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Dedication of Mary McLeod Bethune Park with A. C. Bilbrew, Kenneth Hahn, and Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1963

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
October 1963
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dedication of Mary McLeod Bethune Park with A. C. Bilbrew, Kenneth Hahn, and Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1963

Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville in the backyard of Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s (?)

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s (?)]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Sheffield, Maceo B. (Maceo Bruce), 1897-1959
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville in the backyard of Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s (?)

Ribbon cutting ceremony for English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Description:
Attorney General Stanley Mosk (3rd from right) ready to cut the ribbon for English Square office complex at 85th and Broadway, with the owner, attorney Herman English, and his wife, Eula (right), and (from left): Reverend W. L. Robinson, Attorney Loren Miller, emcee; and Councilman Billy Mills and his wife, Rubye.
Date:
February 19, 1964
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Adams, Harry H., 1918-1988
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Ribbon cutting ceremony for English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
October 16, 1962
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Dr. Vada Somerville at a gathering of the Links chapter in Phoenix, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Crile Studios (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville at a gathering of the Links chapter in Phoenix, 1950s

Women who backed Dr. John A. Somerville's candidacy for City Council, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, Irving C.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Women who backed Dr. John A. Somerville's candidacy for City Council, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Meeting in a home to plan a hurricane relief effort for Jamaica, Los Angeles, 1951

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
September 1951
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Douglas, Robert R.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Meeting in a home to plan a hurricane relief effort for Jamaica, Los Angeles, 1951

Dr. Vada Somerville and Dr. Harold Kingsley at a dinner event, probably for Pilgrim House, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Olmstead, Gilbert D. (Gilbert Dwuyiu), 1914-1985
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville and Dr. Harold Kingsley at a dinner event, probably for Pilgrim House, 1950s

Honorary officer of British Order document, 1953

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
November 2, 1953
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Honorary officer of British Order document, 1953

Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville hosted by Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles,1950s (?)

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1940s-1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
McLain's Photo Service (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville hosted by Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles,1950s (?)

Dr. Vada Somerville and Dr. Harold Kingsley at a dinner event, probably for Pilgrim House, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Sheffield Photo
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville and Dr. Harold Kingsley at a dinner event, probably for Pilgrim House, 1950s

Dr. Vada Somerville and Bill Watkins look at a document, Los Angeles, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, Irving C.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville and Bill Watkins look at a document, Los Angeles, 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville at a political meeting with Adlai E. Stevenson and others, 1950s

Description:
Adlai Ewing Stevenson was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat, noted for his intellectual demeanor, eloquent public speaking, and promotion of progressive causes in the Democratic Party. He received the Democratic Party's nomination for president in the 1952 and 1956 elections.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, Irving C.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville at a political meeting with Adlai E. Stevenson and others, 1950s

Josephine Baker, Havana, 1951

Description:
Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent. She spent her youth in poverty before learning to dance and finding success on Broadway. In the 1920s she moved to France and soon became one of Europe's most popular and highest-paid performers. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and during the 1950s and '60s devoted herself to fighting segregation and racism in the United States. She first performed in Cuba in 1950. After beginning her comeback to the stage in 1973, Josephine Baker died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1975, and was buried with military honors.
Date:
1951
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Josephine Baker, Havana, 1951

Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity members at a national boulé meeting, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity members at a national boulé meeting, 1950s

W. E. B. Du Bois at Pilgrim House with Dr. Harold M. Kingsley, Dr. Vada Somerville and others, Los Angeles, 1950 (?)

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s (?)]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
McLain's Photo Service (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
W. E. B. Du Bois at Pilgrim House with Dr. Harold M. Kingsley, Dr. Vada Somerville and others, Los Angeles, 1950 (?)

