Search results

Title: [Seated musician holding a brass horn in his right hand.]
Description: His left arm is resting on his lap. Painted back drop of trees and landscape are behind him., Cased photographs retrospective conversion project., Pad: Faded gold velvet. Eagle with wings outstretched on top of sun. Embossed within two concentric circles forming the core of the sun: Evans, 380 Market Street, Girard Row. Original Sun Beam., Mat: Ornamented nonpareil., Case: Leather with a geometric design. An oval is in the center of a curved corner rectangle. Same design on verso., See Research file., Gift of David Long, 2002.
Creator: Evans, C. (Charles), fl. 1848-1860, photographer
Date: ca. 1855
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Cased photos [P.2002.51.1]

Title: [Portrait of two unidentified male musicians holding their instruments, a flute and a violin.]
Description: Hand colored pink on cheeks., Cased photographs retrospective conversion project., Pad: Faded red velvet. Urn with flowers in center, scroll work all around., Mat: Double elliptical., Case: Leather. Flowers and leaves are In a circle within a six pointed star. Same design on verso.
Date: ca. 1855
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Cased photos [P.9025.36]

Title: Negre jouant du balafo
Description: Sitting in the doorway of a hut, an African man plays a wooden xylophone called the balafo (i.e. balo). A detail of the balafo, common in Senegambia, is shown at the top., Plate in Jean Baptiste Laban's Nouvelle relation de l'Afrique occidentale: contenant une description exacte du Senegal & des Pais situés entre le Cap-Blanc & la riviere de Serrelionne, jusqu'à plus de 300. lieues en avant dans les terres. L'histoire naturelle de ces pais, les differentes nations qui y sont répandues, leurs religions & leurs moeurs. Avec l'etat ancien et présent des compagnies qui y font le commerce (A Paris: Chez Pierre-François Giffart, rue Saint Jacques, à Sainte Therese, M.DCC.XXVIII [1728]), vol. 2, p. 332, Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Africa: Images, Maps, and Geography.
Date: [1728]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare U Afri Labat 65539.D v 2 p 332, https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A2921

Title: [Musicians playing in a field]
Description: View of nine musicians, including one woman, with instruments playing outside in a field., Title supplied by cataloger., Photographer's imprint printed on verso., Orange mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Creator: Butterfield, J. B. (Joseph B.)
Date: [ca. 1875]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Miscellaneous - Butterfield - Portraits and genre [P.9982.3]

Title: Tuning up
Description: Engraving is one of several accompanying the story "A Winter in the South." It is set in Tennesse, and shows three black musicians, who, at the request of their master, played for him and his family on Christmas Day. According to the story's unnamed author, the master's rhetorical question " . . . because we have the misfortune to be white, shall we never forget our cares and troubles?" was followed by the decisive order, "Bring in the fiddlers!" As the author then wrote, "In came the joyful musicians, grinning from ear to ear, and bowing until they sweep the floor with their greasy hats, anticipating the extra drams and half-dollars for their holiday spendings." (p. 295) In the illustration, the musicians are show with their instruments (fiddles and a tamborine). The portrayal of their facial features adheres to negative racial stereotypes., Illustration in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol. 17, no. 99 (August 1858), p. 295., Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Scenes from Daily Life.
Date: [August 1858]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare Per H 9 62992.O v 17 n 99 August 1858 p 295, https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A2875

Title: Concert Hall immense success Every evening, at eight o'clock, and matinees Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, at 2.30. Doors open one hour previous. Tom! The blind Negro boy--of musical inspiration! Sightless and untutored from birth--his very soul overflowing with musical genius. This youth is a remarkable phenomenon in one direction only, and that is his wonderful aptness for the piano forte! ... Tickets, 50 cents Reserved seats, 75 cents. Tickets for sale at the hall and at Trumpler's Music Store, 926 Chestnut St
Description: Thomas Greene Bethune or Thomas Greene Wiggins was known as Blind Tom., Illustration signed: Adrian-Probasco., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War., Readex Aug. 2017 update: missing 510 supplied.
Creator: Blind Tom, 1849-1908
Date: [1865]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB 1865 Blind (8)5761.F.59a (McAllister)

Title: " Blind Tom"
Description: Half-length portrait of the blind composer and pianist. Tom, attired in a white collared shirt, a tie, and a jacket, faces left with his eyes closed. Thomas Greene Wiggins also known as Thomas Bethune was born blind in Georgia to Charity and Domingo "Mingo" Wiggins. The family was enslaved by General James Neil Bethune, who hired Tom out to perform and tour extensively. He was a musical prodigy who could play by ear. He wrote over one hundred compositions and performed throughout his lifetime., Title from manuscript note written on mount., Date inferred from photographic medium and attire of the sitter., American Celebrities Album., Purchase 1985., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited.
Date: [ca. 1870]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department American Celebrities Album [(II)P.9100.44c]

Title: Matinee musicale by Mrs. Nevins assisted by Miss Susan Galton and others at the Amateur Drawing Room, 17th Street, above Chestnut, Thursday, May 20th at 12 o'clock, doors open at half past eleven. Tickets one dollar. To be had at the Drawing Room
Description: May 20 fell on a Thursday in 1869., Other performers include: Henriette Behrens, Mr. Clark, Blanche Galton, Alfred Kelleher, Thomas Whiffin, and Carl Wolfsohn., Printed on p. [1] and [3] only., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook.
Creator: Amateur Drawing Room (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Date: [1869]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB Phi Amateur 1869 (26)5761.F.120d (McAllister)

Title: Emerick, Albert G.
Creator: Library Company of Philadelphia, creator
Date: November 23, 1855

Title: The "West Point," the second locomotive built in the United States for actual service
Description: Ilustration shows the "West Point" during its first excursion trip or "trial of speed." The train was conducted by Stephen Lee Alison, who is shown with a African American assistant. Behind them, an African American man rides on the "barrier car," which consists of six bales of cotton strapped down by hoop-irons. (Such cars helped protect passengers from steam and hot water.) The next car is occupied by a "well-known colored band of Charleston" (p. 28), while the final car carries white passengers., Fold-out illustration in William H. Brown's The History of the First Locomotives in America: Together with other Valuable and Interesting Information from Original Documents, and the Testimony of Living Witnesses (Philadelphia: Barclay & Co., Publishers, No. 21 North Seventh Street, c1877), p. 28., Caption below the illustration reads: "The 'West Point' was built at the West Point Foundry Works, in New York City, for the South Carolina Railroad, forwarded to Charleston by ship Lafayette, and after several experimental trials, in February, 1831, made the first excursion trip, as above, on Saturday afternoon, March 5, 1831. (See extract from Charleston Courier.), Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Work Scenes.
Date: [c1877]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare Am 1877 Bro S20245.O p 28, https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A2830

Title: [Celebration at building construction site]
Description: Group portrait of white men celebrants, attired in light-colored hats and suits, at a building construction site on a major city street. An older white man, attired in an oversized hat decorated with flowers, holds a baton and sits before the group of men who stand on planks balanced across exposed iron girders in the sidewalk, on a large pulley, and on cement blocks before the unfinished building. In the left, four African American men musicians with guitars and a fiddle stand on the planks of wood and look at the viewer., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from attire of the sitters., Purchase 1989., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., 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.
Date: [ca. 1910]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - construction [P.9260.426]

Title: [African American youth playing banjo]
Description: Interior view depicting a seated African American boy singing and playing the banjo in a nicely furnished parlor. The boy, attired in a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dark-colored waistcoat, pants, and shoes, holds the banjo on his lap and looks up and to the right with his mouth open. In the left, a broom is propped against a wooden chair. Behind him is a closed door and a framed object hung on the wallpapered wall., Title supplied by cataloger., Frances Orlando's "George Bacon Wood, photographer of the 1880s: an introduction to the Wood Collection in the Library Company of Philadelphia. (Master's thesis, Philadelphia College of Art, 1985), p. 42., Gift of Elsie Wood Harmon, 1982., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., Wood, a Philadelphia artist, turned to photography in the 1880s exhibiting his work, including genre studies of African Americans, at national and international exhibitions. His photographs won several prizes.
Creator: Wood, George Bacon, 1832-1909, photographer
Date: [ca. 1886]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - Wood [P.8743.188]

Title: [African American woman playing tambourine]
Description: Snapshot photograph showing an African American woman outside and playing a tambourine between two white women who play guitars. The white woman in the left is partially removed from the view and the white woman in the right is partially obscured by the woman playing tambourine. The tambourine player has her hair pulled back and wears a silk shawl and long, ruffled, tiered skirt. Spectators, including an African American boy attired in overalls, and white men attired in summer suits stand near and behind the women. Wooden warehouse and barn-like structures, including one with signage reading "Sterline," are visible in the background., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from format of photograph and attire of sitters., Gift of Ivan Jurin, 2019., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Date: [ca. 1925]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department portrait photographs - misc. - sitter - female [P.2019.2.1]

Title: Hiram W. Stout, groceries, &c., 5th and Erie Ave
Description: Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man musician playing the cello. The man is seated in a crouched position on a green chair. He is attired in a yellow cap, a red and white striped shirt, a dotted blue jacket, yellow and red striped pants, and blue, yellow, and black boots. The man holds the neck of the cello in his left hand and the bow in his right. He is depicted with exaggerated features., Title from item., Title and business name printed on verso., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Stout [P.2017.95.172]

Title: Fine clothing, for men, youths and boys at the Misfitstore, cor. 10th & F Sts
Description: Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man minstrel musician to promote a clothing store. Shows the man facing the viewer and playing a recorder. The man is attired in a red cap, a white shirt with the collar turned up, a green bowtie, a brown jacket, blue and white striped pants, and brown shoes., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Misfitstore [P.2017.95.132]

Title: Happy contraband
Description: Photographic reproduction of a caricature depicting a half-length, cameo portrait of an African American man playing a fife. Shows the man, posed to the right, looking up with his eyes, and holding up with both his hands, a fife to his pursed lips. He leans slightly forward, is portrayed with a furrowed brow, and is attired in a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a ribbon, white shirt with long sleeves, and a dark-colored vest. While commander of Fort Monroe, Virginia, General Benjamin Butler declared freedom seekers as "contraband of war," providing the impetus for Congress to enact the Confiscation Act of 1861. During the war, several visual materials, often satires, depicting Black persons as "contraband" were published., Title from manuscript note on verso., Date inferred from active dates of publisher., RVCDC, Philadelphia Photographic Company operated from 730 Chestnut Street circa 1864-1865 before relocating to 24 N. 8th Street. Active until about circa 1869, the firm, per advertisements, issued a catalog, sold "specialties" for albums, including "from original drawings by artists of high quality," and published "[Thomas H.] Johnson's Photographic Views of the Whole Oil Regions," as well as sold election campaign cards and badges.
Creator: Philadelphia Photographic Company
Date: [ca. 1865]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cdv - non-portrait -Philadelphia Photographic Company - Happy [P.2022.50]

Title: Cremona Concert Hall late Union Hall. Opening night Wednesday eve'ng, Dec. 9th, 1863 Look! at the array of talent. Mr. Tom Hague the great champion clog dancer. Mr Charles E. Dobson the master banjoist of the world Mr. Dick Thompson, the eccentric comedian. Miss Kate Archer the French danseuse. Miss Carrie Edgar, the fascinating vocalist and danseuse Prof. Soure, leader of the orchestra. Herr Speigel, violinist. Admission, 15 cents
Description: Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook.
Creator: Cremona Concert Hall (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Date: [1863]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB Phi Cremona 1863 (25)5761.F.105b (McAllister)

Title: $154 bounty 112th Regiment, P.V., 2d Artillery A few good men wanted for the heavy artillery service! This regiment is now doing garrison duty in the fortifications for the defence of the city of Washington, and wishing to fill up their numbers to the maximum standard, have opened for that purpose recruiting offices at No. 138 S. Fourth Street, and 1434 South St., ab. Broad. Twelve band musicians wanted! Apply as above
Description: Charles Angeroth was authorized in Oct. 1861 to raise a battalion of heavy artillery; the 112th Regiment, 2nd Artillery of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in Jan. 8, 1862 and mustered out Jan. 29, 1866; Angeroth was discharged June 21, 1862 and replaced by A.A. Gibson; Lieut. J.N. Abbey was promoted to Captain of Battery H Nov. 25, 1862. Cf. S.P. Bates. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, v. 3, p. 1059, and F.H. Taylor. Philadelphia in the Civil War 1861-1865, p. 150., Printed in red and blue., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: United States, Army, Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment, 2nd (1861-1866)
Date: [1862]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare 2# Am 1862 Uni Sta (2)5777.F.43d (McAllister)

