Black Americana
Black Americana
Early from Alexandria, Virginia...
Item #695465
November 07, 1821
THE ALEXANDRIA HERALD, Virginia, Nov. 7, 1821
* Very rare 19th century American publication
It would appear this is the very first of this title--pre-Civil War--that we have offered.
Page 2 includes: "Pirates Taken" and: "Steam-Boat Case" which involves Robert Fulton and who has the right to operate on the Hudson River.
The back page includes 3 illustrated r... See More
Emancipation illustration...
Item #173058
January 12, 1867
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1867 The front page is taken up with a print: "Isaac Watts and His Mother at the Prison-Gate" which has an accompanying article.
The feature of the issue is a letter to the editor headed: "Frederick Douglass" which provides some detail of a man who encountered him as a passenger on a railroad train. One portion notes: &q... See More
Emancipation illustration... A letter on Frederick Douglass...
Item #696447
January 12, 1867
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1867 The front page is taken up with a print: "Isaac Watts and His Mother at the Prison-Gate" which has an accompanying article.
The feature of the issue is a letter to the editor headed: "Frederick Douglass" which provides some detail of a man who encountered him as a passenger on a railroad train. One portion notes: "...I be... See More
The famous anti-slavery newspaper... Frederick Douglass on Lincoln...
Item #706559
September 16, 1864
THE LIBERATOR, Boston, Sept. 16, 1864 This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison. The masthead features two engravings, one of a slave auction and the other showing slaves being emancipated.
Articles include: "Slavery & 'White Pariahs' In the Border States" "Gen. Saxton & the Colored Soldiers" "Fo... See More
The Militia Act of 1792...
Item #701540
May 23, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 23, 1792
* Militia Act signed into U.S. law
* President George Washington
The front page contains in full the historic Militia Act of 1792, which allowed the President to temporarily take control of state militias in times of crises. It is titled: "An ACT to Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrect... See More
Black soldiers in the military... focus on Louisiana...
Item #697665
March 07, 1863
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 7, 1863 The front page has a large print showing Black soldiers captioned: "Pickets of the First Louisiana 'Native Guard' Guarding the New Orleans...Railroad" with a related article, plus: "The Old Slave Laws".
The back page has the illustration: "A Queer Rencontre", which shows a black soldier being ... See More
Miner's riots... The Molly Maguires... Duck hunting...
Item #175266
February 18, 1888
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 18, 1888 Full ftpg: "Negro Sportsmen in Louisiana" shows two of them duck hunting. Half page print: "Interior of a Passenger-Car at the Moment of the Collision Near Steamburg, New York". Nice centerfold: "Sleighing in Central Park, New York City". Full page: "Scenes and Characters from 'A Midsummer Night's Dre... 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
Tuskegee Airmen graduates... Lucy Parsons...
Item #713456
March 08, 1942
CHICAGO SUNDAY TRIBUNE, March 8, 1942
* Tuskegee Airmen graduate from University
* World War II African Americans military pilots
* First in the United States Army Air Forces
* Lucy Parsons burned to death - anarchist
The top of page 10 has a one column heading: "U. S. GRADUATES FIRST SQUADRON OF NEGRO FLYERS" with subheads. (see images) These first African American military pil... See More
Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in 1967 Harlem...
Item #711749
June 22, 1967
THE VILLAGE VOICE, Greenwich Village, New York City, June 22, 1967
* Martin Luther King Jr. speech
* Hospital workers in Harlem
* "We shall overcome. No lie can live forever"
* LAST ONE IN INVENTORY ***
The front page has a heading: "The Coming of King: A Charismatic Moment" with photo. (see images) King's speech continues on the inside pages and includes his quote... See More
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is inaugurated...
Item #707451
January 14, 1986
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Jan. 14, 1986
* Martin Luther King Jr. Day inauguration
* Radio City Music Hall dedication
* First observance of this federal holiday
* Whitney Houston, Bill Cosby and more
Page 68 has a terrific advertisement for the upcoming gala celebration for the first observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was at this event that offici... See More
Geronimo... America's Cup... Thomas Nast prints...
Item #175118
September 18, 1886
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 18, 1886 The front page of the issue contains a large illustration entitled "Jack Sprang Upon the Fellow, and Caught Him by the Throat" which accompanies a story "The World Went Very Well Then". Inside the issue is a very nice full page Thomas Nast print: "The Being That He Really Believes In". A one-quarter page pr... See More
Baseball...
