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Archives at Cornell

LaVon Clemens papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: 7657

Scope and content

Letters Clemens received while at St. Mary's-of-the-Woods, a Catholic school in Indiana, in 1924, her first year away from her home in Pittsburg, Kansas. Correspondents include Clemens's mother and sister and a number of female friends, especially Velma Lough, who signs her letters as "Pewee" and who writes both about dating numerous boys and about her passion for LaVon. An October 11, 1924 letter from Lough includes a description of a heated debate among friends about the equality of African Americans. Contents cover various topics including local racism, who is dating whom, style, dancing, Clemens' adjustment to school away from home, and the young women's deep friendships and longing for each other. Also included are family photographs (dates and description unclear) and a dance card.

Dates

  • ca. 1920-1929-(bulk 1924)

Creator

Extent

.2 cubic feet. (.2 cubic feet.)

Language of Materials

English