Page 254 - Swann Galleries - Printed & Manuscript African Americana- Sale 2308 - March 21, 2013

472 ● (MUSIC—HARLEM NIGHTCLUBS.) [CATHRELL, LAURIE.] Collection
of photographs, programs, and ephemera from a Harlem Renaissance era cho-
rus-girl. Over 200 photographs of various sizes, includes nearly 150 8 x 10 promotional
shots, a few larger group shots and many smaller snapshots; a number of Harlem nightclub
programs, and several issues of “Showdown” a magazine devoted to nightclub show peo-
ple. Many of the 8 x 10’s are inscribed, including THREE FROM BILLIE HOLIDAY. The
collection includes programs and ephemera. Condition varies, but generally very good. MUST BE SEEN.
Vp, circa 1920’s to 1940’s [3,500/5,000]
An extraordinary personal collection from Laurie J. Cathrell, a Harlem nightclub chorus-girl. The
photographs and related nightclub material covers a broad period from the 1920’s to the 1940’s
with a few later pieces, including the program for Joe Lewis’ funeral. There are a great many
inscribed photographs that include three from Billie Holiday, and many from equally well known
figures from the music world. This is a “must-see” collection. NB: included is one issue of a
magazine called “The Voice,” for April 1926. The cover features a portrait of Sallie J. Cathrell,
president of the Cathrell Printing company of Kansas City, presumably Laurie’s mother.