American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

Sale 1310

Live

| Cincinnati

Feb 27 | 10:00 AM EST

Live

| Cincinnati

Lot 116

[OCCUPATIONAL]. Pullman Porter collection identified to Willie Leonard Sims (1910-1969), incl. uniform cap, ID card, documents, and photographs.

Lot 116

[OCCUPATIONAL]. Pullman Porter collection identified to Willie Leonard Sims (1910-1969), incl. uniform cap, ID card, documents, and photographs.

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Estimate$800 – $1,000

Status

Closed

[OCCUPATIONAL]. Pullman Porter collection identified to Willie Leonard Sims (1910-1969), incl. uniform cap, ID card, documents, and photographs.

A group of 9 items, including a Pullman porter cap, approx. 8 1/2 x 9 in. and 3 1/2 in. height, faded blue fabric with black visor and cords anchored at each end by a small "Pullman" button, badge at center above visor reads "Southern Sleeping Car Porter," interior sweat band present along with manufacturer's label for "Ruby's Uniform Caps" in Chicago.

[With:] Card placard stating "This car is served by W.L. Sims"; Identification card issued to Sims by The Pullman Company on 8 June 1943; Commissary Circular No. 91, Chicago: The Pullman Company, 1946; 2 "Payroll Deduction and Earnings" statements; a State of Georgia Withholding Tax Statement; a 4 x 3 1/4 in. black and white snapshot of Sims along with two other African American Pullman employees; and a photograph of Sims, framed to 6 1/2 x 9 in.

Provenance: From the estate of Nelly Sims, daughter of Willie L. Sims, native of Stockbridge, Georgia. Lot includes a typed personal statement from Sims's daughter describing his work as a Pullman porter.

Willie Leonard "W.L." Sims started as Pullman porter at the age of 32, working as a "Southern Sleeping Car Porter" on the Southern Railway System from 1942-1964. Though African American men working as Pullman Porters often faced rampant discrimination, difficult working conditions, and received low pay, the position nonetheless still maintained an aura of prestige within the African American community. This was exemplified, in part, by the Porter's uniform, but came at a steep cost. An April 1915 government inquiry led by Chairman Frank P. Walsh of the Federal Industrial Commission found that porters were typically paid $27.50 a month wages, but were required to purchase their uniforms exclusively at Marshall Fields & Company at the cost of $24.50 whenever they needed a new uniform. Despite this, Sims's daughter's statement indicates that her father was "Proud to be a Pullman porter, [and] Proud to wear the cap that said 'Southern Sleeping Car Porter.'"

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email historicalephemera@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

katiehorstman@freemansauction.com 513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[OCCUPATIONAL]. Pullman Porter collection identified to Willie Leonard Sims (1910-1969), incl. uniform cap, ID card, documents, and photographs.

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