Main content
Frank L. Stephens, Jr. Collection
Notifications
Held at: Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Frank L. Stephens Jr. was born in Augusta Georgia. He moved to Philadelphia at an early age. Frank graduated from Bok Vocational Technical High School with a major in Commercial Art. He served in the United States Air Force as an illustrator; later he was promoted to non-commission officer in charge of the Graphic Arts unit at Harlingen Air Force Base, Harlingen Texas. Following his commitment to the military, he attended the Hussian School of Art and went on to graduate from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) in 1961, with a major in Advertising Design. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as an illustrator at The Free Library of Philadelphia with one interruption. He worked for three years at the Naval Supply Depot in Philadelphia as a graphic designer. He returned to The Free Library in 1965 as Exhibits Manager.
Moving through the promotional ranks, and earning ever-increasing respect for his skill, artistry and professionalism, Frank was appointed Library Arts and Graphics Administrator in 1990. He was the first Black male to serve on The Free Library of Philadelphia's Management Team in the one-hundred-year history of the Library. Frank has been the principal creator of more than three hundred major exhibitions. He has used his artistic talents to focus attention and provide greater exposure to the works of Black artists, thus breaking through racial barriers and stereotypes. Among the exhibits that have won praise, were those featuring Beatrice Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit's original illustrations, an exhibition and booklet entitled "To Be Black in America; an exhibit that paid tribute to Marian Anderson, the late celebrated concert singer and famous Philadelphian. He has been awarded over thirty-five graphic, community, and civil awards, including two gold medals for graphic design and one gold medal for art direction from the Graphic Arts Association of Delaware Valley. He also received one gold medal for graphic illustration from the Artist Guild of Delaware Valley; was named Employee of The Year in 1970 by the City of Philadelphia and in the same year received a National Civil Service League Award. He was the recipient of the 1992 Jerry Pinkney Award for Artistic Excellence, the 1993 Benjamin Franklin Award for Design and Neographic competition; the City of Philadelphia Retirement Award; a 1994 citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and a tribute from the House of Representatives, 103rd Congress of the United States. While the Director Graphic Arts, his graphic arts staff at the Free Library of Philadelphia received many graphic arts awards.
Frank Stephens began his fine arts career in 1994. He has exhibited at Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pennsylvania, The Esther M. Klein Art Gallery, University of Pennsylvania, Science Center, Dizyners Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gloucester County College, Sewell, New Jersey, and the Atlantic City Free Public Library, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Stephens continues to work on selected graphic arts projects. During Frank Stephens's career at The Free Library of Philadelphia he produced free-lance graphic designs for a number of major institutions in the Delaware Valley.
The Frank Stephens Jr. collection contains a variety of printed materials and artwork from his long and successful career. The documents include awards, books, brochures, flyers, photographs and reports. The artwork component includes drawings, photographs, printed illustrations and paintings. The collection also contains some of Frank Stephen Jr.'s personal items such as his portfolio.
Series 2: Zion Baptist Church, 1972-2006, undated
Series 3: Binders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1960-1998
Series 4: Awards, undated
Gift, 2008, 2009, 2013.
Collection processed and finding aid prepared in March 2013 by Dhruv Thakker and Ashabi Rich; Supervised by Leslie Willis-Lowry, Temple University.
- Publisher
- Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
- Finding Aid Author
- Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.
- Finding Aid Date
- January 2025
- Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
The Frank L. Stephens, Jr. Collection is the physical property of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries. The creator/donor has not assigned their rights to Temple University Libraries. Other creators' intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to them or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated. All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on Reproduction. Information on copyright (literary rights) available from the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.
Collection Inventory
Series 1 contains reports, advertisements, brochures, programs, keepsakes, correspondence.
Series 2 contains Zion Baptist Church, Laurel Lodge No. 2 ephemera and memorabilia from Men's Day, Women's Day, church related ceremonies, programs, and services.
