The Water Melon Market at Charleston, S.C., James E. Taylor, 15 December 1866

The water melon market at charleston, s. C. By james e. Taylor, frank leslie’s illustrated newspaper, december 15, 1866 this illustration, appearing in frank leslie's illustrated newspaper in 1866, is believed to be the first published caricature of blacks reveling in watermelon. The adjoining article explained, "the southern negro in no particular more palpably exhibits his epicurean tastes than in his excessive fondness for watermelons. The juvenile freedman is especially intense in his partiality for that refreshing fruit. ". Object Type: print. Date: 15 December 1866. Medium: wood engraving. Depicted Place: Charleston, South Carolina. Watermelons in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper 1866-12-15 p 197