PPLD Digital Collections

Captain James E. Randall official Photo, Spangdahlem, Germany. 1

Charley Dunn of Company #1 being carried down the aerial ladder by Charles VanNattan, C.E. Spencer, and Karl R. Moses. Dunn was overcome by smoke fighting a fire that occured in downtown Colorado Springs on April 6, 1928 at 102 North Tejon Street. 3

Churning flood waters from Monument Creek wipe out the lanscaped gardens of Monument Valley Park. May 30, 1935. 1

Col. (Ret.) James Randall and USAFA Cadet Emanuel near the Chapel of the United States Air Force Academy during the Tuskeege Airmen reunion in 2014. 1

Colonel (Ret.) James E. Randall, former Tuskeege Airman, with memorabilia from his Air Force career. 1

Colorado Springs resident, Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. James Randall( 1926-2019) and U.S. Senator Howard W. Cannon (and major general in the Air Force Reserve) check out topographical maps prior to their flight in the F-111A on October 28, 1967. 1

Cornelius Bragg played the bass and sang in the Cotton Club. He also tended bar, cooked and was a general handyman for Fannie Mae, especially after her husband, Ed, died. 1

Cornelius Bragg visits with Lulu Pollard and Greg Johnson after viewing photos of the historic Cotton Club run by his sister, Fannie Mae Duncan. 1

Couple dressed in evening gown and tuxedo. 1

Duncan's Cafe occupied the ground level and The Cotton Club was up the stairs. Fannie Mae and several of her family members operated both. In this photo, Fannie Mae is behind the counter to the rear, and her brother Cornelius is across from her. 1

East facade skeleton of the Deaf and Blind School, Colorado Springs, 23 March 1950. 1

Ed and Fannie Mae Duncan ( on right) enjoy a special evening out with friends. 1

Ed and Fannie Mae Duncan (on right)and Friends at a civic function in Colorado Springs. 1

Exterior attack by fire fighters in east yard of school. One fire truck with several fire fighters spraying water into a burning building. 1

Fallen trees and debris in Colorado Springs after the massive flooding of Monument and Fountain Creeks on May 30, 1935 1

Fannie Mae Duncan 5

Fannie Mae Duncan and Lew Tilley at the Carnegie Library exhibit of Lew's photos documenting Fannie Mae and The Cotton Club in Colorado Springs. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan and Lew Tilley at the Pikes Peak Library exhibition of Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan and her cousin Earl in the home of Kay Esmiol. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan celebrating her 80th birthday at a Denver restaurant dining with Dr Pattison Esmiol , Kay Esmiol, Fannie Mae's daughter, Renee Bragg, and Frances (Ozena)Payne. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan cutting the ribbon at the dedication of Bethhaven's Duncan-Hart home. Watching is Mayor Robert Isaac. Fannie Mae donated her home at 615 N. Corona to Bethhaven Inc., a non profit that assists those with mental illness. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan greeting Alton Gee Smith and her husband Sylvester Smith at the Pikes Peak Library Photographic History of The Cotton Club Exhibition. Sylvester Smith was a member of the Brown Bomber Baseball Team and later a minister. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan greeting her fans at the Pikes Peak Library photographic history of The Cotton Club exhibition. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan holding the dedication plaque posing with Margaret Rivers under the portrait of Fannie Mae at 615 Corona, Fannie Mae's former residence, which she donated to Bethhaven in February of 1995. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan holds the plaque presented to her at the dedication of the home she donated to Bethhaven Inc. at 615 N. Corona St., Colorado Springs. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan in the living room of the home she donated to Bethhaven Inc. at 615 N. Corona St., Colorado Springs on the day of its dedication in 1995. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan outside her home at 615 Corona in Colorado Springs. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan points to her portrait in the living room of the home she donated to Bethhaven Inc. at 615 N. Corona St., Colorado Springs in 1995. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan poses wearing one of her many elegant hats. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan with Sister Anna Morgan on her 104th birthday. Sister sang 'How Great Thou Art' to Fannie Mae as she held her hand. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan with Charles Collins who worked as her bartender. Collins later opened his own night club in Colorado Springs - La Jazz Affaire. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan with friends at the Reno Cafe and Bar, Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan's nephew and Selena's son Les Franklin. The family called him 'Syl.' He was an outstanding athlete at Colorado Springs High School - now Palmer High School. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan's sister, Selena, poses with a soldier when she returned to Colorado Springs to help Fannie Mae with The Cotton Club. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan, Photographer Lew Tilley and Steve Antonuccio at the Pikes Peak Library exhibition of Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan, Steve Antonuccio, and Lew Tilley at the Carnegie Library exhibit of Lew's photos documenting Fannie Mae and The Cotton Club in Colorado Springs. 1

