Printed by

Unidentified

Photograph by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Club 845, American, founded 1945

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

LeTang, Henry Dancers, American

LeTang, Henry, American, 1915 - 2007

Sampson, Edgar, American, 1907 - 1973

Sampson, Edgar And His Orchestra, American

Hudgins, Johnny, American, 1896 - 1990

Price, Naomi

Gardener, Judy

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 5 1/2 × 4 3/16 in. (14 × 10.7 cm)

Type

advertising cards

Place captured

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1947

Description

An advertisement card for Club 845's Gala Holiday Revue. The card is printed on white paper with scalloped edges. At the top of the card is the text, [THE HENRY LETANG DANCERS / Laurie, Blanche, Serena, Birdie, Shirley & Selma]. Below is a black-and-white image of The Henry LeTang Dancers at Club 845, posing in matching costumes. Each of the six (6) women is wearing a large scalloped headpiece, a crop top with winged shoulders, and a long skirt with an embellished waist that opens in front. The women are depicted standing in a semicircle, facing the viewer, with their hands holding the front of their skirts open and with one leg extended forward. Laura Cathrell is the performer depicted on the far left side of the image. The two women in the center are standing back-to-back and the rest of the women are turned slightly towards the center. A large number of tables are set up behind the women. Each table is covered with a tablecloth and set with two (2) chairs. Below the image is additional text that reads, [CLUB 845 Invites You to Join Us / Every weekend beginning December / 16th when we present -- / OUR GALA HOLIDAY REVUE / Produced by HENRY LETANG-- / --STARRING -- / Johnny Hudgins, .. Pantomine[sic] Commedian[sic] / Judy Gardener, .. Her Song & Accordian[sic] / Naomi Price, .. Mistress of Ceremonies / THE HENRY LETANG DANCERS / Dancing to the Music of / EDGAR SAMSON & His ORCHESTRA]. The back of the card is blank.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Actors

Dance

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.263

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Cue Magazine, American

Published by

Cue Publishing Company, American

Subject of

Robinson, Bill "Bojangles", American, 1878 - 1949

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Gilbert, W. S., British, 1836 - 1911

Sullivan, Arthur, British, 1842 - 1900

Gilbert and Sullivan, British, 1871 - 1896

Medium

ink on paper with metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 11 1/4 × 8 1/4 × 1/16 in. (28.5 × 20.9 × 0.2 cm)

H x W x D (Open): 11 1/4 × 16 7/16 × 1/16 in. (28.5 × 41.8 × 0.1 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

June 2, 1945

Description

Cue vol. 14 no. 22, featuring an illustration of a man standing in front of a theater marquee. The top fourth of the front cover is the masthead. The masthead is in a white field with the magazine title in green text that reads, [CUE], on the left. To the right of the magazine title is black text that reads, [NEW PLAYS · MOVIES / RESTAURANTS / NIGHT LIFE / RADIO / JUNE 2, 1945 · 10 CENTS]. The central illustration is of a man, centrally depicted from the waist up. He is wearing a red tricorn hat, a red cloak, a black coat, and a white cravat. He is holding a black and silver spyglass in his proper left hand and is giving a thumbs-up sign with his proper right hand. In the background, standing under the marquee, are several men wearing suits and Stetson hats, and one man wearing a top hat and monocle. Above the men is a black marquee with the text [Gilbert & Sullivans / “Pinafore”] illustrated in yellow. In the bottom right corner of the illustration is an advertisement for Mount Vernon Brand Rye Whiskey. Below the illustration is a small white field that runs along the bottom edge. In the bottom right corner of the white field is black text that reads, [· MAHATTAN EDITION]. The interior pages are white with black text, black-and-white illustrations, color illustrations, black-and-white photographs, and color photographs. On page 6 of this magazine is an article titled, [A Stage Designer’s Lot Is Not a Happy One / -But It Pays] and features a photograph of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and the chorus of the musical Memphis Bound. The photograph also depicts Laura Cathrell, a chorus girl, dancing front and center. The magazine has several sections with beauty products reviews, clothing and clothing shop reviews, restaurant reviews, selected restaurant listings, and new films and plays reviews. The magazine also provides listings of current plays, experimental theatre, Off-Broadway plays, radio broadcasts for the week, weekly movie listings and theatres, special films and newsreels, and shortened film reviews. The back cover of the magazine features a full color advertisement for Park & Tilford Whiskey Blend. This magazine issue is forty (40) pages.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Amusements

Cooking and dining

Dance

Entertainers

Hollywood (Film)

