Business

Dates: 1869-2008   Collection number: MS 189   Creator: African American Museum & Library at Oakland   Collection Size: 21.25 linear feet (30 boxes + 2 oversized boxes + 2 oversized drawers)   Guide to the African American Museum & Library at Oakland Photograph Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) The African American Museum & Library at Oakland Photograph Collection consists of 1,953 photographs documenting African Americans in California between 1869-2008. The photograph collection consists of photographs donated to the African American Museum & Library at Oakland, and its predecessor the East Bay Negro Historical Society. The collection is organized into 28 series by subject, and includes photographs of significant African Americans such Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Byron Rumford, and documents various aspects of the African American community in Oakland including athletics, business, churches, civil rights, early pioneers, entertainment, military, fraternal and women's organizations. View online items We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The African American Museum & Library at Oakland Vertical File Collection consists of programs, flyers, correspondence, posters, pamphlets, and ephemera collected by the African American Museum & Library at Oakland. The East Bay Negro Historical Society began vertical files in the late 1960s, collecting ephemera and newspaper clippings about African American history and culture. The vertical files are arranged alphabetically by subject, organization, or last name, and include correspondence, programs, flyers, and pamphlets mostly about African American organizations and cultural institutions in the Oakland and the East Bay during the mid-20th century (1940s-1970s). Dates: 1828-2017   Collection number: MS 179   Collector: African American Museum & Library at Oakland   Collection Size: 61.5 linear feet (82 boxes + 13 oversized boxes)   Guide to the African American Museum & Library at Oakland Vertical File Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Photographic images and architectural renderings showing existing area and proposed, but not realised, expansion for the Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Co. headquarters at 5929 College Avenue in Oakland, California. Most of the images depict potentially affected areas along nearby Claremont Avenue. (OHC COLL 2015-18) 9 items in 1 box, .2 linear feet. Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The Bayviewer (1967-?) magazine collection consists of 20 issues of the Bayviewer and Lennie's Bayviewer magazine, a political and social magazine focused on the African American community in the San Francisco Bay Area. The magazine regularly featured advertisements by black-owned business and articles on local fashion trends, entertainment venues, politics, social organizations. Dates: 1968-1979   Collection number: MS 201   Creator: Anderson, Lennie.   Collection Size: 1 linear foot (1 box)   Guide to the Bayviewer Magazine Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The Jefferson A. Beaver papers consist of photographs, correspondence, awards, newspaper clippings, and programs that document his activities as a banker, co-founder of the Transbay Federal Savings and Loan, and his service on various public and civic boards. Dates: 1946-1970   Collection number: MS 62   Creator: Beaver, Jefferson A.   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Jefferson A. Beaver Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Business card, label, letterhead, and novelty samples from portfolio of A. R. Anderson, printing salesman with Goodhue Printing Co., 1537 Webster St., Oakland, Calif.  (OHC COLL 2019-3) 1 box (.13 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The Virna M. Canson papers include photographs, correspondence, programs, certificates, and newspaper clippings documenting Canson’s activities with the NAACP and credit unions, politics, and her personal and family history. The papers are arranged into two sub-groups, Virna M. Canson and Clarence Canson. The bulk of the papers are photographs related to Canson’s family history in Oklahoma and her participation in politics, civil rights, and credit unions. The papers include some general correspondence and awards related to her work at the NAACP, her service on various advisory boards, and the NAACP’s Federal Credit Union annual meetings. The Clarence Canson sub-group includes two certificates from the Tuskegee Institute and his law degree from the University of the Pacific. Dates: circa 1900s-2003   Collection number: MS 29   Creator: Canson, Virna M., 1921-   Collection Size: .5 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Virna M. Canson Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The De Shield Family Papers document three generations. The bulk of the collection concerns the life and businesses of Ivan De Shields. His personal papers consist primarily of documents, such as a voter registration card, a poll tax receipt, and his death certificate. There are two postcards reminding him of Masonic Lodge meetings, and a deposit book for the Knights of Pythias, of which he was a member of the sick committee. Most of his materials, however, relate to his businesses, such as promotional materials for the Eucalyptus oils he produced in his distillery. There is also a business letter and some inventory slips for two laundry companies. Some files record Ivan's financial affairs, such as receipts for state and county taxes between 1904-1927, as well as a letter and receiver's certificate concerning debt refinancing of the California Safe and Deposit and Trust Company. A letter from Los Angeles, addressed "Dear Cousin," solicits his investment in a business venture. The papers of his father, Benjamin De Shields, give only a brief glimpse into his personal life, such as a marriage certificate and a letter from a friend describing San Francisco in 1886. The bulk of his papers are legal documents regarding land titles, satisfaction of mortgage, and two surveys of land owned by him in 1872 and 1875. Albert De Shields represents the third generation and his papers consist of his diploma from McClymonds High School, Oakland, California in 1930, as well as the school yearbook, in which he appears on page 19. The materials concerning Horatio L. Scott are miscellaneous items relating to his travels away from Oakland which are described in two biographical newspaper clippings enclosed. Among these items are a gun permit from South Africa, 3 letters, and a club sponsorship based on his service with the British infantry during the Boer War. View online items Dates: 1862-1945   Collection number: MS 20   Creator: De Shields, Albert   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box)   Guide to the De Shields Family Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

