Percival Bryan collection

Object Details

Biographical/Historical note

Born in Galena, St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica, Percival Bryan (1906-1996) came to the United States in 1924 as a stowaway in search of adventure and opportunity. He settled in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., involved himself with various social and civic organizations, and was instrumental in forming the Caribbean American Inter-cultural Organization. He worked as a White House butler under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), and Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969). Bryan also served as a chauffer for Attorney General Homer S. Cummings (1870-1956) before becoming a cab driver. An autograph collector, Mr. Bryan collected over 100,000 signatures of notable individuals.

Date

1932-1993

bulk 1942-1980

Extent

5.94 Linear feet (20 boxes)

Citation

Percival Bryan collection, Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution, gift of Rose Dyke.

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Photographs

Photographic prints

Autograph albums

Memorabilia

Topic

African Americans

Taxicab drivers

African American neighborhoods

African American musicians

Jamaican Americans

Place

Washington (D.C.)

Identifier

ACMA.06-001