Journalism

Mass media

Music

Musicians

Nightlife

Radio

Urban life

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.274.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Harlem Uproar House, American

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 3/8 × 9 5/16 in. (18.7 × 23.7 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 7 15/16 × 9 7/8 in. (20.2 × 25.1 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1937

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a group of eleven (11) women wearing matching costumes and posing on stage. Each woman is wearing a large bow on her head, cropped tops with puffed sleeves, and ruffled skirts that open at the front. One (1) woman is seated on a two-tiered platform at the center of the image. Two (2) women stand behind her, while the remaining women stand on either side of the platform, four (4) on each side. Each woman is holding her skirt out to the side and smiling. Inscribed within the white border at the top, in blue ink, is the text, [To Laurie.. May the sky be your limit, Iris]. Handwritten in black ink over the curtain at the top right of the image is text that reads, [The Ladies of the “Ensemble" / Harlem Uproar House / Season "37" / N.Y.C.] The name [Lauri] is written across the chest of one of the women. The remainder of the inscriptions are written across the bottom of the page and are written in blue ink by different hands: [To Lauri / Cappie / “Dee[?]” / To Laurie - I met / you in a / uproar (solid) / Jeanne / Martine / To Lauri / From Thelma / To Lauri / Always rembir[?] the / "Uproar House" / C[---?]th[---?] / To Lauri my [---?] / Friend (Bah) Cappie / “Bu” / To Lauri / From "Bridgie" / (Vivian Garrett) / "Ethyl Love" / To "Laurie" From Eva / To Homey / from Lula / Doris Dawson / To My Lauri / remember that / fun blue crock / (smiles) / Sincerely / Nonie]. There is an inscription in pencil on the back.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.3

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935

Photograph by

Stiger Studio, American

Edited by

Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Medium

ink on paper with metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 11 5/16 × 8 9/16 × 1/16 in. (28.8 × 21.7 × 0.2 cm)

H x W x D (Open): 11 5/16 × 17 1/8 × 3/16 in. (28.8 × 43.5 × 0.5 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Date

November 7, 1935

Description

The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 1. The front cover is white with green print and features a green tinted image of Laura Cathrell, against a dark background. Cathrell is wearing a dark, long sleeve dress with a V-neck and puffed sleeves. She is standing in three-quarters profile, with her head turned towards the viewer, and holding her hands steepled in front of her waist. White text printed in the negative of the image at the bottom right corner reads, [Stiger / K.C. Mo.]. The main cover line is printed just below the image of Cathrell and reads, [LAURIE CATHRELL (Story on Page 8)]. The date is printed along the top edge of the front cover and reads, [November] on the left and [1935] on the right. The masthead is centered along the top fourth of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW DOWN]. The text, [SHOW DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The price is printed along the bottom edge of the front cover [15 Cents] on the left and [Per Copy] on the right. An inscription in blue ink, written over the bottom right corner of the image reads, [To my darling Mother / whom I owe all / my success! / Sally J. Cathrell / 11/7/35]. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is blank. This magazine issue is sixteen (16) pages.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Mass media

Musicians

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.73

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Playbill, American, founded 1884

Subject of

Long, Avon, American, 1910 - 1984

Robinson, Bill "Bojangles", American, 1878 - 1949

Wildberg, John J., American, 1902 - 1959

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Belasco Theatre, American, founded 1907

Medium

ink on paper with metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 15/16 × 6 9/16 × 1/16 in. (22.7 × 16.7 × 0.1 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

June 1945

Description

A June 1945 Playbill for the play Memphis Bound!, performed at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway. The cover is off-white and features a sepia-toned photograph of two (2) men in elaborate British naval uniform costumes. Avon Long is depicted on the left and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson on the right. Brown text underneath the image reads [THE PLAYBILL / REGISTERED IN U.S. PATENT OFFICE / FOR THE BELASCO THEATRE]. The magazine is twenty-four (24) pages with illustrations. Laura Cathrell is listed as one of the [Dancing Girls] on page eleven (11). An advertisement for Chesterfield cigarettes is on the back cover. The magazine is twenty-four (24) pages with black-and-white and sepia photographs and illustrations.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

American South

Broadway Theatre

Comedy

Mass media

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.7

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Bentley, Gladys, American, 1907 - 1960

Owned by

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and sheet): 6 3/16 × 4 1/4 in. (15.7 × 10.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1927-1945

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of entertainer Gladys Bentley. Bentley is depicted facing the viewer in bust pose. She is wearing a black top hat, dark bow tie, a white dress shirt, and black tuxedo suit jacket. Her top hat is perched slightly towards her proper right shoulder. The edges of the image are faded into an oval-shaped, white background. The print does not have any inscriptions, front or back.

