Scott from Father Panik was kind enough to present me with a special piece of tattoo ephemera. This photo was included in the April 15th, 1940 issue of Life Magazine. The issue's topic was Government and Youth. The article reads in part as follows.

Life Goes to a Country Fair

Buckeye State Shows Begin the 1940 Season at Laurel, Miss.

Through all the South last week big drums were beating, tumblers were tensing their triceps and bally men were honking the first hoarse notes of spring...Like most carnivals, Buckeye State is an aggregation of independant concessions and management-owned "rides."  It's a "Gilly Show"  (truck transported), plays each town six days, must gross $2500 weekly to break even. One of it's attractions is Mary Mathews, 14 who is growing up to be a tattooed lady. On her thigh her father has tattooed Christ wearing the crown of thorns and on her left arm the crucifixion.

(note to our young readers: hey kids, no we still won't tattoo you even if your folks say it's ok) 

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bil said:

I wonder what ever became of mary mathews? She's had an interesting life, i'd bet.

December 11, 2008

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