113 of 284 lots
Lot Is Closed
113
[EARLY PHOTO.] Album comp. by Helen Berry of Mt. Hope, MO, ft. photos of a Black family. Ca 1930s.
Estimate: $300-$400
Sold
$150
Timed Auction
American Historical Ephemera & Photography
Description

[EARLY PHOTO.] Album comp. by Helen Berry of Mt. Hope, MO, ft. photos of a Black family. Ca 1930s.


7 x 11 in. album containing approx. 66 photographs of an African American family, most approx. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in., mounted recto/verso to album pages. Some photos are accompanied by period captions, although many are difficult to discern. Two clipped obituaries are enclosed in the album for "Eugene Berry, Negro," who died at the age of 22 in Mount Hope, MO. Among the survivors listed was his wife Helen Berry, who may have compiled the album. Several photos of the same young woman, possibly Helen Berry based on some of the captions, are displayed throughout. Eugene Berry appears to be pictured as well, along with family and friends.

Approx. 11 photos enclosed near the back of the album depict a white family identified as the Sanders, as well as their residence, which is inscribed, "I work for Sanders back in 30," indicating that the album's owner was a caretaker for the Sanders children. Snapshots of the young children with affectionate captions are also included.

An album providing an intimate look at an African American woman, her family and friends as well as the white family for whom she worked.

Condition
The album has undergone some wear, with several photos and album pages significantly worn. Some images have been removed/torn out of the album, damaging some of the album pages. Photos are overall fair to good, with toning, fading, occasional spotting, and edge wear.Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.
Quantity
1