Irene S. P. Francis papers, 1958-1991 (bulk 1969-1991)
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

Housed with George B. Powell Writings.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: A small quantity of materials 1958-1991 created by Nashvillian Dr. Irene S.P. Francis including: biographical sketches of Dr. Francis, Adolpho Birch, Mary Carlotta Hughes, and Lillie Mae Howard; a 1958 constitution of the Haynes Heights Community Civic Organization and one letter to the Council of Community Agencies in 1965 with recommendations for a community center; various opinion pieces and letters written 1971-1991 by Francis on various issues, including: segregation, busing, education, including sex education in the schools, community activism, issues of concern and interest to Nashville's African American residents, neighborhood associations and issues, politics, including the National Democratic Convention of 1972, and other matters. Also included is an article from the Tennessean dated Feb. 3, 1986 about the Daughters of the American Revolution national organization hosting a fundraiser to benefit Fisk University.

Cite as: Irene S. P. Francis Papers, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code). Nashville Public Library does not have intellectual property rights to these materials.

Megan R. Finley;,Gift;,2006.,Acc. 2006.047

Irene S. P. Francis was born in Philadelphia, Penn. in 1909. She studied chemistry at Fisk University, graduating in 1927, and taught science in schools in several states before returning to Nashville to enter Meharry Medical College in 1938, graduating with an M.D. in 1942. After interning at Hubbard Hospital in Nashville, she moved to Kingsport, Tenn. where she practiced medicine for several years. She once again returned to Nashville, this time holding the position of Assistant Director of the School Health Service with the Nashville Public Schools. serving as school physician for all of the Negro public schools in the city. After retiring from the school system, she returned to private practice for a time. Wherever she lived, Dr. Francis was very involved in the NAACP and the Federated Women's Clubs, and many medical and social clubs, as well as the Democratic party. She was president of the Volunteer State Medical Assocation in 1968-1969, and served as a trustee of Fisk University in 1967. She helped organize the Haynes Community Association, and served on various state government boards and committees related to welfare, child-care and community services. In 1969 she received the National Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs. She died in Nashville on Nov. 7, 2000.

In English.

Papers were found in a desk and donated by Megan R. Finley to the Special Collections Division in 2006.

process;,2017;,Linda Barnickel

No further accruals expected