Where did families vacation during the Jim Crow Era?
Lewis Mountain
Where could you go during the Jim Crow Era for vacation? "Lewis Mountain Negro Area" was a popular spot for Valley families to go to get away. Peace in a place of beauty and nature.
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Segregation / Desegregation
Lewis Mtn Picinc Grounds park sign. NPS Photo Laboratory for Change by Reed Engle, Cultural Resource Specialist from Resource Management Newsletter, January 1996 On November 30, 1932 Arno B. Cammerer, then Deputy Director, National Park Service, added a hand-written note to Director Albright on a typed memorandum about the development of concession facilities in the proposed park: "Provision for colored guests." Three years before Shenandoah was officially established, the groundwork for an official policy of "separate, but equal" accommodations was being established. Link to Appalachian Trail history of Lewis Mountain
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Lewis Mountain Campground; Oct. 3, 2020; Always Young & Young Always
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Due to Covid we video taped Brianna Madden-Olivares at the campground on Oct. 3. We did not have cell service so we were unable to share her video online until later in the evening. |
Our intern Brianna's piece, Always Young & Young Always, about Lewis Mountain Campground, speaks to the joy and warmth of times spent there. Inspired by a conversation with Elaine Blakey, Brianna paints a beautiful picture of times gone by. Please enjoy our video of her reading of Always Young & Young Always. Performed at the Lewis Mountain Campground in the Shenandoah National Park, on October 3rd, 2020.
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Staunton, Virginia
Montgomery Hall
History of Montgomery Hall, Staunton, Virginia. www.ci.staunton.va.us/home/showdocument?id=350
From the website: Prior to the 1940’s, due to segregation, the black community of Staunton had no recreational facilities for their use; and was only allowed once a year to use the Gypsy Hill Park Fair Grounds, upon approval.
In 1946, the City of Staunton acquired from Alexander C. Thomas and Elizabeth D. Thomas, his wife, the property by virtue of an August 24, 1946 deed. The 150 acres of land were acquired for the purpose of providing a recreational area for the black population. Beginning in 1947, the park was to be maintained under the direction of a park committee led by Mrs. Irene Givens.
In 1946, the City of Staunton acquired from Alexander C. Thomas and Elizabeth D. Thomas, his wife, the property by virtue of an August 24, 1946 deed. The 150 acres of land were acquired for the purpose of providing a recreational area for the black population. Beginning in 1947, the park was to be maintained under the direction of a park committee led by Mrs. Irene Givens.
Roanoke, Virginia
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Where did African Americans in the south vacation during the Jim Crow era when facilities in many of the parks were segregated? New research by Brian Katen (Virginia Tech) is revealing a vital and widespread network of African American owned and developed recreational sites including parklands, amusement parks, mineral springs, and camps. Plus: From Jesse Dukes and Big Shed Media, the story of Dreamland, a swimming pool and dance hall in Roanoke, Virginia’s historic African-American neighborhood of Gainsboro. Built in the 1930′s, Dreamland was condemned and torn down in 1947 as a forerunner to drastic and damaging urban renewal in Gainsboro."
Image from website. Click on link. www.bigshed.org/projects/index.html
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Naked Creek, Page/Rockingham Counties
A local spot that was popular for families to visit was the Naked Creek area in southern Page and northern Rockingham counties. Family and church homecomings enjoyed spending days along side and in this little creek. Mt. Zion Baptist Church is on Naked Creek and is a very active part of the community. A one room school house built in the early 1900's stands next to the church.
www.valleyblackheritage.org; Director (540 746-2088), directormlr@valleyblackheritage.org; Mailing address: SVBHP, 425 Hill St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
EIN 81-1709430
EIN 81-1709430