Material Object Description

We selected this image of Alice Lurcy in her 5th Avenue mansion
in New York as a focal material object of our study. This image was 
displayed in an article from The New York Times on June 15, 1961. Here, 
Alice Lurcy stands in her home, hands clasped together, eyes hidden 
behind singed sunglasses a group of trustees take her home out from 
under her, from under her gaze. Feelings of shame, anger, frustration, 
and longing are all evoked by Alice's presence and become visible to 
viewers. The headline, "Court to Rule on Eviction of 5th Ave. Widow," 
is splashed across the front of the paper for everyone to read. Alice 
Lurcy was a strong, independent woman in her time and for her life 
struggle to be showcased on the front page of this newspaper for the 
world to witness (first losing her husband and then losing her home) 
is painful. By focusing on this image, our group connects our themes 
of diaspora and preservation.