My Contribution: I was a prominent soprano in Harrisburg’s music community and a dedicated elementary school teacher at Wickersham Elementary School.
My Legacy: I was a talented classical musician and a respected educator in Harrisburg and beyond who selflessly contributed musical talents to local organizations and churches. Second Baptist Church, where I often performed, still operates as an active church community today.
About Me: “She was an often sought-after vocalist. She enjoyed religious and classical music.” Betty Curtis, niece of Dorothy, written history.
Full Name: Dorothy Margarete Curtis; Dorothy (Curtis) Nichols
Birth Date: ca. 1900-1903
Death Date: January 23, 1955
Place of Birth: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Sex: Female
Race: Black (1910 and 1920 Federal Censuses) and “Negro” (1930 Federal Census)
Places of Residence: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: 127 Short Street, 250 Liberty Street, and 133 Balm Street.
Connection to the Old Eighth Ward: Resident on Short Street.
Family Members: Father: Robert Curtis. Mother: Jane Greenly Curtis. Brothers: John Curtis, Robert Curtis, Earl Curtis, Floyd Curtis, and Orvin Curtis. Husband: Sheridan H. Nichols (m. Jan. 2, 1938).
Education: Cherry State Teachers College (source: interview with descendant Betty Curtis); Shippensburg State Teachers College; University of Pennsylvania summer course; and Temple University summer session.
Occupations: Soloist. Elementary School Teacher at Wickersham School, Harrisburg. Clerk.
Church Membership: Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Activism: Community Choral Society; Alpha Music Study Club (Harrisburg branch of National Association of Negro Musicians); Crispus Atticks Club.
Connections: Mildred Mercer Cannon. Rosabelle Quann. Frisby C. Battis and Maude Coleman (neighbors).
Digital Harrisburg 