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Work is what drew American Indians to Baltimore in the mid-twentieth century. At “home” further south, most families survived by farming, or sharecropping. Here you see American Indian people thriving in the city, working in a variety of occupations — in trades, in manufacturing, and as entrepreneurs.
Clyde Oxendine (Lumbee) worked as a bouncer at the Volcano, an Indian bar that had a reputation for erupting with violence every weekend. Baltimore Magazine called it the meanest bar of all time. Photo by C. Cullison for the News American, September 30, 1963, permission from Hearst Corporation.
Many Lumbee men who came to Baltimore made their living as painters, roofers, or sheetrock hangers. “Buddy Porter [Lumbee] takes time out from sanding wall on stilts.” Photo by Ellis Malashuk for the Baltimore Sun June 27, 1966, permission from Baltimore Sun Media. All rights reserved.
Rev. James Millard Dial (1936 – 1983) (Lumbee), or “Preacher James,” first worked as a painter. He found God on the job. He would go on to become the founding pastor of South Broadway Baptist Church, the present-day name of the oldest congregation established by American Indians in the City of Baltimore. Here he is visiting another church, ca. 1970s, permission from Stanton Lewis.
“Members of a recently organized community action group: Mrs. Betty Hyatt, Mrs. Rosie Hunt [Lumbee], Mrs. Beatrice Brooks, Mrs. Mary Engles, Mrs. Elaine Stokes, the Rev. Marvin Tollefson, Tim Knighton, Thomas Welmer.” Photo by Fred G. Kraft for the News American, February 27. 1972, permission from Hearst Corporation.
“<span class="small-caps">avis [averis] locklear, owner of locklear’s grocery</span>... proud small business owner on East Baltimore Street.” Photo by John Davis for the News American, November 9, 1975, permission from Hearst Corporation.
John Ander Walker (Lumbee) shines the stack of his tractor. This was the second truck John purchased as a self-employed person. It was his pride and joy. He used it to drive loads of motorcycles to the west coast and bring produce back east. ca. 1973, courtesy of Jeanette (Locklear) Walker Jones.
Howard Redell Hunt and his wife, Jeanette (both Lumbee), on the occasion of his winning a $10,000 suggestion award at General Motors (GM). Redell suggested the brake switch be mounted to the chassis instead of the master cylinder on trucks, which at that time would save 3 – 5 cents / unit. GM still uses his suggestion today. ca. 1974, courtesy of Howard Redell Hunt.
Hal “Boot” Hunt Sr. (Lumbee) (1931 – 2021) had a reputation for doing difficult “tree work.” He came to Baltimore in 1956. He worked for the city Forestry Division for two years before becoming foreman. He stayed on another seven years, then went into business for himself. Hunt’s Tree Service is still run by his family. ca. 1980s, courtesy of the Hunt Family.
