The Green Book in Galveston | Rosenberg Avenue between Market St. & Post Office St.

The Green book was created by a man named Victor Hugo Green, an African-American postal carrier from Harlem. The original Green book was published in 1936. During the era of racial segregation, the green book was a valuable publication offering resources, contacts, and addresses, providing African-American travelers safe passage across the country. The guide contained a list of businesses in US cities catering to African-American customers. Galveston was among the Texas cities which listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, entertainment venues, and other safe spaces for African-American travelers. In this location, there were three businesses, the imperial Barbershop and Mitchell’s restaurant in the Oleander hotel, all listed in the Green Book. Galveston had at least 12 locations listed in the Green Book. All of them are scattered around the greater east end of the island others include;

Gus Allen’s Hotel (2710 Church)
Miss G.H. Freeman’s Tourist Home (1414 29th)
*Mrs. J. Pope’s Tourist Home (2824 M)
Gulf View Tavern (28th & Seawall)
Beach Service Station (2901 R)
Manhattan Club (2802 R ½ )
Little Shamrock Motel (1207 31st)
*Ilma’s Beauty Parlor (4106 N)
Sunset Auto Garage (3928 H/Ball)

*original building still standing

Of those just listed, only a handful of buildings are still standing, but they stand strong is a reminder of Victor Hugo Green and the goal to keep African-American travelers safe, not just in Galveston but throughout the United States.

Interested in information covered in this episode? Reference links below:
Green Book in Galveston
The Negro Motorist Green Book | History
Victor Hugo Green
African American Travel Guide Survey Project

📱Social Media and other ways to explore history
📍Visit Galveston history audio tour map!
🎧Market Mile with Spotify! | West of Rosenberg Ave & North Broadway

Support the show

Galveston Unscripted Digital Market