The David A. Ramey Manuscript Collection

DR-M001.1-DR-M001.2 Clubs Bars and Boozs

This story is largely about the author's ability to create art about Jesus and other holy people. The author also talks a great deal about his perceptions of others and their spiritual relationships. The author talks about going to Church as well as…

DR-M002.1-DR-M002.2 Begaining of Gainsboro Rd.

This story is largely about the Gainsboro community before Urban Renewal. The author anecdotally describes places and people in Gainsboro, and specifically on Gainsboro Road, Gilmer Avenue, and Henry Street.

DR-M003.1-DR-M003.2 Booker T. Washington

This story is about the author's time in school in Gainsboro at Booker T. Washington Junior High School and Lucy Addison High School. The author speaks about friends and bullies as well as different teachers and their subjects. The author also…

DR-M004.1-DR-M004.3 Doctor Butler

This story is about the author's experience with Dr. Wendell Butler, a dentist whose practice was located on Henry Street. The author talks about how bad he needed a tooth pulled, and how Dr. Butler had the author work around the office to make up…

DR-M005.1-DR-M005.4 Dells,s

This story is largely concerned with Dell's Cafe and the building it was situated in. Other neighbors of the business are also mentioned. The author shares memories of how special Dell's was to him and how it was a staple in the community.

DR-M006.1-DR-M006.2 Erricks Loungue

This story is about "Erricks Loungue" and about the people who ran the Lounge as well as another club, The Room. One of the bouncers, "Harold Basham" also drove one of the School Buses, and the author describes him as quite strict.

DR-M007.1-DR-M007.2 Gainsboro Rd.

This story is about the "Fizers Funeral Home", the Rose family and the Henderson Family. The author also talks about "Johnie Boy Henderson" and how he was run over by "a trash truck, while dumping at the city landfill" and how he lived to tell the…

DR-M008.1-DR-M008.2 Gainsboro Library

This story is about the "Gainsboro Libary" and "Mrs Lee" (Virginia Y. Lee). The author talks about how he and his family lived a block away from the library, and how his mother would rent out some of the cookbooks. The author also says that he would…

DR-M009.1-DR-M009.5 Law and Order

This story centers around law enforcement and police officers in Roanoke. The author tells a specific story about being told to leave "Elmwood Park" and not returning until 2009 because of a police officer enforcing the park as segregated. The author…

DR-M010.1-DR-M010.3 Mr Martian Fish Market

This story is about not only "Mr. Martian Fish Market", but also about the neighbors of this business and the people that ran the market. The author also reminisces on the past and the Black community in Roanoke.

DR-M011 Mt. Zion on Gainsboro

This story is about how the author and his mother attended "Mt Zion AME" when first settling in Roanoke. The author also wrote "The City of Roanoke called progress I personally call it robbry eith papper and a penn" in reference to Urban Renewal and…

DR-M012.1-DR-M012.3 North of Henry St.

This story is about where the "Johnson an Reed Realitor" building sat in Gainsboro. It is also about how the author's family rented from this company in the mid-twentieth century. The story is also about the neighbors of this business as well as the…

DR-M013.1-DR-M013.2 Peach Rd and Gainsboro Rd

This story is about Urban Renewal and the Gainsboro Community. The author speaks of the families forced back into debt, "My parents had our home paid for, but like everybody else, Mom and Dad had to go back in dept, and buy another house". The author…

DR-M014.1-DR-M014.3 Picadilly Resaraunt and Club

This story is about the Picadilly Restaurant which later became either the Top Hat or "SadiLite". The author recounts the restaurant owners as well as the reputation of the Picadilly as one of those "places where alchol was being sold". The author…

DR-M015.1-DR-M015.4 Royal Garden

This story is about the Royal Garden Dance Hall, located in Springwood Park (what is now Washington Park). The author talked about how there was all sorts of entertainment there: swimming, dancing, "Black shows,, like Silas Green from New Orleans",…

