Written by
Wilson, George R.
Published by
Harris, Charles K., American, 1867 - 1930
Date
1898
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (closed): 14 × 10 7/8 in. (35.6 × 27.6 cm)
Description
Sheet music for the song "When a Coon Sits in the Presidential Chair" written by George R. Wilson and published by Charles K. Harris. The front page features text with the title, author, and publisher information printed in dark blue ink. A black-and-white photograph is printed at the left center depicting Wilson, his wife, and their son, who are referenced as "Geo. R. Wilson and His Famous Family" on the cover and identified below the photograph. The interior first page has advertisements for other songs published by Harris printed in blue ink. The remaining four (4) pages, printed in black ink on front and back on two sheets of paper, contain the music and lyrics for the song, including the back page. The name "Florence Mae Ramey" is handwritten in black ink across the front top edge of the cover.
Statement
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
Collection title
Liljenquist Family Collection
Classification
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Written Music
Type
sheet music
Topic
Caricature and cartoons
Language
Minstrel (Music)
Politics
Popular music
Race discrimination
Stereotypes
U.S. History, 1865-1921
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Liljenquist Family Collection
Object number
2016.166.32.1
Restrictions & Rights
Public Domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50c79a8ba-11db-4417-80f7-d0a61c3202d1

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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