Robert E. Patten was a Black Iowan printers whose press created many signs, pamphlets, brochures and placards for the white and Black communities in Des Moines, Iowa. This placard had a small calendar but mainly serves as an advertisement for...
The 1953 Black Diamond, Centerville High School, Iowa, yearbook Many photographs of Simon Estes in his 1953 yearbook, showing his activities on track and football sports teams. A relative was a freshman at the time. Estes lived in Centerville, Iowa.
Headline in the middle of the first page reads: “All 28 Defendants in Lynching Case Given Acquittals: Carolinians Charged with Slaying Colored Man Freed by Jury”
Two television personalities from WHO tv–Cowboy Ken and Uncle Stan–are pictured. Each holds a blackface ventriloquist dummy, one called “Nappy,” and the other “Rabbit.” It is clear that this is meant to be amusing to a certain audience, the racism...
Press photo states “Johnny Bright, the Negro dazzler from Drake who was the Eagles’ first draft choice, will move from his single wing halfback slot to Philadelphia’s T-formation full-back post if he decides to play pro football, according to coach...
This small but comprehensive pamphlet prepared by the Educational Department, New York State Communist Party, is titled “Negro History Week 1953, Peace, Equality,” and sold for 25 cents. The articles are taken from various places, copied in the original typeface,...
Large pamphlet showing b/w photos of WACs in Fort Des Moines. While most of the pages have photos exclusively showing White WACs, a 2-page spread titled “Colored WACS New Recruits” has six photos featuring Black WACs. Published in Cooperation with...
A commercially produced postcard. Front b/w photo shows WACs outdoors in Fort Des Moines with buildings, crossing the street to go to a meal. The caption below the photo states “Mess Time–W.A.A.C. T. L. Ft. Des Moines, IA.” back: written...
A commercially produced postcard. Front b/w photo shows WACs in exercise dresses and hats doing calisthenics in a field. Caption below photo says: “Calisthenics–WAAC FT. Des Moines.” Back: A message on back addressed to “Miss Faith Bellows, North Hoosac Roac,...
Royal blue match book with metallic lettering: WAAC and a drawing of the profile bust of a greco-roman helmeted warrior. Text says “Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Close Cover Before Striking”
A commercially produced postcard. Front: b/w photo of WACs training. Caption below photo states: “Military Drill at WAAC Training Center, Fort Des Moines, Iowa.” Back: at the top: “The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps offers women an opportunity to help win...
Yearbook, 1958, Quax, Drake University. p. 33 “Drake Dances to Duke.” Duke Ellington and his 16-piece jazz orchestra provided the music for the 1957 Homecoming Dance. Drake turned out in record numbers to hear the Duke. Some of the 1,750...
“New Challenge, The Magazine for Young Americans,” feature article: “Behind the Murder of Emmett Till” New Challenge Publishers at 673 Broadway, New York, editor Aaron Weissman
Fascism Philosphy Communism Leftist Patti-Jo ‘n Ginger cartoon in “The New Masses.” Patti-Jo was a cartoon by Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist in a syndicated newspaper. The cartoon here was reproduced from the Pittsburgh Courier, July 12, 1947...
Used menu from the Fount’n Grill at Katz Drug Company in Des Moines Iowa. Katz Drug Store was a regional chain of pharmacies in the Midwestern United States. In 1914, two brothers named Ike and Mike Katz opened two drug...
Chicago American newspaper, September 27, 1955, p. 17. Rallies Protest Till Acquittal, Till mentioned on inside with photos of Mother-Mamie Bradley, and Father-John Carthan. Article about Chicago rally staged by the Metropolitan Community Church in Chicago.
1948 Press Photo Charles Howard Supporters during convention-Philadelphia. a scene of an enormous crowd with signs. Caption under Press Photo reads: “Philadelphia, July 24–Delegates for Howard– This was the scene around the speaker’s stand as delegates put on demonstration last...
original, complete circa 1950’s brochure about IOWA COLORED GHOSTS AFRICAN AMERICAN SOFTBALL TEAM PROGRAM. A Black Iowan softball team that staged antics to make the crowd laugh, similar to Harlem globetrotters, but maybe a bit of Jim Crow?
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