Products and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

—By Dino Robinson

While William Twiggs was a locally, and historically well documented businessman and an active member of several organizations, little has been mentioned about his wife, Martha Twiggs. Family decedents mention that she had a home-based business, selling wigs for women made from natural hair first at Oak Avenue near Church Street in Evanston then later in a storefront next to her husbands print shop on Emerson Street. There, she marketed her own product, “Twiggaline”, a hair growth product.

In 1916, Madam C. J. Walker’s came to Evanston to deliver her Lecture on “The Negro Woman in Business” at both Second Baptist and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church.¹ In her lecture, Madam Walker “Urges her Sisters to Rise above the Wash Tub and Cook Kitchen and Make a Place in the Commercial World.”² One wonders if Martha Twiggs may have been inspired by the lecture and ventured off to follow the shared tenants from Madam C. J. Walker lecture. Shorefronts only wish is that someone may have a sample of the Twiggaline package or product today.

Several years ago, Shorefront began acquiring samples of contemporary “products” for Shorefronts archive that illustrate the entrepreneurial ethics of these North Shore communities. Which leads us to wonder . . . who we have not come across at this time that have produced their own product for distribution . . .

Carrying the tradition of Martha Twiggs today includes, Georgia Parker, Larry Alexander, Ashley Askew-Bell and former Evanston resident Lauryn N. Nwankpa, all have products geared to hair and skin care.

Lauryn, through her business Hair To There LLC, produces a product for natural hair care. She markets her product on line, at related conventions and other showcase venues. Recently, she redesigned her packaging and website and included an infomercial focused on natural hair care.

A degreed chemist, Georgia Parker has over 20 hair and skin care products under the name Ashley Lauren Products. Ashley Lauren at one time had a storefront on Davis Street in Evanston across from the post office. Now, focused on distribution, her products can be purchased on line and at a few retail outlets in the Chicago area.

Scrubfusion owner Ashley Askew-Bell, offers several body scrub products, beard oils and candles on her site for both men and women. Customers can also request custom orders for special events.

Patent holder, and former Salon owner, Larry Alexander, also known as Mickey III, developed an applicator instrument for laying relaxer in a clean and consistent manner under the name AppliTech. Video demonstrations showcase the proper use of his patent protected tool.

A couple of Food and edible products are offered by barbeque owner Hecky Powell and Chef Journey Shannon.

A chocolatier, Journey Shannon has a line of chocolates and other crafted editable foods under the name Noir d’Ebene, and can be ordered online, at select events, fairs and industry shows.

And of course, Heck’s Barbeque line of sauces, spices/rubs and most recently added, soda. The product can be found in retail, online and at his place of business. Proceeds from his “Juneteenth” soda sales, helps to fund projects through the family’s Forrest Powell Foundation.

Shorefront is sure that it is missing so many more entrepreneurs who have packaged products. Though this article focuses on products, we know there are some interesting inventors who lived in the North Shore area. Industrial Designer Charles Harrison who’s work with Sears has designed many iconic items. Evanston residents Delbert Alexander Sr. and Jr. both have created workable prototype machines (baseball and tabletop bowling). In the 1950s, Glencoe resident Asa Taylor prototyped what would lay the foundation of the modern hydraulic hospital beds used today . . . But that is another article and initiative in hopes to acquire prototypes if they still exist.

 

Sources:

1. Chicago Defender: “Will Lecture in Chicago”, January 29, 1916, p. 8; “Prairie State Events. . . ,” By J.R. Moore, Feb. 12, 1916, p. 5; “MME. C. J. Walker Royally Received Here”, Feb. 19, 1916, p. 2.
2. Indianapolis Freeman, “The Negro Woman in Business”, September 20, 1913, p. 1.

Kenilworth: An Early North Shore African American Community . . . of sorts

— Short Series —

Walter Calhoun reviewing articles of his mother, Lillian Calhoun

On November 1, 1889, a wealthy businessman, Joseph Sears purchased 208.6 acres of land for $135,000 and became known as Kenilworth, Illinois. As founder, Sears had set several ordinances “Large lots, high standards of construction, no alleys, and sales to Caucasians only”. Soon after, it was amended to allow for Black’s as live-in domestics.

