Delno Polk Bailey Interview, 1998-08-28
Abstract
This is the compact disc and transcript of Ellie Sciarra's interview of Delno Polk Bailey. The interview was conducted August 28, 1998, most likely in Denver, CO.
Dates
- 1998-08-28
Biographical / Historical
Delno Polk Bailey was born on September 19, 1926 in Denver, CO to parents Delno (Duchess) Fisher and Harry E. Polk. Delno herself had 2 sons.
Delno was an active member of Holy Redeemer Church and Democratic Party. She was also one of the first women of color in Denver to receive a pilot's license. In addition, as District Captain, she was an expert swimmer and skier.
Delno started dancing at age four. She performed throughout the Rocky Mountains with the Junior Ebony Follies on the RKO Orpheum circuit. She started tap dancing at age 12, continuing well into her sixties. She was on the board for the Colorado Dance Festival and was a member of the Colorado Cuees, Owls Club Owlettes, Swoops Pilot Club Black West Museum, and the International Tap Association.
In addition, she worked in the nursing industry for two decades and was appointed by the governor to the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Delno then worked in banking for 10 years before retiring.
Her obituary says Delno's "warmth, grace, and charm were felt by people throughout the nation."
Extent
From the File: 1 Items : (1) record box
Scope and Contents
This series contains cassette tapes, floppy disks, cds, transcripts, and related material on the interviewees for Ellie Sciarra's "Taps are Talking: Women in Tap" production.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository