About

5 square inches; photographic, printed.
12 tintypes
51 photographic prints

Collection Description

Theresa Sidle Hardeman was born in Pflugerville, Texas on May 27, 1918, to Mr. and Mrs. Simon Sidle. She grew up one of twelve children in Austin, Texas in a family that pioneered trading in African American antiques in Austin and was probably one of the first in the state to do so. During her youth she assisted other family members with the antiques business. At eleven years old she worked as a nurse and domestic for the Boone Family, of Austin's Boone Studio. During her adult life she operated Red River Antiques in Austin and became interested in African American history. A personal collection of 19th and early 20th century photographs of African Americans was assembled through the years, including a number of tintypes. Mrs. Hardeman is now retired and lives in Austin. Mrs. Hardeman retired and died December 20, 1999, in Austin, Texas.

The collection consists of twelve tintypes of African Americans, presumably from Austin, Texas, tentatively dated between 1870 and 1890. The makers are unknown. The tintypes include both individual and group portraits.

Arrangement: arranged by subject series.

Source: Theresa Sidle Hardeman

See also: Oral History Collection