Vintage 1970′s cardboard Mahalia Jackson church fan, courtesy of the Robert L. Parks Funeral Home of Cedartown, Georgia. When Jackson, the original Queen of Gospel, passed away in 1972 this fan with her likeness, made by the A. Sheer Company, flooded Black churches in America to join the rest of the church fan flock of Martin Luther Kings, sentimental portraits of African-American families and pastoral scenes courtesy of mostly funeral homes, cleaners and and car dealerships.

Church fans are still in heavy use today and Mahalia is still there waving with the best of them.

Tags: Allee Willis, Kitsch, Kitsch O' The Day, Mahalia Jackson church fan

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One Comment

• Kathy Cunningham says:

  November 22, 2009 at 3:55 pm

  “He’s Got The Whole World (And Fan) In His Hands”, now.

  Reply