Hibernia "Bernia" Austin scrapbook, 1931-1947.

ArchivalResource

Hibernia "Bernia" Austin scrapbook, 1931-1947.

The Hibernia "Bernia" Austin Scrapbook focuses on the social life of the black middle and upper class primarily of Harlem, New York during the 1920s-1940s. The scrapbook contains a variety of material: clippings, photographs, invitations, birth, marriage and death announcements, letters, and greeting cards. Included is information about entertainers, and civic and social leaders. Of particular interest is a postcard from A'Lelia Walker to Bernia Austin written in New Haven, Ct. where Walker was staying for a few days, and an article and flyer regarding the auction of the contents of her home Villa Lewaro, November 1930. There are also greeting cards from the Charles S. Johnson family; one contains the words and music to a piece titled "New Born: A Negro Spiritual." There are invitations to the weddings of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Isabel Washington, Eva and Richard Des Verney and the daughters of Lester Walton, Samuel Battle, and William Pickens, as well as a page of birth announcements. There are a few letters from various politicians (mostly thanking her for her support) and other Harlem figures. With the exception of one clipping about Bernia Austin, the clippings deal with well-known black civic leaders, entertainers, and socialites.

.4 lin. ft. (1/2 ab. 1 printbox)

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 7472448

New York Public Library System, NYPL

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Austin, Hibernia Bernia.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qv66hf (person)

Robinson, A'Lelia Walker, 1885-1931

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68k875b (person)

Austin, Hibernia

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6d53743 (person)

Hibernia "Bernia" Austin and her husband, William Harry Austin, were members of Harlem society, most notably during the 1920s and 1930s. Bernia Austin was a member of the Campaign Committee of Harlem, and the Cooperating Committee on Relief and Unemployment (1931) along with Bessie Bearden, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Hubert Delaney, Wilhelmina Adams, and William L. Imes. She also did political work as well as engaging in civic activities. Her husband, Harry Austin was elected a delegate to the De...