Gertrude Elise Ayer papers, 1931-1966.

Links

• View catalog record

Creator

Ayer, Gertrude E. (Gertrude Elise), 1884-1971.

Location

Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division

Extent

• Originals: .2 lin. ft.
• Copies;Scrapbooks: 1 microfilm reel.

Scope/Contents Note

The collection consists of biographical information, a family history written by Mrs. Ayer possibly for her daughter, Elizabeth, and a few items related to her professional activities before and after retirement in 1954. The scrapbooks, 1931-66, deal with Mrs. Ayer's appointment and career as an assistant principal and principal, and include samples of columns in the "New YorkAmsterdam News."

Biographical/Historical Note

Gertrude Elise (née Johnson) McDougal Ayer, 1884-?, was born in New York City, attended City and Hunter Colleges and Columbia University. She began teaching in New York City public elementary schools in 1905, and was the first vocational guidance instructor in an elementary school. In1924 and 1936 Ayer was appointed assistant principal and principal, respectively. For twenty-five years she was theonly black person to hold the position of principal withinthe New York City public school system.

Controlled Access Terms

• Ayer, Gertrude E. (Gertrude Elise), 1884-1971.
• Ayer, Elise Johnson McDougal.
• Teachers -- New York (State) -- New York.
• School principals -- United States.
• Elementary school teachers -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American teachers -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American school principals -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Women teachers -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American women -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American school principals -- New York (State) -- New York -- Biography.
• Memoirs.