This announcement, printed on one side of a thin sheet of paper, states: East Des Moines Booster Club Picnic at South Union Park Monday, August 20, 1934 Basket Picnic; Free Barbecue. Free Ice Cream for the Kiddies. As host to the Negro Republican Voters League of Iowa, and the Iowa Baptist Convention We are expecting a grand time with an overflow crowd Athletic Stunts, Games, Races with Special Prizes for Winners in All Events. Featuring our usual annual prize gift 1 sack flour & 1 large ham. Basket spread 4:00p.m. Everybody Welcome. Committee John Blackburn, Chas. McClain W. F. Sommerville, Wm. Reeves, Mrs. Maud Mash, Mrs, Eva Roper, Mrs. Juanita Jefferson, Clint Roland, W. D. Miller, Rev. J. W. Tutt, B. F. Wellington
The style of the broadside seems like that of Robert Patten, a Black American printer in Des Moines. From the Iowa State Historical Society: “More than 100 years ago, Robert E. Patten (1883-1968) opened a print shop in Des Moines’ Center Street neighborhood, where he saved a copy of nearly everything that rolled off his press from 1910 to 1960. Sadly, that largely African-American neighborhood is long gone — bulldozed in the 1960s in the name of urban renewal. Fortunately, Patten’s family donated his posters, flyers and other everyday items to the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1995. The collection showcases the old neighborhood in its heyday, a lively community with homes, shops, churches and gathering spots.”