University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Te Ata: Bearer of the Morning

A Guide to the Te Ata Collection

Finding Aid Prepared by Anne Tsonetokoy

 

Provenance: Te Ata bequeathed most of the materials in the collection. The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Archives has added additional materials since Te Ata's death in 1995.

Date range: 1917 - present

Biographical/Historical Note: Te Ata, born Mary Frances Thompson on December 3, 1895 was a world renowned Native American storyteller. Se was born in Emet, Indian Territory and educated at Bloomfield Academy, Tishomingo High School, the Oklahoma College for Women (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma), and the Carnegie Technical School in Pittsburgh, PA (now Carnegie Mellon University). Te Ata performed before heads of state such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and King George VI. In 1957, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and, in 1987, she was named Oklahoma's first State Treasure in 1987.

Scope and Content: Books, diary, letters, newspaper clippings, photographs, performance programs, financial reports, brochures.

Access or Use Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Access: Collection is open by appointment.

Usage Restrictions:

Administrative Information:

Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], Te Ata Collection, Nash Library, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha, Oklahoma

Acquisition Information: Received from Te Ata between 1970 and 1995. Additional items acquired by the University of Science and Arts since 1995.

Series 1

Photographs and Portraits

Box 1: Photographs and Portraits

Series 2

Te Ata 99th Birthday and In Memorium

Box 1: Te Ata 99th Birthday and In Memorium Photographs, Articles, and Programs

  • 2017.001.0063 "Legendary Indian Storyteller Dies at 99"
  • 2017.001.0064 "A Birthday Celebration" invitation
  • 2017.001.0065 "Storyteller Te Ata dies at 99"
  • 2017.001.0066 "In Remembrance" funeral program for Te Ata
  • 2017.001.0067 "Remembering Te Ata" program
  • 2017.001.0068 President's Remarks for the Te Ata Memorial Service, Oklahoma City, November 4, 1995
  • 2017.001.0069 "What the Roses Said to the Sun" poem
  • 2017.001.0070 "Famed Indian Storyteller-Actress Dies at 99," The Daily Oklahoman,October 31, 1995
  • 2017.001.0071 Photo of Te Ata Fisher
  • 2017.001.0072 Te Ata's 99th birthday celebration on December 3, 1994
  • 2017.001.0073 Te Ata's 99th birthday celebration, with two unidentified women
  • 2017.001.0074 Te Ata's 99th birthday celebration with Renee Barnes
  • 2017.001.0075 Te Ata's 99th birthday celebration with Shawnee Brittan
  • 2017.001.0076 Te Ata is given a doll on her 99th birthday celebration