Title: $154 bounty! 112th Regiment, P.V., Second Artillery A few good men wanted for the heavy artillery service. This regiment is now doing garrison duty in the fortifications for the defence of the city of Washington; it is the largest regiment in the service, (its maximum number being 1800,) to which standard we desire to fill it, and have opened for that purpose a recruiting office at No. 138 South Fourth Street. Twelve band musicians wanted, apply as above
Description: Charles Angeroth was authorized in Oct. 1861 to raise a battalion of heavy artillery; the 112th Regiment, 2nd Artillery of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in Jan. 8, 1862 and mustered out Jan. 29, 1866; Angeroth was discharged June 21, 1862 and replaced by A.A. Gibson; Lieut. J.N. Abbey was promoted to Captain of Battery H Nov. 25, 1862. Cf. S.P. Bates. History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, v. 3, p. 1059, and F.H. Taylor. Philadelphia in the Civil War 1861-1865, p. 150., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: United States, Army, Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment, 2nd (1861-1866)
Date: [1862]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare sm # Am 1862 Uni Sta (1)5777.F.75b (McAllister)

Title: Grand concert for the benefit of the Green Hill Literary Association at Green Hill Hall, Seventeenth and Poplar Streets, on Wednesday evening, May 11th, 1864 The following artists have been engaged for the occasion: Harmonia Orchestra, Mozart Glee Club, Mr. Parvin, blind vocalist, Mr John Shepherd, Professor Wood, Mr J. Field, Mr B. Mallette, Miss Conover, Miss Arnold, Miss Ambler, Miss Hartzell, Miss Bullock, Miss Hull. Programme. ... Tickets, 25 cents To commence at eight o'clock
Description: Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: Green Hill Literary Association (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Date: [1864]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB 1864 Green (26)5761.F.22b (McAllister)

Title: The festival
Description: Set at Buckingham Hall, a fictional plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, this pro-slavery image presents a scene of general merriment. In accordance with the wishes of their benevolent master, Col. Buckingham, the slaves celebrate a "holiday and festival." Jerry, the leader of the band, sits upon a hogshead and plays his fiddle. Next to him, others play banjos, bones, and other instruments for the entertainment of a group of dancers. Other slaves eat ("from a fatted calf"), drink ("something better than water"), and socialize. Col. Buckingham and his family enjoy the festivites from a raised platform in a tree to the right., Illustration in Robert Criswell's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" contrasted with Buckingham Hall, the planter's home; or, A fair view of both sides of the slavery question (New York: Printed and published by D. Fanshaw, No. 108 Nassau-street, 1852), p. 112., Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Scenes from Slave Life.
Creator: Whitney & Annin, engraver
Date: [1852]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare 2 Wright 660 71441.O p 112, https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A3139

Title: [African American musicians performing on a riverboat]
Description: Scene depicting a group of four African American men singing and playing guitars while surrounded by spectators, seated on the deck of a riverboat, possibly in Tennessee. The musicians sit on a raised platform with their feet dangling. The third performer to the right plays a star shaped guitar and sings with his head tilted back and mouth wide open. He props his right foot on a stool. In the right, two African American men sit in wooden chairs. Surrounding the musicians, white men, women, and children sit and stand and look on. In the background, people walk on the deck and the smokestacks are visible., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and attire of the sitters., Gift of Elsie Wood Harmon, 1982., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., Wood, a Philadelphia artist, turned to photography in the 1880s exhibiting his work, including genre scenes of African Americans, at national and international photography exhibitions. His photographs won several prizes.
Creator: Wood, George Bacon, 1832-1909, photographer
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Photographs-Wood [P.8743.189]

Title: Cab Calloway [and his orchestra]
Description: Group portrait depicting orchestra leader and singer Cab Calloway and his African American orchestra waving goodbye alongside an United Air Lines plane. Calloway stands at the top of the boarding steps next to a white woman flight attendant and waves his left hand. The men, attired in suits and many holding hats, smile and wave at the viewer. Cabell Calloway III (1907–1994) was an American jazz singer, songwriter, dancer, bandleader, conductor and actor., Title from manuscript note on verso., Gift of Joseph Kelly, 1982., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Photo Illustrators (Firm), photographer
Date: 1935
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Photo-Illustrators-Non-Philadelphia-Afro-Americana

Title: George Miller & Son, wholesale confectioners, 610 & 612 Market street, Philadelphia
Description: Racist trade card promoting confectioner George Miller & Son and depicting a caricature of an African American man playing the violin. Shows the man portrayed with exaggerated features and attired in a white shirt, white pants with suspenders, and a long blue coat with an oversized, red and white striped collar. He sits on a red stool with his left leg straight out and his foot keeping time. He holds the bow in his right hand and cradles the violin under his chin as he plays. George Miller (1803-1891) established a confectionery in Philadelphia in 1833. The firm became George Miller & Son when George's son Charles B. Miller joined the business. In 1876, George retired, and his grandson William D. Miller joined the firm in 1877. The business moved from 610-612 Market Street to 255-257 South Third Street in 1888. In 1906, Union National Bank President William H. Carpenter acquired the firm., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of the advertised business., Date inferred from history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on recto: Established 1833. Manufacturers of pure candies. The best goods for the money., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - George [P.2017.95.69]

Title: Use Lautz Bros. & Co's soaps, best in the market
Description: Racist trade card depicting an African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, smiling, looking toward the viewer, sitting on a stool, bent over, and playing the cello. He picks the strings near the neck of the instrument with one hand and runs a bow along the strings at the lower body of it with the other. Sheet music is visible behind the man and above his head. The man is attired in a minstrel's costume, including a blue and white striped jacket with long tails, orange and white polka dot pants, and a white shirt with ruffles and the collar up. Lautz Bros. & Co. was originally founded in 1853 in Buffalo, New York as the Lautz Company by German immigrant Wilhelm Lautz Sr. After his death in 1866, his wife, sons, and grandsons continued to run the firm from Buffalo, New York through the early 20th century., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Lautz [P.2017.95.103]

Title: Use Lautz Bros. & Co's soaps, best in the market
Description: Racist trade card depicting an African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, in profile, sitting on a stool, his left foot wrapped around its leg, and playing the flute. A music stand with pages of sheet music is visible to the man's left. The man is attired in a minstrel costume, including a white and blue cone-shaped hat, an orange and white plaid jacket with long tails, a white shirt with ruffles, and yellow pants with a blue stripe. Lautz Bros. & Co. was originally founded in 1853 in Buffalo, New York as the Lautz Company by German immigrant Wilhelm Lautz Sr. After his death in 1866, his wife, sons, and grandsons continued to run the firm from Buffalo, New York through the early 20th century., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Lautz [P.2017.95.104]

Title: Use Lautz Bros. & Co's soaps, best in the market
Description: Racist trade card depicting an African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, in profile, looking toward the viewer marching with a drum strapped to his chest, and holding midstrike padded drumsticks in both hands. The man is attired in a white top hat adorned with a black ribbon, a red and white patterned jacket with long tails, a white shirt with ruffles and the collar up, and blue pants with a yellow stripe. Lautz Bros. & Co. was originally founded in 1853 in Buffalo, New York as the Lautz Company by German immigrant Wilhelm Lautz Sr. After his death in 1866, his wife, sons, and grandsons continued to run the firm from Buffalo, New York through the early 20th century., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Lautz [P.2017.95.105]

Title: Use Lautz Bros. & Co's soaps, best in the market
Description: Racist trade card depicting African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, in profile, smiling, holding a large tambourine in his right hand, and raising his left leg in the air in a skipping motion. The man is attired in a blue jacket with long tails, a white shirt with ruffles and the collar up, and orange and white striped pants. Lautz Bros. & Co. was originally founded in 1853 in Buffalo, New York as the Lautz Company by German immigrant Wilhelm Lautz Sr. After his death in 1866, his wife, sons, and grandsons continued to run the firm from Buffalo, New York through the early 20th century., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Lautz [P.2017.95.106]

Title: Compliments of McGeoch & Pierce
Description: Racist trade card depicting African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, in profile, smiling, holding a large tambourine in his right hand, and raising his left leg in the air in a skipping motion. The man is attired in a blue jacket with long tails, a white shirt with ruffles and the collar up, and orange and white striped pants. McGeoch & Pierce was a clothing firm partly owned by M.L. Pierce in Greenwich, New York. Pierce joined the firm in 1881., Title from stamp on item., Date inferred from operation dates of advertised business as referenced in biographical entry for M.L. Pierce in "Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties, Nebraska, Comprising a Condensed History of the State" (Chicago, 1890), p. 784., Advertising text on verso: Temple of Fashion, 83 Main St., Greenwich, N.Y. McGeoch & Pierce, Carry The Best Selected Stock of Clothing in Washington County. Mens' and Boy's Suits & Overcoats In all the New and desirable goods and styles. Fine Goods and Perfect Fit A Specialty. For your next suit call on McGeoch & Pierce, The Leaders in Low Prices., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - McGeoch [P.2017.95.116]

Title: Melodeon Hall--Tuesday evening, Dec. 15, 1863 Readings by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Club, for the benefit of the Sanitary Fair. The distinguished pianist Miss Eugenie de Roode has kindly consented to appear on the occasion. ... Reading to begin at half-past seven o'clock. Tickets will be for sale at the door on the evening of the reading. Single admission, 50 cents; gentleman and two ladies, $1
Description: Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 27.5 x 12.6 cm., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: Cincinnati Shakespeare Club (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date: [1863]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB 1863 Cin Sha 5781.F.10 (McAllister)

Title: [The Singer Manufacturing Company trade cards]
Description: Series of illustrated trade cards depicting comic views entitled "This coat was sewed on a Singer machine," "What I have sewed together and no one rip asunder," "Making ends meet," and "As ye sew so shall ye rip," showing a man caught and hanging from a windowsill by his coat looking in the face of a frightened cat with its back arched; a couple attired in their wedding clothes, which Cupid stitches together behind them; a boy sewing the ends of two cat's tails together with a Singer sewing machine. Two other boys hold the horrified looking cats, while a dog sits near the machine; a boy sitting on the edge of a sewing machine with his back to the viewer as another boy sews; musicians playing french horn, flute, and baritone; and two men lounging in a hay field, one of them asleep and mischeviously being prodded by the other with a twig, with a post and rail fence in background. The Singer Manufacturing Company relocated to 1106 Chestnut Street from 1609 Ridge Avenue ca. 1876 and moved to 1202 Chestnut Street in 1882., Title supplied by cataloger., Four prints contain the following advertising text printed on versos: Advertising text printed on verso: Principal Office of The Singer Manufacturing Company Removed to 1202 Chestnut Street. Genuine Singer Sewing Machines. At Low Prices For Cash., Two prints contain the following advertising text printed on versos: The world's award. First premium to the singer. 232, 444 (Two hundred and thirty-two thousand four hundred and forty-four,) machines sold in one year, 113, 254 more machines than were sold by the next highest company. Machines sold on easy monthly installments, No. 1106 Chestnut St., Phila., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Two prints [P.9387.1 & 2] gift of Alan Smith., For duplicate of "Making ends meet" see Helen Beitler Graphic Ephemera Collection - Trade cards & Blotters [P.2011.10.59], Digitized.
Date: [ca. 1876-1882]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Singer [1975.F.786; 1975.F.864-866; P.9387.1 & 2]

Title: Robert Bogle
Description: Bust-length portrait of the respected Philadelphia African American caterer, proprietor of the Blue Bell Tavern, and member of Frank Johnson's band. One of several variant reproductions of the only known portrait of Bogle, possibly a study sketch for a print to accompany Philadelphia antiquarian Dreer's private printing in 1865 of Nicholas Biddle's 1830 poem, "Ode To Bogle," originally written in 1830. Bogle, attired in a white collared shirt, a white bowtie, and a brown jacket with a black collar, faces slightly left., Title from item., Date inferred from content., See LCP exhibition catalogue: The Larder Invaded, p. 65., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of portraits. McAllister Collection, gift, 1886., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [ca. 1865]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Portrait Prints-B [(1)5750.F.55b]

