries dating from 1936 until Mary Pulley's death in 1956. She writes of her daily activities as registrar for Mississippi Southern College, as well as about family members, gardening activities, friends and social events, obligations as a sorority sponsor, genealogy, and travel.Names of colleagues and friends, places of interest, and events of the times are mentioned throughout the 20 year span of her diaries. She writes of...

Scope and Contents

Large collection of books, printed material, and memorabilia related to Mississippi and other subjects.

Abstract

Pamphlets and programs from various Hattiesburg area activities, certificates and correspondence from the Office of Price Administration, and war bonds and ration books.

Abstract

Organizational records.

Form of Material

Materials relating to the life of Representative Gene D. Saucier.

Abstract

Letters written by a Freedom Summer volunteer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Abstract The Lewis E. and Albertine M. Skilton Papers consist of correspondence, documents, photographs, and other memorabilia associated with the couple’s experiences during World War II. Lewis was stationed at Palm Springs, California while Albertine worked as a dental assistant at Keesler Field in Mississippi. This collection would be of particular interest to researchers studying World War II, gender in the mid-twentieth century, military and civilian social activities, period songs, and...

Abstract

Materials about the assault of civil rights workers Lawrence Spears, David Owen, and Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on July 10, 1964.

Abstract

Personal diaries of Elisabeth Speer, family Christmas letters, and scrapbook of newspaper clippings concerning Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi.

Scope and Contents This collection consists primarily of materials that document Polly Stout's career at the University of Southern Mississippi and her involvement in activities relating to the City of Hattiesburg. Included are brochures, newspaper clippings, photographs, and information regarding several organizations. There is a speech by Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, and correspondence concerning the promotional publication, Discover Southern, as well as Alma Hickman's book, ...

Abstract

The Tatum family were prominent owners of businesses and land in and around the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area beginning in 1893 with the establishment of their first lumber mill. The collection contains financial records, personal papers, photographs, blueprints, newspaper articles, maps and artifacts of the Tatum family’s business dealings as well as local Hattiesburg history, including W. S. F. Tatum’s mayoral term from 1922 to 1924 and again from 1928 to 1936.

Abstract

The B’Nai Israel congregation has served the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area since 1890. The Jewish community of Hattiesburg has a long history of prominent citizens and business owners. This collection contains materials related to Temple B’Nai Israel in Hattiesburg.

Abstract

Original and printed materials accumulated by White Folks Project volunteer.

Abstract

This collection contains research about Freedom Summer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Abstract

Materials documenting the work of 1960s Forrest County N.A.A.C.P. leaders J.C. Fairley and Daisy Harris.

Form of Materials

The Bride's Book: Mrs. D.C. Wate (Hattiesburg), 1926/27.

University Composition book.

1947 letter to "Milly" from her mother.

Scope and Contents

Letters written during the Civil War from Hardy to his first wife Sallie Ann Johnson Hardy, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other family materials.

Form of Material Scrapbooks and other materials relating to G. D. Williamson, who served as Hattiesburg City Commissioner from 1977-1985. He became Mayor of Hattiesburg in 1985, when the city’s government changed from a commission form of government to a mayor/city council form, and served until July 3, 1989.The scrapbooks consist primarily of newspaper clippings (most dated) from the Hattiesburg American. Some photographs and correspondence are included. Among the...

Scope and Contents This collection contains personal correspondence (1964) between Mr. Wilson and his parents. It also contains fundraising materials generated by Mr. Wilson’s parents, including correspondence from donors. Others materials include newspaper clippings, canvassing materials for SNCC and MFDP, and educational materials designed to overcome obstacles designed to prevent African Americans in Mississippi from voting in elections.Included in the collection are blank voter’s registration...