Fan from Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, circa 1960

01

Artifact Overview

Worshipers in the mid-1900s used inexpensive, handheld fans to keep cool in churches without air conditioning--especially in the American South. Local funeral homes often supplied congregations with these fans. One side usually depicted biblical scenes, devotional settings, or even famous individuals. On the other side, the businesses listed vital services and contact information.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Advertising fan

Date Made

circa 1960

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2006.80.43

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Given in Memory of Susana Allen Hunter by Paul Hunter and Tommie and Susie Hunter.

Material

Card stock
Wood (Plant material)
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Width: 7.5 in
Height: 11.75 in

Inscriptions

Printed on front: INSPIRATION Printed on front: 8732 / A. SCHEER / MADE IN U.S.A. Printed on back: COMPLIMENTS OF / BROWNLEE FUNERAL HOME / AND / MUTUAL SAVINGS LIFE INSURANCE CO. Printed on back: BROWNLEE FUNERAL HOME / TELEPHONE MU 2-9116 / CAMDEN, ALABAMA / ERMA'S FLOWER SHOP Printed on back: MUTUAL SAVINGS LIFE INSURANCE CO. / 32 YEARS OF SERVING THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA/ HOME OFFICE / DECTUR, ALABAMA / ORGANIZED 1927 Written in pencil on back: PLEASE LEAVE / FAN AT SEAT / ROCK NO. 2 Written in pencil on back: LILLIE BELL HUNTER / PO 25997 / FLUSHING NY Written in ink on back: MCCLEMENS / 6048 LAURENCE / MOBILE ALA
Fan from Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, circa 1960