William H. Twiggs Collection

Descriptive Summary

Title: William H. Twiggs Collection
Identifier: BMRC.SHOREFRONT.TWIGGS
Repository: Shorefront Legacy Center
Language: English
Size: 0.25 Linear feet
Dates: 1905-1998
Abstract: William H. Twiggs (1865-1960) was a African-American printer, civic leader, and barber in Evanston, Illinois. In 1889, he was involved with the publishing the Afro-American Budget, an early periodical for the African-American community. Spanning from 1905 to 1998, the collection contains original as well as photocopied materials relating to the life, work, and legacy of William H. Twiggs.
Creator: Twiggs, William H.

Biographical/Historical note

William H. Twiggs (1865-1960) was an African-American printer, civic leader, and barber in Evanston, Illinois. Born in Davenport, Iowa, Twiggs moved to Evanston in 1884 at the age of seventeen. Five years later, he was involved with publishing the Afro-American Budget, an early periodical for the African-American community. Twiggs would go on to print several other periodicals, as well as tickets for Chicago's 1933 Century of Progress International Exposition. He was a long-time member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, serving as the Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years and board trustee for over 50 years. Twiggs was also an active member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge, the Emerson Street YMCA, the R. B. Elliott Lodge No. 36 Knights of Pythias, and the Pride of the North Chapter No. 61 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Twiggs died in 1960. In 1986, a nine-acre park in Evanston was dedicated in his name.

Cited Sources

Robinson, Morris (Dino), Jr. “William H. Twiggs: Early Pioneer.” Shorefront Journal 1, no. 3 (Winter 2000): 1, 6-7.

Scope and Contents note

The William H. Twiggs collection is arranged into three series: “History,” “Newspaper Clippings,” and “Artifacts.” Spanning from 1905 to 1998, the collection contains original as well as photocopied materials relating to the life, work, and legacy of William H. Twiggs.