Research Catalog

Hibernia "Bernia" Austin scrapbook

Title
Hibernia "Bernia" Austin scrapbook, 1931-1947.
Author
Austin, Hibernia.

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2 Items

StatusContainerFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Box 1Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 712 Box 1Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Box 2Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 712 Box 2Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives

Details

Additional Authors
Robinson, A'Lelia Walker, 1885-1931.
Description
.4 lin. ft. (1/2 ab. 1 printbox)
Summary
  • The Hibernia "Bernia" Austin Scrapbook focuses on the social life of the black middle and upper class primarily of Harlem, New York during the 1920s-1940s. The scrapbook contains a variety of material: clippings, photographs, invitations, birth, marriage and death announcements, letters, and greeting cards. Included is information about entertainers, and civic and social leaders.
  • Of particular interest is a postcard from A'Lelia Walker to Bernia Austin written in New Haven, Ct. where Walker was staying for a few days, and an article and flyer regarding the auction of the contents of her home Villa Lewaro, November 1930. There are also greeting cards from the Charles S. Johnson family; one contains the words and music to a piece titled "New Born: A Negro Spiritual."
  • There are invitations to the weddings of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Isabel Washington, Eva and Richard Des Verney and the daughters of Lester Walton, Samuel Battle, and William Pickens, as well as a page of birth announcements. There are a few letters from various politicians (mostly thanking her for her support) and other Harlem figures. With the exception of one clipping about Bernia Austin, the clippings deal with well-known black civic leaders, entertainers, and socialites.
Subjects
Genre/Form
Scrapbooks.
Note
  • Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
Source (note)
  • Barbara Mcleod
Biography (note)
  • Hibernia "Bernia" Austin and her husband, William Harry Austin, were members of Harlem society, most notably during the 1920s and 1930s. Bernia Austin was a member of the Campaign Committee of Harlem, and the Cooperating Committee on Relief and Unemployment (1931) along with Bessie Bearden, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Hubert Delaney, Wilhelmina Adams, and William L. Imes. She also did political work as well as engaging in civic activities. Her husband, Harry Austin was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1936.
Call Number
Sc MG 712
OCLC
427393985
Author
Austin, Hibernia.
Title
Hibernia "Bernia" Austin scrapbook, 1931-1947.
Biography
Hibernia "Bernia" Austin and her husband, William Harry Austin, were members of Harlem society, most notably during the 1920s and 1930s. Bernia Austin was a member of the Campaign Committee of Harlem, and the Cooperating Committee on Relief and Unemployment (1931) along with Bessie Bearden, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Hubert Delaney, Wilhelmina Adams, and William L. Imes. She also did political work as well as engaging in civic activities. Her husband, Harry Austin was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1936.
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Finding Aid
Added Author
Robinson, A'Lelia Walker, 1885-1931.
Research Call Number
Sc MG 712
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