This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Negro Cakewalks Frontline With French Army
Paris May 21. A New Orleans Negro, George W Bracey, joined the French army in 1914 but a circus of pigeon toes delayed his front line service. Despite braces and weights his feet twisted at 45 degrees until a cakewalk tune triggered a dancing stride. He later served in a front line unit. Also noted is ob Scanlon of Brooklyn, twice wounded, who served in the legion and spoke of seeking “fun” amid long war.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
New York
New Orleans
George W. Bracey
Bracey
Legion
Ob Scanlon
Brooklyn
Scanlon
Negro
Legionaires