Bricktop (Ada Beatrice Smith) papers

The collection consists of the papers of Bricktop from 1890-1982 (bulk 1950-1967). The papers include correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, religious documents, financial records, legal documents and general ephemera.

One-fourth of the collection is general correspondence, including Bricktop’s letters to and from family, friends, admirers, business associates and religious charities. The earliest correspondence dates from the 1920s and sheds light on Bricktop’s life in Paris (and in Mexico City, to a lesser extent). The largest portion of the correspondence is from the post-1950 period. In particular, letters from 1950-1963 include financial information about the nightclub and Bricktop’s debts (some written in Italian). Thank-you letters from charities and individuals are included here as well. Prominent correspondents over the years include: Cole Porter, Lady Mendl, U.S. Ambassador James Dunn, King Farouk Fouad of Egypt (invitations), Ralph Bunche and Sydney Omarr.

The Bricktop papers include a collection of photographs dating from 1912. Bricktop appears with the Panama Trio in 1916 and in a series of portraits by Carl Van Vechten in 1932. Photographs from the post-1950 period show Bricktop in the club. In an undated photograph, Bricktop is pictured with Josephine Baker.

The collection of newspaper clippings includes arts and entertainment features on Bricktop as well as brief references to Bricktop in society columns. Bricktop’s own clippings of newspaper cartoons and comics, articles about friends, articles on religion and personal interest items are also included in the collection.

The collection of religious documents includes prayer cards, prayer books, religious pamphlets and certificates. These documents date from the 1950s and relate to Bricktop’s religious conversion to Catholicism and her patronage of religious charities.

A large portion of the collection consists of financial records. Files contain unpaid customer bills from "Bricktop’s," inventory logs, records of employee salaries, and general bookkeeping notes. While these records are often undated, dated information about financial matters can be found by examining her general correspondence from 1950-1963. Other financial records include hotel bills, bank statements, and tax returns.

The collection of legal documents dates from the 1890s and includes property deeds, loan agreements, and other legal forms addressed to or signed by Bricktop’s mother, Hattie Smith, or Bricktop’s sister, Blonzetta Lowary.

Included under general ephemera are: an old address book, a file of calling or business cards, a 45” Lionel Hampton record, and a colorful counted cross-stitch tapestry.