David C. Hurd papers
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Abstract
The papers primarily consist of letters written by David C. Hurd to Avril L. Cato in Jamaica from 1914. The papers also include other documents and photographs of the couple and their family. Hurd emigrated from Jamaica, West Indies, to Brooklyn, New York in 1907, and the letters describe some of his experiences as an early twentieth century immigrant and describe his courtship with Ms. Cato.
Biographical note
David C. Hurd was born in Jamaica, West Indies on April 13, 1885 to David James Hurd and Elizabeth McFarlane. He migrated to the United States in 1907 and settled in Brooklyn, New York, living in various locations in the Fort Greene and Crown Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Trained as a teacher in Jamaica, Hurd worked a number of jobs in Brooklyn, including as a tailor, a custodian at a pool hall, and a salesman at a luxury car dealership. Hurd married Avril Louise Cato on August 26, 1914 in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Hurd was predeceased by his wife in 1962 and died in Brooklyn on October 7, 1971.
Arrangement
The collection is not arranged in any particular order.
Scope and Contents
The papers primarily consist of letters written by David C. Hurd to Avril L. Cato in Jamaica from 1914 and letters written to Hurd from his nieces and nephews, along with assorted documents and photographs of the couple and their family. Most of the letters to Hurd are photocopies.
Hurd emigrated from Jamaica, West Indies, to Brooklyn, New York in 1907, and the letters describe some of his experiences as an early twentieth century immigrant and his courtship with Ms. Cato. The letters relate information about Hurd's work, his affection for his future wife, their discussions about travel, marriage and wedding plans, and the securing and furnishing of a flat when they return from their wedding in Jamaica. Other materials include a marriage register, a birth register, a photocopied ship manifest and photograph of S.S. Obidense, which sailed from Port Antonio, Jamaica on August 26, 1914 to New York on August 31, 1914, deeds, census records, a passport, photographs of the couple and their family, a 1947 photograph of an anniversary celebration and mortgage burning ceremony at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Judith Hurd's report cards, David Hurd's notebook containing his notes from various meetings he attended, and a copy of Judith C. Lovell's Papa's Letters.
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Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
The collection may only be used in the library and is not available through interlibrary loan.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); David C. Hurd papers, 2015.019, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Judith C. Lovell, 2015, 2017.
Custodial History
Donation of fifteen letters was received and accessioned in 2015. Additional materials were received and processed in April 2017. Additional materials were received in June 2017 and processed in August 2017.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Initially minimally processed to the collection level. Reprocessed by Alice Griffin to add folder-level list and discard news clippings that had been previously photocopied onto archival paper.
