Hugh and Versie Shelton Collection
Collection
Identifier: MSS 0032
Scope and Contents
The Hugh and Versie Shelton Collection contains the personal papers of Versie Shelton. This collection,, which dates from 1906 to 2004, consists of correspondence between Rita Shelton and here parent and correspondonce from Adelphi College. Photographs showcase the intimate family bond and acheivements of the Shelton family. Most of the collection pertains to information relating to the community involvement, relationships and accomplishments of the Shelton family.
Dates
- 1906 - 2004
- Majority of material found within 1948 - 2003
Language of Materials
This collection is in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Versie Shelton Collection must be obtained from African American Library at the Gregory School or the appropriate copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
Versie and Hugh Shelton were best known for their unwavering dedication to the communities of Houston through service and activism. Versie Powell came to Houston in 1926, married Hugh Shelton in 1940, and remained married for the next 62 years. Hugh Shelton was employed with the United States Postal Service for 34 years; progressing to the position of Superintendent of Postal Sub-Stations. Versie worked for both academic and non-profit organizations during her career with the express interest in providing opportunities to the disenfranchised. Her employers included Baylor University College of Medicine , Texas Southern University, Ben Taub Hospital and the Negro Child Center. She was the first Black secretary to integrate Houston’s downtown offices.
Her charitable activities included work for the Houston Association for Better Schools, Institute for International Education and Jack and Jill of America as well as participation as a member of the Chaplaincy Consulting group for the Harris County Hospital District.
Much of the Shelton’s personal success has culminated in the accomplishments of their daughter Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell. Dr. Deverell’s hard work and ambition has afforded her the title of actress, journalist, television producer, university assistant professor, and Member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Deverell attributes her achievements to the support of her parents and the family’s personal philosophy.
Her charitable activities included work for the Houston Association for Better Schools, Institute for International Education and Jack and Jill of America as well as participation as a member of the Chaplaincy Consulting group for the Harris County Hospital District.
Much of the Shelton’s personal success has culminated in the accomplishments of their daughter Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell. Dr. Deverell’s hard work and ambition has afforded her the title of actress, journalist, television producer, university assistant professor, and Member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Deverell attributes her achievements to the support of her parents and the family’s personal philosophy.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet (3)
Arrangement
This collection is arranged by format into four series:
Series I: Personal Letters
Series II: Personal Papers and Miscellaneous Material
Series III: Personal Photographs and Slides
Series IV: Genealogical Material
Series I: Personal Letters
Series II: Personal Papers and Miscellaneous Material
Series III: Personal Photographs and Slides
Series IV: Genealogical Material
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by: Houston Metropolitian Research Center; Rita Shelton Deverell
Processing Information
Processed by: Roy Lemelle, 2010-2014
- Adelphi College Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- African American women -- Texas -- Houston Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- MSS 0032 Hugh and Versie Shelton Collection
- Subtitle
- An Inventory of Records at the African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Roy Lemelle
- Date
- January 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Gregory School Repository
