Charles E. Coles (sitting in the picture below with his sons) owned a construction business which he advertised in the 1934 Charlottesville city directory.
Their company was the Charlottesville's largest African-American owned construction business. Not only did they build homes, but they were hired by University of Virginia to make renovations.
Mrs. Coles was an active participant in the We Moderns Social Club. In the January 27, 1934 issue of The Reflector, there is mention of an affair that had recently been held at the Coles' house.