DR-M016.1-DR-M016.3 Royal Garden

This story is about "Royal Garden, what a place,, located in Spring Wood park,," which is now Washington Park. The author also talks extensively about the City Dump that was placed in Washington Park: "You would pass a beautyfull water fall between…

DR-M017.1-DR-M017.2 Star City Audortorum

This story is about the "Star City Audotorum" and its popularity in the 1950's and 1960's. The author talks about acts like "Lord Price, Little Richard, James Brown Little Willie John and many other", and how they would then stay at the Hotel Dumas…

DR-M018.1-DR-M018.2 Virginia Theater Centre ave,

This story is about the "Virginia Theather" where the author and his friends would go to see movies. The author talks about how movie tickets would only be 9 cents, but then they went up to 19 cents in "later years". This story is also largely about…

DR-M019.1-DR-M019.2 Williams Huntington Branch YMCA and Patton ave

This story is about the "Williams Huntington Branch YMCA" as well as some of the people, including members of the author's family, that lived nearby the YMCA. The author also talks about several of the businesses and buildings around the YMCA as…

DR-M020.1-DR-M020.2 Watch Man Called Bill

This story is about "William Whitton", or Bill, of Bills Clock and Watch Repair. The author shares a story about how Bill would send him to Henry Street to grab his lunch and "make a nickel".

DR-M021.1-DR-M021.4 Buster Webb and Rideing free

This story is about Webb's Garage off of Henry Street. The author talks about how he would ride motorcycles with one of Buster Webb's children. The author also talks about Urban Renewal and the businesses and community that suffered.

DR-M022.1-DR-M022.3 Mayor Taylor

This story is about Rev. Noel C. Taylor, the first Black mayor of Roanoke and preacher at High Street Baptist Church. The author talks about Taylor's approachability, but also his disapproval at the changes that occured while Taylor was mayor. The…

DR-M023 B69

This story is about Washington Park and its purpose of being a gathering space for people. The author talks about "people would come to Washington Park on the 4th of July and Labor Day. Those holiday was like going to Bush Garden or Kings Domion".…

DR-M024.1-DR-M024.3 Untitled

This story is largely about the author, his background, and his life. He talks about his family and the jobs he has had to provide for that family. He worked for 23.5 years at Norfolk and Western Railway (now Norfolk and Southern). In this story, he…

DR-M025.1-DR-M025.2 First Life Saveing Crew

This story is about the Hunton Life Saving Crew, "The very first here in Roanoke all Black owned and opprated". The author tells the story of fetching the Crew when a pregnant woman called on him to do so.

DR-M026.1-DR-M026.2 Moveing to patton

This story is about the author's arrival to Roanoke as well as the schools he attended in Roanoke and why he returned. Toward the end of the story, he begins to reminisce on the history of Gainsboro and how it was before Urban Renewal. Scanned image…

DR-M027 Easy Money (B-18)

This story is about how the author would watch others bet and gamble over cards in alleys. The author says, "I guess I learned a lot from watching other play a looseing game". Included scanned copy of a drawing with label "Easy Money (B-18)". Item ID…

DR-M028.1-DR-M028.2 Picadilly (A-51)

This story is about the Picadilly Restaurant and its neighbors. The author focuses on the businesses surrounding the Picadilly and the social circumstances present before Urban Renewal. Included scanned copy of drawing DR-A071. Back of copy has…

DR-M029 Sunday Service (A-31)

This story is about the author going to Church on Sundays at Mount Zion AME Church. The author talks about how his mother was an usher as well as how he would use the time to "make eyes at the girls we liked". Included scanned copy of a drawing with…

DR-M030 Gainsboro School 1951-1952

This story is about Gainsboro School. The author talks about a few of the teachers as well as some memorable details and anecdotes especially regarding the Coal Stoves and what happened when students were late to Mrs. Taylor's class.

