Peace. The Divine Hotel’s Policy—Rules and Regulations. [opening lines of broadside]

“We recognize only one race, the human race…”

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This rare broadside captures the ethos and policies of the Divine Hotels, sanctuaries operated by followers of Father Divine, a charismatic African-American spiritual leader whose influence spanned the Great Depression and beyond.

Known as “heavens,” these hotels were located in urban centers such as New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark, and Washington, D.C., serving as hubs for Divine’s Peace Missions. Emerging during the Great Depression, they offered affordable housing and meals while promoting principles of racial equality, self-reliance, and communal living. Guests taking a room in a Peace Mission-owned hotel would have encountered a prominently displayed copy of this broadside, “The Divine Hotel’s Policy—Rules and Regulations.”

The broadside reflects Father Divine’s philosophy, as expressed in its opening lines: “All hotels owned by the followers of Father Divine are operated on a non-profit basis for the upliftment of mankind in general. It is our desire to be a blessing to everyone who avails themselves of the facilities we offer. This can only be made effective to you by your willingness to cooperate in maintaining the standard of Americanism, Brotherhood, Christianity and True Judaism that Father Divine dedicated these hotels to exemplify.”

Father Divine’s vision challenged the segregationist norms of cities like Philadelphia, welcoming both Black and White guests under one roof. This inclusivity is articulated in the broadside: “We recognize only one race, the human race. We appreciate your willingness to share a room with another. This is not required but promoted in the interest of the Brotherhood of man.”

Divine’s hotels dictated strict separation of genders, with men and women housed on separate floors and meeting only in communal areas like the lobby or dining room. Guests were also required to adhere to conservative “evangelical” dress standards. These policies, reflecting Father Divine’s teachings, emphasized celibacy, financial responsibility, and the rejection of material excess. The broadside underscores this commitment to moral and spiritual upliftment by banning smoking, alcohol, and vulgarity, while promoting honesty and modesty.

Signed in type by “Father Divine and Mother Divine,” this fugitive survival, likely originating from the 300-room Divine Lorraine Hotel on Broad Street, was acquired in Philadelphia.

Price: $1,500.00