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  • Topic
    • Business 17 [-]
    • Women 14 [-]
    • Beauty culture 5 [-]
    • Hair 4 [-]
    • Advertising 2 [-]
    • Beauty schools 2 [-]
    • Mass media 2 [-]
    • Men 2 [-]
    • Social life and customs 2 [-]
    • American South 1 [-]
    • American West 1 [-]
    • Amusements 1 [-]
    • Associations and institutions 1 [-]
    • Beauty salons (Beauty shops) 1 [-]
    • Colorism 1 [-]
    • Communities 1 [-]
    • Education 1 [-]
    • Families 1 [-]
    • Photography 1 [-]
    • Travel 1 [-]
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  • Name
    • Walker, Madam C.J. 13 [-]
    • Bastian Brothers Company 2 [-]
    • Jordan, Dovie Wright 2 [-]
    • Walker, A'Lelia 2 [-]
    • American Fletcher National Bank 1 [-]
    • Calloway, Cab 1 [-]
    • Carson Pirie Scott & Co. 1 [-]
    • Douglass, Frederick 1 [-]
    • Gause, Alice 1 [-]
    • Hayes, Roland 1 [-]
    • Jones, S. S. 1 [-]
    • Madame C.J. Walker School of Beauty Culture 1 [-]
    • Mercer, R.E. 1 [-]
    • Moton, Robert Russa 1 [-]
    • Scurlock, Addison Norton 1 [-]
    • Spaulding, Charles Clinton 1 [-]
    • Tandy, Vertner Woodson 1 [-]
    • Villa Lewaro 1 [-]
    • Walker, Mae 1 [-]
    • Washington, Booker T. 1 [-]
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  • Object Type
    • canisters 3 [-]
    • advertisements 2 [-]
    • badges 2 [-]
    • business cards 2 [-]
    • printing plates 2 [-]
    • 16mm (photographic film size) 1 [-]
    • books 1 [-]
    • checks 1 [-]
    • cosmetics 1 [-]
    • gelatin silver prints 1 [-]
    • motion pictures (information artifacts) 1 [-]
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    • 1900s 6 [-]
    • 1910s 4 [-]
    • 1920s 6 [-]
    • 1930s 2 [-]
    • 1940s 4 [-]
    • 1950s 2 [-]
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    • 1980s 2 [-]
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    • North and Central America 12 [-]
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    • Images 17 [-]
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  • Rev. S.S. Jones Home Movies: Reel 6

