In summer 2008, visitors to the Hill Memorial Library were invited to have a look at a display focusing on the Nita Sims Breazeale Family Papers.

Nita Sims Breazeale was born in 1896 to Robert Nicholls Sims, Jr., and Nita Dalferes Sims of Ascension Parish, La. She was a member of a prominent family of businessmen, judges, lawyers, and politicians. As a resident of Baton Rouge, she actively participated in community affairs, and her involvement in charitable organizations continued throughout her life. In 1940, she established the Baton Rouge chapter of Bundles for Britain. This relief organization provided clothing, supplies, and equipment for victims of the London bombings. Her husband, Hopkins Payne Breazeale, a Baton Rouge attorney, served in the 358th Infantry, 90th Division during World War I. During the Allied occupation of Germany, he remained with the American Expeditionary Forces as Provost in Charge of Civil Affairs.

The papers consist of correspondence, legal documents, printed material, photographs, and artifacts that reflect the family’s interest in service organizations, the arts, local history, genealogy, and the professional careers of family members. Notable in this collection are papers related to family history, World War I and the relief organization, Bundles for Britain.

If you would like to find out more about this collection, please contact our reference department at (225) 578-6568.