Entertainment

January social scene, 1927.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 15 January 1927.

Among the early January social happenings reported to the Journal and Guide in 1927, we learn that attorney Glenn S. McBrayer was the keynote speaker at Wilson’s January 1 Emancipation Celebration, held in the Wilson Colored High School auditorium. We also learn that Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church had wrapped up a series of Good Will services at their new chapel, i.e. the building Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church now occupies.

Snipes reports holiday social swirl.

The Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 13 January 1934.

In January 1934, Anna Snipes, co-owner of the Biltmore Hotel, sent in a column detailing holiday happenings, the sick and shut-in, comings and goings, and the hotel’s guestbook. A holiday highlight: the party the Four Star Girls Club — teenagers Edna G. Taylor, Lucy D. Artis, Annie F. Crawford, and Robnette Boyd — held at the hotel with Laddie Springs entertaining.

John W. and Jean Darden celebrate 25 years.

Chicago Defender, 2 January 1932.

——

Barnes fetes barbers with barbecue dinner.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 7 September 1940.

——

  • Rachel G. Barnes — barbershop owner, restaurateur, boardinghouse keeper.
  • Joe McCoy
  • Charlie Woodard — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 810 East Vance, Mary Roberson, 46; brother Charlie Woodard, 42, barber; and niece Annie Jenkins, 14.
  • Theodore Bullock — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 904 Atlantic, barber Theodore Bullock, 35; wife Mary B., 30; and sister Ethel, 16.
  • Artis barbershop
  • Lewis Neil barbershop — perhaps Austin Neal barbershop?
  • Hargrove barbershop — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 919 Atlantic Avenue, owned and valued at $3000, Don[illegible] Hargroves, 35; wife Flora, 31; and daughter Geraldine, 15. D. Hargrove operated a barber shop in a pool room.

Home for the holidays.

  • Robert Vick
  • Madelia Wilkins
  • Irene Wilson — in the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Wilson Irene (c) student r 302 N Vick (Wilson married Ralph Sherrod, below, on 25 March 1932 in Greensville County, Virginia.)
  • Ralph Sherrod
  • Floyd Fisher — in the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Fisher Floyd (c) student r 624 E Green
  • Willie Hargrove
  • Inez Speight — in the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Speight Inez (c) student r 308 Hackney

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 3 January 1931.

  • William McCollum
  • Levi Godwin — in 1940, Levi Godwin registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 29 January 1910 in Wilson; lived at 900 Washington Street, Wilson; his contact was wife Esther Godwin; and he worked for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, 633 East Nash Street.
  • James Knight — perhaps, James H. Knight Jr.
  • Ethel Moye