Ernest A. Griffin Family Papers
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Ernest A. Griffin Family Papers
- Identifier
- Midwest.MS.Griffin Family
- Repository
- The Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
- Language
- English
- Size
- 25.9 linear feet (47 boxes and 1 oversize box)
- Predominant Dates
- Bulk, 1910-1995
- Dates
- 1862-2007
- Collection Stack Location
- 1 38 2-3; 1 30 1; 4a flat files
- Abstract
- Papers of family historian Ernest A. Griffin, proprietor of the Griffin Funeral Home on Chicago's south side, including family documents, photographs, audio/visual material, genealogical notes, and materials relating to the history of Camp Douglas (on which the funeral home stood) and Charles H. Griffin who served in a colored regiment during the Civil War. Also includes documentation of the funerals of prominent African Americans.
- Language
- Materials are in English.
- Creator
- Griffin, Ernest A., 1912-1995
Provenance
Gift of Ethel Dawn Griffin-O’Neal, Aug. 16, 2012.
Access
The Ernest A. Griffin Family Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).
Ownership and Literary Rights
The Ernest A. Griffin Family Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.
Cite As
Ernest A. Griffin Family Papers, The Newberry Library, Chicago.
Processed by
Ashley Finigan and Eileen Truong, 2014; Alex Haskins and Emily Masghati, 2015.
Biography of Ernest A. Griffin
Ernest Augusta Griffin was born February 20, 1912, in Chicago, IL to Stephen A. Griffin and Katherine Amanda Isabelle Griffin (née Brown). Ernest’s father was born in Dresden, Ontario, Canada, but moved to Chicago at a young age. There, he met Ernest’s mother, who moved from her birthplace in Mississippi. Ernest was one of six children, though only four lived into adulthood—Ida Mae, Helen Vernell, Charles Stephen and Ernest, himself.
Due to a settlement from an untimely car accident, Ernest was able to attend the Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, he began work as a funeral director under his father at Bell Funeral Home and Auto Company in 1933 and eventually assumed control over the funeral home after it was renamed Griffin Funeral Home in 1947. He continued working as a funeral director for the remainder of his life, relocating the funeral home from 3215 Michigan Avenue to 3232 Calumet (later, Martin Luther King, Jr.) Drive in 1969. His work included both domestic and international funerals, and his most notable funerals included ones for first black U.S. astronaut Robert Lawrence, Jr., Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, Liberian Consul William H. Jones, Olympic star Jesse Owens, and Filipino Catholic charities caseworker Severino Serra.
In addition to his career as a funeral director, Ernest also developed an interest in the American Civil War during the later years of his life. This interest was sparked by two discoveries: that his grandfather, Charles Theodore Griffin, had participated in the Civil War as part of the 29th Colored Regiment Company B and that the Griffin Funeral Home stood on what was formerly Camp Douglas, a Union training ground and Confederate prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. Ernest not only gathered a number of materials on his grandfather and the Civil War in general but also participated in reenactments and Civil War societies around the country. He also erected a memorial on the grounds of the Funeral Home in 1991, Heritage Memorial Wall, to honor fallen Civil War soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Ernest’s first daughter Ethel Dawn Griffin was born on April 4, 1945, in Chicago to Ernest and Ethel Mae Griffin (née Smith), but due to complications, Ethel Mae did not survive the delivery. Ernest remarried to Alyce Louise Carter on August 4, 1946, and they legally adopted Dawn. Alyce was born May 3, 1918 to Harold J. Carter and Matilda Louise Carter (née Roberts), who resided in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After attending Howard University, Alyce went on to study at the Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University. Later, she moved to Chicago and worked as the personnel director of the Oppenheimer Casing Company. In Chicago, she met Ernest and they were married shortly thereafter. Ernest and Alyce had their second daughter Pearl Louise Griffin on July 5, 1950, in Chicago.
The Griffin Funeral Home was a family run business. Alyce worked as a funeral cosmetologist, and both Dawn and Pearl followed in Ernest’s footsteps as funeral directors. Dawn graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in 1962 and from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1966. She married James Kenneth O’Neal on September 16, 1989, and together, they worked at the Griffin Funeral Home until its closing. Pearl graduated from the University High School at The University of Chicago in 1968, attended Wisconsin State University, and graduated from the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing in 1974 before becoming a funeral director. She had one daughter, Suzanne Michelle, on November 19, 1975. Pearl, like Dawn, worked with the Griffin Funeral Home until its closing. After Ernest’s death on December 14, 1995, Alyce, Dawn, and Pearl continued to run the Griffin Funeral Home for another 12 years, finally closing it in 2007. In 2012, Dawn donated this collection in her father’s memory.
Scope and Content of the Collection
Family and professional records of the prominent Chicago funeral home owner and Civil War enthusiast Ernest Augusta Griffin.
The collection is divided into seven series: Family Papers, Funeral Home Papers, Civil War Papers, Photographs, Media, Artifacts, and Scrapbooks. Most of the collection consists of paper documents and photographs pertaining to Ernest A. Griffin and his immediate family- Alyce, Dawn, and Pearl. Although the documents and photographs are organized separately, some photographs remain in the first three series when doing so best preserved the context and original order of the materials.
The Family Papers series includes vital records (birth, death, marriage), educational and community materials, church records, personal correspondence, legal records, travel materials, and periodicals. Additionally, the series contains genealogical material on which the family tree in the accession file is based. Most of the materials consist of documents pertaining to the nuclear family (i.e. Ernest, Alyce, Ethel Dawn, Pearl, and Suzanne) during the latter half of the twentieth century, but the series also includes ancestors, descendants, family friends, colleagues, family pets, and possessions (houses, cars), with dates ranging from the late-nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. Within the series, there are some duplicates of materials, especially of key family members or events. This series also contains some documents relating to family member funerals. Other family funeral related documents are located in the funeral home series.
The Funeral Home Papers series is divided into two subseries—Professional Papers and Funerals—that cover the Griffin family members’ professional activities and individual funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home, respectively. The Professional Papers subseries includes screenplays from films produced by the Griffins, publicity materials surrounding high profile funerals and awards, drafts and copies of articles and speeches, newspaper clippings, and programs from professional events hosted and attended by members of the Griffin family. Most of the materials in Professional Papers subseries deal with the professional career of Ernest Griffin. Some materials also pertain to the careers of Dawn and Pearl Griffin as funeral directors and Alyce Griffin as the funeral home’s cosmetologist. The Funerals subseries contains documents relating to individual funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home and consists mostly of funeral programs, death certificates, and documents pertaining to transportation, cremation, and internment arrangements. It also includes a few newspaper clippings and thank you notes from surviving family members. Of note are materials from the funerals of jazz musician Roscoe Beach, Negro League baseball All-Star Jimmie Crutchfield, U.S. Representative William L. Dawson (D-IL), Liberian Consul William H. Jones, pharmacist and golfer Norman LaHarry, the first black U.S. astronaut Robert Lawrence, Jr., Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and wife Clara Evans Muhammad, and Olympic star Jesse Owens. There are also documents relating to Griffin family members’ funerals.
