Papers, 1902-2007

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Papers, 1902-2007

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/741372011

The papers of Robert O. French comprise the materials and artifacts collected by French, a nephew and also assistant (1946-1957) to Poro College and Poro beauty product company founder Annie Turnbo Malone (ca.1869-1957). These materials include biographical material on Malone, as well as a small amount of her correspondence. A significant portion of the collection was generated by the Poro enterprise (1915-1960s), such as graduation and other event programs, advertising and other promotional material, photographs and memorabilia. Because Robert French dedicated himself to collecting and preserving Poro's history, his papers include his research files on various aspects of Poro, Annie Turnbo Malone's life, and related subjects such as African American beauty culture in America and the history of "The Ville" neighborhood of St. Louis. Also included is correspondence that French carried out while he conducted this research or maintained ties with out-of-town college friends. Some biographical French material relates to his involvement with various Poro organizations, the YMCA, African American beauty culture associations and his college fraternity. Certain items are photocopied from originals, which are not included in the collection.

9 linear feet

Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8113344

Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

French, Robert O., 1923-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6088v1d (person)

Annie Turnbo Malone (1869-1957), founder of Poro College and Poro beauty products, was one of America's earliest and most successful African American beauty culture entrepreneurs. Before African American women had access to professional hair care and products, she had invented her own hair care preparations and equipment, after which she devised a worldwide franchise system of marketing. By the mid-1920s her Poro enterprise had made Malone one of the wealthiest African Americans in the country, ...

Malone, Annie T., 1869-1957

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6tx642d (person)

Poro College

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6km582d (corporateBody)