Collection of Photographs from a 1940s African American Military Family
Photo Archive
A compelling suite of 56 vernacular photographs taken by and of an African American family from c.1940-1945. The archive consists of 50 rectangular silver gelatin print photos, sized approximately 4 ½” x 2 ¾”; and 6 square-format photos measuring 3 ½” x 3 ½”. “Velox” brand imprint and photograph number on verso. The archive of African-American vernacular photographs features travels around the U.S. One photo appears to be from Texas based on a license plate, there are also several images from a snowy, east coast residential street; and photographs of attractions in Washington, DC, including the Washington Monument; alongside standard portraits of family members and friends in formal and casual attire, captured both within domestic interiors and outside their homes. One subject is outfitted in a Navy uniform, perhaps ready to be deployed for WWII. We can see this same man with his convertible car and handsome suit. Over 160,000 African Americans served in the Navy during WWII, and the first black Officers were commissioned in March 1944. We also see one young woman outfitted in a cap and a robe, holding a diploma for either high school or college. This collection provides an important glimpse into the daily lives of one upper-middle class African American family from the the 1940s. One photograph, of two African American women standing before a large tree, has written on verso: “Gladys and Birdie and I spent a weekend in Baltimore Md. We spent a weekend with Gladis and her father. (1943)”. Some images have slightly chipped edges, as well as slight age-toning. Overall very good.Item #17812
Price: $1,250.00
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