The Civil War series consists of Civil War related documents collected by Ernest Griffin. There are several folders of correspondence between Ernest Griffin and other Civil War enthusiasts. Also included are his research materials on Camp Douglas and the 29th Colored Infantry, of which Charles Griffin (Ernest’s paternal grandfather) was a member. This series also contains newspaper clippings, Heritage Memorial Wall dedication invitations, pamphlets and brochures collected by the Griffins while traveling to battle sites and reenactments, photocopies of Charles Griffin’s military records, and general resource materials about the Civil War. There are also materials that address Ernest Griffin’s decision to fly the Confederate flag along with the Union flag and African American flag at the Heritage Memorial Wall and Ernest Griffin’s honorary membership into the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The Photographs series is the largest in the collection. Photographs are sorted into subseries that reflect the organization of the preceding document series: Family, Professional Activities, Funerals, and Civil War. Negatives and slides have been placed with the original photographs where identifiable. The Family photographs contain both photographs centered on individual people and photographs centered on specific events. Most of the photographs are of the nuclear family members (i.e. Ernest, Alyce, Ethel Dawn, Pearl, and Suzanne). A large portion of Family photographs are also of family trips and birthday celebrations. The Professional Activities photographs consist of photographs from conferences, dedications, graduations, ceremonies, interior and exterior photographs of the Griffin Funeral Home location at 3215 Michigan Avenue, and interior, exterior, and construction photographs of the Griffin Funeral Home location at 3232 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. There are also photographs of some funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home, including some of the prominent ones mentioned above. The Civil War photographs consist of photographs of the Heritage Memorial Wall, Civil War reenactments, conferences, award ceremonies, and monument dedications.
The Media series contains film reels and cassette tapes (both video and audio) relating to family history, family events (marriages, funerals), funeral home business activities, prominent funerals (both domestic and abroad), community events, and Civil War activities. Similar to the Funeral Home series, prominent funeral materials include those of jazz musician Count Basie, Liberian Consul William H. Jones, pharmacist and golfer Norman LaHarry, the first black U.S. astronaut Robert Lawrence, Jr., Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, Olympic star Jesse Owens, and Filipino Catholic Charities caseworker Severino Serra. The audio cassette tapes are mostly standard size but there are a few miniatures. The majority of the audio recordings involve Ernest Griffin narrating events and experiences.
The Artifacts series contains an assortment of personal items from Ernest’s career, genealogical interests, and travels. Many items are Griffin Funeral Home promotional materials, including stickers, matches, and calculators. Of note are a set of embalming tools used by Ernest in the 1940s and the Griffin family Bible containing genealogical notes. The series also contains a few items relating to the Civil War.
The Scrapbooks series consists of several bound scrapbooks with photographs and a few disassembled scrapbooks with newspaper clippings. These scrapbooks include content relating to individual family members, local institutions and figures, funerals, memorials, community events, business history, and Ernest’s Civil War related activities.
Conditions Governing Audiovisual Access
Audiovisual recordings in this collection have not been digitized and are unavailable for use at this time.
Organization
Papers are organized in the following series:
- Series 1: Family Papers, 1887-2008, Bulk, 1910-1995
- Boxes 1-7
- Series 2: Funeral Home Papers, 1920-2008
- Boxes 8-16
- Series 3: Civil War Papers, 1959-1995
- Boxes 17-19
- Series 4: Photographs, 1891-2008
- Boxes 20-37
- Series 5: Media, 1953-1998
- Boxes 38
- Series 6: Artifacts, 1862-2007
- Boxes 39-42
- Series 7: Scrapbooks, 1891-1993
- Boxes 43-47
- Oversize materials, 1923-1975
- Box 48
Indexed Terms
- Civil War Round Table (Chicago, Ill.).
- Dawson, William L. (William Levi), 1886-1970
- Elijah Muhammad, 1897-1975
- Griffin family
- Griffin Funeral Home. (Chicago, Ill.)
- Griffin, Ernest A., 1912-1995
- Griffin-O'Neal, E. Dawn
- Lawrence, Robert H., 1935-1967
- Owens, Jesse, 1913-1980
- United States. Army. Illinois Infantry Regiment, 28th (1861-1866).
- African American business enterprises -- Illinois -- Chicago
- African American families -- Illinois -- Chicago
- African American families -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century
- African Americans -- History
- African Americans -- Illinois -- Chicago
- African Americans -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century
- Bronzeville (Chicago, Ill.)
- Business
- Camp Douglas (Ill.)
- Chicago
- Chicago (Ill.) -- Commerce -- 20th century
- Chicago (Ill.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
- Embalming
- Family Papers
- Family records
- Family-owned business enterprises -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century
- Funeral homes
- Funeral homes -- Illinois -- Chicago
- Funeral rites and ceremonies -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century
- Genealogical correspondence -- United States
- Genealogy
- Manuscripts, American -- Illinois -- Chicago
- Moving images
- Photograph albums -- 1901-1950
- Photograph albums -- 1951-2000
- Photographs
- Scrapbooks
- Sound recordings
- Undertakers and undertaking -- Illinois -- Chicago
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- African Americans
Inventory
Materials related to key family members—including ancestors, contemporaries, and descendants—as well as family friends, colleagues, and pets of Ernest A. and Alyce C. Griffin. Documents include vital records (birth, death, marriage), genealogical records, educational and community materials, church records, personal correspondence, legal records, travel materials, and periodicals. Of note are documents relating to Ernest and Alyce’s nephew, Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., the first black astronaut in the United States.
The series contains a considerable amount of genealogical material, from which the family tree in the accession file is based. This material involves several branches of the Griffin family and includes locations as diverse as Chicago (Illinois), Harrisburg (Pennsylvania), Dresden (Ontario, Canada), and Baden Baden (Germany), among others.
Arranged alphabetically. Within each folder, the materials are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Baber, Benjamin Schubert Documents,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Brown, Liattia Marion Documents,
- Dates
- 1910-1982
- Title
- Carter, Harold J. Documents,
- Dates
- 1956-1977
- Title
- Carter, Matilda Louise (Roberts) Documents,
- Dates
- 1969-1973
- Title
- Chandler, Emma Waugh (Griffin) Documents,
- Dates
- 1932
- Title
- Chandler Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1882-1988
- Title
- Clay/Brown Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1910-1912
- Title
- Cook Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1848-1993
- Title
- Cook,
- Dates
- Marie Sophia (Pegou), 1977-1992
- Title
- Cress Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1958-1993
- Title
- Cress, Henry Documents,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Cress, Ida Mae (Griffin) Documents,
- Dates
- 1931-1998
- Title
- General Family Records- Birth, Death, Legal, Genealogical,
- Dates
- 1910-1988
- Title
- General Family Records- Genealogical and Travel,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Albertine L. and Ethel T. Documents,
- Dates
- 1906-1908
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Louise (Carter) Documents,
- Dates
- 1939-2007
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Louise (Carter) William Penn High School Year Book,
- Dates
- 1936
- Title
- Griffin, Charles Stephen Documents,
- Dates
- 1910-1988
- Title
- Griffin, Charles Theodore Documents,
- Dates
- 1863-1941
- Title
- Griffin, Emma Effie Baber Documents,
- Dates
- 1951
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Documents,
- Dates
- 1912-1980
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Documents,
- Dates
- 1980-1996
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Documents- Birth, Death, Celebratory,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Documents- Travel,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Englewood High School Yearbook,
- Dates
- 1932
- Title
- Griffin, Ethel Mae (Smith) Documents,
- Dates
- 1914-1945
- Title
- Griffin, Katherine Amanda Isabelle (Brown) Documents,
- Dates
- 1989-1950
- Title
- Griffin, Lorena Wilhelmina (Cook) Documents,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen and Julia Ann (Waugh) Documents,
- Dates
- 1887-1988
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen A. Documents,
- Dates
- 1898-1963
- Title
- Griffin, Thomas Albert Documents,
- Dates
- 1925-1984
- Title
- Griffin, William Edward Documents,
- Dates
- 1922
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl Louise Documents,
- Dates
- 1950-2005
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal, Ethel Dawn Documents,
- Dates
- 1945-1997
- Title
- Hall, Helen Vernell (Griffin) Documents,
- Dates
- 1941-1994
- Title
- Hall, Joseph Harold,
- Dates
- 1947-1991
- Title
- Hanson Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1971
- Title
- Hayes, Jennie (Clay) Documents,
- Dates
- 1942
- Title
- Hays, Robert Documents,
- Dates
- 1924
- Title
- Henderson, Ida Martha Jane (Griffin) Documents,
- Dates
- 1977
- Title
- Johnson Family Documents,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Lawrence, Robert H. Jr. Documents,
- Dates
- 1967-1994
- Title
- Leftridge, Alma Pearl (Griffin) Documents,
- Dates
- 1971
- Title
- Leftridge Family Documents,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Martin Family Documents,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne Michelle Documents,
- Dates
- 1975-2008
- Title
- Olivet Baptist Church Documents,
- Dates
- 1926-1993
- Title
- Patrick, Mable E. Documents,
- Dates
- 1966
- Title
- Subu (dog) Documents,
- Dates
- 1989
- Title
- Unidentified Relatives, Friends, and General documents- Birth, Death, Periodical, Celebratory, etc.,
- Dates
- 1912-2008
- Title
- Woods, Arminta Documents,
- Dates
- 1974
Materials surrounding funeral home activities, divided into two subseries that cover Griffin family members’ professional activities and individual funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home, respectively.