DR-M031.1-DR-M031.2 The Old Burrell Memoral Hospital

This story is about Burrell Memorial Hospital. The author talks about the original building as well as the building constructed in the 1950's, which is still standing today. The author also speaks about some of the doctors and other workers at…

DR-M032 Henry Street in Full Bloom (B#17)

This story seems to be solely a description of an art piece of the author's that is "hanging at Arbys Roast Beef on Williamson Road". Not only is it description, but it is also information on how much the author would sell his art for. Page has some…

DR-M033 Rail Road Storys B-45

This story is about the author's time as a worker for Norfolk and Western Railway. He mentions his 24 years of service as well. Included scanned copy of the top portion of DR-A036 with label "Rail Road Storys B# 45".

DR-M034 The Dumas Hotel 1957

This story is not only about the Hotel Dumas, but also about the other businesses that were surrounding the Hotel on Henry Street. The author also talks about several of the doctors that worked in Gainsboro. Includes scanned copy of a drawing…

DR-M035 Trouble on Gainsboro 1951 (#A.26)

This story is about the relationship that members of the Black community had with the Black police officers. Included scanned copy of DR-A060 with label "Trouble on Gainsboro 1951 Then (A-26)".

DR-M036.1-DR-M036.2 Honor and Respect

This story is about the Gainsboro Branch Library, the William A. Hunton Branch YMCA, and some of the other businesses and buildings close to these places. The author talks about some of the people from the YMCA, and how they would react to the author…

DR-M037 William Huntington Branch of the YMCA

This story is about the "William Huntington Branch of the YMCA" as well as the different people that frequented the YMCA and what different areas of the YMCA were used for. The author also talks quite a bit about the neighbors that he had on Patton…

DR-M038 The Mantion on Patton

This story is about the "Mantion on Patton" where Mrs. Burrell and Mrs. Reed lived. The highlight of the story is the "1941 packard car" that the author often admired. Page has light creases. Includes scanned copy of drawing DR-A085 with "(13)", "The…

DR-M039 Martians fish mkt (B. 65)

This story is about "Mr Martians fish market". The author and his mother were seen as regulars at the market as well. Heavy ink bleed and wrinkles.

DR-M040 Take a Stroll across Gainboro (A-50)

This story is about Gainsboro Road and some of the businesses and buildings that filled the street. Page is torn in upper left corner. Light creasing. Includes a scanned copy of drawing DR-A054 with "(A-50) Take a Stroll across Gainsboro".

DR-M041 Hill Top Gro. A-49

This story is about "Hill Top Groc.". The author talks about the owners of the shop as well as how "the hot dogs were some of the best money could buy". The author talks about using his lunch money in junior high school to go buy a hot dog. Included…

DR-M042 Hotel Roanoke (B# 46)

This story is about the Hotel Roanoke and the author's involvement with the Hotel. He talks about how his mother worked in the kitchen. His job "was keepiong ash trays clean, picking up pappers and empty trash cans, and helping in the lobby". Page…

DR-M043 My friend Tommy Crowder (B-63)

This story is about a friend of the author who drove trucks "all over the states and even Canidia". Page has light water stains. Includes copies of the drawings DR-A063 and DR-A061.

DR-M044 Royal Garden 1958 (A-60)

This story is about Royal Garden in Springwood Park. The author apparently did not have enough money to swim in the pool, so he and some others worked to build a dam in Lick Run Creek to make their own swimming pool. Includes scanned copy of the…

DR-M045.1-DR-M045.2 From the sea to the mountains (B 71)

This story is about how the author and his family moved to Roanoke when he was young. He talks about the first few days that he was in Roanoke, and, at the end of the story, he is more reflective about his memories. DR-M045.2 on reverse. Included…

DR-M046 The Room

This story is about the building that housed Dell's Cafe and then "The Room." The Room was a place "where you could go and socialize and have a nice time, everybody who like to party and dance would Dress and Go to The Room". The place seemed to be a…

DR-M047.1-DR-M047.3 (21) Gilmer and Gainsboro

This story is about all of the businesses that were located on Gainsboro Road.

