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- Title
- [Portrait depicting an unidentified African American Oddfellow attired in his Grand United Order of Oddfellows (GUOOF) regalia]
- Description
- aThree-quarter length studio portrait of an African American man attired in his GUOOF regalia, standing, looking forward, and holding his left hand on the top of the back of a chair. He also wears a goatee. His regalia includes a collar containing emblems depicting stars, vinery, and "PNF" (Past Noble Father) and an apron containing imagery composed of female allegorical figures flanking a crest. The collar also includes fringe and tassles. Parts of the collar and apron are tinted gold in image. Man also wears a collarless shirt, jacket, and a ring (tinted gold on image) on his left hand. In 1819, a branch of Oddfellowship, a mutual aid society with the motto "Friendship, Love, and Truth", was introduced into the United States from Europe by Thomas Wildey. In 1843, it became a separate organization under the name Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The same year, Peter Ogden founded the Philomathean Lodge No. 646, Grand United Order of Oddfellows with Black members. By the mid 1860s, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF), American Jurisdiction included over 60 active lodges and in 1872 dispensation was granted for a Lodge in Memphis, Tennessee. Oddfellows' vows included not only moral and social outreach, but also ones to remain sober, honest, industrious and benevolent, a good husband, a kind father, and a loyal and virtuous citizen. By 1900, the GUOOF in America was the second largest African-American fraternal organization with over 200,000 members and over 2,000 lodges and a headquarters in Philadelphia. Its membership consisted mainly of lawyers, doctors, military officers, ministers, and other professionals., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from photographic medium, attire of the sitter, and the dispensation date of the first Grand United Order of OddfFellows lodge in Memphis, Tennessee., Purchased partially with funds from the Davida Tenenbaum Deutsch African American History Fund and for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC, Joseph Columbus Pinner (1837-1895), born in Stewart County, Tennessee and trained as a doctor, entered the photography profession about 1865. In 1867, he located to Dyersburg, Tennessee where he continued as a professional photographer. By the late 1880s, he had served as a town alderman, mayor, and magistrate as well as was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
- Creator
- Pinner, Joseph Columbus, II, 1837-1895, photographer
- Date
- 1872
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department tintypes - photographer - Pinner [P.2025.43]
- Title
- [Partridge & Richardson trade cards]
- Description
- Series of illustrated trade cards and caricatures for Artemus Partridge & Thomas D. Richardson's "bee hive" dress trimmings' store at 17, 19 & 21 North Eighth Street in Philadelphia. Illustrations include various series depicting flowers; men and women couples promenading; bust-length portraits of well-dressed women; children playing and fishing on the beach; frogs and cherubs seated on or near mushrooms holding umbrellas in the rain; and anthropomorphic rabbits jumping rope, one rabbit pulling another on a sleigh with a banner labeled "Rabbit Transit," the sleigh crashing through the ice, and two African American men, portrayed in racist caricature, trying to lure rabbits into a trap. Other imagery includes an anthropomorphic moon smiling down at a boy sitting on the limb of a bare tree with two cats singing from sheet music labeled "Clair de lune"; a portrait of a mother holding her infant; a female cherub picking flowers; a girl picking flowers; a fox standing under a grapevine trellis; three cats in a basket; a girl blindfolding a dog; a boy fishing in a pond; and two boys and a girl pulling and guiding a dray of flowers., Title supplied by cataloger., Four prints [1975.F.660-662 & 665] copyrighted 1881 by Chas. Moritz., Printers and engravers include Graf Brothers (Philadelphia), Sunshine Publishing Company (Philadelphia), Wemple & Kronheim (New York), and Craig, Finley & Co. (Philadelphia)., Four prints [1975.F.701-704] signed with the same trademark initials (C.A. or A.C.) and contain French titles, including "Zozor revenant du bain," "Lili pechant la crevette," "Nini prenant sa leçon de natation," and "Petit marin faisant une découverte"., 1975.F gift of Emily Phillips, 1883., P.2024.74.1 gift of Ivan Jurin., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Partridge [various]
- Title
- [Portrait of unidentified African American man attired in masonic regalia ]
- Description