This collection includes brochures and other promotional ephemera relating to individual hotels and motels in the East Bay. Tourist accommodation guides listing multiple hotels, motels, trailer parks, and bed and breakfasts are also included. (OHC COLL 2022-6) 6 folders in 1 box (.5 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

Scrapbooks, historical information, and other materials relating to The First and Last Chance Saloon, located on the Oakland waterfront in Jack London Square. The saloon is notable for its connection to Jack London, who frequented the saloon and was friends with its long-time owner, John Heinold.  (OHC COLL 2016-4) 3 boxes (1.8 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The William R. Fletcher papers consists of 95 photographs, a certificate, and newspaper clipping documenting William Fletcher’s Automobile Service, car racing team, and family history. The collection is organized into three series: photographs, certificate, and newspaper clipping. The photographs are organized by subject and include images of Fletcher’s car racing team in the 1930s, Fletcher Auto Service in Hayward, California, Fletcher’s 80th birthday party celebration, and assorted family photographs. The certificate was awarded to Fletcher by Chabot College in recognition of his service as a member of the Automotive Advisory Committee. Dates: 1939-1982   Collection number: MS 132   Creator: Fletcher, William R.   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box)   Guide to the William R. Fletcher Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Businessman and civic leader D. G. Gibson (1891-1973) was born on February 14, 1891 in Calvert, Texas. After attending Guadalupe College in Seguin, Texas, he joined the 92nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army fighting in France during World War I. Following the war, he moved to California in 1920 settling in the East Bay first as a real estate agent and then opening and operating one of the most successful distribution businesses on the West Coast, selling subscriptions for black newspapers, periodicals and cosmetic supplies. The D.G. Gibson papers consists of financial records, correspondence, beauty product catalogs, programs, pamphlets, and invitations related to the life and business enterprises of D.G. Gibson. Dates: 1939-1973   Collection number: MS 130   Creator: Gibson, D. G.   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box)   Guide to the D. G. Gibson Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Primarily photographs and newspaper articles concerning the Golden State Company and one of its managers, Harold L. Hunt. The photographs show workers and managers in various activities, and many take place in a production facility, probably the Oakland milk distribution plant. Most of the photographs lack captions. (OHC COLL 2014-11) 2 folders in box (.2 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

