Early 1900s Jim Crow Era Saloon Interior w/ Black Patrons, Integrated Clientele

Description

Photograph, c. 1910-1920. Unattributed silver gelatin print, on cardboard mount. Back is blank. Three white men stand at the bar, which is tended by three bartenders. At right stand three black men, a black woman, and another white man. All have glasses raised in a toast. Unknown location. Crack in bottom right corner of mount, resulting in minor loss of emulsion and a small chip in print.
A fascinating image on many levels, showing one of the last of the old-time saloons to close as the curtain came down on that era, and the era of the speakeasy began. The man behind the bar next to the cash register is probably the owner of the establishment. Prohibition would have spelled the demise of his profession (above-ground anyway) but he doesn't seem fazed. Not only is his clientele racially integrated, but also sexually, both in contravention of existing social norms. The times were changing, in ways the temperance folk never anticipated.
7 x 5 in. (print); 9 x 7 in. (overall)
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