News

First Avenue home listed in 'Negro Motorist Green Book' to get historic marker

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 11, 2022

A residence on First Avenue West that welcomed African-American travelers during segregation will get a historic marker recognizing its significance in local black history.

“The Landina Guest House served as a location where African-Americans could rent a room during segregation with a private bath and meals,” a memorandum from City Manager John Connet to the City Council said. “The house was listed in the 1960-1961 Negro Motorist Green Book.”
Operated by Hollis and Ozzie Landrum, the brick home at 710 First Avenue West was new when it served as a refuge for black travelers who were often turned away by segregated lodging businesses. The home was built in 1955.

The writeup in the Green Book, which African-American travelers used as a guide to hotels and guest houses that accepted black travelers when many established hotels, inns and motor lodges did not, said that in addition to a room and bath the home offered “meals to satisfy.”

The city's Diversity and Inclusion Committee Diversity and the Historic Preservation Committee recommended that the City Council authorize the marker. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee said it "was aware that there are a limited number of historical markers recognizing important African-American historical sites in Hendersonville and that placing the marker at the Greenbook house would be a positive step in recognizing the contributions of African-Americans in our community."

Debbie Roundtree, an African-American elected to the City Council in November, made the motion to place the historic marker.