Some battles are won in near silence on fields without weapons against surprising foes. Forty years ago the Wentworth Hotel was integrated on July 4 by a courageous young couple.
Just forty years ago this week – July 4, 1964 -- Emerson and Jane Reed, an African-American couple, were turned away from a local restaurant simply because they were black. This week, in memory of that event, dozens of African-Americans filled that same restaurant to capacity. There were a few speeches made and a few memories exchanged, but for the most part, they came to Wentworth by the Sea simply to be there, to close the circle, and to feel the importance of the moment.
The reeds did have dinner at the Wentworth that night. The story is told in full in the newly released history book Black Portsmouth by Mark Sammons and Valerie Cunningham. Both Valerie and Mark were in attendance, along with members of the local NAACP and the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail. The story also appears in my recent history of Wentworth by the Sea.
The Wentworth was an "exclusive" hotel for most of its first 100 years. Catholics, Jews and blacks and a number of other minorities were barred. Owners James Barker Smith and his wife Margaret knew when they purchased the business in 1946 that it catered to a wealthy "Gentile" clientele. The real estate agent who sold them the property specifically noted that the Wentworth was then one of the last exclusive hotels on the Atlantic Coast. It might have stayed that way except for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned all public accommodations from discriminating against patrons due to race.
Following enactment of the anti-segregation legislation, a number of Civil Rights volunteers, black and white, methodically put the new laws to the test. On Independence Day in 1965 University of New Hampshire professor Hugh Potter and his wife Jean made reservations for four at the Wentworth dining room and paid for the meals in advance. The white couple arrived first and, as expected, when the second couple turned out to be African-American, they were denied access to the public restaurant. The white couple who had made the reservations were called into the owner's office and, according to a hand-written report given to SeacoastNH.com, an extremely uncomfortable conversation followed. All four members of the group were asked to leave numerous times. But when the guests threatened to report the hotel for its violation of the Civil Rights law, the owner relented and diners were served.
The "sting" succeeded and the Wentworth was integrated at last. It was this brave moment of quiet dignity, although almost lost to history, that guests of the Wentworth celebrated. It was an honor to be there.
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...