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Alma Bell - Photo Archive

Archive items currently tagged Alma Bell in the Bell Family Archive.

109 archive items

1943

Alma Tharp Joins Memminger High School Victory Corps — World War II Community Service

March 9, 1943
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper article announcing the formation of a Victory Corps unit at Memminger High School in Charleston, South Carolina, as part of the school's contribution to the World War II home-front effort. The program was designed to train high-school students for future war service while encouraging active participation in community wartime activities. Students were required to meet academic, physical-training and community-service standards. Activities included Red Cross work, Civilian Defense assistance, USO support, rationing-board work, selling war bonds and stamps, victory gardens, and other wartime service projects. Among the students listed as enrolling in the Victory Corps is Alma Thorp [Tharp], who attended Memminger High School before becoming known for her aviation activities and membership in The Ninety-Nines.

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Alma Tharp Serves in Memminger Victory Corps Nurses Aides Squad

Circa May 1943
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper article reporting the organization and officers of the Memminger Victory Corps at Memminger High School in Charleston, South Carolina. The corps was divided into specialized squads supporting community and wartime service activities, including the USO, Victory Gardens, Red Cross, clerical and library work, and nurses' aide service. Alma Tharp is specifically listed as a member of the First Platoon Nurses Aides Squad, along with Marie Petit, Sylvia Ginsberg, Virginia Burdashaw, Eloise Adams, Edna Hill, and Helen Hill. The article notes that Victory Corps members drilled each Tuesday under the direction of M. Simon Fogarty and Mr. Utsey of the Home Guard. Girls who completed 25 hours of community service and physical fitness work were presented with official Victory Corps insignia.

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1944

1945

Alma Tharp Receives Private Pilot License

Circa 1945
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper clipping reporting that Alma Tharp of Folly Beach, South Carolina, qualified for her private pilot license at Carolina Skyways Airport. William S. Scott was president of Carolina Skyways.

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Alma Tharp Among “Queens” Welcoming Pilots — April 12–14, 1945

April 12, 1945
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper photograph showing a group of young women gathered around visiting pilots during an aviation event in April 1945. The surviving portion of the caption begins “QUEENS SURROUND PILOTS” and identifies pilots Clifford Evans Jr. and George Truman; the remainder of the original caption is not visible in this scan. This clipping was preserved among Alma Tharp's aviation and personal memorabilia and appears to relate to her early involvement in aviation activities while still a teenager. The filename associated with the clipping dates the event or newspaper material to April 12–14, 1945.

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1946

1947

Alma Tharp Memorabilia — Clemson Dances and Middleton Place Gardens

Circa 1947
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Collection of personal keepsakes preserved among Alma Edythe Tharp's papers, including two invitations from The Central Dance Association at Clemson, South Carolina, and an admission pass to Middleton Place Gardens near Charleston. The Clemson invitations are for an Autumn Ball, held November 21–22 at the College Fieldhouse with music by Billy Knauff, and a Rat Hop, held October 3–4 at the College Fieldhouse with music by The Jungaleers. The invitations specify formal or semi-formal Friday-night dances followed by informal Saturday-night events. The Middleton Place Gardens pass is handwritten for “Miss Alma Tharp and one guest” and appears to have been issued on a complimentary basis.

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Alma Tharp at Folly Beach — Miss American Legion Beauty Contest and Mr. Folly Beach

August 17, 1947
Alma B

Two newspaper clippings documenting Alma Tharp's involvement in Folly Beach community events. In the first, “22 Young Women Will Seek Legion Beauty Title at Folly Pier,” Alma Tharp of Folly Beach is named Master of Ceremonies for the Miss American Legion Beauty contest at Folly Pier, sponsored by Palmetto Post 112. The second article, “Women Scream and Cheer As Muscle Men Flex Biceps,” reports on a Mr. Folly Beach physique contest held at Folly Pier. Rembert Garris, a 22-year-old Charleston YMCA bodybuilder, won the competition and was presented with the trophy by Miss Folly Beach, Alma Thorp [Tharp], whom he kissed during the presentation.

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Alma Edythe Tharp and William Burnett McDowell Jr.

Circa November 1947
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Engagement announcement for Alma Edythe Tharp, and William Burnett McDowell Jr., of Shelton, South Carolina. The article notes that both Alma and William were devoted to flying, held private pilot licenses, and were working toward commercial and instructor licenses. She did not show up to the wedding. Her family and everyone else were there. She ran off to Annie Bell's home and hid out there.