Employee recognition lists, company newsletters (3 issues), and a chronology of the Oakland-based department store founded in 1889 by H.C. Capwell. (OHC COLL 2013-19) 20 items in 1 box (.3 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The Harrison Family Home Movie Collection includes five 8mm color home movies recorded by the Harrison family of Richmond, California documenting the family’s barbeque business, Harrison’s Bar-B-Que, and daily life for African Americans in Richmond, California during the 1960s. The home movies total 107 minutes and include footage of a road trip the family made through Denver, Colorado on their way to visit family in rural Texas near Ballinger, Texas and Amarillo, Texas. Footage also includes farm workers picking and processing grapes mostly likely in the Napa Valley and scenes from the California State Fair. Bulk Dates: circa 1960 - 1967   Collection number: MS 177   Creator: Harrison, W.H.   Collection Size: .5 linear feet (1 box)   Guide to the Harrison Family Home Movie Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Catalogues, announcements, promotional materials, and articles on the Holmes Book Company.  Founded in San Francisco in 1894 by Robert Holmes, the Holmes Book Company opened its flagship Oakland store, at 274 14th Street, in 1925. Financial pressures forced the store to close in 1995. (OHC COLL 2019-10) 3 folders in box (.02 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

Funeral director Luther M. Hudson (1882-1972) was born on November 9, 1882 in Henry County, Missouri the youngest of seven children to Coleman C. and Martha Hudson. He was one of the original founders of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, the largest black-owned insurance company in the western United States, contributing $15,000 to help it secure an insurance license in 1925 and served on the company’s board of directors until his death in 1972. Hudson owned and operated the Hudson Funeral Home for 29 years until the failing health of his wife forced him to sell the funeral home to Aramis Fouche in 1943 and move to Los Angeles, California. The Luther M. Hudson Papers include photographs, postcards, certificate of marriage, correspondence, funeral service program and guestbook, and newspaper clippings documenting the life and career of funeral home director Luther Hudson. Dates: 1900-1986   Collection number: MS 57   Creator: Hudson, Luther M.   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Luther M. Hudson Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Harold Slim Jenkins (1890-1967) was born on July 22, 1890 in Monroe, Louisiana. He moved to Oakland, California shortly after World War I, worked as a waiter, and would eventually open his famed Slim Jenkins Cafe at 1748 Seventh St. in West Oakland on December 5, 1933 the day prohibition was repealed. Jenkins owned and operated a number of West Oakland restaurants, liquor stores, and night clubs which earned him the affectionate title of the mayor of West Oakland. The Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection includes 81 photographs documenting Harold  Slim  Jenkins' various businesses in downtown Oakland, California. A majority of the photographs are publicity stills of bands and performers, interior shots of patrons and employees, or exterior photographs of Jenkins' businesses used for advertisements. View online items Dates: 1930-1953   Bulk Dates: 1948-1953   Collection number: MS 11   Collector: Jenkins, Harold, 1890-1967   Creator: Joseph, E. J.   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box)   Guide to the Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Ambrosia Wysinger Jones (1905-1999) was born on August 30, 1905 in Oakland, California. She was the granddaughter of the noted civil rights activist, Edmond Wysinger, an early advocate of desegregating the California public school system in the 1890s. In the 1940s, she married Hillarie Jones and the two owned and operated a number of business enterprises, including a chain of barbershops in Oakland and ‘The Alameda’ Barbeque Pit and Union Barbershop in Alameda, California. In 1960, they started Charm Beauty College in Oakland becoming the first African Americans to own and operate a beauty college in Northern California. They also operated an additional beauty school in Richmond and started the first black travel agency, Charm Travel Agency, that catered to African Americans looking to vacation in Africa and the Caribbean. The Ambrosia Wysinger Jones Papers includes photographs, scrapbooks, correspondence, newspaper clippings, legal documents, and ephemera that document the various business activities and family history of Ambrosia Wysinger Jones. A majority of the papers are family photographs of the Jones and Wysinger families and Jones’ beauty school and travel agency businesses. The papers also include four scrapbooks with assorted cards, photographs, and newspaper clippings related to the Jones family and business activities, as well as two guest books with signatures of visitors to the Jones home. Correspondence in the collection is most related to scholarships given to students attending the Charm beauty school, and a small number of assorted programs. Dates: circa 1860s-1991   Collection number: MS 27   Creator: Jones, Ambrosia Wysinger, 1905-1999.   Creator: Jones, Hillarie, 1918-1975.   Collection Size: 1.5 linear feet (3 boxes + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Ambrosia Wysinger Jones Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Photographer Emmanuel Francis (E. F.) Joseph (1900-1979) was born on November 8, 1900 in St. Lucia, West Indies. He was the first professional African American photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area operating a commercial and studio photography business in his home initially at 1303 Adeline St. and then at 384 50th St. in Oakland. The E.F. Joseph photograph collection includes 2487 photographs from Joseph’s work as a portrait and commercial photographer. The collection is organized into four series: Portraits, Commercial photography, Assorted photographs, and Letter and customer card. View online items Dates: 1915-1964   Collection number: MS 126   Creator: Joseph, E. F. (Emmanuel Francis), 1900-1979.   Collection Size: 22.5 linear feet (28 boxes)   Guide to the E. F. Joseph Photograph Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Israel Kahn came to Oakland in 1879 and opened his first retail store at 10th Street and Broadway. The business prospered and in 1912 moved to a large new building at 16th Street and Broadway. The building was expanded in 1923, becoming one of the largest department stores in California. In 1960 the store was renamed Rhodes Department Store. More changes ensued and the store closed in the early 1980s. In 2001, after extensive restoration, the building reopened as the Rotunda Building.   The collection includes assorted memorabilia, employee association documents and newspaper articles.   (OHC COLL 2019-8) 7 folders in box (0.21 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

