[WORLD WAR II] 5 New York City nightclub souvenirs containing photos of African Americans. Ca 1940s.

A group of 5 printed folders identified to New York City nightclubs, approx. 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. or smaller, containing 6 silver gelatin photographs ranging in size from 4 x 5 1/8 in. to 5 x 6 7/8 in. Two of the folders/photos are signed and/or inscribed. Taken during the early 1940s, the majority of the photos feature African American subjects, including servicemen and their female companions, enjoying time together at the popular nightclubs, a number of which attracted well-known Black performers of the era, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. The servicemen pictured in the photos likely served in World War II.

The photographs, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant New York nightclub scene of the World War II-era, were taken at the following venues: Cafe Zanzibar, Broadway between 50th and 51st Streets. -- Greenwich Village Inn, 5 Sheridan Square. -- Kelly's Stable, 137 W. 52nd Street. -- Ubangi Club, 131st Street and 7th Avenue. -- Murrain's, Harlem's Gayest Cabaret, 7th Avenue, Corner of 32nd Street.