Alec Goodman Photograph Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSSP 2008

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection includes 31 real-photo postcards, one photograph, and one newspaper clipping, apparently accumulated by English boxing trainer Alec Goodman. All images seem to date from the 1910s. Many pertain to Ted "Kid" Lewis (b. Gershon Mendeloff), a Jewish boxer from London's East End who held numerous titles in several weight classifications, including the world welterweight title (1915-16, 1917-19). More specifically, they relate to Lewis's years in Australia (1914) and America (1914-19). The photos depict Goodman, Lewis, and members of their entourage in Sydney, New York, Buffalo, Boston, and elsewhere. There are also a number of postcards showing other fighters, many of them inscribed in ink to Goodman.

Unlike typical commercial postcards, real-photo cards were printed in the darkroom, on postcard backs, in very limited editions; they are, in essence, vernacular photographs.

Dates

Creation: ca. 1911-1919

Creator

Goodman, Alec (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright status for collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Extent

.5 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A group of more than 30 real-photo postcards, many inscribed, preserved by English boxing trainer Alec Goodman. Most relate to world welterweight champion Ted "Kid" Lewis, whom Goodman trained.