Land of the Free
By David Graham
Traveling across the country in search of the telling - from the ironic to the ordinary - David Graham brings compassion and humor as he documents the American traditions of historical re-enactment and celebrity impersonation, as well as lots of other rugged individualists.
Richboro, PA
Todd Grenadier is an enthusiastic reenactor. At the time of this portrait (1991), he was my neighbor in Tyler State Park in Richboro, Pennsylvania. Soon thereafter, my family and I left the Park - Todd and his family moved into our 1785 farmhouse, where they still live today.
Palisades Park, NJ
Of all the impersonators, I would guess that Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe would be the most popular. The Marilyn that you see here is Camille Terry - she is in her bedroom (so small!). You can see portraits by Richard Avedon of Marilyn Monroe, impersonating Theda Bara and Mae West. There is also a Barbie doll dressed as Marilyn, as is Camille – her boyfriend does Elvis.
Gibsonton, FL
Details magazine was a hip, funny, and stylish publication. It also had serious stories in the center of each issue. In this case, it was about a contract killing in Gibsonton, Florida—home to the circus community in the winter. As you can imagine, it was important to set the atmosphere. This is the fire eating Little Pete.
Warminster, PA
The Mummers Parade is a tradition in Philadelphia on New Year’s Day. Every once in a while, the weather is foul and the parade is postponed. Fortunately, on one such occasion, I met Eddie Pratt; he was dressed up as Cupid. We agreed that photographing him in his home was going to be better than on the streets of South Philly. Definitely. This photograph is of him in his party togs. Cupid appeared later, in his garage with his Corvette and a variety of decorations.
Philadelphia, PA
Barbie’s best friend is Midge. This standup comedian goes as Midge Mattel. She is such a quirky, funny performer that she never would tell me her real name. I don’t mind, she has wonderful taste as well as a humor.