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1948

Alma Tharp Flies to Carolina Ninety-Nines Annual Convention

Circa 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Alma Tharp flies to Carolinas Ninety-Nines convention, Spartanburg, S.C, for a two-day annual convention of the Carolinas Chapter of the Ninety-Nines. Alma Tharp flew from Charleston to Spartanburg in her nearly new Ercoupe.

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Carolina Ninety-Nines Annual Meeting in Spartanburg

Circa 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Spartanburg, South Carolina. Newspaper announcement of the annual meeting of the Carolinas Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots. Members were scheduled to gather in Spartanburg for a weekend meeting, including a buffet supper and the chapter's annual business meeting at the Cleveland Hotel. The article lists “Alma Thorpe” of Charleston, apparently a newspaper misspelling of Alma Tharp, along with fellow Charleston pilot Jewell Bailey.

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Alma Tharp with Her Ercoupe

Circa 1948
Alma B, Jewell Bailey

Circa 1948. Alma Tharp, at left, with another woman beside an Ercoupe aircraft. Alma was an active member of the Carolinas Chapter of the Ninety-Nines and a licensed private pilot. A contemporary newspaper account records Alma flying her nearly new Ercoupe from Charleston to Spartanburg for a Carolinas Ninety-Nines convention. Exact date and location of this photograph have not yet been confirmed.

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Alma Tharp in Evening Gown, Charleston Area, late 1940s

Circa April 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B
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Alma Tharp Portrait in Evening Gown, Charleston Area, late 1940s

Circa April 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B
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Charleston Azalea Festival Parade — Folly Beach delegation / Alma Tharp — 1948

April 13, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Folly Beach delegation participating in the Charleston Azalea Festival parade. Alma Tharp represented Folly Beach after being selected queen of the Folly Beach festival float.

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Charleston Azalea Festival Parade — Folly Beach delegation / Alma Tharp — 1948

April 13, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B
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Folly Beach Float Wins at Tenth Annual Azalea Festival — Alma Tharp Represented as Queen

April 13, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper coverage of the Tenth Annual Azalea Festival parade in Charleston, South Carolina, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. More than 100 beauty representatives, including 28 official queens, participated along with 25 floats, 11 bands, and other parade units. The Folly Beach float, on which Alma Tharp served as queen, was judged the winning entry in the towns category. The article describes the float as featuring a large silver-and-green fan and identifies Alma's attendants as June Lockwood, Rose Marie Frost, Mary Lou Barnett, and Stella Barnett. Delores Jowers and Ann Angel rode at the front of the float. The accompanying article, “Queens Have Really Busy Day Ahead,” describes the schedule of activities arranged for the festival's 28 official queens, including a press conference, visits to Charleston's gardens, a hospital appearance, luncheon, and participation in festival events.

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lma Tharp Rides on Prize-Winning Folly Beach Float — Azalea Festival, 1948

April 14, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper photograph of the Folly Beach entry in the 1948 Azalea Festival parade. The elaborate float, designed by Clinton Thompson and Mrs. Marion Murphy, was judged best in the towns classification. The float featured a large silver-and-green fan and carried several young women representing Folly Beach. The newspaper caption specifically identifies Alma Tharp, along with June Lockwood, Rose Marie Frost, Mary Lou Barnett, and Stella Barnett, as the “Folly Beach beauties” riding on the float. Delores Jowers, Ann Angel, and Harry Bishop rode painted merry-go-round horses at the front.

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Alma Tharp Named Queen of Folly Beach Azalea Festival Float

April 14, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Collection of newspaper clippings and photographs documenting Alma Tharp's selection as Queen of the Folly Beach Azalea Festival float. Alma, identified as the 21-year-old daughter of G. E. Tharp of Folly Beach, won a beauty contest and dance held at the Folly Beach Community Center and was chosen to ride in the place of honor on the community's Azalea Festival parade float. Her court consisted of June Lockwood, runner-up; Rose Marie Frost; Mary Lou Barnett; and Stella Barnett. One article identifies Burnette Spencer as Alma's secretary during the event and reports that Alma was crowned by contest judge C. Wayne Cox. The clippings also provide important biographical details about Alma. She was a graduate of Memminger High School, was employed by the Hay Oil Company, owned her own airplane, and held a private pilot's license. The accompanying photographs show Alma wearing her crown and formal gown following her selection as Miss Folly Beach and Queen of the Folly Beach Azalea Festival float.