Topic

African American

Blues (Music)

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.15

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Second Floor, 2 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Café St-Michel, Canadian

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 11/16 × 9 5/8 in. (19.5 × 24.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 8 1/16 × 10 in. (20.5 × 25.4 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, North and Central America

Date

early 20th-mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of five (5) performing showgirls. Each is depicted in a slightly different dance pose, caught mid-routine. The women are wearing identical costumes with short, medium-toned skirts and white bodices with beaded embellishments that decorate the front of the bodice. They each wear halo-style headdresses with sweetheart shaped front brims, decorated with feather plumes and beaded embellishments on the brim. Each dancer also wears arm-length fingerless gloves, also detailed with beading. The five (5) women dance in the foreground and mid-ground with musicians behind bandstands and audience members behind the dancers in the background. Laura Cathrell is the dancer in the right foreground. A painted wall mural in the far background depicts five (5) dancing women and one (1) kneeling man. Painted on a ceiling beam in the upper left corner of the image is block text that reads, [ST-MICHEL], followed by an octave clef, an eighth note, a sixteenth note, and a thirty-second note to the right of the text. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.61

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Second Floor, 2 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 5/8 × 5 9/16 in. (11.7 × 14.1 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 5 × 5 7/8 in. (12.7 × 14.9 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a group of people playing cards. Three (3) women and one (1) man are seated at a small table playing cards. Four additional people, three (3) women and one (1) man, are standing behind the table and card players, crowded around the seated woman depicted in the center of the image. Sally Cathrell is depicted standing, just left of the woman seated in the center. She is wearing a dark coat with a fur collar, and a medium toned hat. Laura Cathrell is depicted leaning over the shoulder of the proper right shoulder of the woman seated in the center of the image. She is wearing a light colored top with a satiny scarf tied around her neck. On the table are cards, cigarette packs, and glassware. Above the table is a round, hanging, light fixture decorated with fringe, and a tassel hanging from the center of the fixture. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Amusements

Photography

Recreation

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.207

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Kollar, James

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

2013.46.25.118.1: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

2013.46.25.118.2: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (2013.46.25.118.1 Image): 7 7/16 × 9 9/16 in. (18.9 × 24.3 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.1 Sheet): 8 × 9 15/16 in. (20.3 × 25.3 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.2 Image): 7 9/16 × 9 5/8 in. (19.2 × 24.4 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.2 Sheet): 8 1/16 × 10 1/4 in. (20.4 × 26 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

early 20th-mid 20th century

Description

Two identical silver gelatin prints depicting a black-and-white composite image of three (3) unidentified men and Laura Cathrell dressed in theatrical costumes. Cathrell stands left of center, in profile, with her torso turned towards the men on the right side of the image. She is wearing a dark toned, cropped, short sleeve blouse, a stripped skirt with ruffles along the hem, and a tall hat with a large feather plume extending from the top of the hat. She is depicted looking down towards the man on the far left. He is wearing an open shirt, laced, with large dark and light bands on the sleeves, white pants, sandals, and a brimmed straw hat decorated with diagonal stripes on the edge of the brim. He is kneeling with a conga drum held on his upper thighs. His hands are poised above the drumhead, which faces to the left edge of the image. The drum is decorated with geometric bands. On the right side of Cathrell are two (2) additional men standing, both looking towards her. Both wear outfits similar to the man kneeling. The man on the left is holding maracas in both hands and is facing Cathrell. The man on the far right stands with his back to the other performers and his torso turned to the right edge of the image. Partially cut off white text, printed in the negative, in the bottom right corner reads, [JAMES KOLL[ÁR / RADIO CITY, N.Y.]]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Music

Nightlife

Photography

Stereotypes

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.118.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Rossner, Harry

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 5/8 in. (24.1 × 19.3 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.5 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

October 14, 1938

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell performing on stage with three (3) female performers behind her. Cathrell is wearing a light colored dress with ruffled short sleeves and a short, tiered, ruffled skirt. She is dancing with her arms outstretched and slightly rounded. She is holding her proper left leg slightly forward of her proper right leg. The female performers are all wearing identical costumes that include white, short sleeve shirts with dark, peter pan collars; dark, short overalls; and white Mary Jane shoes. Behind the performers is a painted set. The letters [DBA] are painted on the set just below a cartoon bird with a long beak. A small ladder is visible on the left side of the image. There are two stamps in black ink on the back of the image. The stamp at the top center reads, [OCT 14, 1938] and the one at the center reads, [harry rossner / CANDID PHOTOGRAPHER / 116 ave. c, b’klyn, n.y.]. There is a small piece of newsprint adhered to the back of the image.

