By Clara W. Corry

For the Salisbury Post

Meandering through the relics and archives of history brings to mind numerous incidents and wonderful facts that give credence and sustainability to the place of the Negro or African-American in the history of Rowan County. There are numerous names that our young people have not had the privilege of knowing. These individuals made many contributions to the growth and development of Salisbury and surrounding areas.

In the mid-20th century, William J. Trend served as president of Livingstone College. He was known by all students because one of his aims was to know all students enrolled. He was “the gentleman’s gentleman” and did not allow improper dress by any students. This predated the wearing of pants by young women and improper wear of young men at all times. During this same period, men such as Harvey Morant, Hunter Smith, Precious Worthy and Thomas Randall, all barbers, helped young men to present themselves with the right haircut, as did Johnnie York, Doug Sharp and Theodore Ramsey, who kept pace with changing times. Randall provided services to males in the hospital. No fees were charged as this was his way of giving back.

Securing food was a challenge for some individuals. Wily Lash, a grocer, helped to provide food for numerous families. The system was a scheduled pay time based on job and ability to pay. Also in the grocery business was George Curlee, who operated in a similar manner. Prices were very different then, Cokes only five cents a bottle.

As the cycle of life climaxed for numerous residents, morticians such as A.R. Kelsey and Ellis Mangham Fair were there to add dignity and correct presentation for the deceased’s home-going celebration.

Salisbury has always had a wealth of ministers to serve its citizens’ spiritual needs. Those who stood out included the Revs. J.P. Johnson, Wm. Wyatt, J.W. Hawkins, John Gaston, U.S. Johnson and Samuel R. Johnson, who gave numerous years to their communities. Rev. S.R. Johnson centered his work not only on Sundays but as a civic leader felt there was a definite need for engaging parishioners during the week with activities that enhanced their lives and livelihood through participation in the total community.

In the field of education numerous persons made lasting imprints. Those rising to the forefront were Elizabeth Duncan Koontz, a teacher who later became president of the National Education Association of America and president of the Women’s Bureau of the United States under President Reagan. She retired as assistant state superintendent of the North Carolina school system. Her brother Samuel Duncan served as president of Livingstone College, and a younger brother was a school principal in Yadkinsville.

Prior to and during the challenging years of school desegregation, L.H. Hall, S.O. Jones and W.O.T. Fleming served as school principals, as did George Knox, Robert Dalton and Ezra Gilliam. They helped teachers and young minds through a transitional period for African-Americans.

Other areas of growth experienced changes as well. Isaac Miller helped form the Rowan Teachers Credit Union while a teacher at Livingstone College; he was the first chairman of the Salisbury Community Service Council Advisory Board with H.B. Waiters as a member. Josephine Sherrill served as head librarian for the college while Pearl Younge was head librarian for the city branch of the Negro library. David W. Butler was a guidance counselor for many county schools. Jesse D. Corry served as a teacher, a guidance counselor for city and county schools, president of the Rowan Teachers Credit Union, director of the Community Service Council and retired as personnel manager of the North Carolina Finishing Co.

Spencer Lancaster and Harry Koontz were leading basketball coaches for African-Americans during this period. The other areas completing the picture included Floyd Wilkins, an outstanding contractor; included in this group were Adolph Pharr, Garland McNeely, a brick mason, with Frank Kelly and Lovie Reid as contractors. Also: E.V. Taggart and Robert Lewis, dry cleaner owners and operators. Earnest Goodrum, accompanied by Fannie Butler, a high school math teacher, operated the Miller Recreation Center, providing leisure activities for all ages. Prominent eateries included the J.J. Jones Cafe, Mack Carter’s Cafe and Gantt’s Coffee Shop, owned and operated by John and Minnie J. Gantt, plus the Chicken Shack, owned and operated by Frank Cureton.

African-American doctors who served the area were Dr. W.A. Coleman; Dr. W.J. Ezell; Dr. L.C. Jones, dentist; and Dr. George Hill, veterinarian. M.H. Perkins and Garland Kelsey were local photographers who captured so many unforgettable photos in the community.

Numerous individuals received their background training in the various communities found in Rowan County. Many secured notable positions in other states, but they have not forgotten the bridge that provided the passageway for their forward thrust toward being all they could be. It’s now your turn to write on the pages of history those things that give encouragement to others. I am sure some noteworthy names have been omitted, so please accept humble apologies.

Clara Corry lives in Salisbury.