Series 3

Newspaper Clippings, Magazine Articles, and Press Releases

Box 1: Press and News Releases

  • 2017.001.0077 "For Love of Indians, Te Ata," Lady's Home Journal
  • 2017.001.0078 "Princess Te Ata," Royal Entertainer
  • 2017.001.0079 "Te Ata Enthralls Audience With Indian Folk-Lore Tales," Courier Journal, November 15, no year
  • 2017.001.0080 "Preservation of Indian Culture," The University of South Dakota Bulletin, 1975
  • 2017.001.0081 "The Institute of Indian Studies Receives Grant," The University of South Dakota Bulletin, 1976
  • 2017.001.0082 "Te Ata," The University of South Dakota Bulletin, November, 1976
  • 2017.001.0083 "Te Ata- Indian Princess," Oklahoma Woman
  • 2017.001.0084 USAO Alumni Reunion photo featuring Te Ata and Hazel (Owsley) Baldwin, Chickasha Star, April 27, 1978
  • 2017.001.0085 "Te Ata Ohoyo (Bearer of the Morning Woman)," In the Spotlight
  • 2017.001.0086 "Te Ata Will Interpret Tales Of Her Ancestors"
  • 2017.001.0087 Natural History magazine cover, March 1943
  • 2017.001.0088 "Arts award - Gov. David Boren congratulates Te Ata..."
  • 2017.001.0089 "Morning-Bearer," The New Yorker, June 10, 1939
  • 2017.001.0090 "Te Ata One of Few Artists to Entertain King and Queen"
  • 2017.001.0091 "Visiting Friends"
  • 2017.001.0092 "Famed for her interpretations of folklore..."
  • 2017.001.0093 "God's Drum Video Receives Recognition," The Daily Oklahoman, July 5, 1996
  • 2017.001.0094 "Te Ata to perform at OMA"
  • 2017.001.0095 "Local producers win awards for documentary"
  • 2017.001.0096 "Famed Alumna Is Serenaded on OCW Visit," December 10, 1953
  • 2017.001.0097 "Te Ata: Dedicated Interpreter of Her People," The Christian Science Monitor, 1962
  • 2017.001.0098 Untitled photo of Te Ata in front of her namesake lake, published by the Oklahoma City Times
  • 2017.001.0099 "Indian story teller spins tales of pride, heritage," The New Mexcian, 1971
  • 2017.001.0100 "Princess Te Ata"
  • 2017.001.0101 "Te Ata to Bring Indian Culture to Wilton Elementary Schools," January 7, 1976
  • 2017.001.0102 "Speech Arts Festival Thursday and Friday," Chickasha Express, April 20, 1947
  • 2017.001.0103 "Te Ata captivates palefaces with Indian lore," FairPress, 1976
  • 2017.001.0104 "Governor Roosevelt Names New York Beauty Spot For 'Te Ata' Noted O.C.W. Grad," Chickasha Daily Express
  • 2017.001.0105 Press Release Compliation
  • 2017.001.0106 "A 'Break' For Royal Pair," Chickasha Daily Express, 1939
  • 2017.001.0107 "1919 Graduate named first Oklahoma Treasure," Trend, 1987
  • 2017.001.0108 "OCW Drama Club Eyes Plan For Copy of Globe Theater," D.C. Times,March 17, 1955
  • 2017.001.0109 "Storyteller honored as Royalty," USAO News Release, 1990
  • 2017.001.0110 "Te Ata to Bring Indian Songs to College Tonight,"Oklahoman,April 24, 1947
  • 2017.001.0111 "The Oklahoma City Professional Chapter highlighted their Spring Luncheon..."
  • 2017.001.0112 "Te Ata Returns to OCW For Visit"
  • 2017.001.0113 "Okla. orator a treasure," USA Today, Septemeber 18, 1987
  • 2017.001.0114 "Te Ata To Appear Here"
  • 2017.001.0115 "The presiding officer...," Our Times
  • 2017.001.0116 "Te Ata in 1955"
  • 2017.001.0117 "Storyteller," The Sunday Oklahoman, September 1987
  • 2017.001.0118 "Dancer Captures Indian Lore," The Daily Oklahoman, April 29, 1968
