Emma Echols Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

CNAM-002

Name and location of repository

Level of description

Collection

Title

Emma Echols Collection

Date(s)

  • 1951-1998 (Record-keeping activity)

Extent

3 boxes; 1.5 cubic feet

Name of creator

(1903 - 2002 April 09)

Biographical history

After graduating from Erskine College, Emma Reid Echols distinguished herself as a teacher, first in Charlotte, NC, then in Rock Hill, SC. Her husband, the Rev. Dr. W. Roger Echols, was pastor of the Neely's Creek ARP Church for over 30 years, and Emma was deeply involved in church service as the children's choir director, and teacher of the women's Bible class. She remained an active member of Neely's Creek ARP Church all her life, even attending Easter service the week before her death.

In 1950, with the help of the Junior Welfare League, she opened the Orthopedic Community School in Rock Hill for people with physical and mental disabilities, where she taught for a number of years. She also helped establish "Camp Joy" for children with disabilities at Bonclarken near Flat Rock, NC, where she served as the storyteller even into her mid-90s. She continued as a popular substitute teacher in the Rock Hill Public Schools until over age 90.

Emma was also closely involvement with the Catawba Nation. As a result of her friendships with the Catawba and knowledge of their history, she was commissioned by the University of Florida and recorded the oral history of the Catawba Indians on over 60 audio tapes and accompanying pictures.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection consists of a variety of materials collected by Emma Echols during her decades of work with the Catawba Nation, including newspaper clippings, photographs, oral history notes and transcripts, magazines, programs, and other materials related to the Catawba Nation.

System of arrangement

Arranged in a series of three boxes.

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

Some materials are restricted. Please contact the Catawba Nation Archives for more information.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Languages of the material

  • Cherokee
  • English
  • Siouan Language

Scripts of the material

  • Cherokee
  • Latin

Language and script notes

Some materials contain Catawba and/or Cherokee language.

Finding aids

Acquisition and appraisal elements

Custodial history

Immediate source of acquisition

Donated to the Catawba Nation Archives by Emma Echols.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

Related materials elements

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Existence and location of copies

Related archival materials

Related descriptions

Notes element

Specialized notes

Alternative identifier(s)

Description control element

Rules or conventions

Sources used

Archivist's note

Record created by Ensley F. Guffey, 2022 April 27.

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