Ruth Ellis papers, 1910-2000, bulk 1997-2000

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Summary

Creator:
Ellis, Ruth, 1899-2000
Abstract:
Ruth Ellis of Detroit, Michigan was well known in the Gay community as the oldest known African American Lesbian. She was a business woman, owned a printing company, and held social gatherings at her home at a time when there were few opportunities for Gay African Americans to gather. During the last twenty years of her life she was active in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and in the Senior Citizens movement. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, and publications.
Extent:
2.5 linear feet and 3.6 GB
Language:
English and The material is in English
Preferred citation:

[item], folder, box, Ruth Ellis papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Background

Scope and content:

The Ruth Ellis collection contains correspondence, photographs, and publications related to Ms. Ellis's life and her activities in the Gay and Lesbian community. The papers are arranged in the following series: Papers, Correspondence, and Events; Photographs; and Miscellaneous Materials.

Biographical / historical:

Ruth Ellis was born on July 23, 1899 in Springfield Illinois, the youngest of four children born to Charles and Carrie Ellis. After the death of her mother, Ellis and her brothers were raised by her father. At age 37, she moved to Detroit and was soon joined by her partner, Cicilene "Babe" Franklin also of Springfield. The couple stayed together for more than thirty years, during which time they bought a home on Oakland Avenue and opened a small print shop, the Ellis and Franklin Printing Company.

During the late 1930s and 1940s the Ellis/Franklin house served as a meeting place and temporary shelter for Gay men and Lesbians. Ms. Ellis ran the print shop until her retirement at age 65. She actively participated in the events of the Lesbian community nation-wide until her death in 2000 at the age of 101.

Acquisition information:
Collection received from Ruth Ellis (donor no. 8774 ) in 2000.
Accruals:

No further additions to the papers are expected.

Physical facet:
online
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

Copyright is held by the Regents of the University of Michigan but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

Preferred citation:

[item], folder, box, Ruth Ellis papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Location of this collection:
1150 Beal Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA