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Photograph postcard of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, Charleston, South Carolina, 1914
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Photograph postcard of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, Charleston, South Carolina, 1914
In 1891, the Rev. Daniel J. Jenkins opened the Jenkins Orphanage for African American boys in Charleston, South Carolina. Unable to provide for the growing number of boys under his care, Rev. Jenkins asked members of the Charleston community to donate used musical instruments with the intention of raising money for the orphanage by forming a travelling band. Wearing discarded Citadel uniforms, the band performed a mix of military marches, folk tunes, and ragtime throughout the United States and in Europe. The band played in the inaugural parades of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. They also appeared at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair and the 1914 Anglo-American Exposition, where they performed for members of the British Royal Family
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph postcard captures the Jenkins Orphanage Band, a group of African American boys from Charleston, South Carolina in 1914. Founded by Reverend Daniel J. Jenkins in 1891, the orphanage aimed to provide a home for young African American boys who were in need of care and support. However, with limited resources to sustain the growing number of children under his wing, Rev. Jenkins had an ingenious idea. He reached out to the generous members of the Charleston community and requested donations of used musical instruments. With these instruments at their disposal, he formed a traveling band that would raise funds for the orphanage through their performances. Dressed in discarded Citadel uniforms, these talented young musicians played an eclectic mix of military marches, folk tunes, and ragtime across America and even ventured as far as Europe. The band's talent was undeniable; they had the honor of performing at prestigious events such as President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade and President William Howard Taft's inauguration ceremony. Their fame extended beyond political circles too – they graced audiences with their music at notable exhibitions like the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and even performed for members of British royalty during the 1914 Anglo-American Exposition. Edward Elcha beautifully captured this historic moment on gelatin silver prints which have now found a place within our National Museum of African American History and Culture collection at Smithsonian Institution. This image serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination against all odds – showcasing how music became not only an instrument for fundraising but also a powerful tool for empowerment within this remarkable community.
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