    Directed by
    Rev. Jones, S. S., American, 1869 - 1936
    Subject of
    Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Madame C.J. Walker School of Beauty Culture, American, 1910 - 1985
    Date
    1924-1928
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film;
    Film Reel (b): plastic;
    Film Can (c): metal
    Dimensions
    Duration: 11 Minutes
    Length (Film): 300 Feet
    Title
    16mm motion picture film of Rev. S.S. Jones Home Movies: Reel 6
    Caption
    Rev. Solomon Sir Jones was a Baptist minister, businessman, and amateur filmmaker. This collection of home movies by Jones documents African American communities in Oklahoma between 1924 and 1928, depicting residents at work and in their homes, as well as activities at local schools, businesses, and churches. Community social events such as parades and funerals are prominently featured.
    Description
    A 16mm silent, black and white film (a) with original plastic film reel (b) and original metal can (c) featuring footage taken in Oklahoma during the middle and late 1920s by Solomon Sir Jones, the sixth in a collection of nine films.
    Inscribed on the outside of the canister in is [#6] in red and black ink and [S.S. Jones (illegible)] in black ink. Handwritten inscriptions on three white adhesive labels read: [Okla - Jones], [Mme C J Walker / class], and [Summit Parade / 6]. Remnants of a green label with black text are in ther center of an imprinted design.
    The film begins with a procession of people dressed in semi-formal clothing walking by the camera before entering what appears to be a brick church building. The next scene shows men exiting a storefront with a Simmons Drug Store sign in the window. A title sign reads Mme C. J. Walker Graduating Class 1927 & Agents By Mme Dora Stephen of Muskogee, Oklahoma. The camera pans over a large group of women from the beauty school dressed in white seated with a man and woman in the center of the group not dressed in white. The crowd moves around and then walks up the front stairs of the building and enters the front door. The next title sign reads South Muskogee District Fair Parade & Board Summit September 17, 1926, L. W. Thomas Manager & J. I. Jones, S. M. Winston, A. C. Calloway. The footage shows a parade of cars in a parade and many of the cars are decorated with streamers. The cars pass in front of the camera. There are also horses pulling decorated wagons. The next scene shows a group of men standing on the stairs in front of a building and the camera pans in front of the building after then men walk down the stairs. The next title sign reads Rentiesville, Oklahoma, Free Fair & Board, W. A. Roberson, S. H. D., A. L. Morris, H. Hill, Professor A. G. McKeney, L. W. Prestly Co. 1926. The footage shows men in a marching band playing instruments and walking out of the front door of Rentiesville High School. A group of men and women follow the band out of the front door and walk by the camera. The camera pans across the front of the building and show the crowd in front. The next scene shows the interior of a business that appears to be a bakery. The scene shows a man and a woman get into a car and then exit the car. The next title sign reads Hugh Vocational Department Professor Prestley And B. T. Roberson, Rentiesville, Oklahoma, 1926. The footage is from an elevated position and shows cars with decoration and horses passing in front of the camera. The horses are being ridden by riders as well as pulling wagons. The next scene shows the exterior of the Home Undertaking Company building. There is also a sign hanging on the outside of the building that says Idlewild Rooms. The next title sign reads One Of Walker's Up Town Buildings in Muskogee, Oklahoma, September 17, 1926. A family walks down the front stairs and out to a building in the backyard and then returns to the house. The family also stands for a portrait. The next scene is filmed from a moving vehicle, probably a train, and shows a body of water and the coastline. Ships are visible in the distance and a road runs parallel to the tracks and cars can be seen driving on the road. There a brief shot from the back of train showing the train tracks and then the camera returns to the side window of the train.
    Place filmed
    Muskogee, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
    Rentiesville, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
    Place printed
    Summit, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Rev. S.S. Jones Home Movies
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    American South
    American West
    Amusements
    Beauty schools
    Business
    Communities
    Families
    Social life and customs
    Travel
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Naomi Long Madgett
    Object number
    2011.79.6.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50d787028-cf15-42f0-8527-ae7fcbb0eaa7
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Tin for Madame C.J. Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower

    Manufactured by
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Date
    1910s - 1920s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    metal
    Dimensions
    Diameter: 2 3/4 × 13/16 in. (7 × 2.1 cm)
    Description
    The canister is metal with yellow lacquer coloring its external surface. The outside of the canister is covered with textual and illustrative designs in black ink printed on top of the yellow lacquer. The product name [WONDERFUL HAIR GROWER] is written in horizontal text across the center of the lid beneath an ink illustration of a black woman pictured from her shoulders up with her hair down. Beneath the product name are additional lines of text which read [NET CONTENTS 2 OZ/MADE BY/THE MADAM C.J. WALKER/MANUFACTURING CO./INDIANAPOLIS, IND./PRICE 50 CENTS]. Above the illustration and curved to the arc of the lid edge is the brand name of the product in black text [MADAM C. J. WALKERS/TRADE MARK REGISTERED].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place made
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    canisters
    Topic
    Business
    Hair
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dawn Simon Spears and Alvin Spears, Sr.
    Object number
    2011.159.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd571defd30-ed77-4786-a4a4-37dbb9f3fc6b
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Tin for Madame C.J. Walker's Hair and Scalp Preparation

    Manufactured by
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Date
    1940s - 1960s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    metal
    Dimensions
    Diameter: 2 5/8 × 1 1/16 in. (6.7 × 2.7 cm)
    Description
    The canister is fitted to a lid that shares a similar color scheme with the main body of the container. The lid has a brown background with yellow text and at its center is a white oval formatted with the Madam CJ Walker logo on its left and the product name [Madam CJWalker/Hair & Scalp/Preparation] written in brown text. The canister has a yellow background with brown text; the side label has a slightly larger white oval than the oval on the lid. It is framed on either side by the Madam CJ Walker logo. The product name is written in brown text in the oval on the can side and reads [Madam CJ Walker/Hair & Scalp Preparation].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place made
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    canisters
    Topic
    Business
    Hair
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dawn Simon Spears and Alvin Spears, Sr.
    Object number
    2011.159.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5dcbf64c4-bd95-4c1c-abaa-9a9f08b4acd2
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Tin for Madam C. J. Walker's "Tan-Off"

