Yo-Yos and Selfies: Exposing Photographs in the Albert Barden Collection

Connecting the Docs: True Stories from the Old North State

In this episode, audiovisual materials archivists Vann Evans and Ian Dunn introduce Raleigh photographer Albert Barden (1888–1953). For almost seventy years, curators and archivists have worked to preserve, catalog, and give meaning to his vast collection of photographs, which offer a snapshot of everyday and extraordinary life in North Carolina from nearly a century ago. Their work continues. Learn about Barden and some of the fascinating discoveries archivists have made, helping to identify previously unnamed or mislabeled photographs and revealing their importance.

Photographs Mentioned:

N_53_15_4313 | Raleigh Linen Supply Co, 3301 Hillsborough St

Raleigh Linen Supply Co, 3301 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC; ca 1941. Interior view showing office of manager Robert C Evans.

Photo by Albert Barden. From the Albert Barden Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC.

N_53_16_6674 | S. M. Jones

Cobbler shop of S. M. Jones, East Davie Street in Raleigh, NC, 1926. The date is determined to be 1926 based on the days of the week listed on the poster seen on the side of the building. The man is believed to be Sherman Jones (1865-1932), a shoemaker. Under high magnification and some considerable squinting, the sign above Mr. Jones was found to read “S. M. Jones”-- beside it, a crudely painted boot. If Mr. Jones turned his head and looked across Davie Street he would be looking at present day Artspace. The Sir Walter Hotel can be seen in the background on the right.

N_53_16_5173 | Albert Barden and Sisters Daisy (left) and Violet

Albert Barden and Sisters Daisy (left) and Violet prob 1900 teens

Photo by Albert Barden. From the Albert Barden Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC.

N_53_17_520 | People in Front of Raleigh City Hall with Yo-Yos

Group of unidentified people are seen on the steps of City Hall in Raleigh with Yo-Yos. Pedro Flores -inventor of Yo-Yos -is possibly seen front left c. 1930.

Photo by Albert Barden. From the Albert Barden Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC.