[MUSIC - McKOY, Millie and Christine (1851-1912)]. Printed card advertising performances by the "Carolina Twins" Millie and Christine.

2 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. advertisement printed on thin cardstock (toning, otherwise near excellent). Obverse features depictions of the conjoined twins performing acts from their show. Reverse with heading, "Don't Fail to See Millie Christine. A Famous Woman," with accompanying details about Millie Christine.

Born into enslavement on a plantation in southeastern North Carolina, the conjoined twins were sold several times while children and abducted twice by people looking to exploit them. Eventually, they came to be enslaved by Joseph Smith who toured the sisters through the United States, Canada, and Europe. They were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and continued to tour internationally. The talented singers were successful enough to purchase the property where they were born and build a grand home where they lived until their death. In early October 1912, Millie died after contracting tuberculosis. Christine was unable to be safely separated and died the next day. Though they had separate personalities, they were often referred to with one name, "Millie-Christine" and are themselves quoted as saying, "Although we speak of ourselves in the plural, we feel as but one person."

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

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Katie Horstman

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

[email protected]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.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[MUSIC - McKOY, Millie and Christine (1851-1912)]. Printed card advertising performances by the "Carolina Twins" Millie and Christine.

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