Walter and Van Ray Morgan Papers
Collection Summary
| Title: | Walter and Van Ray Morgan Papers |
| Call Number: | MS 2005-04 |
| Size: | 1.0 linear feet |
| Acquisition: | Donated by Van Ray Morgan |
| Processed By: | JLY, 2-2005; MN, 11-2012 |
| Restrictions: | None |
Literary Rights
Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.
Content Note
The
Walton and Van Ray Morgan Papers include materials documenting the careers
and interests of both individuals. Included in the collection are photographs,
teaching and business materials, and collected ephemera. The collection
spans from the 1930s through the 1990s.
Biography
Walton
Morgan was born May 7, 1919, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, but the family soon
relocated to Wichita, Kansas. During high school he was the first, and at
the time, only African American member of the North High Band (class of
1939), as well as a record setting track athlete. While in high school he
played saxophone in the local jazz band the Syncopators. Morgan served in
the Army from 1942 to 1947 and played clarinet in the band. After the Army
he received both his Bachelors and Masters of Music Education from the University
of Wichita and started his long career as a public school teacher. Morgan
taught in the Wichita public school system for thirty-four years, retiring
in 1986. After retirement Morgan continued to provide music lessons for
anyone willing to learn and even formed the Morgan Mid-Towners, a band of
senior citizen musicians. Walton Morgan died in July 1996.
Van Ray Morgan was born in Wichita, Kansas, March 19, 1919. After graduating high school she entered the Jerry Williams Finishing School, where she earned a masters in Charm and Modeling. She spent time as a runway and tea room model with the Josette Sepia Professional Models of Kansas City, Missouri. She later opened her own modeling and charm school, the Le V'Ray Coquettes Studio. In addition to her modeling affairs, which are the primary materials in this manuscript collection, Van Ray Morgan was the first black office employee at Beech Aircraft. She worked as a Data Key Computer operator and after 32 years of service retired with a management position. She has contributed to local African American publications The Enlightener and 67214 as well as served as a senior news correspondent for Wichita's KSNW news.
Van Ray Morgan was born in Wichita, Kansas, March 19, 1919. After graduating high school she entered the Jerry Williams Finishing School, where she earned a masters in Charm and Modeling. She spent time as a runway and tea room model with the Josette Sepia Professional Models of Kansas City, Missouri. She later opened her own modeling and charm school, the Le V'Ray Coquettes Studio. In addition to her modeling affairs, which are the primary materials in this manuscript collection, Van Ray Morgan was the first black office employee at Beech Aircraft. She worked as a Data Key Computer operator and after 32 years of service retired with a management position. She has contributed to local African American publications The Enlightener and 67214 as well as served as a senior news correspondent for Wichita's KSNW news.
Detailed Description: Series Listing
| Series 1 | Box 1 FF 1-17 | Walton Morgan Papers |
| Series 1.1 | Box 1 FF 1- 4 and Oversized Storage | Photographs. This series includes photographs of Walton Morgan that reference much of his life including his Army days, graduation from University of Wichita, life as a musician, and career as a public school teacher. The photographs span from the 1930s to the 1990s. |
| Series 1.2 | Box 1 FF 5-8 | Personal. The series is comprised of clippings, sheet music, ephemera, and other materials that reflect aspects of Morgan's life including his military service, educational pursuits, and music. |
| Series 1.3 | Box 1 FF 9-12 | Educator. Includes clippings discussing Morgan's music students, teaching materials used by Morgan in the classroom, a Curriculum Guide for Instrumental Music in the Elementary Schools from the Wichita Public School Systems (1965), and a small number thank you and retirement cards sent to Morgan. |
| Series 1.4 | Box 1 FF 13-17 and Oversized Storage | Certificates and Awards. Series includes certificates, awards, and plaques received by Morgan from 1925 to 1995. |
| Series 2 | Box 1 FF 18-Box 2 FF 11 | Van Ray Morgan Papers |
| Series 2.1 | Box 1 FF 18-Box 2 FF 5 | Charm and Modeling Studio. This series is comprised of photographs, clippings, and classroom materials from the Le V' Ray Coquettes Studio. Bulk of the material is from the 1960s. |
| Series 2.2 | Box 2 FF 6-11 and Oversized Storage | Personal. The series is comprised of clippings, photographs, and certificates that reflect Morgan's life (1950s-1990s). Also included are materials from Morgan's time as a Senior beat reporter for KSNW Channel 3 News (1988-1989) |