As the primary physician to the Black community in Providence for several decades, Dr. Carl Russell Gross (1888-1971) came to know well its members. Aided by his numerous connections with the Rhode Island Black community, Dr. Gross devoted himself to the research and writing of its history. The Dr. Carl Russell Gross Collections contains six manuscript versions of an unpublished book which Dr. Gross never finished and a subject file containing research material used for this project. Each version of the manuscript has its own pagination although their contents are similar. They furnish a chronological account of events related to Black history in Rhode Island between 1696 and 1971. The manuscripts and subject file also contain short histories of prominent Black individuals and institutions in Rhode Island.
The papers were donated by Dr. Gross' family after his death in 1971. A special note of appreciation is extended by the James P. Adams Library to Mrs. Christine Buchanan, Dr. Gross' niece, whose help with the collections is greatly appreciated.
Additional materials from the Gross Collection may be accessed in person by visiting Special Collections at Rhode Island College.
Submissions from 1971
History of Free and Accepted Masons, (Prince Hall) in Rhode Island 'From Whence We Came', Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript A, Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript B, Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript C, Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript D, Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript E, Carl Russell Gross
Manuscript F, Carl Russell Gross
Submissions from 1966
A Brief History on the Life of Matilda Sissieretta (Joynor) Jones "The Black Patti" 1869-1933 (?), Carl Russell Gross