BLACK ELKS CLUB CLEVELAND OHIO WOMEN LEADERSHIP 1970s

Item #1614

Group of twenty-three 1970s photographs documenting African American members of the Ohio Elks / Daughter Elks community in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, pictured at banquets, presentations, and formal ceremonies—complete with sashes, regalia, podium speeches, and award moments. Several images revolve around Cleo Banks (identified by name in clippings and handwritten captions), offering a strong snapshot of Black civic life, women’s leadership, and fraternal philanthropy in the era. Also included is a parade photograph of an Elks float with banners reading “Civil Liberties Department” and “Alice L. Nichols, Grand Directress,” expanding the collection beyond banquet scenes into the organization’s public-facing civic work.

A standout set shows a banquet dais at the Sheraton Cleveland Hotel, including multiple large mounted event photographs with the imprint “PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES” and a handwritten caption reading “Dec – 1979 Joint … Dinner” (likely “Joint Elks Dinner”).

Two original newspaper clippings add excellent identification and context:

“OHIO ELKS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH OF DIMES” (handwritten dated 2/9/74, noted as The Reporter (Akron, Ohio)). The article and photo describe a donation supporting March of Dimes sickle cell work, naming Mrs. Cleo Banks as State Directress (Sickle Cell Anemia Department) and showing her presenting a check alongside other named participants.

A second banquet clipping captions multiple guests by name and includes a photo where Cleo Banks is circled, with additional names printed below (including attendees from Cleveland, Canton, and Youngstown) and mention of an Annual Banquet for an Elk Lodge.

Several photographs have helpful handwritten identifications, including a color print labeled “Cleo Banks / Ruby Gregory / Judge Jackson” and another page noting “Sadie Dodson / Cleo Banks / Ann McMillan.”

In addition to the fraternal documentation, the group also includes a smaller selection of family images (wedding/baby/studio-type portraits), giving the lot a more personal, album-like context.

Condition is consistent with a working ephemera lot: mounted photos show edge/corner wear and toning; loose prints may have light creases; newspaper clippings are age-browned and fragile, with expected handling wear.

Price: $500.00