Elevator Operator's License. Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Elevator Inspection. Philadelphia, PA, 13 December 1923. 3 x 5 1/2 in. partly printed license issued to William A. Ogburn, with 2 x 2 in. silver gelatin photograph of Ogburn mounted on the card (some soiling, light surface wear, edge/corner wear).

The license is framed together with a 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 in. (sight) silver gelatin photograph of a large group of African Americans. The image lacks identification, but it may have been taken during an Ogburn family gathering (fading, fading, small puncture near top left corner of print). Matted and housed in 11 x 9 in. frame (unexamined outside frame).

William A. Ogburn was born in Mecklenburg, Virginia, and died in Philadelphia. The 1920 US Federal Census indicates that he was a clerk.

An Ordnance of April 1908 provided that no person shall be permitted to operate a Passenger Elevator in the City of Philadelphia without first obtaining a permit or license from the Department of Public Safety. One of the requirements to obtain the necessary license was 26 days' experience as an elevator operator in Philadelphia. Upon receipt of the license, Ogburn was permitted to operate a Passenger Elevator for one year from the issue date.