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[[image - drawing of street scenes in ANACOSTIA]]

NEGRO BUSINESSES IN ANACOSTIA

Of special interest to Ancostia has been and is the development of the Negro-owned and operated businesses; the leaders of this group have always been some of the pivotal members of organizations working towards the betterment of Anacostia youth. The history of progressive independent businesses in Anacostia dates back to shortly after the Civil War. Following liberation, many Negroes settled in this area that had, during slavery time, offered freedom to them through the Underground Railroad. With new-found freedom came the desire for more economic independence. As a result some of these settlers attempted to set up businesses of their own. Some of these enterprises failed but a few still are active in the community, being augmented by businesses of more recent origin.
 
Mr. George W. Mason stands out as one of the pioneers in Anacostia business venture. In 1897 he established the Mason Funeral Home. His business has succeeded for more than fifty years, passing successively into the hands of his sons, Mr. Robert Mason and its present owner, Mr. Arthur J. Mason. The Mason Funeral Home is located at 2500 Nichols Avenue, S.E.
 
In 1917 Mr. and Mrs. John Williams, with a capital of only $45.00 started the first successful Negro grocery business in Anacostia. They rented a small store at 2440 Nichols Avenue. After some years their business increased to the point where they were able to buy an new and larger store at 2301 Nichols Avenue. This store was so successful that in recent years four workers were employed to help them. In 1949 it was a great loss to the community when Mr. and Mrs. Williams retired from active business.
 
Of more recent origins in the grocery field is the Dale Market at 1265 Sumner Road, Southeast. 

This business was started by Mr. A. M. Dale in November of 1944. Mr. Dale is a member of the Garden Food Stores Association and has the honor of being president of the Anacostia Business and Professional Men's Association.
 
The Wilson Market at 2417 Nichols Avenue also serves as one of the leading grocery stores.
 
The earliest pharmacy was started by Dr. William E. Gayles. In 1901 Dr. Shipley entered into partnership with Dr. Gayles. About 1912 Dr. Gayles sold his share of the business to Dr. Shipley who in turn purchased the entire building, known then as Public Hall. This building was previously owned by Frederick Douglass and once housed the first Negro Bakery owned by Mr. Douglass' daughter, Mrs. Rosa Spriggs. Dr. Shipley rented out several offices in his building. In 1923 Dr. Shipley sold his business to Dr. Lee Walker with the idea of going into business in Shadyside, Maryland; but his untimely death in 1924 prevented his carrying out his ambition.
 
In 1941 Dr. Charles E. Qualls set up the only now existing Negro pharmacy in Anacostia. He enlarged from a small store to a two story building employing six workers.
 
Anacostia is a Mecca of enterprising businessmen. In the line of cleaning establishments are the C & C Cleaners and Dyers, and Wilson and Giles Cleaners and Tailors. The C & C Cleaners was established in 1942 by Mr. Marshall E. Williams and later bought by Mr. Lee G. Campbell and Mark A. Carver.
 
Beautician and Valet services include the Pearl Beauty Shop, Saunders Barber Shop, Anacostia Valet and Giles Shoe Shine Parlor, all located on Nichols Ave., the main industrial thoroughfare of Anacostia.
 
Serving the community as eating establish-

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