Harry E. Jones papers

1941-1968

In 1936 Harry Jones founded and organized the first Boy Scout troop for African Americans in the New Brunswick, New Jersey area, Troop 29, and was its scoutmaster for more than thirty years. A professional prizefighter in his youth, Jones also taught himself to play the piano and the organ. During the 1930's he had a weekly radio program and played in clubs in New Jersey through the 1960's. In addition, Jones was the organist for the Antioch Baptist Church in New Brunswick. The majority of the Harry Jones Papers reflect Jones' role as a Boy Scout leader for African American boys in New Jersey, with some material relating to his career as a musician. The collection contains news clippings and articles discussing Jones' scouting activities, and certificates and citations from the Boy Scouts and other community officials praising his scouting work. There are also newspaper advertisements for Jones' musical appearances in small clubs in New Jersey.