Blues musician and night club owner Troyce Key (1937-1992) was born on September 7, 1937 in Jordon Plantation, Louisiana to Verdell and Lula May Key. The Troyce Key papers include correspondence, photographs, financial records, flyers, publicity material, and publications documenting the musical career of blues musician and nightclub owner Troyce Key. The papers are organized in to four series: Eli Mile High Records, Eli’s Mile High Club & Restaurant records, photographs, and assorted material. Dates: circa 1920s-1997 (b. 1958-1992)   Collection number: MS 83   Creator: Key, Troyce.   Collection Size: 5 linear feet (11 boxes + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Troyce Key Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Survey responses to an 8-page questionnaire prepared by the Laurel Planning Group and distributed in 1988 to merchants of the Laurel District, Oakland, California. (OHC COLL 2014-4) 24 survey forms in 1 box (.1 linear feet) Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The photographs in the collection are exterior shots mostly of the 9th Street and Broadway corner of the Delger Block before, during and after its renovation as part of the Old Oakland redevelopment project.  (OHC COLL 2020-4) 1 box (0.2 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The Men of Tomorrow, Inc. was a male African American civic and professional organization started in Oakland, California in 1954. Founded by Jefferson Beaver, Richard A.G. Foster, Aramis Fouche, Theodore R. Hardeman, H. Solomon Hill, L. Sylvester Odom, Kenneth F. Smith, and George R. Vaughns, the group eventually grew to include over 300 members including many notable judges and politicians, including Evelio Grillo, Lionel Wilson, and Allen Broussard, and would eventually establish additional chapters in San Francisco, Richmond, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. The Men of Tomorrow, Inc Oakland Chapter records document meetings, conferences, and the administration of the organization between 1959-1985. Dates: 1959-1985   Collection number: MS 3   Collection Size: 1.25 linear feet (3 boxes)   Guide to the Men of Tomorrow, Inc. Oakland Chapter Records Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The Warren Moore Audio Recordings Collection consists of 1633 audiocassettes of church sermons, funeral programs, business meetings, prayer clinics, bible lessons, radio broadcasts of sermons on KRE and KDIA, sermons delivered at the annual Oakland City Revival, religious humor and music, business seminars, speeches delivered at the Democratic National Convention and interviews with members of the Moore family related to the family’s history between 1972-2002. Dates: 1972-2002   Collection number: MS 172   Creator: Moore, Warren   Collection Size: 1633 cassette tapes (48 cassette boxes)   Guide to the Warren Moore Audio Recordings Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The Northern California Black Chamber of Commerce (NCBCC) was established in Oakland, California in 1978 by the members of the United Men of Action, Inc. to promote and support black businesses and black tourism in Northern California. The Northern California Black Chamber of Commerce records consist of constitution and bylaws, meeting minutes, brochures, newsletters, and photographs of the organization and assorted conference programs and flyers related to black business. Dates: 1979-1998   Collection number: MS 158   Creator: Coffey, Oscar J. Jr.   Creator: Northern California Black Chamber of Commerce   Collection Size: 1.5 linear feet (3 boxes + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Northern California Black Chamber of Commerce Records Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Bank notes from assorted banks in Oakland, California, and City of Oakland municipal bonds for the period 1873-1934. (OHC COLL 2014-6) Approximately 21 pieces in 1 box (.1 linear feet) Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

