Black Americana
Black Americana
Charles Carroll & the Declaration of Independence...
Item #697007
July 19, 1828
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 19, 1828 The front page has: "Charles Carroll" which gives details of the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence presenting a copy of The Declaration to the mayor of New York City, along with a copy of a letter written in his own hand which states in part: "Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through J... See More
Banned from hotel, Elgin Baylor refuses to play...
Item #677557
January 17, 1959
THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 17, 1959
* Elgin Baylor refuses to play in West Virginia
* Negro team members banned from "white's only" hotel
The 1st column of the front page has heading: "Baylor, N.B.A. Star, Balks at Hotel Ban", which states in part: "Elgin Baylor, rookie star of the professional Minneapolis Lakers, refused to play tonight... in protest...&... See More
When Abraham Lincoln was an unknown... "Claim for a Slave", votes "nay"...
Item #686921
January 20, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 1849
* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Slavery related U.S. Congress vote "nay"
Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes 2 mentions of when Abraham Lincoln voted on two topics. On a debate headed "Claim For A Slave" his name appears under the &q... See More
Frederick Douglass rebukes a stance on the "colored race"...
Item #684239
July 27, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, July 27, 1850 The top of page 5 has a column: "The Blacks--Labor Independence--F. Douglass" which begins: "We were rather sharply rebuked, not many months ago, by Mr. Frederick Douglass's 'North Star' for urging on the Colored Race the duty and policy of taking an independent, a separate position, & proving therein their ability &... See More
The Civil War in Texas... The Alamo...
Item #172452
March 23, 1861
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 23, 1861 The front page is taken up with: "Major Anderson's Command at Fort Sumter" which includes 9 officers, one of whom is "Capt. A. Doubleday".
Other prints inside include: "Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina" "Surrender of Ex-General Twiggs, Late of the United States Army, to the Texan Troops in the... See More
John Brown on his way to the gallows... Whaling off Long Island...
Item #174948
January 31, 1885
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 31, 1885 Front full page portrait of "The Hon. William M. Evarts", the Senator from New York, with an article on him inside.
Inside is a full pg. illus. of: "Japan at New Orleans"; full pg. illus. of "Long Island Produce by Rail"; a very large & dramatic doublepage centerfold: "John Brown on His Way to Execution&q... See More
Billy Bowlegs... Yachting...
Item #172162
June 12, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 12, 1858 The front page article "A Visit to Captain Howes, of The Schoonoer 'Mobile'" also features a half-page illustration "The British Officer Boarding the 'Mobile' and a smaller illustration 'Side of the 'Mobile,' Showing the Mark of the Rifle-Ball". A text article on "Luncan's Light". "... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
The famous anti-slavery newspaper...
Item #678147
February 04, 1859
THE LIBERATOR, Boston, Feb. 4, 1859
* Rare anti-slavery publication
* Early pre-Civil War era
This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison with a masthead engraving showing slaves being sold, then emancipated. This is from shortly before the outbreak of war when the slavery issue was a source of much political tension.
Articles incl... See More
Deaths of Thurgood Marshall and Thomas Dorsey...
Item #684432
January 25, 1993
LOS ANGELES TIMES, California, January 25, 1993
* Thurgood Marshall death (1st report)
* 1st African American Supreme Court Justice
The front page carries the two column wide, two line announcement "Thurgood Marshall, 84, First Black Justice, Dies" with subhead "Supreme Court: Retired jurist was a leader in the legal battle to end forced segregation in the U.S.". "R... See More
Mormons are settling at the Great Salt Lake... Wonderful letter on the Gold Rush of California...
Item #687011
June 28, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 28, 1849
* California gold rush - 49ers
* Mormons at Salt Lake City
* Mormonism - emigration
Page 2 has 1 1/3 columns taken up with great content headed: "Affairs In California" which is prefaced with: "The following letter from Col. Stevenson to a friend in New York contains a very interesting statement of the cond... See More
Arthur Ashe's death report - dies of AIDS...
Item #703107
February 07, 1993
LOS ANGELES TIMES, February 7, 1993 (2-sections)
* Arthur Ashe's death report
* dies of AIDS...
* Only African-American to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open (at the time of his death)
Both the front page and the 1st page of the Sports Section tell of the death of Arthur Ashe.
Included are the main section and the Sports Section - both which are in excellent condition.... See More
Commenting on the Maryland "Jew Bill"...
Item #667762
January 14, 1826
THE NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 14, 1826
* Maryland Jew Bill becomes law
Under the heading "Maryland" is a very nice, editorialized report acknowledging the very recent approval of the "Jew Bill" which allowed--for the first time--Jews to hold public office in the state of Maryland.
The report reads in part: "The affairs of our state begin to... See More
Last sermon of Brigham Young before Utah... Nice on the capture of slave ships...
