Burnis H. Thornton photographs
Scope and Contents
The collection is primarily composed of photographs taken by Theodore Burnis Thornton of houses his father Burnis Hillman Thornton built and later photos taken by another son of Burnis's, Victor Thornton, for comparison. Materials also include a photograph index, newspaper clippings, and a program for Thornton's funeral.
Dates
- ca. 1950-1991, undated
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.
Biographical / Historical
Burnis Hillman (B. H.) Thornton was possibly the first African-American bonded contractor in the state of North Carolina. Born in 1906 in Warrenton, NC, he attended North Carolina A&T State University and remained actively involved as an alumnus throughout his life. He served as education director and boxing coach at the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Rutherford County, NC, and as director of the United Servicemen’s Organization (USO) on Fayetteville Street in Durham. He was involved in education as a school principal and teacher, including service in Durham City Schools, before his work as general contractor and proprietor of Thornton Builders, Inc., in Durham. Thornton was a member of White Rock Baptist Church, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and the Freemasons. He died in 1991. The collection was donated by two of Thornton's children.
Extent
.08 Linear Feet (2 folders)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The photographs are arranged in numerical order according to numbers assigned by the donor.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Carolyn T. Walker and Victor Hillman Thornton
- African Americans -- North Carolina -- Durham Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Historic buildings -- North Carolina -- Durham Subject Source: Local sources
- House construction -- North Carolina -- Durham Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Burnis H. Thornton Photographs
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Jamie Patrick-Burns
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- Jamie Patrick-Burns
- Gift Agreement
Repository Details
Part of the North Carolina Collection Archives Repository