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Look Back: Segregated schools, clubs, hospitals in the 19th century

Historical newspaper excerpts from the Wood County Historical Society

Photo provided by Artcraft Studio Sumner School football team, circa 1903.

(Editor’s note: Because this piece is a snapshot of newspaper clippings ranging back sometimes 150 years or more, the language used is a reflection of cultural norms of the time, and is mainly left unaltered. It is important to understand that while today’s installment in particular includes language that would never appear in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel today — and many readers may find offensive, it is a look back to remind us, during this Black History Month, of the way things were and how far we have come.)

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To the public

The colored school board has secured one Hospital Ward for School and Church purposes. Said Hospital, by recommendation of General Dana of the Quarter Master Department, and approved by Secretary Stanton, has been turned over to the Freedmen’s Bureau, for the use of said School Board for the above purposes.

The Colored School organized in this city, by the Colored School Board, is still under their supervision and will be conducted by them as formerly. Tuition, as heretofore, will be one dollar per month and must be promptly paid at the close of each month.

The winter term was opened last Tuesday and will continue three months. Instruction will be given in the following branches, to wit: Practical and Mental, Geography, and English Grammar. Each branch will receive due attention, and be taught on the modern and most approved style.

(Note: The hospital ward referred to above was probably part of the Civil War Post Hospital on the Jackson property at Seventh and Green streets.)

The Parkersburg Daily Times

Feb. 12, 1866

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Celebration

The colored Masons of Sunnyside Lodge, No. 28, Parkersburg, turned out on St. John’s Day, June 24, making a most imposing appearance. Simmons Brass Band of this city, and the band of Zanesville made the streets vocal with sweet strains of music, attracting large crowds as they passed through the streets to the grove.

The Parkersburg Daily State Journal

July 1, 1875

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Uncle Sandy, an old colored man that ran off from J.J. Jackson thirty-one years ago returned on Thursday last to see the Gen. and his family. Uncle Sandy looks spry and active and as though he was good for twenty years yet.

The Parkersburg Sentinel

Sept. 4, 1875

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Sumner School

commencement

The first public colored school commencement ever held in this city, will occur at the Academy of Music on the 15th. There will be six graduates, namely: Cornelia J. Jones, Ophelia Amiss, Maggie Brown, Lawrence N. Jones, Charles E. Jones, and Harry Robinson. The exercises will be similar to those of the High School, including music, essays, etc., etc.

The Parkersburg Daily State Journal

June 12, 1887

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The Wood County Historical Society works to preserve yesterday for tomorrow. For more information, contact P.O. Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102

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