Fannie Mae Duncan, far right. Man hands check to woman holding a plaque. 1

Fannie Mae and Ed Duncan (center) with friends strike a formal pose at a formal affair 1

Fannie Mae and Ed Duncan (left) with Ella Dee LaCour Ray and Leonard Ray at a formal event. 1

Fannie Mae and Ed Duncan. 1

Fannie Mae greats Margaret Rivers and a gentleman representing Bethhaven in the living room of the home she donated to Bethhaven Inc. at 615 N. Corona St., Colorado Springs on the day of its dedication in 1995. 1

Fannie Mae's niece, Rochelle Bragg, Cornelius Bragg's daughter with Steve Antonuccio at Pikes Peak Library after the exhibition of Lew Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club. 1

Fannie Mae's oldest brother, Vernon, and his teenage bride, Asie, before the family came to Colorado. 1

Fannie Mae's sister Selena had a photo concession at The Cotton Club, originally Duncan's Lounge. This is one of the original photo folders that Fannie Mae saved. 1

Fannie Mae's younger brother, Herbert Bragg Jr. Herbert later moved to California where he died in 1979. 2

Fannie mae Duncan and Charles J. Vorwaller president and CEO of Pikes Peak Mental Health at the dedication of Bethhaven's Duncan-Hart Home. 1

Fighting the Bates Building fire April 10 1956. 1

Fighting the Bates Building fire from the roof of the Peak Theater, April10 1956. 1

Fighting the Bates Building fire with a hand line on the Southwest corner of the Peak Theater roof. 1

Fighting the blaze at the deaf and Blind School in Colorado Springs, March 22, 1950. 1

Firefighters attack on the East front of the Deaf and Blind School, Colorado Springs, CO March 22, 1950. 1

Firefighters attack on the West front of the Deaf and Blind School, Colorado Springs, CO March 22, 1950. 1

Flames engulfing the Northwest portion of the Main Academic Building. State School for the Deaf and Bling, Colorado Springs, CO 22 March 1950 1

Foreground, 1937 General Pumper 600 GPM working at The Bates Building fire. Background, 1913 White Chemical Truck known as the "Big White" to distinguish it from the 1917 " Little White." 1

Formal portrait of 12 year old Randolf Edwards on his graduation from elementary school at St. Thomas Aquinas. Randy was particularly proud of his new shoes - white bucs. Randy attended St Thomas Aquinas through high school graduation. 1

Former Colorado Springs policeman Earl Aldridge expresses his admiration for Fannie Mae Duncan and her contributions to the history of Colorado Springs. 1

Former Colorado Springs policeman Earl Aldridge with Fannie Mae Duncan. He was a big fan of hers. 1

Gardeners harvesting kohlrabe. 1

Graduation photo of Claudia Jones, daughter of Dorothy Jones Duncan, Ed Duncan's sister. She was Fannie Mae and Ed Duncan's niece. 1

Group of firefighters, some on a ladder, some on the ground, spraying water into a burning building. 1

Group of men in white tuxedo jackets, possibly servers at the Cotton Club. 1

Half sisters Rene and Rochelle Bragg (Cornelius Bragg's daughters) standing in front of the pyramid sculpture at the Pioneers Museum by Harriet Lee depicting the history of Colorado Springs. On the pyramid is a tribute rendering of The Cotton Club. 1

Intense fire collapses of the east wall of the auditorium at the State School for the Deaf and Blind, March 22, 1950. 1

