Contents
- Descriptive Summary
- Conditions for Access
- Conditions Governing Use
- Preferred Citation
- Acquisition Information
- Custodial History
- Biography or History
- Scope and Content
- Indexed Terms
Collection Access
O'Quinn Family papers, 1943-1984.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- O'Quinn Family papers, 1943-1984.
- Identifier
- ARCHIVES OQC
- Size
-
.75 linear feet :
109 photographs.
- Language
- Material is in English unless otherwise noted.
Conditions for Access
Available for research in the Special Collections and Preservation Division Reading Room of the Chicago Public Library.
Conditions Governing Use
Contact the archives for more information on licensing and permissions for use and reproduction.
Preferred Citation
A common citation for archives is as follows: Item, Folder number and/or title, Box number, Collection title, ID number, Repository name, location.
Acquisition Information
Accession information not specified.
Custodial History
The O'Quinn papers were donated by John W. And Cleodia D. O'Quinn to the Special Collection Division of the Chicago Public Library in February, 1985. This collection overlaps that of Bethel New Life in provenance. Original contact between Special Collections and the O'Quinns was made through Bethel New Life, but the Bethel material was accessioned into Special Collections and cataloged independently of the O'Quinn Collection. Nevertheless, the two collections are complementary and should be considered in tandem.
Biography or History
The O'Quinns are perhaps best known for the O'Quinn Royal Gladiators Drum and Bugle Corps, which they founded in 1962. The Corps have "posted the colors" in numerous community and city events, won awards, and traveled nationwide, while providing recreation and training for hundreds of boys and girls. The Drum and Bugle Corps evolved out of the Fine Arts Academy organized by the O'Quinns in 1953. John William O'Quinn was born in Larmon, Mississippi and attended Southern Christian College and Alcorn College before coming to Chicago. He served as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #3365 and participated extensively in other scout-related activities, earning a Distinguished Sivler Beaver Award in 1973. In addition to his involvement with Boy Scouts, the Fine Arts Academy, and the Drum and Bugle Corps, Mr. O'Quinn has been active in numerous community and youth organizations, including American Legion Posts #896 (Robert Brooks) and #1268 (Crispus Attucks), the American Boys Commonwealth, the Maxwell Street YMCA, the O'Quinn Community Center, the Boys Brotherhood Republic, Reading is Fundamental, and the Westside Citizens Organization. Mr. O'Quinn was the first black to run for Alderman of the 24th Ward. Cleodia Lyndon Dawkins O'Quinn's community involvement has been equally extensive. Born in Sedalia, Mississippi, she attended Herzl Junior College and the Chicago Teachers College, holds a doctorate in theology, and is a licensed evangelist. Like her husband, she has been heavily involved with the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Fine Arts Academy, the American Legion, and scouting. She has served as director of teacher training for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1960 she was elected vice-mayor of Lawndale, a post she held for ten years. She represented Lawndale at the Conference of Women of Africa and African Descent (Ghana, 1960). Her activities have included leadership education, the Lawndale Women's League, the Lawndale Professional Matrons, and the Maxwell Street YMCA.
Scope and Content
The Cleodia D. and John W. O'Quinn Collection (OQC) consists of papers and photographs which reflect the O'Quinn's lifelong participation in Lawndale Community affairs and youth organizations. Papers in the OQC include biographical data, correspondence, speech drafts, awards, testimonials, programs, certificates, schedules, news clippings, and other printed materials. Dates range from around 1949 to 1984. The documentation of Boy Scout Troop #3365 and the O'Quinn Royal Gladiators Drum and Bugle Corps is the most complete, and the correspondence of Cleodia D. O'Quinn is relatively extensive. The rest of the record, however, is spotty and categories often contain only a few scattered items.
Finding aid available in the Reading Room of the Special Collections and Preservation Division and on the library's web site.