Mary Johnson Blackburn papers

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.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms


Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 
boxfolder
11Stork songs (typescript)
 
12Blackburn data
 
13Writings
 
14From Mammy Days typescript
 
boxitem
21 Folk Lore from Mammy Days
 
22 Folk Lore from Mammy Days
 
23 The Court of Invisible Spirits and Other Plays for Children
 
24Book of poems
 
25Book of Poems
 
26Book of poems
 
27Envelope addressed to Robert B. Blackburn First National Bank Building Atlanta, Georgia
 
oversized_boxitem
11Pine Burr - original music by Mary Johnson Blackburn
 
12WWII Scrapbook- photographs and ephemera , 1945

Special Collections Libraries
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1641