DR-M048.1-DR-M048.2 Begaining of Gainsboro and Gilmer

This story is about the different business, buildings, and people of Gainsboro Road, Gilmer Avenue, and Patton Avenue. The author talks about his work at the Hotel Roanoke as well as some of the people he remembers from the Hotel. Page has water…

DR-M049.1-DR-M049.3 Domestic Problyms in the Negiborhood

This story starts with an anecdote about a domestic issue where the cops were called, but allowed the man to "walk it off". The author then moves on to talk more about societal issues that he was noticing around him at the time of writing.

DR-M050 Gainsboro School and the Raiseing the Flag

This story is about an experience that the author had while in attendance at Gainsboro School. He watched two boys lift the flag every day. Page has small stains and slight wrinkles, otherwise good condition.

DR-M051.1-DR-M051.3 Mt Zion and Gainsboro School

This story is about the author's time as a young child at Gainsboro School. He shares about being late on his first day as well as some of the punishments he had to endure for being late and fighting on school grounds. The author also shares some of…

DR-M052.1-DR-M052.2 Mt.Sion AME

This story is about the Mount Zion AME Church in Gainsboro. The author talks about the circumstances of his coming to the Church including his family's moving to Roanoke and the Gainsboro area. Water stain on left side of page. Included a photocopy…

DR-M053 Gainsboro and the Libary Yard (10)

This story is about the Library Yard which was the yard around the Gainsboro Branch Library. The author also talks about some of the businesses that shared the road with the library.

DR-M054 A Missunderstanding (B-61)

This story is about misunderstandings and the possible fights that come from those misunderstandings. The author also talks about different societal issues that he believes may add to those misunderstandings. Page has slight creases. Included 2…

DR-M055 B#90% Addison High School 1950

This story is about Lucy Addison High School and Booker T. Washington Junior High School. The author also names some of the teachers and members of staff at those schools. Included a postcard-sized print of DR-A055 labeled "B.90% Addison 1950".

DR-M056 No 44 4 1/2 Block of EveryThing

This story is about the "4 1/2 Block of Everything", being the 4 1/2 Blocks of Henry Street before it becomes 1st Street. The author largely talks about some of the businesses that dominated Henry Street and the Railroad. Page has slight creasing.…

DR-M057.1-DR-M057.2 I-D No# (B-89 1/2) Down Town Roanoke 1947

This story is about the downtown area of Roanoke as well as some of the buildings and businesses that were housed there. The author also talks about how many of those buildings are closed or sit empty at the time of writing. He also shares a story of…

DR-M058.1-DR-M058.3 Love The Children My Book

This story is about the author's time as a Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He talks extensively about religion and family values. Page has slight creasing. Signed and dated by David A Ramey SR - 7/12/2014.

DR-M059.1-DR-M059.4 The Car Line

This story is about "The Car Line" located in Vinton, VA. The author shares anecdotes from his time as a worker with the car line service as well s some of the people he met and worked with.

DR-M060 1948 Leaveing Portsmouth VA Going to Roanoke

This story is about the journey the author's family took to start their lives in Roanoke and the Gainsboro neighborhood. Included photocopy of image DR-A167.

DR-M061 Patton ave 1948

This story is about the home that the author lived in after moving to Roanoke. The author also talks about his neighbors and some of the other buildings around him. Included a photocopy of drawing DR-A186.

DR-M062.1-DR-M062.3 (12) YMCA on Grainsboro

This story starts with an anecdote about the William A. Hunton Branch YMCA, and gradually becomes more about the Claytor Family, the Claytor Memorial Clinic, and the Service Station "on Gilmer Ave". The author also talks about how he lost touch with…

DR-M063.1-DR-M063.2 Horse Shoe Cafe

This story is about the Horse Shoe Cafe as well as some of the other businesses on Henry Street. The author also shares a story about cutting class to spend time on Henry Street. Heavily yellowed, no mechanical damage

DR-M064.1-DR-M064.2 (6)

This story is about "Robert Morman". The author talks about how Morman ran a local club to make some money. The author does not remember many problems, but remembers that people always went to have a good time. Slight creasing.

