Description

Rev. Solomon Sir Jones was a Baptist minister, businessman, and amateur filmmaker. This collection of home movies by Jones documents African American communities in Oklahoma between 1924 and 1928, depicting residents at work and in their homes, as well as activities at local schools, businesses, and churches. Community social events such as parades and funerals are prominently featured.A 16mm silent, black and white film (a) with original plastic film reel (b) and original metal film can (c) featuring footage taken in Oklahoma during the middle and late 1920s by Solomon Sir Jones, the fourth in a collection of nine films.Inscribed on the outside of the canister in black ink is [#4 / See List]. Handwritten inscriptions on three white adhesive labels read: [Naomi's Father Pictures / Jones], [Country Baptism 4], and [Big City - Dallas? / STC RES], partially illegible. On the center of the can are remnants of a green and white label on top of an imprinted design.The film begins with shots of portraits of two young men. The next scene shows a street with houses and a smoke stack in the background. A sign in a window advertises a large group baptism and moving picture, perhaps meaning that S.S. Jones will be filming the baptism. The next scene shows a long procession of the people who will be attending and participating in the baptism. Those that will be baptized are wearing white clothing. The scene after the procession shows a church and some men in uniform standing...

Record Contributed By

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution