Clyde Killens Collection
Item
Collections Identifier
MS_00015
Date Started
August 19, 2005
Collection Title
Clyde Killens Collection
Date Span
1930-1960
Alternative Title
Killens, Clyde
Inclusive Subjects
These records are a collection that documents the entertainment era
of the Overtown area in Miami. Killens known to many as “Mr.
Entertainment” brought a wealth of economic growth to Overtown
through his entrepreneurship and ideas. A native of Valdosta,
Georgia, he came to Miami in 1924. Killens made his mark as a
hotel and night club manager and entertainment promoter
throughout the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Killens also was able to amass
a unique collection of billboards that was place in front of the night
clubs and hotels that entertainers would perform at in Overtown.
This collection includes along with the billboards, audio tapes,
news articles, photographs, memorabilia, correspondences,
advertisements, and other items of historical significance
pertaining to Miami’s “Little Broadway” era. Also included in this
collection are the Overtown hotels, featuring the David Probinsky
Memorial Collection. Probinsky donated many of the items
dealing with the Sir John Hotel in Overtown.
For more see Ova Killens papers and photographs.
of the Overtown area in Miami. Killens known to many as “Mr.
Entertainment” brought a wealth of economic growth to Overtown
through his entrepreneurship and ideas. A native of Valdosta,
Georgia, he came to Miami in 1924. Killens made his mark as a
hotel and night club manager and entertainment promoter
throughout the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Killens also was able to amass
a unique collection of billboards that was place in front of the night
clubs and hotels that entertainers would perform at in Overtown.
This collection includes along with the billboards, audio tapes,
news articles, photographs, memorabilia, correspondences,
advertisements, and other items of historical significance
pertaining to Miami’s “Little Broadway” era. Also included in this
collection are the Overtown hotels, featuring the David Probinsky
Memorial Collection. Probinsky donated many of the items
dealing with the Sir John Hotel in Overtown.
For more see Ova Killens papers and photographs.
Brief description of processing procedure
The records in this collection were kept in no particular order and
were located in the Black Archives ready reference room. After a
preliminary survey was conducted, it was decided to place the
items in categorical order, then if needed by dates and alphabet.
The items in the collection were place in plastic sheet protectors
and then transferred into acid-free file folders. After being
appropriately labeled, the folders were organized in numerical
order and placed in acid-free Hollinger boxes. A content listing
was made, and the appropriate labels were attached. The
collection is now stored in the collection’s room under the ready
reference section.
were located in the Black Archives ready reference room. After a
preliminary survey was conducted, it was decided to place the
items in categorical order, then if needed by dates and alphabet.
The items in the collection were place in plastic sheet protectors
and then transferred into acid-free file folders. After being
appropriately labeled, the folders were organized in numerical
order and placed in acid-free Hollinger boxes. A content listing
was made, and the appropriate labels were attached. The
collection is now stored in the collection’s room under the ready
reference section.
Archivist Note
These records will be stored as the Clyde Killens Collection, and it
will be an ongoing collection. The collection includes several
items documenting the entertainment era of Overtown. It was
decided not to separate Miami’s Black hotel collection due to the
significance they played in the entertainment environment in
Overtown. Although David Probinsky’s collection on the Sir John
Hotel was extensive, it was decided not to break provenance and
create a separate collection. By placing his collection as a subcategory I feel we do not lose the integrity of the Killens
collection.
will be an ongoing collection. The collection includes several
items documenting the entertainment era of Overtown. It was
decided not to separate Miami’s Black hotel collection due to the
significance they played in the entertainment environment in
Overtown. Although David Probinsky’s collection on the Sir John
Hotel was extensive, it was decided not to break provenance and
create a separate collection. By placing his collection as a subcategory I feel we do not lose the integrity of the Killens
collection.
Researchers Key
Researchers should cross-reference this group of records with other
material in the archives collection. Examples of other collections
include: Personalities, Liberty City, Brownsville, Entertainment,
Arts, Business and Labor, Overtown Collection, Civil Rights,
Black Archives Media Library, Sites & Landmarks, and
Neighborhoods & Communities.
material in the archives collection. Examples of other collections
include: Personalities, Liberty City, Brownsville, Entertainment,
Arts, Business and Labor, Overtown Collection, Civil Rights,
Black Archives Media Library, Sites & Landmarks, and
Neighborhoods & Communities.
Number of Boxes
5
Collection Size
2.5 Linear ft
Process Level
File folder level
Date of Completion
September 6, 2005
Finding Aid Author(s)
Timothy A. Barber
Assistant Archivist
Assistant Archivist
Scope and Content
This collection contains information on Clyde Killens, "Mr. Entertainment," and the entertainment, or "Little Broadway," era of the Overtown area in Miami. This collection includes audio tapes, correspondence, fliers, newspaper articles, memorabilia, and photographs. This collection also contains information on Overtown hotels, featuring the David Probinsky Memorial Collection. Probinsky donated many items dealing with the Sir John Hotel in Overtown. See "Other URL" for more information.
Access Restrictions
There are no access restrictions on this material.
Use Restrictions
(c) 2010 The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Director of The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation, Inc. An image license agreement must be signed prior to recording or copying images.
Online Publisher
Elaysha Bazil
Publication Date
August 18, 2023
Accrual Policy
The records in this collection were kept in no particular order and were located in the Black Archives ready reference room. After a preliminary survey was conducted, it was decided to place the items in categorical order, then if needed by dates and alphabet. The items in the collection were place in plastic sheet protectors and then transferred into acid-free file folders. After being appropriately labeled, the folders were organized in numerical order and placed in acid-free Hollinger boxes. A content listing was made, and the appropriate labels were attached. The collection is now stored in the collection’s room under the ready reference section.
