Gwen Reed Collection
Collection
Identifier: MS-Reed
Scope and Content
Papers of Gwen Reed, a Hartford tobacco worker turned actress, educator, and
community worker. Included are papers from her involvement with Community
Players, Hartford Stage Company, and Playtime for Tots. Theater programs and scripts
constitute about a third of the collection. A valuable source of information is Reed's
scrapbook from her time with the Charles Gilpin Players (1936-1939), a beneficiary of
the Federal Theater Project. Reed is also well known for having portrayed Aunt Jemima
throughout New England during a 17-year career with the Quaker Oats Company.
Additional material includes photographs, a video tape from WFSB Channel 3, and
plaques.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1936 - 1974
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is stored in a restricted area and therefore may not be available on a same-day basis.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish from the Collection must be obtained in writing from the Executive Director of the Hartford History Center, and a copy of the published work may be requested by the Hartford History Center. The Hartford History Center reserves the right to refuse permission to publish, etc. to those who have not compiled with its policies. Use of the collections will normally not be permitted for the purpose of promotion of commercial products and services or political campaigns. Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library reserves the right to limit the number of photographic prints/captures and to restrict the use or reproduction of rare, fragile, or valuable objects.
Biographical Note
Gwendolyn B. Clarke was born in 1912 to Georgianna and George Nathaniel Clarke of
New York City. Georgianna soon left her husband, and she and her daughter settled in
Hartford in 1921. Both worked in the tobacco fields, but Gwen also graduated from
Arsenal Elementary School and Hartford Public High School. She briefly attended
Hartford Federal College before marrying John T. Reed in 1935. The couple separated a
few years later and were divorced by 1948.
In October 1936, the Charles Gilpin Players formed, with Gwen as their secretary. She
began her acting career with the Charles Gilpin players as well, with a role in the June
1937 performance of "Trilogy in Black." Over the years Gwen performed in and
directed numerous productions in Hartford. In 1946 she began a 17 year tenure
portraying Aunt Jemima for the Quaker Oats Company. Gwen traveled all over New
England promoting the brand.
In Hartford, Gwen was dedicated to educational and community work. She made
television appearances on Channel 3's children's program "Ranger Station," originated
the Playtime for Tots program in Bellevue Square, as well as teaching in the Head Start
and Reading is Fundamental Programs.
Extent
3 Linear Feet
Physical Location
Manuscript Stacks
Accruals
The collection is closed. Additional accruals are not expected.
Processing Information
EAD Finding Aid created January 2013.
- Title
- Gwen Reed Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Date
- 2020
- Description rules
- dacs
Repository Details
Part of the Hartford History Center Repository
Contact:
Hartford History Center
Hartford Public Library
500 Main St
Hartford CT 06103 USA
860.695.6297
hhc@hplct.org
Hartford History Center
Hartford Public Library
500 Main St
Hartford CT 06103 USA
860.695.6297
hhc@hplct.org