Inventory of the Asa and Elna Spaulding Papers,1909-1997 and undated, bulk1935-1983
Abstract
Asa T. Spaulding was an insurance executive in Durham, N.C. and an activist in civil rights, education, employment, and other work related to minorities' rights. He held various positions in the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company for almost thirty-five years, beginning as its actuary in 1933 and serving as its fifth president from 1958 through 1967. Elna Bridgeforth Spaulding was an activist in civil rights for minorities and women and involved in local politics in Durham, N.C, serving as a Durham County Commissioner for five terms, from 1974 through 1984.
The Asa and Elna Spaulding Papers, 1909-1997 and undated, bulk 1935-1983, document an African American family's lifelong involvement in the business, political, educational, religious, and social life of Durham, N.C. The collection consists of correspondence, writings and speeches, printed materials, clippings, photographs, audiovisual items, and memorabilia that reflect the Spauldings' work with the following organizations and groups: North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company; Mechanics and Farmers Bank; Durham County Board of Commissioners; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Urban League; Women-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and Its Causes, Inc.; North Carolina Central and Shaw universities; White Rock Baptist Church (Durham, N.C.); and the Lincoln Community Health Center. The collection is divided into two subgroups. The Asa Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in nine series: Correspondence, Writings and Speeches, Organizations, North Carolina Mutual Files, Insurance Files, Subject Files, Photographic Materials, and Audiovisual Materials. The Elna Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in six series: Correspondence, Writings and Speeches, Organizations, Subject Files, Photographic Materials, and Audiovisual Materials.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Spaulding, Asa T. (Asa Timothy), 1902-1990
- Creator
- Spaulding, Elna B. (Elna Bridgeforth)
- Title
- Asa and Elna Spaulding Papers,1909-1997 and undated, bulk1935-1983
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 144 Linear Feet, 108,000 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
The Asa and Elna Spaulding Papers, 1909-1997 and undated, bulk 1935-1983, document an African American family's lifelong involvement in the business, political, educational, religious, and social life of Durham, N.C. The Spauldings were active in a broad range of political bodies, businesses, civic groups, and activist organizations, including among many others theDurham County Board of Commissioners and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and were among the co-founders of Women-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and Its Causes, Inc. Their long record of accomplishment in the areas of employment, political representation, civil rights, race relations, and women's rights is documented by the collection's rich variety ofcorrespondence, writings and speeches, printed materials, clippings,photographs, audiovisual items, and memorabilia. The collection is divided into two subgroups. The Asa Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in nine series: Correspondence, Writings and Speeches, Organizations, North Carolina Mutual Files, Insurance Files, Subject Files, Photographic Materials, and Audiovisual Materials. The Elna Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in six series: Correspondence, Writings and Speeches, Organizations, Subject Files, Photographic Materials, and Audiovisual Materials. Some of these materials have been digitized and are available online.
The Asa Spaulding Subgroup, 1909-1984 and undated, documents Mr. Spaulding's career as an insurance executive and his lifelong activism in civil rights, education, employment, and other work related to minorities' rights. While serving in various capacities in Durham's North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Spaulding was also instrumental in the development of other local businesses such as the Mechanics and Farmers Bank as well as being active in a number of life insurance organizations at the national level, including the National Insurance Association and the Life Insurance Association of America. As his business career developed, culminating in his becoming the Mutual's fifth president in 1958, his national and international reputation also grew, especially in the areas of civil rights and race relations. This led to his serving on a number of government commissions and task forces and in various organizations concerned with urban affairs. Among the most important of these were the American delegation to a UNESCO conference in India and the National Urban League. Spaulding also maintained lifelong ties to the academic and religious communities. At various times he served on the boards of a number of universities, including North Carolina Central andShaw; in addition he had a long involvement with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He was active all his adult life not only in his local church, White Rock Baptist Church, but also in national groups such as the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
The Correspondence Series is characterized not by its depth of material for any one correspondent but rather its reflection of the breadth of Spaulding's contacts in business, government, politics, and education. Among the many contacts represented here are North Carolina governors, United States senators and congressmen, and all American presidents from the 1940s through the 1970s. The Writings and Speeches Series contains Spaulding's articles, opinion columns, press releases, speeches, and other works on a wide variety of topics, including civil rights, economics, education, insurance, principles of business management,race relations, and his travels abroad as a representative of the United States and UNESCO. There are also many of his introductions of speakers at public events and tributes to friends and political figures. A highlight of this series is the wealth of material about Spaulding's own life and career. Most of this was gathered by him for a planned though unpublishedautobiography; it consists of correspondence, drafts, interviews, printed material, and a variety of anecdotes and personal stories,
The Organizations Series is by far the largest series in the subgroup. It documents how far and wide Spaulding's interests and activities ranged beyond his career in the insurance industry, particularly his support of and agitation for civil rights and related issues and organizations. Series highlights include material about the following topics and organizations: his tenure on the board of trustees for theLegal Defense Committee of the NAACP; his work as a member of the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; his work with the Women and Minority Directors Seminar (an attempt in the early 1970s to encourage organizations and businesses to hire more minorities at the management level); his activities as an American representative to a UNESCO delegation in the 1950s; and his 1971 mayoral election campaign in Durham. Also to be found here is a collection of materials about White Rock Baptist Church, of which Spaulding was a long time member and director. White Rock Baptist Church was prominent in civil rights activities in North Carolina and hosted many guest speakers.