Organized in the following subseries:
Materials relating to the founding and operation of the Griffin Funeral Home and the professional career of Ernest Griffin as its funeral director. Some materials also pertain to the careers of Dawn and Pearl Griffin as funeral directors and Alyce Griffin as the funeral home’s cosmetologist. Included are materials relating to the production of the films The Story of Cremation and The Inevitable, including screenplays and notes. The subseries also contains publicity materials relating to high profile funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home including press releases, drafts and copies of published articles written by Ernest Griffin regarding these funerals, and newspaper clippings. Other materials include drafts of speeches given by Ernest Griffin at conferences, publicity materials surrounding his honors and awards, newspaper clippings pertaining to the Griffin Funeral Home’s activities, and programs from professional events hosted and attended by members of the Griffin family.
Arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Bell Funeral Home Records,
- Dates
- 1920-1926
- Title
- Chicago Funeral Home History,
- Dates
- ca. 1920-1929
- Title
- Bell Funeral Home, blank forms and undated documents,
- Dates
- ca. 1920-1947
- Title
- Bell Funeral Home Ephemera,
- Dates
- ca. 1920- 1947
- Title
- Bell Funeral Home Records,
- Dates
- 1927-1947
- Title
- Notes from Worsham College Classes,
- Dates
- ca. 1930-1933
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Embalming and Funeral Director's Licensing,
- Dates
- 1932-1946
- Title
- Worsham College Graduation Materials,
- Dates
- 1933
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Early Career at Bell Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1933-1939
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest receives Distinguished Service Cross,
- Dates
- 1941
- Title
- Undertakers Club of Chicago,
- Dates
- 1943-1945
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest joins Epsilon Nu Delta,
- Dates
- 1944
- Title
- Dissolution of Bell Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1947
- Title
- Establishment of Griffin Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1947-1950
- Title
- Business cards and logos,
- Dates
- ca. 1947-1995
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home pamphlets,
- Dates
- ca. 1947-1995
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1952-1956
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Cosmetologist,
- Dates
- 1953
- Title
- "The Story of Cremation" film,
- Dates
- 1954
- Title
- "The Inevitable" film,
- Dates
- 1955
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1957-1961
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest National Foundation of Funeral Service School of Management Graduation,
- Dates
- 1958
- Title
- Cook County Association of Funeral Home Owners Memorial Day Event,
- Dates
- May 27, 1962
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1963- 1966
- Title
- Materials related to changing undertaker to funeral director in the phone book,
- Dates
- 1964-1965
- Title
- Construction of new Griffin Funeral Home at 3232 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.,
- Dates
- 1964-1969
- Title
- Griffin, Dawn Embalming and Funeral Director Licensing,
- Dates
- 1966-1968
- Title
- Dedication of new Griffin Funeral Home Location,
- Dates
- 1968-1969
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1968-1972
- Title
- Chicago Beautiful Award,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Griffin, Pearl Embalming and Funeral Director Licensing,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest joins FIAT/IFTA,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1973-1977
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home hosts German and Swedish funeral directors,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Publicity and Professional Activities surrounding Elijah Muhammad's funeral,
- Dates
- 1975-1976
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1978-1982
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest, "The Liberian Funeral of Consul Jones," in American Funeral Director drafts and published article,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Publicity related to Consul Jones's funeral,
- Dates
- 1980-1981
- Title
- Mays, Benjamin related,
- Dates
- 1980-1984
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest wins King Tut Image Award,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Law Day for Earl B. Dickerson at Griffin Music Hall,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1983-1987
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Funeral Director License 50th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1984-1985
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Funeral Director License 50th Anniversary greeting cards,
- Dates
- 1984-1985
- Title
- Chicago Branch Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, History of Chicago Funeral Service Industry,
- Dates
- 1986
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1988-1992
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 45th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1992
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 1993-1996
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Funeral Director 60th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1994
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 50th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1997
- Title
- Misc. materials,
- Dates
- 2002-2007
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Retirement,
- Dates
- 2008
- Title
- Dawn to Dusk Bed and Breakfast,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Funeral-related pamphlets,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce career materials,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Blank Stationary and Forms,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Misc. documents,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Misc. resumes,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Poems, prayers, and funeral service documents,
- Dates
- undated
Materials relating to individual funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home. This subseries consists mostly of funeral programs, death certificates, and documents pertaining to transportation, cremation, and interment arrangements. It also includes a few newspapers clippings and thank you notes from surviving family members.
