RPPC Big House Lincoln NE Prison Orchestra African American Real Photo Postcard
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:24589391 | Listed By: Dealer or Reseller |
| Subject: Historic & Vintage | Date of Creation: 1930-1939 |
| Original/Reprint: Original Print | Color: Sepia |
Unique and one of a kind for sure.
This real photo is of The Big House Revue, a variety show performed by inmates on Thanksgiving, 1934 in the Nebraska state penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska. Directed by Jules Rachman, the set was designed and constructed by inmates. The two men in front are tap dancers. This photo and the event was documented in the Nebraska State Journal; I'll enclose the article with the real photo post card.
Big band sounds of a 12 man orchestra in s...tripes playing guitars, drums, trombones, trumpets, clarinet, tubas. One man in stripes to the side directing.
Two African American men in fine dress and cap strike a pose in front of the band.
Banners spell out B - I - G H - O - U - S - E across the stage.
Kodak produced the AZO papers used for these real photo cards, and the stamp box confirms a circa date to the card. The four corner squares date the card from 1927-1940 though Kodak would sell the AZO Professional Paper until 2005. Metro Goldwyn Meyer produced The Big House in 1930, giving rise to a new genre of film more sympathetic to prisoners. Prison orchestras were popularized around that time, and the Joliet, Illinois prison had a 35-50 instrument orchestra called, The Big House Revue that was broadcast in the Chicago area in 1936.
Real photo AZO postcard in fine condition, only slightest wear at tips; small black dot to one edge and on verso. Postally unused.
US sales only.
Stored in a smoke-free, animal-free environment. Secure pack and quick ship. Will combine shipping on purchase of multiple lots. Thank you for your consideration.
This real photo is of The Big House Revue, a variety show performed by inmates on Thanksgiving, 1934 in the Nebraska state penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska. Directed by Jules Rachman, the set was designed and constructed by inmates. The two men in front are tap dancers. This photo and the event was documented in the Nebraska State Journal; I'll enclose the article with the real photo post card.
Big band sounds of a 12 man orchestra in s...tripes playing guitars, drums, trombones, trumpets, clarinet, tubas. One man in stripes to the side directing.
Two African American men in fine dress and cap strike a pose in front of the band.
Banners spell out B - I - G H - O - U - S - E across the stage.
Kodak produced the AZO papers used for these real photo cards, and the stamp box confirms a circa date to the card. The four corner squares date the card from 1927-1940 though Kodak would sell the AZO Professional Paper until 2005. Metro Goldwyn Meyer produced The Big House in 1930, giving rise to a new genre of film more sympathetic to prisoners. Prison orchestras were popularized around that time, and the Joliet, Illinois prison had a 35-50 instrument orchestra called, The Big House Revue that was broadcast in the Chicago area in 1936.
Real photo AZO postcard in fine condition, only slightest wear at tips; small black dot to one edge and on verso. Postally unused.
US sales only.
Stored in a smoke-free, animal-free environment. Secure pack and quick ship. Will combine shipping on purchase of multiple lots. Thank you for your consideration.
