postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908

I.L.S.
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I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!

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postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 3, 2015 13:31:56 GMT

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Post by I.L.S. on Jan 3, 2015 13:31:56 GMT

An obscure postcard I found (and bought) from my hometown of Jersey Shore, Pa. -Black people in Jersey Shore, Pa. at the turn of the century quite literally being paraded around town! I know this may be a bit risque but it is a fact of history that should not be overlooked. We always had a small *(VERY SMALL) black population of a few families and everybody liked and well respected them so, I know first hand that they were not looked down upon; so I really don't think racism is the intention of the card. I can make out the a few of the words on the buckboard/hay wagon to the effect of: "Cu_ _ _vansbarn _ _{st}? ing Band"

It's a used Post Card but I don't have it in-hand yet but I did snag the seller's picture and worked with it to inspect it a little closer. I have never seen another one like it EVER! It's a "MICK" so it's legitimate but what an odd subject? I can't wait to get it and see whats on the reverse of this postally used card. Postmark and address...The auction said it was postmarked 1908.

Here is the image on the card.

Here is the whole front. with inscription/notation "Do you recognize this fellow?"

Here is the auction link.

www.ebay.com/itm/321623291527?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Last Edit: Jul 15, 2017 20:47:09 GMT by tomiseksj

I mainly collect the US Classic singles & covers also, classic era B.O.B. items.

jamesw
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postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 3, 2015 15:30:59 GMT

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Post by jamesw on Jan 3, 2015 15:30:59 GMT

That's very interesting Jeff. You often see 'Negro History' as a real collecting subject. Have you googled your local Jersey Shore history for 'coloured' bands/orchestras or the like? You might find a name similar to what's on the side of that float.
I must say, the band members don't look too happy.

I.L.S.
Departed

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I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!

Posts: 2,113

postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 4, 2015 10:24:13 GMT Londonbus1 and rod222 like this

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Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:24:13 GMT

That's a very good idea James as it hadn't occurred to me to do such a thing -until now! I just got caught up in the moment of pulling the trigger on this card. I can't wait to get it. Thank you.

Here is a bit more-

A little digging reveals that this was likely the "Fireman's parade" put on by the "Neptune Fire Company (established in 1860)" on the 4th of July, 1907.

The first fire company in Jersey Shore was the Neptune Fire Company, was organized in 1860 and the citizens approved a special fire tax that allowed borough council to buy a new engine, leather hose and hose carriage. Since someone burned down the old fire house in April 1858, a new one was built at the end of Smith street (which is now the current municipal building). Council met here for the first time on March 3rd, 1862.

Here is another image from that very day in 1907. It was put on by the NYC Rail Road Shops in S. Avis.

There is another but it isn't really politically corrct.

Here is a few more from that day (but these ones aren't mine...yet!)

Last Edit: Jul 15, 2017 20:45:31 GMT by tomiseksj

I mainly collect the US Classic singles & covers also, classic era B.O.B. items.

I.L.S. Departed Rest in Peace I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers! Posts: 2,113	postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 4, 2015 10:31:11 GMT rod222 likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:31:11 GMT In the last card it shows the NYC/ Avis Shops Band marching. Here is an image of them lifted from a postcard [circa.-1913]
	Last Edit: Jul 15, 2017 20:40:46 GMT by tomiseksj I mainly collect the US Classic singles & covers also, classic era B.O.B. items.

I.L.S.
Departed

Rest in Peace

I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!

Posts: 2,113

postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 4, 2015 10:51:20 GMT Philatarium likes this

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Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:51:20 GMT

Here is one of the things that they fixed, built and used regularly at the NYC train "Shops". They also repaired train cars too.

Front:

Reverse:

I thought the letter noteworthy too- (Mr. Elmer Hollick owned the town's coal yard.)

Last Edit: Jul 15, 2017 20:39:44 GMT by tomiseksj

I mainly collect the US Classic singles & covers also, classic era B.O.B. items.

I.L.S.
Departed

Rest in Peace

I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!

Posts: 2,113

postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908 Jan 10, 2015 9:53:16 GMT

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Post by I.L.S. on Jan 10, 2015 9:53:16 GMT

I got a nice little surprise when I read the back of the card!

First the whole of the reverse- which is in deplorable condition but it can be overlooked because of the historical information this card contains I think? lol

The message:

The CDS and address on the card close-up:

Again this is the Obverse of the card. I think these fellows might actually be in black-face as well?

Last Edit: Jul 15, 2017 20:30:37 GMT by tomiseksj

I mainly collect the US Classic singles & covers also, classic era B.O.B. items.

postcard from J.S. Pa. with odd subject matter - 1908

Post by I.L.S. on Jan 3, 2015 13:31:56 GMT

Post by jamesw on Jan 3, 2015 15:30:59 GMT

Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:24:13 GMT

Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:31:11 GMT

Post by I.L.S. on Jan 4, 2015 10:51:20 GMT

Post by I.L.S. on Jan 10, 2015 9:53:16 GMT