This 382 page book is in good condition for being 115 years old. The author is Charles Carroll who claimed that blacks are more akin to apes than to human beings, and theorized that blacks had been the “tempters of Eve.” Carroll said that mulatto brutes were the rapists and murderers of his time (pp. 167, 191, 290-202) and that they should be killed. You will notice (in the photo) a red cloth bookmark; I’m not sure if it’s original, but it matches perfectly. The rebuttal to this book Is the Negro A Beast? was published in 1901 and is also in this collection (see “Racism” category).
Category Archives: Racism
1901 “IS THE NEGRO A BEAST?” (rebuttal to “The Negro A Beast”)
Is the Negro a Beast?: A Reply to Chas. Carroll’s Book Entitled “The Negro A Beast”, Proving that the Negro is Human from Biblical, Scientific, and Historical Standpoints. Written by William G. Schell, this book is a refutation of the scurrilous book The Negro A Beast or In the Image of God?, apparently popular in Southern US around the turn of the century, which attempted to justify the enslavement of those of African descent, since they “weren’t really human.” The controversial book that this book is refuting is also available in this collection (see other post in the “Racism” category).
1915 “NIGGER BRAND” SAHARA DATES
Nigger Brand Sahara Dates, Oval, France
c.1915, 8 3/4 In.
2016 GEOGRAPHY TEXTBOOK DEFINES SLAVES AS “IMMIGRANTS”
In Chapter 5 titled “Patterns of Immigration”, this 2016 World Geography textbook from McGraw Hill says “The Atlantic Slave Trade between the 1500’s and 1800’s brought millions of workers from Africa to the southern United States to work on agricultural plantations.” It also says “One of the defining attributes of the United States is that it is largely a country of immigrants and their descendants. About 13 percent of people in the United States are foreign born, while Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians make up about 2 percent of the population. The remaining population is descended from immigrants.” Here is the story of how everything “hit the fan” when an African-American mother looked carefully at her son’s Continue reading
“We piccaninnies believe in the simple life and watermelon” STEREOVIEW
This stereo view of a black girl with watermelon continues the odd pairing of black folk with watermelon. It states, “Did you say watermelon was no good? Give me liberty and watermelon! Let the pampered epicure rave over a French ragout, a Chinese bird’s nest soup, or lobster a la Newburg, we piccaninnies believe in the simple life and watermelon. Give us a Continue reading
1915 “NIGGER HEBEN” POSTCARD
This 1915 postcard features a young black child holding a watermelon with a grin on his face (continuing the odd pairing of black folk with watermelon). The postcard states “Nigger Heben”. It has a postal stamp from April 14, 1915 in Norfolk, Virginia. Continue reading
1965 & 1966 THUNDERBOLT NEWSPAPERS (National States Rights Party)
These 1965 and 1966 Thunderbolt Newspapers are among the most severe of the racist material in this collection. One article states, “If King comes marching through your town, get out in the streets with the old rebel yell and rebel flag. He’ll go running out of town back to Atlanta.” Thunderbolt newspaper was mentioned during the trial of infamous Ku Klux Klansman Tommy Blanton. Blanton was convicted Continue reading
1892 “COTTON AND DE COONS” STEREOVIEW
This 1892 stereo view of African-Americans picking cotton says “Away down among “de Cotton and de Coons” and appears to say that the photo is from Louisiana. Continue reading
1956 “NEGRO AND WHITE” (racist Christian desegregation brochure)”
This 1954 racist “Christian” desegregation brochure by John R. Rice is titled “Negro and White”. In it, the author states (regarding the lynching of Emmett Till) “That colored boy, who attempted to…seduce the…white woman, was spurred on by widespread feeling, a cocky attitude agitators have cultivated among colored people. Remember…a white woman dare not walk the streets alone at night or go anywhere alone at night because of the animosity and the standards of the large negro population….It makes for cases of murder and rape. It makes for some…cases in which offended white men, even good men, take the law in their own hands.” Continue reading
1956 “MIXED SCHOOLS AND MIXED BLOOD” (Citizens’ Council, Miss)
This 1956 brochure contains the speech “Mixed Schools and Mixed Blood” by Herbert Ravenel Sass. It states “Herbert Ravel Sass, author, presents the fundamental case for the white South. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, an independent, and an Episocpalian, Mr. Sass is imbued with a tradition which he believes is based on unchanging truth. His argument goes to the very heart of the controversy: Would integrated schools lead to mixed blood?”
