Hannah Soloman Block Collection

Collection

Identifier: SC-MS-181

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of letters, cards, invitations, programs, news clippings and full length newspapers, magazines, postcards, notes, and a manuscript. Three albums of photos, political and pageant buttons, letters, and awards are included in these albums. Also included are WWII-era items such as Civil Defense ID cards, Red Cross membership materials, ration books for food and gasoline, V-mail, and information on USO dances.

Dates

Creation: 1935-1998

Creator

Block, Hannah, 1913-2009 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Copyright Statement

Copyright retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Biographical Note

Noted philanthropist Hannah Block was active in numerous endeavors in the Wilmington community, advocating for local historic preservation, developing the Azalea Festival, and serving as Mayor Pro Tem of the city. Born in Portsmouth, VA, Block attended the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and worked as a jazz singer and pianist in New York City before the advent of WWII. In 1935, Block came to Wilmington with her husband, Charles Morris Block. In addition to her community involvement, Block spent years coaching young women for local, state, and national pageants, culminating in Maria Bell Fletcher’s 1961 Miss America win.