  • 2017.001.0119 "Te Ata refelcts on her career as a folklore interpreter for the American Indian," Tulsa World, October 30, 2977
  • 2017.001.0120 "Te Ata is a Chickasaw Indian," The Tulsa Tribune, April 21, 1972
  • 2017.001.0121 "Te Ata," OCW Trend, February 23, 1965
  • 2017.001.0122 "Te Ata, whose performance concluded..."
  • 2017.001.0123 "Te Ata, daughter of a member..."
  • 2017.001.0124 "Two to Be Inducted in Hall of Fame," The Daily Oklahoman, April 6, 1972
  • 2017.001.0125 "Te Ata is pictured here with Mrs. nellie Red Owl..."
  • 2017.001.0126 Unititled article describing Te Ata's new york apartment, New York Herald Tribune, June 5, 1939
  • 2017.001.0127 O.C.W.'s Gallery of Dramatic Fame featuring Te Ata in the Argus, 1927
  • 2017.001.0128 USAO News Release discussing Te Ata's recongition as a state treasure, September 25, 1987
  • 2017.001.0129 "Te Ata"
  • 2017.001.0130 "Te Ata will present a special Entertainment Showcase..."
  • 2017.001.0131 "Te Ata...The Modern Pocahontas"
  • 2017.001.0132 "Te Ata," Oklahoma Today, January-February 1989
  • 2017.001.0133 "The Creation of an Indian Jar," Natural History, April 1943
  • 2017.001.0134 "Te Ata - Chickasa Indian Performer: From Broadway to Back Home," Theatre History Studies, June 1995
  • 2017.001.0135 Biographical Summary of Te Ata, created by USAO
  • 2017.001.0136 "Girl Scout Calendar Shows 'Hidden Heroine' Te Ata," Chickasha Daily Express, May 9, 1976
  • 2017.001.0137 Girl Scouts letter written October 27, 1975
  • 2017.001.0138 "Te Ata, Indian singer and graduate of OCW...," Daily Oklahoman
  • 2017.001.0139 "Indian"
  • 2017.001.0140 "Home City Hears Art of Te Ata," Editorial Radio Amusement v. 39(23)
  • 2017.001.0141 "Renowned Interpreter of Indian Arts Booked"
  • 2017.001.0142 "Princess Te Ata Charms Boston," Boston Evening Traveller, November 2, 1944
  • 2017.001.0143 "Interpreter Shows 'Indians Are People'," Tulsa World
  • 2017.001.0144 "Te Ata To Participate in Course in Indian History and Culture"
  • 2017.001.0145 "Te Ata," News Report no. 69, November 1976
  • 2017.001.0146 "Te Ata," The Chickasha Daily Express, April 9, 1975
  • 2017.001.0147 "Homecoming Weekend Activities Begin Friday"
  • 2017.001.0260 "State Star Picked For Royal Party," Oklahoman, May 23, 1939
  • 2017.001.0261 "The Dance: Recital and Stage," New York Times 1932
  • 2017.001.0262 "Back to the Land of Her Forefathers"
  • 2017.001.0263 "Te Ata: Dedicated Interpreter of Her People," The Christian Science Monitor, March 26, 1962
  • 2017.001.0264 "OC Storyteller adapts native American tale for publication," Oklahoma Gazette, November 29, 1989
  • 2017.001.0265 "Te Ata Will Be Featured On NBC's 'Today Show' On Friday," Chickasha Daily Express, November 23, 1975
  • 2017.001.0266 "OCW Festival Features Ward"
  • 2017.001.0267 "Our Times," Oklahoma City Times, April 16, 1975
  • 2017.001.0268 "Modern Pocahontas to Recite for Royal Couple at Hyde Park," New York Herald Tribune
  • 2017.001.0269 "Te Ata's Unique Way Makes Her Treasure," Sunday Oklahoman, Septembr 13, 1987
  • 2017.001.0270 "Indian story teller spins tales of pride, heritage," The New Mexican, June 13, 1971
  • 2017.001.0271 "The First Americans" magazine, circa 1953
  • 2017.001.0272 "She lives by beat of a different drum," Tulsa Tribune, February 12, 1976
  • 2017.001.0273 Te Ata magazine excerpt