Arranged alphabetically by the last name of the deceased. Within each folder, all materials are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Ball, Odell,
- Dates
- 1966-1975
- Title
- Basie, William James,
- Dates
- Apr. 26, 1984
- Title
- Bates, Herbert, Arthur,
- Dates
- Jan. 1986
- Title
- Beach, Roscoe,
- Dates
- Nov. 1980
- Title
- Bibbs, Mae Alice,
- Dates
- Oct. 1986
- Title
- Branham, Joseph Henry,
- Dates
- Jan. 1942
- Title
- Brooks, Denton, Jr.,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Brown, M.C. Jr.,
- Dates
- Apr. 1, 1941
- Title
- Chavis,
- Dates
- Marie Elizabeth, Oct. 2, 1990
- Title
- Collins, Charles,
- Dates
- May 1987
- Title
- Cress, Henry,
- Dates
- Oct. 1983
- Title
- Cress, Luella,
- Dates
- Aug 1965
- Title
- Crutchfield, Jimmie,
- Dates
- Mar. 1993
- Title
- Davis, Corneal Aaron,
- Dates
- Apr. 1995
- Title
- Dawson, William L.,
- Dates
- Nov. 1970
- Title
- Despenza, Evelyn King,
- Dates
- Oct. 1986
- Title
- Duster, Kevin Williams,
- Dates
- Dec. 1985
- Title
- Farrakhan, Sumayyh,
- Dates
- Nov. 1988
- Title
- Ferrell, Harrison,
- Dates
- 1977
- Title
- Fullman, Richard George,
- Dates
- Aug. 1990
- Title
- Garner, Harold Worthington,
- Dates
- Oct. 1947
- Title
- Griffin, Charles Steven,
- Dates
- Aug. 1988
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A.,
- Dates
- Dec. 1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ethel Mae,
- Dates
- Apr. 9, 1945
- Title
- Griffin, Katherine,
- Dates
- Nov. 1950
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen A.,
- Dates
- 1957-1959
- Title
- Hall, Helen Vernell,
- Dates
- Oct. 1991
- Title
- Harris, Wilfred,
- Dates
- 1987
- Title
- Jackson, Armond,
- Dates
- Feb. 1985
- Title
- Jones, Ernest,
- Dates
- Apr. 13, 1990
- Title
- Jones, George D., Sr.,
- Dates
- 1974
- Title
- Jones, Matthew,
- Dates
- Oct. 1987
- Title
- Jones, Ola E.,
- Dates
- July 1980
- Title
- Jones, William H.,
- Dates
- 1971-1983
- Title
- Jones, William H.,
- Dates
- 1971-1983
- Title
- Kellum, David,
- Dates
- Mar. 1981
- Title
- LaHarry, Norman,
- Dates
- Dec. 1988
- Title
- Lawless, Theodore,
- Dates
- May 1971
- Title
- Lawrence, Robert,
- Dates
- 1967-1968
- Title
- Lewis, William Hillary,
- Dates
- Feb. 8, 1946
- Title
- Martin, Granville Hamilton,
- Dates
- Apr. 30, 1978
- Title
- Misc. funerals not conducted by Griffin Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1974-1995
- Title
- Moore, James,
- Dates
- May 1984
- Title
- Muhammad, Clara Evans,
- Dates
- Aug. 1972
- Title
- Muhammad, Elijah,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Nash, Donald J.,
- Dates
- Sept. 1992
- Title
- Nobles, Lawrence,
- Dates
- July 1984
- Title
- Olive, Milton B.,
- Dates
- Mar. 1993
- Title
- Owens, Jesse,
- Dates
- 1980-1981
- Title
- Owens, Jesse,
- Dates
- 1980-1981
- Title
- Palmore, Richard Eugene,
- Dates
- July 1994
- Title
- Payne, Carrie Lou,
- Dates
- Sept. 1987
- Title
- Powell, Sherlene,
- Dates
- Feb. 1970
- Title
- Raines, Taft Claude,
- Dates
- Sept. 1963
- Title
- Robinson, William,
- Dates
- Mar. 1973
- Title
- Rogers, Manuel, Sr.,
- Dates
- 1984
- Title
- Sias, Kevin Leonard,
- Dates
- Apr. 1988
- Title
- Seals, Rosalie McDonald,
- Dates
- Apr. 1967
- Title
- Serra, Severino,
- Dates
- 1981
- Title
- Singleton, Oliver,
- Dates
- July 1975
- Title
- Slaton, Jessie Pharr,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Smith, Fred J.,
- Dates
- Oct. 1988
- Title
- Smith, Jimmy,
- Dates
- May 1991
- Title
- Stewart, Emma,
- Dates
- Aug. 1975
- Title
- Taylor, Isaac,
- Dates
- Feb. 9, 1945
- Title
- Vaughn, Jacqueline,
- Dates
- Jan. 1994
- Title
- Welch, Andrew,
- Dates
- Nov. 1984
- Title
- William, Edwin Eugene Sr.,
- Dates
- Oct 1986
- Title
- Williams, L. K.,
- Dates
- 1940
- Title
- Wilson, John,
- Dates
- June 1984
Civil War related materials collected by Ernest Griffin. A large portion of this series consists of correspondence between Ernest Griffin and other Civil War enthusiasts and fellow members of the Civil War Round Table. The series also contains research materials on Camp Douglas and the 29th Colored Infantry, of which Charles Griffin was a member. Also included are newspaper clippings and monument dedication invitations and programs concerning Heritage Memorial Wall, a monument to Camp Douglas that the Griffin family erected on the funeral home grounds in 1991. This series also includes pamphlets and brochures collected by the Griffins while traveling to battle sites and reenactments, photocopies of Charles Griffin’s military records, and general resource materials about the Civil War such as articles, book chapters, pamphlets, etc. Also included are materials addressing Ernest Griffin’s decision to fly the Confederate flag along with the Union flag and African American flag at Heritage Memorial Wall and Ernest Griffin’s honorary membership into the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Arranged alphabetically by subject. Within folders, materials are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Battlefields,
- Dates
- 1989-1995
- Title
- Black soldiers and the Civil War,
- Dates
- 1989-1995
- Title
- Camp Douglas and the Griffin Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1986-1994
- Title
- Camp Douglas secondary material,
- Dates
- 1960-1994
- Title
- Confederate Flag and Memorial controversies,
- Dates
- 1992-1994
- Title
- Correspondence,
- Dates
- Jan. 1983-June 1998
- Title
- Forest Hill Confederate Monument,
- Dates
- 1959-1993
- Title
- General Source Materials,
- Dates
- ca. 1960-1995
- Title
- Griffin, Charles, materials on 29th U.S. Colored Infantry,
- Dates
- ca. 1992-1994
- Title
- Griffin, Charles military records, photocopies,
- Dates
- ca. 1990
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Civil War related Activities,
- Dates
- 1990-1995
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall,
- Dates
- 1990-1994
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall Dedication,
- Dates
- 1990-1991
- Title
- Misc. Civil War related materials,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Mt. Carroll Monument Rededication,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Petersburg,
- Dates
- 1991-1995
- Title
- Reenactments,
- Dates
- 1993
- Title
- Stephen A. Douglas Association,
- Dates
- 1989-1993
This series is organized into subseries that reflect the preceding document series of the collection: Family, Professional Activities, Funerals, and Civil War. All subseries are arranged alphabetically except for the Griffin family professional activities which is arranged chronologically. Within each folder, all photographs are arranged chronologically.
Organized in the following subseries:
Photographs mainly of the nuclear family (i.e. Ernest, Alyce, Ethel Dawn, Pearl, Suzanne), but also includes ancestors, descendants, family friends, colleagues, family pets, and possessions (houses, cars).
The first part consists of individual people and the second part consists of specific events. This series also includes negatives and slides alongside original photographs when identifiable. Box 22 contains only slides of Griffin family events.
Both parts of the subseries are organized alphabetically, with family names first. Within each folder, the materials are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Assorted Scrapbook Photos,
- Dates
- 1958-1965
- Title
- Benn, Tracey,
- Dates
- ca. 1992
- Title
- California Family Photos,
- Dates
- 1936-1977
- Title
- Carter Family (including Alyce, Ernest, Dawn, and Pearl),
- Dates
- 1918-1989
- Title
- Carter Family (including Alyce, Ernest, Dawn and Pearl),
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Carter Household Building and Car,
- Dates
- 1961-1972
- Title
- Cazeau, Rachel,
- Dates
- 1983-1996
- Title
- Cook, Daniel,
- Dates
- Marie Sophia Pegou (Pageau) and the Cook Family, undated
- Title
- Cress Family,
- Dates
- 1938-1951
- Title
- Dawson, Helen,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Green, Loraine,
- Dates
- 1996
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce, Pearl included,
- Dates
- 1936-2002
- Title
- Griffin, Charles T.,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Charles and Ellyce,
- Dates
- 1953-1969
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A.,
- Dates
- 1928-1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. and Alyce Griffin,
- Dates
- 1947-1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. and Alyce, Dawn, Pearl, and Suzanne,
- Dates
- 1947-1990
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest, A. and Alyce, Dawn, Pearl, and Suzanne,
- Dates
- 1992-2002
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. and Friends,
- Dates
- 1933-1945
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. and siblings,
- Dates
- 1914-1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ethel Mae and family,
- Dates
- 1939-1943
- Title
- Griffin Family and Special Events (slides),
- Dates
- 1891-1980
- Title
- Griffin Family Dogs,
- Dates
- 1947-1989
- Title
- Griffin Household Buildings and Car,
- Dates
- 1927-1952
- Title
- Griffin, Khisna,
- Dates
- 1979-1983
- Title
- Griffin relatives,
- Dates
- 1977-2002
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen and Catherine and family,
- Dates
- 1898-1954
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen A. siblings,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl,
- Dates
- 1950-1977
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal, Dawn,
- Dates
- 1945-2001
- Title
- Hall, Helen Vernell,
- Dates
- 1916-1986
- Title
- Hanson, Lloyd,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Harris, Emily Brown,
- Dates
- ca. 1930-1939
- Title
- King, Sara,
- Dates
- 1995
- Title
- Lady (dog),
- Dates
- 1989
- Title
- Lewis, Huldah and Susie Blandon,
- Dates
- 1944
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne,
- Dates
- 1975-2007
- Title
- Misc. family photographs,
- Dates
- 1928-2001
- Title
- Olivet Baptist Church,
- Dates
- 1920-1994
- Title
- O'Neal, James and Dawn,
- Dates
- 1984
- Title
- Sawyer, Eugene with the Griffins,
- Dates
- 1988-1989
- Title
- Slaton, Jessie,
- Dates
- 1970-1978
- Title
- Subu (dog),
- Dates
- 1989
- Title
- Unknown Connection to Griffin Family,
- Dates
- 1944-2005
- Title
- Walker, Arminta,
- Dates
- 1933-1936
- Title
- Williams, Parhm, Brown and Griffin Families,
- Dates
- 1905
- Title
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Event, Chicago,
- Dates
- Nov. 2, 1985
- Title
- Anderson, Harry Retirement Party,
- Dates
- Oct. 1980
- Title
- Armstrong Exhibit,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Artists and Models Ball,
- Dates
- Nov. 19, 1948
- Title
- Assembly,
- Dates
- Dec. 1999
- Title
- Carrie and Milton 40th Anniversary,
- Dates
- Nov. 5, 1977
- Title
- Carter, Harold J. and Matilda 50th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1963
- Title
- Cazeau Party,
- Dates
- June 1994
- Title
- Chicago Council Chamber Senior Citizen of the Year Event,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Christmas,
- Dates
- Dec. 1980
- Title
- Christmas Brunch,
- Dates
- Dec. 1992
- Title
- Compton, Vivian in Los Angeles, CA,
- Dates
- 1990-1994
- Title
- Danny's Graduation,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Douglas Academy Graduation Ceremonies,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Englewood High School Reunion,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Event,
- Dates
- 1997
- Title
- Family Trip,
- Dates
- 1973
- Title
- Family Trip, Atlanta,
- Dates
- Aug. 1994
- Title
- Family Trip, Beach Trip,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Family Trip, Family Trip, California,
- Dates
- Dec. 1985
- Title
- Family Trip, Canada,
- Dates
- 1974
- Title
- Family Trip, Canada,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Family Trip, Cruise,
- Dates
- Aug. 1971
- Title
- Family Trip, Cruise,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Family Trip, Cruise,
- Dates
- 1999
- Title
- Family Trip, Crystal Cathedral,
- Dates
- Dec. 1983
- Title
- Family Trip, Denver,
- Dates
- Oct. 1977
- Title
- Family Trip, Dresden, Ohio,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Family Trip, Dresden, Ontario,
- Dates
- Oct. 1984
- Title
- Family Trip, Falmouth, MA,
- Dates
- 1977
- Title
- Family Trip, France and England,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Family Trip, Garden Grove, FL,
- Dates
- 1982-1983
- Title
- Family Trip, Lisbon, Portugal,
- Dates
- 1973
- Title
- Family Trip, Lisbon, Portugal,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Family Trip, Los Angeles,
- Dates
- 1982
- Title
- Family Trip, Los Vegas,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Family Trip,
- Dates
- Marbella, Spain, 1973
- Title
- Family Trip, Mexico,
- Dates
- Jan. 1991
- Title
- Family Trip, Michigan,
- Dates
- Aug. 1995
- Title
- Family Trip, Monte Carlo,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Family Trip, Niagara Falls,
- Dates
- 1928
- Title
- Family Trip, Orlando, FL,
- Dates
- 1982
- Title
- Family Trip, Pennsylvania,
- Dates
- June 2002
- Title
- Family Trip, Pikes Peak, CO,
- Dates
- Oct. 18, 1977
- Title
- Family Trip, Plymouth Rock,
- Dates
- ca. 1977
- Title
- Family Trip, Quebec,
- Dates
- 1977
- Title
- Family Trip, Reunion, Detroit, MI,
- Dates
- July 1978
- Title
- Family Trip, Reunion, Dresden, Ontario,
- Dates
- July 1993
- Title
- Family Trip, Rome,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Family Trip, Seattle,
- Dates
- 1974
- Title
- Family Trip, St. Louis,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Family Trip, St. Louis,
- Dates
- 1981
- Title
- Family Trip, Switzerland,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Family Trip, Switzerland and Germany,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Family Trip, Sydney, Australia,
- Dates
- Mar. 1981
- Title
- Family Trip, Toronto,
- Dates
- 1972
- Title
- Family Trip, Vancouver,
- Dates
- Aug. 1978
- Title
- Family Trip, Venice,
- Dates
- Apr. 1980
- Title
- Fellowship League,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Forty Club,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Fourth of July Barbecue,
- Dates
- July 5, 1997
- Title
- Graduation,
- Dates
- 1983
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Birthday,
- Dates
- 1981-2002
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Birthday,
- Dates
- 2007-2008
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Birthday,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce AKA 50th Year Celebration, Richmond, VA,
- Dates
- 1990
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce, AKA Sorority,
- Dates
- Sept. 1999
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce and Griffin-Martin, Pearl Birthday,
- Dates
- 1992
- Title
- Griffin, Charles, gravesite visitations,
- Dates
- 1964-1977
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. Birthday,
- Dates
- 1961-1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest and Alyce, 23rd Wedding Anniversary,
- Dates
- Aug. 5, 1969
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest and Alyce, 45th Wedding Anniversary,
