[AFRICAN-AMERICANA] Obsequies of William A. Harris [funeral program for "Woogie" Harris, Pittsburgh's first Black millionaire]

Author: [HARRIS, William A. "Woogie""]
Title: [AFRICAN-AMERICANA] Obsequies of William A. Harris [funeral program for "Woogie" Harris, Pittsburgh's first Black millionaire]
Publication: Pittsburgh: Sixth St. Mt. Zion Baptist Church / Gaines Funeral Home, 1967
Edition: First Edition

Description: Folded sheet. Octavo, [4]pp. Bifolium pamphlet. In about fine condition, gently toned. Funeral program for the man generally regarded as Pittsburgh's first African-American millionaire, William "Woogie" Harris. Harris was a celebrated community figure, the owner of a numebr of successful businesses, but was perhaps best known for being the primary figure in Pittsburgh's "numbers racket." For this reason, he has been overlooked as a figure in 20th century African-American history. But as his funeral program states, "He gave freely of his time and money to many charitable, civic and religious organizations." In fact, He and his wife Ada rented out the top floor of their spawling Pittsburgh home to Mary Cardwell Dawson and her National Negro Opera Company, which was able to expand during the 1940s to several regional cities. No doubt this kind of patronage helped to secure his good community reputation. On the final leaf of the funeral program is a list of "Honorary Pall Bearers," including the full Board of Directors of the Loendi Club (an African-American social club), which totals 40 names, not counting the eight "Active Pall Bearers." Unsurprisingly not separately listed in OCLC, and certainly a scarce ephemeral survivor; a great document of African-American life in mid-century Pittsburgh. Fine.

Seller ID: 11868

Subject: African-Americana



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