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Harrisburg's African American Community Moves Through the Twentieth Century
Study Areas
Harriet Harris Attends Night School
Significant numbers of formerly enslaved African Americans made their homes in central Pennsylvania in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some escaped enslavement and traveled north via the Underground Railroad before 1865. Many more found themselves no longer enslaved by war's end and looked north for job opportunites or to escape the harsh poverty and crushing racism of southern Reconstruction. The first few decades of the 20th century saw large numbers of southern Blacks moving north to take advantage of the plentiful jobs in northern industries.
Their presence in northern cities enriched each African American community. Their shared first-hand stories of lives enslaved broadened the historical perspective and served to counter the "Lost Cause" myths. Knowing which citizens were formerly enslaved is invaluable for modern historians and persons researching their family histories. Small connections can often add up to bigger stories. The news items below represent snippets in the lives of these persons.
Birthday Celebration, Education Accomplishments and Vacation
Text of news article:
'AUNT HARRIE' IS 66 YEARS YOUNG
Oldest Pupil in Night Schools of City is on Vacation
PARENTS WERE SLAVES
Happy over the fact that she can read the finest print and write letters with the best of folks, as a result of two years attendance at one of the night schools of the city, "Aunt Harrie" as she is known best, or Mrs. Harriet Harris of 671 Briggs street, celebrated her sixty-sixth birthday anniversary Thursday.
"Aunt Harrie" who is janitress in the Commonwealth Trust building, Market street, has the distinction of being the oldest scholar at the Harrisburg night schools. She started to attend in 1909, learned her A. B. S.'s under the tuterage of Professor Scott, one of the school instructors and since that time has made rapid strides in reading and writing.
She was born in Winchester, Va., August 3, 1844, of slave parents, and her stories of slavery are very interesting. She has four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. As a part of her birthday celebration she is now visiting friends in Winchester, Va.
Source: The Patriot-News, 05 August 1911, page 5.