- Dates
- Oct. 4, 1991
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest and Ethel Mae Wedding,
- Dates
- 1941
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. Family Dinner,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Family History,
- Dates
- 1988
- Title
- Griffin, Khisna Jasmine, UCLA Graduation,
- Dates
- 1987
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen Ceremony, Olivet Baptist Church,
- Dates
- 1943
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen Ceremony, Olivet Baptist Church,
- Dates
- Feb. 1944
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen Deacon Ceremony,
- Dates
- 1950
- Title
- Griffin, Stephen, Gravesite Visitations,
- Dates
- 1988-1993
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl Birthday,
- Dates
- July 1990-1996
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl Birthday,
- Dates
- July 2004
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl, Miss Eau Claire Pageant,
- Dates
- Mar. 1969
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl Oklahoma trip,
- Dates
- 2005
- Title
- Griffin-Martin, Pearl pregnant with Suzanne,
- Dates
- Nov. 1975
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal, Ethel Dawn, Birthday 1977-2005
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal, Ethel Dawn, Lunch at Dr. James's,
- Dates
- Oct. 19, 1991
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal Wedding,
- Dates
- Sept. 1984
- Title
- Hall, Helen Birthday,
- Dates
- Jan. 1986
- Title
- Hall, Joseph and Helen Wedding,
- Dates
- 1958
- Title
- Henderson, Ida Martha Jane (Griffin) 90th Birthday,
- Dates
- Nov. 1981
- Title
- Holiday Dinner,
- Dates
- Aug. 16. 1992
- Title
- Howard University Reunion, Freeport, Bahamas,
- Dates
- Oct. 1994
- Title
- Inauguration, Richmond, VA.,
- Dates
- Jan. 13, 1990
- Title
- Jones, Delois,
- Dates
- Apr. 1994
- Title
- Leak Wedding,
- Dates
- July 2001
- Title
- Melissa's Party,
- Dates
- Oct. 1996
- Title
- Memorial Day, Aurora, IL,
- Dates
- May 24, 1992
- Title
- Mercedier Birthday Party,
- Dates
- Aug. 5, 1995
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, AKA Event,
- Dates
- 1996
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, AKA Step Show,
- Dates
- Nov. 15, 1996
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne Baby Shower,
- Dates
- Sept. 2008
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne Birthday,
- Dates
- 16th, 1991
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne First Christmas,
- Dates
- Dec. 25, 1975
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne Graduation,
- Dates
- June 3, 1989
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne,
- Dates
- Junior High School Graduation, 1989
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, Kindergarten Graduation,
- Dates
- 1981
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, Lake Forest Academy,
- Dates
- 1989-1993
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, Nursery School Graduation,
- Dates
- 1981
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin, Suzanne, Prom,
- Dates
- 1992
- Title
- Misc. slides,
- Dates
- ca. 1990-1991
- Title
- Mortgage Burning,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Mother's Day,
- Dates
- 1999
- Title
- Party,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Rogers,
- Dates
- Mary 80th Birthday, 1993
- Title
- Rogers,
- Dates
- Mary Florida Trip, 1975
- Title
- Rogers,
- Dates
- Mary R. Visit and Correspondence, 1976-1984
- Title
- Shands, Orphah, 60th Birthday,
- Dates
- May 6, 1990
- Title
- Tawaf, Antione Visits the Griffins,
- Dates
- Oct. 1990
- Title
- Woodson, Hall 100th Birthday,
- Dates
- May 26, 1990
Photographs from events such as conferences, dedications, graduations, and ceremonies. Also included are interior and exterior photographs of the Griffin Funeral Home location at 3215 Michigan Avenue and interior, exterior, and construction photographs of the Griffin Funeral Home location at 3232 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
All photographs are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Griffin Music House,
- Dates
- 1916
- Title
- Worsham College Class Picture (see also oversize),
- Dates
- 1933
- Title
- Bell Funeral Home,
- Dates
- ca. 1940
- Title
- Undertaker Club,
- Dates
- 1940
- Title
- "The Inevitable" film,
- Dates
- 1943-1955
- Title
- Professional Activities,
- Dates
- 1945-1949
- Title
- Undertakers Club Installation,
- Dates
- 1946
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Location at 3215 Michigan Ave.,
- Dates
- ca. 1947-1949
- Title
- Misc. funeral home photographs,
- Dates
- ca. 1950 1979
- Title
- 14th Anniversary of funeral home,
- Dates
- 1961
- Title
- Cook County Assn. of Funeral Home Owners, Memorial Day,
- Dates
- 1962
- Title
- Funeral home construction and dedication,
- Dates
- 1964-1969
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home building,
- Dates
- ca. 1965-1989
- Title
- Neighborhood slides,
- Dates
- ca. 1965-1989
- Title
- Griffin, Pearl receives funeral director license and degree,
- Dates
- 1966-1972
- Title
- New Griffin Funeral Home and Brochure Photos,
- Dates
- 1971-1980
- Title
- Cook County Funeral Home Owners Association Banquet,
- Dates
- Oct. 12, 1974
- Title
- Funeral Home Staff,
- Dates
- July 28, 1974
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 30th Anniversary,
- Dates
- Oct. 1977
- Title
- FIAT meeting, Quebec,
- Dates
- Apr. 1978
- Title
- National Funeral Owners Convention,
- Dates
- Oct. 1980
- Title
- Misc. Funeral Home,
- Dates
- ca. 1980-1995
- Title
- National Funeral Owners Convention, Detroit,
- Dates
- 1982
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 35th Anniversary,
- Dates
- Oct. 2, 1982
- Title
- New Coupe de Fleur,
- Dates
- 1982
- Title
- King Tut Award,
- Dates
- June 1983
- Title
- Washington, Harold,
- Dates
- 1984
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest 50th Year License,
- Dates
- 1984
- Title
- Association for Study of Afro American Life and History Brunch, Palmer House,
- Dates
- Feb. 1986
- Title
- Prelude to Memorial Day,
- Dates
- May 1986
- Title
- NFDA meeting, Montreal, Canada,
- Dates
- Oct. 1986
- Title
- Phi Beta Sigma Annual Scholarship Dinner,
- Dates
- Oct. 28, 1987
- Title
- Cook County Association of Funeral Home Owners Memorial Day,
- Dates
- May 30, 1988
- Title
- Epsilon Nu Delta Founders Day,
- Dates
- Feb. 20, 1988
- Title
- Cook County Funeral Home Owners Association Special Session,
- Dates
- Apr. 1988
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 42nd Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1989
- Title
- South Africa Trip,
- Dates
- Oct. 1990
- Title
- Funeral Home Fundraiser-Reception, Whiting,
- Dates
- Oct. 1990
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. visits Worsham College,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Funeral Home Victory Party, Whiting,
- Dates
- Feb. 1991
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest, Pearl and Dawn at Rockefeller Chapel,
- Dates
- 1992
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home, 45th Anniversary,
- Dates
- 1992
- Title
- Griffin-O'Neal, Ethel Dawn, professional training,
- Dates
- 1993
- Title
- Funeral Home activities,
- Dates
- 1995
- Title
- Construction on King Blvd.,
- Dates
- Apr. 1996
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home, 50th Anniversary,
- Dates
- Oct. 1997
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home staff,
- Dates
- ca. 2004
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Logo,
- Dates
- 1998-2001
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home 60 years celebratory/closing,
- Dates
- Oct. 2007
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Building,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Misc. Activities,
- Dates
- undated
Photographs from funerals conducted by the Griffin Funeral Home, or of funerals attended by members of the Griffin family.