Item #175426
August 31, 1889
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 31, 1889 Full ftpg: 'Newport Clubhouse of the New York Yacht Club'. Fullpg. shows: 'Apostles Islands, Lake Superior'. Terrific dblpgctrfld: 'A Collegiate Game of Baseball' shows a game in progress plus the bleachers as well. A very displayable print!
Will the Mormons leave? On the assassination of Joseph Smith... America's first African-American lawyer...
Item #685126
July 27, 1844
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 27, 1844
* Mormonism - re. Joseph Smith assassination
* Macon Bolling Allen - 1st black lawyer
Pages 4 and 5 contain a nearly full-column article on: "The Mormons" focused on driving the Mormons out of Illinois, and a bit on the assassination of Joseph Smith & his brother.
A few bits include: "...exhibits on the p... See More
Confederate title - "Negro Equality in the North"... "Yankee Accounts of Forrest's Raid"...
Item #709861
April 06, 1864
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, April 6, 1864
* From the capital of the Confederacy
Among the many articles are "Yankee Accounts of Forrest's Raid" and ""Negro Equality in the North". Also present is: "Miscegenation--What it Means--Remarkable Confession of a Republican Journal" which begins: "The Yankees are running mad in their love for th... See More
Jesse Owens wins gold at the Berlin Olympics...
Item #698785
August 06, 1936
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, August 6, 1936
* Jesse Owens victories - 200 meter gold
* Olympic games in Berlin Germany
The front page of the sports section has a great wire photo of Jesse Owens crossing the finish line in the 200 meters with banner head: "JESSE OWENS MAKES IT A GRAND SLAM!" More on page 25 with head: "Negro Wins Sit Sourly With Nazis" Jesse Owens... See More
Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier...
Item #709139
March 18, 1946
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 18, 1946
* Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier
* Organized professional baseball 1st Negro
Although Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play a major league game in 1947, he had already broken another significant color barrier the year prior as a member of the Montreal Royals, the AAA farm team of the Dodgers. As noted in Wikipedia: "R... See More
Deaths of Thurgood Marshall and Thomas Dorsey...
Item #706776
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
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
Huey P. Newton killed... Black Panther Party...
Item #708520
August 23, 1989
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 23, 1989
* Huey P. Newton murdered
* Black Panther Party founder
* African American activist
The front page has a two column heading: "Black Panther Founder Huey Newton Is Killed" with photo of him. (see images) More on page 3 with three more related photos.
Complete with all major sections (80+ pages), very nice condition.... 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
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
Confederate newspaper...Sherman advancing towards Columbia...
Item #704498
November 01, 1864
THE DAILY SOUTHERN GUARDIAN, Columbia, South Carolina, Nov. 1, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
A rather rare title and great that it includes the word “Southern”.
The front page is mostly taken up with ads & military notices but the first 1 1/2 columns are taken up with letters of a military nature. More war reporting on page 2 with: "Frightful Carnage" &... 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
The HMS Bounty prepares for its fateful trip... A slave ship burns...
Item #704521
August 28, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787
* Captain William Bligh prepares for voyage
* HMS Bounty - merchant ship - mutiny fame
* Fateful South Pacific Ocean expedition
The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands for the bread-fruit which is to be transported to our West India settlement,... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Commodore Phillips & Botany Bay, Australia...
Item #668656
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, April, 1788 * Botany Bay, Australia - Admiral Arthur Phillip
* Northern plantations act to discourage the slave trade
Within is a report concerning Commodore Phillips at Botany Bay reading: "The Botany fleet arrived at the Cape on the 13th of October, after a passage from Rio de Janeiro of only five weeks & four days. Commodore Phillips, a... 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
On the retirement of George Washington from public office...
Item #700777
December 16, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796
* President George Washington
* Retirement from public service
The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another lett... See More
London terrorrist bombings... Disney's feud...
Death reports of Edward Smith and Al Loving - noteworthy Black Americans...
Item #707217
July 09, 2005
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 9, 2005
* Edward "Eddie" Smith - co-founder of the Black Stuntmen's Association
* Al Loving - African American abstract expressionist painter
* Day-2 reports - London Bombings by Islamic terrorists
* Disney feud settled
The "Obituaries" have the death reports of two prominent Black Americans. Pg. B12 has: "Edward Smith; 81; Fought for ... 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
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
Frederick Douglass is Marshall of the District of Columbia...
Item #694607
March 18, 1877
THE DAILY MEMPHIS AVALANCHE, Tennessee, March 18, 1877
* Abolitionist Frederick Douglass
* U.S. Marshall nomination
* First African American
* District of Columbia
The front page has two small & somewhat inconspicuous reports--yet which are very notable in African-American history.
Near the top of the first column is: "Fred. Douglass' nomination... See More
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