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Chase Family Papers, 1871-1995

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Chase Family
Title
Chase Family Papers
Dates
1871-1995 (inclusive)
1930-1992 (bulk)
Quantity
7 linear ft., (9 boxes)
Collection Number
Ms 159
Summary
African American family of Spokane, Wash. James E. Chase (1914-1987) was a civic activist, leader in the African American community, businessman, and Mayor of Spokane (1982-1985). His wife Eleanor (b. 1918) was equally involved in the community as a social worker, trustee for both Whitworth College and Eastern Washington University, civic activist, and talented vocalist. Includes newspapers and clippings, scrapbooks, photographs, correspondence, and other memorabilia from their respective involvement. Also includes Eleanor Chase's family photographs and history, plus records of the Pierian Literary Club.
Repository
Eastern Washington State Historical Society (Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture)
2316 W. First Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
archives@northwestmuseum.org
Access Restrictions

Collection is not restricted.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the Washington State Women's History Consortium.
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Biographical Note

Perhaps best know for his civic service as Spokane's first African-American mayor, James E. Chase, along with his equally active wife, Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase, offered years of dedicated service to the Spokane area.

James was born in 1914 and arrived in Spokane by boxcar in 1934 during the depths of the Great Depression. Starting as a bootblack in a hotel barbershop, nearly 50 years later in 1982, he would be elected Mayor of Spokane by a resounding majority. In the intervening years, he had become a successful business owner, had held high office in Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, had become a leader in the African American community serving several terms as president of the local NAACP chapter, and had participated in a wide range of community activities. Prior to his election as Mayor, he had been elected to the City Council twice. Failing health, however, prevented him from running for reelection, or for higher office, and he died in1987 just two years out of office.

Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase was from one of Spokane's early African-American pioneer families. Her Grandfather (records indicate he was a freed slave) moved his family to Spokane in 1890 and helped to found Calvary Baptist church. She attended Spokane public schools, graduating from Lewis and Clark in 1937. Regarded as a top scholar and talented singer, Eleanor continued her musical career while at college and graduated from Whitworth in 1941. Leaving Spokane for a professional singing career apparently was considered, however, she chose to marry James Chase in 1942 and to remain in her hometown. Eleanor continued to perform in the Spokane area for many years to considerable local acclaim. In the long-run, however, her civic and professional activities led to greater recognition. She was active in civil rights and held high office in The Eastern Star. Eleanor also had a long career in social work with State agencies and with the Spokane County Courts. In 1979, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Eastern Washington University, a position she held until 1992. Before that time, Eleanor had also served on the Board of Trustees for Whitworth College. In 1992, she was awarded an honorary Masters in Social Work from Eastern Washington University, recognizing both her service to social work and to the university.

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Content Description

The collection consists largely of newspaper clippings, photographs, and other memorabilia from the life and career of both Mayor James Chase and his wife, Eleanor, but also contains a few items of Roland J. Chase, their son. Materials from the Mayor's political career include those from his campaign and Inaugural Ball, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks of his service, and photographs. Eleanor's musical career, civic involvement, and family history is likewise represented by newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, and other ephemera. Additionally, the collection contains records of the Pierian Literary Club, in which Eleanor's mother, Olive, was involved. These include minutes, correspondence, and program booklets.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Publication Rights

Copyright has not been assigned to the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Museum Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Eastern Washington State Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher

Preferred Citation

Chase Family Papers (Ms 159), Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Spokane, WA.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The Chase Family Papers were donated in two batches, and in both instances the records had no discernible arrangement. At the time of the first donation it was determined that the collection should be divided into two series, one for each of the principal subjects: James E. Chase and Eleanor E. Chase. When the second donation was received, it was decided that these materials would become an addendum. In the same manner, the materials were divided into a James E. Chase and an Eleanor E. Chase series. Due to the volume of newspaper clippings and photographs, however, two additional series were created, and the materials were arranged by subject matter.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Roland Chase, 1999; 2007 (L99-3; L2007-2).

