This is an original press photo that shows the public hanging of one Rainey Dethea. The photo was taken just after the trap door had been released, showing Dethea hanging to death. On the back of the original press photo is a short article that was included in the publishing. It reads “20,000 Witness hanging. Owensboro, KY- General View, showing Rainey Dethea, 22 year old negro, hanging at the end of a rope just after he had been dropped through the trap to atone for the murder of a 70 year old woman.” Dated. August of 1936.
The photo also contains original press stamps to add provenance and authenticity to the piece
