On 27 March 1903, the Colored Grocery Company of Wilson ordered a customized fireproof safe from R.L. Barnes Safe & Lock Company of Richmond, Virginia. Per the terms of the order, Barnes would retain ownership of the safe until the full $70 purchase price was tendered. 

What was the Colored Grocery Company? Where was it? Who owned it? Was it “colored” because of its ownership? Its clientele? The contract offers no clue.

Deed book 66, page 373, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office.