Series 4

God's Drum and Te Ata Day Materials

Box 1: Articles and Plans Relating to God's Drum

  • 2017.001.0148 "God's Drum world premiere," USAO press release
  • 2017.001.0149 "Cherokee Strip Documentary Awarded" and God's Drum VHS Advertsiements, Alva Review-Courier, November 28, 1994
  • 2017.001.0150 "New Film Gives Fresh Approach to 'God's Drum'," USAO news release, February 15, 1994
  • 2017.001.0151 "New Te Ata film released just in time for Christmas," USAO news release, December 15, 1995
  • 2017.001.0152 "Native American celebration set Feb. 2 to show 'new' film on famous Oklahoman," USAO news release, January 17, 1996
  • 2017.001.0153 USAO letter asking for patrons and promoters of God's Drum, dated April 4, 1975
  • 2017.001.0154 "Indian Folklore Film Showing Set," Oklahoma Journal, April 7, 1975
  • 2017.001.0155 Two letters from different people thanking USAO for lending them copies of God's Drum
  • 2017.001.0156 "Indian Folklore Film to Premier," April 6, 1975
  • 2017.001.0157 Te Ata Film Committee ACT #33-214-3, dated from November 22, 1974 to April 28, 1975
  • 2017.001.0158 USAO God's Drum invitation, February 2, 1996
  • 2017.001.0159 "Budget- Te Ata Film Production Costs"
  • 2017.001.0160 USAO/Shawnee Brittan Productions God's Drum Contract, April 4, 1995
  • 2017.001.0161 God's Drum Documentary video jacket, signed by Te Ata in October 1995
  • 2017.001.0162 Suggested Script for Regent Lillian Boland about God's Drum, May 3, 1995
  • 2017.001.0163 A letter or flier about God's Drum's availability
  • 2017.001.0164 "God's Drum film available"
  • 2017.001.0165 God's Drum business card
  • 2017.001.0166 "USAO Documentary Gets Wide Recognition"
  • 2017.001.0167 "Te Ata 'God's Drum'," Trend, June 29, 1976
  • 2017.001.0168 "The World Premiere of 'God's Drum...," Chickasha Daily Express, April 11, 1975
  • 2017.001.0169 Letter to Lillian Boland from Maurine Mitchell, April 17, 1975
  • 2017.001.0170 "Premiere Showing Of 'God's Drum' Well Received By Large Audience," Chickasha Daily Express, April 14, 1975
  • 2017.001.0171 "God's Drum featuring...Te Ata" world premiere brochure, April 12, 1975
  • 2017.001.0172 "Kickoff Campaign Opens To Film Featuring Te Ata," Chickasha Daily Express, March 27, 1975
  • 2017.001.0173 Part of a USAO press release about God's Drum
  • 2017.001.0174 "Shawnee Brittan Paying Tribute To Indian With New Documentary," February 5, 1975
  • 2017.001.0175 "Kick-Off" letter for God's Drum
  • 2017.001.0176 Te Ata Film Financial Report, February 21, 1975
  • 2017.001.0177 Letter to Louise Waldorf from Hiawatha Estes
  • 2017.001.0178 Letter to Zeta Phi Eta members from President Sharon Stockton, March 17, 1975
  • 2017.001.0179 Letter to Louise Waldorf from John Lendon Allen
  • 2017.001.0180 Part of a letter from Mrs. Robert Breen to 'Gertrude' discussing fundraising for God's Drum
  • 2017.001.0181 Unpaid Bills, May 15, 1975
  • 2017.001.0274 "Shawnee Brittan is Director of Te Ata/Film Highlights Almuni Events," Chickasha Star, April 10, 1975
  • 2017.001.0275 "Te Ata: Indian Folklore Lives/TeAta Keeps Indian Traditions Alive," The Oklahoma Journal Fun Guide, January 12, 1975
  • 2017.001.0276 "New film gives fresh approach to 'God's Drum'," Special Alumni Issue of The Trend, February 20, 1995
  • 2017.001.0277 "World Premier Of Film Will Be Here saturday," Chickasha Daily Express, April 9, 1975
  • 2017.001.0278 "Te Ata Film Premiere Here," Chickasha Star, April 3, 1975
  • 2017.001.0279 "Te Ata 'God's Drum'," Trend Vol. 76(19), June 29, 1976
  • 2017.001.0280 "Te Ata Film Success"
  • 2017.001.0281 "Kickoff Campaign Opens To Film Featuring Te Ata," Chickasha Daily Express, March 27, 1975
  • 2017.001.0282 "USAO Documentary Gets Wide Recognition," Chickasha Daily Express, January 12, 1977
  • 2017.001.0283 "God's Drum featuring Te Ata" brochure
  • 2017.001.0284 God's Drum pamphlet draft
  • 2017.001.0285 Financial Report Te Ata Film, February 26, 1975
  • 2017.001.0286 Mailing list titled "Alums and Friends for Te Ata letter"
  • 2017.001.0287 Mailing list for "Te Ata letter (dinner invitation)"
  • 2017.001.0288 "Te Ata letter"

Box 2: Te Ata Day Photos and Certificates

  • 2017.001.0182 Te Ata Day certificate , presented by USAO on May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0183 Te Ata Day guest book, december 3, 1994
  • 2017.001.0184 Te Ata Day photos, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0185 Photo of Te Ata with Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation Governor, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0186 Photo of Te Ata an and unidentified man on Te Ata Day, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0187 Photo of Te Ata smiling on Te Ata Day, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0188 Photo of Te Ata's profile on Te Ata Day, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0189 Photo of Te Ata with Lynn Moroney on Te Ata Day, May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0190 Photo of Te Ata standing by a cake that says "Te Ata Fisher Day," May 16, 1990
  • 2017.001.0191 Te Ata Day certificate with the USAO seal