- Full-length studio portrait of an African American man, likely a Prince Hall Freemason, wearing a masonic sash and apron. He stands and rests his right hand on the corner of a wooden chair. Sitter has a mustache and is attired in a white collared shirt, cravat-like bowtie, vest, and loose fitting jacket and pants. A gilt-colored ring adorns his hand that rests on the chair. The base of of a posing standing is also visible behind the mason's feet. Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest African American masonic organization in the United States. A branch of North American Freemasonry, it was founded by Prince Hall in 1784. Prince Hall Masons not only practiced the secret rituals and moral teachings of Freemasons worldwide, but also a commitment to racial uplift, mutual aid, and social justice., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from photographic medium and attire of the sitter., Pad: Red velvet with scrollwork design in center within ornamented rectangle border., Mat: Oval., Case: Leather. Center medallion within nonpareil-like border surrounded by curving scrolls. Same design on verso., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Cased photos - – unid photo – unid sitter – tintype [P.2025.5]
- Title
- [Stevens-Cogdell/Sanders-Venning family photograph album]
- Description
- Album compiled by a member of the African American middle-class Stevens-Cogdell and Sanders-Venning family containing portrait photographs of family and friends. Majority of contents are unidentified and include professionally photographed cabinet cards, cartes de visite, and tintypes, as well as snapshots. Several of the professional photographs also show props, including a baby's swing, fur rug, wicker chairs and stools. Other portraits include women dressed in early 20th-century beach attire, a ca. 1920's photo of a woman with a ukulele; and two men posed in front of an entryway draped in an American flag. Album also contains a reproduction of an unidentified painted portrait photograph; ca. 1828 silhouettes of Richard C. Cogdell and his brother Charles S. Cogdell (sons of Richard and Cecilia Cogdell) stamped on verso cut by Master Hankes, i.e., Jarvis F. Hanks; and a clipped periodical illustration depicting Maria Walpole, Countess of Waldegrave., Sitters include Cordelia Chew Hinkson and her daughter Cordelia Hinkson Brown as a baby (inside cover & insert before p. 32); Lillie Dickerson (p. 8); George Venning (insert before p. 10); Florence I. Warwick as a child and adult (insert before p. 10 & 24); Richard DeReef Venning (insert before p. 18 & 36); Louise Sanders Venning (insert before p. 32); and possibly Cordelia Chew (p. 36)., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content., Some loose photographs contain identity of sitter and date inscribed on verso. Some inscriptions barely legible., Twelve ca. 1920s 2x3 snapshots showing vacation portraiture pasted on inside front cover., Two photographs inserted in slot on p. 8., Date of silhouettes inferred from active dates in Charleston, S.C. of silhouettist Jarvis F. Hanks. See Charleston Courier, March 13, 1828, 2 and "For A Few Days," Charleston Courier, March 31, 1928, 3., Various photographers, including Philadelphia photographers Baumgardner & Hebling; H. D. Garns (& Co.); L. Blaul; Kuebler; Swain & Bridle; M. Herbert Bridle; 1XL Gallery; Larkin Gallery; F. S. Keeler; Bell Studio; and Henrici & Garns., See Lib. Company Annual Report, 1991, p. 26-31., Gift of descendants Cordelia H. Brown, Lillie V. Dickerson, Mary Hinkson Jackson, and Georgine E. Willis in honor of Phil Lapsansky., See LCP exhibit catalogue: African American Miscellany p. 45., Genealogical charts available at repository., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
- Date
- [ca. 1860 - ca. 1925]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Stevens-Cogdell/Sanders-Venning Collection [P.2012.37.2]
- Title
- The celluloid corset clasps side & dress steels Warranted not to rust. Corsets after washing. With the old style clasps in. With the new celluloid clasps in
- Description
- Trade card advertising celluloid corset clasps and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers comparing celluloid and traditional corsets. In the center, the laundry worker, wearing a queue hairstyle with the braid sticking straight out to the right and attired in gold hoop earrings, a red tunic, white pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, smiles as he holds up a clean, white corset with celluloid clasps. In the left, the laundry worker, wearing a mustache and queue hairstyle and attired in a blue tunic, yellow pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, holds a soiled and dirty corset as he opens his mouth in dismay looking at the clean corset. In the right background, the Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a yellow tunic, blue pants, and white cloth, slip-on shoes, washes laundry with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are a basket of laundry; a corset hanging on a line; and a table with an iron on top of it., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Contains advertising text printed on verso: Celluloid corset clasps. Side and dress steels. Perspiration proof. Elastic. Durable. In introducing these improved corset clasps, &c., let us call your attention to some of the points of their superiority over all others heretofore in use. 1st.--The inferior is finely tempered clock spring steel. 2d.--The exterior is celluloid. 3d.--The combination of the two unites the strength of the steel with the rust-proof qualities of the celluloid. 4th--The trouble of ripping out and sewing in the steels every time corsets are laundried becomes unnecessary as these steels need not be taken out for that purpose. 5th--They are warranted not to rust and thus stain the corsets or other garments. 6th--They are the best steels in every particular ever offered. Sold by all dry and fancy goods dealers throughout the country., RVCDC, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Celluloid [1975.F.182]
- Title
- [Morgan & Headly trade cards]
- Description
- Series of illustrated trade cards promoting jewelers Morgan & Headly in the Mutual Life Building at the northwest corner of Tenth and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. Trade card depicts a large diamond jewel [1975.F.579]. Illustrated trade card depicts a caricaturized Japanese woman and boy playing a horn. The woman, wearing her hair tied up and decorated with kanzashi (decorative hair ornaments) and attired in a floral patterned kimono, stands before a Japanese-style building. She leans her left arm over a wall and looks down at a boy, wearing a shaved head with a small ponytail and attired in a tunic, a belt, pants, and cloth, slip-on shoes, playing a horn next to a bird with its beak open [1975.F.592]. Trade card depicting a Japanese-stylized scene of a crane bending over and cleaning its feathers with its beak. Also includes flowering tree branches [1975.F.593]., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and history of the advertised business., One print [1975.F.579] contains vignette printed on verso depicting a hand-held fan superimposed onto a ribbon., RVCDC, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Morgan [1975.F.579; 1975.F.592 & 593]
- Title
- [Chas. McKeone & Son Soap Manufacturing Co. trade cards]
- Description
- Series of illustrated trade cards for Chas. McKeone & Son Manufacturing Co. at 2518-2550 Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Illustrations depict a dog biting and pulling the pants of a white boy carrying a basket of fruit while another white boy climbs a stone wall to escape; a white child sitting on a pile of blankets with their pet dog beside an open doorway; a white boy hanging with his shirt caught on a tree branch while another white boy looks on with a basket on fruit at his feet; a white woman cradling a baby on her lap. Racist card depicting white women, an African American woman, and Chinese men working in a laundry room. In the center, a white woman and an African American woman, portrayed in racist caricature and attired in an orange head kerchief, a red dress, and a white checked apron, stand beside a wash basin and hold up a white cloth. A well-dress white woman comes over to inspect the cloth. In the left, a Chinese man, wearing a queue and mustache and attired in a black cap, a blue shirt, tan pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, holds up and inspects a box of "McKeone's Extract of Soap." Behind him in the background, another Chinese man, wearing a queue and attired in a yellow shirt, washes a white cloth in a steaming wash basin. In the right, a white woman carries a basket of clothes and another white woman washes laundry in a wash basin and looks on at the scene. Also visible are wooden crates, a basket of laundry, and a drying rack filled with clothes., Title supplied by cataloger., One print [1975.F.620] printed by E. Ketterlinus & Co., Advertising text promoting McKeone's "Crown Jewel Soap" and "Kalistine concentrated extract of soap" printed on versos., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - McKeone [1975.F.181; 1975.F.183; 1975.F.185; 1975.F.620; 1975.F.622]
- Title
- Historical monument of our country
- Description
- Allegorical print after the 1858 painting by German-born painter Johann Michael Enzing-Müller documenting the history of the United States from ca. 1000 to the 1850s. In the right foreground, Norsemen, some seated and some standing on ground marked "1000" are portrayed discovering North America, which they called Vinland. A few of the men hold bunches of grapes, a shield, or a spear. In the left foreground, Columbus stands on a shore, between a rowboat holding white men, one writing in a ledger and with his back to an enslaved Black man in shackles, and a group of Indigenous people wearing headdresses. Columbus holds a flag into the ground marked "1492" and a sword up into the air. Behind the scene Plymouth Rock with the date "1620" inscribed on it is visible. In the center of the image, white men in different era attire use tools, convene, or celebrate near a trunk, cargo, and a stone wall. Beside them, in the right, a Pilgrim family (man, woman, child) rests near a frontiersman completing a blanket tent near cattle. In the upper right, the image contains scenes representing the American Revolution, including soldiers at battle and wounded men being attended to. In the upper left, ships and trains depicted near cityscape strewn with people and from which an American flag flies represents American progress. In the upper center, the American eagle mauls the British lion and unicorn on a stone mound. At top center, on a pyramid-like structure adorned with the shields of the states of the Union, George Washington stands with his hand on the Constitution which rests on an ornate stand. To his left are the fourteen presidents who followed him standing in a line. Above them, are allegorical women figures of Liberty and Justice. An allegorical female figure holding the Declaration of Independence sits to Washington's right. Behind the Presidents and pyramid is the new U.S. Capitol building with a dome., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1893, by Myers, Bryn & Cranford., RVCDC