Item #704483
March 21, 1846
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, March 21, 1846 The front page has an editorial concerning the Mexican War: "Shall We Have Peace or War?" Page 3 has a report: "Slavers Captured" being an account of the capture of the slave ships Panther, Patuxent, and Pons. Note that although slavery continued until the Civil War, the importation of slaves was outlawed in 1808.
A... See More
Famous anti-slavery newspaper...
Item #214122
THE LIBERATOR, Boston, 1861-65 (first rate) See the photo below for the terrific masthead of this famous anti-slavery title. The ornate woodcut in the masthead features three scenes: a slave auction, an image of Jesus breaking the bonds of the oppressors, and a family about to depart for their journey to emancipation. Much of the content concerns slavery and the anti-slavery movement. Edited... See More
Rev. J.W.C. Pennington letter - purchase of a slave...
Item #696770
June 02, 1854
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 2, 1854 Page 3 provides an exchange of letters between Rev. Dr. J. W. C. Pennington, Jacob Grove, and Stephen Pennington. The content relates to the purchase of a slave and is quite interesting.
Other reports include: "Southern Views on Foreign Emigration", "Alexander Hamilton on the Powers of the Government", "Arrival of the Asia&qu... See More
Nice steeplechase print...
Item #174998
July 25, 1885
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 25, 1885 The full front page is: "The Late Rev. Samuel Irenaeus Prime, D.D.".
Among prints inside are a halfpg: "The New Bridge Over the Alabama at Selma"; a nearly full page by Thomas Nast: "The 'Practical' Politician's Love for the Negro"; a fullpg: "Fireworks at Manhattan Beach"' a great fullpg: ... See More
Jefferson Davis' speech in Columbia...
Item #697904
October 07, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Oct. 7, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* Origin of the American Civil War
* Jefferson Davis speech
* Columbia, South Carolina
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "President Davis in Columbia" "The President's Speech in Columbia" which is quite lengthy; "The Successes of Forrest" "Highl... See More
Early from Florida...
Item #647352
February 19, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, February 19, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, five years before the Civil War.
The front page has various literary items including: "Natural History of Humbugs". Pages 2 & 3 h... See More
The historic Civil Rights Bill is signed into law, but trouble is brewing...
Item #704600
July 03, 1964
THE EVENING SUN, Baltimore, July 3, 1964 The front page is dominated by an ominous, two-line banner headline: "Governors Of Mississippi, Alabama Urge Defiance Of New Rights Law" with subhead: "Want It Tested In Court", referring to the historic Civil Rights Bill which passed just the day prior. Such actions would set the stage for much conflict and unrest in the Civil Rig... See More
Early from Florida...
Item #682206
November 04, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, Nov. 4, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, three years before the Civil War.
Over half of the ftpg. has various political Acts and documents signed in type by the President: James K. Polk. Va... See More
Mosby, Adams, Long, and more...
Item #702886
April 28, 1864
CHARLESTON DAILY COURIER, Charleston, South Carolina, April 28, 1864
* From the origin of the American Civil War
This was one of the few newspapers which had: "Confederate States of America" printed in the masthead (see). There is much reporting on the Civil War--from the Confederate perspective--including ftpg. items headed: "From Orange C.H.--Yankee Army Ordered to Mov... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #667457
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Geronimo captured... Oystering on Long Island...
Item #175122
October 02, 1886
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 2, 1886 One-third of a page shows: "The Hostile Apaches--The Captors and the Captured" shows Geronimo and Natchez, plus another one-third pg. illus. of the soldiers who captured them. Fullpg. print: "A Night Scene at the St. Louis Exposition". Another full page print: "The 'Tub Parade' at Lenox, Massachusetts". 3/4 ... See More
Great Civil War prints... Rolla (MO)... Beaufort (SC)... Camp Alexander...
Item #689024
February 01, 1862
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Feb. 1, 1862 The ftpg. shows: "Campaign on the Potomac--Guard House Near Langley, Virginia, with Rebel Prisoners".
Inside a fullpg. print shows: "Port Royal Expedition--Scene in the Military Market at Beaufort" showing many African-American slaves.
Other prints include: "Encampment of the National Army Near Rolla", Mis... See More
The slave trade while Kansas was bleeding... Pike's Peak - Boom or Bust (?)
Item #698452
June 14, 1859
THE NORWALK EXPERIMENT, Huron County, Ohio, June 14, 1859
* Pike's Peak - Gold "Boom" or "Bust"?
* Selling Kansan slaves to southern states
Page 2 has a troubling article, "GREELEY MEETS A SLAVE DEALER", which tells of a man thanking Horace Greeley for his efforts to see Kansas and Missouri become free of slaves. The man goes on to state that he himsel... See More
University of Michigan prints from 1887...
