Do You Know What a ‘Green Book’ House is? Learn About Two in Middle TN

Do You Know What a ‘Green Book’ House is? Learn About Two in Middle TN

Introduction

Many people are unaware of the existence of “Green Book” houses and the historical significance they hold. These houses provided safe havens for African-American travelers during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. In Middle Tennessee, there are two notable Green Book houses, one in Franklin and another in Murfreesboro. Let’s delve into the history of these houses and their importance in preserving African-American history.

The Era of Jim Crow Laws

During the period of Jim Crow Laws, black travelers faced numerous challenges, including being denied food and lodging by white owners. They were often subjected to harassment or even arrest if they ventured into the wrong areas. Racial segregation was enforced, particularly in “sundown towns” where black individuals were not welcome after dusk. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought some change, but progress was slow.

The Green Book Guide

Victor Hugo Green, an African-American postal carrier from New York City, recognized the need to assist black travelers in finding safe accommodations, restaurants, repair shops, and more. In 1936, he published the Green Book, a guide that gained popularity among the growing black middle class. The book listed establishments that welcomed black patrons, and as its popularity grew, more businesses and individuals opened their doors to these travelers.

The Movie “Green Book”

It was not until the release of the movie “Green Book” in 2018 that many people became aware of the existence of “sundown towns” and the Green Book itself. The film depicted the true story of Don Shirley, an African-American classical and jazz pianist, and his driver and bodyguard, Frank Vallelonga, as they traveled through the Deep South in 1964. Based on interviews with the two men and letters written by Vallelonga to his mother, the movie shed light on the challenges they faced and the importance of the Green Book.

Franklin’s Green Book House

In Franklin, Tennessee, the Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church currently owns the Green Book House. Previously owned by Ruth Gaynor, the house served as a guest house for black travelers. Located in the Natchez Street African-American Historic District, the house is in the process of being converted into a heritage center with the assistance of Middle Tennessee State University. The preservation of this house was initiated by a group of preservationists who recognized its historical significance.

History of Franklin’s Green Book House

Research conducted by Abigail Coomes, Emily Huffer, Samantha Brickel, Dr. Kenneth Hill, and Dr. Carroll Van West reveals the fascinating history of Franklin’s Green Book House. The house dates back to around 1900 and features a prominent stone veneer exterior. In the late 1950s, Ruth Gaynor, the owner, hired a contractor to add a side addition that resembled a motel room. This addition provided lodging for black travelers. Ruth, a nurse, and her husband E. B. Gaylor, the manager of the Gem Theater on Natchez Street, played a significant role in providing accommodation for African-American visitors.

The house also had a detached garage at the rear of the property with an apartment above it. This apartment was used for lodging until Ruth’s sister and brother-in-law moved in during the 1960s. In the 1970s, the trustees of Shorter Chapel purchased the home and rented it out for a generation. Today, the house stands as a testament to the struggles and resilience of African-American travelers during a difficult era.

Murfreesboro’s Green Book House

Murfreesboro, another city in Middle Tennessee, is also home to a Green Book house with a rich history. Dorothy Orr’s great-grandmother, Jane Baugh-Hoover, ran a boarding house on E. State Street, which became listed in the Green Book. After Jane’s death in 1928, her grandparents, Garfield and Fannie Hoover, took over the house. The significance of the house as a Green Book location was unknown to Orr until she received a call from the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County.

Preservation of African-American History

Preserving African-American history is an ongoing endeavor throughout Middle Tennessee. The preservation of Franklin’s Green Book House and Murfreesboro’s Green Book house is just a part of the broader effort to ensure that the struggles, accomplishments, and contributions of African-Americans are not forgotten. These houses serve as tangible reminders of a challenging past and the resilience of those who sought equality and freedom.

Conclusion

The existence of Green Book houses in Middle Tennessee sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of African-American history. These houses provided safe spaces for black travelers during a time of racial discrimination and segregation. By preserving these houses and their stories, we can honor the courage and resilience of those who fought for equality and ensure that their experiences are remembered for generations to come.