Back to basics, back to our root, while we take a closer walk with God – 1989 April 9; Commit thy works unto Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established – 1995 March 26; Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men; Men's day – Rev. William J. Key, Pastor – 1998 March 22; Men's day – 1999 March 28; Men's day – 2001 March 25; Men, seeing God in his greatness – 1993 March 28; Men walking with Christ, yesterday and today – 1986 March 26; Recommitment of our faith – 1987 March 22; Rise Up O Men of God; Triumph through God's hands – 1996 March 24; Working and Praying together for God
Christian Women aiming to make a difference – 1991 Nov 3; Christian Women having Patience, Wisdom and Strength: 1995 Nov 5; Christian Women seeking Grace for Growth and Excellence – 1996 Nov 3; Christian Women working together for Christ; Pastor Gus Roman's Message – 1990 Nov 4; Spiritually Disciplined Christian Women carrying out God's word – 1998 Nov 1; Through the Spirit of Christ we Love, Behold all things become new – 1988 Nov 6; We walk by Faith not by Sight – 1997 Nov 2; Women of Faith serving God together with Love – 2001 Nov 4; Women seeking ways for Christian Living – 1990 Nov 4; Women United giving service to God; Zion Baptist Church – Annual Women's Day – 1986 Nov 2
A Charge to Keep; Action Library News; Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum; All Men doing God's Work in God's Church – 1988 April 10; Black Expo – 1971; Black Resource Guide, The Free Library of Philadelphia; Certificate – Zion Baptist Church; Chancel Choir of the Abyssinian Baptist Church – 2005 Dec 4; Check it Out – Action Library; Completely Yes, God – Reverend Doctor Daly Barnes Jr., Pastor; Honoring Reverend William B. Glenn Jr – 1995 Nov 10; Jazz OIC – Celebrating 25 Years of helping People Help Themselves; Lifelong Learning Center Project – 1976-77; Lungs, Leather; Ministers in Song – Cheyney University National Alumni Association – 2000 Nov 19; Moving Perspective on Dance by Dr. Patricia Reid-Bookhart: 1992 Feb 5; OICs of America, Inc. Annual Report – 1972-73; Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc.; Pastor, A Gift of God, Rev. Gus Roman Installation Banquet: 1988 Dec 2; Progress Parade Spring – 1976; Robeson, Paul – A centennial Exhibition – 1898-1998; Spirit of the Earth – Echoes of Light; Sullivan Humanitarian Award Luncheon – 50th Anniversary Celebration – 2006 Feb 19; Symphonic Soul; Symphonic Soul 2 – 1976; Symphonic Soul; Tribute to James Frazer Jr. – 1988 June 12; Zion Baptist Church – Women's Day 2002
About African Americans; An Evening with Reverend and Mrs. Leon H. Sullivan – 1991 Dec 7; 5th Annual – Cultural & Performing Arts Festival – 1978 June 11; A New Church for a New Day -1; A New Church for a New Day – 2; Awards Banquet – 1987 June 20; Booklist on Human Relations; Book – List for Young Men; Called to Serve – 2005 Jan 9; Celebrating our 100th Anniversary God has been Good! – Zion Baptist Church; Christian Activist, Lundy, Deacon Jesse – 1987 April 3; Church Directory & Calendar of Annual Events – 1980; 2nd Annual Cultural & Performing Arts Festival; Rev. Deberry, Joseph M.; First Annual Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Golf Tournament; Health Partners – 1996 May 31; Home Going Service in memory of Stephens, Frank L. Sr. – 1990 June 3; Honoring Five decades of Leadership & Achievement; Jones, Howard- 1986 May 2 (Testimonial); Martin Luther King Birthday Party; NAAPO – National Afro-American Philharmonic Orchestra; National Afro-American Philharmonic Orchestra; Purlie Victorious; Symphonic Soul 3 – 1980 June 29; The Relgious Celebration; Wilhelmenia Fernandez Soprana, William Vendice Pianist – 1991 Jan 20; Youth Council – Creative Arts Festival; Zion Gala Dinnerama; ZION – 115 years (1882-1997); Zion Baptist Church`; 2nd Annual Victory Banquet of Zion Baptist Church – 1975 June 20