The brochure is published by The Educational Fund of the Citizens’ Councils of Greenwood, Mississippi.
1956 “INTERPOSITION” PAMPHLET (CITIZENS’ COUNCIL, MISSISSIPPI)
This 1956 pamphlet titled “Interposition, the Barrier Against Tyranny” is a speech of Representative John Bell Williams (D-Miss.) in the United States House of Representatives on January 25, 1956. Interposition refers to the right of the states to protect their interests from federal violation deemed by those states to be dangerous or unconstitutional. Citizens’ Councils (which were considered a more civilized version of the Ku Klux Klan) famously defended segregation (and before that slavery) by teaching “Interposition and Nullification”.
This brochure was printed by the Association of Citizens’ Councils of Mississippi in Greenwood, Mississippi.
1964 GERALD L.K. SMITH RALLY FLYER (anti-semitic and racist)
This 1964 “National Rally” flyer advertises Gerald L.K. Smith speaking at the Large Embassy Auditorium at 9th and Grand in Los Angeles, California on April 30th, 1964. On the flyer it states that he will discuss “The significance of Governor Wallace of Alabama, who is rapidly becoming a white man’s champion. Will the Negro become America’s ‘sacred cow’? Will the Jewish politicians and their ilk be able to combine minorities for political victory in such a way as to enslave and abuse the great white Christian majority of America?
“WHITEST PEOPLE” RACIST POSTCARD
This postcard from Greenville, Texas shows the Flower Bed in City Park. The back of the postcard states “Blackest Land” and “Whitest People”
1950’s ANTI-NAACP BROCHURE (warns of “negroid nation” and “mulattoism”)
This 1950’s anti-NAACP brochure contains four pages of fear-mongering designed to discredit the NAACP by associating the civil rights organization with communism. It refers to “…its devious way to bring America down to stark mulattoism. A negroid-nation is the aim of both–which is but another way of saying Negro-Supremacy.”
1936 NIGGER HEAD ROCK (cancelled check)
This is a 1936 cancelled check from Lee Bank & Trust Company. The check shows “Nigger Head Rock” in the corner. Today, that area in Penington Gap, Virginia is referred to as “Stoneface” (changed in the 1970’s).
1936 “COTTON FLUFF” SHEET MUSIC
This “Cotton Fluff” (by Olive Smith) sheet music from 1936 shows a racist depiction (face is almost a complete silhouette and exaggerated black lips) of a black child holding multiple cotton bolls. Clayton F. Summy Co.
1906 WATERMELLON POSTCARD
This 1906 postcard shows the stereotype of a black man with exaggerated features lamenting a broken watermelon with the caption “Life Ain’t Worth Living When Your Broke.”
1954 “BLACK MONDAY” (school desegregation) MISSISSIPPI CITIZENS’ COUNCIL BROCHURE
1954 “Black Monday” brochure is the printed version of a speech by Judge Tom P. Brady (of the Fourteenth Circuit Court District Brookhaven, Miss) denouncing the 1954 Landmark Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation decision. This brochure was published by the Mississippi Citizens’ Council. Note the quote, “We do know the negro has, in certain instances, elliptical blood cells, which cause disease. We do know that his skull is one-eighth inch thicker…”
1941 & 1956 “WHITE SUPREMACY” DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS (with BULL CONNOR as candidate)
Two Fayette County, Alabama Democratic ballots from 1941 and 1956. Note the logo of the chicken and the “WHITE SUPREMACY….FOR THE RIGHT” banner used by the Democratic Party at the time. The official overtly racist logo of the Alabama Democratic Party was adopted in 1904 and not replaced until 1966.
The 1956 ballot shows the notorious Eugene Bull Connor as candidate for “Delegate to National Democratic Convention”. Bull Connor famously used firehoses and police dogs on men, women, and children protesters during the famed Birmingham demonstrations of 1963.
1965 ANTI-MARTIN LUTHER KING POSTCARD
The heading of this postcard states “Martin Luther King at Communist Training school.” ON BACK: “Lower left, arms folded, is Abner W. Berry of the Central Communist Party. To King’s right, Aubrey Williams, pres. of the communist front SCEF, and Myles Horton, dir. Highlander Folk School for communist training at Monteagle, Tenn. Picture taken by secret counteragent during Red Workshop in race agitation.“
ALLIGATOR EATING BLACK BOY (PENCIL AND LETTER OPENER)
Another disgusting example of an alligator eating, or trying to eat, black children (see other similar items in the collection). The tale of the alligator is a letter opener; by pulling the head of the African-American child out of the alligator’s mouth, a pencil is revealed. The tail advertises the “Los Angeles Alligator Farm”. So much for the South having a monopoly on racism. Continue reading
1909 “CANNIBAL LOVE” Sheet Music
Large format sheet music for the song “Cannibal Love”. “With kisses dear, I’ll greet you, love you so that I could eat you.” Some small tears. Bottom corners slightly faded. Condition is good.
