American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Lot includes the following: a 5 x 4 in. photograph of "Sweet Daddy Grace" posed casually in smart attire on a step (clipped on right edge, loss to bottom, residue adhesive on image, some abrasions); 21 snapshots, each 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (light soil, toning, adhesive resiidue on verso of all); 2 letters; 1 receipt; and a 1 1/4 in. dia. "Sweet Daddy Grace" pinback button featuring a head and shoulders photograph of the preacher with raised hand.

Consignor relates the snapshots show the city of Savannah, Georgia. One snapshot does contain a firetruck identified "Savannah" on its side. Most images appear to depict events as they unfolded at two separate occasions, both possibly associated with the House of Prayer's annual festive convocation which was a days' long celebration typically featuring worship, a group baptism, and a parade. At least six images show vehicles and individuals participating in a parade along a pedestrian-filled street, complete with a marching band, a truck decorated as a parade "float," and fancily attired females riding on cars in a procession. The second grouping contains at least eight images of a gathering, with one image showing a sign that reads "Convocation" on a large building in the background. Central in this grouping are images showing what appears to be a group gathered for a baptism to be undertaken in a large, water-filled vessel. The attendees wear white as was the tradition and encircle the vessel which has a wooden platform erected alongside it.

Papers constitute a typed letter from Ms. Omie Bradley to "Sweet Daddy" reporting financial expenditures for the period of 1 October 1957 to 24 March 1958. -- Manuscript letter, 1p, 24 November 1958, regarding "a special meeting" of "Sis Eula Miller." -- Invoice from J. Eavenson & Sons, manufacturers of soaps, showing purchase of "Daddy Grace Pine Scented Soap."

The United House of Prayer was founded in 1919 by Charles Manuel Grace, a charismatic leader who was born on Cape Verde, immigrated to the United States in 1903, and founded the United House of Prayer in 1919 in Massachusetts. The church established a following in Savannah in 1926. Though sometimes controversial for his extravagant personal lifestyle, "Sweet Daddy" also invested in commercial investments, real estate, and other business ventures resulting in a sizeable financial legacy being passed on to his church.