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Hickman Row installs Historical Marker
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August 25, 2009
Hickman Row celebrates long-stored state marker
robin brown Residents and friends of Hickman Row, long called Claymont's first black neighborhood, finally unveiled its state historical marker. At Saturday's unveiling, Tom Summers of the Delaware Public Archives said resident Patrice Childress called recently about possible installation of the marker and he was ready to say budget cuts suspended the program. But he learned the marker was made and in storage awaiting an installation site, he said, "and that's why we stand here today." Former resident Mike Dixon of Middletown said he felt honored to give the marker -- made and dedicated in 2006 -- a permanent home in a yard by two houses he owns on the row. Resident Clarence Byrd, who led the ceremony, told the history of Worth Steel building the 24 brick homes between 1911 and 1919 for its black workers and their families. Named for the workers' supervisor, the row had a one-room school and land for residents' crops and livestock. The marker cites its "strong sense of community, emotionally supportive families," reflection of industrial trends in the late 1800s to early 1900s, with many residents coming from the South "to escape racism and pursue economic opportunity." The sign -- championed by Civic Association President Barbara Henry, Claymont resident Dan Harkins and Sen. Catherine A. Cloutier, R-Heatherbrooke -- also cites homes' 1962 sale to private owners and the National Register of Historic Places listing in 2006. Offering congratulations, New Castle County Councilman John Cartier said, "A lot of people don't know this community exists or the size of what residents have done." Another marker approved for the row's school site, to be made after the state program resumes, is expected to honor teacher Pauline Dyson and her students' role in civil rights history -- also celebrated Saturday. Hickman Row, Byrd said, was home to the "Claymont Twelve" -- Merle Anderson, Spencer Robinson, Myrtha Trotter, Styron Sanford, Almena Short, Elbert Crumpler, Joan Anderson, Carol Anderson, Bernice Byrd, John Davis, Robert Sanford and Louise Belton. Two years before 1954's landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruled school segregation illegal, they integrated Claymont High School, he said, although Belton later opted to attend Howard High in Wilmington. They made Claymont the first legally integrated public school in 17 segregated states, but are overlooked as U.S. and state civil rights pioneers because the integration was peaceful, before the nation's storm of protests, Harkins said. As residents and guests chatted of the row's early days, families and teacher, 92-year-old Wilhelmina "Willie Jo from Hickman Row" Benson whispered that few folks talk of KKK terrorism, break-ins and thefts. Hooded racists met in woods across dirt-path Hickman Road, she said. "They would set off dynamite and search our houses and I would hide in the closet. It was terrible," she said, " ... but we focus on the good." |
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In 1916, Worth Steel brought more than 600 acres for a steel mill in Claymont, Delaware. The company also built a neighborhood called Worthland - now Knollwood - atop a hill overlooking the plant for white workers, and built 24 rowhomes for black workers, known as Hickman Road. It is also known as "Hickman Row" and affectionately called "The Row" by past and present residents. |
Al Turner, husband of Amy 'Jill' Turner (Dixon) and father of Marcus passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2006. Viewing to be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Twin Oaks, PA. Funeral to be held afterwards and repast will be held at St Matthews.
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Pictures are available! Send an email to jb9410@aol.com to get the invitation to view the photos.
Here is the marker:
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Hickman Row Reunion - RESCHEDULED
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The reunion has been rescheduled:
When: Sunday, October 8, 2006
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Brandywine Fire Hall
1006 Brandywine Boulevard (in Bellefonte development)
Wilmington, Delaware
Every family is asked to donate $25. Even if you can't donate, plan on attending.
Donations can be sent to: Barbara Henry
20 Hickman Road
Claymont, DE 19703
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July 18, 2006
Lena Jefferson
Age 89, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2006, in Hillside Center.
Wife of Clinton Jefferson. Also survived by Barbara MacDonald, who she raised as her daughter; a stepson, Irvin Threatt (Rose); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
Funeral 11 am on Wednesday, July 19, at Union Baptist Church, 26th Carter St. Viewing 9-11 am only. Burial in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2306 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805.
Arrangements by
CONGO FUNERAL HOME |
County Seeking Money for Hickman Row
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July 17, 2006
Barbara Henry is meeting with New Castle County Representatives to talk about money for Hickman Row.
Also those looking to buy on Hickman Row, there may be more homes coming on the market soon.
Stay tuned...........
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New Castle County has hired a company to rehab these two properties. Also, 1 (Mr. Pretty's house) is getting a new roof.
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Hickman Row - Added to National Register!
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June 23, 2006
The Director of the National Park Service is pleased to send you the following announcements and actions on properties for the National Register of Historic Places. For further information contact Edson Beall via voice (202) 354-2255 or E-mail: Edson_Beall@nps.gov
Our physical location address is:
National Park Service 2280
National Register of Historic Places
1201 "I" (Eye) Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20005
WEEKLY LIST OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON PROPERTIES: 6/12/06 THROUGH 6/16/06
KEY: State, County, Property Name, Address/Boundary, City, Vicinity, Reference Number, NHL, Action, Date, Multiple Name
DELAWARE, NEW CASTLE COUNTY,
Hickman Row,
1-117 Hickman Rd.,
Claymont vicinity, 06000284,
LISTED, 6/16/06 |
It’s reunion time again!!!! We have planned a reunion for this year and we need your support. The reunion will take place as follows:
When: Saturday, September 2, 2006
Where: Fox Point Park, Wilmington, Delaware
Time: 12:00 Noon – 6:00 P.M.
We have planned plenty of food, games, prizes, presentation, and plenty of time for fun and fellowship…time to find out who’s who and time to share those "good old days" stories!
We need volunteers for games, historians and storytellers. If you can help or if you need more information, please do not hesitate to call Barbara (Byrd) Henry at 302-798-0964 or email BHenry9787@aol.com . We welcome your ideas and input…they will help us to make this a most memorable occasion for both you and your guests. We look forward to hearing from you.
This year in order to fund this event…we need your financial help. By popular demand we have planned to have our reunion catered again this year and for that reason we are asking all of those who are willing to donate $25.00 per household to help cover expenses. This will allow ALL of us to have more time to fellowship and enjoy our time together. Please make all checks payable to Hickman Row Reunion and send donations to 20 Hickman Road, Claymont, Delaware 19703.
We take exceedingly great pride in our efforts to orchestrate this reunion in order to make your day enjoyable. We pray that you will plan to attend. God has allowed us to see another year and has blessed us to have the opportunity to bless each other again with our smiles….our hugs and our fellowship!! Remember that date….SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2006.
Thank you for your cooperation and generous giving in the past and we all pray that this will be the best reunion ever!!
Hickman Row Reunion Committee
Cynthia (Bright) Church Michael Dixon
Barbara (Byrd) Henry Robert Henry
Clarence Byrd Jennifer Mitchell
Henry Byrd Virginia (Dixon) Reed
Jackie (Childress) Roark |
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Please click on the following links and find out about former Hickman Rowers and what they are doing. Please forward all links and a description to jb9410@aol.com.
Reverend Robert K. Freeman - formerly of 109 and son of Nellie and Howard. Robert relocated to Illinois and is pastoring his own church. Read about his church and what he/they are doing. |
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