Africa A Continent of Opportunities; Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan, Pasto Emeritus; Tribute to Sullivan, Leon H.; Visions: Leon H. Sullivan Foundation
Annual Report 1972-1973 OICs; Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc.; The Progress Companies: New Dimensions in Manufacturing Excellence
Honoring Brown, James B. – 1993 Oct 23; Honoring Chapman, Arthur Sr. – 1987 Oct 24; Honoring Colbert, Raymond – 1998 Oct 31; Honoring Coney, Tenily – 1978 Oct 28; Honoring Downes, William; Honoring Farmer, George – 1995 Oct 28; Honoring Fooks, Louis G. – 1977 Oct 29; Honoring Garland, Nathaniel – 1996 Nov 2; Honoring Johnson, Robert E., Sr. ; Honoring Slaughter, David – 1987 May 17; Honoring Smith, Bernard – 1990 Oct 27; Honoring Smith, Raymond – 1991 Nov 2; Honoring Stewart, Charles R. – 1980 Oct 25; Honoring 40 or more members – 1977 Nov 1; F.A.M
Series 3 contains large binders numbered 1-6 which are portfolios of Mr. Stephen's work. Note that as of 11-04-2016, Binder #3 was discovered to be missing.
Simplicity in Design "The Thomas Mckean, Automobile Reference Brochure" 1960; Photo of "Frank Stephens and Richard Cattafesta" Feb 1960; First exhibit case design " Auto Reference Collection" 1960; Three Photographs of "Convention Hall, Children's Exhibit" 1960; "The John Frederick Lewis Collection" exhibit 1993; "Ancient Liberties and Free Customs" Lobby 1965; "Christmas" 15th Century manuscripts. Lobby 1983; "Ladies In My Library" Norman Strouse Collection. Lobby 1968; Best of Library "100th Anniversary" lobby 1991; Best of Library "100th Anniversary" Gallery 1991; "The Rarest Of the Rare" lobby 1986; "Poland One Thousand years Of History" lobby 1966; "Poland" lobby 1983; "Women And Women Issues" lobby 1982; "Beatrix Potter' Original drawings and paintings from the collection of Bacon Collanmore Lobby 1966; "Everything Beatrix" lobby 1992-1993; "Salute To The Parkway" lobby 1986; "Philadelphia Gardens" lobby- (circa1984); "200 Years Of Publishing In Early Photographs" lobby 1976; Beatrix" lobby 1992-1993; "Old Philadelphia In Early Photographs" gallery- (circa 1976) ;"From Shallop To Submarine" lobby 1977
"U.S. History Through Postal Stamps" lobby 1992; "FLP Map Collection" lobby 1998; "The French Revolution" lobby 1989; "We The People 200-The Evolving Constitution" lobby 1987; "To Make All Laws" lobby 1990; "American Humor" lobby (circa 1976); "A Tribute To Jorge Amado" lobby 1993; "International Year Of The Child" lobby 1979; "Olympia" lobby and gallery (circa 1984); "The Circus" lobby 1983; "The Circus" gallery 1983; "The Automobile Reference Collection" lobby 1967; "The Automobile Reference Collection" lobby 1991; "Hoopla" lobby 1991; "The Return Of Sherlock Holmes" lobby (circa 1970); "Books For Young Adults" lobby 1982
