WAUAsberryNettieJPHColl663.xmlGuide to the Nettie J. Asberry Photograph Collection ca. 1917-1941 ca. 1917-1941Asberry (Nettie J.) Photograph CollectionSpecial Collections, University of Washington Libraries© 2005 (Last modified: 11/27/2017)
Seattle, WA 98195
Finding aid written in English.Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard).University of Washington Libraries, Special CollectionsPH0663Asberry, Nettie J., 1865-1968Nettie J. Asberry Photograph Collectionca. 1917-19414 photographic prints1 photomechanical print : halftoneCollection materials are in English.Portraits collected by Nettie J. Asberry of herself and prominent African Americans of the early 20th century

Nettie J. Asberry (born Nettie J. Craig) was born on July 15, 1865, in Leavenworth, Kansas. After completing a Ph.D. in music from the University of Kansas, she settled in Tacoma in 1893. Nettie J. Asberry was an important figure in early 20th century civil rights efforts in Washington State. She was a founder of the Tacoma branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as well as the Clover Leaf Art Club, one of the first African American Women's clubs in the state. Other notable memberships include the Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Organizations, the Progressive Mothers' Club, and the Tacoma Inter-Racial Council. Nettie J. Asberry died in 1968.

Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) developed and manufactured a line of hair care products. At her death she was one of the wealthiest African Americans in the United States, as well as one of the few self-made female business executives. The portrait in the collection was a publicity photo used by Walker's company. It is the same image used for the Madame C.J. Walker stamp, part of the Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp series issued by the United States Post Office.

Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), a protege of Anton Dvorak, was one of the earliest arrangers of African American spirituals, as well as a composer. In 1917 he published a collection called Negro Spirituals. Original compositions include "Just You" and "Little Mother of Mine."

William Pickens (1881-1954) wrote and lectured extensively for civil rights. Works include "The New Negro," "Bursting Bonds," and "Heir of Slaves."

The collection contains two photographs of Nettie J. Asberry, as well as portraits of nationally prominent African Americans Madame C.J. Walker, Harry T. Burleigh, and William Pickens.

Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries’ Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Request at UW

Processed by Diane Constantine, 2004.

These photographs were relocated from the Nettie J. Asberry Papers, 1912-1967 (Acc. No. 1081-2), in the repository in 2004.

These materials form part of the Nettie J. Asberry Papers, 1912-1967 (Acc. No. 1081-2), which are described and indexed in A Guide to the Nettie J. Asberry Papers .

Asberry, Nettie J., 1865-1968--PhotographsWalker, C. J., Madam, 1867-1919--PhotographsBurleigh, H. T. (Harry Thacker), 1866-1949--PhotographsPickens, William, 1881-1954--PhotographsWomen civic leaders--Washington (State)--Tacoma--PhotographsAfrican American women--Washington (State)--PhotographsAfrican American civic leaders--Washington (State)--PhotographsVisual Materials Collections (University of Washington)PhotographsAfrican AmericansWomenCivil RightsWashington (State)Photographic printsHalftone photomechanical prints

 

1Nettie J. Asberryundated 2Nettie J. Asberry, back turned, in Battenburg opera coat1941Rhodes Bros, Tacoma, Wash.

Written on photo: Nettie J. Asberry in her Battenburg opera coat. Made by her sister Martha Townsend. Won medal at Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo. at Seattle 1909.

 3Madame C.J. Walkerundated

Autographed on photo.

 4Harry T. Burleigh1917

Autographed on photo.

 5William Pickensundated