Series 5

Miscellaneous Documents

Box 1: Miscellaneous

  • 2017.001.0192 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts film proposal
  • 2017.001.0193 Brochure featuring drama players Catherine and Parker Fennelly
  • 2017.001.0194 "Dr. Gladys Emerson"
  • 2017.001.0195 USAO Indian Studies Workshop pamphlet, June-July 1975
  • 2017.001.0196 Newspaper photo of Eistein playing a violin
  • 2017.001.0197 "A Woman of Achievements," August 4, 1940
  • 2017.001.0198 "Blurbs ref; Fine Arts Brochure"
  • 2017.001.0199 "Along the Moccasin Trail" programs with a typewritten Christmas schedule on the backs
  • 2017.001.0200 Notes for a book about Te Ata, written by Frances Davis in July 1963

Series 6

Programs, Advertisements, and Performance Plans

Box 1: Programs, Advertisements, and Performance Plans

  • 2017.001.0201 Te Ata Advertising Pamphlet
  • 2017.001.0202 Te Ata letter excerpt
  • 2017.001.0203 Te Ata in the South Dakota Arts Council Newsletter's Touring Programs, Winter 1976
  • 2017.001.0204 "Message from Te Ata"
  • 2017.001.0205 Te Ata program and letter to a Mr. Brown
  • 2017.001.0206 "Interpreter of Indian Lore" program
  • 2017.001.0207 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts Performance Announcement
  • 2017.001.0208 Te Ata Dinner Theater plans and invitations, May 17, 1997
  • 2017.001.0209 "Programme Suggestions"
  • 2017.001.0210 Te Ata's resume or list of accomplishments
  • 2017.001.0211 OCW "As You Like It" play program featuring Mary Thompson(Te Ata), May 4, 1922
  • 2017.001.0212 Oklahoma College for Women Te Ata performance program, January 6, 1931
  • 2017.001.0213 Oklahoma College for Women Te Ata performance program, February 11, 1937
  • 2017.001.0214 American Indian Folklore program, New Jersey Sate Museum, Dcember 27, 1959
  • 2017.001.0215 Oklahoma Memorial Association's Hall of Fame Ceremonies pamphlet, November 16, 1957
  • 2017.001.0216 "Along the moccasin trail with Te Ata" program and museum notes, Children's Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, November 1972
  • 2017.001.0217 "Te Ata - Interpreter of Indian Lore" program, Meacham Auditorium, University of Oklahoma, November 14, 1963
  • 2017.001.0218 "Along the Moccasin Trail with Te Ata" program, November 15, 1948
  • 2017.001.0219 Te Ata program, presented by W. Colston Leigh in New York City
  • 2017.001.0220 "13th Annual Indian Festival of Arts" brochure, La Grande Oregon, June 15-17, 1972
  • 2017.001.0221 Menu Honoring Te Ata Thompson, O.C.W. Indian Club, January 25, 1931
  • 2017.001.0222 Te Ata program
  • 2017.001.0223 Te Ata program, Hyde Park, New York, June 11, 1939
  • 2017.001.0224 "Princess Te Ata" program, May 11, 1920
  • 2017.001.0225 "Along the Moccasin Trail" program, W. H. Over Museum, South Dakota, October 4-13, 1976
  • 2017.001.0226 "Te Ata Program of American Indian Folklore," New York City
  • 2017.001.0227 "Miss Davis Presents Princess Te Ata" program
  • 2017.001.0228 "The Long Time Ago of the Indian with Te Ata," New Jersey State Museum School Programs, Trenton New Jersey, 1971-1972
  • 2017.001.0229 "American Indian Exhibitions" program, New Jersey State Museum, December-January 1960
  • 2017.001.0290 Te Ata advertising pamphlet version 1
  • 2017.001.0291 Te Ata advertising pamphlet version 2
  • 2017.001.0292 "Te Ata - Interpreter of Indian Lore," Indianapolis Town Hall Series, April 28, 1968
  • 2017.001.0293 "Te Ata - A Play With Music" pamphlets, May 17, 1997
  • 2017.001.0294 Te Ata review drafts, 1 and 2
  • 2017.001.0295 Te Ata event poster

