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Dwight family papers

 Collection
Call Number: RH MS 909

Overview

The Edward Dwight, Sr. family papers are those of a long time Kansas family. Edward Dwight, Sr. played for the Kansas City Monarchs and his son, Edward Dwight, Jr., was the first African American astronaut trainee and a renowned artist.

Dates

  • Creation: 1921 - 1993

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Biography of Edward Dwight, Sr. Family

Edward Dwight Sr. was a born in 1905 in Dalton, Georgia. He graduated from both Douglass grade school and Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. For 13 years, from 1924 to 1937, Dwight was a centerfielder for the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team. After retiring from baseball, he went to work at Kansas State Grain laboratory where he worked as a chemist. In 1946, the Dwight's opened Dwight's Soda Grill in Kansas City, Kansas.

Dwight was very active in the community. He belonged to numerous organizations including: the auxiliary firemen, the Church of Our Lady, and the Interracial Council. Like her husband, Georgia Dwight was highly active in the community, especially the Church of Our Lady. She also participated in several Red Cross classes.

In 1929, Edward Dwight, Sr. married Georgia A. Baker of Sioux City, Iowa. The couple had five children: Rita Jeanne, Edward Jr., Mary Louise, Theresa, and Elizabeth. Edward Dwight, Sr. died in 1975.

The only son, Edward Dwight, Jr. graduated from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1953, Dwight enlisted in the Air Force; in 1955, he was commissioned as a pilot at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona. While in the service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Arizona State University, graduating cum laude May 1957. In 1961, Dwight became the first African American chosen as a trainee for the manned space program. Upon his 1966 discharge, Dwight moved to Denver and worked for IBM until, in 1977, he earned a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Denver. He has since earned recognition for his sculptures, which represent a range of people from Miles Davis to Hank Aaron, from African American cowboys to the Birth of the Blues.

Edward Dwight, Jr. and wife Sue Lillian had two children: Tina Sheree and Edward III. After the couple divorced, he and second wife, Barbara, had five children.

Theresa Dwight, born in 1940, also graduated from Bishop Ward High School. She spent a year at St. Mary's College in Xavier, Kansas. In August 1958, Ms. Dwight became the first African American to be a sister in the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas. She left the order in 1966. She married Jesse Jones, Jr.; the couple had two sons, Jesse III and Joseph.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (1 document case + 1 oversize box, 5 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents

The Edward Dwight, Sr. family papers date from 1921 to 1993 and are arranged in a single series of papers, which mainly include clippings, many of which are photocopies. Other items include correspondence, programs, and diplomas/certificates. Folder arrangement is alphabetical by topic.

Photographs from the collection are located at RH MS-P 909. Oversize materials are located at RH MS Q229.

Physical Location

RH MS 909

Physical Location

RH MS-P 909

Physical Location

RH MS Q229

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Georgia A. Dwight, 1987, 1988.

Processing Information

Some materials formerly at RH MS Q76 now located at RH MS Q229.

Title
Guide to the Dwight Family Collection
Subtitle
Dwight family papers
Author
Finding aid prepared by mbw, 2007; revised by, cl 2010; revised by skt, 2010; Finding aid encoded by mbw, 2007; revised by skt, 2010
Date
2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in <language encodinganalog="language">English.</language>
Sponsor
Support for the processing of this Collection was provided by the Dana and Sue Anderson African American Collection Program Endowment Fund.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/1843003425
Preferred citation
Edward Dwight Sr. Family Collection, Kansas Collection, RH MS 909, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas Libraries

Repository Details

Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository

Contact:
1450 Poplar Lane
Lawrence KS 66045-7616 United States
785-864-4334