Arranged alphabetically by the last name of the deceased. Within each folder, photographs are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Armstrong, Lill,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Bishop, David and Marshano,
- Dates
- 1941
- Title
- Brooks, Denton, Jr.,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Burton, Edith and James,
- Dates
- 1963
- Title
- Basie, Count,
- Dates
- 1984
- Title
- Berryhill, Johnny,
- Dates
- 1990
- Title
- Callen, Charles,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Carter, Harold,
- Dates
- 1977
- Title
- Carter, Matilda,
- Dates
- 1973
- Title
- Cress, Ida Mae (Griffin),
- Dates
- ca. 1998
- Title
- Dawson,
- Dates
- Julian, 1955
- Title
- Dawson, William,
- Dates
- 1970
- Title
- Despenza, Evelyn,
- Dates
- Oct. 1986
- Title
- Griffin, Charles Stephen,
- Dates
- Aug. 1988
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A.,
- Dates
- 1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ethel Mae (Smith),
- Dates
- 1945
- Title
- Hall, Helen,
- Dates
- Oct. 1991
- Title
- Harris, Wilfred,
- Dates
- Jan. 1987
- Title
- Jones, Mathew,
- Dates
- 1987
- Title
- Jones, William H.,
- Dates
- ca. 1975
- Title
- Lawless, Theodore,
- Dates
- 1971
- Title
- Lawrence, Robert,
- Dates
- ca. 1967
- Title
- Lindsey, Warren,
- Dates
- 1994
- Title
- Martinez,
- Dates
- Sept. 1976
- Title
- Muhammad, Clara Evans,
- Dates
- Aug. 1972
- Title
- Muhammad, Elijah,
- Dates
- 1975
- Title
- Olive, Milton,
- Dates
- ca. 1970
- Title
- Orr and baby son,
- Dates
- Aug. 15, 1974
- Title
- Owens, Jesse,
- Dates
- Apr. 1980
- Title
- Pinckard, Charles J.,
- Dates
- Nov. 11, 1974
- Title
- Plicque, Eddie,
- Dates
- Jan. 4, 1986
- Title
- Scoll, Aldrich,
- Dates
- Apr. 1941
- Title
- Serra, Serevino S.,
- Dates
- 1981
- Title
- Sheats,
- Dates
- Marie, 1956
- Title
- Starlay,
- Dates
- Marlene, May 18, 1941
- Title
- Unknown funeral,
- Dates
- 1949
- Title
- Unknown funeral,
- Dates
- 1952
- Title
- Unknown funeral,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Ward family,
- Dates
- 1995
- Title
- Williams, L. K.,
- Dates
- 1940-1942
Photographs relating to Ernest Griffin’s interest in the Civil War, including pictures of the Heritage Memorial Wall and Civil War related events such as reenactments, conferences, award ceremonies, and monument dedications.
Arranged alphabetically by subject. Within each folder, photographs are arranged chronologically.
- Title
- Burton, Edna and Billie visit Heritage Wall,
- Dates
- June 1994
- Title
- Camp Douglas Memorial,
- Dates
- 1990-1995
- Title
- Camp Douglas Memorial,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Camp Douglas Related Events (Lincoln, Military Ball, etc),
- Dates
- 1991-1993
- Title
- Civil War Era Banquet,
- Dates
- Mar. 1991
- Title
- Civil War Round Table Lifetime Membership Award,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- Civil War Veterans Ceremony, Chicago 1994
- Title
- Douglas Tomb,
- Dates
- Aug. 1986
- Title
- "Glory" screening,
- Dates
- Jan. 8, 1990
- Title
- Griffin, Charles T. and his Regiment,
- Dates
- Mar. 1993-1994
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. Civil War Presentation,
- Dates
- undated
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. receiving Award from General Colin Powell,
- Dates
- 1995
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. in uniform,
- Dates
- Jan. 1991
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest A. visit to Petersburg, VA August 1993
- Title
- Griffin, Ernst A. Visit to Vicksburg, MS,
- Dates
- May 1993
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall Dedication,
- Dates
- May, 26, 1990
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall Dedication,
- Dates
- May, 26, 1990
- Title
- Labor Day Parade,
- Dates
- Sept. 1990
- Title
- Mt. Carroll Civil War Monument Service,
- Dates
- Oct. 1991
- Title
- Rosehill Cemetery and Memorial,
- Dates
- 1994-1995
- Title
- Senate Memorial Day Program,
- Dates
- May 1991
- Title
- Sons of Confederate Veterans Meeting, Andersonville, GA,
- Dates
- Aug. 1994
Contains tapes, film reels, video cassette tapes, and both regular and miniature audio cassette tapes. Among them are materials relating to family history, family events (marriages, funerals), funeral home business anniversaries and history, prominent funerals (both domestic and abroad), community events, and Civil War activities. Of note are the funeral materials for the first black U.S. astronaut Robert Lawrence, Jr., Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, Liberian Consul William H. Jones, Olympic star Jesse Owens, and jazz musician Count Basie. Audiovisual materials have not been digitized and are unavailable for use.
Arranged chronologically by medium.
- Title
- Film Reel- Personal History of Stephen A. Griffin also history of Olivet Bapt. Church 1893 to 1955. History portion recorded at 321 S. Mich Blvd. 86 Birthday celebrated at 6502 So Parkway,
- Dates
- 1953-1955
- Title
- Film Reel- Funeral Rites of Major R. Lawrence,
- Dates
- Dec. 1966
- Title
- Film Reel- Reinternment of Elijah Muhammad,
- Dates
- July 24, 1976
- Title
- Film Reel- Jesse Owens Rite Rockefeller Chapel Oakwoods Cem.,
- Dates
- Apr. 4, 1980
- Title
- Film Reel- S. Serra Rites and Shootin' Rapids Philippines Apr/May,
- Dates
- May 3, 1981
- Title
- Film Reel- A portion of Stephen A. Griffin's Personal Life History and a bit of Olivet's History-Also S.A.G's conversation as he sits for personal photograph for The Inevitable Recordings on two sides,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- VHS- Mr. Griffin The Gap #1,
- Dates
- Oct 15. 1987
- Title
- VHS- Landmark Day (The Gap) 2,
- Dates
- Jan. 17, 1988
- Title
- VHS- In Celebration of the Life of Helen Griffin Hall Dawn's Copy,
- Dates
- 1991
- Title
- VHS- Master Copy Ernest A. Griffin Obsequies,
- Dates
- Dec. 19, 1995
- Title
- VHS- 80th Birthday Celebration master Copy,
- Dates
- May 2, 1998
- Title
- Recording Cartridge- Personal Life History of Stephen A. Griffin. Recorded at 6502 So. Pk Way,
- Dates
- 1955
- Title
- Miniature Cassette Tape- Side 1: Compur Vacation April Compur W.H. Jones Funeral, Mar. 20-28, 1980,
- Dates
- 1979, Side 2
- Title
- Miniature Cassette Tape- Norman Laharry Funeral rites,
- Dates
- Nov. 1988
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Canadian Chapel Chicago Funeral Rites for Mrs. Matilda Carter,
- Dates
- July 19, 1973 and M.L. Carter Special Introduction for Roberts Recording and Sp. Music, July 19, 1973
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Roots Discussion Solomon, Butcher, Cook, Triplett, Griffin Families at Belle Isle, Detroit Michigan. Roots (continued) Triplett side - Hansen side,
- Dates
- July 16, 1978
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Services: Consul W.H. Jones St. Mark United Methodist Church,
- Dates
- Mar. 18, 1980
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Jones Service,
- Dates
- Mar. 23, 1980
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Disc U of C Plan for J. Owens - Rites. All OPEN - 'B' Side,
- Dates
- Apr. 3-4, 1980
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Jesse Owens Funeral Services,
- Dates
- Apr. 4, 1980
