‘Green-Book’ gem keeps history alive

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– The film, Green Book, took home three Oscar’s, Sunday night  including the coveted “Best Picture” category. The movie is named for the traveler’s guide necessary for African-American entertainers, motorists and tourists during the Jim Crow era. Five of those locations were in Wilmington.

During the 40’s and 50’s, one of the most popular jazz scenes in Wilmington known as ‘The Barn’ drew the most talented African-American artists including Duke Ellington. With no where else to stay, the Paynes’ Tourist Home on North 6th Street became the hot spot.

“Back in the day it was called a hotel because a lot of African-Americans didn’t have nothing but room and houses,” said Owner of Former Paynes’ Tourist Home James S. Lofton. “This was a little more upscale than a room and house so they considered this as a hotel.”

The Paynes’ Tourist Home was one of five safe spaces listed in the ‘The Negro Motorist Green Book’ for African-Americans in Wilmington by 1966.

“Once you left the other side of Maryland all the way down to Florida Keys, there was no other places except what’s in the ‘green book’,” said Lofton.

It was first published in 1936 to aid elite black travelers who may face social and legal restrictions.

“There were no accommodations in the larger arena that would accommodate blacks as we traveled back and forth,” said Leland Resident George Beatty.

This travelers’ guide provided listings of helpful resources like where to eat like Hill’s Restaurant that once sat on Red Cross Street and overnight stays.

“For those who stayed here regularly like those teachers, they got their meals and everything here,” said Lofton. “Believe it or not, back in the day, this was one of the few places that had steam heat and one of the few places that had air conditioning, when it first came out so it was kind of an upscale joint.”

African-American legends crossed the guest house doors from the ‘Queen of Gospel’ Mahalia Jackson to singer, actor and political activist Paul Robeson.

“Our grand kids, kids and all really need to understand and embrace that history,” said Beatty. “It shows who we are and where we’ve come from.”

Three other locations in Wilmington were in the book including Johnson’s Restaurant on Chestnut Street, Ollie’s Restaurant on 7th Street and Owens Club 900 Restaurant on 9th Street.