NIGGER CAP (NEGER KAPPE)
Made in Germany in the first quarter of the 20th century, it contains a black mask. Instructions on the cover are in German, French, and English. The English directions are as follows: “The Nigger Cap. New. Great surprise. Wonderful effect. It is possible to become a Nigger in half a minute, and then quickly a white man again. The Nigger cap, which is made of light black tricot, is simply drawn over the head, the end pushed under the collar and the Nigger is ready. If in company, one should bend down under the table a moment and draw the cap on, or one goes out of the room and comes back a Nigger, to the great astonishment of everyone present. Great joke. Patented. Enormous success.” Cap is in the package, unused.
1937 “I’SE JUST A CLEAN NIGGER” (ENGLAND)
This racist postcard from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (in England) says, “I aint a dirty nudist…I’m just a clean nigger!” It is dated Aug 12, 1937.
1907 THE NEGRO, A MENACE TO AMERICAN CIVILIZATION
This 1907 book The Negro, A Menace to American Civilization, was written by Robert Wilson Shufeldt who was a Major in the Medical Department of the U.S. Army. From the book:“It takes a negro to assault a pretty and winsome little girl less than four years of age….It is scarcely necessary for me to say, that I am morally opposed to all forms of lynch law, but the negro is with us ; savagery and barbarous acts beget savagery and barbarous acts….Lynchings, in spite of everything, will continue to occur in the United States of America just so long as there is a negro left here alive, and there is a white woman living for him to assault. He can no more help his instincts than he is responsible for the color of his skin.” Note the lynching photos. Continue reading
BLACK CHILDREN AS “ALLIGATOR BAIT” (3 ALLIGATOR POSTCARDS)
Just like the weird connection American culture had in associating blacks with watermelon (see watermelon postcards in this collection), they also associated African-Americans as bait for alligators with a common theme of African-Americans running from alligators. Continue reading
1927 “Coon In Barrel” Game
This is a 1927 advertisement from page 592 of the “Shure” catalogue. It reads “Coon-in-Barrel” is a new, novel and unique device that is a whirl wind crowd gatherer. The barrel is the same size as an ordinary barrel, flat front with a large on the outside. Hit the target and up comes the coon, hit the coon and knock him back in the barrel… Continue reading
1968 MORMON BOOK PROHIBITS BLACK PRIESTS & “LOSE…BLESSINGS BY MARRYING A NEGRO”
The Church and the Negro, A Discussion of Mormons, Negroes and the Priesthood by John Lewis Lund, copyright 1967, third printing 1968. From the dust jacket it says the book “openly and frankly discusses and documents the Mormon position concerning the Negro. “In regard to inter-marriage with the Negro…God does not approve!” Continue reading
1958 REDS PROMOTE RACIAL WAR
This alarmist book by Kenneth Goth concludes that “…the colored races of the whole world are being united under the banner of atheistic hell-inspired Communism“. It also notes that “In schools our young white girls are being forced to dance with Negro boys.” Note the photo of “wild jungle sex orgies that go on each night…between Negroes and Whites”.
Book is published by Soldiers of the Cross and is 76 pages. Continue reading
1972 “BLACK MORMON TELLS HER STORY”
This is a fascinating book written by Wynetta Willis Martin about her experiences as the first African-American in the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She staunchly supports the LDS church even though, at the time of her autobiographical account, the Mormon Church would not allow African-Americans to become priests. The latter part of the book includes the chapter “Why Can’t the Negro Hold the Priesthood” by John D. Hawkes. The “Forward” (see photo) is written by Odgen Mayor Bart Wolthuis. Five newspaper articles written about Ms. Martin are included in the book (see photos). Continue reading
1897 Racist Book: TROOPER PETER HALKET
“Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland” by Olive Schreiner. Published in 1897, this book starts with the frontispiece photo of 3 black individuals hanging from a tree surrounded by white men.
