Finding aid for Mary L. Bell papers
00175

Summary Information

Repository
Detroit Public Library. Burton Historical Collection.
Creator -
Bell, Mary L.
Title
Mary L. Bell papers
ID
00175
Date [inclusive]
1934-1991
Extent
1.0 Linear feet (2 boxes, 1 large manuscript, 1 extra large manuscript)
Language
English
Language of Materials
In English.

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Biographical/Historical note

Mary Bell was president of Bell Broadcasting Company of Detroit. She cofounded the company with her late husband, Dr. Haley Bell, in 1956. When their station, WCHB, went on the air, it was the third black-owned station in the country. Mrs. Bell graduated from Walden University and is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. She was active in many organizations, including the National Council of Negro women, the Women's Economic Club of Detroit, the NAACP, and the YMCA. (Blue index card)

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Scope and Contents note

This collection relates to Dr. Haley and Mary Bell's activities in broadcasting, civic affairs, and dentistry.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Detroit Public Library. Burton Historical Collection. Sept. 04, 2009

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research use.

Immediate Source of Acquisiton

00175

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Mary L. Bell papers, 1934-1991

[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/313811323]

Controlled Access Headings

Genre(s)

  • Photographs.
  • Plaques (flat objects)
  • Scrapbooks

Geographic Name(s)

  • Detroit (Mich.)--Social life and customs.

Subject(s)

  • African American women executives
  • Broadcasting
  • Dentistry

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General Note

See finding aids for complete listing.

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Collection Inventory

Box One 

General note

Level A: B26N

1. Award presented to Mary Bell by Detroit Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, 1985. 

2. Booker T. Washington Business Association Plaque presented to Dr. Haley Bell, 1961. 

3. Plaque presented to Dr. Haley Bell by Meharry Medical College, 1973. 

4. Plaque presented to Mary Bell by NAACP, 1978. 

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Box Two 

General note

Level A: B26N

 Box
2

1. Key to the city of Detroit presented to Dr. Haley Bell, 1958. 

2. Miscellaneous photographs 

3. Photograph: Dr. Haley Bell 

4. Scrapbook items 

5. Plaque presented to Mary Bell by B.A.R.T., 1991. 

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Large Box (LMS) 

General note

Level A: B26N

1. Resolution, city of Hamtramck, Michigan, honoring Dr. Haley Bell, 1965. 

2. Life Membership plaque (Mary Bell), National Council of Negro Women, n.d. 

3. Golden Heritage Life membership plaque, NAACP, presented to Bell Broadcasting Company, 1981. 

4. Motown Records Special Achievement Award presented to Dr. Haley Bell, 1973. 

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Large Manuscript Folder (LMS) 

General note

Level B

1. Photograph: National Dental Association, Twenty-First annual session, July 10-13, 1934. 

2. Special tribute to Mrs. Haley (Mary) Bell, State of Michigan, 79th Legislature, November 21, 1978. 

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