Series I. MATTIE BELLE DAVIS PAPERS, 1966-1999 (#1.1-6.8, 52.1m, 53F+B.4m, PD.1f-PD.3)
Scope and Contents
Series I, MATTIE BELLE DAVIS PAPERS, 1966-1999 (#1.1-6.8, 52.1m, 53F+B.4mPD.1f-PD.3), documents the professional activities of Judge Mattie Belle Davis (1910-2004) who was admitted to the Florida bar in 1936. She presided over the Metropolitan Court of Dade County, Miami, Florida (1959-1980), and served as judge of the Civil Division of the County Court of Dade County (1973-1980). Judge Davis also played an instrumental role in the founding of the Florida Women's Law Association (1951); was an active delegate of the American Bar Association (1967-1975, 1977-1981). Following her retirement in 1981, she became a life member of the Association and was chosen to head its Retired Judges Committee. Included are papers related to the American Bar Association and other judicial affiliates; annotated minutes from board of directors annual and mid-year meetings and membership directories; and photographs, memorabilia, notes, and writings related to articles for the Women Lawyers' Journal published by the National Association of Women Lawyers. The bulk of Davis's papers consist of conference material spanning the years 1979-1999. See Series III for additional conference material. Included are articles of incorporation and by-laws; correspondence, minutes, and resolutions; reports from the Association's presidents, committees, and district leaders; and educational hand-outs on various topics, including domestic violence, bankruptcy mediation, matrimonial matters, and the environment. Notable items include several speeches and a formal portrait of founding members, remarks by Jimmy Carter at a White House reception for Association members (1980), and a speech by Joan Dempsey Klein, entitled "Women Judges in the United States: An Historical Perspective," presented at the College of Lawyers in Puerto Rico (1981). The series is arranged alphabetically with annual conferences arranged chronologically therein.
Dates
- Creation: 1966-2012
Language of Materials
Materials in English.
Access Restrictions:
Access. Unrestricted. An appointment is necessary to use any audiovisual material.
Extent
23 linear feet ((51 file boxes, 2 half file boxes, 1 folio+ box) plus 4 photograph folders, 1 folio photograph folder, 94 audiotapes, 7 videotapes, 3 DVDs, 2 archived web sites, and electronic records.)Repository Details
Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository
The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.