Written by

Malone, Annie, American, 1869 - 1957

Received by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Subject of

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 15/16 x 8 7/16 in. (27.8 x 21.4 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place printed

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

Date

March 25, 1915

Description

This letter is from Mrs. Annie Malone Pope-Turnbo to Mrs. Elder Brown with hair care instructions. The letter, off white with black ink, is typed on "Poro" College letterhead. In the upper left and right corners are small rectangles of text. Upper left reads "Scientific and Sanitary Treat-/ ment of the Scalp and Hair, / effecting a Healthy Scalp and/ thus promoting a growth of/Luxuriant Hair." The upper right reads “INSTRUCTIONS TAUGHT/ Manicuring and Electrical/ Scalp Treatment. / Prompt attention to all Orders." Between the two rectangles are the words "Instructions Taught." Below these words is the letterhead that reads ""PORO" COLLEGE/ MRS. A. M. POPE-TURNBO/ Proprietress/ 3100 PINE STREET/ ST. LOUIS, MO." The letter is hand signed at the bottom right corner.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Correspondence

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.1

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (2011.170.10.1 - Manual): 11 1/16 x 8 1/2 in. (28.1 x 21.6 cm)

H x W (2011.170.10.2 - Envelope): 4 1/8 x 8 5/8 in. (10.5 x 21.9 cm)

Type

pamphlets

Place used

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

Date

December 9, 1919

Description

This is a pamphlet produced by the Poro Company explaining manicuring and facial massage. The cover of the pamphlet features the title on the cover "MANICURING/ &/ FACIAL MASSAGE." In the lower third of the cover in the center is the company and location "PORO COLLEGE CO./ ST. LOUIS, MO." The pamphlet is fastened at the top with three brads. On the left side are three holes. The pamphlet includes information on how to perform manicures, give facial massages, and the procedures and instruments required. The envelope has the return address in the upper right corner in black "Return [illegible] Days to/ "PORO" COLLEGE/ AT "PORO" CORNER/ ST. LOUIS, MO." The receiving address is in the lower half, centered "Mrs. Lucile Brown, / 3015 Adams St., / City." In the upper right corner is a red two cent stamp as well as a cancellation stamp from St. Louis. The stamp shows a profile view of George Washington framed in an oval surrounded by laurel leaves. At the top and bottom is text that reads "U.S. POSTAGE/ 2 CENTS 2." The cancellation stamp reads "ST. LOUIS/ DEC 10/1919/11/30/PM/6/MO." At the top of the front in the center are the initials "MB."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.10

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Charles "Teenie" Harris, American, 1908 - 1998

Subject of

La Salle Beauty School, American

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 × 9 in. (22.9 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place depicted

2107 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1938-1940

Description

A black and white photograph of La Salle Beauty School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The building has signs in the widows advertising the school. Two cars are parked outside on the street in front of the building. The bottom right corner has an inscription of a number: [719]. The back of the photograph has an inscription that identifies the building.

Topic

African American

Beauty schools

Communities

Education

Photography

United States--History--1933-1945

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris

Object number

2014.302.76

Restrictions & Rights

© Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Child or Children

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 6 13/16 x 10 5/8 in. (17.3 x 27 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1915-1953

Description

This black and white photograph that depicts twenty-one women and one small child. The women stand in two rows on the steps of a building. In the upper left corner of the image is some wooden scaffolding. Seated in the scaffolding is a small child, gazingat the camera. In the upper right corner of the image is a window with advertisements and products within the window bay. At the top of the image in the center is a doorway. There are curtains in the window of the door. In the lower right corner of the image is an impression of the photography studio "CRAIG STUDIO/ ST. LOUIS, MO." On the reverse in the upper third of the back, left of center is a "Lucille M. Brown."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Children

Cosmetics

Photography

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.11

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Brown, Elder, American, 1889 - 1949

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Child or Children

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 6 1/16 x 8 3/16 in. (15.4 x 20.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