    Created by
    Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Date
    1920s
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    Medium
    metal, dyes
    Dimensions
    1 5/8 x 1 5/8 x 1/4 in. (4.1 x 4.1 x 0.6 cm)
    Description
    A free sample tin of whitening cream made by the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. The round tin is yellow with black print. On the front is the text [RECOMMENDED FOR BRIGHTENING SALLOW OR DARK SKIN, FOR THE TREATMENT OF TAN, FRECKLE, SKIN-BLOTCH AND FOR CLEARING THE COMPLEXION]. The back contains directions on how to use the product.
    Place made
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    canisters
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Business
    Colorism
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.177.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58a521efd-0656-439e-8c5b-40ef831263c5
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Tin for Madame Walker Glossine and Pressing Oil

    Manufactured by
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Date
    1940s - 1960s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    alloy steel , organic material
    Dimensions
    Diameter: 5 × 1 5/8 in. (12.7 × 4.1 cm)
    Caption
    The items in this collection belonged to Edna Stevens McIntyre (May 22, 1917-). She was born in Washington, DC but relocated to Duquesne, PA at the age of 7 or 8 after her mother died. She was raised by a paternal aunt, Ida Stevens Johnson. Edna McIntyre is the aunt of the donor, Linda Crichlow White.
    Description
    The canister is metal with a fitted lid which is a paper label adhered to it. The label primarily reads [Madam Walker / GLOSSINE AND PRESSING OIL / MEDIUM WEIGHT]. The canister has a brushed gold metallic finish. The circular label affixed to the lid is yellow and white with brown inked lettering. The label lists the manufacture’s information [THE MADAME C.J. WALKER MFG. CO./INDIANAPOLIS / INDIANA]. The can has rusting along the lid edge located beneath the manufacturer's address on the attached label as well as along the bottom of the canister. Inside, there is a yellowish product resembling petroleum jelly.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place made
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    cosmetics
    Topic
    Business
    Hair
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Linda Crichlow White in honor of her aunt, Edna Stevens McIntyre
    Object number
    2011.59.34
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52cc03fd1-7107-4d05-be48-f9d17ae47684
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Badge from Madam C.J. Walker convention

    Manufactured by
    Bastian Brothers Company, American, founded 1895
    Photograph by
    Addison N. Scurlock, American, 1883 - 1964
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Gause, Alice
    Date
    ca. 1920s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    brass (alloy), gold, lithographic ink on paper, metal, plastic and nitrocellulose
    Dimensions
    H x W: 4 5/16 x 2 3/8 x 5/16 in. (11 x 6.1 x 0.8 cm)
    Caption
    Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919) was an African American entrepreneur, educator and philanthropist. Her company manufactured, distributed, and sold hair care products developed for black women. She also established beauty schools across the country that trained women to work as agents, known as “hair culturists.” Walker’s beauty schools and manufacturing company offered unique opportunities for African American women when there were few job options beyond domestic service and manual labor. Pins such as this one were awarded to successful agents at annual conventions.
    Description
    A tiered pin or badge, in gold metal. The first tier features an illustration of clasped hands,the forearms and hands of two males shaking hands, the second tier is a rectangular white placard with the name, "Alice Gause" handwritten in black ink. The third tier features a circular shaped black and white portrait of Madame C.J. Walker in an ornate gold metal frame. The tiers are connected via chains.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place collected
    Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    portraits
    badges
    Topic
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Patricia Heaston
    Object number
    2008.15.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e8a7618a-f7e6-479a-a3e0-09773a84bc96
  • Text Book of the Madam C. J. Walker Schools of Beauty Culture