Dr. Vada Somerville, Kenneth Hahn, a naval officer and another woman at the Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville, Kenneth Hahn, a naval officer and another woman at the Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles, 1950s

Dr. Vada Somerville conferring with Eleanor Roosevelt at a reception in the Somerville home, Los Angeles, 1950

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
January 17-18, 1950
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville conferring with Eleanor Roosevelt at a reception in the Somerville home, Los Angeles, 1950

Charlotta Bass seated at her desk a the California Eagle, Los Angeles, 1930s

Description:
Charlotta Bass was the publisher of the California Eagle newspaper from 1912 to 1951, and a civil rights activist. The California Eagle, covering Los Angeles' African-American community, was one of the oldest and longest running African American newspapers.
Date:
[1930s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Cutler, George M. (George Miles), 1901-1949
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Charlotta Bass seated at her desk a the California Eagle, Los Angeles, 1930s

Drs. Vada and John Somerville with others at a club, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Simpson, T. J.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Drs. Vada and John Somerville with others at a club, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
October 16, 1962
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Kenneth Hahn at an oath ceremony for Henry Davis, Dr. Vada Somerville and Wesley Brazier, Los Angeles, 1963

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
August 1963
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Kenneth Hahn at an oath ceremony for Henry Davis, Dr. Vada Somerville and Wesley Brazier, Los Angeles, 1963

Ribbon cutting ceremony for English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Description:
Attorney General Stanley Mosk (3rd from right) ready to cut the ribbon for English Square office complex at 85th and Broadway, with the owner, attorney Herman English, and his wife, Eula (right), and (from left): Reverend W. L. Robinson, Attorney Loren Miller, emcee; and Councilman Billy Mills and his wife, Rubye.
Date:
February 19, 1964
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Adams, Harry H., 1918-1988
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Ribbon cutting ceremony for English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Drs. John and Vada Somerville celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with Doris Howard, Los Angeles, 1962

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
October 16, 1962
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Drs. John and Vada Somerville celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with Doris Howard, Los Angeles, 1962

Dr. Vada Somerville honored at People's Independent Church of Christ, Los Angeles, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
McLain's Photo Service (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville honored at People's Independent Church of Christ, Los Angeles, 1950s

Charlotta Bass greeted by children at the Palace of Fine Arts, Tbilisi (Georgia), 1950

Description:
A note on the back of the photograph in the University of Southern California collection reads: Belisi (sic) children brought flowers and danced and sang; Palace of Fine Arts in Georgia; one of most beautiful seen in Russia; was the Palace of the Czars." Bass visited Tbilisi and several other European cities, including Moscow and Prague, in 1950.
Date:
1950
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Charlotta Bass greeted by children at the Palace of Fine Arts, Tbilisi (Georgia), 1950

Drs. Vada and John Somerville with twenty-six others at an unidentified event, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Adams, Harry H., 1918-1988
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Drs. Vada and John Somerville with twenty-six others at an unidentified event, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Loren Miller, seated, with Billy G. Mills and Eula English at the opening of the English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Description:
Loren Miller, seated, beside Billy Mills speaking at a microphone, and Eula English, with a crowd of people behind them at the opening of the English Square office complex at 85th and Broadway. The owner of English Square was attorney Herman English.
Date:
February 19, 1964
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Adams, Harry H., 1918-1988
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Loren Miller, seated, with Billy G. Mills and Eula English at the opening of the English Square office building, Los Angeles, 1964

Jackie Robinson, between 1950-1972

Description:
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947. When the Dodgers signed Robinson, they heralded the end of racial segregation in professional baseball that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. [Wikipedia]. Robinson contributed significantly to the civil rights movement, used his influence, to promote nonviolence, and received NAACP's Spingarn Medal.
Date:
[between 1950-1972]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Jackie Robinson, between 1950-1972

Dr. John A. Somerville with two unidentified men, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Douglas, Bob
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville with two unidentified men, 1950s

Colored Los Angeles greets Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in their motor cars, 1913

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
1913
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Colored Los Angeles greets Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in their motor cars, 1913

Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
October 16, 1962
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Fiftieth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1962

Dr. John Alexander Somerville, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1940-1960]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John Alexander Somerville, 1950s-1960s

Flier for the Los Angeles County Negro Democratic Club, circa 1937

Description:
Fay Allen was a member of the Los Angeles City Board of Education, an organist, a teacher, a civil rights activist, and political strategist. She was the first African American woman to be elected to the Board of Education, and she founded the Black Musicians’ Union in the early 1900s. She believed in working with diverse communities to foster civic engagement and social uplift.
Date:
[1937]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Flier for the Los Angeles County Negro Democratic Club, circa 1937

Dr. Vada Somerville, circa 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[circa 1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Alexander, Elson
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville, circa 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville and three couples standing in a yard, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville and three couples standing in a yard, 1950s