Processing Note

The 1999 accession was processed to the file folder level.

The 2007 accession was arranged and described according to Mark Green and Dennis Meissner's "More Product Less Process" method.

Related Materials

Eleanor E. Chase Oral History (OH 605 & 606)

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Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

  • Description: Introduction and Inventory
    Container: Box/Folder 1/1

  • James E. Chase

    • Description: Correspondence
      Dates: 1940-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 1/2
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Chase Middle School
      Dates: 1993-1995
      Container: Box/Folder 1/3
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Ephemera, letters, clippings, etc. from public career
      Dates: 1982-1992
      Container: Box/Folder 1/4
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Free and Accepted Masons: Constitution, By-Laws, and Regulations
      Dates: 1973
      Container: Box/Folder 1/5
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Guest book from Mayor's Inaugural Ball
      Dates: 1982
      Container: Box/Folder 1/6
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Guest book from Mayor's Inaugural Ball
      Dates: 1982
      Container: Box/Folder 1/7
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Mayor's Appointment Book
      Dates: 1984
      Container: Box/Folder 1/8
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Mayor's Appointment Book
      Dates: 1985
      Container: Box/Folder 1/9
      Location: James E. Chase

    • Mayor's Inaugural Ball

    • Description: Newspaper story " Dynamic Duo"

      Includes notes and letters from well-wishers.

      Dates: 1980 July 13
      Container: Box/Folder 3/1
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: News clippings from mayoral campaign
      Dates: 1981-1982
      Container: Box/Folder 3/2
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Miscellaneous news clippings
      Dates: 1972-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/3
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Newspaper feature, " City's Blacks Trace Roots"
      Dates: 1981
      Container: Box/Folder 3/4
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Successor becomes mayor
      Dates: 1986
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Youth grants
      Dates: 1989
      Container: Box/Folder 3/6
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Lübeck, Germany newspaper

      James and Eleanor picture on page 13 (2 copies).

      Dates: 1983 September 10
      Container: Box/Folder 3/7
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Clippings: creation of Chase Youth Commission, Eleanor appointed trustee of Eastern Washington University (EWU)
      Dates: 1979-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/8
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Copies of " Sister Cities Reporter"
      Dates: 1984-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/9
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Miscellaneous news clippings, James and Eleanor
      Dates: 1981-1989
      Container: Box/Folder 3/10
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Newspapers: James elected Mayor
      Dates: 1981
      Container: Box/Folder 3/11
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: Mayor's Conference, Taipei, Taiwan
      Dates: 1984
      Container: Box/Folder 3/12
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Issues of Spokesman-Review, Sunday Magazine politics, racial issues, " Dynamic Duo"
      Dates: 1968-1980
      Container: Box/Folder 3/13
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Photographs, no identification or labels
      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/14
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Photographs, some identified
      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/15
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Photographs, some identified with 2 formal portraits
      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/16
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Certificates, awards, honors
      Dates: 1982-1986
      Container: Box/Folder 3/17
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Calendar "A Salute to the Mayors"

      Calendar recognizes Black American Mayors. James Chase is shown for March.

      Dates: 1985
      Container: Box/Folder 3/18
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Oversize

      Chronological collection of clippings, letters, memorabilia related to Chase' s term as Mayor of Spokane.

      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box 4
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Oversize

      Chronological collection of clippings, letters, memorabilia related to Chase' s term as Mayor of Spokane.

      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box 4
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Original cartoon transparency relating to election
      Oversize
      Dates: 1982
      Container: Box/Folder 4/2
      Location: James E. Chase
    • Description: Photographs
      Oversize

      Formal portrait of Mayor Chase and of Mayor and Mrs. Chase with Council Members and others (probably staff).

