Julian Bagley collection, 1925-1981, bulk 1951-1981

Summary

Creators:

Gerrits, Elwood Burton and Bagley, Julian, 1892-1981

Abstract:

Julian Elihu Bagley was born in South Jacksonville, Florida in 1892. He earned a degree in agriculture from the Hampton Institute and served in the Army during World War I. He moved to San Francisco in 1922 to open a waterfront hotel, and he became well-known as the concierge of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House. He served as the opera house’s official greeter for 39 years beginning on its opening night on October 15, 1932. Bagley was also the author of a book of animal folktales, Candle-lighting time in Bodidalee, a collection of African folktales set in his native Florida. The collection includes five photographs, nine pieces of correspondence, newspaper clippings, and programs from the author’s memorial service.

Extent:

.1 linear foot (1 box)

Language:

Languages represented in the collection: English

Preferred citation:

Julian Bagley collection, MS 09, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Julian Bagley Collection includes five photographs, nine pieces of correspondence, newspaper clippings, and programs from the author’s memorial service. The collection is organized into four series: photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and assorted printed materials. All of the correspondence is written to Elwood Burton Gerrits who assembled and donated the collection to the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

Biographical / historical:

Julian Elihu Bagley was born in South Jacksonville, Florida in 1892. He earned a degree in agriculture from the Hampton Institute and served in the Army during World War I. He moved to San Francisco in 1922 to open a waterfront hotel, and he became well-known as the concierge of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House. He served as the opera house’s official greeter for 39 years beginning on its opening night on October 15, 1932. Bagley was also the author of a book of animal folktales, Candle-Lighting Time in Bodidalee, a collection of African folktales set in his native Florida.

Acquisition information:

Collection was donated by Elwood Burton Gerrits to the African American Museum and Library at Oakland in March 2004.

Arrangement:

Series I. Photographs Series II. Correspondence Series III. Newspaper clippings Series IV. Assorted printed materials

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Names:

Bagley, Julian, 1892-1981

Restrictions:

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.

Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish from the Julian Bagley Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

Preferred citation:

Julian Bagley collection, MS 09, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Location of this collection:

Oakland Public Library, African American Museum and Library at Oakland

659 14th Street

Oakland, CA 94612, US

Contact:

(510) 637-0198

aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org

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