Topic

African American

Dance

Music

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.120

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (24.1 × 19 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.3 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1938

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell performing on stage. Cathrell is centrally depicted, standing behind a microphone on a stage. She is standing in three quarters profile, looking towards the left side of the image. She is wearing a short, light colored, dress costume with wide, elbow length sleeves. Two (2) female performers are depicted walking across the stage towards the right side of the image behind Cathrell. They are both wearing short, sequined dress costumes with wide collars. They are also wearing metallic headbands. Newsprint is adhered to the back of the photograph. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Music

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.123

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Harlem Uproar House, American

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 1/2 × 9 3/8 in. (19 × 23.8 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 8 × 9 15/16 in. (20.3 × 25.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place depicted

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1937

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image two Ensemble of Harlem Uproar House female performers in costume. The women are seated side-by-side on a stage, with their arms around each other’s backs. Both women are wearing matching costumes that include large bows on their heads, cropped tops with ruffled necklines and puffed sleeves, and ruffled skirts that open at the front. Laura Cathrell is depicted on the left side of the image with her proper right leg crossed over her proper left leg. She rests her proper right arm on her proper right knee. The woman on the right side of the image is depicted with her proper left leg crossed over her proper right leg. She rests her proper left arm on her proper left calf. There is an inscription in blue ink at the bottom center of the photograph, that reads, [To my / Great Big "Sis" / With Love / Lauri / N.Y.C.]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.124

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 1/2 × 9 3/8 in. (19 × 23.8 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 7 15/16 × 9 15/16 in. (20.2 × 25.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1929-1950

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell and a man. Both Cathrell and the man are depicted from the shoulders up, in profile, looking down towards the bottom right corner of the image. Both are nude. The man stands partially behind Cathrell. The man’s hair is smoothed back and Cathrell’s hair is up in a loose bun. Cathrell is wearing small, drop earrings. They stand in front of a white background. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.139

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 5/8 × 7 3/4 in. (24.4 × 19.7 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 × 8 1/8 in. (25.4 × 20.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1935-1960

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a group of five (5) women and two (2) men. The woman in the center of the image is seated on a bar stool and the others in the image are depicted standing around her. She is wearing a light colored overcoat, a choker, and drop earrings. Her head is tilted upwards, her body is slightly turned toward the left side of the image, and her arms are wrapped around a dark garment she is holding in her lap. The man to her right is wearing a dark banded Stetson hat, a white collared shirt, and a light colored jacket. He his proper right hand is on the shoulder of the woman seated at the center of the image, and his other hand on the shoulder of the woman to his right. The woman on his right is wearing a light colored jacket with dark lapels and arm cuffs, a white skirt, black high heel shoes, and she has a small dark handbag draped over her proper right arm. The man on the far right side of the image is standing in profile with his body facing the left edge of the image. He is wearing a checkered collared shirt, light colored sweater, and dark pants. He is holding a cigarette in his proper left hand. One woman stands directly behind the woman seated on the stool in the center of the image, and two women stand on the far left side of the image. The woman on the far left, Laura Cathrell, is partially obscured by a man’s back in the left foreground. She is wearing a light button down jacket and has a fur stole draped over her proper left shoulder. In the foreground are chrome backed barstools and chairs. The wallpaper on the right side of the image is decorated with musical notes. The photographer's mark, stamped in black ink near the lower left corner, reads, [JEROME L[---?] / NEWS PH[---?]]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Nightlife

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.148

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Rossner, Harry

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 11/16 in. (24.1 × 19.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/8 in. (25.3 × 20.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

October 14, 1938

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell in costume. Cathrell is centrally depicted performing on a stage with several female performers around her. Cathrell is wearing a light colored dress with ruffled short sleeves and a short, tiered, ruffled skirt. She is standing in front of a microphone. Her proper left arm is bent and her fingers are curled downwards. Two (2) female performers are wearing identical costumes that include white, short sleeve shirts with dark, peter pan collars and dark, short overalls. The female performer kneeling in the bottom right quadrant of the image is wearing a long, light colored nightgown and has a large bow in her hair. Behind Cathrell is an abstract cutout of a human figure. In the foreground, the back of two (2) audience member's heads are visible. In the center of the photograph is a handwritten inscription in black ink that reads, [To / Mommie / & / Baby Sallie / The sweetest people I know / Laure]. There are two stamps in black ink on the back of the photograph. The stamp at the top center reads, [OCT 1[4?], 1938] and the one at the center reads, [harry rossner / CANDID PHOTOGRAPHER / 116 ave. c, b’klyn, n.y.].