Title: Go way white trash, dis chile dance yer blind
Description: Reproduction of a sketch by G. W. Leonard depicting an African American shoeshine boy dancing to the musical accompaniment of a white boy and girl, while a white boy mocks him in the background. The smiling African American boy, portrayed in racist caricature with exaggerated features, is in the center of the image. He is attired in a white, long-sleeved open neck shirt, baggy striped pants with suspenders, and a hat with turned up brims, his hands at his side, and mid step. To his right, stand a white boy playing a concertina and a white girl playing the violin. The boy is attired in a newsboy's cap, a jacket, and pants with patches at the knees. The girl is attired in a short-sleeved, calf-length, light-colored dress, with a sash draped over her right shoulder (the one on which she plays the violin). A shoeshine box marked (with the letter s's backwards), "t. Smith. Boss Shine, 5 cts.," rests near the feet of the trio of children. In the background, a white boy, attired in torn and worn clothes and with mop-like hair, appears in a clomping stance with his arms raised to his shoulders, his back leg bent at the knee, and his other leg kicked out. His hat lays on the ground near him., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1877, by J. P. Soule., John P. Soule was a Boston photographer who also published stereographs and cartes de visite. He served in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts at the end of the Civil War., Purchased with the Davida T. Deutsch African American History Fund and funds for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Date: [1877]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cdv - misc. - caricatures and cartoons - G [P.2015.63]

Title: [Full-length group portrait of Imperial Japanese Troupe members Denkichi, Sentarō, Yonekichi, and Rinzō Hamaikari]
Description: Full-length group portrait depicting the Hamaikari family, who were members of the Imperial Japanese Troupe. From left to right, shows brothers Denkichi, Sentarō, Yonekichi, and their father Rinzō Hamaikari. Denkichi and Rinzō wear chonmage hairstyles, which are shaved in the front with a top knot. They are attired in kimonos and sandals and carry swords in scabbards at their waist. Sentarō and Yonekichi wear their hair in top knots and are attired in long-sleeved shirts, striped pants, and sandals. Denkichi and Rinzō sit in wooden chairs, while Yonekichi stands with his right arm on Sentarō’s shoulder, who is seated on a small wooden stool and looks down. In the background is a backdrop with a column and a two-handled urn. Richard Risley Carlisle (1814-1874), known as Professor Risley, assembled and managed a group of eighteen Japanese acrobats and musicians from Yokohama, Japan called the Imperial Japanese Troupe. They toured America in 1867, performing in Philadelphia in March. They then travelled to Europe, including Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain. Rinzō Hamaikari played the flute and his sons were acrobats., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and active dates of photographer at address in his imprint., Photographer's imprint printed on verso.
Creator: Keeler, F. S. (Francis S.), photographer
Date: [ca. 1867]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department cdv portraits - photographer - Keeler [P.9573.36]

Title: Ladies
Description: Lantern slide formerly owned and probably used in art lessons by Philadelphia painter, photographer, and art teacher, Xanthus Smith. Depicts a scene set in Roman antiquity of a white woman, attired in a white gown, dancing before upper-class Romans. In the center is a marble veranda with a roof comprised of a red drape with yellow fringe held up by columns. In the veranda, around a table filled with food and drink, a Roman woman and three men lounge and watch the dancer. Behind them, three enslaved Black men and a woman carry wine flasks, pour drinks, and fan. In the left, white men and women musicians play flutes and tambourines. In the background, a peacock and other birds stand and fly on the palatial building decorated with columns, sculpture, and flowers., Title from partially legible label on mount., Number 19 in "Old Roman World" series., Gift of Edna Andrade, 1994., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [ca. 1875]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Lantern Slides - Smith [P.9471]

Title: A scene in the Golden Dragon, 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia's most beautiful restaurant
Description: Interior view of the Golden Dragon restaurant located at 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia and depicting the dining room crowded with patrons. Shows the large room filled with diners sitting at white table-clothed tables and standing in a row. The men and women, finely attired in suits, dresses, hats, and jewelry, look at the viewer. Plates of food and cups and glasses are visible on the tables. In the left, a Chinese man waiter, attired in a tuxedo, stands with probably menus under his arm. In the background, musicians, attired in tuxedos, are seated with musical instruments in front of a backdrop of peacock feathers. The dining room ceiling is decorated with multiple-colored fabrics. Charlie Kerr (1890-1976) was a jazz drummer and orchestra leader in the 1920s to the late 1940s., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Text printed on verso: Philadelphia, Pa., 19[blank], Dear [blank], Greetings from the beautiful Golden Dragon, where I dined today. "Charlie" Kerr's Orchestra is great., Series no. on verso: 2690 N., See related: Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112] - sheet number 112B04., Sheet number: 112A05., Divided backs.
Creator: Brightbill, George M., collector
Date: [ca. 1925]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]

Title: Concert Hall Chestnut Street, above Twelfth. Positively for two weeks only commencing Monday evening, Feb'y 8th, 1864 An entire change of programme every other evening. The best band in the world, and undisputed champions of minstrelsy ... The far-famed, world-renowned, original, and only Morris' Minstrels! brass band and burlesque old folks concert troupe! From their opera house, Tremont Street, Boston. ... Six balladists, six comedians, six musicians, and three celebrated and unrivaled dancers: the only complete company at present organized. We court criticism and defy competition. ... The two musicians, ... Morris' burlesque old folks' concert, ... The whole to conclude with an entire new extravaganza, performed only by this company, entitled Life on the Mississippi! by the entire company. Admission twenty-five cents Doors open at 7 o'clock. Performance to commence at 7 3/4. Gentlemanly ushers in attendance. ... Free balcony serenade every night, in front of the hall, by Morris' Brass Band!
Description: The company includes: W.A. Abbott, W. Blackeney, O.H. Carter, C. Curtis, G.F. Doll, Charles Gassett, W.H. Granger, M. Kanane, E. Kerwin, Charles Melville, M.C. Miller, C.A. Morris, Frank Newall, C.H. Pease, Harry Pell, Jules Seidel, Lew Simmons, J.H. Surridge, J.R. Taylor, Calvin Wagner, and Frank Wells., "Rules of the hall.--Persons are requested not to beat time with their feet, as it is unpleasant to the audience and interrupts the performance. Front and centre seats reserved for ladies, and gentlemen accompanying them. Colored people admitted only to seats assigned them. Gentlemen are requested to take off their hats during the performance hours. Whistling is positively forbidden in the hall. Owing to the extreme length of the programme, no repetition of the pieces can be given. Boys not admitted to the gallery.", Illustration signed: J.W. Morse N.Y., Printed area, including double-rule border, measures 54.6 x 20.0 cm., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: Morris' Minstrels
Date: [1864]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB 1864 Morris (8)5761.F.29b (McAllister)

