Personal papers

Subseries 2.1 documents the work done by Catherine Basie from the 1950s to the 1970s with national, New York, and Bahamian organizations concerned primarily with civil rights, community development, fair housing, youth and education, and mental and physical health. National and state level organizations represented in subseries 2.1 include the New York Urban League, National Council for Christians and Jews, Community Mayors of New York State, Inc., Waldemar Medical Research Foundation. Materials in subseries 2.1 also document Catherine’s involvement with local organizations including the Jamaica Community Council, Addisleigh Park Civic Association, and the Queens Multiple Sclerosis Society. Catherine’s contributions are recognized in subseries 2.1 through the honors and awards she received, notably including a certificate of appreciation in 1962 from the National Council of Negro Women. Plaques in this subseries are not yet arranged or described.

Subseries 2.1 also contains substantial evidence of Catherine Basie’s long-time involvement with several women’s groups, especially the Rinkeydinks, Bon Bons, and Long Islanders. The groups regularly produced events such as fashion shows, dances, and dramatic sketches to raise money for charity, and materials in subseries 2.1 related to these events include programs, brochures, booklets, press releases, minutes and agendas, seating lists, and ticket stubs.

Subseries 2.2 comprises humorous writings and drawings, souvenirs, prayer books, and ephemera. Included are a membership card in the Burlesque Artists Association for Princess Aloha, Catherine’s stage name in the 1930s, the War Ration Books of her mother, Helen Morgan, and a mock cover of Tan Confessions magazine entitled "How to Live without a Husband by Mrs. Count Basie."