Call Number:

PH-00336

Collection Name:

John E. Palmer Papers and Photography Collection

Creator:

No. of Items:

2600 items

Span Dates:

1890s-1960s (bulk 1940s-1960s)

Description:

The collection consists primarily of studio portraits and informal photographs taken by John E. Palmer (American, 1891-1964) that document the everyday life and social activities of the African-American community in Galveston, Texas, from the 1890s through the 1960s (bulk 1940s-1960s). The collection has been arranged into the following series: I. Palmer Studio, 1940s-1960s; II. Other Studios/Photographers, 1890s-1960s; III. Special Format Materials, 1900s-1960s. There are approximately 2,600 images in the collection.

Nearly one third of the collection consists of studio portraits. African-Americans make up the majority of the sitters depicted, but a few Hispanic and Caucasian individuals are also represented. Most of the individuals are not identified, but names written on the photographs have been compiled in the finding aid. Informal portraits document many activities such as weddings and funerals, as well as functions of fraternal organizations, churches, military groups, schools, athletic teams, and bands. Another one third of the images consists of candid shots of people in bars and restaurants. A smaller group of photographs documents occurrences such as automobile accidents, storm damage, and parades, presumably in and around Galveston.

The majority of the photographs are black and white gelatin silver prints, ranging in size from 1 x 1-1/8 to 11 x 14 inches, or 35.6 x 28 centimeters or smaller. Some color and hand-colored photographs are present, as are safety film and nitrate negatives. Some materials are matted or mounted.

A smaller group of early photographs, presumably not taken by Palmer, date from the 1890s to the 1930s and depict women, men, children, and families. Other photographers represented in this collection include The Teal in Houston, and Kibbes' Studio, Wallace Studios, and Witwer Studios, all of Galveston.

Materials other than photographs in the collection include a small selection of correspondence to and from Palmer, some business and financial records, a 1955 Central High School Bearcat yearbook, clippings, and other ephemera.

Access Restrictions:

Special permission from the Curator of Photography, plus advance notice, is required to access the negatives (Boxes 21-25) in this collection. To make an appointment, please contact Reading and Viewing Room staff.

Finding Aid URL:

https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=00280

Location(s):

Palmer, J.E., Boxes 01-06
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Palmer, J.E., Boxes 07-12
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Palmer, J.E., Boxes 13-18
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Palmer, J.E., Boxes 19-20
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Palmer, J.E., Box 25
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Curatorial permission required Palmer, J.E., Boxes 24-25
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Curatorial permission required Palmer, J.E., Boxes 21-23
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