Martha and Paul D. Simpson papers, 1948-1952
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Summary
- Creator:
- Simpson, Martha Eleanor Booker
- Abstract:
- This collection contains the correspondence of Martha Eleanor Booker and her future husband Paul David Simpson from 1948-1952 and relates their struggles in school and as a couple during this time. Both were African-Americans from Virginia.
- Extent:
- 1.2 Linear Feet
- Language:
- Materials in English. Several letters in a variation of Pig Latin with an iz-infix and one with a portion written in code (key included).
- Collection ID:
- RL.10187
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The correspondence between Martha and Paul D. Simpson, an African American couple from Virginia, spans their time spent earning teaching degrees (1948-1952) and details not only their personal lives, but also discusses work, religion, race, and their education. The couple eventually married. The letters document daily life, their relationship, and their struggles in school, life and on the job market. Paul sometimes refers to Martha as "Booker" or "Cherie." Martha often calls Paul "Button."
- Biographical / historical:
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The letters of Martha Eleanor Booker Simpson (1928-2010) and Paul David Simpson (1918-2010) cover their years spent in college (1948-1952). Martha attended Elizabeth City Teachers College, Winston-Salem Teachers College, and Warren County Training School, while Paul attended Virginia State College and went on to work for Phenix High School while Martha completed her education.
- Acquisition information:
- The Martha and Paul D. Simpson Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in June, 2014.
- Processing information:
-
Processed by: Janice Hansen, December 2014.
Accessions described in this finding aid: 2014-0111
- Physical location:
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Subjects
Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.
- Subjects:
- Love-letters
African American college students
Courtship -- United States -- 20th century
African Americans -- Segregation -- History -- 20th century
African Americans -- Education (Higher)
African American teachers -- Correspondence - Names:
- Virginia State College
Simpson, Paul David
Simpson, Martha Eleanor Booker
Contents
Using These Materials
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Using These Materials
- Restrictions:
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Collection is open for research.
Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.
All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. The library may require up to 48-hours to retrieve these materials for research use.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
- Before you visit:
- Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
- Preferred citation:
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[Identification of item], Martha and Paul D. Simpson Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.