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Henry Butler Collection

Descriptive Summary

Title
Henry Butler Collection
Identifier
BMRC.SHOREFRONT.BUTLER
Repository
Shorefront Legacy Center
Language
English
Size
0.25 Linear feet
Dates
1880-1989
Abstract
Henry Butler (1860-1957) was an African American businessman who lived most of his life in Evanston, Illinois. From 1891 to 1912 he ran the Butler Livery, a livery and teaming business. In 1912, Butler switched to automobiles and ran a fleet of taxis until his retirement in 1922. The Henry Butler collection consists of photocopied material gathered together by Shorefront Legacy Center from various sources concerning Butler and the failed 1980s push to preserve his building. It also includes original photographs.

Processing Information note

Processed by CLIR funded Black Metropolis Research Consortium “Color Curtain Processing Project.” Processor: Dustin Witsman.

Biographical/Historical note

Henry Butler (1860-1957) was an African American businessman who lived most of his life in Evanston, Illinois. From 1891 to 1912 he ran the Butler Livery, a livery and teaming business. In 1912, Butler switched to automobiles and ran a fleet of taxis until his retirement in 1922. Butler was also a long-time member of Evanston's Second Baptist Church.

Cited Sources

  • “Henry Butler and the American Dream,” Shorefront Journal. Volume 8, Number 4, Fall 2007.

Scope and Contents note

The Henry Butler collection is arranged into two series: “Research Files” and “Photographs.” The majority of the collection consists of photocopied material gathered together by Shorefront Legacy Center from various sources. It includes genealogical and biographical materials on Butler as well as photographs, news clippings, and DVD interviews.

Indexed Terms

Inventory

Series I. Research Files,
Scope and Contents note

“Research Files” contains material related to Henry Butler's life and family. It also covers the push to preserve his building in Evanston, Illinois.

Box 1
Folder 1
Title
Genealogy Notes,
Dates
undated
Box 1
Folder 2
Title
Biographical,
Dates
1906-1992
Box 1
Folder 3
Title
Census, Directories,
Dates
1880-1909
Box 1
Folder 4-5
Title
Butler Building Preservation,
Dates
1982-1989
Box 1
Folder 6
Title
News Clippings,
Dates
1959-1990
Box 1
Folder 7
Title
Interview with Christine Dobson by Carol Lems-Dworkin,
Dates
undated
Series II. Photographs,
undated
Scope and Contents note

This series contains original photographs of Henry Butler's buildings in Evanston, Illinois.

Box 1
Folder 8
Title
Photographs