Spaulding's career in the insurance industry is documented by two series, the North Carolina Mutual Files and the Insurance Files. Spaulding was the actuary for the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company (Durham, N.C.), in the 1930s, its actuary and vice-president in the 1940s, and its fifth president from 1956-1967. Thus the series documents not only Spaulding's career, but the development of the company over several decades into the largest African American-owned business in the world. A particular focus of this series is the dedication of the company's new building in downtown Durham in 1966, probably the major event of Spaulding's tenure as president. TheInsurance Files series reflects his activities in the industry beyond his positions at North Carolina Mutual. A particularly rich group of the papers documents his work with theNational Insurance Association (NIA), of which Spaulding was president in the 1940s. Formerly known as the National Negro Insurance Association, the NIA was an organization of officers of black-owned American insurance companies.
Several smaller series broaden the picture of Spaulding's life and career. The Subject Files contain general biographical data as well as more information about his travels and his campaigns for Durham County Commissioner and Mayor of Durham in the late 1960s and early 1970s. ThePhotographic Materials Seriesalso documents his travels as well as some of the history of North Carolina Mutual, especially the dedication of the new home office building in 1966. The subject matter of theAudiovisual Materials Series is largely biographical or autobiographical. In addition to recordings of some of Spaulding's speeches and public interviews, this series also contains several recordings he made that are apparently materials he was gathering for his planned autobiography.
The Elna Spaulding Subgroup, 1909-1997 and undated, documents Mrs. Spaulding's activism for civil rights for minorities and women and her career in local politics. Although the material spans almost sixty years, the bulk of it is from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. The Correspondence Series contains both personal and professional letters that give an indication of her involvement in local and state politics, advocacy for various groups including women, African Americans, children, and the elderly. Some of the organizations that appear in this series also appear in the Organizations Series.Although some correspondence may appear in the latter series, in general this material is not addressed to or from Mrs. Spaulding individually, but rather is documentation of each organization's work, including meeting agendas and minutes, financial reports, annual reports, and a wide range of planned activities. The papers of the Durham County Board of Commissioners provide the most detailed picture of Mrs. Spaulding's political activity. Her other work has focused on attempts to break down barriers between various groups and their rights. Involvement in these issues, including women's employment, women's rights, and public health, is highlighted by the material fromWomen-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes, of which she was the founder--in 1968--and first president, as well as such organizations as the Lincoln Community Health Center. The Subject Filesround out the picture of her career, particularly in documenting her campaigns for public office in the 1970s and 1980s.
Administrative Information
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Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
In addition, original audiovisual materials are closed to patron use. Some use copies are available in the collection. Otherwise, Technical Services staff need to produce use copies before contents can be accessed.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rubenstein Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. Digitized documents are made available by Duke University Libraries for the purpose of research, teaching, and private study. For all other uses, such as commercial uses, researchers must contact the Rubenstein Library to request permission.
Digitized materials from this collection are made available for use in research, teaching and private study. The digital reproductions have been made available through an evaluation of public domain status, permissions from the rights' holders, and authorization under the law including fair use as codified in 17 U.S.C. ยง 107. Although these materials are publicly accessible for these limited purposes, they may not all be in the public domain. Users are responsible for determining if permission for re-use is necessary and for obtaining such permission. Individuals who have concerns about online access to specific content should contact the Rubenstein Library.
