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Edith Wilson Papers

Finding Aid: Edith Wilson Papers
Repository: Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature

The Edith Wilson PapersHighly regarded as a blues singer and vaudeville performer by the 1920s, Edith Wilson went on to perform on radio, television, and as a spokeswoman for the Quaker Oats Company. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1896, she came to Chicago first in 1921 to perform in local cabarets and left to pursue a stage career in New York and Europe. She joined national and international tours as a vaudeville performer but it was her blues number, "He May Be Your Man (But He Comes to See Me Sometimes)," that made her most well known. Following World War II, Wilson was hired by the Quaker Oats Company to portray the character of Aunt Jemima on television, radio, and at fundraising events nationwide. Civil Rights groups protested this portrayal and Quaker Oats eventually ended local performances, and Wilson's employment, in the mid-1960s. Until her death in 1981, Wilson devoted herself to professional and charitable activities for black musicians and actors, including Chicago's Theatrical Cheer Club.

The Edith Wilson Papers document this long and varied career, including her work as a professional musician, her employment with Quaker Oats, and her charitable work on behalf of musicians at the end of her life. The papers consist of manuscripts, personal correspondence, some programs, serials, and clippings, and photographs. Material related to her employment with Quaker Oats is arranged separately and includes correspondence, memorabilia, and financial information.

Selected Artifacts

Edith Wilson's career began with vaudeville revues and blues performances in Chicago, New York and throughout Europe in the 1920s. Beginning in the late 1940s, Edith Wilson was hired by the Quaker Oats Company to portray Aunt Jemima on radio programs, on television, and in appearances at local charity organizations. This sheet music features lyrics to the 'Aunt Jemima' 'Stir Lightly' song: 'Go easy! Go Lightly! Sort of lazy daisy!...Go easy! Go lightly! Don't be stirrin' like crazy! Leave those little lumps in! That's what it takes to make nice fluffy light Aunt Jemima pancakes….Go easy! Just add milk or water! Stir lightly and bake..then lift off each feather light golden pancake! Easy does it! And does it pay? I'll say it do! Go easy n' get luscious Aunt Jemima's too! Go mima's too!' In the 1960s, Wilson served as the president of Chicago's Theatrical Cheer Club, a fundraising organization for African-American musicians and performers. In the 1960s, Wilson served as the president of Chicago's Theatrical Cheer Club, a fundraising organization for African-American musicians and performers.


Images and credits.