Beatrice Sells Deitrick Huesman papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 2453

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of correspondence to Beatrice Sells along with financial records, newspaper clippings, and documents relating to events and performances to which Sells either attended or participated. Although the collection centers on Sells, there are also documents pertaining to her first husband, James Deitrick, and her father, Elijah Sells. Documents relating to Deitrick contain information regarding his various international adventures in China and Nicaragua.

Dates

1831-1949

Creator

Huesman, Beatrice Sells Deitrick, 1881-1964 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biological Note

Beatrice Sells was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1881 and studied music at Mills College from 1899-1901. Sells continued to study music in Paris, France in 1902 and became one of the most well-known western singers. Her first husband, James Deitrick, was a capitalist and an international surveyor. Sells married Deitrick later in 1903 and had a son, Jim. Sells later divorced Deitrick then married Frank Huesman. Letters indicate that Sells was married to Huesman by 1916, but the exact date of their marriage is not stated. Although Sells continued her singing career as a teacher, she was also well known for her family's history with President Abraham Lincoln. Specifically, Sells father (Elijah Sells) held many appointed positions during Lincoln's presidency and her mother (Hattie W. Sells) claimed an invitation to Lincoln's second inaugural ball.

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Beatrice Sells Deitrick Huesman papers (1831-1949) consists of documents relating to her personal life and pursuits as well as her professional career as a singer and teacher. The collection contains documents relating to the career of her first husband, James Deitrick, as well as documents regarding her father, Elijah Sells.

Arrangement

The correspondence is organized chronologically beginning with letters from Sells' mother and aunt followed by correspondence from varied sources. These documents are then followed by documents pertaining to Sells' or Deitrick's careers. Final documents include notes, newspaper clippings and financial records.