Contents of the Collection
Asa Spaulding Subgroup,1909-1984 and undated
The Asa Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in six general subject series:Correspondence; Writings and Speeches; Organizations; North Carolina Mutual Files; Insurance Files; and Subject Files.In addition, three series whose arrangement was dictated by the physical format of the materials support all of the major subject series: Photographic Materials; Audiovisual Materials; andOversize Materials.
Correspondence Series,1935-1983 and undated
A mixture of routine correspondence such as letters of thanks, and other letters that give some insight into Spaulding's character or career, particularly as related to political developments in the 1950s and 1960s. Arranged alphabetically by surname or organization name. Correspondents who had a substantial volume of material or were deemed prominent for other reasons are filed in their own named folder(s). At the end of each letter of the alphabet, correspondents whose volume of material did not warrant a separately named folder(s) are filed alphabetically in a separate sequence. For organizations, also see possibly related material in theOrganizations Series.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Correspondence Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Correspondence Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Correspondence Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Correspondence Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Correspondence Subseries.]
Addresses, articles, opinion columns, press releases, speeches, diaries, and other writings. Works that exist in multiple drafts are so noted in the list. A large amount of writing, interviews, notes, and research for Spaulding's uncompleted autobiography is filed under the assigned title, "Autobiography." See theSubject Files Series for additional biographical information about Spaulding and his family. The bulk of the series, writings by Spaulding, is arranged alphabetically by title. Miscellaneous writings by others are filed alphabetically by surname at the end of the series under "Works by Other Authors."
Use of unpublished interviews in autobiographical material is restricted. Permission is not granted for publication. The user is responsible for obtaining permission to publish from the interviews.
Use of unpublished interviews in autobiographical material is restricted. Permission is not granted for publication. The user is responsible for obtaining permission to publish from the interviews.
See also "Biographical" folders inSubject Files.
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Writings and Speeches Series.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Writings and Speeches Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Writings and Speeches Series.
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Writings and Speeches Series.]
Material documenting Spaulding's affiliations with a wide variety of activist, business, civic, educational, fraternal, political, and religious organizations. Contains correspondence, memoranda, minutes, reports, and printed material. Major organizations represented include the American Academy of Achievement, the American Management Association, the Board of Adjustment for the City of Durham, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, the Durham County Board of Commissioners, Howard University, the Mayor's Committee on Human Relations (Durham), the Mechanics and Farmers Bank, the NAACP, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the National Industrial Conference Board, the National Urban League, the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the President's Commission on Civil Rights, North Carolina Central University, Omega Psi Phi, the President's Commission on Income Maintenance, Shaw University, UNESCO, the Urban Coalition, the Urban National Corporation, and White Rock Baptist Church. Arranged alphabetically by name of organization.
See separate entry in this series for materials on White Rock Baptist Church.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Organizations Series.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
Earlier name: Mutual Building and Loan Association.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Organizations Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Organizations Series.]
Material documenting the full scope of the North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company's activities across more than half a century of its existence. A highlight of the series is the material relating to the groundbreaking and dedication of the company's new home office (1963-1966), a watershed event in the company's history. For this event, most material is filed under the heading "Dedication of Home Office Building," but some material also appears under "Home Office," a more general heading for materials about the operations of the company's Durham headquarters over a period of some forty years. Other major groups of material in the series are "Board Meetings" and "Reports" of various kinds, including actuarial reports and reports to policyholders. Folder titles are mainly topical subjects but may also include names of departments, individuals, and company publications. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, North Carolina Mutual Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, North Carolina Mutual Files Subseries.]
Processing Note: Spaulding sent out a large volume of correspondence in preparation for the dedication of the new Home Office Building, much but not all of it as form letter invitations to a wide variety of businesspeople, government officials, and various celebrities. The correspondence listed under "Dedication of Home Office Building" is filed chronologically, with folders divided according to whether they are general correspondence (labeled "General Correspondence"), or correspondence generated by these form letters (labeled as "Form letter"). For a particular month, General Correspondence is filed first, followed by the form letters and responses. Only a sample of each form letter is retained in each folder. The correspondence of addressees who replied, often attached to further correspondence from Spaulding, follows the sample of the form letter. The names of addressees who did not reply are listed on a separate sheet in that folder.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, North Carolina Mutual Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, North Carolina Mutual Files Series.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, North Carolina Mutual Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, North Carolina Mutual Files Subseries.]
Material documenting Spaulding's relationships with other insurance companies and his activities in national insurance organizations. Arranged alphabetically by name or topic. Of special note is the material about the National Insurance Association, which comprises almost half the series; although it was called the "National Negro Insurance Association" into the 1950s, all materials are filed under the heading "National Insurance Association."
