Resilience in Adversity: Real Photo Postcard Images of African Americans During the Early 20th Century

Resilience in Adversity: Real Photo Postcard Images of African Americans During the Early 20th Century 

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Title - Resilience in Adversity: Real Photo Postcard Images of African Americans During the Early 20^th Century

In the annals of American history, the first three decades of the 20^th century stand as a period of significant social upheaval and transformation. For African Americans, this era was marked by both formidable challenges and remarkable resilience. As they navigated through a landscape fraught with systemic racism and economic disparity, they found ways to carve out spaces of joy, community, and progress amidst the hardships they faced.

The early 20^th century was characterized by pervasive racism and segregation across the United States. African Americans encountered discrimination in virtually every aspect of life, from education to employment, housing to healthcare. The legacy of slavery cast a long shadow, with Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation and disenfranchisement in the South, while de facto segregation persisted in the North.

Economic opportunities were severely limited. Many found themselves relegated to low-paying jobs with little job security or prospects for advancement. Men often worked as laborers in many industries, facing hazardous conditions and paltry wages. Women frequently toiled as domestic workers, often subjected to exploitive conditions and meager pay.

The lack of access to quality education further entrenched economic disparities. Segregated schools were underfunded and understaffed, denying black children the same educational opportunities afforded to their white counterparts. This educational inequality perpetuated a cycle of poverty and limited social mobility.

Despite the harsh realities of racial oppression, many found moments of joy and camaraderie within their communities. The church emerged as a central institution, providing not only spiritual sustenance but also serving as a hub for social, political, and cultural activities. Churches offered sanctuary from the pervasive racism of the outside world and became breeding grounds for leadership and activism.

Music, particularly the blues and jazz, provided an outlet for artistic expression and cultural resilience. Emerging from the crucible of oppression, these musical forms spoke to the African American experience, channeling both the pain of hardship and the spirit of endurance. Through music, they asserted their humanity and their right to joy and celebration in the face of adversity.

In urban centers, men found employment in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Despite facing discrimination and lower wages than their white counterparts, black workers played a vital role in the growth of cities and industries during this period. Women, meanwhile, worked primarily in domestic service, caring for the households of white families. Though their labor was often undervalued and exploited, they played a crucial role in sustaining both their families and the broader economy.

Recognizing the need for self-reliance and mutual support, African Americans established a myriad of community institutions during the early 20^th century. Fraternal organizations, mutual aid societies, and benevolent associations provided vital social networks and financial assistance to black families in times of need. These institutions not only provided material support but also served as platforms for political organizing and advocacy for civil rights.

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) emerged as beacons of hope and opportunity for African American youth seeking higher education. Despite facing significant financial and logistical challenges, these institutions provided a nurturing environment where black students could pursue academic excellence and cultivate leadership skills.

The following real photo postcards are just a small sampling of those individuals who lived during that tumultuous period of American history.

01-Circa 1913 postcard of two young black men ironing women's clothing. The cover of a large ledger on the floor between the two tables reads: Meyer and Company, Chicago, Fall & Winter 1913.

02-Real Photo postcard that was postmarked in California in March of 1910. The city name is illegible. Mailed to someone in Waynesboro, Georgia. 

03-Real Photo postcard of Sharpe & Smith – General Merchandise, Angleton, Texas. Circa 1910. Message on the back reads: How is this for a team. It is freezing cold here. Was in Houston last night. J.E. Hardy - The following image is a detail view.

04-Circa 1920 Real Photo postcard of a diner in Chicago. No other info available.

05-Real Photo postcard of a wagon driver. Southern Pines, North Carolina. Circa 1910.

06-Real Photo postcard of the City Livery Stable in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Postmarked 1910. Message on the back reads: Hello Sister, your letter received. Will answer later. Tell Will not to come next week for I will be off horse trading.

07-Real Photo postcard advertisement for Sleepy Eye Chick Food. Likely a parade float. Postmarked in 1910 from St. Paul, Minnesota. 

08-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard. Not posted but addressed to someone in Albany, New York with this message: Nellie - this is a coconut tree the tall one behind us in the picture. Get on to the coachman. Aint he a hummer.

09-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of a road crew. No other info available.

10-Unposted Real Photo postcard. A note on the back indicates the image was taken behind the Sharon Inn, in Sharon, Connecticut. The women are identified as Susie Sharon, perhaps the proprietor, and Blanch Hasbrook, who may have worked for her. Dated 1910. 

11-Real Photo postcard of the Fourth Street flood, in Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1913.

12-Circa 1905 Real Photo postcard of two children with a makeshift wagon. No other info.

13-Circa 1912 Real Photo postcard of a Sodality parade, possibly in Alabama. The Sodality movement among African Americans was a significant development in the early 20th century. It was essentially a religious and social movement within the Catholic Church that aimed to promote spiritual growth, community involvement, and social justice among African American Catholics.

Sodalities were typically organized within individual parishes and were often affiliated with larger Catholic organizations such as the Knights of Peter Claver, which was established in 1909 as a fraternal order for African American Catholics.

These sodalities played a crucial role in providing support, education, and advocacy for African American Catholics at a time when they faced significant barriers to full participation in both the Church and society. Through their activities, sodalities helped empower African American Catholics to assert their rights and work towards greater equality and justice.

The following image is a detail shot featuring the Sodality flag.

14-Circa 1930s Real Photo postcard taken in a California amusement park.

15-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of a child on a paper moon. No other identifying info.

15b-Circa 1910 Amusement Park photo. No location indicated.

16-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard – Southern Pines, North Carolina.

17-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of a homestead in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

18-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of a homestead in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

This next group of images are compelling and emotional portraits of individuals from the early 20^th century.

19-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of Magnolia Plunkett and her dog, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

20-Circa 1920 Real Photo postcard of a family group. The elderly gentleman is identified as Gus Robinson.

21-1920s studio Real Photo portrait of an unidentified man.

22-Circa 1920 Real Photo portrait of a family group. No other identifying info.

23-Circa 1920 Real Photo portrait in a studio setting. No other identifying info.

24- Real photo of a young family and what looks like a brand new bicycle. Perhaps on the occasion of the young man's graduation from high school or college. 1930s-1940s.

25-1930s era Real Photo postcard of a group of children and their dog. No other identifying info.

26-1920s Real Photo postcard of a young, mixed race couple. 

27-1920s Real Photo postcard of a family group. No other identifying info.

28-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of two lovely young ladies, possibly siblings.

29-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of two well-dressed young men from Waynesville, North Carolina.

30-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard of Lizzy & Frankie Hendrick and family from Kentucky. Note on the back says: The producers of Old Dark Rye Whisky.

31-1920s Real Photo postcard of a family group.

32-1920s Real Photo postcard. Subjects identified as: Miss Maggie and Louis Bryan.

33-Circa 1910 Real Photo postcard. Subjects identified as: Clint Lye; Paul Kendrick; Matt Mathis and Ode Kendrick,

34-Circa 1910 RPPC of an unidentified young woman with a flowered hat.

35-1920 Real Photo postcard of an unidentified gentleman.