Maine Pilgrims and Their Southern Hosts February 1-20, 1926.

[Augusta, ME?]: [Maine to Southland Pilgrimage], 1926. Oblong 4to (11” x 14”), original gilt stamped black leather with string-tie binding. 203 silver prints including photographic title-page, approx. 3” x 4” to 6” x 8”, mounted on 34 black leaves, additional blank leaves. All images with printed captions. 12 blank leaves.

A photo album presented to noted Maine lawyer Philip F. Chapman to commemorate his participation in the 1926 "Maine to Southland Pilgrimage," a trip undertaken by a Maine trade delegation to the American South led by then Governor R. Owen Brewster (who was also Chapman's law partner). Chapman was a native of Portland, Maine who was educated at Philips-Exeter and Bowdoin College (where he led the Musical Club for three years as the chief mandola player), and Harvard Law. He lived for nearly the whole of his adult life in his native Portland, and established himself as a prominent financier and member of the bar. He continued to be involved with his alma mater, among other organizations, following graduation. During the 1920s he served as president of the Bowdoin Club of Portland, acted as grand marshal of commencement ceremonies, and served two terms on the Alumni Council.

The album tracks the pilgrims' journey, beginning and ending at the White House, where they are received by President Coolidge and Maine's congressional delegation. The bulk of the its content is devoted to the group's time in the deep south and features evocative variety of images taken in Alabama, Louisiana (chiefly New Orleans), and Florida. Subjects pictured include stripe-clad African American prisoners, Mardi Gras, Florida citrus groves, the dining hall of the Birmingham Penitentiary, sponge fishing on the Florida Coast, African American musicians (the Auburndale Quartet), beach scenes, various celebratory gatherings, etc. Also present are numerous images of the rail crew, including a page devoted to portraits of the Pullman Porters assigned to the trip.

CONDITION: Wear to front cover, photos generally very good, a few photos with offsetting from opposite page 1 image missing from mount.