Title: Sanford's new Opera House Race Street, between Second & Third Friday, January 6th, 1865. Benefit of Jake Wallace when the following rich, rare and racy bill, will be presented. Programme. ... The hungry musicians ... Cruelty to Johnny. ... To conclude with The inauguration ball ... Concluding with a grand tab-lew. Saturday evening, Jan. 7th, benefit of J.P. Reese! Cards of admission, 25 cents Orchestra seats, 50 cts Private boxes, dress circle, $5 Private boxes, family circle, $4 & $3 Office will be open from 9 to 2 o'clock, for the sale of secured seats and boxes, without extra charge. Doors open at quarter before 7 o'clock. To commence quarter before 8
Description: The company includes: James Carroll, W.A. Hannie, J.P. Heffron, H.J. Raynor, J.P. Reese, Eddie Rivers (a.k.a. Nino Eddie), S.S. Sanford, W. Schaffer, Larry Tooley, Jake Wallace, J. Werns, W. Werns, and J. Williams., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: Sanford's Opera House (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Date: [1865]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB Phi Sanford 1865 (26)5761.F.94a (McAllister)

Title: Sanford's new Opera House Race Street, between Second & Third Saturday, January 7, 1865, benefit of Mr. J.P. Reese! when the following unprecedented acts, by Sanford's star troupe will be presented. Programme. ... Cruelty to Johnny. ... Stage-struck heroes ... To conclude with The Union Army! by the entire company. Monday evening, Jan. 9, benefit of the attachees Tuesday evening, benefit of J. Orr Finnie Cards of admission, 25 cents Orchestra seats, 50 cts Private boxes, dress circle, $5 Private boxes, family circle, $4 & $3 Office will be open from 9 to 2 o'clock, for the sale of secured seats and boxes, without extra charge. Doors open at quarter before 7 o'clock. To commence quarter before 8
Description: The company includes: F. Basquin, T.R. Deverill, J.P. Heffron, H.J. Raynor (and his learned dog, Lilly Dale), J.P. Reese, Eddie Rivers (a.k.a. Nino Eddie), S.S. Sanford, Jake Wallace, and J. Williams., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Digitized by Alexander Street Press for Images of the American Civil War.
Creator: Sanford's Opera House (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Date: [1865]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare PB Phi Sanford 1865 (26)5761.F.94b (McAllister)

Title: Band at Hampton [Institute, Va.]
Description: Film negative showing an African American men’s marching band playing on the lawn at the Hampton Institute. The men, attired in uniforms and caps, stand in rows and play a variety of instruments including brass, woodwind, and drums. In the background is a building with ivy-covered walls and an audience of men and women watching the musicians. The Hampton Institute, originally the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, was founded in 1868 by the American Missionary Association to provide education for freed Black citizens after the Civil War. It was built on the grounds of a former plantation, known as Little Scotland. The school was legally chartered in 1870 and accredited as a university in 1984. Notable graduates include Booker T. Washington., Originally located in negative album [P.2013.13a], Gift of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris, 2013., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Digitization and cataloging has been made possible through the generosity of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris in memory of Marriott Canby Morris and his children: Elliston Perot Morris, Marriott Canby Morris Jr., and Janet Morris and in acknowledgment of his grandchildren: William Perot Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, Jonathan White Morris, and David Marriott Morris., Edited.
Creator: Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer
Date: April 24, 1912
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Marriott C. Morris Collection [P.2013.13.462]

Title: Band playing for march, [Hampton Institute, Va.]
Description: Film negative showing a marching band playing while a crowd of spectators looks on at Hampton Institute. The African American men musicians, attired in uniforms and caps, play their instruments and march down a walkway. Flanking them are white and African American men and women who watch. In the left is a brick building covered with ivy with several more buildings in the background. Trees line the walkway. Hampton Institute, originally the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, was founded in 1868 by the American Missionary Association to provide education for freed Black citizens after the Civil War. It was built on the grounds of a former plantation, known as Little Scotland. The school was legally chartered in 1870 and accredited as a university in 1984. Notable graduates include Booker T. Washington., Originally located in negative album [P.2013.13a], Gift of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris, 2013., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Digitization and cataloging has been made possible through the generosity of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris in memory of Marriott Canby Morris and his children: Elliston Perot Morris, Marriott Canby Morris Jr., and Janet Morris and in acknowledgment of his grandchildren: William Perot Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, Jonathan White Morris, and David Marriott Morris., Edited.
Creator: Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer
Date: April 24, 1912
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Marriott C. Morris Collection [P.2013.13.468]

Title: New market, in South Second Street Philadelphia
Description: Street scene with a view of the New Market shed on South Second Street. Depicts a group of men, women, and children with a dog, possibly a procession of a butcher's trade association, gathered across from the shed and by a bull decorated with garlands of flowers. An African American man fiddle player entertains the group as an African American boy and a dog runs toward them. Attached to the back of the shed is the fire engine house with cupola, known as the "headhouse." The New Market, erected about 1745, was created following a petition by the growing population of South Philadelphia residents who found it a hardship to cross Dock Creek to reach the High Street Market. The shed was razed in 1956 and rebuilt in 1963., Title from item., Illustrated in S. Robert Teitelman's Birch's views of Philadelphia. (Philadelphia: The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1982), pl. 16., Accessioned 1979., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., 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.
Creator: W. Birch & Son
Date: 1799
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Birch's views [Sn 16/P.2276.35]