As such, there was never a residential property owned by a Black family . . . or were there? Census data throughout Kenilworth’s history tallied live-in domestics: In 1900, 9 were recorded; in 1930, 107; 1960, 39; 1990, 15; 2000, 4. A total of 7 Blacks were recorded in the 2010 census out of a total population of 2,513.

We did kind of upset the apple cart by moving there.

Harold and Lillian Calhoun are known to be the first Black family to purchase a home in Kenilworth. The Calhoun’s had four children and the family lived at 601 Melrose Avenue. from 1964 until 1976. In 1966, The Calhoun’s were alerted to a fire on the front lawn:

“Kenilworth officials this week expressed shock over Friday night’s cross-burning on the lawn of the village’s only Negro family and promised to use every source available to find the offenders. A neighbor discovered the eight-foot tall cross blazing in front of the home of Harold W. Calhoun, 601 Melrose Ave., at about 10:30 p.m . . . The only member of the Calhoun family to see the cross was the Calhouns’ eldest daughter, Laura, 14. The youngest Calhoun child, Karen, 5, was asleep and Walter, 8, and Harold, 12, were preparing for bed.”

Harold Calhoun was assistant attorney general for the State of Illinois. Lillian Calhoun was a Journalist for Ebony and Jet Magazines and later, feature editor of the Chicago Defender. In 1965, she joined the Chicago Sun-Times, becoming the first Black woman to work in the publications newsroom. She later formed a public relations firm, Calmar Communications.

Their son, Walter Calhoun reflects back on life in Kenilworth. “Being 5, I had a different, more positive experience living there.” Calhoun said. “My brother and sister, being older, had a different one.” Mr. Calhoun later reflected that he believed that his mother may have, in the end, thought it was a mistake to move there. “She did not want to be the first and only Black family. She hoped that other families would follow.” Calhoun said.

The Calhoun’s eventually moved away as the children graduated and moved on and due to career changes. Walter Calhoun later moved back to the North Shore, though, not Kenlilworth. “I moved to an area that was, well, more diverse.”

Robert Hadley began as a coachman for Butler Livery in Evanston

Early history in Kenilworth may have recorded an earlier family before the Calhoun’s who owned property in Kenilworth, or at least connected to a larger part of “property” owned by Kenilworth founder, Joseph Sears.

“From the recollection of early residents of Kenilworth, the location of the Indian cabin was in Winnetka, a few hundred feet north of the Kenilworth boundary line, on pasture land adjoining his home and rented by Joseph Sears. It was occupied by Robert Hadley, colored coachman of the Sears, and then torn down in 1903.”

Robert Hadley, from Tennessee and his wife Julia, from Canada, had two children, Ethel and Hazel. Robert Hadley began as a coachman for Butler Livery in Evanston (1890), Later as chauffeur at the 339 Sheridan Road address (for Joseph Sears). Robert was later listed as a gardener c1925.

The Hadley’s housing patterns varied from 1890 through 1931 between Evanston, Winnetka and Kenilworth. The addresses in Kenilworth were 339 Sheridan Road, and 542 Wayland Avenue. An additional address, 542 Pleasant Avenue was listed in the Kenilworth directory. However, reviewing today’s maps, the address seems to be in Winnetka. This is the address that the Hadley family was listed as “Owner” in 1929.

After 120 years, Kenilworth may have come full circle again. The latest census had enumerated zero African American’s as residents.

Sources: United States census 1900- 2010; Current demographic profile – http://www.areavibes.com/kenilworth-il/demographics/;  1890-93 Evanston Directories; Does My Town Have a Racist Past? http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-33-spring-2008/feature/does-my-town-have-racist-past. Blogs and Articles: Race and Ethnicity. Number 33: Spring 2008; Avoiding History at the National Trust, James W. Loewen, Sunday, May 28, 2006 – 21:36; Chicago Defender, August 26, 1963 p.2; Chicago Defender, June 3, 1964, p. 3; Chicago Tribune, January 31, 2006, sect. 2 p.5.; Kenilworth, First Fifty Years, Village of Kenilworth, F. R. Kilner, chairman, 1947; Wilmette Life Wilmette, Illinois, 26 May 1966, p. 3, 5. Recorded interview of Walter Calhoun, April 19, 2013.

