Lee Rodgers Collection, Portsmouth Public Library

John Carey Carey was the principal of Truxton Elementary School and director of Elementary Education for the city of Portsmouth's Public School system. Carey is a long-time resident of Portsmouth (grew up in the Lincolnsville section). He and his wife were among the earliest residents of the Truxton community that was later annexed into Portsmouth.

 

Truxtun , Virginia
A Brief Historical Review

John H. Carey
April 10, 1995

Greetings! My name is John H. Carey. No doubt I was chosen to give this brief history of Truxtun and its people because I , and a precious few others were born before this unique development was conceived and built. Unique because it was the first and only development constructed for “colored” in the United States of America ! The impact of World War I on the influx of workers seeking employment at the local naval ship yard overwhelmed the local housing market and created the need for the officially designated U. S. HOUSING PROJECT NO. 150C., a planned housing community designed to be a model town.

The area now known as Truxtun was a wooded, sparsely settled rural community. The Government Housing Authority bought some eighty acres of this rural area and developed 43 acres for a subdivision. The main road running east and west was Key Road (now Portsmouth Blvd. ) it was unpaved and poorly maintained with oyster shells filling potholes. Deep Creek Boulevard formed the northeastern border of the site and still does. Only one or two buildings that existed prior to development in 1919 still stand. One was considered by an enterprising physician as a possible hospital, a much needed facility because of the rigid segregation and denial of acceptable medical care in the existing health care facilities. Unfortunately the efforts of Dr. A. C. Johnson did not materialize.

It is noteworthy that the community existing before Truxtun was built has produced some of the city's most successful and influential cititzens; many whose descendents are with us today. It must be remembered that Truxtun was created just 50 years after emancipation and perhaps half of the residents of the pre-Truxtun community had been slaves and bore the scars of both physical and mental injury that they suffered. They and their children still were the victims of strict segregation and denial of opportunity to even the most menial of jobs. Many earned their livings by going into business for themselves. So in pre-Truxtun there were people like Mr. Pompeii Smith, a gentleman farmer who on his few acres of land raised and sold his products throughout the city. It must never be forgotten that rarely would a former slave, or his children be permitted to work at certain jobs or trades that were designated as “white men's jobs”. It was the pressures of the war economy that eroded the segregated pattern as the influx of workers to help build ships and weapons could not be met by whites only. Such denial of opportunity – even for the skilled and talented that lived in Truxtun continued and thought it did, the community produced some of the city's most outstanding and influential families. As I note these, it is by no means a complete list and I know that I risk the possibility of omitting many who could be among those I have researched. Time does not permit. The Johnson Fuel Company owned by Talmadge Johnson was located on the site now occupied by the Rite Aid Pharmacy, Lewter's Confectionery store, located on Key Road, Moore's Shoe Repair Shop on Portsmouth Boulevard, Brandon's Fish Market, Skeeter's Floral Shop, Johnson's Pure Oil Service Station, Bea's Variety S, Earl's Pool Parlor, Johnson's Hosiery Center, Lucy's Beauty Shop, Williams Cleaning and Pressing Shop and many more. This list is only a fraction of the many businesses owned and operated by the Truxtun are residents.

The many educators. Physicians, lawyer musicians and other professionals are too numerous to list. Truxtun has been a veritable breeding ground for the development of achievers. I would be derelict in my duty to you if I did not emphasize the business talents of the Johnson family and the positive impact that the members had on our community. Talmadge, William, Luther, their sister, Gattie set the pace for black business development not only in Truxtun but throughout the Tidewater area. Their gas station, Coal Yard and recreation hall were landmarks in the Truxtun community in the 1930s and 40s.

In 1939 a group of young men organized the Vikings, a group that for many years operated a gas station and auto repair shop, restaurant/club at he corner of Deep Creek Blvd. and Downs Street . The building that once housed the restaurant still stands. The success of the Vikings enterprises became an inspiration for young black men throughout the area and many groups organized to do in their communities what the Viking were doing in Truxtun. The founders of the Viking were John Winslow, Joseph Miltier, Erl Parker, Jr., Robert Graham, Jerome Bouser, Williard Bouser,and Littleton Southall.

The religious, civic, political and social life of Truxtun developed along with the remarkable business and professional life. Mt. Carmel Church had its beginnings in a military mess hall. Founded in 1921, the church has just celebrated it seventy-fourth anniversary. It is by far the most influential positive force in the community.

Truxtun has been a strong political influence in the life of the city of Portsmouth . One of the most respected and powerful political leaders in our community is Mrs. Lucy Overton, who for years was the owner of Lucy's Beauty Shop. She is perhaps the most sought after political adviser by anyone seeking political support from the black voters of Portsmouth . Thanks to our civic leagues and the strong leadership over the years, Truxtun and its surrounding area has often determined who was or was not elected to political office.

Social and civic clubs were powerful influences in maintaining and monitoring family values and neighborhood serenity and pride.

Some of the many leaders who contributions are cherished are: Mr. Thomas Tucker, founder of the Truxtun Masonic Lodge #199 and the Truxtun Everready Chapter of the Eastern Stars. He was a major leader in the Truxtun Civic League, religious and fraternal affairs, and the operation of the Truxtun school when the community recruited and paid its own teachers before Truxtun was annexed into Portsmouth city. Prior to this Truxtun had its own Town Council and Mr. Tucker served as the unofficial mayor.

Mr. Dixon W. Davis, Sr. was a pioneer in his position as the Post Office Department's Fleet Mechanic in the maintenance department.

Thomasine Savage Womack, became the first black person to earn the masters degree in psychiatric nursing from the Richmond Professional Insititute, Va. Commonwealth University .

Bessie Tucker Savage, Home making teacher at the Truxtun school and later, I. C. Norcom High School.

Mr. William Gray, pioneer in the growth and development of St. Mark's Baptist Church . He was also a strong leader in community affairs and fraternal organizations.

Mr. Robert Hester, an organizer of the Portsmouth Boy's Club. This project served as the forerunner of the public support of recreation for Negro youth in the Portsmouth . Mr. Hester was a major principal in the cultural and fine arts undertakings in Truxtun. The Players Guild and The Truxtun Choral Group were his creations.

Mr. Horace Savage Sr., was a founder of the Eureka Social and Literary Club. This organization is still active in the city. He was also active in the Truxtun Garden Club, the Choral Group and Players Guild.

Horace Savage Jr. served as head coach of football and track at Norcom High School and later became Assistant Superintendent and Clerk of the School Board of Portsmouth Public Schools.

I must cast modesty aside and mention that I have spent all of my life here in Truxtun where I have been a teacher, principal and Director of Elementary Education for the City at large. Ad Lib)

This brief history of Truxtun should be told if for no other reason than to call to the attention of our young people that we can accomplish whatever we desire if only we make up our minds to set goals and work to achieve them. The economic well being of Truxtun was, for decades, based on local businesses. I challenge the young people who are present to consider the lessons of your foreparents and do as every other ethnic group does; create and develop businesses. We must learn to become and economic force as Truxtun was years ago.