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Dillard Wedding Gift of Mother and Father Position no. 139. B. Side Dr. Mays Address Stop 235 "A" Side. Dillard Wedding and Family History related by Ed Chandler. Address - Dr. B.E. Mays,
- Dates
- Aug. 23-24 1980
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Griffin Music Hall Showing a Film, Funeral Rites of Consul Jones - (1) Expression of Harriet Jones. (2) EAG,
- Dates
- Mar. 15, 1981
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Sydney, Australia - FIAT I.F.T.A. 3/81 Part 1 of Philippine Experience, Part 2 Phil. Exp., The Philippine Experience tape position 500 5/1/81 The Perry Home following coming in from Philippine airline Domestic airport. Record. Story of period prior to Serra funeral,
- Dates
- Mar. 1981 and May 1, 1981
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Part B Philippine Exp. Fortune Reading 500,
- Dates
- May 3, 1981
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Count Basie Funeral Rites A and B - Sides,
- Dates
- Apr. 30. 1984
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Recorder for Ed. Willett Griffin Family History. Recording of Family History to be put on Video Tape,
- Dates
- June 20, 1987
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Funeral of Matthew Jones,
- Dates
- Oct. 1987
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Griffin Family - Via EAG and L. Hanson - A side. EAG and ACG Winston Salem N.C. B Side Also Landmark session,
- Dates
- Aug. 4, 1988 and Feb. 1, 1989
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Funeral of Subu GFH 10:00AM,
- Dates
- Feb. 20, 1989
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Griffin Family History. J. O'Neal, Interviews - EAG sides A and B,
- Dates
- Feb. 1992
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Griffin 45th Business Anniversary,
- Dates
- Oct. 18, 1992
- Title
- Cassette Tape- TJ Old Folks [Best Picture 3A and 4A-5 Pen is clearly visible], EAG Recites Old Folks. Piano Acc. By Juanita Tucker Vicksburg Miss.,
- Dates
- May 8, 1993
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Petersburg VA - EAG,
- Dates
- Aug. 22, 1993
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Recording History of Nov. 6 1940 - EAG M. Sheckles and Art Logan,
- Dates
- Nov. 6, 1993
- Title
- Cassette Tape- In celebration of the life of Richard Eugene Palmore,
- Dates
- July 3, 1994
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Recording of Andersonville Town Hall Session, Open A and B. Andersonville GA,
- Dates
- Aug. 10-12, 1994
- Title
- Cassette Tape- B Side H2 S.A.G. - Retake some Olivet and Dr. Wm History 1 (Side 2) SAG,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Cassette Tape- Old Folks - Lou Rawls,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Camcorder Tape- G.F.H. Anniv,
- Dates
- Jan. 1995
Contains cases, matches, stickers, calculators, marble, rope, wheat, a newspaper, a penny, a flag, an alarm, a measuring square, pressed organic material, and a family Bible. These materials primarily concern the family, funeral home business, and Civil War activities. There are also boxes containing organic pressed material (i.e. leaves, flowers), the family Bible, and a set of embalming tools.
Arranged chronologically by material.
- Title
- United States of America penny in cardboard case,
- Dates
- 1862
- Title
- Chicago Examiner Historical Newspaper,
- Dates
- Feb. 20, 1912
- Title
- Measuring square from the construction of the new funeral home,
- Dates
- 1968
- Title
- 47th Boule-New York City Bicentennial AKA 1908-1976,
- Dates
- 1976
- Title
- Marble slab, Sample (segment of marble) from grave encasement for grave of Consul Wm. H. Jones Monrovia, Liberia 3/25/80,
- Dates
- 1980
- Title
- Rope with tissue in plastic sleeve,
- Dates
- 1993
- Title
- Georgia state flag,
- Dates
- 1994
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home Ltd. 60th Anniversary calculator/ruler,
- Dates
- 2007
- Title
- Automatic calendar and travel alarm (red) with box,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Box of gold and emerald Griffin family stickers,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Roll of gold and emerald Griffin family stickers,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home pack of matches,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Plastic case (black),
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Wheat in plastic sleeve,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Griffin Funeral Home pouch,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Family Bible,
- Dates
- n.d.
- Title
- Some of the first instruments used by Ernest A. Griffin, F.D. in embalming work,
- Dates
- ca. 1940-1949
- Title
- Pressed Leaves from Dresden, Canada and Baden-Baden, Germany,
- Dates
- ca. 1969-1973
- Title
- Seville, Spain Travel Guide Containing Dried Leaf,
- Dates
- 1973
- Title
- Washington, Harold Inauguration, Dried Flowers and program,
- Dates
- Apr. 29, 1983
- Title
- Hall, Helen Dried Flowers and program from Funeral,
- Dates
- Oct. 17, 1991
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Dried Flowers from Casket Spray,
- Dates
- Dec. 19, 1995
Contains several scrapbooks with photographs and other documents. Among them are materials relating to individual family members, local institutions and figures, funerals, memorials, community events, business history, and Civil War activities. Three of the scrapbooks have been disassembled and placed in two separate flat boxes.
Arranged chronologically. Some scrapbooks have been removed or rehoused in separate boxes due to size.
- Title
- Untitled,
- Dates
- Jan. 4, 1944-Aug. 4, 1988
- Title
- 25th Anniversary (1972),
- Dates
- 1972-1986
- Title
- Mr. Lincoln Visits Camp Douglas 2/8/91 Story of the Creator,
- Dates
- Aug. 14, 1982-Apr. 22, 1991
- Title
- Tan/tar a 1985,
- Dates
- July 7, 1985-Sept. 4, 1985
- Title
- Griffin, Alyce Carter Scrapbook (Fragile),
- Dates
- 1920s-1939
- Title
- Carter Family, Friends, and Famous Individuals Scrapbook,
- Dates
- 1936-1943
- Title
- Our History Book Douglas School Class of 1928,
- Dates
- 1978-1993
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest and Ethel Mae Marriage,
- Dates
- 1941-1945
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall Service Record,
- Dates
- Aug. 7, 1985-Feb. 2, 1992, bulk May 26, 1990
- Title
- Untitled,
- Dates
- 1987-2009
- Title
- June 17,
- Dates
- 1993 Dedication of 33rd Blvd/Aug. 21 1993 Monument Dedication Petersburg VA, Oct. 17, 1992-Sept. 23, 1994
- Title
- American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers,
- Dates
- Dec. 14, 1993-Mar. 6, 1995
- Title
- Untitled,
- Dates
- Apr. 5, 1990-Mar. 11, 1994
- Title
- Heritage Memorial Wall (5/26/90),
- Dates
- May 26, 1990-May 26, 1991
- Title
- Untitled,
- Dates
- Feb. 9, 1991-Mar. 26, 1992
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta, Olivet Baptist Church Certificates,
- Dates
- 1923-1930
- Title
- Griffin, Ernest Augusta Chicago Public School Diplomas,
- Dates
- 1928-1932
- Title
- Griffin, Charles Stephen, Douglas School Diploma,
- Dates
- 1925
- Title
- Merrifield-Griffin Suzanne, First Christmas Photograph,
- Dates
- Dec. 25, 1975
- Title
- Congratulations Card, 50th anniversary, from Ron and Inez,
- Dates
- 1997
- Title
- Worsham College Class Picture,
- Dates
- 1933
- Title
- Blueprints from construction of new Griffin Funeral Home,
- Dates
- 1966