African American family of Spokane,
Wash. James E. Chase (1914-1987) was a civic activist, leader in the African
American community, businessman, and Mayor of Spokane (1982-1985). His wife
Eleanor (b. 1918) was equally involved in the community as a social worker,
trustee for both Whitworth College and Eastern Washington University, civic
activist, and talented vocalist. Includes newspapers and clippings, scrapbooks,
photographs, correspondence, and other memorabilia from their respective
involvement. Also includes Eleanor Chase's family photographs and history, plus
records of the Pierian Literary Club.
Repository:
Eastern Washington State Historical
Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives
2316 W. First Avenue Spokane, WA 99201 Phone: (509) 363-5313 Fax: (509) 363-5303 Email: archives@northwestmuseum.org
Languages:
Materials are in
English
Sponsor:
Funding for encoding this finding
aid was provided through a grant awarded by the Washington State Women's
History Consortium.
Biographical Note
Perhaps best know for his civic service as Spokane's first
African-American mayor, James E. Chase, along with his equally active wife,
Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase, offered years of dedicated service to the Spokane
area.
James was born in 1914 and arrived in Spokane by boxcar in 1934 during
the depths of the Great Depression. Starting as a bootblack in a hotel
barbershop, nearly 50 years later in 1982, he would be elected Mayor of Spokane
by a resounding majority. In the intervening years, he had become a successful
business owner, had held high office in Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, had become a
leader in the African American community serving several terms as president of
the local NAACP chapter, and had participated in a wide range of community
activities. Prior to his election as Mayor, he had been elected to the City
Council twice. Failing health, however, prevented him from running for
reelection, or for higher office, and he died in1987 just two years out of
office.
Eleanor E. (Barrow) Chase was from one of Spokane's early
African-American pioneer families. Her Grandfather (records indicate he was a
freed slave) moved his family to Spokane in 1890 and helped to found Calvary
Baptist church. She attended Spokane public schools, graduating from Lewis and
Clark in 1937. Regarded as a top scholar and talented singer, Eleanor continued
her musical career while at college and graduated from Whitworth in 1941.
Leaving Spokane for a professional singing career apparently was considered,
however, she chose to marry James Chase in 1942 and to remain in her hometown.
Eleanor continued to perform in the Spokane area for many years to considerable
local acclaim. In the long-run, however, her civic and professional activities
led to greater recognition. She was active in civil rights and held high office
in The Eastern Star. Eleanor also had a long career in social work with State
agencies and with the Spokane County Courts. In 1979, she was appointed to the
Board of Trustees of Eastern Washington University, a position she held until
1992. Before that time, Eleanor had also served on the Board of Trustees for
Whitworth College. In 1992, she was awarded an honorary Masters in Social Work
from Eastern Washington University, recognizing both her service to social work
and to the university.
Content Description
The collection consists largely of newspaper clippings, photographs,
and other memorabilia from the life and career of both Mayor James Chase and
his wife, Eleanor, but also contains a few items of Roland J. Chase, their son.
Materials from the Mayor's political career include those from his campaign and
Inaugural Ball, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks of his service, and
photographs. Eleanor's musical career, civic involvement, and family history is
likewise represented by newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, and other
ephemera. Additionally, the collection contains records of the Pierian Literary
Club, in which Eleanor's mother, Olive, was involved. These include minutes,
correspondence, and program booklets.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access :
Collection is not restricted.
Restrictions on Use :
Collection is open for use.
Preferred Citation :
Chase Family Papers (Ms 159), Eastern Washington State Historical
Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Spokane, WA.
Administrative Information
Arrangement :
The Chase Family Papers were donated in two batches, and in both
instances the records had no discernible arrangement. At the time of the first
donation it was determined that the collection should be divided into two
series, one for each of the principal subjects: James E. Chase and Eleanor E.
Chase. When the second donation was received, it was decided that these
materials would become an addendum. In the same manner, the materials were
divided into a James E. Chase and an Eleanor E. Chase series. Due to the volume
of newspaper clippings and photographs, however, two additional series were
created, and the materials were arranged by subject matter.
Acquisition Information :
Donated by Roland Chase, 1999; 2007 (L99-3; L2007-2).
Processing Note :
The 1999 accession was processed to the file folder level.
The 2007 accession was arranged and described according to Mark Green
and Dennis Meissner's "More Product Less Process" method.
Related Materials :
Eleanor E. Chase Oral History (OH 605 & 606)
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Clippings, awards, programs from
Edison School, Libby Junior High, Lewis & Clark High, Washington State
College, and Whitworth College
1926-1940
5/2
Correspondence, letters to
Eleanor
1940-1955
5/3
Scrapbook
1929-1936
5/4
Scrapbook
1934-1937
5/5
Tiger Yearbook, Lewis & Clark
High School
1937
5/6
Ephemera: concerts and
recitals
1925-1955
5/7
Ephemera: concerts, recitals,
autographed programs, wedding announcements for Eleanor and James
1932-1953
5/8
Ephemera: concerts and
recitals
1929-1983
5/9
Ephemera: Washington Water
Power
1952
5/10
Appointment as EWU Trustee by
Governor D. L. Ray; Good resume of social work career
1979-1992
5/11
Board of Trustees, EWU honors:
Trustee Emeritus and honorary M.A. in Social Work
1992
5/12
Adjudicator's reports, vocal
competitions
1938-1940
5/13
Cover story,
Spokane Woman Magazine
1991 April
5/14
" Musician Typist" ,
Silhouette Magazine
1940
5/15
Off to College Party
1937
Chase and Barrow
Families
Box/Folder
5/16
Legal documents
James Chase, Notice of ElectionCharles & Olive Barrow, Release of MortgageJohn Chase, Title to 86 A. of land in Texas
1871; 1979
5/17
Photographs
Early Barrow family photos, other early photos with little
identification, J. Chase shop pre-World War II, Eleanor portrait, recent photos
taken probably at EWU, possibly receiving honorary degree.
1914-1991
5/18
Charles Barrow [Eleanor Chase's
father]: Quality Printing Co. design books, other business material
undated
5/25
Charles Barrow: Deer Lake
Irrigated Orchards Company, Stock Certificate Book
1909-1913
5/19
Olive Barrow [Eleanor Chase's
mother]: "A Short History of St. Thomas Mission" and undated photo of
Eleanor
1917-1953
5/20
Kirk Barrow [Eleanor Chase's
brother]: Grades 1-12 Report Cards and School Items
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Online
Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat database. Researchers desiring
materials about related topics, persons, or places should search WorldCat using
these headings.