Dates: 1965-1968   Collection number: MS 198   Creator: Oakland Economic Development Council (Calif.)   Collection Size: 2 linear feet (1 oversized box)   Guide to the Oakland Economic Development Council Newsletter Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) View online items The Oakland Economic Development Council was a local agency established in 1965 to implement programs associated with the Office of Economic Opportunity and the ‘War on Poverty’ in Oakland, California. The council’s programs were funded through Office of Economic Opportunity and Ford Foundation grants and were administered at Neighborhood Service Centers in North Oakland, West Oakland, East Oakland, and Fruitvale. Programs included family planning clinics, preventative health programs, legal aid services, job training, remedial instruction, small business development, dental and eye services, head start and day care, youth employment, and emergency aid and housing for women and children. We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Dates: 1922-2005   Bulk Dates: 1963-1996   Collection number: MS 169   Creator: Oakland post.   Collection Size: 56 linear feet (116 boxes + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Oakland Post Photograph Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) The Oakland Post Photograph Collection consists of 11,000 photographs appearing in the Oakland Post newspaper between 1963-2005. A majority of the photographs are portraits of African American politicians, business and community leaders, entertainers, athletes, and community and social groups from Oakland, California. The collection documents significant social and political events in Oakland, California, including social protest movements during the 1960s-1980s, festivals and sporting events, visits to Oakland, California by notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton, and activities of Oakland politicians. We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Advertising cards of businesses located in Oakland, California, and nearby East Bay communities, mostly from the 1900s. Arranged alphabetically by the name of the business in 20 packets. (OHC COLL 2013-13) 4 boxes (1.1 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.  

The Stephens Family Papers consist of photographs and ephemera documenting Stephens Restaurant, Virginia Stephen Coker's winning entry in a 1915 newspaper contest, and Virginia Stephen Coker's achievements as a lawyer. Menus, tape receipts, and photographs from the restaurant provide a glimpse into one of Oakland's busiest establishments. The papers  include a typescript draft of a letter William Stephens (1870-1932) wrote in 1931 regarding opposition to his purchase of a house in Oakland, an example of unfair housing practices common to the era. Materials related to Virginia Stephens Coker (1903-1986) include the letter of congratulations she received upon winning the Panama-Pacific International Exposition naming contest, middle school report cards, her law school graduation announcement, and several State bar membership certificates. View online items Dates: 1896-1952   Collection number: MS 5   Collection Size: .25 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Stephens Family Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The Combination magazine collection includes 18 issues of The Combination magazine published between 1964-1970. The magazine includes photographs, short articles, and local advertisements on African American social organizations, entertainment, sports and fashion events in Northern California. View online items Dates: 1964-1978   Collection number: MS 200   Creator: McCarty, Brackeen.   Collection Size: 1 linear foot (1 box)   Guide to The Combination Magazine Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Oakland Heritage Alliance files related to the development of the Uptown area of Oakland, California. Files principally concern the designation of the “Uptown Retail and Rehabilitation Area,” of the Central District Urban Renewal Plan, and subsequent development proposals. Materials include city documents, development proposals, including for the Fox Theater, correspondence, including from merchants and Uptown Business Association; and newspaper clippings. Also includes planning documents for a tour of Uptown (2001-2002).   (OHC COLL 2024-1)   7 folders in 1 box (.4 linear feet)   Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library. 