    Published by
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Owned by
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Date
    1940
    Medium
    cardboard and cloth, ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 9 1/4 x 6 5/16 x 5/8 in. (23.5 x 16 x 1.6 cm)
    Description
    This hardback text book has a blue cloth cover with white lettering that reads "TEXT BOOK / OF THE / MADAM C. J. WALKER SCHOOLS / OF / BEAUTY CULTURE / The Mme. C. J. Walker Manufacturing Co., Inc." Text at the top of the spine reads "TEXT BOOK / OF / BEAUTY/ CULTURE." This copy is a Third Edition copyrighted 1940 and published by The Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Co., Inc. It contains semi-glossy white pages with black text, graphics, and photographs demonstrating beauty treatments.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place printed
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Place collected
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Type
    books
    Topic
    Beauty schools
    Business
    Education
    Social life and customs
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    © 1940 The Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53f059a32-2817-465d-9b3e-7b59a2839c04
  • Photograph of a convention of Madam C.J. Walker agents at Villa Lewaro

    Photograph by
    Mercer, R.E., American
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Walker, A'Lelia, American, 1885 - 1931
    Tandy, Vertner Woodson, American, 1885 - 1949
    Villa Lewaro, founded 1918
    Date
    1924
    Medium
    photographic paper
    Dimensions
    Photograph: H x W: 10 3/4 x 13 1/4 in. (27.3 x 33.7 cm)
    Backing Board: H x W: 13 15/16 x 17 1/16 in. (35.4 x 43.3 cm)
    Description
    Black and white photograph of a large group of people, mostly women, posed around the exterior of a large Italianate style mansion. The figures are arranged on the building's multi-level balconies, stairs, and around a rectangular pool on the ground level. The photograph is mounted on a piece of gray cardboard that has sustained loss at the top right and bottom right corners. In the bottom right corner is black script that is partially missing.
    Place depicted
    Irvington, Westchester County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    Topic
    Associations and institutions
    Business
    Photography
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.10
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56eda137b-3823-4d88-80bc-a02a1c1b2fdf
  • Advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker products

    Published by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Washington, Booker T., American, 1856 - 1915
    Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895
    Hayes, Roland, American, 1887 - 1977
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    Spaulding, Charles Clinton, American, 1874 - 1952
    Moton, Robert Russa, American, 1867 - 1940
    Date
    1906-1950
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    Sheet: H x W: 21 1/4 x 15 5/16 in. (54 x 38.9 cm)
    Frame: H x W: 23 1/4 x 16 7/8 x 1 in. (59.1 x 42.9 x 2.5 cm)
    Description
    Double-sided full-page advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker products. Yellowed paper printed in dark brown ink. One side is titled "Amazing Progress of Colored Race / - improved appearance responsible" at the top. Underneath are portraits of Booker T. Washington, Roland Hayes, Cab Calloway, C. C. Spaulding, Dr. Moton and Frederick Douglass arranged in a semi-circle around the text "Good Looks, Neatness / Were Very Important Essentials / in the Success of these People." Each portrait is accompanied by a short note about the individual pictured. The bottom half of the page features a portrait of Madam C. J. Walker next to an images of a cabin and her home, Villa Lewaro. The images accompany text under the title "From Slave Cabin to Mansion / - the Greatest Benefactress of Our Race." The page also features an image of Walker's Wonder Pomade for men and other advertising text.
    The reverse has tan text in a dark brown box at the top that reads "Look Your Best to Succeed / The Choicest Gifts of Society and Business / Go to Those Who Prepare Themselves and -- / "Look the Part"." Underneath, the page features illustrations of a beauty salon and portraits of multiple women in various poses. At the center of the page is a tan oval with brown text advertising Madam Walker’s beauty treatments. The advertisement is housed in a gold-painted wooden frame with clear glass on each side.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    advertisements
    Topic
    Advertising
    Beauty culture
    Business
    Men
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.11.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f4e10987-50c9-4a9f-afb4-835a65a2d96d
  • Advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker products