Processing note: the papers of the National Insurance Association (formerly known as the National Negro Insurance Association) begin with twenty-three chronologically arranged folders of general files that contain correspondence, annual reports, printed material, and other documents. These files are followed by several more boxes arranged alphabetically in various subcategories, including correspondence, financial papers, and reports among many others. Researchers searching for a particular kind of document should thus refer to both the categorized files as well as the appropriate time period in the initial run of chronological files.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Insurance Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Insurance Files Series.]
Subject Files Series,1929-1984 and undated
A miscellany of documents from throughout Asa Spaulding's career. Included here are clippings and printed materials he collected on a wide range of interests; records of his travels; some income tax records; and an extensive collection of programs indicating the wide range of events in which the Spauldings participated. Also filed here is additional biographical information about himself and his family that was apparently not gathered as part of his research for his uncompleted autobiography that appears in the Writings and Speeches Series. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Subject Files Subseries.]
Material apparently not specifically gathered for Spaulding's research on his autobiography. For more detailed biographical information, see "Autobiography" folders in Writings and Speeches Series.
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Subject Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Photographic Materials Series, Subject Files Subseries.]
[Some items removed to Oversize Materials, Subject Files Series.]
Arranged in subseries that correspond to the appropriate series in the top level structure of the Asa Spaulding Subgroup. Arrangement is then alphabetical by name or topic within each of these subseries. Note that several folders of photographs whose subject and/or date could not be determined appear at the end of theSubject Files subseries.
In addition to official photographs, personal photographs and snapshots of the Spauldings' trip to India are included here.
PresidentDwight D. Eisenhoweris pictured in an undated photograph.
Portraits of the Spauldings receiving awards and of honors ceremonies.
Portraits and publicity about executives of various companies.
Note: photographs of the 1981 Spaulding Family reunion were considered part of Asa Spaulding's research material for his unpublished autobiography and are housed in the Writings and Speeches Subseries under "Autobiography."
Audiotapes, audio cassettes, videotapes, and videocassettes documenting Spaulding's career and private life. Arranged in separate subseries for audio and video materials.
Arranged in subseries that correspond to the appropriate series in the top level structure of the Asa Spaulding Subgroup. Arrangement is then alphabetical by name or topic within each of these subseries.
Use of unpublished interviews in autobiographical material is restricted. Permission is not granted for publication. The user is responsible for obtaining permission to publish from the interviews.
Closed. Refer to Use Copies UC1-UC3 for access.
Closed. Refer to Use Copy UC4 for access.
Closed. Refer to Use Copies UC5-UC11 for access.
Closed.Refer to Use Copies in the appropriate subseries for access to audio cassettes. For audio micro-cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes listed here, use copies will be made on request.
Processing note: unheard, but may be identical in content to similarly titled audiocassette in Use Copies, Writings and Speeches Subseries.
Processing note: unheard. Originally boxed with other micro-cassettes about Spaulding's life and family history.
Closed.Refer to Use Copies in the appropriate subseries for access to audiocassettes. For audio micro-cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes listed here, use copies will be made on request.
Closed. Refer to Use Copies in the appropriate subseries for access to audiocassettes. For audio micro-cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes listed here, use copies will be made on request.
Open to research. Refer to original copies OC1-OC11 above for container list.
Original copies of videocassette materials.
Closed. Use copies will be made on request.
Arranged in subseries that correspond to the appropriate series in the top level structure of the Asa Spaulding Subgroup. Arrangement is then alphabetical by name or topic within each of these subseries.
The Elna Spaulding Subgroup is arranged in three general subject series: Correspondence, Organizations, and Subject Files. In addition, two series whose arrangement was dictated by the physical format of the materials add supporting material:Photographic Materials andOversize Materials. Details about the arrangement of each of these series are contained in their respective series notes.
Correspondence from individuals and organizations. Prominent or frequent correspondents have individually labeled folders; others appear in folders labeled for each letter of the alphabet. Individuals and organizations are arranged in one alphabetical sequence. Researchers should also consult the Organizations Series for any organizations that appear here.
Organizations Series,1968-1983
Meeting agendas, minutes, financial and annual reports, printed material, and some correspondence from a variety of political bodies and activist organizations. By far the largest group of material is that relating to the Durham County Board of Commissioners. Other major groups represented include the Lincoln Community Health Center, the National Council for Negro Women, the White House Conference on Aging, and Women-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes. Arranged alphabetically by name of organization.