Loren Miller at a testimonial dinner for Mervyn M. Dymally at the Los Angeles Furnishing Mart, Los Angeles, 1963

Description:
Mervyn Malcolm Dymally was a Democratic politician from California who served in the California State Assembly (1963–66), the California State Senate (1967–75), as the 41st Lieutenant Governor of California (1975–79), in the U.S. House of Representatives (1981–93), and later in the California State Assembly (2003–08).
Date:
July 26, 1963
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Adams, Harry H., 1918-1988
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Loren Miller at a testimonial dinner for Mervyn M. Dymally at the Los Angeles Furnishing Mart, Los Angeles, 1963

Dr. John A. Somerville at a gathering with 13 other men and women, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Boucher, Hal
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville at a gathering with 13 other men and women, 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville with two unidentified men, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Maxon
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville with two unidentified men, 1950s

Garden party at the Somerville residence for members of the Church of Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles, 1947

Description:
Palmer van Gundy was an active member of the Church of Christian Fellowship, the Executive Director of the local, Los Angeles FEPC (Fair Employment Practice Committee) in 1947, involved in local church music events, and was a frequent contributor to the letters to the editor section of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper from 1967 to 1986.
Date:
July 1947
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
McLain's Photo Service (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Garden party at the Somerville residence for members of the Church of Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles, 1947

Supervisor Kenneth Hahn administering a pledge from Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Supervisor Kenneth Hahn administering a pledge from Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s-1960s

Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville at the residence of Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s (?)

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s (?)]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Sheffield, Maceo B. (Maceo Bruce), 1897-1959
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Reception for Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Somerville at the residence of Drs. Vada and John Somerville, Los Angeles, 1950s (?)

Thirty-fifth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1947

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
October 16, 1947
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Gilwee, Jim
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Thirty-fifth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1947

Dr. Vada Somerville receives an award from County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, Los Angeles, 1960s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Vada Somerville receives an award from County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, Los Angeles, 1960s

Thirty-fifth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1947

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
October 16, 1947
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Thirty-fifth wedding anniversary of Drs. John and Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1947

Drs. John and Vada Somerville with a man and woman in a home, 1950s-1960s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s-1960s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, Irving C.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Drs. John and Vada Somerville with a man and woman in a home, 1950s-1960s

Dr. Dorothy Height, Dr. Vada Somerville, Juanita Miller, Louise Grooms, Eunice H. Carter, Mamie Davis and others at a gathering, Los Angeles, 1950s

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. Dorothy Height, Dr. Vada Somerville, Juanita Miller, Louise Grooms, Eunice H. Carter, Mamie Davis and others at a gathering, Los Angeles, 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville at a gathering in a garden, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville at a gathering in a garden, 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville, and Lester B. Granger, Los Angeles, 1950s

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[1950s]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, Irving C.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville, and Lester B. Granger, Los Angeles, 1950s

Dr. John A. Somerville, John Anson Ford, Robert Z. Hardon, Thomas Newton and Wallace Braden, Los Angeles, circa 1948

Description:
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica, was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Date:
[circa 1948]
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Smith, A. Ellis
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Dr. John A. Somerville, John Anson Ford, Robert Z. Hardon, Thomas Newton and Wallace Braden, Los Angeles, circa 1948

Certificate of appreciation awarded to Betty Hill in gratitude for her leadership in bringing improvements to Will Rogers Park in Watts, 1955

Description:
Betty Hill, dubbed by the Los Angeles Sentinel the "Mother of Negro Political Leaders," founded the Women's Republican Study Club (later the Women's Political Study Club) in Los Angeles in 1929. Her many causes included fighting Jim Crow in Los Angeles hospitals and public swimming pools, abolishing separate civil service lists for African American school teachers, and getting the Board of Education to approve a child care center program. Hill was married to Sgt. Abraham Hill.
Date:
1955
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Certificate of appreciation awarded to Betty Hill in gratitude for her leadership in bringing improvements to Will Rogers Park in Watts, 1955

Supervisor Kenneth Hahn with Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1959

Description:
Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Date:
January 1959
Resource Type:
still image
Photographer:
Homuller, J. A.
Collection:
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections
Supervisor Kenneth Hahn with Dr. Vada Somerville, Los Angeles, 1959