bank – Gathering African American History

Resources half million dollars. Depository for Gas and Water Accounts and Taxes of the City of Richmond. Mrs. Maggie L. Walker, Pres.; J. Thomas Newin, Z.D. Lewis, S.W. Robinson, Jr., and P.H. Ford, Vice-Presidents; Emmett C. Burke, Cashier; Melvin D. Walker, Asst. Cashier.
(Courtesy of William Shuman Collection of Richmond, Virginia Postcards, Accession Number 2004-09-12, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University.)

Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker was the first African American woman to serve as a bank president in the United States. The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond honors her remarkable life, legacy, and significant contributions to African American history, with her influence extending even to Blacksburg, Virginia.

St Luke Penny Savings Bank

Much has been documented about the creation and impact of the Penny Bank in Richmond. What remains to be uncovered is who in Blacksburg was traveling by train to and from Richmond, carrying the financial transactions and funds collected by St. Frances Council No. 235, established by Mrs Maggie Lena Walker, 4 August 1902.

Resources

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

St Luke, Odd Fellows, & House of Ruth Orders served the African American Communities which were settled soon after emancipation and located within the Town of Blacksburg and the surrounding areas within the Montgomery County, Virginia.

Within the region we know that a lodge existed in Roanoke, Christiansburg, Pulaski (Radford) and Blacksburg. The documents indicate that they were in close communications. Who was instrumental in bringing these orders to the New River Valley? Who interfaced with Maggie Walker’s Penny Savings Bank? Much to discover.