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Alma Tharp Wins Folly Beach Beauty and Popularity Contest

April 14, 1948
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Two related newspaper clippings document a James Island Parent-Teacher Association game party and popularity contest held at the Folly Beach Community Center for girls and babies from James Island and Folly Beach. The follow-up article, “Miss Alma Tharp Wins Beach Beauty Contest,” reports that Alma Tharp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Tharp of 310 East Cooper Street, Folly Beach, was named winner of the girls' popularity contest. Alma was presented with a gold pin watch as her prize. A baby contest held at the same event was won by two-year-old Buddy Cochran, son of Mrs. Thelma Cochran of 305 Erie Avenue. He received a $5 war stamp, which he presented back to the James Island P.T.A.

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Alma Tharp and Jewell Bailey: Charleston Women Pilots — 1948

November 12, 1948
Alma B, Jewell Bailey

November 12, 1948 newspaper feature about Charleston aviators Alma Tharp and Jewell Bailey, members of the Ninety-Nines women pilots’ organization. Alma is pictured preparing to take Jewell for a flight from Carolina Airways Airport in her airplane, “Rebel.” Published in The Charleston Evening Post.

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1949

Alma Tharp and The Ninety-Nines — Carolina Women Pilots and Air Race, 1949

May 21, 1949
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Collection of May 1949 newspaper clippings documenting Alma Tharp's aviation activities and involvement with the Carolinas Chapter of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. A May 21, 1949 News and Courier article records Alma receiving her private pilot license at Carolina Skyways Airport. That same weekend, Alma flew her trim Ercoupe from Charleston to Spartanburg for the Carolinas Chapter's annual meeting. Other clippings identify her alongside fellow women pilots including Jewell Bailey. The chapter meetings included planning for the upcoming All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race, scheduled to begin in San Diego on June 11 and finish in Greenville, South Carolina. Charleston was selected as the race's eastern continental marker, requiring competitors to fly through Charleston before proceeding to Greenville. Dates represented: May 21 and May 25, 1949.

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1950

1950 — Ninety-Nines Women Fliers to Meet Here Next Sunday

Circa 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

People: Alma Tharp; Jewell Bailey; Kathleen O'Brien Organization: Carolinas Chapter, The Ninety-Nines Event: Quarterly Ninety-Nines meeting / planning for the 1950 All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race ending in Greenville, SC.

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Circa March 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp, William Burnett McDowell, Jr.
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John J. Tharp Jr. Earns Pilot’s License at 17

Circa March 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp

March 1, 1950 newspaper article featuring 17-year-old John J. Tharp Jr. of Folly Beach after earning his pilot’s license. The photograph shows his sister, aviatrix Alma Tharp, giving him some last-minute advice before he takes off in the family airplane. The article describes John as the youngest member of the Breakfast Club and notes the family’s strong connection to aviation.

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Alma Tharp Represents Folly Beach in the Azalea Festival Parade

April 12, 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper coverage of Charleston’s Azalea Festival parade notes Alma Tharp as “Miss Folly Beach,” riding aboard the Folly Beach float with other local representatives. The article is another glimpse into Alma’s life beyond aviation, showing her involvement in Charleston-area social and community events during the early 1950s.

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Alma Tharp Attends Ninety-Nines Meeting for 1950 Women’s Transcontinental Air Race

Circa May 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

1950 — Charleston, South Carolina. Alma Tharp of Folly Beach attended a quarterly meeting of the Carolinas Chapter of the Ninety-Nines at Charleston Municipal Airport. Members discussed plans for the annual All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race, scheduled to begin in San Diego on June 11 and finish in Greenville, South Carolina, with Charleston serving as the eastern continental marker. The article lists Alma among the Carolinas Ninety-Nines members attending the meeting.

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Ninety-Nines Women Pilots, 1950

May 31, 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper clippings and a Carolinas Chapter newsletter document Alma Tharp of Folly Beach, South Carolina, as an active member of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. In 1950, Alma was described as the youngest member of the Southeastern section of the two Carolinas. She and fellow Charleston pilot Jewell Bailey represented the organization at aviation events and conventions, including the Southeastern convention in Brunswick, Georgia, and had previously served as hostesses at the national Ninety-Nines convention in Greenville. The Carolinas Chapter newsletter also identifies Alma as a “99er from Charleston” and reports that she won a prize at an S.C. Breakfast Club meeting at Newberry for flying the greatest distance to attend. Together, the items document Alma's active participation in South Carolina aviation and the organized community of women pilots during 1950. Dates visible on the archive page: May 31, 1950 and September 5, 1950.

