WILLIAMS INSTITUTE OF EMBALMING KANSAS MORTUARY SCIENCE PHOTO BLACK STUDENT

LARGE ANTIQUE PHOTOGRAPH with handwriting on the back: "Williams Institute of Embalming Class." and "Abner Ousley".

There are 9 men in the class, including 1 African American. Note the anatomical poster, photos, and artwork on the wall, as well as the wallpaper.

SIZE. Photo: Approximately 6 x 8 inches. Mount: Approximately 10 x 12 inches.

CONDITION. Photo: Discoloration along top edge. A bit of wear along other edges. Spots, small marks, and a couple of scratches. When tilted, stains are apparent at lower right. Mount: Wear around edges and at corners, including chipped away surface layer. Front has a stain at bottom and other light soiling. Back has soiling, discoloration, and the imprint of another photo.

APPEARANCE. Very good tones. Very good details.

PLEASE NOTE. We do our best to accurately represent the tones and colors in all our images. However, minor variations may occur due to differences in monitor settings and/or lighting conditions.

THE SCHOOL. "The Williams Institute of Embalming and Sanitary Science (later known as the Williams Institute of Mortuary Science) was a historic professional training school founded in 1907 in Kansas City, Kansas. It played an influential role in early 20th-century mortuary education before its transition and ultimate integration into what became the Kansas University Medical School for Mortuary Science."

"Opening in 1907, The Williams Institute of Embalming and Sanitary Science, now the Kansas University Medical School for Mortuary Science, offered its students the latest in mortuary practices. According to historian, Shannon Hsu, 'Kansas was one of only four states requiring licensing examinations in 1921, and licensed embalmers had to be of 'good moral character.''" (sources: Google, Biblio)