From the Shorefront Archives #003

Autographed Janice Kingslow press photo to editor Melvin Smith

Janice Kingslow: Refusing to Pass

By Dino Robinson —

Often, researchers at Shorefront ask the question, “What was going on at this time?” when they come across incidents relating to their research topics. Sometimes, we fall into the trap of applying today’s thoughts to yesterday’s events that can lead to a misinterpretation of a past event. However, there are times when you come across a pivotal action that shaped the racial and social discourse across the nation. For today, a past event can have one reflect if discussions have changed or continue unchanged.

Janice Kingslow was one of several who, during the 1950s, sparked conversations in blending in, or not, in greater society. Janice, a well-known actress with a deal of a lifetime in front of her, chose a different path to maintain her identity.

Born in West Virginia to Harry E. and Virginia E. Warren Kingslow, the family moved to Evanston when she was just an infant. Her early years there led her involvement in St. Andrews Church and attended school at Dewey Elementary, Nichols Junior High School and Evanston Township High School. Her family moved to Chicago’s Hyde Park where she finished at Hyde Park High School around 1941.

What good was fame or money if I lost myself?

Janice’s career in acting began early performing as a puppeteer in various schools and other venues. Her big break took place in 1946 when she became understudy for Hilda Sims in the play “Anna Lucasta”, a role in which she eventually took over.

From there, she went on to perform in the Peabody Award winning radio series, Destination Freedom as well as Here Comes Tomorrow and Democracy USA radio series (1948-52). Janice was also one of the founders of the Chicago DuBois Theater Guild (1948).

However, when she was presented a Hollywood contract that would launch her career to new heights, there was a clause. In an article Janice penned, “I Refuse to Pass” that appeared in the May 1950 issue of Negro Digest, she wrote:

“What good was fame or money if I lost myself? This wasn’t just a question of choosing a pleasant-sounding false name to fit on the theatre marquee. This meant stripping my life clear of everything I was. Everything that had happened to me.”

In the contract, Janice was asked to change her name and take on a white identity.

In a conversation with newspaper editor, Melvin Smith, in the Evanston Newsette, she relayed a story to him while she was on a bus traveling home from Michigan. A “young white fellow” sat next to here and struck up a pleasant conversation. After a while he began to ask about her national origin. After going through a long list, he asked:

“You. . . you. . . you aren’t. . . a Jewess?”, [Janice laughed] ‘Then the thought that had least entered his mind came forth’ “Why, you’re a n___r!” He declared.’”

“’I am a Negro,’ Janice corrected soberly.”

Janice’s stance in her identity was an important part of her life. It leaves one to wonder what and who were her influences. Was it her parent’s influence? Her involvement in St. Andrews Church in Evanston – like many churches, known for instilling history and pride? Was it her self-determination? It leaves one to ponder the influences and historic implications.

Race, culture and identity had, for decades, been a hot topic of discussion. Yet, at the cusp of the 1960s civil rights movement, here was a young woman who chose to make a public statement than to sell her identity for financial gain. A choice she made during a time where many people of color, let alone one who could “pass”, faced career ending choices that played a part in changing the face of American history.

Notes: Shorefront archives, Melvin Smith photographic collection; The Evanston Newsette, “Too White to Be Black; Too Black to Be White”, page 1, April 20, 1950. Concerned Citizens Commitment, April 5, 1984. Also, Crossing the Line: Racial Passing in Twentieth-Century U.S. Literature and Culture, by Gayle Wald.

The “First” Colored Boy Scouts, Evanston, Illinois

A.H. Edmonds, organized the Evanston Black Boy Scout Troop recognized May 6, 1912

By Dino Robinson —

I have learned to be careful with the use of “firsts”. In early historical research, I naively and often used the term “first” in local history. What I know now is that continued research often uncovers contradictions. While I would like to mention a first here, I hesitate, but must share.

