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History of the Inter-Cooperative Council of Ann Arbor

My! Aren't those men dressed awfully?

Item

Title
My! Aren't those men dressed awfully?
Circus Name
The Union Circus
Date
May 8th, 1909
Location of Event
State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Creator
Stowell Stebbins, collector ; Lyndon, (potential) photographer
Subject
Union Circus parades down State Street
Description
This photo was found in the scrapbook of former University of Michigan student, Stowell Stebbins. The image was inscribed "PSI U. - DKE - "Peerade" Feature - Hobo Zobo Band" and "My! Aren't those men dressed awfully." Young boys watch from the sideline as men dressed as "hobos" walk down the unpaved street with marching band instruments. Some of these white men showcase fake stubble, while others appear to be painted in blackface. Horses, carriages, clowns, and knights are also part of the procession.
Rights Holder
Bentley Historical Library
References
Photograph, 1909, Lyndon, Box 1, Stowell Cortland Stebbins scrapbooks, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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