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Dr. Ida Mae Johnson Hiram papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Dr. Ida Mae Johnson Hiram papers | |
| Creator: Hiram, Ida Mae Johnson | |
| Inclusive Dates: circa 1910-1965 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 2 folder(s) | |
| Collection Number: ms975 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Ida Mae Hiram graduated from the Knox Institute in 1905, and received her Doctor of Dentistry Degree from Meharry Medical College in 1910. She became the first black woman to pass the Georgia Dental Board exam, at a time when there were only seven black dentists in the state. Ida Mae and her husband practiced dentistry in their house on Hancock, as well as in the Morton building. The marriage did not last, although they had a daughter, Alice, who would remain in the home with her mother after her parents' separation. In 1934, Ida Mae Hiram purchased the home from Dr. William H. Harris, a prominent black physician, philanthropist and politician. Alice was trained as a dental assistant and worked alongside her mother both at home and at church. Ida Mae and Alice attended the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, where they sang in the choir. Ida Mae Hiram resided at 635 W. Hancock until her death in 1979 at the age of 83. The home then passed to her daughter, Alice Hiram Wimberly.
For more information, see the article African American History in the Athens Welcome Center website.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of handwritten articles by Dr. Ida Mae Johnson Hiram. Articles concern dentistry, Christianity, and certain individuals (some articles have missing pages). The collection also contains a Christian play, and an obituary of Willie David Bell. Six photographs are also included.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Dr. Ida Mae Johnson Hiram papers, ms975, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2015.