      Dates: 1982-1985
      Container: Box/Folder 4/3
      Location: James E. Chase

  • Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase

    • Description: Clippings, awards, programs from Edison School, Libby Junior High, Lewis & Clark High, Washington State College, and Whitworth College
      Dates: 1926-1940
      Container: Box/Folder 5/1
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Correspondence, letters to Eleanor
      Dates: 1940-1955
      Container: Box/Folder 5/2
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1929-1936
      Container: Box/Folder 5/3
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Scrapbook
      Dates: 1934-1937
      Container: Box/Folder 5/4
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Tiger Yearbook, Lewis & Clark High School
      Dates: 1937
      Container: Box/Folder 5/5
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: concerts and recitals
      Dates: 1925-1955
      Container: Box/Folder 5/6
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: concerts, recitals, autographed programs, wedding announcements for Eleanor and James
      Dates: 1932-1953
      Container: Box/Folder 5/7
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: concerts and recitals
      Dates: 1929-1983
      Container: Box/Folder 5/8
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: Washington Water Power
      Dates: 1952
      Container: Box/Folder 5/9
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Appointment as EWU Trustee by Governor D. L. Ray; Good resume of social work career
      Dates: 1979-1992
      Container: Box/Folder 5/10
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Board of Trustees, EWU honors: Trustee Emeritus and honorary M.A. in Social Work
      Dates: 1992
      Container: Box/Folder 5/11
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Adjudicator's reports, vocal competitions
      Dates: 1938-1940
      Container: Box/Folder 5/12
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Cover story, Spokane Woman Magazine
      Dates: 1991 April
      Container: Box/Folder 5/13
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: " Musician Typist" , Silhouette Magazine
      Dates: 1940
      Container: Box/Folder 5/14
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Off to College Party
      Dates: 1937
      Container: Box/Folder 5/15
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase

    • Chase and Barrow Families

    • Perkins/Parker Family

    • Description: Newspaper clippings
      Dates: 1936-1979
      Container: Box/Folder 6/1
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Newspaper clippings, musical performances
      Dates: 1940-1951
      Container: Box/Folder 6/2
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Newspaper clippings, civic activities
      Dates: 1966-1980
      Container: Box/Folder 6/3
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Certificates, awards, honors
      Dates: 1932-1990
      Container: Box/Folder 6/4
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: School newspapers: Libby Junior High, Lewis & Clark High School, and Whitworth College
      Dates: 1933-1941
      Container: Box/Folder 6/5
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Ephemera: concert posters, clippings, photos of Eleanor as vocalist, clipping of Marian Anderson
      Dates: 1937-1954
      Container: Box/Folder 6/6
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Clippings and programs from singing engagements and competitions; clippings about Barrow family
      Dates: 1940-1951
      Container: Box/Folder 6/7
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
    • Description: Scrapbook: Clippings, programs, and miscellaneous from singing engagements and competitions; Civil rights activities
      Dates: 1936-1950
      Container: Box/Folder 6/8
      Location: Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase
  • Description: Roland Chase: Activities at Lewis & Clark High School, principally sports
    Dates: 1958-1960
    Container: Box/Folder 6/9

  • Addendum

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • African American Baptists--Spokane
  • African American families--Spokane
  • African American freemasons--Spokane
  • African American mayors--Spokane
  • African American women singers--Spokane
  • African American women--Spokane
  • African Americans (college graduates)--Spokane
  • African Americans--Civil rights--Spokane
  • African Americans--Politics and government
  • Baptists--Spokane
  • Civil rights--Spokane
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Freemasons--Spokane
  • Literature--Societies
  • Music--Spokane
  • Pierian Literary Club
  • Schools--Spokane
  • Whitworth College
  • Women--Spokane

Corporate Names

  • Chase Youth Commission

Family Names

  • Barrow Family
  • Chase Family--Archives

Other Creators

  • Personal Names

    • Chase, Eleanor E. (creator)
    • Chase, James E. (creator)
    • Chase, Roland (creator)

Finding aid prepared by Roger Ray
1999

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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