Pair of 1938–1939 West Virginia Industrial Union Council Panoramic Convention View Watchlist >
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Lot # G619
System ID # 23428255
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Pair of 1938–1939 West Virginia Industrial Union Council Panoramic Convention Photographs
This historically significant pair of panoramic black-and-white photographs documents the First and Second Annual Conventions of the West Virginia Industrial Union Council (WVIUC)—held in Charleston, WV (August 22–24, 1938) and Huntington, WV (August 28, 1939). Both images were captured by the American Photography Co., Columbus, Ohio, and are preserved in their original wood frames with glass.
Each photograph features hundreds of delegates, arranged in carefully composed rows in front of the convention buildings. Attendees are dressed in formal 1930s attire—suits, ties, and summer hats—while several women and African American delegates appear prominently in the front rows, reflecting the inclusive and progressive nature of the CIO labor movement at the time. Details such as period automobiles, architectural features, and hand signage on the windows (“West Virginia Industrial Union Council” with event dates) enrich the historical narrative.
These large-format panoramic prints offer a rare and visually striking record of labor activism during a pivotal era in West Virginia’s industrial history, making them highly desirable to collectors of labor union memorabilia, historical photography, and Americana.
Condition:
Good overall. Light surface wear and minor age toning are present. There is some debris visible behind the glass and scratches on the wood frames, but the photographs retain excellent clarity and contrast.
Size:
- Overall (framed): 11" x 40"
- Visible image area: 9.5" x 38.5"
These photographs stand out for their original framing, racial and gender diversity among attendees, and documentation of early CIO union conventions. Such panoramic labor convention photos from the 1930s are rarely found in pairs, especially in this condition.