Series 7

Letters, Postcards, and Telegrams

Box 1: Correspondence

  • 2017.001.0230 Letter from Dorothy Bennett to Mr. Baser and Dr. Todd, April 22, 1989
  • 2017.001.0231 Letter from Freeman Beets to Te Ata
  • 2017.001.0232 Telegram to Te Ata from M. A. Nash, September 28, 1933
  • 2017.001.0233 Words of Commendation from Frances Davis
  • 2017.001.0234 Letter from Sue Beree to Te Ata, December 9, 1971
  • 2017.001.0235 Letter to Te Ata from Viginia Embree, March 27, 1972
  • 2017.001.0236 Letter from Sue Beree to Te Ata, February 10, 1972
  • 2017.001.0237 A fan letter to Te Ata from Thyre Hughes, July 12, 1975
  • 2017.001.0238 Note documenting Te Ata's adoption into the Blood Indian Tribe
  • 2017.001.0239 Thank you note to OCW from Te Ata
  • 2017.001.0240 Thank you letter from Te Ata to Dr. Mitchell
  • 2017.001.0241 Letter from Freeman H. Beets to Te Ata, April 23, 1958
  • 2017.001.0242 Thank you note from Te Ata to Dr. Mitchell
  • 2017.001.0243 Letter from Dan Procter to Te Ata, October 25, 1955
  • 2017.001.0244 Postcard correspondence 1
  • 2017.001.0245 Postcard correspondence 2
  • 2017.001.0246 Postcard correspondence 3 with an attached newspaper article: "Tishomingo Girl Praised by Chickasha Paper," Chickasha Express
  • 2017.001.0247 Letter to the alumni of OCLA, probably from Te Ata
  • 2017.001.0248 Letter from Virginia Embree to Te Ata, April 1, 1969
  • 2017.001.0249 Letter from Te Ata to Ruth Walcott, June 5, 1919
  • 2017.001.0250 Letter from Te Ata to her mother, June 12, 1939

Series 8

Dr. Clyde Fisher Materials

Box 1: Dr. Clyde Fisher

  • 2017.001.0251 "Clyde Fisher Naturalist and Teacher," Sky and Telescope, March 1949
  • 2017.001.0252 Magazine cover photo taken by Te Ata and magazine article featuring Clyde Fisher, Natural History, October 1945
  • 2017.001.0253 Clyde Fisher obituary, circa 1948
  • 2017.001.0254 Postcard depicting Clyde Fisher, September 16, 1948
  • 2017.001.0255 "Profiles - The Moon's Best Friend," The New Yorker, December 28, 1940
  • 2017.001.0256 "One Small Voice," New York Sun, December 15, 1943
  • 2017.001.0257 Newspaper photo of Clyde Fisher
  • 2017.001.0258 Untitled newspaper article
  • 2017.001.0259 "The Man in the Moon - Well, Not Quite," New York Post, July 9, 1943

Series 9

Books

Box 1: 19 Books from Te Ata's Personal Library

  • 2017.001.0296 TayTay's Memories
  • 2017.001.0297 Monuments in Cedar
  • 2017.001.0298 A Book of Tales
  • 2017.001.0299 Indian Tales
  • 2017.001.0300 William Jones
  • 2017.001.0301 Touch the Earth
  • 2017.001.0302 Red Mother
  • 2017.001.0303 Indian Primitive
  • 2017.001.0304 Indians of Today
  • 2017.001.0305 Long Lance
  • 2017.001.0306 Klee Wyck
  • 2017.001.0307 The Cheyenne
  • 2017.001.0308 The Navajos
  • 2017.001.0309 Hosteen Klah
  • 2017.001.0310 Cochiti
  • 2017.001.0311 The Navaho
  • 2017.001.0312 My People the Sioux
  • 2017.001.0313 Road to Disappearance
  • 2017.001.0314 The Hopi