Created by
Lefax, Inc., American, c. twentieth century
Owned by
Dr. Whipper, Ionia Rollin, American, 1872 - 1953
Date
1939
Medium
ink on paper with metal and leather
Dimensions
H x W: 7 1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (18.4 × 14 cm)
Caption
This journal provides insight into the spiritual and intellectual life of Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper, doctor and social reformer. A 1903 graduate of Howard Medical School, Dr. Whipper was an obstetrician working in the Maternity Ward of Freedmen's Hospital. She encountered many teenage mothers in her work, mentoring them through their pregnancies and caring for their infants. With a small group of women from the community of her church, AME St. Luke's, Whipper raised money to open a home for unwed pregnant girls. In 1931, the Ionia R. Whipper Home for Unwed Mothers opened in Northeast Washington, DC and remained the only maternity home for black women in the Washington area for decades.
Description
Journal of Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper. The journal has a leather cover and binder with unlined pages. On the front cover is the manufacturer, [LEFAX]. Each page is covered with inspirational quotes about religion and life. Each thought or sentence is divided by a handdrawn line. Along with the quotes are lists of attendees at Meetings. There is a break halfway through with blank pages, then the journal continues until the last page. On the inner back cover, printed in gold ink, is the manufacturer's information. [NO. 675 / LEFAX / PHILADELPHIA, PA. / MADE IN U.S.A.].
Transcription Center Status
Transcription Available
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Documents and Published Materials
Type
diaries
Topic
African Methodist Episcopal
Communities
Methodist
Religion
Social reform
Spirituality
The Black Church
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Carole Ione Lewis Family Collection
Object number
2018.101.5
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5717703e4-83d6-4000-b0d0-43c153aa327e

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page