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Original vintage photograph of seven young women identified on the reverse as the “Monkey Chorus” of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The women are posed outdoors beneath a large tree and are all wearing matching dark leather jackets, giving the group a particularly striking appearance.
All seven women are identified by name on the reverse:
- Emanola Wilburn
- Jeffie Hardwick
- Margaret Freeman
- Hilda Hardin
- “Dale” Thomason
- Evelyn Erisham
- “Midget” Lumpkins
The inscription is signed:
“Love, ‘Dale’”
The purpose of the “Monkey Chorus” is not explained, but it was likely a school, college, theatrical, musical, or community performance group. The informal group name, matching leather jackets, individual nicknames, and complete roster make this an unusually evocative piece of local social history.
The photograph appears to date from approximately the 1940s or early 1950s, based on the women’s hairstyles, clothing, and photographic presentation. The image was produced locally and bears the green studio stamp:
“PRINT BY BROYLES STUDIO
LAWRENCEBURG, TENN.”
The seven women are seated closely together in a single row. Several smile toward the camera while others maintain more serious expressions. The setting appears to be a park, schoolyard, campus, or residential lawn. A brick building is partially visible through the trees in the background.
This photograph offers several different collecting possibilities, including Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County history, Tennessee genealogy, women’s social history, school and theatrical groups, vintage fashion, leather jackets, local photography, and named vernacular photographs.
Because each individual is identified, the photograph may also be of special interest to descendants or researchers connected to the Wilburn, Hardwick, Freeman, Hardin, Thomason, Erisham, and Lumpkins families of southern Middle Tennessee.
Please note that this is an original photographic print with handwritten identification on the reverse. Although its proportions are similar to a postcard, the reverse does not have a printed postcard layout, stamp box, or address lines.
The reverse has the original handwritten identification in dark ink, a Broyles Studio stamp, minor pencil marks, light spotting, handling marks, and age toning. There is a small dark ink mark near the lower edge. No major tears or pieces appear to be missing. Please examine both photographs carefully for the exact condition.
Item Specifics
- Title or identification: Monkey Chorus
- Location: Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
- County: Lawrence County
- Approximate date: Circa 1940s–early 1950s
- Photograph type: Original vintage photographic print
- Photographer or processor: Broyles Studio
- Studio location: Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
- Subject: Seven young women in matching leather jackets
- Number of people: Seven
- Setting: Outdoor group portrait
- Identified individuals: Yes
- Inscription: Handwritten roster and “Love, ‘Dale’”
- Postage condition: Never mailed
- Color: Black and white with sepia toning
- Theme: Women, friendship, music, theater, school and local history
- Original or reproduction: Original vintage photograph
- Country: United States
Names for Genealogical Search
Emanola Wilburn; Jeffie Hardwick; Margaret Freeman; Hilda Hardin; “Dale” Thomason; Evelyn Erisham; “Midget” Lumpkins.
Keywords
Monkey Chorus Lawrenceburg Tennessee, Broyles Studio Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County TN photograph, named women vintage photo, women in leather jackets, Tennessee genealogy, school chorus photograph, theatrical group photo, vintage women’s group, 1940s Tennessee, local history photograph, vernacular photography, identified people, Wilburn family, Hardwick family, Freeman family, Hardin family, Thomason family, Erisham family, Lumpkins family
