Mary DeSaussure papers

Collection

Identifier: AMN 1170

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings, and magazine articles relating to the achievements and life of Mary and Martha DeSaussure, as well as correspondence between the sisters and various public figures regarding their accomplishments.

Dates

Creation: 1920-2002
Creation: Majority of material found within 1936 - 2002

Creator

DeSaussure, Mary (Person)

Biographical Note

Mary DeSaussure and her twin sister, Martha DeSaussure, were born in Eutaville, SC to Reverend William and Hattie DeSaussure. The twins also had an older sister, Willie DeSaussure. Reverend DeSaussure was born in Varnsville, SC and his wife, Hattie, was born in Early Branch, SC. Mary and Martha were raised in Brooklyn, NY. Mary DeSaussure was the first African American female to compete in the Police Athletic League in 1945. Both were members of the integrated team and were the original members of the first African American Girls Track Club in Brooklyn. They attended the 1954 Olympic Trials preliminaries at Brown University and formed the Queen Trailblazers, a track team in Brooklyn in 1973.

Extent

.209 linear feet (1 archival box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Mary DeSaussure was the first African American female to compete in the Police Athletic League in 1945 in Brooklyn, NY. She and her twin sister, Martha, were members of the first integrated team and were the original members of the First African American Girls Track Club in Brooklyn. She attended the 1954 Olympic Trials preliminaries at Brown University and formed the Queen Trailblazers, a track team in Brooklyn in 1973. This collection contains one series on the life and achievements of Mary and her sister Martha.