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Mary Johnson Blackburn papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Mary Johnson Blackburn papers | |
| Creator: Blackburn, Mary Johnson, 1871-1957 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1915-1945 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 1.8 Linear Feet 1 document box, 1 half box, 1 oversized box | |
| Collection Number: ms2136 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Mary Johnson Blackburn, dialect poetess, author, resident of Atlanta, Georgia. "Mary Johnson Blackburn (1871-1957) was born to William and Permelia Johnson in 1871 in Bronwood, Georgia. The Johnson family moved to Atlanta and Mary attended Girls High School. In November 1895, Mary Johnson married Robert B. Blackburn. Robert Blackburn worked as an attorney and served in the Georgia Legislature for seventeen years. In 1899, Mary owned many rental properties in Atlanta. In the early 1900s, Mary wrote columns for the Atlanta Constitution. In addition, she enjoyed painting and poetry. In 1924, she wrote the book, Folk Lore from Mammy Days, an anthology of African American poetry and songs. She was a member of many civic clubs including: Daughters of the American Revolution; the United Daughters of the Confederacy; the Uncle Remus Memorial Association; the Atlanta Pioneer Women Society and the Atlanta Writer's Club. Mary Johnson Blackburn died on February 28, 1957 and was buried in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery."--Atlanta History Center.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of notebooks with original typescripts of dialect poems and stories, newsclippings of her works, photographs, sketches, and about 30 manuscript songs (lyrics and music) most relating to African American music. Also includes a solder's scrapbook from World War II.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Mary Johnson Blackburn papers, ms2136, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries.
General Notes
Cataloged as part of the Georgia Archives and Manuscripts Automated Access Project: A Special Collections Gateway Program of the University Center in Georgia.