Title: A scene in the Golden Dragon, 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia's most beautiful restaurant
Description: Interior view of the Golden Dragon restaurant located at 1526 Market Street, Philadelphia and depicting the dining room crowded with patrons. Shows the large room filled with diners sitting at white table-clothed tables and standing in a row. The men and women, finely attired in suits, dresses, hats, and jewelry, look at the viewer. Plates of food and cups and glasses are visible on the tables. In the left, a Chinese man waiter, attired in a tuxedo, stands with probably menus under his arm. In the background, musicians, attired in tuxedos, are seated with musical instruments in front of a backdrop of peacock feathers. The dining room ceiling is decorated with fabrics. Charlie Kerr (1890-1976) was a jazz drummer and orchestra leader in the 1920s to the late 1940s., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Text printed on verso: Philadelphia, Pa., 19[blank], Dear [blank], Greetings from the beautiful Golden Dragon, where I dined today. "Charlie" Kerr's Orchestra is great., See related: Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112] - sheet number 112A05., Sheet number: 112B04., Divided backs.
Creator: Brightbill, George M., collector
Date: [ca. 1925]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]

Title: The colored band
Description: Photographic reproduction of a print drawn by Helen M. Colburn, daughter of New Jersey artist Rembrandt Lockwood, depicting African American women and girl spectators reacting to a passing African American marching band. The figures are drawn with racist and caricatured features and mannerisms. Shows in the foreground, two girls and a younger and an older woman, running next to and toward the band, mimicking the band leader, and dancing. The girls and women are barefoot and wear shift dresses of either calf or ankle lengths. The older, running woman (in right) also wears a kerchief. The mimicking girl who stomps and raises her left arm in front of the band leader wears short-cropped hair and is attired in a dress with wornout sleeves (center). The young woman dancing (center) and the running girl (left) wear their hair full and wavy. In the center foreground, the band leader looks past the girl in front of him. He wears a mustache and is attired in a tall, round-top shako with plume and a uniform. The uniform has tassels at the shoulder and a decorative chest plate and pants with a vertical stripe on the outseam. He holds up a mace adorned with an eagle with his right hand. In the background, members of the marching band, attired in caps with plumes and uniforms, play tubas. A line of older African American boys and a girl walks ahead of the band. Two of the children look behind themselves toward the band, including a boy with a look of surprise. During the Civil War, African American brass bands were formed by white commanding officers to promote and increase recruitment of African American soldiers. Following the war, many of the ex-military musicians formed civilian bands associated with quasi-military drill teams, volunteer organizations, and social clubs., Robinson, married to Washington U.S. Treasury clerk Rollinson Colburn, lived in the Capitol between circa 1870 and her death in 1912. In 1887 eight of her works, some purported to be based on her own eye-witness accounts during the 1870s, showing African American life in the city were published as a collectible series of photographs. Occassionally, Colburn described and signed her descriptions of the scenes on the versos of the photographs., Title printed on mount., Date from copy right statement printed on mount: Copyright 1887., Written in lower left of original print: Copyright 1881. Mrs. R. Colburn, RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Purchased with the 2019 Junto Fund.
Date: 1887
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photos - 5 x 7 - unidentified - Events [P.2020.16.1]

Title: Hopkinson, Joseph, 1770-
Creator: Library Company of Philadelphia, creator
Date: October 4, 1813

Title: Band leading students to dinner, [Hampton Institute, Va.]
Description: Film negative showing a marching band leading a procession of African American women through two straight rows of African American men, attired in in uniforms and caps, at Hampton Institute. In the foreground, the African American men play their musical instruments while marching in five columns. Flanking them, the men stand at attention holding their hats to their chests. Following the band are several men carrying flags and the women, attired in white dresses, walking in rows. In the left, a crowd of white and African American men and women watch the scene. In the background, is the Hampton River where several boats sail and trees grow along the banks. The Hampton Institute, originally the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, was founded in 1868 by the American Missionary Association to provide education for freed Black citizens after the Civil War. It was built on the grounds of a former plantation, known as Little Scotland. The school was legally chartered in 1870 and accredited as a university in 1984. Notable graduates include Booker T. Washington., Originally located in negative album [P.2013.13a], Gift of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris, 2013., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Digitization and cataloging has been made possible through the generosity of David Marriott Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, and William Perot Morris in memory of Marriott Canby Morris and his children: Elliston Perot Morris, Marriott Canby Morris Jr., and Janet Morris and in acknowledgment of his grandchildren: William Perot Morris, Eleanor Rhoads Morris Cox, Jonathan White Morris, and David Marriott Morris., Edited.
Creator: Morris, Marriott Canby, 1863-1948, photographer
Date: April 24, 1912
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Marriott C. Morris Collection [P.2013.13.467]

Title: Mason's challenge blacking. James S. Mason & Co., nos. 138 & 140 North Front Street, Philadelphia
Description: Advertisement depicting a "shoe blacking" competition between two African American shoe shiners to promote the manufactory of blacking established in 1832 by James S. Mason. Shows two African American men, portrayed in racist caricature, holding a brush, a canister of "Mason's" blacking, and a boot, while they dance on a table. An African American man fiddler sits on a stool and plays. In the foreground, a white man holds an oversized boot. A white shoe shine boy, his pack on his back, stands behind an older man holding his arm as he points at his reflection in the boot. In the left background, a troop of white Union soldiers marches in behind a parade marshal adorned in "M" insignias. The men carry a banner reading "Mason's (Original) Challenge Blacking (Philadelphia)," as well as boots, and signs spelling "M-A-S-O-N." In the right background, a crowd of spectators, including figures likely representing Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and possibly France, stand and watch the competition attentively. Scene also includes boxes of Mason's Challenge Blacking. Following the death of Mason in 1888, his son Richard assumed the business which was in operation into the 20th century., Title from item., Date inferred from directory listings for the artist and engravers., Attributed by cataloger to Francis H. Schell, but possibly by Frederick B. Schell., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., 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 Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Schell, Francis H., 1834-1909, artist
Date: [ca. 1863]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Ph Pr - 11x14 - Advertisements - M [P.2013.51]

