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Guide to the Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection
MS 11
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Table of contents
Title: Harold Jenkins Photograph collection
Dates: 1930-1953
Bulk Dates: 1948-1953
Collection number: MS 11
Collector:
Jenkins, Harold, 1890-1967
Creator:
Joseph, E. J.
Collection Size:
.25 linear feet
(1 box)
Repository:
African American Museum and Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland, CA 94612
Abstract: The Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection includes 81 photographs documenting Harold
Slim Jenkins' various businesses in downtown Oakland, California. A majority of the photographs are publicity stills of bands
and performers, interior shots of patrons and employees, or exterior photographs of Jenkins' businesses used for advertisements.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.
Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.
Permission to publish from the Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum and
Library at Oakland.
Harold Jenkins Photograph collection, MS 11, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland,
California.
Processed by Sean Heyliger, February 20, 2013.
Biography / Administrative History
Harold
Slim Jenkins (1890-1967) was born on July 22, 1890 in Monroe, Louisiana. He moved to Oakland, California shortly after World War
I, worked as a waiter, and would eventually open his famed Slim Jenkins Cafe at 1748 Seventh St. in West Oakland on December
5, 1933 the day prohibition was repealed. Jenkins owned and operated a number of West Oakland restaurants, liquor stores,
and night clubs which earned him the affectionate title of the
mayor of West Oakland. For many years, Slim Jenkins Cafe was the primer nightclub in Oakland with musical performers such as Earl
Hines, Louis Jordan, The Inkspots, and B.B. King. Jenkins was also active in many social and civic organizations and was
a charter member of the Port of Oakland Community Club, active in Republican politics, and a member of the Men of Tomorrow,
Oakland Chapter of the NAACP, Boys Club of Oakland, and director and Vice President of the Transbay Federal Savings and Loan
Company.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Harold Jenkins Photograph Collection includes 81 photographs documenting Harold
Slim Jenkins various businesses in downtown Oakland, California. A majority of the photographs are publicity stills of bands and
performers, interior shots of patrons and employees, or exterior photographs of Jenkins' businesses used for advertisements.
There are also several photographic portraits of Harold
Slim Jenkins and his wife Elsie Jenkins, and one photograph of President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing a document at Slims. Most
of the photographs were taken by Oakland commercial photographer E.F. Joseph.
Series I. Photographs
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Oakland (Calif.)--History--20th century.
Oakland (Calif.)--Social life and customs.
Jenkins, Harold, 1890-1967
Joseph, E.F.
Rites set for Slim Jenkins,
Oakland Tribune 24 May 1967: 1-2.