First African American Mummers Clubs Formed Timelines: The Catto Years

The Golden Eagle Club, the first African American mummers club in Philadelphia, is formed and had 300 members in the 1906 Mummers’ Parade. Mummery was a pasttime that interested blacks and several clubs were formed. However, over time the level of participation greatly diminished due to discriminatory practices in judging. The Octavius Catto Club, named for Catto after his death, was the last club to participate. It withdrew after the 1929 parade, when the judges ranked its performance last.