Historic Russellville ‘Green Book’ house moved to new location

The historic Latimore Vacationer Residence in Russellville was moved 2½ blocks down the road Wednesday to a brief location earlier than it is ultimately positioned on a brand new basis on the nook of South Houston and West Fifth streets.

The transfer was crucial to save lots of the two-story home, which was constructed across the flip of the twentieth century, and was featured in a number of editions of the “Inexperienced Guide” as a vacationer house for Black vacationers from the late Nineteen Thirties till the mid-Sixties.

“In the present day was an enormous milestone on this challenge transferring ahead,” mentioned Betsy McGuire, vice chairman of the board of Pals of the Latimore Vacationer Residence, a nonprofit group.

Combs Home Shifting of Ratcliff moved the home, whereas police, avenue division staff and utility staff assisted by trimming bushes or doing no matter else was wanted, mentioned McGuire.

“They began the engine and tooted the horn — an indication they have been on the point of roll,” she mentioned. “Watching that factor transfer out after it had sat there for 100 years — they’re pulling that home down the road. It is a lot bigger than what you suppose it’s. It was overlapping the road by 15 ft.”

After three hours, the home was in its non permanent location, the place it’s going to stay for six months to a 12 months whereas web site work is finished, utilities are put in and a brand new basis is constructed. The everlasting location for the home might be throughout Houston Road from James College Park, as soon as the positioning of a college for Black college students.

“I’m pleased with the efforts by all people who made this transfer potential,” mentioned Russellville Mayor Richard Harris. “That is the primary large step in in the end restoring this house to its unique magnificence. Future generations will be capable to see historical past and study from our previous.”

Some restoration work can start on the home whereas it is within the non permanent location, mentioned McGuire. The home sat empty for years.

After it is restored, the home may function a cease alongside the U.S. Civil Rights Path, she mentioned. It could even be used as a gathering or occasion middle.

“Operated by Eugene Latimore and Cora Wilson Latimore and their daughter Anna, the house supplied short-term lodging for African People, lots of whom labored on the railroad,” in response to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. “Eugene Latimore additionally labored as a veterinarian. … The home operated as a vacationer house even after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ceasing operations between 1970 and 1976.”

Throughout the Jim Crow period, Black individuals touring by the South specifically may have hassle discovering locations to eat, sleep, purchase gasoline or get a haircut. Victor H. Inexperienced and Co. of New York Metropolis started publishing The Negro Motorist Inexperienced Guide in 1936, a list of companies that have been pleasant to Black prospects.

“With the introduction of this journey information in 1936, it has been our thought to offer the Negro traveler data that may maintain him from operating into difficulties, embarrassments and to make his journeys extra gratifying,” learn the introduction to the 1949 Inexperienced Guide.

The Latimore house was listed in annual editions of the Inexperienced Guide revealed from 1939 by 1966. It was the one lodging listed for Black vacationers between North Little Rock and Fort Smith from 1948 by 1966. Publication of the Inexperienced Guide was suspended throughout World Conflict II however resumed in 1947.

Victor Inexperienced died in 1960 and the Inexperienced Guide ceased publication in 1967, shortly after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened public services (at the least in idea) to all People.

A 2018 film referred to as “Inexperienced Guide” introduced consideration to the historic journey guides.

The Bridge Church donated two vacant tons on the web site that may change into the everlasting house of the Latimore home, mentioned McGuire. Extra adjoining land could also be bought.

The Latimore home was beforehand positioned at 318 S. Houston Ave. on land owned by New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church. However that church wanted the lot for enlargement.

McGuire mentioned town bought the home for $1.

The Latimore Vacationer Residence was added to the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in 2012.

In 2018, Protect Arkansas listed the Latimore home as one of many state’s Ten Most Endangered Properties: https://bit.ly/3yjbw0F.

To view the Inexperienced Books on-line, go to https://on.nypl.org/2DoXpO5.

Extra data on Eugene and Cora Latimore is out there at https://bit.ly/3HVRMn5.

    Individuals watch from their balconies because the Latimore Vacationer Residence in Russellville is moved down the road on Wednesday. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Stephen Swofford)