Jim Town Revisited
At one time, West Southern Pines was a self-sufficient township, often referred to as "Jim Town" during the era of segregation. The state's first incorporated black township boasted thriving businesses, strong leaders, and a tight-knit community of workers who built and served the developing resort area that we know as Southern Pines. Today, West Southern Pines is a shadow of what was. Old buildings leave little trace of the community that boasted silent movie theaters, corner markets and doctors' offices. Many of the community's residents believe that West Southern Pines can eventually see the vitality that made the area such a special place to live and work once again.
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Kim Wade stands in front of a building that once housed a dentist office, a gas station and, in its last years of operation, a fruit and vegetable stand under the ownership of H.C.F. Williams. Members of the community are working to restore the building, located on Pennsylvania Avenue, and make it into a museum displaying the history of West Southern Pines.
Published on February 22, 2013
West Southern Pines incorporated as North Carolina's first black township in 1923 (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
A postcard shows two children making a delivery (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
Residents of West Southern Pines helped build and develop the surrounding areas, including clearing the land for Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, which opened in 1928 (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
A postcard describes Jimtown as "… 500 colored people, with their own homes, shops, churches and schools." (Courtesy of East and West Southern Pines)
Published on February 22, 2013
People harvesting peanuts in West Southern Pines. Peanuts were grown in the community as newcomers moved to the area in the late 1800s (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
A postcard shows two children making a delivery (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
Kim Wade grew up in West Southern Pines, where she remembers seeing thriving businesses, manicured lawns and a strong sense of community.
Published on February 22, 2013
Two women outside of Dr. Ross' office on Pennsylvania Avenue. Dr. Ross was the first black doctor to live and practice in West Southern Pines. (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
Frances Banks, 80, remembers attending Wells Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on Stephens Street when she was a girl.
Published on February 22, 2013
The class of 1948 at West Southern Pines High School, which is now the current location of Southern Pines Primary School (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
Giles Shamberger owns the Broadway Building on the corner of West New York Avenue and Hardin Street, which was built in the 1920s and home to a silent movie theater.
Published on February 22, 2013
Children studying math in a classroom at Our Lady of Victory School in 1953. The school was located on Pennsylvania Avenue (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines).
Published on February 22, 2013
Jeanette Kearns, 82, worked at Pugh Funeral Home, located on the corner of West Massachusetts Avenue and Gaines Street. Pugh Funeral Home was the first funeral home opened in West Southern Pines.
Published on February 22, 2013
James E. Pugh and his business partner, Henry Brower, pictured at the opening of Pugh Funeral Home in West Southern Pines. Pugh Funeral home was the first funeral home in the community (From the book, "East and West Southern Pines").
Published on February 22, 2013
Fred Walden has owned and operated West Side Garage on Pennsylvania Avenue since 1973. Walden took over the business from his uncle who moved the business to its current location in 1960. The building was built in the 1940s.
Published on February 22, 2013
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