Mattie Azalia Willis papers, 1928-1970

Summary

Creator:

Willis, Mattie Azalia, 1912-1970

Abstract:

Battle Creek, Michigan, African American singer and music teacher, member of the Battle Creek Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other material relating to her professional career, diaries recording daily activities and personal thoughts, and photographs.

Extent:

2 linear feet
1 oversize folder

Language:

English

Call Number:

86298 Aa 2; UAm

Authors:

Finding aid created by Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The collection has been arranged into the following series: Personal / Biographical; Writings, speech notes, compositions; Community activities; and Diaries.

Biographical / Historical:

Mattie Robbins was born March 2, 1912 in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1929 where she was a member of the glee club and school chorus and where she also played the piano. She attended Battle Creek College studying piano, voice, and violin. Music would be her life's work, both as a concert performer, a radio artist, and a lecturer on music to various groups. In 1947, she was guest soloist for the Canadian Emancipation Celebration in Windsor, Ontario. In 1950, she won the Vocal Division of the Kalamazoo Symphony auditions. Mattie Willis (married in 1940 to Albert Willis) was active in various community and civic groups, including the Calhoun Community Action Agency, and the Battle Creek Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

She died in December 28, 1970

Acquisition Information:

The collection was the gift of Mattie Willis’ daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Graham (donor no. 5030 ) and came to the library in 1971.

Subjects

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Subjects:

African Americans -- Michigan.
Arts.
Music -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
Teachers -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
Singers -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
Women singers -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
Women teachers -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
African Americans -- Women.
Dwellings -- Michigan -- Battle Creek.
Interiors.
Musicians.
Organs.
Pianos.
Singing.
Theaters -- Michigan -- Augusta.
Theatrical productions.
Women.

Formats:

Photographs.

Names:

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Battle Creek (Mich.)
Barn Theatre (Augusta, Mich.)
Willis, Mattie Azalia, 1912-1970.

Places:

Battle Creek (Mich.)
Augusta (Mich.) -- Theaters.
Battle Creek (Mich.) -- Dwellings.