Between the Covers

Hardcover. Folio. Measuring 15" x 17¼". Brown cloth over stiff paper boards with "Portraits of Children" stamped in gilt on the front board. Contains 363 mostly color photographs measuring between 2" x 3" to 11" x 14", some with captions. Worn edges with some loose pages and tears thus very good album with near fine photographs.

The photograph album of an African-American amateur dancer from Ohio, compiled between 1960 and 1980. Along with his partner, he won the teen dance contest at the Cuyahoga County Fair in 1967. Two large promotional photographs are featured with the couple posed in dance positions. The two are also seen in newspaper clippings holding trophies from events. He is photographed dancing on stage with a band and entertaining at parties. Additionally included throughout the album are images of him and his friends and family at a variety of events. He is featured modeling clothes for the Shades of Soul Modeling Agency in Cleveland, posed in the fashions of the time on a podium with the agency logo behind them. He also includes images of and newspaper clippings about a musician friend, snapshots of friends and children, parties, men in military uniforms, and a visit to California. This massive album provides photo documentation of the changing fashions, interracial friendships, and African-American romantic relationships over more than three decades.

An interesting, extensive album detailing a young African-American man’s experience including his dancing skills and the changing politics of African-American identity during the tumultuous 1960s, '70s, and early ‘80s.

Item #436881