O.J. and Bessie Thomas Collection:
An Inventory of Their Records at the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Thomas, Bessie Aleda Hardaway Thomas, Oscar John | |
| Title | O.J. and Bessie Thomas Collection | |
| Inclusive Dates | 1894 to 1977 | |
| Bulk Dates | 1960 to 1969 | |
| Identification | MSS 16 | |
| Extent | 1 document box : 2 lin. ft. | |
| Language | Materials are in English. | |
| Repository | Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library | |
Biographical Note
Bessie Aleda Hardaway Thomas was born and raised in Cameron, Texas. She graduated from Prairie View A & M in 1923. Following her graduation she taught homemaking at Cameron Colored School.
Bessie Thomas and her husband Oscar John Thomas brought young women of color to Cameron and graciously housed them; permitting the women to complete high school and attend Prarie View A & M for college.
In her later years Bessie Thomas worked as Principal for Prairie View Elementary School. Her community advocacy included organizing Cameron's Federated Women's Club, the Prairie View First Methodist Church (1972) and the local Girl Scouts troop.
Scope and Contents
The Joseph W. Evans Collection is comprised of documents reflecting primarily the education and achievements of Bessie Thomas and Oscar John Thomas. There is correspondence, awards, and photographs. Many of the records are related to their years at Prairie View A & M.
Arrangement | ||
| The O.J. and Bessie Thomas Collection is comprised of five series. The series are organized by subject or format. | ||
| Series 1: Oscar John Thomas | ||
| Series 2: Bessie Thomas | ||
| Series 3: Certificates | ||
| Series 4: Published Materials | ||
| Series 5: Photographs | ||
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
None.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the O. J. and Bessie Thomas Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
Index Terms | ||
| Subjects | ||
| African Americans--Education--Texas | ||
| Civic leaders | ||
| Organizations | ||
| Federated Women's Club (Cameron, Tex.) | ||
| First Methodist Church (Prairie View, Tex.) | ||
| Girl Scouts of the United States of America | ||
| Prairie View A & M University | ||
| Prarie View Elementary School | ||
| Places | ||
| Cameron (Tex.) | ||
| Prairie View (Tex.) | ||
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
The O. J. and Bessie Thomas Collection. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.
Acquisition Information
Donated by: Mrs. Willie Lee Gay, July 30, 1998.
Detailed Description
Series 3: Certificates | |||||||||||||
| Box | Folder | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 6 | Certificates, 1946 - 1964 | |||||||||||
Series 4: Published Materials | |||||||||||||
| Box | Folder | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 7 | Newspaper: Prairie View Standard, Prairie View A & M College of Texas | |||||||||||
| 8 | Book: The Hidden Mystery of Ethiopia, J. E. Blayechatti, Abysinnia, East Africa | ||||||||||||