    Published by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Walker, A'Lelia, American, 1885 - 1931
    Walker, Mae, American, 1898 - 1945
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Date
    1906-1950
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    Sheet: H x W: 21 3/8 x 15 5/16 in. (54.3 x 38.9 cm)
    Frame: H x W: 22 7/8 x 16 7/8 in. (58.1 x 42.9 cm)
    Description
    Double-sided full-page advertisement for Madam C. J. Walker. Yellowed paper printed in dark brown. The front features various images including a portrait of Walker, at top left, a portrait of A'Lelia Walker, top right, and Mae Walker, bottom left. It also shows an image of a large building, images of Walker's products. Text at the top reads "From A Slave Cabin to Riches / and a Benefactress to Her Race / The Spirit of Mme. C.J. Walker / Still Lives as is Evidenced in the / Conclusion of Her Life's Fondest Dream." The reverse is titled at the top, "Attractive Faces and Beautiful Hair / are the symbols of success!" Underneath are two illustrations. One shows a woman having her hair washed. The other shows a woman sitting at a vanity. At the center of the page is a white partial-oval with brown text titled "Mme. C.J. Walker's Preparations/ HOW TO USE THEM TO GET ACTUAL RESULTS." Images of Walker's products are arranged around the oval. The advertisement is housed in a gold-painted wooden frame with clear glass on each side.
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    advertisements
    Topic
    Advertising
    Beauty culture
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.11.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5193d9db0-7d62-423d-bc6b-5aed33d0df89
  • Business card of Mme. Dovie Wright, hair culturist

    Printed by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Jordan, Dovie Wright, American
    Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Date
    ca. 1917
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 1 15/16 x 3 1/2 in. (4.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Description
    Business card of Mme. Dovie Wright, Hair Culturist. The rectangular, heavyweight off-white paper features black text that reads "Scalp treatment a Specialty Bomont 1098 / MME. DOVIE WRIGHT / HAIR CULTURIST / Mme. C. J. Walker System, Hairdressing and Hairwork / of all kinds / 7 N. Garrison Ave. St. Louis, Mo." The reverse is blank.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place used
    Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    business cards
    Topic
    Business
    Hair
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.12.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d4267e56-94cb-488d-b185-20fe63f0edb1
  • Business card of Jordan's Beauty Parlor

    Printed by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Jordan, Dovie Wright, American
    Date
    ca. 1917
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 1 15/16 x 3 1/2 in. (4.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Description
    Business card for Jordan's Beauty Parlor of St. Louis, MO. The rectangular, heavyweight off-white paper features black text that reads "JEFFERSON 1098-W MRS. DOVIE WRIGHT JORDAN, PROP. / JORDAN'S BEAUTY PARLOR / MADAM C. J. WALKER SYSTEM / WALKER AND OVERTON HYGENIC PREPARATIONS FOR SALE / 7 N. GARRISON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO." The back bears handwritten notes in pencil.
    Place used
    Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
    Place collected
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    business cards
    Topic
    Beauty salons (Beauty shops)
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.12.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55604bed7-e592-44ca-8102-60f572d5c0a4
  • Check signed by Madam C. J. Walker

    Printed by
    American Fletcher National Bank, American, founded 1839
    Issued by
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Signed by
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Subject of
    Carson Pirie Scott & Co., American, founded 1854
    Date
    July 13, 1912
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 x 7 13/16 in. (7.6 x 19.8 cm)
    Description
    July 13, 1912 check signed by Madam C. J. Walker payable to Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in the amount of $115.00. The check is a rectangular piece of cream colored paper with printed, handwritten, and stamped text on the front. The date, payable party, numerical dollar amount, and signature are handwritten. The check number is stamped in red, the letters "P.W." are stamped in purple, and the written amount is stamped in red. At the top left is a logo featuring a black shield with white text that reads "THE / FLETCHER / AMERICAN / NATIONAL / BANK / OF / INDIANAPOLIS." Letterhead centered at the top reads "The Mme. C. J. Walker Mfg. Co. / INCORPORATED / 640 N. WEST STREET." At the top left is a pattern of punched-out holes. The back contains multiple colored stamps and pencil notations.
    Place used
    Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents
    Type
    checks
    Topic
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.13
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b31ee8f2-9deb-4a59-ac96-76c939c52d2a
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Badge from the National Convention of Madam C. J. Walker's Agents