Invitation to PPLD exhibition of Fannie Mae Duncan photos taken by photographer, Lew Tilley. 1

Joe and Claudia Jones Morgan pose with parents and grandparents after their wedding. 1

Joe and Claudia Jones Morgan pose with their groomsmen and bridesmaids after their wedding. 1

Joe and Claudia Morgan cut their wedding cake. 1

Juanita Martin, Greg Johnson, Fannie Mae Duncan and Lew Tilley at the Carnegie Library exhibit of Lew's photos documenting Fannie Mae and The Cotton Club in Colorado Springs. 1

Lew Tilley and Fannie Mae's niece, Rochelle Bragg, at Pikes Peak Library where Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club was being displayed. 1

Lew Tilley holding the hand of Fannie Mae Duncan at the Pikes Peak Library exhibition of Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club. 1

Louis Armstrong was in Colorado Springs to perform at the Fort Carson Field House on September 17, 1962 and stopped in at The Cotton Club while he was in town to see Fannie Mae. 1

Lt. Col. James Randall (1926-2019) exiting the cockpit of an F-105 upon his return to Nellis AFB near Las Vegas, Nevada following a test flight. 1

Man and woman 1

Man dressed in Santa suit giving a small child a Christmas gift. Child is being held in the arms of a standing man. Several ladies are sitting at a table in the background observing. Possibly a Christmas Party for firefighers and their families. 1

Master Sergeant 'Johnney' Johnson, member of the U. S. Army 5th Division Band. Inscription reads, ' Love to my inspiration, Fannie Mae - Johnney' 1

One of the Jackson brothers with Sammy Davis Jr. and Fannie Mae's nephew, Les 'Syl' Franklin. 1

Paul Motley, Mr Laughs Himself. 1

Pete Peterson was a multi talented performer at the Cotton Club. He was married to Joyce, the head waitress at the Rossonian. The promo photo is signed 'Best Wishes - Pete.' 1

Pete Peterson was a multi-talented performer at The Cotton Club. He was married to Joyce, the head waitress at the Rossonian in Denver. Stamped on back 1

Photographer Lew Tilley at his home in front of one of his favorite paintings. 1

Photographer Lew Tilley speaking to the attendees at the opening of the Pikes Peak Library exhibition of Tilley's photographic history of The Cotton Club. 1

Photos and clippings of Selena Bragg Franklin Charlton. Sister of Fannie Mae (Bragg) Duncan 1

Portrait of Delbert G. Green at age 30 years. 1

Professional photograph of Randolf Edwards at age 5. 1

Promotional Photo of Lionel Hampton. 1

Promotional photo of Bill Ward and His Dominoes, signed, "To Fannie Mae, B. Ward and Dominoes wish you the Best of Everything!" 1

Promotional photo of Dizzy Gillespie. 1

Promotional photo of Earl King signed "To Fannie Mae - Earl" 1

Promotional photo of Erroll Garner, signed "Best Wishes Dear Fannie Mae - Erroll Garner" 1

Promotional photo of Hammond Organ stylist and jazz/rock & roll musician Bill Doggett, signed, 'To Fannie Mae - Bill' 1

Promotional photo of Illinois Jacquet 1

Promotional photo of Leroy Lord and The Steps of Rhythm signed, " Our Best to Fannie Mae - Lord and the Steps of Rhythm" 1

Promotional photo of Redd Lyte, vocalist with Johnny Otis and his orchestra signed, 'From Redd, to Fannie Mae - Love' 1

Promotional photo of The Cleve Nickerson Combo. 1

Promotional photo of The Johnny Otis Orchestra signed, 'We all love ya Fannie Mae - Otis Orchestra' 1

Promotional photo of trumpet player Joe Morris signed, "Thanks, Fannie Mae - Joe" 1

Promotional photo of vocal song stylist, Faye Martell signed, 'Sincerely with love, best of luck always - Sherry' 1

Promotional photo of white drummer and orchestra leader Johnny Otis, signed, 'Fannie Mae, Best Wishes - Johnny' 1

