A Guide to the Zeno Bakery Postcard, 1937 , SC 0023

James Madison University Libraries Special Collections

880 Madison Drive
MSC 1704
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-3612
library-special@jmu.edu
URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/

Dillon Thomas

Abstract

The Zeno Bakery Postcard, 1937, portrays Jimmie Packard, an African-American baker in a white chef's coat and baker's hat, as "Zeno's Singing Baker." The postcard, dated February 24, 1937, is addressed to Mrs. Pearl Allen of South Vernon, Massachusetts.

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Zeno Bakery Postcard, 1937, SC 0023, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Special Collections acquired this item at auction from Cohasco, Inc. in January 2016.

Bio/Historical Note

Zeno Bakery was owned and operated by Edward Zeno in Bellows Falls, Vermont from the 1930s to 1945. The bakery featured its "singing baker," Jimmie Packard, as an attraction. The bakery was in operation until Zeno's death on September 10, 1945. There were various court cases surrounding the bakery, most involving "adulteration of bakery products," which constitutes having ingredients which were deemed impure.

Scope and Content

The Zeno Bakery Postcard, 1937, portrays Jimmie Packard, an African-American baker in a white chef's coat and baker's hat, as "Zeno's Singing Baker." Packard is sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar. He is featured with a grand piano and a microphone. The front of the postcard is inscribed with the following message: "Sincerely Zeno's Singing Baker Jimmie Packard."

The back of the postcard features lyrics to the Zeno's Bakery theme song, set to the tune of "Little Brown Jug." The postcard, dated February 24, 1937, is addressed to Mrs. Pearl Allen of South Vernon, Massachusetts. The postal location stamp indicates an origination of Bellows Falls, Vermont.