There are several communities throughout the United States that claim themselves as having the first “Colored” Boy Scout troop. They include Chicago, Illinois and Elizabeth City, North Carolina both in 1911. In 1916, the first official Boy Scout Council-promoted Negro Troop 75 began in Louisville, KY.¹

However, in Evanston, Illinois, the first suburban community north of Chicago, an early troop was taking root. The early Evanston Black community in 1910 numbered 1,110 and it was at the beginning of a rapid population growth.

“The Boy Cadets are the talk of Evanston. Commandant Edmonds [sic.] is trying to organize these boys into boy scouts. These boys represent some of the best families of Evanston. The line up: Capt. Adam Perry, Jr.; First Lieutenant, Raymond Thomas; Sergeant, Joe Reed; Quartermaster, Sam White; Surgeon, Horace Graves, Jr.; Drummers, Lester Conners and Henry Saunders; Privates, John McAllister, Swan Cailer, Joshua Blair, Ceasar Gayles and Herbert Lee.”²

According to the Defender articles, Edmonds began the process as early as May, 1911. He organized a group of local boys and drilled them similar to that of the Boy Scouts, including the use of uniforms. In addition, Edmonds offered exhibitions and competitions to drum up support of the effort.

Over the course of three years, the Chicago Defender reported on the activities of the Boy Cadets through its acceptance into the Boy Scouts. Reported in the May 4, 1912 issue:

“Evanston, Ill., May 3. — Word received this morning by A.H. Edmonds from the executive council of the Boy Scouts of America, stated that the application for membership made by the troop of local colored boys had been accepted.”

Designated first as troop three, it was later changed to troop seven at the signing of the charter. The charter was signed on May 6, 1912. Signatures included President Taft, ex-President Roosevelt, Mr. E.T. Seton and Mr. James E. West. Mr. A.H. Edmonds was appointed as the troops Scoutmaster.³

Despite constant demonstrations and acts of community engagement, one article criticized the local population in it apparent lack of continued support and interest of the Boy Scouts.

“We are endowed with the honor of having the only troop of colored boy scouts in America, yet we do not appreciate the fact to any great extent.”⁴

After 1913, the activities of the Boy Scouts where not mentioned, at least in the Defender. However, in an unidentified article, from the Graves family archives, headlined “Plan Farewell Address for Colored Troops”. The article was posted recognizing Horace S. Graves, Jr. Graves enlistment to serve in WWI. His accomplishments in Evanston were enumerated with mention of his involvement in the Boy Scout Troop seven.

“Six Evanston boys, former members of Troop No. 7, Boy Scouts of America, under Scoutmaster Major A. H. Edmonds, are on the firing line in France as officers in the ninety-second division. Horace Graves is a former member of this organization.”

The War may have put an end to Troop number seven. After the war, Graves returned to Evanston and became a charter member of the William F. Garnett Snell Post, American Legion. Later in Evanston, a new, segregated Boy Scout troops formed during the 1920s.

Circling back to “firsts”, a September 27, 1913 Chicago Defender article discounted Evanston’s claim as first.

“Boy Scout No. 1 of Chicago are the oldest and first organized, and not the Evanston Scouts, as was published some weeks ago. The Chicago Scouts were organized May 30, 1911 by Major Stephen J. Horde.”

Speaking with a Boy Scouts of America representatives several years ago, there were no records relating to the Evanston Boy Scout troop of 1912.

Note: Most of the information on the Evanston Boy Scout troop originates from news clippings in the Chicago Defender between May 1911- September 1913. Photo image from the Souvenir Program and Directory of the 31st Annual Session of the Chicago Conference, Ebenexer A.M.E. Church, Evanston. Page 18

1. http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/african-americans-boy-scout-movement
2. Chicago Defender, October 7, 1911, page 8
3. Chicago Defender, June 1, 1912, page 8
4. Chicago Defender, June 29, 1912, page 9

Updated 10/24/12 to reflect new photo, spelling of “Edmonds” and a link to the finding aids of Horace Graves, Jr.