Stereoview Black American Watermelon

Black Americana African American Couple Eating Watermelon

Title: “Reality”
Publisher: Underwood & Underwood
Copyright 1897 by Stromeyer & Wyman

Stereoview features an African American man and woman sharing a large piece of watermelon while sitting under an umbrella. Several other watermelons are on the ground waiting to be eaten. While it was intended to be “comedy” clearly this was a crude attempt and was unfortunately typical stereotyping of the Reconstruction/Jim Crow era.

I recognize this is sensitive subject to many people, I do not condone or find anything funny about this stereoview, but I do believe this period of history must be remembered. Philosopher George Santayana said it best, "Those who cannot remember the past are destined to repeat it."

Excellent condition. Very minor corner ware , slight old age toning, stain on back and very light soiling.