Publicity photo of John Amos signed, 'To Aunt Fannie, Love, Peace, Good Times - John Amos.' 1

Pumping water from American La France Pumper # 3 into west facade of the Deaf and Blind School, Colorado Springs, March 22, 1950. 1

Randolf (Randy) Francisco Edwards was born May 19, 1927 in Manhattan, New York. He is attired in a christening gown sewn by his mother, a professional seamstress, prior to his christening at just a few months of age. 1

Randolf Edwards and Charles Harrington photographed in front of displays showing the contribution of the Tuskeege Airmen during World War II at the African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs. 1

Rushing torrent of water, mud, and debris. Portions of a stone wall appear to have been demolished by the water. 1

Sculptress, Harriet Lee's sketch of the section of the huge pyramid sculpture at the Pioneers Museum that features The Cotton Club. Harriet signed it for Fannie Mae. 1

Selena Bragg Charlton, sister of Fannie Mae Ducan, poses for the camera. 1

Selena Charlton, Fannie Mae's sister, shows the photographer to a seat while the band warms up at The Cotton Club. 1

Singing carols at the Christmas Party for Colorado Springs firefighters and their families. 1

Standing from left 1

Station #5 Crew in front of the 1945 American La France Pumper 750/150, one of three "coalchutes" purchased between 1941-1945. Delbert Green is 3rd from the left and John I. Southcotte is 5th from the left. Station #5 is at Colorado and 29th Street. 1

Steve Antonuccio, PPLD's video manager, shares a moment with Fannie Mae Duncan, the celebrity subject of a documentary and photo exhibit at the Carnegie Library. 1

Test pilot James Randall in cockpit of F-111 - checklists are on panel. 1

The crew of Station #2. (Delbert G. Green 6th from left). Station #2 was built in 1939 with a Public Works Authority Grant. It is located at 214 E San Miguel Street, Colorado Springs, CO. 1

This is a copy of an ad for the Rossonian Lounge in Denver's Five Points neighborhood, where Fannie Mae picked up ideas for developing The Cotton Club in Colorado Springs. 1

Three Colorado Springs firefighters with a hand line from a plug on a 16 " main located on East Colorado Avenue. They are fighting the Bates Building Fire at 107 1/2 Pikes Peak Avenue from the roof of the Peak Theater. 1

Tuskegee Airman James Randall (1926-2019) in a final salute at the conclusion of the 2014 reunion at the Air Force Academy. 1

Tuskegee Airman James Randall (1926-2019) standing by The Tuskegee Airman statue by Tuskegee Airman Clarence Shivers at the Air Force Academy. WWII aircraft can be seen in the background. 1

Tuskegee Airman James Randall (1926-2019) standing in front of The Tuskegee Airman statue by Tuskegee Airman Clarence Shivers at the U.S. Air Force Academy. 1

Tuskegee Airmen James Randall (1926-2019) with USAFA cadets and attending to Col. (Ret.) Marion Rogers. 1

Tuskegee Airmen James Randall (1926-2019), Franklin Macon and Randy Edwards in the background. 1

Tuskegee Airmen at the U.S. Air Force Academy for a reunion in 2014. Standing on the Terrazzo L to R| Tuskegee Airmen Franklin Macon, Randy Edwards, James Randall (1926-2019), and James Stewart. 1

Two Colorado Springs firefighters with a hand line from a plug on a 16" main located on East Colorado Avenue. They are fighting the Bates Building Fire at 107 1/2 Pikes Peak Avenue from the roof of the Peak Theater. 1

USAF official photo of Major James Randall (1926-2019) flying the F-105 Thunderchief in a two-ship formation with Mount Fujiyama in the background. 1

Uncle Jesse Bragg (brother of Fannie Mae's father, Herbert), photographed on his farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl days. Jesse helped Herbert's family move to Colorado Springs near the time his own family moved to the Springs. 1

West facade of the burned out State School for the Deaf and Blind, Colorado Springs, CO. March 1950. 1

West facade skeleton of the Deaf and blind School, 23 March 1950. 1

[from note 1