Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family

William and Florence Scott to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 19, 1944

Church and religion | Health, illness and death | Place--Esmont, VA | Place--North Carolina | Place--Virginia, other | Segregation, racism and race politics | Travel

William and Florence Scott invite Harriet Yancey to come visit them in Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Scott tells her about attending the American Christian "Ashram."

William M. Scott
Minister
Shiloh Baptist Church
Telephone 2-7236
509 Madison Avenue, N.W.,
Roanoke, Virginia
Member Colored Citizens Committee of Roanoke Chamber of Commerce
Chairman Radio Devotional Hour, WSLS
Vice-Pres. Interracial Commission

September 19, 1944

My Dear Cousin Harriett:

Well, I suppose it takes death to bring people together sometimes. I am so very sorry I missed the train Sunday, until I remained in bed all day until time to meet the eleven P.M. train that Florence came back on. We had completed all plans for coming to Esmont, but the Lord knew best I am sure. Florence had never been to our little home town, and seen our folk, so since this had happen, I put aside every thing for this trip.

Florence was so happy over meeting you and the rest of the people, that she forgot all about the unpleasent beginning here. From what she told me every one asked about me, and she remembered many of them she met by name.

Say we are anxious to have you come up and stay with us a week or a week end before you go. Please let me know and we shall send you the ticket. You have never visited us and this is a good time, since you have been away so long. We want you to see our little home and the church where I have served for nine years. At the First Baptist Church, Blue Ridge, Va., which is only ten miles out of Roanoke, I served there six years, and also build a very nice new church, finished, with lights, and heat. No one wanted me to leave, but the church in Salem, is a every Sunday church. Rev. McCreary just closed a two weeks Revival there with eight added to the church. He was with us last year too, and we had also a good meeting.

Florence told you about us attending The American Christian "Ashram" last year and this too? It was wonderful, I never thought there was such a place any where all races could live as one. We went from the "Ashram" to the Lott Cary Convention at Winston-Salem, N.C.

Welll, love to all the folk. We are going to run down some day very soon to see every one I hope. Let us hear from you, if or when may we look for you.

With best personal regards,
William and Florence

Published by: Virginia Center for Digital History

Source copy consulted: Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family (MSS 11599), Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Text and images (c) copyright 2001, by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

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