Dixon Family papers

The papers of the Dixon Family of New Orleans, Louisiana mainly pertain to Henry (Harry) B. Dixon, an African-American businessman. The collection contains correspondence, minute books, clippings, photographs, financial, business records, and poll tax receipts documenting Dixon’s eligibility to vote in Louisiana.

Of note are materials related to several New Orleans area benevolent organizations and social clubs. One of these, the Female Benevolent Association, is listed among the 134 societies included in Harry J. Walker's seminal master’s thesis: Black Benevolent Associations in New Orleans (Nashville: Fisk University, 1937) Other organizations and clubs represented in the papers include the Old Folks Friendship Benevolent Association, St. Mary's Benevolent Association, Violet Social Club, Young and True Friends Benevolent Association, and the local board of the Thomy Lafon Old Folks Home. Harry Dixon served as president of both the Violet Social Club in 1891 and the St. Mary's Benevolent Association at the time of his death in 1922; his wife and niece also held various offices in organizations included in the collection.