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

Date

1915-1953

Description

This black and white photograph depicts twelve women, three men, and one boy. The women all stand a row wearing light-colored shirts and dark skirts, except one woman fifth from the right, who wears a light-colored skirt. The women all face the left and stand at an angle. Seated in wooden chairs in front of the women are three men. The man on the left wears a light-colored suit, while the man in the middle sits facing the camera wearing a dark suit and light-colored or white shirt. The man on the right also wears a dark suit and a light-colored or white shirt and is seated at an angle facing the left. On the ground next to each man is a hat. Behind the man on the right is a small boy standing, leaning on the back of the chair. He wears a light-colored shirt, dark pants, and is barefoot. The group is photographed outside on a lawn next to a brick building. There is a barred window in the wall behind the women. On the reverse of the photograph is an inscription noting Elder and Lucille Brown.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Children

Cosmetics

Men

Photography

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.12

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Used by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 1/2 x 7 in. (21.6 x 17.8 cm)

Type

price lists

Place used

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

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a sheet of paper with a price list for Poro dealers of Poro Products. Along the top is the title for the price list "NEW SCHEDULE OF REDUCED PRICES WITH TAX/ For Poro Dealers only." The pricing list is split into six columns. The column titles read from left to right "HAIR PREPARATIONS / Dealer's/ Price/ Gov. / Tax/ Total/ Charge/ Customers'/ Price/ Total/ With Tax." Along the lower third of the sheet include instructions for pricing as well as a price schedule for soap with tax. It contains a new schedule of reduced prices with tax. There are several creases from folding throughout the sheet; these are reinforced by clear tape.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.13

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Used by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (opened): 6 x 9 5/8 in. (15.2 x 24.4 cm)

H x W (folded closed): 6 x 3 5/16 in. (15.2 x 8.4 cm)

Type

price lists

Place used

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

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a confidential Poro Price List pamphlet for Poro dealers. The pamphlet is black type on cream colored paper, folded in thirds. The front cover has the text contained within a rectangle over the whole of the front. At the top is underlined text that reads "CONFIDENTIAL." In the upper third is the title of the pamphlet "PORO/ PRICE LIST/ (WHOLESALE)." In the lower half are two lines of text contained within two dashes "FOR PORO DEALERS/ ONLY." Along the bottom is the company information that reads "PORO COLLEGE, INC. / Anna M. Malone, Pres. / 4415 South Parkway/ CHICAGO, ILL."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.14

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Used by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (opened): 6 x 9 7/16 in. (15.2 x 24 cm)

H x W (folded closed): 6 x 3 3/16 in. (15.2 x 8.1 cm)

Type

price lists

Place used

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

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a confidential Poro Price List pamphlet for Poro dealers. The pamphlet is black type on cream colored paper, folded in thirds. The front cover has the text contained within a rectangle over the whole of the front. At the top is underlined text that reads "CONFIDENTIAL." In the upper third is the title of the pamphlet "PORO/ PRICE LIST/ (WHOLESALE)." In the lower half are two lines of text contained within two dashes "FOR PORO DEALERS/ ONLY." Along the bottom is the company information that reads "PORO COLLEGE, INC. / Anna M. Malone, Pres. / 4415 South Parkway/ CHICAGO, ILL."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.15

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Used by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 4 5/8 x 8 3/8 in. (11.7 x 21.3 cm)

Type

recipes

Place used

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

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a half sheet of paper with the formula for making Poro Hair Rinse. The typed text is centered on the page and justified on the left. The title is centered. The text reads "F ORMULA (sic) FOR MAKING THE PORO RINSE./ Break 1 egg into a pint of luke warm water and beat/ thoroughly. Strain this mixture through a piece of/fine cheese-cloth into another pint of luke warm/ water, and add a teaspoonful of Bay Rum or a few drops/ of some good perfume. Pour the whole mixture into a/ basin in which the hair is to be rinsed and add/ sufficient water to make 1 gallon. Use 1 egg to a head." The paper has multiple creases from folding.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.16

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Written by

Malone, Annie, American, 1869 - 1957

Subject of

Kennedy, Ida Miller, American

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 7/16 x 7 1/8 in. (8.7 x 18.1 cm)

