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Lot # 1038: 1936 "Black Convict Hung in Kentucky", 20,000 Spectators Flock to Witness Death!

Starting Bid: $25.00

Bids: 20 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer Premier Auction 2019",
which ran from 7/14/2019 11:30 PM to
8/3/2019 8:00 PM



Thought provoking and intense 1936 photograph from Owensboro, Kentucky showing the moment a young 22 year old black man named Rainey Bethea as he was hung at the prison in front of 20,000 spectators for the murder of a 70 year old woman. Issued by the International News and stamped on the back with a full paper caption, you can to help but wonder how solid the case was against Rainey given the racist political climate of the south when this photo was taken! An important piece of history in nice shape and offered here for the first time ever!

Size: 8x10
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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