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Alma Tharp – Ninety-Nines Hostess

May 31, 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

Newspaper clipping featuring Alma Tharp of Folly Beach, South Carolina, an aviatrix and member of the Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots. The article notes that Alma was selected as one of the hostesses for the organization’s national convention and was employed by Kerrison’s department store as an assistant buyer in lingerie.

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Family Photo

July 9, 1950
Parris Island, Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Graham Eli Tharp, Johnny Tharp

Graham Eli Tharp on the left Alma Center Johnny on the right

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Alma Tharp Plans to Follow Brother into the Marines – 1950

July 9, 1950
Parris Island, Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Graham Eli Tharp, Johnny Tharp

July 9, 1950 newspaper article about Alma E. Tharp of Folly Beach and her brother, Private John J. Tharp. Both were young pilots—John soloed at 18, while Alma made her first solo flight at 17 and earned her private pilot’s license that same year. The article describes their friendly rivalry and Alma’s plans to follow her brother into the U.S. Marine Corps. They are pictured with their father, Graham E. Tharp, at the “Iron Mike” monument at Parris Island, South Carolina.

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Siblings Photo

July 9, 1950
Parris Island, Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp

Alma on the Left Johnny on the right

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Alma Tharp – Only Female Member of Charleston Civil Air Patrol – 1950

November 15, 1950
Charleston, SC
Alma B

November 18, 1950 Charleston Evening Post article featuring Alma Tharp of Folly Beach, South Carolina. The article identifies her as the newest and only female member of the local Civil Air Patrol chapter. A licensed pilot and member of the Ninety-Nines, Alma is pictured beside an airplane and was noted for owning a four-seat Ercoupe.

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1951

1952

Aviatrix Wed — Alma Edythe Tharp Marries James Stewart “Buster” Bell Jr.

Circa May 1952
Alma B

Newspaper announcement of the marriage of Alma Edythe Tharp of Folly Beach, South Carolina, to James Stewart Bell Jr. of Lancaster, South Carolina, on April 28 at Heath Springs. Alma, a graduate of Memminger High School, had been flying for six years, owned her own airplane, and held a private pilot’s license. She was a member of the Charleston Civil Air Patrol and was described as the youngest member in the Carolinas of The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots. James Stewart Bell Jr., son of Mrs. James S. Bell and the late Mr. Bell of Lancaster, had served four years in the U.S. Marines and was employed at Grace Bleachery in Lancaster, where the couple planned to live.

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Carolina Women Pilots Hold Gathering at Folly Beach — Alma Tharp Hosts Ninety-Nines

Circa July 1952
Alma B

Newspaper article and group photograph documenting a quarterly meeting of the Carolinas Chapter of the Southeastern Section of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. The gathering was held at Folly Beach, South Carolina, with Alma Tharp of Charleston serving as hostess at her home. The article identifies Alma as a 19-year-old private pilot who had been flying for approximately two and a half years, was working toward her commercial pilot license, and hoped to own a new Cub Cruiser. Members traveled to the meeting from across South and North Carolina, with several arriving by airplane at Carolina Skyways Airport on James Island. The accompanying photograph identifies Alma among the women pilots. Kneeling, left to right: Mrs. Burnette Spencer of High Point, N.C.; Alma Tharp, hostess; and Jewell Bailey of Charleston.

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1955

Alma & Spooky Swinging

June 30, 1955
Mason St, Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Spooky B

Spooky 20 Months

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1956

Lancaster Girl Pilot Proves Woman’s Place Is in Airplane — Alma Bell and Her Ercoupe

Circa August 1956
Lancaster County, SC
Alma B

The Lancaster News profile of Alma Edythe Tharp Bell (Mrs. Buster Bell) of Lancaster, South Carolina, describing her extensive involvement in aviation. The article reports that Alma had been flying since age 14, had accumulated approximately 500 flying hours, and at age 24 was teaching her husband, James Stewart “Buster” Bell Jr., to fly in preparation for his pilot’s license. Alma owned an Ercoupe two-seat airplane and was the only Lancaster woman known to belong to The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots. She had been a member for five years and also belonged to the Civil Air Patrol and the South Carolina Breakfast Club. The article recalls that Alma's father initially objected to her interest in flying but later took lessons himself, obtained his pilot's license, and bought an airplane. At the time of the article, Alma and Buster were living at 407 East Gay Street in Lancaster. Alma worked in the order department of Springs Cotton Mills and continued flying with Buster on weekends.

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Office Pic

Circa December 1956
Lancaster County, SC
Alma B

Alma front row on the right

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1961

Alma sporting the bathing suit.

Circa July 1961
Daytona Beach, FL
Alma B, Dickey B, Spooky B

Dickey 4ys 11-1/2 months Spooky 7yr 9months

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1962

September 1962 (estimated)

Circa September 1962
Alma B, Buster B, Spooky B
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1965

Buster Left, Alma Right, and Dickey Center

Circa April 1965
Alma B, Buster B, Dickey B

April–May 1965 (estimated)

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1966

Lancaster County Courthouse Decorated for Christmas – 1966

Circa December 1966
Alma B

Members of the Lancaster Council of Federated Garden Clubs decorate the Lancaster County Courthouse with live greenery, garlands, and wreaths for the Christmas season and the annual Christmas Parade. Members of the Lancaster Garden Club, Green Gardeners Club, and Evening Garden Club participated in the decorating. Published December 1, 1966.

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1967

1974

Alma Bell at Work – Early 1970s

Circa 1974
Alma B

Alma Bell talks with a coworker in a busy office setting, circa 1973–1974. The office equipment, furnishings, and clothing styles are characteristic of the early-to-mid 1970s.

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Alma Bell Contributes to Lancaster Christmas Basket Fund – 1974

December 2, 1974
Lancaster County, SC
Alma B

December 2, 1974 Lancaster News photograph showing Alma Bell contributing canned food to the annual Christmas Basket Fund at her Fairview Drive home. Lancaster High School Junior ROTC volunteers, working with the Police Youth Patrol, collected donations for families in need. Pictured accepting Alma’s contribution are Vic Burgess, Tommy Peay, and Brenda Morgan.

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1976

circa October 11, 1976

October 11, 1976
Alma B, Heather B

Alma & Heather 3 weeks

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1977

1978

1980

1990

1992

1993

November 25, 1993
Fairview Dr, Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Heather B
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1994

Circa May 1994
Hampton-Grace Ave (Dick's Home), Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp, Marion Tharp Brown, Rachel B
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Circa May 1994
Hampton-Grace Ave (Dick's Home), Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp, Marion Tharp Brown, Rachel B
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Circa May 1994
Hampton-Grace Ave (Dick's Home), Lancaster County, SC
Alma B
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Circa May 1994
Hampton-Grace Ave (Dick's Home), Lancaster County, SC
Alma B, Johnny Tharp
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Alma Tharp Bell Memorial Obituary – 1994

May 20, 1994
Alma B

Memorial obituary for Alma Tharp Bell, published in The Enterprise of High Point, North Carolina, on May 20, 1994. Alma died May 18, 1994, at age 67. Born in Charleston to Graham E. and Ethel Fike Tharp, she later lived in Lancaster, worked for Springs Industries, and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. She was the widow of James Stewart Bell Jr. and was survived by her sons James S. Bell III and William R. “Dickey” Bell, along with her siblings and two grandchildren. Alma was buried at Lancaster Memorial Park.

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Alma Tharp Bell Memorial – Twenty-Third Psalm – 1994

May 20, 1994
Alma B

Memorial keepsake from the funeral of Alma Tharp Bell, who died May 18, 1994. The card features the Twenty-Third Psalm, surrounded by a floral border, with the words “Rest In Peace.” It was preserved with Alma’s obituary and funeral records as a remembrance of her life.

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Alma Tharp Bell Obituary – May 1994

May 20, 1994
Lancaster County, SC
Alma B

Newspaper obituary for Alma Tharp Bell, 67, of Lancaster, South Carolina, who died May 18, 1994. The notice identifies her as a Charleston County native, former Springs Industries employee, member of Christ Episcopal Church, and widow of James Stewart Bell Jr. It lists her sons James Bell III and William “Dickey” Bell, her brother Johnny Tharp, sisters Marion Brown and Rachel Bell, and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Mahaffey Funeral Home, with burial at Lancaster Memorial Park.

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