Francis J. Menso collection
Scope and Content Note
The collection contains one (1) box with a total of four (4) letters and thirty-five (35) photographs from ca. 1940-1945. The collection has been arranged into two series: I. Personal Correspondence (1945); II. Photographs.
Dates
- 1940-1945
Creator
- Menso, Francis J. (Person)
Restrictions on Use
There are no restrictions on research use of this collection.
Restrictions on Use
Prior permission from the Research Library must be obtained in writing before any portion of this collection can be published or reproduced.
Historical Sketch
Francis J. Menso, Bombardier and Gunner served in the United States Navy during World War II. F. J. Menso was part of the Navy Air Crew and served with Bombing Squadron # 4.
After World War I, African Americans were prohibited from enlisting in the United States Navy. In 1932 Blacks was again allowed to enlist and train as cooks and messmen. During World War II, segregation was a way of life for the Negro sailor. Although segregated, almost 150,000 Blacks enlisted in the Navy during this period. However, few saw combat. Black sailors were trained as a separate unit and were excluded from most parts of naval life including the USO clubs. In 1942, the secretary of the Navy announced that the Navy would accept the enlistment of Negroes for general service and as noncommissioned officers. The enlistment began in June of 1942 with a class of two hundred and seventy-seven (277) men.
Extent
0.5 Linear feet
Language
English
Overview
The collection contains four letters written in May and June of 1945 from "Frankie" Francis Menso stationed in Miami, Florida, to his girlfriend Selma M. Pooch of Jacksonville, Florida as well as 35 black and white photographs of pin-ups.
Series
The collection is organized into two series
- Series I: Personal Correspondence
- Series II: Photographs
Provenance
Purchased by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History, Archives Division in 1997.
Processing Information
Processed by Anita Martin
- Title
- Inventory of the Francis J. Menso Collection aarl97-004 aarl97-004
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Finding aid prepared by Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
- Date
- 2004 September 15
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History Repository