Item #175202
July 09, 1887
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 9, 1887 Nice doublepage centerfold: "The University Of Michigan, At Ann Arbor" features 9 illustrations of the notable buildings on the campus, including: "The Library" "The Museum" "The Medical School" "The School Of Dentistry" "The Observatory" "The Chemical Laboratory" "The Main ... See More
Eldridge Cleaver's death report... Obit of Bruce Springsteen's father...
Item #688380
May 02, 1998
LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 2, 1998
* Death of Eldridge Cleaver
* From Black Panther to Mormon environmental & peace activist
The front page has: "Eldridge Cleaver, Former Black Panther, Dies", which tells of the life and death of the notable activist and author of "Soul On Ice" (considered a seminal work in African-American literature). The
... See More
Remembering Abraham Lincoln....
Item #177220
February 13, 1909
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 13, 1909 The color cover of Abraham Lincoln (by Stanton Palmer) is not included. However, all other Lincoln related coverage (prints and text), as shown in the images, are present - including the standard cover with which includes Abraham Lincoln.
This issue has photos and an article of "Lincoln's Last Hours" and an illustration of... See More
Martin Luther King Day Established...
Item #675959
November 02, 1983
LOS ANGELES TIMES, November 2, 1983
* President Ronald Reagan Creates MLK National Holiday
* Coretta Scott King attends signing of bill
The front page of this issue has both an image and an article of President Ronald Reagan publicly signing a bill to establish January 18th as a Federal Holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King. This issue is the Late Final edition and so it contains ... See More
Slaves fleeing into Union camps...
Item #696871
January 31, 1863
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 31, 1863 The full front page is a print: "Army Beef" showing soldiers shooting cattle, with 2 smaller vignettes.
Inside has a full page: "Contrabands Coming Into Camp in Consequence of the Proclamation", referring to the recent Emancipation Proclamation. It shows many African-Americans and presumed slaves. Also a full page with 2 print... See More
Latest from Atlanta, in a Confederate newspaper...
Item #697234
September 29, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* Origin of the American Civil War
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Results of the Summer Campaign" "Hood's New Movement" "From the Georgia Front--Affairs at Atlanta" "Latest From the Valley" "and more.
Complete as a single sheet is... See More
Slaves fleeing into Union camps...
Item #172646
January 31, 1863
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 31, 1863 The full front page is a print: "Army Beef" showing soldiers shooting cattle, with 2 smaller vignettes.
Inside has a full page: "Contrabands Coming Into Camp in Consequence of the Proclamation", referring to the recent Emancipation Proclamation. It shows many African-Americans and presumed slaves. Also a full page with 2 print... See More
Fall of Plymouth, North Carolina...
Item #697378
November 04, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Nov. 4, 1864
* Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina
* From the origin of the Confederacy
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Petersburg" "Secret Sessions" "From Our Army In Tennessee" "From Sherman's Army--Sherman's Position" "From the Northern Papers" "Letter from North Geo... See More
Includes the typically lacking foldout of Manila... The Boer War...
Item #697353
January 13, 1900
HARPER'S WEEKLY, January 13, 1900 What makes this issue special is the inclusion of the four-page Supplement foldout print: "BIRD'S-EYE VIES OF THE CITY OF MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS" which more typically is lacking from this issue. This foldout is in very nice condition.
The front page illustration: "The War In South Africa - Boer Pickets Reading The Bible" alon... See More
Lincoln accepts the Republican nomination for President... The slave ship Wildfire...
Item #691360
May 22, 1860
NEW-YORK TIMES, May 22, 1860
* Abraham Lincoln accepts presidential nomination
* Republican National Convention in Chicago
Page 4 has a report with column heads: "The Republican Candidate for the Presidency" "Hon. Abram Lincoln Accepts The Chicago Nomination" being a very historic item although inconspicuously reported, indicating the the lack of stature of Lincoln... See More
Brigham Young awaits a revelation from God on polygamy...
Item #689975
July 24, 1865
NEW YORK HERALD, July 24, 1865
* President Brigham Young
* Sign from God on polygamy
* Mormons - Mormonism
The bottom of page 4 has a very curious article: "Brigham Young--A New Revelation On Polygamy" which notes: "It is reported that Brigham Young, the Prophet, High Priest and Grand Turk of Great Salt Lake, recently stated, in a conversation with Speaker [of the Hous... See More
Jackie Robinson ends his playing career...
Item #690855
January 16, 1957
THE SPORTING NEWS, St. Louis, Jan. 16, 1957
* Jackie Robinson - Brooklyn Dodgers
* 1st Negro MLB baseball player (retirement)
Pages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 contain an excellent very exhaustive report on Jackie Robinson's decision to retire from baseball, much to the disappointment of the N.Y. Giants to whom he was to be sold.
Just some of the headlines include: "Jackie's G... See More
From the Confederate Congress...
