The 1958 Green Book Reveals an Important Page in South End History

Ward 4 Co-chair Ryan Hatcher recently visited the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit and shared the Boston listing from The Negro Travelers’ Guide for Travel & Vacations. Published by The Esso Men in 1958 and known familiarly as The Green Book, the guide book was used to identify hotels, motels, tourist homes, vacation spots and restaurants that accepted African-American patronage. It lists cities and states and includes the addresses of facilities it recommends.

The cover reads: “Carry your Green Book with you…you may need it.!”

Charlie’s Sandwich Shop on Columbus Avenue is an important part of our Ward’s heritage.

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