DR-M065.1-DR-M065.2 Hunts Taxi Service

This story is about a funeral home that used to be on Loudon Avenue as well as Hunts Taxi Service, which would take the author and his mother downtown. Large oil stain

DR-M066.1-DR-M066.4 The Mantion on patton ave

This story is about the two women who lived in the Mansion on Patton Avenue. Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Burrell were two wealthy widows of the Gainsboro community, and they were well-known for their lovely car, to which the author refers to as a "Rolls…

DR-M067.1-DR-M067.3 American Ledgon Audoturum

This story is about the American Legion Auditorium as well as the Norfolk and Western Railway and Hotel Roanoke. The author shares anecdotes about his years working and the times that he was able to have fun at the American Legion Auditorium.

DR-M068 Traveling Through to Gainsboro Neigborhood

This story is about a few of the businesses on Gainsboro Road. The author talks also shares some anecdotes from his childhood that relate to the businesses. He shares some of the people that made those businesses what they were.

DR-M069.1-DR-M069.3 Gainsboro and Peach Rd

This story is about Gainsboro Road and Peach Road as well as some of the businesses and people that resided there. The author also talks very lengthily about how costs have changed and how taxes have risen from the time he was writing about to the…

DR-M070 No 10 Peach Rd to 460

This story is about Peach Road and Orange Avenue as well as some of the buildings and businesses that were housed there. The author talks about how the buildings have changed over the years. Slight creasing and small stains.

DR-M071.1-DR-M071.3 Dream Land Park and Beyond

This story is about the Dreamland Amusement Park run by the Hale family as well as how Urban Renewal caused lots of Black business-owners and Black-owned businesses to fail.

DR-M072.1-DR-M072.3 Stores on Peach Rd

This story is about some of the businesses and people from Gainsboro Road and Peach Road. The author also talks about the Black police officers who would patrol in Gainsboro and how much he, and other community members, got to know these officers.

DR-M073.1-DR-M073.2 Saker Store

This story is about the Commonwealth Neighborhood - especially about the Williamson Road and 4th Street NE areas. He talks about the "Saker Strore" and a man names "Bill" who would take people up in his small plane to see Roanoke from the sky.…

DR-M074.1-DR-M074.2 The Royal Garden

This story is about Royal Garden, which was located at Springwood Park. The author shares a story about damming the water at Lick Run instead of paying the 25 cents to get into the swimming pool at Royal Garden. Slight staining.

DR-M075.1-DR-M075.3 Royal Garden and Silas Green

This story is about Springwood Park, Royal Garden, and Washington Park. The story focuses on the people who ran Royal Garden, the natural spring, and the dump that the city placed in Washington Park.

DR-M076.1-DR-M076.2 Silas Green Show (B-89)

This story is about the Silas Green Show that would come to Roanoke once a year in the summer. The author talks about how the entertainment was much different compared to what was then offered at the time of writing.

DR-M077.1-DR-M077.2 Walking Along Gainsboro

This story is about some of the different businesses and neighbors that lived on Gainsboro Road. The author ends the story with, "Just like Henry Street, all of this black negiborhood was taken also, in the name of progress". Included a…

DR-M078.1-DR-M078.3 (13) Gainsboro Communiety

This story is about the houses, businesses, buildings, and people, that were on Gainsboro Road.

DR-M079.1-DR-M079.2 No#(7) Barber Shop on Gainsboro

This story starts with a story about the Barber Shop on Gainsboro, but quickly becomes a commentary on relationships between men and women that the author observes. "No#(7)" written on reverse. Water damage, stains, crumpling.

DR-M080.1-DR-M080.2 Gainsboro Going into NorthEast

This story is about some of the people who lived on Gainsboro Road. The author also talks about young people and how he feels about some of their priorities and ambitions.

DR-M081.1-DR-M081.4 Gilmer Middle School

This story is about Gilmer School and some of the people that used to work there. The author specifically shares a story about one of the Janitors, Mr. Robert Brown. The author also talks about how, just like Gainsboro School, it was the only school…

DR-M082.1-DR-M082.4 Roanoke Gas Comphany

This story is about some of the people that the author remembers from the area around North East, Tank Town, and the Kimball Neighborhood. DR-M080.3 is on the backside of page 2.

DR-M083 A Little Wine, To Clear Your Mind

This story is about how the author and some of his friends would have someone buy them wine. The author also shares about "Lynchburg Shortie" who would want control of the bottle. Liquid wrinkling, few stains.

DR-M084.1-DR-M084.2 7th Ave NE

This story is about some of the people and businesses that were on 7th Avenue North East. Incuded a photocopy of drawing DR-A188.

DR-M085.1-DR-M085.2 Up Town Club

This story is about the "Up Town Club" and how people would go to have a good time. The author remarks on how the atmosphere was laid back, and did not include any trouble-makers. Included a full-size copy of a drawing depicting four people outside a…

DR-M086.1-DR-M086.3 Brotherhood in and on 7th Ave

This story is about 7th Avenue. The author also talks about relationships that he experienced in the neighborhood. He emphasizes how relationships have changed over the years.

DR-M087.1-DR-M087.2 Roanoke Wheels Club 1967

This story is about the Roanoke Wheels Club. This club was filled with motorcycle owners and riders, and they would organize trips together to other towns and cities outside of Roanoke.

DR-M088.1-DR-M088.2 North East

This story is largely about North East, and how urban renewal swept through, especially with the Commonwealth Project in 1955. The author talks about how urban renewal threw people back into debt after paying off their homes. Page has creasing.

DR-M089.1-DR-M089.2 Begaining (First Page) Interduction

This story is about small children and babies, and how the author wishes that these people would not be harmed. Age-related damage and decay.

DR-M090.1-DR-M090.4 My Life Here at the Star

This story is about some of the jobs that the author had while working and living in Roanoke. He also details some of his family troubles alongside some trouble with the law. He talks about how his faith and religion were very important to him while…

DR-M091.1-DR-M091.5 Untitled

This story is about the author's life, and specifically about his time spent with the Norfolk and Western Railway.

DR-M092.1-DR-M092.6 A Long Way from Home

This story is about the author traveling back home to his parents' house in Roanoke from Detroit.

DR-M093 Little Billy on His Trycycte C-(1) C-(2) C-(3)

This story is about a small child, "Little Billy." The author talks about how Billy would ride his tricycle, but one day he was run over and died.

DR-M094 Child With Gun (H#1)

This story is about a small child who was playing with it's father's loaded gun.

DR-M095.1-DR-M095.2 Baby Sitter # H#(2)

This story is about a small child who drowned because the babysitter left the water on in the bathroom. "(F.1#)" also written at the top.

DR-M096.1-DR-M096.7 B-1 B-#3 B-2

This story is about a man who killed a small baby. Not paginated

DR-M097.1-DR-M097.2 Breakfast at Granmothers House

This story is about a summer that the author spent at his Grandparent's home in Ridgeway, VA. The author shares an anecdote about missing breakfast after sleeping in.

DR-M098 Reverend Jacob Dillard

This story is about "Reverend Jacob Dillard" who was a church leader at Mount Zion AME Church in Gainsboro. Included a folded program from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Ridgeway, Va., titled "The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Reverend Jacob Dillard,…

DR-M099.1-DR-M099.2 Liveing at Grandmother's House

This story is about the times that the author would spend time at his Grandmother's house with his two cousins.

DR-M100.1-DR-M100.2 Me and Teddy

This story is about the author at age 3 when he was posing for a picture. He also describes some of the surroundings of the images. Included photocopy of a drawing with a red car and a little boy standing in front of it titled "Sonny at the age of 3"…

DR-M101.1-DR-M101.2 Before I Came

This story is about how the author's parents met one another and became a couple before the author was born. Included photocopy of drawing DR-A416.

DR-M102.1-DR-M102.2 Perkin's Home

This story is about "the Perkins Home" in "Chestnot Knob Communiety". The author shares an anecdote about his childhood with another kid and his teddy bear. Included photocopy of drawing titled "Perkins House" dated 1943.