    Manufactured by
    Bastian Brothers Company, American, founded 1895
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Date
    1917
    Medium
    metal and ribbon
    Dimensions
    H x W: 9 1/4 x 2 5/16 x 5/8 in. (23.5 x 5.9 x 1.6 cm)
    Description
    A badge from the National Convention of Madam C. J. Walker's Agents. The badge consists of a pendant and two ribbons hanging from a gold-colored metal bar. The bar at the top has a pin back, and the front features a smooth empty rectangular field with a scrolled border. A circular pendant is connected to the bar via two short chains, one from each corner. The pendant features a circular black & white photographic portrait of Madam C. J. Walker set in a gold-colored metal frame edged with a scrolling design. The ribbon on the front of the badge is yellow with black text at the bottom that reads "NATIONAL / CONVENTION / OF / MADAM / C.J. WALKER'S / AGENTS." The ribbon on the back is black with metallic silver text at the bottom that reads "NATIONAL / CONVENTION / OF / MADAM / C.J. WALKER'S / AGENTS" The ribbons are connected at the bottom via a strip of woven metal wire from which hang coiled metallic fringe. Fastened between the two ribbons is a white manufacturer's tag with black letters. It reads "Bastian Brothers Co./ Novelties That Advertise/ Badges Buttons Signs/ Main Office and Factory/ Rochester, N.Y. U.S.A."
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place made
    Rochester, Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Place used
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    badges
    Topic
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.2.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5affad2ca-81c9-4c7b-a67b-fc7ebef4f566
  • Printing plate for "Mme C.J. Walker Beauty Shoppes"

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Date
    1906-1986
    Medium
    metal and wood
    Dimensions
    H x W: 2 3/16 x 6 7/8 x 13/16 in. (5.6 x 17.5 x 2.1 cm)
    Description
    A wood and metal printing plate that reads "Mme C.J. Walker Beauty Shoppes." This plate is constructed of a thin metal sheet with the letters in reverse and in high relief. Nailed to the metal plate is a thick block of dense wood of the same shape. The plate is rectangular in shape with a smaller rectangular section beneath to accommodate the cursive tails of the letters 'y' and 'p.' The plate is discolored with old ink and some of the nails protrude along the rim. There are numerous scratches on both metal and wood, indicating heavy use.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Occupational
    Type
    printing plates
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Business
    Mass media
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5158fef69-29c4-481b-84fd-c06334453d61
  • Printing plate for "Plain Talk to Men"

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Date
    1906-1986
    Medium
    metal
    Dimensions
    H x W: 10 11/16 x 2 3/4 x 3/16 in. (27.1 x 7 x 0.5 cm)
    Description
    Metal printing plate of a Madam C. J. Walker advertisement that reads "Plain Talk to Men." The plate features additional text, an image of a tin of Madam C.J. Walker's Wonder Pomade, and a graphic of a male bust, all in high relief. The printing surface appears to be copper, while the back of the plate is a dull silver metal with darker stripes. Numerous stains and scratches on both surfaces indicate heavy use.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
    Type
    printing plates
    Topic
    Business
    Mass media
    Men
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58c3faaa0-617a-43e1-96d5-31dbaaa382bd
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Sign for authorized agent of Mme. C.J. Walker's

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906
    Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919
    Date
    ca. 1930
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 050
    Exhibition
    Making a Way Out of No Way
    Medium
    ink on paper on cardboard with string
    Dimensions
    H x W (sign): 11 1/4 x 17 1/16 in. (28.6 x 43.3 cm)
    frame: 18 3/16 x 23 5/8 x 13/16 in. (46.2 x 60 x 2.1 cm)
    Description
    Rectangular cardboard sign featuring black and white text against an orange background. At the top left is a black text on a white field that reads "AUTHORIZED / AGENT." To the bottom right of the box is a decorative white swirl. The rest of the sign is filled with black text outlined in white. It reads "Mme. C. J. Walker's / SYSTEM / AND / PREPARATIONS". There is a heavy black underline under the name Walker. A black line forms a border around the outer edges of the sign. A black cord is strung through two holes at the top center. The sign is currently housed in a dark wooden frame with white mat board and glass front. On the back of the frame is a museum label from a previous exhibit.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    signs
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives
    Object number
    2013.153.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52d054a30-b5c6-419a-9896-37617dc971d9
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Museum Address

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

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