- Creator
- Enzing-Müller, Johann Michael, 1804-1808
- Date
- c1893
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department ***GC-Allegories [P.2023.42.1]
- Title
- American Methodism. 1872
- Description
- Premium print for subscribers of the "The Methodist," the journal published by the Methodist Episcopal Church beginning about 1859. Contains five titled scenes and views bordered by twenty-nine bust-length portraits of leaders within the Methodist Episcopal Church, including Francis Burns, African American deacon and missionary bishop to Liberia. Scenes and views include "Wesley Rescued from the Burning Building" (upper left) after the 1840 Henry Peele Parker painting and depicting church founder John Wesley as a child being rescued from the window of the rectory in which his family lived while men, women, and children gather water, support a platform, pray, and huddle together; "John Wesley Preaching on the Tombstone of his Father" (upper right) after the Alfred Hunt painting and depicting Wesley preaching to a mass of people from the grave of his father, Rector Samuel Wesley (St. Andrew's Church, Epworth, England) following his being forbidden to preach in the Anglican church; "Old John Street Church, New York" (lower left) showing a colonial street view with pedestrian traffic in front of the church of the oldest Methodist congregation in the United States; "Pioneer Preacher" (center) showing Wesley on horseback, two persons at his side, and arriving at a cabin in the woods where a number of people have gathered in front; and "Tremont St. Methodist Church, Boston" (lower right) showing an exterior view of the church built in 1862 from a design by architect Hammatt Billings and was the site of the founding of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS) of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Portraits include: John Wesley; Thomas S. Coke; Francis Asbury; Richard Whatcoat; Leonidas L. Hamline; John Emory; Robert R. Roberts; William McKendree; Enoch George; Elijah Hedding; Beverly Walch; Francis Burns; Edmund S. Janes; Matthew Simpson; Osmon C. Barker; Levi Scott; Thomas Bowman; William. L. Harris; Edward R. Ames; Edward Thomson; Thomas A. Morris; Calvin Kingsley; Davis W. Clark; Stephen M. Merrill; Edward G. Andrews; Randolph S. Foster; Isaac W. Wiley; Thomas A. Morris; Gilbert Haven; and Jesse T. Peck., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1872 by B.B. Russell in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington., RVCDC
- Creator
- Buttre, John Chester, 1821-1893, engraver
- Date
- 1872
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *group portrait prints - American [P.2024.44]
- Title
- [Incomplete set of racist playing card game Game of In Dixieland. No. 1118]
- Description
- Incomplete collection of playing cards from the racist card game "Game of In Dixieland. No. 1118" issued by the Fireside Game Co. of Cincinnati, the subsidiary company established in 1896 by executives of the U.S. Playing Card Company. Advertised by the publisher as "life-like reproductions of characteristic sketches from the Sunny South," the captioned and lettered cards depict stereotyped and caricatured portraits and scenes of African American men, women, and children and African American southern life. The object of the game was to compile all the cards with the same letter into a book, with the winner holding the most books. Cards include: "A1. The Crossing Sweeper." Scene depicts an African American boy street sweeper on a street corner. He is attired in oversize jacket and pants. He also wears a cap and holds a broom. "A3. In Clover." Scene shows three young African American boys, attired in worn long-sleeve shirts and pants, seated on a log and eating quarters of a watermelon. The boy in the middle wears a bucket hat. Stacks of watermelon, including the remaining quarter of the one being eaten by the children rest at their feet. "A4. Picking Cotton." Scene shows an African American boy in a field of cotton, bent over, and picking a cotton boll. He wears a cap, long-sleeved shirt, and loose ankle-length pants. He is barefoot. Men picking cotton and a cart are visible in the background. "B2. Picking Up a Living." Portrait shows an African American girl holding a large satchel over her left shoulder. She wears a checkered, long-sleeved dress, and floppy hat. "B3 '"Jest A Restin’."' Portrait shows a young African American man seated on a crate next to a barrel and a second crate. He wears a domed cap; loose, long-sleeved jacket; cropped pants; and rolled-down boots., "D4. Heavily Laden." View shows two young African American girls, attired in ankle-length shift dresses, and aprons, and carrying buckets on their heads. Girl in left, balances the bucket on her head, and her apron contains a hole at the chest. The girl in the right holds the bucket on her head with her hands. They are bare foot and stand near the brick wall of a mill. "E1.A Georgia Charmer." Bust-length portrait shows an African American woman, slightly smiling, and her right hand resting on the side of her chin. She wears a light-colored blouse with slightly puff sleeves; a short-brimmed, straw hat; and bracelet. "F2. The Coquette." Full-length portrait shows a young African American woman, her hand on her hip, bare foot, and standing in front of the door to a log cabin. She wears a kerchief on her head, a shirtwaist, belt, and calf-length skirt. "F3 '"Look pleasant, please."' Reproduction of a drawn view shows an African American man taking a photograph of an African American woman, three African American children, and a dog on a beach. The women and children, attired in summer dresses and jumpers, sit and stand on a log and the photographer stands by a makeshift camera and removes the lens cap. The photographer wears a hat, overalls, and a long-sleeved shirt., "G2. A Genuine Brunette." Full-length portrait shows a very young African American girl, bare foot, attired in a shift dress, and seated on a step. She frowns slightly and she clasps her hands in her lap. "G4. Learning to Walk." View shows two, very young, African American girls, in blousy dresses, standing side by side on a sidewalk and in front of the brick wall of a building. "H3. The Virginia Pine Chopper." Full-length portrait shows an older African American man, with a white beard, seated on a stump, holding an ax over his left shoulder. He also has the handle of a tin pail over his left wrist and holds a walking stick in his right hand. He is posed in a dirt yard laden with sticks. Stacks of logs and a wooden fence are visible in the background."I2. A Mississippi Beauty." Half-length portrait shows a young African American woman, her left hand resting on the side of her chin. She looks slightly to the right and has a slight smile. Her hair is pulled back and somewhat teased at the crown. She wears a shirtwaist and checkered, apron dress., "J2. A Hidden Nest in the Bushes." View shows two African American boys seated on their knees in a field and eating slices of watermelon. They wear wide-brimmed caps, long sleeved shirts, and pants. Boy in right also wears a jacket. “J3. On the Wharf.” View shows an African American man and woman seated on the edge of a wharf. The man attired in a long-sleeved shirt, vest, pants, and cap, sits with his feet dangling over the edge. The woman attired in a shirtwaist, skirt, and cap sits with her feet on the wharf landing. Sailing vessels are visible in the background. "K3.'"Mos’ to de end ob de road."' Full-length portrait shows an older African American man, with a beard, seated on a chair, in front of a crumbling brick wall. He wears a worn jacket, vest, shirt, and pants. A hat with kindling rests at his bare feet. He holds a walking stick that he rests between his legs. "L3. Among the Virginia Pines." View shows a log cabin, in the distance, along a dirt road lined with dry underbrush and a few trees, some barren. A woman stands in the yard of the cabin. Fireside Card Co. was dissolved in 1908 and U.S. Playing Card Co. began to issue educational card games., Publication information from copies included in the World Web Playing Card Museum. Publication date inferred from copyright date included on box covers., Card letter printed in upper left corner., Verso of cards depict a montage of images. Includes a central scene showing an alligator by a tree in a swamp. Scene surrounded by a border comprised of pictorial details depicting intertwining stems of cotton, watermelons, and opossums hanging by the tail from tree branches., Copyright statement printed on 8 of the cards: Copyright ’96 by L.D. Baldwin., Gift of Jennifer Woods Rosner., Housed in phase box., Many stained and in poor condition., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
- Creator
- Fireside Game Co.
- Date
- [1897]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums [P.2019.47]
- Title
- No more Chinese cheap labor. Celluloid cuffs, collars & bosoms
- Description
- Trade card containing an illustration depicting a racist scene with the figures of Uncle Sam and America, and a Chinese man laundry worker. In the left, the laundry worker, wearing his hair in a queue and attired in a long-sleeved, orange tunic; long, wide-legged, white pants; and orange slip-on, cloth shoes; sits on an over-turned wooden wash tub. His eyes are closed, and he holds his head down in his left hand. His left leg is crossed over his right, and his right hand is on his left ankle. To his left, the white woman figure of Columbia/America, looks down at the laundry worker and points up with her right hand. In her left hand, she holds up a shield with the pattern of the American flag and marked "Invention." She wears her dark hair pulled back to the nape of her neck and is attired in a gown with the pattern of the American flag, a red and blue cap adorned with a white star, and sandals. An open box of spilled starch lies between her feet and those of the laundry worker. Behind the laundry worker, is a laundry iron on a shelf, Chinese characters written on a wall, and Uncle Sam resting his arms on the ledge of an opening in the wall. Uncle Sam has red hair and a beard and is attired in a top hat, a blue jacket with a white star pattern, a red neck tie, and white shirt with the collar turned up. He looks at America. Above his head is the sign "Gon Up Chinese Laundry." Patented during the 1860s and 70s, separable celluloid collars, unlike separable paper collars, were waterproof and longer lasting, as well as fashionable and affordable. Following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the celluloid collar industry leveraged the racist legislation to promote the use of celluloid collars as patriotic and as a means to make Chinese launderers obsolete and to facilitate the end of Chinese immigration., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Includes advertising text printed on verso: A New Improvement-Patented. Waterproof Linen. Waterproof-Elastic-Durable. Ladies' & Gents' Cuffs Collars, [Bossa]ms, Made From Celluloid. In Introducing this new invention [italicized], we beg to call the attention of the public to some of the remarkable features of this "new departure," [italicized], which will commend the use of these goods to all who study economy, neatness, and beauty [italicized]. 1st. The Interior is Fine Linen. 2d. The Exterior is Celluloid. 3d. The Union of Above, Combines the Strength of Linen With The Waterproof Qualities of Celluloid. 4th. The Expense of Washing Is Saved. If The Goods Are Soiled Simply Wipe Them Off With Soap And Water. 5th. The Goods Never Wilt Or Fray On Edges. 6th. They Are Perspiration Proof. For Sale by All Gents' Furnishing & Fancy Goods Houses throughout the Country., Image caption: "Othello's occupation gone." The Hand Writing on the Wall., Purchased with funds for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1882]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Celluloid [P.2021.20.1]
- Title
- Amy Smith, April 17, 1876
- Description
- Half-length portrait of Smith, a young African American woman, posed to the left. She looks forward toward the viewer. She wears a plaid-patterned garment, a white, upturned collar, and a bowtie-like ribbon at her neck. Her hair is pulled back and she wears a hair band. Smith, born in Virginia resided in Philadelphia by 1870. Smith was buried at the Harmony Burial Ground, the burial ground of the African Friends to Harmony at 41st and Chestnut Street in West Philadephia. African Friends, founded in 1826, sought to provide a cemetery for low-income African Americans to be interred with dignity and respect. Several of those buried in the cemetery were associated with the Monument Baptist Church or the Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church. The property was sold in 1910. In 2020, the remains of over 160 burials were transferred to Eden Cemetery., Title from manuscript note on mount., Photographer's imprint printed on verso., Printed on verso: No. [57860]. Duplicated any time if orderd by the original, or by a responsible person., Manuscript note on verso: died March 23d 1878., Partially purchased with funds for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC
- Creator
- Reimer, Benjamin F., approximately 1826-1899, photographer
- Date
- [1876]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cdv portraits - sitter - Smith, Amy [P.2023.17.1]
- Title
- Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms Economical, durable, handsome
- Description
- Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers in shock when a white man holds up a box of celluloid collars and cuffs. In the left, a white man, attired in a black bowler hat, a white collared shirt, a red bowtie and waistcoat, a blue-and-white checked suit, and black shoes, stands holding and pointing his finger to a box labeled, “Wear Celluloid Cuff & Collars.” Four Chinese men laundry workers jump up in surprise on their tiptoes with their mouths open and grimacing and their queue braids flying straight up into the air. The men have long fingernails and are attired in gold hoop earrings, colorful clothes, including yellow, red, or green tunics, and yellow or blue short pants, and cloth, slip-on shoes. In the left, one laundry worker stands behind the white man with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are two baskets full of laundry on the ground, a table with irons on top, and white sheets hanging on a line. The text, “The Last Invention” is printed on the bottom right., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collard, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button, To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Richelderfer [1975.F.728]
- Title
- Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms
- Description
- Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese boy smoking a pipe and carrying a cane. Shows the boy, wearing a queue hairstyle with a pink bow tied at the end of his braid and attired in a colorfully patterned Chinese robe with oversized celluloid cuffs, collar, and hat, and red, slip-on, cloth shoes. He holds the smoking pipe to his lips with his left hand and carries a walking cane in his right hand., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collars, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button. To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Richelderfer [1975.F.741]
- Title
- Celluloid cuffs, collars & bosoms, water & perspiration proof
- Description
- Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man at the beach watching a white man demonstrate the waterproof qualities of his celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom or bib. In the center, the white man, wearing a mustache and attired in a red robe, red-and-yellow striped shorts, and white celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom, stands in the ocean with water dripping down his clothes, showing that they are waterproof. In the right, a Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle, a red tunic, blue pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, carries two sacks of laundry and looks over at the man in the water. In the left, a white man, attired in a straw hat, a white collared shirt, a red vest, yellow striped pants, and red shoes, sits on the sand holding an umbrella and wipes perspiration from his face with a handkerchief. In the background, a white man swims in the water and a boat is visible., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, 1032 Chestnut St., Phila., Text printed on verso: Waterproof linen, patented. Ladies’ and gent’s cuffs, collars and bosoms, made from celluloid. Waterproof, elastic, durable. These goods are far superior to any Linen Goods yet placed before the public, and in recommending them, we would call attention to some of their remarkable features, which will commend their use to all who study economy, neatness and beauty. 1sr. The interior is fine linen. 2d. The exterior is celluloid. 3d. The unison of above, combines the strength of linen with the waterproof qualities of celluloid, 4th. The expense of washing is saved. If the goods are soiled, simply cleanse with soap and water. 5th. The goods never wilt or fray on edges and are perspiration proof. The best preparation to effectually cleanse them is celluline. For sale by all gent’s furnishing and fancy goods houses throughout the country., RVCDC
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Richelderfer [1975.F.745]
- Title
- Military memorial. War record of [blank]. "Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable." - Webster
- Description
- Commemorative certificate for Civil War Union veterans containing a montage of military and battle scenes, portrait vignettes, pictorial details, and statistical charts surrounding blank entries for a "War Record." Military and battle scenes, some captioned depict a military parade; a cemetery, probably during Memorial Day with wreathes and flowers being left on graves by visitors near a grandstand an military band; "Attack on Ft. Sumter April 12th 61" showing men at battle; "Enlisting" showing a large crowd in front of the Capitol as men enlist by a grandstand and band; "In Camp" depicting "Sutler" Camp in which men drill, receive mail, play horseshoes, gather wood, cook, and play instruments near rows of tents; "Off for the War" showing Union Solders being sent off by their families and supporters via train and steamboat; "The Conflict" showing a major battle with insets showing "Attack on the Pickets" and "Long Roll. "Fall In."; "On the March" showing enslaved persons near their dwellings on a plantation welcoming Union soldiers; "Hospital" depicting a combat hospital in the woods flying the banner "U.S. S.C. U.S. C.C."; "Prison" depicting several soldiers in prisoner of war camp; and "Surrender of Gen. Lee April 9th 65. Portraits, captioned by last name and some with quotes, depict President and/or Civil War Union officers, including George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, Tecumseh Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, Phillip Sheridan, George Henry Thomas, David Farragut, Oliver Otis Howard, William Rosencrans, John A. Logan, George McClellan, Winfield Scott Hancock, Benjamin Butler, John C. Fremont, Joseph Hooker, George G. Meade, Ambrose Burnside, Henry W. Halleck, James B. McPherson, George Armstrong Custer, Edward Canby, Winfield Scott, "Maj. Anderson," "Col. Ellsworth," "Pres. U.S.S.C. Dr. Bellows" (Henry Whitney Bellows), and "Supt. of Nurses Miss Dix" (Dorothea Lynde Dix). Pictorial details depict an American eagle with the banner "Pluribus Unum Triumphant" and the American flag; over 20 "U.S. Army Corp Badges"; and patriotic and military symbols, including hats, bugles, cannons, cannon balls, guns, rifles, swords, drums, saddles, and knapsacks. Statistical charts document "Historical Records. Pres. Lincoln's Call for Troops" for 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864; the "Number of Men furnished by States:," including "U.S. Colored Troops - 93, 441" and "Indin. Nat., 3, 530"; "Total number furnished - 2, 859, 132", and "Reduced to Three Years Standard, 2, 320, 272"; Killed in Battle - 61 362,", "Died of Disease - 153, 538," "Died of Wounds - 34, 727," "Died in Prison - 29,749," "Total Federal Losses - 279, 376" "Money Cost of the War, $6, 189,929, 908 58/100,"and "Number of Battles, Skirmishes, Sieges, etc. - 5, 574";"Important Battles for 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, with "'Sheridan's Ride', Oct 19" "'Sherman's March to the Sea', Nov. 15 to Dec. 13", "Fall of Richmond, April 3," and "Appomattox-Surrender of Lee, April 7-9" especially highlighted., Title from item., Date inferred from copyright statement: Copyright 1881-1883., Contains a number of repaired tears., See William H. Sallada, Silver sheaves: Gathered through clouds and sunshine, in two parts. Second edition (Des Moines: Published by the author, 1879). Digital copy in Hathi Trust., RVCDC, William H. Sallada (1846-1935), Civil War veteran, was a member of the 57th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. He became blind during combat during the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia in 1864. In the years following, he worked as a book canvasser, wrote his biography "Silver Sheaves" that was published as a second edition by 1879, and was listed with the occupation publisher in the 1900 census.
- Creator
- Sallada, W.H. (William H.), 1846-1935, originator
- Date
- 1883
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **GC - Certificates - Military [P.2023.42.2]
- Title
- Marriage certificate. This certifies that [Washington C. Young/of Philadelphia/state of Pennsylvania] [Amanda L. West/of Goshen/state of New Jersey] were by me united in marriage according to the ordinance of God and the laws of the state of [Pennsylvania] at [Philadelphia] on the 24 day of [May] 188[3]. [Philip L. Sanborn?]/ [Sarah A. Ross]/ [Rev. W.H. Ross officiating minister]
- Description
- Marriage certificate with gold touches and containing the bust-length, carte-de-visite studio portrait photographs of Washington C. Young and Amanda L. West, who are African American, surrounded by text, pictorial details, and an ornate border. Young's portrait depicts the young man, looking to the left, and attired in a jacket with a notch lapel, a dark-colored tie, and white, straight shirt collar. He also has a mustache and wears his hair short and with a side part. West's portrait depicts the young woman, looking to the right, and attired in a garment with small puffs at the shoulder and a high-collar neckline adorned with a fabric flower. She wears her wavy hair pulled back, parted in the middle and with side bangs. She also wears earrings. Between the portraits are ornaments with text reading, "It Is Not Good That Man Should Be Alone, Gen 2.18" and "I Will Make Him An Help Meet For Him Gen 2.18." The certificate also contains pictorial details of flowers and vinery, a bell, doves, and a banner. The border is composed of scrollwork, floral shapes, and cornice ornaments. At the time of their marriage, Washington C. Young was a clerk. He would continue in this profession throughout his life. Amanda (West) Young worked as a dressmaker by 1910 and was later listed as a housekeeper in census records. The couple had four children, including a daughter who worked as a dressmaker., Title from item., Date of printing inferred from printed and manuscript date., Completed in manuscript to Washington C. Young and Amanda L. West on May 24, 1883. Signed Philip L. [Sanborn?], Sarah A. Ross, and Rev. W.H. Ross, Officiating Minister., RVCDC
- Date
- [completed 1883, printed ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Philadelphia Certificates - Marriage [P.2023.59]
- Title
- Marriage certificate. We are one forever. This certifies that [Green Allen] and [Mary E. Foster] were united in holy matrimony by me according to the ordinance of God, laws of the state of [Mich] at [Decatur] on the [30] day of October. In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and [79] [Isaac Moss Minister of the Gospel. Witnesses [Sarah A. Foster] [David Moss]
- Description
- Marriage certificate containing the bust-length, carte-de-visite studio portrait photographs of Green T. Allen, Jr. and Mary E. Foster surrounded by text, pictorial details, and a geometrically-shaped border. Allen and Foster identified as multiracial in census records. Allen's portrait depicts the young man, looking to the right, and attired in a jacket with a notch lapel, a multi-colored tie, and white shirt with lapel collar. He also has a mustache and wears his hair short and greased flat. Foster's portrait (hand-colored) depicts the young woman, looking to the right, and attired in a garment with ruffle details at the shoulder and a neckerchief with fringe. She wears her long, wavy hair pulled back in the front and loose in the back. She also wears earrings. Between and around the portraits are pictorial details depicting flowers, grapes, vinery, doves (in nests), and scrollwork. Allen, son of Cass County, Michigan farmer Green Allen, Sr. was also a farmer, and a Justice of Township later in life. Allen, Jr. and Mary E. (Foster) Allen, daughter of a Decatur, Michigan farmer, had two children, son Charles F. Allen (1880-1971) and daughter Ethel May Allen Goens (1886-1942). Green T. Allen Jr.'s father was a founder of the prominent Black community of Southwest Michigan that settled in the area via the Underground Railroad., Title from item., Date of printing inferred from manuscript date., Completed in manuscript to Green Allen and Mary E. Foster on October 30, 1879. Signed Isaac Moss, Sarah A. Foster, and David Moss. Sarah A. Foster, later Cannon, was the sister of Mary E. Foster. Isaac Moss was a farmer and reverend. David Moss, son of Isaac Moss, was a farmer., Contains newspaper clipping from a ca. 1918 March edition of "The Cassopolis (Mich.) Vigilant" on verso. Clipping is backing for portrait photographs., RVCDC, W.P. Cooper was a teacher by the 1870s and had previously attended law school.
- Creator
- Cooper, W.P, 1822-1888, designer
- Date
- [completed 1879, printed ca. 1875]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *GC - Certificates - Marriage [P.2024.46.1]
- Title
- [Full-length studio portrait of an unidentified African American clergyman]
- Description
- Full-length portrait of an African American clergyman, standing, looking slightly right. He wears slicked back hair and a mustache. He is attired in a clergyman's robe and laced shoes. He holds a small book, possibly a Bible, up to his side with his right hand. He stands next to an armless chair with padded seat and draped in a patterned afghan. Potrait also includes a backdrop depicting a palatial window setting., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from dates of operation of photographer at addressed listed in imprint., Photographer's imprint stamped on mount., William C. Withers operated from 814 Chestnut Street 1896-1900.
- Creator
- Withers, William C., photographer
- Date
- [ca. 1898]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cabinet card portraits - photographer - Withers [P.2024.68]
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