Theodore and Cornelius Polk, 1936
Silver Gelatin
Paul R. Jones Collection, Atlanta, GA


Polk's twin sons, Theodore Clanville and Cornelius Wayman, were born in Tuskegee in 1929. The photographer described the event for which they were dressed in this image: "I think there was a mock wedding or something of that occasion. Of course, you can see that these are mammy made suits, you see? But, you know...really when I look at these guys now, dang if I can tell which is which."

Polk's photograph seems to have forecasted a strong bond between Theodore and Cornelius. The brothers worked together in the Army medical services for more than thirty years and served side by side in the Korean War. Thereafter, Theodore moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and worked as the head x-ray technician in a local hospital. Cornelius relocated to San Antonio, Texas, and worked in a hospital there as an operating room supervisor. He now trains medical personnel.