Research Catalog

Cleo Sims collection

Title
Cleo Sims collection, 1944-2002.
Author
Sims, Cleo, 1912-2002.

Available Online

Finding Aid

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2 Items

StatusContainerFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Folder 1Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 708 Folder 1Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Folder 2Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 708 Folder 2Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives

Details

Description
2 folders
Summary
The Cleo Sims collection reflects this milliner's activities in Harlem, and consists of biographical information including her obituary, programs for many of her fashion shows, as well as articles from newspapers and trade and general magazines advertising her shops and featuring her hats. There are also course outlines for her millinery classes, and programs, and certificates for awards she received.
Subjects
Genre/Form
Programs.
Source (note)
  • Annette Welford, daughter
Biography (note)
  • Cleo Sims was a milliner in Harlem, New York. Born in Georgia, she began her millinery career taking classes at the Harlem YMCA Trade School where she later returned as an instructor for ten years. She also taught at the Harlem Institute of Fashion. In her early years, Sims developed skill and experience by working for large millinery companies where she learned factory manufacturing methods. In 1944, she began her first business in her home.
Linking Entry (note)
  • Forms part of the Cleo Sims Photograph Collection.
Processing Action (note)
  • Processed
  • Cataloged
Call Number
Sc MG 708
OCLC
NYPW02-A307
Author
Sims, Cleo, 1912-2002.
Title
Cleo Sims collection, 1944-2002.
Biography
Cleo Sims was a milliner in Harlem, New York. Born in Georgia, she began her millinery career taking classes at the Harlem YMCA Trade School where she later returned as an instructor for ten years. She also taught at the Harlem Institute of Fashion. In her early years, Sims developed skill and experience by working for large millinery companies where she learned factory manufacturing methods. In 1944, she began her first business in her home.
She later moved to a new location near her church, Salem United Methodist, then to the Rose Meta Beauty Salon, and in the 1960's relocated to the Theresa Hotel, all in Harlem, where "Cleo's Hats" was frequented by Harlemites until her retirement in the late 1990's. Sims knew many famous personalities and her hats were featured in nationally known magazines.
Sims produced many fashion shows and as an active member of the National Association of Fashion Designers, contributed to the fashion glitz of Harlem in the 1950's. She staged productions which benefited the Salem United Methodist Church (where she also taught millinery) and several black non-profit organizations. She also appeared on radio and television programs, discussing fashion and current trends. She was the recipient of numerous awards.
Linking Entry
Forms part of the Cleo Sims Photograph Collection.
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Finding Aid
Research Call Number
Sc MG 708
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