Tintype photograph of a man identified as James Turner, with two women
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@ National Museum of African American History and Culture
James Turner, American Unidentified Woman or Women
Description
This tintype photograph of a man in Grand United Order of Odd Fellows regalia came into the collection identified as a photograph of James Turner and accompanied by a membership certificate for Turner in the Prince Hall Freemasons Celestial Lodge No. 2 of Rhode Island. It is possible Turner was a member of both the G.U.O.O. F. and the freemasons, or the identification of Turner in the photograph may be a misattribution. The embroidery on the collar “P.N.F.” likely means “Past Noble Father,” the highest degree of Odd Fellowship in the order’s structure. The two unidentified women may have been members of the Household of Ruth, the G.U.O.O.F. women’s auxiliary organization.A tintype photograph depicting a man identified as James Turner seated in Grand United Order of Odd Fellows regalia and flanked by two standing unidentified women. The tintype is in a magenta colored paper frame with gold designs around the edges. The full-length portrait shows the man sitting in a chair, wearing a dark jacket, vest and pants over a light colored shirt, and wearing a G.U.O.O.F. apron and collar. The wide collar is dark-colored with light colored fringe trim and embroidery on both sides in a vine and flower design. "P. N. F." is embroidered at the top of the proper left side of the collar and a sunburst design is on the proper right side. His proper right hand rests on his knee and he is looking straight at the camera. The two women stand on either side...
Collodion And Silver On Iron With Lacquer
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