"The Pride And Prejudice" From Collection of Charles Blockson and The Print and Picture Collection 2nd floor 1988; "Black Artists" Exhibit gallery 1992; "To Be Black In America" lobby 1970; "Art Festival" for the National Medical Association Of Eastern Pennsylvania Catalog 1971; "The Black Cowboy" gallery 1993; "The Great Blacks In Wax Museum" Rev Leon Howard Sullivan exhibit Baltimore, Maryland 1996; "Great Beautiful Black Women" Painting by Paul Collins; "Black Baseball Pioneers" lobby and gallery exhibit; "Books By Black Writers" lobby – (circa 1970); "Prison Art" lobby 1971; "Zora Neal Hurston" gallery 1996; "A Salute To The Puerto Rican Community" lobby 1986; "Black Dolls" gallery 1992-1993; "Odunde" 2nd Floor exhibit 1990; "Odunde Historical Maker" 1997
Pg 1& 2 lobby directory designed by Frank L. Stephens; Pg 3 Frank L. Stephens and Assistant Marcel Maroux; "The Dance" gallery 1965; "Robert Lawson" lobby 1977; "Maurice Sendak" gallery 1968; "Brandy Wine Illustrators" From the rare book collection; "N.C. Wyeth" gallery 1987; "Marguerite De Angeli" lobby 1989; "Through These Arches" lobby – (circa 1976); "Historical Print Collection" gallery 1985; "The Gifts of Christmas Past" lobby 1985; "Philadelphia The Victorian City" lobby 1985; "Victorian Picture Buttons 1870-1900"; "The Book And The Cook" lobby 1988; "Made To Last" gallery 1989; "Pennsylvania Writers" lobby 1985; "Bach" From the Collection of the Music Department; "Theatre Collection"; "View Points1983" lobby 1983; "The Golden Age of Jazz" lobby 1990; "Music Collection" gallery 1991; "Prints In Progress" gallery 1985; "Oz" L. Frank Baum; "Joe Brown Sculpture"
"The Bendenir Collection" Print And Picture Department; "Music Department-Sheet Music Collection" gallery 1976; "Printers Marks" lobby 1962; "The Making Of The Book" lobby (circa-1970); "Kadar" lobby 1996; "Germantown's Forgotten Images 1840-1927" lobby 1983; "The First Americans" lobby 1976; "By Reason Of Birth Or Residence"; "Theatre Posters" gallery 1991; "Unicef" gallery 1982-1983; "The Travel Posters" lobby (circa-1980); "As We See The Zoo" gallery (circa-1990); "Christmas" lobby 1968; "Christmas" lobby 1986; "Christmas" lobby 1988; "Christmas" lobby 1989; "Christmas" lobby 1990; "100 Years- Children Illustrations" gallery 1991; "Luciano Pavarotti Paintings" gallery 1988; "American Library Association Exhibit" Atlantic City (circa-1971); "Fairmount Park" lobby and gallery 1967; "Academy Of Natural Science & FLP Prints & Pictures Collection"; "John Sloan" gallery (circa-1970); "Public Documents 1891-1966" lobby and gallery 1966; "The Automobile Reference Collection" lobby 1976; "100 Years Of Children's Books 1890-1990" gallery 1990; "U.S. Navy Aviation Supply Office" display 1962; "Poetry Exhibit 1968" gallery Painting by Frank Stephens
"Children's Book Illustration" lobby 1968; "15th Century Manuscripts and Artifacts" lobby (circa-1968); "Original Book Illustrations" 2nd floor gallery 1966; "Fritz Janschka" gallery 1988; "Gunter Grass – The Tin Drums" gallery 1968; "Edgar Allen Poe" Three lobby exhibits – rare book department; "Happy Birthday Young America" lobby 1976; "Birch's Views" gallery 1982; "Presidential Letters" lobby 1976; "Philadelphia First" lobby 1988; "Preservation Perspectives" lobby 1982; "One Million Images" Print and Picture Collection; '150 Years of Photography" gallery 1989; "Benton Spruance" gallery 1986; "Read My Clay" gallery 1992; "FLP Staff Arts & Crafts" gallery 1988; "Vendor Stand Competition" lobby 1990; "Pennsylvania German Franktur" gallery 1976; "The Randolph Collection of Angling Prints"; "The Art of Stain Glass"
Series 4 contains larger sized portfolio works are housed in this flat storage box. As of 11-04-16, four artifacts listed for Binder #5 in Box 5 are missing.