Item #645701
January 27, 1862
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Jan. 27, 1862
* From the Confederate capital
A nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederate states with the front page taken up various advertisements and news, including; "The Northern Congress" "The Emancipation Question" "The Only Compromise With the Rebels" as well as "Notes Of The War".
The inside pa... See More
1931 Chicago housing protests... race riot...
Item #688598
August 04, 1931
CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, August 4, 1931
* 1931 Chicago housing protests
* Eviction of Diana Gross - Negro
* Africans Americans vs. police
* Unemployment - Great Depression
The front page has a nice banner headline: "REDS RIOT; 3 SLAIN BY POLICE" with subheads. (see) Nice for display. A few related photos are on the back page. Great to have in this Chicago publication. Very rare as... See More
Two Remington soldier prints...
Item #175954
September 22, 1894
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Sept. 22, 1894 Full ftpg. is a dramatic cavalry charge showing one soldier: 'Down!'. Fullpg. view of : 'The New Public Library, Boston' & 'Midsummer Jinks of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco in the Redwoods'. Nice dblpgctrfld: 'U.S. Senate in Session'. Two Remington soldier prints.
Complete issue.... See More
First African-American judge in the United States...
Item #701427
July 24, 1939
NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM, July 24, 1939
* Jane Bolin 1st day as judge (NYC)
* 1st African-American black Woman
The top of page 9 has a very notable item, being a report of the first African-American woman judge in the United States.
The article features a photo of Jane Bolin headed: "Negro Woman Justice Puts Sympathy First as Her Guide" with subhead. (see images) ... See More
On the Presidential election, in a Confederate newspaper...
Item #691526
November 12, 1864
DAILY DISPATCH, Richmond, Virginia, Nov. 12, 1864
* re. Abraham Lincoln 2nd election victory
A wealth of war-related reports on the front page including: "THE WAR NEWS" with subheads: "From Petersburg--From the Valley--Georgia". Also: "The Yankee Presidential Elections" notes frustration in not knowing the outcome.
Other front page reports: "Additio... See More
From Confederate New Orleans...
Item #688131
February 18, 1862
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Feb. 18, 1862
* Rare Confederate publication from the deep South
Truly Confederate newspapers from New Orleans are very difficult to find, as Admiral Farragut entered the mouth of the Mississippi in mid-April, 1862 and finally took New Orleans on April 28. Shortly thereafter Benjamin Butler moved in and took control of the city, it surrendering without a f... See More
Marian Anderson sings at Lincoln Memorial...
Item #690064
April 10, 1939
NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM, April 10, 1939
* Marian Anderson
* African American Contralto
* Famous Lincoln Memorial concert
The top of page 9 has a two column photo with heading: "Marian Anderson Sings Despite D.A.R." Also a one column heading: "Marian Anderson Expected to Sing For King and Queen" with subhead. Also a one column photo of Anderson (see)
Complete with 28 pa... See More
Booker T. Washington... Tuskegee...
Item #176056
September 14, 1895
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 14, 1895 Full front pg. illus. of "Wasting Spite on Waring." Inside is a full pg. with six illus. of "With the World's Transportation Commission in India - The Great Military Railway." Four illus. of Libraries in the West.
Most of a doublepage centerfold shows: "General View of the Cotton States and International Ex... See More
The Million Man March at the nation's capital...
Item #684965
October 17, 1995
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Oct. 17, 1995
* Million Man March
* African Americans
* Louis Farrakhan
* National Mall - Wash. D.C.
The nice headline reports on the Million Man March on Washington with: "Black Men, in Show of Unity, Join in 400,000-Strong March". This event was a gathering of African-American men at the National Mall, called by Louis Farrakhan. Also on the ftpg: "... See More
1947 Jackie Robinson receives hate mail....
Item #695475
May 10, 1947
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 10, 1947
* Jackie Robinson - Brooklyn Dodgers
* 1st Negro MLB baseball player
The sport's section (page 16) has one column headings: "ROBINSON REVEALS WRITTEN THREATS" Dodgers' Negro Star Told in Anonymous Letters to 'Get Out of Baseball'" See images for text here. This event was mentioned in the blockbuster movie "42". Always... See More
War news from this notable Confederate city...
Item #697661
October 06, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Oct. 6, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* Origin of the American Civil War
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Vice President Stephens and Reconstruction" "Letter from Richmond" "Affairs on Morris Island--A Yankee Description of the 'Pen' and its Occupants" "The President and the Army"... See More
Jackie Robinson's baseball debut...
Item #680662
April 19, 1946
THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE-TIMES, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1946
* Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier
* Baseball debut (1st report)
Page 12 has a small one column headline: "Robinson Has Field Day In Making Debut". Brief but historic coverage on Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. A historic report in both baseball and black americana.
Complete with 22 pag... See More
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