Martha Bray Carson Papers - Accession 995

Authors

Martha Bray Carson

Files

Identifier

Accession 995

Inclusive Dates

1862-1955, nd

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

1.25 linear feet, 2500 pieces

Language

English;

Scope and Content Note

The Martha Bray Carson Papers document the literary work, civic involvement, and historical interests of Martha Bray Carson (1876–1953), a South Carolina writer, historian, and prominent member of hereditary and women’s civic organizations. A native of Fairfield County who spent most of her life in Chester County, Carson was deeply engaged in historical commemoration and preservation, particularly through her leadership roles in the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Up-To-Date Club. She served as president of the South Carolina Division of the UDC and held additional offices at the local level. In 1950, she authored the salute to the South Carolina State Flag later adopted by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1966.

The collection consists primarily of Carson’s original manuscripts, published essays, correspondence, organizational records, scrapbooks, and topical research files. Her writings—dating largely from the 1920s through the 1940s—include essays on South Carolina history, Confederate history, states’ rights, notable Southern figures, churches, battle sites, and cultural heritage. Many were published in regional newspapers and magazines, sometimes under the name Mrs. J. R. Carson. Also included are bound compilations of her biographical sketches and historical papers, reflecting her sustained interest in documenting Southern and Confederate history.

Organizational materials document Carson’s extensive involvement with the UDC and DAR and include yearbooks, correspondence, invitations, programs, photographs, certificates, and printed publications. Records also reflect her participation in civic commemorations, memorial dedications, and historical preservation efforts throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Family papers include correspondence, certificates, catechism materials, commencement programs, photographs, and clippings relating to Carson’s children and extended family. Additional materials document her participation in local theatrical productions during the 1920s.

A substantial portion of the collection consists of subject files and scrapbooks containing original and reprinted news clippings, photographs, pamphlets, and printed ephemera. Topics include Confederate reunions, secession, Civil War battles and leaders, South Carolina political and social history, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Charles Dickens, and broader United States history. Three scrapbooks—two focused extensively on Confederate history and UDC activities—assemble clippings, images, postcards, reproduced Confederate currency and stamps, programs, and commemorative materials, illustrating Carson’s efforts to construct and preserve a narrative of Southern heritage.

Together, the Martha Bray Carson Papers provide insight into early- to mid-twentieth-century historical memory, women’s civic leadership, Confederate commemoration, and regional identity in South Carolina.

Provenance

The Martha Carson Bray Papers were donated to the Archives by Scott Coleman.

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Finding Aid Citation

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "Martha Bray Carson Papers - Accession 995". Finding Aid 655.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/655