The book appears to be about the travels of Trooper Peter Halket on his way through South Africa. There are constant references to the “N” word, Continue reading
“ONE DEAD NIGGER” RACIST AD
This advertisement is not dated, but it is VERY old. It shows racist caricatures of African-Americans stealing and shooting each other. Text at the bottom describes the scene and in one portion says “…(he) was drowned in tears at the thought of not being able to shoot two darkey thieves. But as the well filled with tears he came to the top and discovered one dead nigger…” The ad suggests Barker’s Liniment for the aches and pains of the farmer after the incident. Browned, a few small tears and chips to the edges, printing on rear, fragile. Overall size is approximately 9″ x 6″.
1916 “MAMMY’S LITTLE CAROLINA COONS”
This sheet music from 1916 has a racist title and racist lyrics. Note the line “Go to sleep, my little pickaninnies, Cuddle up to mammy’s breast“.
1966 CITIZENS’ COUNCIL BROCHURE (LOUISIANA)
This 1966 brochure from the Louisiana Citizens’ Council is titled “Why We Are Expanding” and says “Questions and answers for the white people of South Louisiana who sincerely believe that States’ Rights and racial segregation must be preserved for the peace and good order of our county and for our children’s futures!” Also says “The Citizens’ Council movement is the only nationwide organization dedicated to preserving the integrity of the white race!” The brochure states (inside) that its aim is to “reverse the “Black Monday” decision of 1954 and repeal the mis-named “Civil Rights” Act of 1964.” It also invites the reader to attend a meeting on October 18, 1966 in New Orleans.
1907 “NEGRO WOMEN ARE POOR MOTHERS –CARELESS & UNINTELLIGENT”
This article from the November 1907 issue of “The Metropolitan Magazine” is written by a Senator from Mississippi, John Sharp Williams. The article is 15 pages (about 8″ x 10″ in size) and has several full page photos. In the article titled “The Negro and the South” Williams writes “The darky complains a good deal…They are here, and they are going to remain here so long as there is a cotton-field in sight…Some people talk as if the repeal of the fifteenth amendment would get rid of darkies…Negro women are poor mothers–careless and unintelligent.”
DARKIE TOOTHPASTE (JAPAN)
“Darkie Toothpaste” shows one of the more obvious caricatures of the grinning, wide-eyed African-American. Toothpaste bottle and box are from Japan.
Darkie is a toothpaste brand of Hawley & Hazel Chemical Company. Established in Shanghai in 1933 and later based in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Hawley & Hazel was acquired in 1985 by the US corporation Colgate-Palmolive, although the product is not marketed by Colgate-Palmolive Continue reading
KKK Magazine “Night Riders” about Viola Liuzzo murder
Possibly the most representative example of Klan propaganda, this may be the worst and most disgusting of the publications by the Klan/Citizens’ Councils. Exploiting the murder of Viola Liuzzo, (a true hero of the Civil Rights Movement) by putting her body on the cover of their Klan “Night Riders” magazine as a trophy of their murderous efforts is about as low as it gets.
1960’s RACIST BROCHURE
This racist brochure from the 1960’s shows a Confederate flag on the cover and contains a list of 19 inflammatory race-based events that are intended as a “call to action” for the white man with an invitation May 1st to attend a meeting. It mentions that “War has been declared upon an entire generation of little white children who are fighting for their lives, their right to decency, and their heritage of Christian civilization. Little white girls are bearing the brunt of this savage assault. Their existence or destruction depends upon the manhood of their race. That is you.” Continue reading
1966 ANTI-MARTIN LUTHER KING CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER
This 1966 anti-Civil Rights newsletter is titled “RACIAL VIOLENCE AND HATRED” and is ironically from “Americans for Civil Harmony.” In it, it attributes the fight for equality and civil rights to a communist plot. It links Dr. King with illegal liquor sales and “promiscuous lewdness”; it identifies several of his aides as “sex perverts” and “identified communists“. It relies heavily on “perceptive critic”: J. Edgar Hoover. This newsletter was part of the FBI propaganda campaign to discredit the Civil Rights Movement. Like new condition.
1965 RACIST BIRMINGHAM NEWSLETTER
This is the September 2, 1965 edition of the “Birmingham Independent”, a racist newsletter. The cover story is about J. Edgar Hoover. Articles include this astounding passage “Birmingham was a fine, cheerful city. The Negroes were happy. King and his cohorts moved in, and with some local agitators began stirring up bad feelings and convincing the Negroes that they were not happy at all….He actually preferred that (demands) were not met because this was a cheaper way to promote propaganda to feed his innocent victims on hatred. What followed…were riots, racial disturbances, and the death of four Negro children” Continue reading
1966 PRO-SEGREGATION LOUISIANA NEWSLETTER
This is a February 20, 1966 edition of “The Councilor“, an anti-integration newsletter published in Shreveport, Louisiana. Articles include “‘Stab-Ins’ Planned As New Civil Rights Terror Campaign“, “Post Office Hiring Now Discriminates Against Whites”, and “Louisiana Race-Mixers Are Under Severe Fire From Aroused Public”. Name of addressee and PO Box address is clearly printed on newsletter.
