1920 Census - African Americans, Steelton, Pennsylvania

Neighborhoods:  Adams Street Businesses and Establishments
Note:  this information is derived from sources other than the 1920 census and may reflect periods both prior to and after 1920.

107 Home of Dr. William H. Henry (1884)

Dr. Henry practiced medicine in Steelton on Mondays through Friday, and in Harrisburg on Saturdays (details see Calobe Jackson's letter).

114 Union Republican Club (1919)

Source: 1919 Directory of Harrisburg and Steelton lists this address as "Union Republican Club."  Does anyone know the function or interests of that club?

116 Steelton Press/Grocery

Source: 1919 Directory of Harrisburg and Steelton lists this address as the home and business of Peter S. Blackwell, editor of the Steelton Press, and his wife Mary A. Blackwell.  The directory lists Peter Blackwell's occupation as "grocer" as well as editor (see Hill and Foster, below).  In the 1920 census, the Blackwells will be enumerated at 114 Adams Street.  In 1919, that address was listed as "Union Republican Club."

117 Oliver Burnett Funeral Home

Source: Calobe Jackson, correspondence with Afrolumens, May 18, 2004.  "while searching 1933, I found a Hiram Bones buried 8/7/1933 in Midland. Funeral was at Oliver Burnett Funeral Home 117 Adams Street. This may be a black undertaker not known as yet. Oddly Hiram was survived by an Aunt who lived in Midland, Pa.
Editor's Note:  This business was not established until sometime after 1920.  In 1920, this address was a residence.

119/120  Polston's Pool Room

Source: Obituary of Lloyd Polston, 14 March 1922.  Correspondence with Calobe Jackson, Jr., 9 April 2007.  Jackson says the obituary notes that Lloyd Polston, a former steelworker, operated a pool room at 119 Adams Street, and was a trustee for the Steelton Cornet Band (see below).  The 1919 Directory of Steelton lists Lloyd and Amelia Polston living at 119 Adams Street.  Lloyd Polston's pool room is listed at 120 Adams Street.
Editor's Note:  According to the obituary, Polston was buried at Midland Cemetery.

120  First Cornet Band of Steelton

Source: 1919 Steelton Directory, p 1070.
Editor's Note:  Listed as "First Cornet Band of Steelton, 120 Adams."

123½ Henry A. Boulding Funeral Home

Source: Barbara B. Barksdale, photograph taken 1 April 2003.
Editor's Note:  This business was not established until sometime after 1920.  In 1920, this address was a residence.

140  Golden Willow Tabernacle

Source: 1919 Steelton Directory, p 1076..
Editor's Note:  Listed as "Golden Willow Tabernacle, No 78, Galilean Fisherman (Colored), meets every Monday eve at 140 Adams, Lola Brown, sec."

160  First Baptist Church

Source: 1919 Steelton Directory, p 1070..
Editor's Note:  Listed as "First Baptist Church, Rev. O. P. Goodwin, pastor, 160 Adams."

2nd and Adams  Robert Willis Funeral Home

Source: Calobe Jackson, correspondence with Afrolumens, December 4, 2005.  While searching veterans' burial records, Jackson notes "I also have seen a reference to Willis Funeral home at 2nd and Adams. This may be the same funeral home that George Hooper and later Jeff Jackson operated."

Address not determined  Hill & Foster, Groceries and Provisions

Source: 1880's era newspaper supplied by Calobe Jackson, Jr.  Calobe notes "J. W. Hill was active with Peter Blackwell."  (letter to Afrolumens, 28 February 2007)