William M. Watts (1885-1980) was born on February 15, 1885 in Lodi, Texas to Perry and Jane Watts. After earning a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, Watts practiced medicine at hospitals in Houston, Texas and Fresno, California before opening W.M. Watt's Private Hospital, the first hospital for African Americans in Oakland, California in 1926 at 3437 Harlan Street in North Oakland. While in Oakland, Watts contributed to Western American, a local African American newspaper, the medical advice column How to Keep Well. The hospital closed due to financial troubles in 1927, and Watts returned to Marshall, Texas to operate the Sheppard-Watts Hospital following the death of his brother. Watts continued to practice as a physician until his retirement in the late 1960s. The William M. Watts papers include photographs, patient and account ledger, license applications, newspapers clippings, funeral program, and one edition of the Jackson County Medical Journal. View online items Dates: circa 1910s-1980   Collection number: MS 37   Creator: Watts, William M., Dr.   Collection Size: .5 linear feet (2 boxes)   Guide to the William M. Watts Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

The West Coast Negro Baseball Association was formed on March 9, 1946 at a meeting of the High Marine Social Club at the Elks Clubhouse in Oakland, California. The baseball league was spearheaded by two Berkeley firemen, Eddie Harris and David P. Portlock, who pitched the idea of forming a Negro baseball league on the West Coast that would use Pacific Coast League parks while teams were away. Abe Saperstein, founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, was elected president of the association with track star Jessie Owens serving as vice-president, and David Portlock as secretary. The league consisted of six teams: San Francisco Sea Lions, Seattle Steelheads, Portland Rosebuds, Oakland Larks, San Diego Tigers, and Los Angeles White Sox. The league's first official game was between the Oakland Larks and the San Diego Tigers on May 12, 1946 at Fresno Midget Auto Racing Park. The league played only one season, disbanding after the final game in July, 1946, though the Oakland Larks baseball team would continue to play as a barnstorming club through 1947. The West Coast Negro Baseball Association Collection includes correspondence, meeting minutes, financial records, by-laws, photographs, and ephemera related to the creation and operation of the West Coast Negro Baseball Association and the Oakland Larks. View online items Dates: 1945-1949   Collection number: MS 17   Creator: Harris, Eddie   Collection Size: .75 linear feet (2 boxes)   Guide to the West Coast Negro Baseball Association Collection Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Publisher and media consultant Rhonda White-Warner (1951-2014) was born on July 7, 1951 in Oakland, California. After graduating from Oakland Technical High School in 1969, she attended California State University Hayward graduating with a bachelor of science in child development in 1975. She began her career in the Oakland arts community in 1974 as a program director for the Alameda County Neighborhood Arts Program coordinating and offering technical assistance to Alameda County cultural organizations. In 1977, she was hired as a public information specialist for the City of Oakland’s Office of Parks and Recreation writing press releases and advertising the department’s cultural and recreational programs. By 1981 she created her first media consulting and event planning agency, Authenic Vint’age Promotions, contracting with local artists to assist with graphic design, media advertising, and event planning. The Rhonda White-Warner papers consist of consulting project files, subject files, photographs, back issues and administrative files of Tidbits magazine, administrative files and theatrical programs of the Oakland Ensemble Theatre, and assorted printed material largely documenting the African American performing arts community in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s and 1980s. Dates: circa 1950s-1996   Bulk Dates: 1980-1996   Collection number: MS 144   Creator: White-Warner, Rhonda.   Collection Size: 12.5 linear feet (11 boxes + 1 oversized box)   Guide to the Rhonda White-Warner Papers Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.

Historic building survey of former garage/auto repair facility at 440-448 23rd St, Oakland, Calif. Built in 1919, the building was vacant at the time of the survey in 2014, and was later demolished (except for a portion of the facade) to make way for the Hive mixed-use redevelopment project. (OHC COLL 2016-8) 3 folders in box (.15 linear feet) Go here for a more detailed list of this collection's contents.  Available at Oakland History Center, Main Library.