Photograph of an IBPOEW convention

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Sepia group photograph from an Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World convention. The image shows fifty-two (52) men standing behind twenty-eight (28) women sitting on chairs. The women are dressed similarly in light-colored frocks with sashes. The men are wearing suits and most are also wearing a fez. An I.B.P.O.E. of W. banner and three (3) American flags are held above the crowd. A woman in the front row holds a pennant that reads [HIAWATHA / Los Angeles / No 91]. The shot was taken outside in front of a building with striped awnings. A sign is hung above the doorway, partially obstructed by one of the flags. It reads [HEADQUARTERS / STATE ASSOCIATION / I.B.P.O.E. of W. CO(obstructed)NTION / MAY 25th 1 (obstructed) nc.] The photograph is housed in a wooden frame with decorative carvings, painted pewter. White mat board surrounds the image.

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