Type

receipts

Place used

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

Date

February 28, 1919

Description

Receipt for ten dollars from Lucille Brown, signed by Annie Malone for a diploma for Ida Miller Kennedy. In the upper right corner is the number "51" printed in blue. In the upper left corner is a blank for the amount listed, which is filled in with ink "$10/00." The receipt reads "2-28-1919/ Received from Mrs. Lucile Brown/ Ten Dollars./ For Diploma for Mrs. Ida Miller C. Kennedy/ Annie M. Malone,/ (illegible)." Stamped across the lower left quadrant diagonally are the words "Department (illegible)."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.17

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Malone, Annie, American, 1869 - 1957

Medium

ink on paper with cardboard and cord

Dimensions

6 1/4 x 9 7/16 x 1/4 in. (15.9 x 24 x 0.6 cm)

Type

brochures

Place used

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

Date

1920-1927

Description

This is a souvenir booklet about the Poro College Company with thirty seven pages including photographs and illustrations. Bound with textured dark green cardboard covers, it is fastened together with a thin cord. The cover features an embossed graphic of a stylized architectural frieze with a central oculus featuring the name of the college "PORO." The frieze features scalloped leaves and floral additions. The frieze is lined with inverted triangles above a line of dark green. On the right of the frieze is a beaded chain extending down the front of the cover. Below the frieze is the title of the booklet "SOUVENIR/ OF/ PORO COLLEGE/ ST. LOUIS]. There is a white substance spattered slightly over the front cover.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.18

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Received by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Signed by

Malone, Annie, American, 1869 - 1957

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 15/16 x 8 7/16 in. (27.8 x 21.4 cm)

Type

certificates

Place printed

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

Date

March 19, 1915

Description

This is a certificate of enrollment for Lucille Brown as an agent for Poro products. Also included on the certificate are instructions for treating hair in order to be straightened, instructions for selling Poro products, prices for products and selling suggestions. In the upper left and right corners are black and white images of women shown in profile with long, straight hair. Under the left image are the words "4 years ago my hair was only a/ finger length, and my temples/ were bald half way up my head." Above the image are the words "Mrs. A.M. Pope-Turnbo." Under the right image are the words "4 years ago my hair just covered/ my shoulders." Above the image are the words "Mrs. L.L. Roberts." Between the images are the words ""PORO"/ Hair Growers/ We Grew Our Hair, Now Let/ Us Grow Yours With/ "PORO"/ MRS. A. M. POPE-TURNBO/ 3100 PINE STREET/ St. Louis, Mo. March 19 1915/ Mrs. Lucille Brown/ Wier and McCool, Miss." The bottom quarter of the page is a price list of Poro products. At the bottom left corner, handwritten in ink, are the words "Poro Special Hair Grower 40¢ / Poro Letter C[illegible] 75¢."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.2

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Received by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Medium

ink on paper with foil and cloth

Dimensions

16 1/8 × 20 1/4 × 1/2 in. (41 × 51.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type

diplomas

Place made

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

Date

March 19, 1915

Description

This is a Poro College diploma received by Lucille Brown. On the diploma in the lower left corner is a gold, embossed, seal with a purple ribbon. The diploma is printed in black text with blanks provided throughout for filling in information about the recipient, the date, and the person conferring the degree. Under the blanks are lines of red ink. From the top of the page text reads "Poro College/ &/ Scalp Treatment and Hair Culture/ St. Louis, Mo./ Established in the Year of Our Lord Nineteen Hundred/ Know all Parties by these Presents, That/ Lucille Brown/has completed a full course of instruction in the treatment of the scalp and the culture of the/ hair, as prescribed by the Poro System./ And has passed such examinations as to satisfactorily demonstrate her ability to properly apply the intricate methods thereto./ Now, therefore, by virtue of the power vested in us, we have granted this/ DIPLOMA/ with all of the privileges attendant thereupon./ In Witness Whereof, We, the President and Secretary, have subscribed our names and caused this seal/ of the College to be affixed hereunto, this Nineteenth day of March 1915./ Annie M. Pope Turnbo President/ Maudelle McMurray Secretary/ Territory Weir and McCool, Miss."