Title: [Scene on Atlantic City boardwalk near Lindley's baths]
Description: Scene depicting the busy Atlantic City boardwalk with many promenaders. Several businesses line the boardwalk including a photographic studio, Adams Bath Houses, Lindley's Baths, and Shimamura & Company. Through the glass storefront window at Shimamura & Co., numerous vases and framed works are visible. Men, women, and children promenaders include two African American girls attired in white dresses and hats; three women attired in Japanese kimono carry parasols and one carries a fan; members of a band; and a white boy carrying a sign for "Cleveland's Iron Pier." In the left, a large American flag flies. An observation tower with people is seen in the background. Shingo Shimamura, along with several Japanese partners including Y. Mayebara, and Takemura, opened Shimamura and Co. in 1888 at Tennessee Avenue and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City. The store sold Japanese art and decorative arts. In 1906, Shimamura opened another store at 579 Broadway, New York City., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from attire of the people., Purchase 1989., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., 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.
Date: [ca. 1895]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - Cities [P.9260.590]

Title: Philharmonic T[h]eatre, Islington. Every evening at eight. [Sa]turday at three and eight. Sam Hague's Ori[gi]nal Slave Troupe at St. James's Hall, Li[me] Street, Liverpool. Every evening at 8, Saturdays at 3 & 8, all the year round. Positively for four weeks on[ly] commencing Monday, Feb. 14th. Terminat[ing] [on] March 11 [ ] been re-built since the fire), St. James Hall, Liverpool, March 13th, 1876
Description: Advertising print depicting a racist scene to promote Sam Hague's Original Slave Troupe after their dislocation from their permanent home theatre, St. James Hall, following a fire in 1875. Shows a rhinoceros, a bell on his tail, pulling a cart on which members of the minstrel troupe, portrayed as Black men and women caricartures, perform. On the head of the animal, a man sits, his legs straight out while he holds the pole of a banner designed as an American flag and that is marked with advertising text for the troupe. On the animal's back, men and a woman stand, play hand instruments, and dance on a raised plank. On the cart, men play string and wind instruments, including a bass and trombone, as well as one man, bare-chested and in boxing pants, holds up an open umbrella, on which another man sits and plays the drum. The men figures are attired in suits and/or shirt sleeves and pants. The woman figure wears a kerchief, long-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves pulled up and apron-like, checkered skirt. Scene also includes blades of grass and a flowering plant in the foreground. Sam Hague's Original Slave Troupe evolved from the Georgia Slave Troupe Minstrels for which Samuel Hague assumed part management in 1866. Within the year, the troupe of formerly enslaved individuals, including singers, comedians, and minstrels, traveled to Great Britain to tour the country. In 1869, Hague acquired St. James Hall in Liverpool as a permanent home for the company, as well as a site to organize touring companies. In 1875, the hall was razed by fire and for the next year, the Troupe performed from other theatres such as Philharmonic Theatre, Islington. By this time, the Troupe was mainly comprised of white performers who performed in Blackface and Hague had managed the Troupe with a few different partners., Blackface minstrelsy is a popular entertainment form, originating in the United States in the mid-19th century and remaining in American life through the 20th century. The form is based around stereotypical and racist portrayals of African Americans, including mocking dialect, parodic lyrics, and the application of Black face paint; all designed to portray African Americans as othered subjects of humor and disrespect. Blackface was a dominant form for theatrical and musical performances for decades, both on stage and in private homes., Title from item., Date inferred from promotional text on item., RVCDC, Description of Blackface minstrelsy from Dorothy Berry, Descriptive Equity and Clarity around Blackface Minstrelsy in H(arvard) T(heater) C(ollection) Collections, 2021., Print torn in half and with sections missing.
Date: [1876]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **GC - Advertisements - Samuel Hague [P.2022.57.1]

Title: [Portrait album of well-known 19th-century African American men of Philadelphia]
Description: Photograph album containing identified portrait photographs, bust-length, half-length, and full-length, of twenty-one prominent Philadelphia African American men. Named sitters in order of inclusion in album include veteran Harmon Richardson attired in a military uniform; educator and activist Octavius Catto; civil rights activist Edwin Chew (son of John and Charlotte Henson Chew); janitor and later undertaker Guy M. Burton with musician Ed[ward] H. Johnson and Terry V. Hall; musician Joseph G. Anderson; Civil War veteran and waiter Taylor Aldridge; Johnson al-Jube holding a basket; laborer Parker T. Smith; Jeremiah V. Hall; George Hall; waiter William I. Lancaster; barber James Keith; caterer Henry Tobias; Cheslea Bass, barber and partner to James Keith, with caterer Andrew F. Stevens; Edwin Lewis; Jas. H. Williams ae.[sic] Rush; Thomas Proctor; and restauranteur/caterer Ja[me]s B. Page. Musicians Edward Johnson and Joseph G. Anderson were members of Francis Johnson's band in the 1830s and 40s., Title supplied by cataloger from label on spine., Date from content and medium of photographs., Cardboard binding with torn spine label inscribed: Portraits of Well Know[n]. Insides of binding covers include scribbles and a pasted partial scrap of a flower., Photographs are loose or attached to album pages within binding., Sitters, and occasionally their profession, identified by manuscript notes on verso of photograph or album page. Some notes include statement "deceased," including for sitters Harmon Richardson, Edwin Chew, Octavius Catto, Edward H. Johnson, Terry V. Hall, Joseph G. Anderson, Johnson al-Jube, George Hall, James H. Williams, and James Page., Mostly unidentified photographers with identified Philadelphia photographers John L. Gihon and Parlor Gallery., Portrait photograph of Octavius Catto reproduced after a circa 1871 portrait photograph taken by African American Philadelphia photographer Gallo W. Cheston and/or Philadelphia photographers Broadbent & Phillips. See "Amy Cohen's Catto the Forgotten Hero" at catto.ushistory.org/. See also Harper's Weekly 15 (October 28, 1871), p. 1005 and a copy of the original portrait at https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.2006.8. Photograph stamped on verso: Kean Archives, Phila., Portrait photograph of Taylor Aldridge inscribed on verso: Nov. 27 '83., Verso of album page with portrait photograph of Edwin Lewis inscribed: July '83., Verso of album page with portrait photograph of James Page printed: Sharpless Bros. Dry Goods, Chestnut and Eighth Sts. Philadelphia., Purchase 1990., Description revised 2023., Access points revised 2023., 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.
Date: [ca. 1865-ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums [P.9304]

Main menu

Pages