DR-M103.1-DR-M103.2 The Demise of Henry St.

This story is about the businesses that made up Henry Street at its prime. The author reminisces on old promises of revitalization on Henry Street. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M104.1-DR-M104.2 Kiser Record Shop

This story is about "Kiser Record Shop" and how the author would go in the store, not to buy records, but just to listen to what new music Mr. Kaiser had in. Correlates with stories 25 and 26 from The Times and Life on Henry Street (pages 55-57).…

DR-M105.1-DR-M105.3 Economy Shoe Repair

This story is about Economy Shoe Repair. The author remembers the Mr. Green and Cleo who worked at the Shoe Shop. The author also shares a story about how Patton Avenue and Jefferson Street would be closed in front of the library so that people could…

DR-M106.1-DR-M106.2 Jessie Baker

This story is about Jessie Baker, a local boxer, businessman, and Norfolk and Western Railway Worker. Correlates with story number 14 from The Times and Life on Henry Street (page 31). Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M107.1-DR-M107.4 The Pie Man

This story is about the "Pie Man" on Henry Street. His pies, especially the Sweet Potato, Peach, and Applie Pies, drew in a crowd from all over Gainsboro. The author talks about never sharing because the pies were just that good. Correlates with…

DR-M108.1-DR-M108.2 Contents (The times and life on Henry Street)

Draft of the table of contents from The Times and Life on Henry Street. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M109.1-DR-M109.3 A place and time on Henry Street

This story is about what it was like for the author to come of age during segregation. He shares stories about Henry Street and how you had to look very proper when going out to Henry Street on a Friday night. Loose pages from Taubman. Correlates…

DR-M110.1-DR-M110.2 Nicks

This story is about Nicks Cafe on Henry Street. The author shares some of his memories of one of the men who worked there, "Jonny". Correlates with story number 18 from The Times and Life on Henry Street (page 39). Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M111.1-DR-M111.3 Ebony Club

This story is about Henry Street and how the author would sneak some change and leave the house for Henry Street so that he could get the best hot dogs that he knew how to find. Correlates with story number 23 from The Times and Life on Henry Street…

DR-M112 The Negiborhood of Gainsboro Road

This story is about Gainsboro Road and some of the places that were on that road. The author seems specifically interested in Mount Zion AME Church and the schools in the Gainsboro area. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M113.1-DR-M113.2 My Friend Tommy Lee Crowder (C-1)

This story is about a childhood friend of the author - Tommy Lee Crowder. Crowder drove 18-wheel trucks to haul supplies across the country. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M114 Top Hat

This story is about the "Top Hat Night Club" which took over after the Picadilly Restaurant. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M115 The Negiborhood of Gainsboro Road

This story is about people and places that made up Gainsboro Road. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M116.1-DR-M116.3 Parks and Intertainment

This story is about Washington Park and its history of being both a dump and a large gathering place. The author reminisces about the amusement park, Dreamland, as well as how Roanoke has changed and has less opportunity for entertainment. Loose…

DR-M117.1-DR-M117.2 Old Post Office 1949

This story is about the Urban Renewal Projects that included the destruction of the Commonwealth Neighborhood as well as Old Lick Cemetary. He comments on the removal of bodies from their graves as a result of Urban Renewal. Loose pages from…

DR-M118.1-DR-M118.3 Sakers Store

This story is about "Sakers Store" located in North East. The author talks extensively about "Mother Saker" and "Bill Saker". The story also reminisces about land and businesses lost to Urban Renewal. Loose pages from Taubman.

DR-M119.1-DR-M119.2 Law and Order in the Henry Street and Northwest Area

This story is about law enforcement within the Black community. The author talks about Black officers would patrol the parts of town that were predominantly Black and despite their seriousness, they would be more courteous and slower to gun violence.…

Welcome!

Dublin Core

Title

Description

Creator

Publisher

Contributor

Rights

Format

Identifier

Collection Items