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

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2006.80.44

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

Height: 12.5 in
Width: 6.75 in

Inscriptions

Printed on front: REVERENCE / 743 Printed on back: COMPLIMENTS OF/ BROWNLEE FUNERAL HOME/ (SUCCESSOR TO WEATHERLY FUNERAL HOME)/ AND/ MUTUAL SAVINGS LIFE INSURANCE SO. Printed on back: BROWNLEE FUNERAL HOME/ CAMDEN, ALABAMA/ PHONE 922/ JOHN H. BROWNLEE - ERMA BROWNLEE/ OWNERS Printed on back: MUTUAL SAVINGS LIFE INSURANCE CO./ 30 YEARES OF SERVING THE ALABAMA/ HOME OFFICE/ DECATUR, ALABAMA/ ORGANIZED 1927 Printed in pencil on back: PLEASE LEAVE THE FAN ON THE BENCH Printed in pencil on handle: ROCK NO. 2 BAPTIST CHURCH
Fan from Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, circa 1960