Topic

African American

Dance

Music

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.157

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Rose Buds, American

Johnnie Cole's

Rose Room, American

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and sheet): 4 13/16 × 6 1/2 in. (12.2 × 16.5 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Cliffwood, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

before 1960

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of the dance ensemble, the Rose Buds, performing on a stage in front of a band at the Rose Room. The four (4) female dancers are dressed in matching outfits of striped, strapless bustiers, short skirts, and elbow length gloves. A top hat tied with a large bow sits askew on each woman's head. The dancer on the far right is Laura Cathrell. There is a band depicted on the left side of the image. The visible male musicians includes two (2) saxophonists, a drummer, and a bass player. Two (2) music stands have the text, [JOHNNIE / COLE'S], printed on the front. The women stand on a stage surrounded by dinner tables. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.16

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 × 7 1/16 in. (22.9 × 17.9 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 13/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25 × 20.1 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell and an unidentified man. Cathrell and the unidentified man are depicted side-by-side from the chest up with their faces touching. Cathrell, depicted on the left, is wearing a dark garment with a white scarf draped around her neck. The man depicted on the right, is wearing a medium toned suit, dark collared shirt, and a light patterned tie. In the bottom left quadrant is a handwritten inscription in black ink that reads, [To My Darling / Sis / With Love / Lauri & Alfred]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.161

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

LeTang, Henry Dancers, American

LeTang, Henry, American, 1915 - 2007

Club 845, American, founded 1945

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 9/16 × 6 5/8 in. (11.6 × 16.8 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 4 15/16 × 6 15/16 in. (12.6 × 17.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1947

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of The Henry LeTang Dancers at Club 845, posing in matching costumes. Each of the six (6) women is wearing a large scalloped headpiece, a crop top with winged shoulders, and a long skirt with an embellished waist. Two (2) of the women are kneeling on the ground, leaning sideways on one arm, with their other arm held up. Two (2) stand behind them with their arms out, bent at the elbow, with their palms held up. The remaining two (2) women stand on either side, with their arms bent at the elbow and hands held at chest level. A large number of tables are set up behind the women. Each table is covered with a tablecloth and set with two (2) chairs. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.17

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Club 845, American, founded 1945

Rose Room, American

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper with adhesive and paper

Dimensions

H x W (Overall): 11 × 7 1/4 in. (27.9 × 18.4 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25188a Image): 4 9/16 × 6 3/4 in. (11.6 × 17.2 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25188a Sheet): 4 15/16 × 6 15/16 in. (12.6 × 17.6 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25188b Image): 4 11/16 × 6 5/8 in. (11.9 × 16.8 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25188b Sheet): 5 1/16 × 7 1/16 in. (12.8 × 17.9 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Cliffwood, Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

before 1960

Description

Construction paper with two silver gelatin prints depicting two (2) black-and-white images of female dancers performing on stage at Club 845 and The Rose Room. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the paper.

2014.46.25.188a: A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of five (5) female dancers performing at Club 845. The dancers are dressed in matching white costumes. The costumes are white, short sleeved dresses, with scalloped skirts and wide, striped ribbon belts at the waist. Their matching hats are also white with wide, upturned brims, decorated with striped ribbons that match their belts. The dancers are standing in a row, with their arms akimbo and hands rest on their waists. Their proper right legs extended and they are looking towards the left edge of the image. There is a band depicted behind the row of dancers. Laura Cathrell is the dancer depicted on the far right. In the background on the left, is a man seated at table covered with a white table cloth behind velvet roped stanchions. In the background on the right, is a drum kit and an amplifier with the number [845] painted inside the letter [C]. There are no inscriptions on the front of the photograph.

2014.46.25.188b: A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of four (4) female dancers performing at the Rose Room. The dancers are dressed in matching costumes of light colored, short, strapless dresses with layered skirts. The women are also wearing white, kid gloves, chokers, and fascinators with large feather plumes and chin straps. The women stand on a stage surrounded dinner tables filled with men and women. There are no inscriptions on the front of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.188ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture