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A Lifetime of Treasures

--Kathryn Satterfield

Avery Clayton always knew that books made his mother happy. When he was a boy, Mayme Clayton would buy books, magazines, even people's letters. As her collection grew, so did young Avery's interest. The books were rare or out of print and written by authors who helped shape African-American culture. "The Phillis Wheatley book is the crown jewel of the collection," he told TFK. It is the only known signed copy by the first black author to be published.

By the time of her death at age 83 last October, Mrs. Clayton had more than 30,000 books by or about black people. Her collection also includes documents from slavery, photographs, movies, sheet music and personal letters by black leaders and artists. It is among the largest privately held collections of African-American history and culture in the U.S.

Clayton, who lives in Altadena, California, is working to create a museum for his mother's treasures. Scholars say that without Mrs. Clayton's efforts, large portions of African-American heritage would be lost. "We didn't know these things existed," says Sara Hodson, of California's Huntington Library.

The collection may soon move into a former courthouse in Culver City, California. It will cost $565,000 to move and display the items. Clayton hopes to open the museum next year. Sharing these riches, especially with kids, is his goal. "African-American culture is currently being defined by pop culture," he says. "It's important to offer a more complete picture."

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