1925 “I’SE LIKE A LIL’ NIGGAH” Racist Caricature & Poem
This item, dated 1925, shows a racist caricature of a black man sitting on top of a watermelon. 1st lines say “I’s like a lil’ niggah wiv heaps ob time to kill. Been doin’ nothin’ all day long but settin’ mahty still.”
Says “G.L. Salisbury” and “A Buzza Motto 1925” at bottom.
1878-1907 RACIST CALLING CARD (ADVERTISEMENT)
This is a Frank G. Abell calling card for his famous photography business. It shows a black man stealing watermelons with a dog attached to his rear, while a white man with a shotgun chases him. It says, “Which will let go first, the dog or the darkey?” Born in Illinois in 1844, Frank G. Abell opened his first gallery on his own, Abell’s Star Gallery, in Stockton in 1866. Moving back to San Francisco the following year, he then gradually worked his way north, through Grass Valley, Red Bluff, and and Yreka, arriving in Roseburg, Oregon in 1877. From 1878 to 1888 he was based in Portland, and after a few years back in San Francisco, he continued in Portland from 1897 to 1907. Known primarily for his studio portraits, his gallery in Continue reading
1931 RACIST JOKES IN CATHOLIC BROCHURE FOR “COLORED MISSIONS”
This 1931 large pamphlet is from “The Catholic Board for Mission Work Among the Colored People” and is titled “OUR COLORED MISSIONS” with the subtitle “JESUS DIED FOR ALL”. It pictures a white Jesus holding a black child. The section “Negro Laughs” (see photo) perpetuates the stereotype of the ignorant African-American who cannot speak well nor reason well (hence the butt of every joke). To the credit of the brochure is a section titled “Gleanings” (see photo) where the publication acknowledges “Humility and kindness are lovable virtues among the colored race; therefore they are surely much loved by Jesus Christ…Civilization is far older than the science of anthropology, and in the olden days it was not considered necessary to weigh the brain of the individual in order to find whether he merited equality of opportunity. Anthropology has now as its chief reason for existing the lamentable fact that it furnishes a justification for the exploitation of the darker races.–J.A. Rogers Continue reading
CITIZENS’ COUNCIL (KKK) BROCHURE (BIRMINGHAM, AL)
White Citizens’ Council brochure from the Birmingham, Alabama chapter….the Ku Klux Klan for all intents and purposes. Continue reading
1963 BLACK CARICATURE POSTER
Color illustration of a black man dressed as a Kentucky colonel and sitting on a front porch rocker while holding a mint julep. I purchased this poster (on thick card stock) from an antiques dealer from the South. 1963 Twinkle Press, Roanoke Virginia. Measures 14 x 11 inches.
1901 COON CREEK COURTSHIP (MINSTREL PLAY)
This 1901 minstrel play “Coon Creek Courtship” is published by T.S. Denison & Company. Continue reading
1924 GIRL WITH WATERMELON (LARGE COVER)
This colorful cover of the September 1924 issue of Pictorial Review furthers the very strange American stereotype of African-Americans going crazy over watermelon. This is just the cover; you can see the edges have been eaten by insects over the last 90 years. Note the large size of the cover as compared to the quarter to the right.
1995 RACIST ENGLISH TRANSLATOR
In 1995, Radio Shack manufactured a translating device (model 63-797) that made headlines when someone noticed that it translates the word “black” to “nigger”. Radio Shack recalled this specific model and issued a written apology. Upon hearing this, I went to Radio Shack to attempt to purchase the device for my collection. When I arrived, all of the units had long-since been pulled from the shelves…except a demo. I successfully talked the young cashier (unaware of the controversy) into selling me the demo.
1897 Mammy’s Little Pumpkin Colored Coons
“Mammy’s Little Pumpkin Colored Coons” Sheet music. With the subtitle: “Plantation Slumber Song“.
Hillman/Perrin, from the play “The Good Mr. Best”, copyright 1897. Fair condition, spine mostly split with small pieces missing. RH edge somewhat ragged.
