Summary

Creator:

Simpson, Martha Eleanor Booker

Abstract:

This collection contains the correspondence of Martha Eleanor Booker and her future husband Paul David Simpson from 1948-1952 and relates their struggles in school and as a couple during this time. Both were African-Americans from Virginia.

Extent:

1.2 Linear Feet

Language:

Materials in English. Several letters in a variation of Pig Latin with an iz-infix and one with a portion written in code (key included).

Collection ID:

RL.10187

Background

Scope and Content:

The correspondence between Martha and Paul D. Simpson, an African American couple from Virginia, spans their time spent earning teaching degrees (1948-1952) and details not only their personal lives, but also discusses work, religion, race, and their education. The couple eventually married. The letters document daily life, their relationship, and their struggles in school, life and on the job market. Paul sometimes refers to Martha as "Booker" or "Cherie." Martha often calls Paul "Button."

Biographical / Historical:

The letters of Martha Eleanor Booker Simpson (1928-2010) and Paul David Simpson (1918-2010) cover their years spent in college (1948-1952). Martha attended Elizabeth City Teachers College, Winston-Salem Teachers College, and Warren County Training School, while Paul attended Virginia State College and went on to work for Phenix High School while Martha completed her education.

Acquisition Information:

The Martha and Paul D. Simpson Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in June, 2014.

Processing information:

Processed by: Janice Hansen, December 2014.

Accessions described in this finding aid: 2014-0111

Physical Location:

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Rules or Conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.

Subjects:

Love-letters
African American college students
Courtship -- United States -- 20th century
African Americans -- Segregation -- History -- 20th century
African Americans -- Education (Higher)
African American teachers -- Correspondence

Names:

Virginia State College
Simpson, Paul David
Simpson, Martha Eleanor Booker