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Education

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.4

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Malone, Annie, American, 1869 - 1957

Signed by

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Brown, Elder, American, 1889 - 1949

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Type

contracts

Place used

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

Date

1915

Description

This is a Poro contract from the office of Annie Pope-Turnbo. On the first page is an undated and unsigned Contract for the Poro System of Hair Treatment and Instruction. Included in the contract are the cost of the course, the proper use of the course instruction, and the subsequent teaching of the course. Along the top of the contract is the letterhead for the office of Annie Pope-Turnbo in large letters that reads "OFFICE OF/ MRS. ANNIE M. POPE-TURNBO/ NO.3100 PINE STREET, ST. LOUIS, MO. / The "PORO" System of Hair Treatment and Instruction." On the second page is a Poro College Subsequent pupil agreement signed by Lucille Brown and others. The agreement reiterates the contract conditions. Along the bottom right corner of the agreement are the signatures for Mrs. Grozelia B. Maxwell and Mrs. Lucille Brown, who have signed as pupils for the Poro College instruction. Witnesses to the agreement are in the bottom left corner ""PORO"/ Trade Mark, Registered in U. S. Patent Office, Jan. 5, 1907. Preparation for Treatment of the Hair. / IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, said instructor and said subsequent pupil have hereunto affixed their/ signatures and seals at Weir and McCool Miss. / this 15th day of March 1915/ Mrs. Grozelia B. Maxwell "SEAL"/ Mrs. Lucille Brown "SEAL"/ WITNESSES: / Prof. Elder Brown/ Rev. C.[?] H. Maxwell."

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Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.5

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Subject of

Kennedy, Ida Miller, American

Signed by

Unidentified

Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960

Brown, Elder, American, 1889 - 1949

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 14 x 8 1/2 in. (35.6 x 21.6 cm)

Type

contracts

Place printed

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

Date

March 7, 1919

Description

This is a contract for the Poro College Company regarding the instruction of treating the scalp and hair. Fourteen conditions are included in the contract regarding the correct use for Poro instruction method, the cost of taking the course, and the sharing of the instruction method, and the establishment of a Poro agency within the city of the pupil upon graduation. The last page of the contract is signed by Lucille Brown as the agent and witnessed by Mr. Elder Brown of Weir, Mississippi, as well as an illegible signature of Ackerman, Mississippi. Mrs. Ida Miller C. Kennedy signed as a pupil. The contract is signed on March 7, 1919. The center front cover has ""Poro" College Company/ Annie M. Pope-Turnbo Malone/ Founder" in black text. For all signatures and inscriptions, please see Inscription fields on the Other tabs.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.6

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Exhibition

Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Written by

Unidentified

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 9/16 x 5 1/16 in. (9 x 12.9 cm)

Type

recipes

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a handwritten recipe for Pressing Oil Formula created by Poro College written in blue ink on lined paper. "Pressing oil/ 1 pt vaseline,/Jar Fords ox marrow/ oil geranium/ Stir 3 ingredient,/ together/ enough oil to/ perfume." The recipe has deep creases from folding that have been reinforced with clear tape.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.7

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Written by

Unidentified

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 4 7/8 x 5 1/16 in. (12.4 x 12.9 cm)

Type

recipes

Date

1915-1953

Description

Handwritten recipe for Hair Grower formula created by Poro College and written on lined paper in blue ink. The recipe reads "Hair Grower /1 pt Vaseline white./ 2 tsp Sulphur/2 1"/"2 tsp. Orriste (sic) root/ 1 tsp Quinine/ Bergamont Oil/ Sift the dry ingredient/ four times then mix/ with vaseline and stir/ as making cake/ oil for flavor perfume/ to suit taste." The recipe has deep creases from folding that have been reinforced with clear tape.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.8

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s

Written by

Unidentified

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 1/4 x 4 15/16 in. (8.3 x 12.5 cm)

Type

price lists

Date

1915-1953

Description

This is a handwritten price list for Poro beauty products written on lined paper. It reads "white vaseline 25/ Irish root 10/ Quinine 25/ sulphur 10/ oil of Bergamont 10/ Ford's Ox Marrow 25/ Oil Geranium 10." Creases on the paper are reinforced by clear tape.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Beauty schools

Business

Cosmetics

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.170.9

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture