Boston Times [Dec 31 1960]

Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Times Publishing Company, 1960. Good. 11” x 8½”. Self-wrappers. Pp. [16; numbered to 20]. Good: possibly lacking leaf comprising pp. 9-12, or misnumbered as issued; final leaf torn nearly wholly in half vertically but extant; a touch toned, creased and worn.

This is a rare issue of a little-known African American newspaper, the Boston Times (BT). It is filled to the brim with photographic images, illustrated advertisements, news and gossip, providing a unique glimpse into Boston's Black community in 1960.

Information about BT is lacking. Danky Hady records it existing from only 1943-1944, while Historical Statistics of Black America (Gale Research, 1995) reported that it had a circulation of 12,000 in 1951. We found no other evidence of its survival, save two 1944 issues on microfilm at the New York Public Library. We were similarly unable to discover anything about the publisher.

This issue runs a bit wild, teeming with different fonts, ads and event announcements, political news and society chatter. Over 20 photographic images reveal African Americans attending events such as the New England Bowling League Ball, a Flower Garden Show and an NAACP Membership Drive. We see the well-dressed faculty at the opening announcement reception for the Cordice-Bowen Charm School, intended to prepare students for a “Professional Theatrical Career” as well as modeling and “Correct Social Activity.” In 1961, Jet magazine reported that it was the “city's first school for Negro models.” Lucy Cordice and Gus Bowen were well-known Black fashion designers in Boston from the 1960s through the 1980s. They also taught and designed costumes for productions at Elma Lewis' Center of Afro-American Artists.

A “College Roundup” column reported on discrimination against “Afro-Asian students” in Moscow and an editorial mused on “What Kennedy's Election Means.” The issue also ran “Church News,” society announcements and a fashion section directed at the “Home-Sewer.” There were 46 advertisements (nearly half of them illustrated) for Boston businesses, many presumably Black-owned, including restaurants, automotive services, hair supplies and the Stanley Brown Dance Studios. One full page was dedicated to a New York Times report that lunch counters in Woolworth stores had been integrated in 112 cities.

A rare African American newspaper focused on the Boston community. OCLC locates only the above-mentioned microfilm and no physical holdings. Danky Hady 1174.