What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?
The Last Fancy Club: A Mummers Association Transitions To A New Era
A small red sign affixed to the front door of a nondescript rowhouse on a South Philly street reads: Golden Sunrise NYA. Inside, you’re greeted by pieces of ornate costumes piled high on folding tables, an exceptionally large and overstuffed trophy case, vintage 70s-era wood paneling, and a handful of friendly people making things and socializing. Welcome to Golden Sunrise, the last remaining Fancy Club in the Philadelphia Mummers, practitioners of a folk art tradition on the verge of extinction.
Fancy clubs strut down Broad Street on New Year’s day in elaborate suits with large ornamental backpieces or frames, decorated with plumes, sequins, and glitter. Historically, they have participated in every parade, but over the years, due to dwindling finances, declining memberships and other factors, one club after another has folded. Golden Sunrise, founded in 1960, is the last remaining club in the fancy division—and it is on its last legs.
This presentation will address the questions: How can Golden Sunrise survive in the face of an uncertain future? How can the club expand membership, raise funds, and encourage greater involvement? How can and does the mummers’ clubhouse function as an important social space that brings people from different backgrounds together? And what is Golden Sunrise doing to help the mummers become more diverse and inclusive?
For the past two years, I’ve been documenting Golden Sunrise in photographs. Behind the scenes photos of the club will provide a rare glimpse inside a working mummer’s club.
Fancy clubs strut down Broad Street on New Year’s day in elaborate suits with large ornamental backpieces or frames, decorated with plumes, sequins, and glitter. Historically, they have participated in every parade, but over the years, due to dwindling finances, declining memberships and other factors, one club after another has folded. Golden Sunrise, founded in 1960, is the last remaining club in the fancy division—and it is on its last legs.
This presentation will address the questions: How can Golden Sunrise survive in the face of an uncertain future? How can the club expand membership, raise funds, and encourage greater involvement? How can and does the mummers’ clubhouse function as an important social space that brings people from different backgrounds together? And what is Golden Sunrise doing to help the mummers become more diverse and inclusive?
For the past two years, I’ve been documenting Golden Sunrise in photographs. Behind the scenes photos of the club will provide a rare glimpse inside a working mummer’s club.
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| cohenfoto(at)gmail.com Twitter: @cohenfoto www.aaronmcohen.com www.aaronmcohen.photoshelter.com |
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