News of Colored People Reported by James Banks, July 13, 1923

What the Colored People Are Doing and Thinking

Reported by James Banks

The home of Joe Spruill on Harvey street was threatened by fire Tuesday afternoon, the shingle roof having caught from sparks from a chimney. The fire department rendered quick and efficient service and little damage was done. [The shingles on homes 100 years ago were typically wooden, not asphalt asbestos shingles that resist flames.]

-=-

H.W. Hill, representing the Bankers Fire Insurance co., of Durham, was in the city this week in the interest of his company. He was the guest while here of officials of the Albemarle Bank.

-=-

Olive Branch Baptist Church, of which Rev. C.M. Cartwright is pastor, is the scene of a big revival this week.

-=-

The Young People’s Christian Association of Mt. Lebanon church will render a special program Sunday evening. Prof. Ely and Prof. Saulter of the State Normal are on the program for speeches.

-=-

Miss Mary Bailey died at her home on Walnut street early Sunday morning after a long illness. She is survived by her mother, four brothers and two sisters.

-=-

The Base Ball Stock Co., backers of the Black Sox, have purchased material for the building of a grand stand and enclosure on the grounds leased from Roanoke Institute and the Black Sox are to have a regular base ball park.

-=-

The new Interdenominational Sunday School Union held its first Sunday afternoon in the annex of Mt. Lebanon church. Representatives of all the schools in the union were on hand and the session was in every way interesting and inspirational.

-=-

The annual sermon of the Children of Israel was delivered at the Calvary Baptist church last Sunday.

-=-

The students of the State Normal Summer School and a host of others were delightfully entertained in the school auditorium Monday evening by an exhibition of moving pictures portraying the busy life of Hampton Normal & Industrial Institute. The pictures gave a closeup of the workings of this pioneer institution for the education and industrial uplift of the colored man. The pictures were sent to Elizabeth City by Hampton Institute and shown by Prof. J.D. Buck in charge of the extension work of Hampton Institute.

From The Independent, Elizabeth City, Friday, July 13, 1923. Colored and Negro were respectful terms 100 years ago.