Reflections on the Railroad
Journal entries from trip participants, posted from the road...
July 31, 2001
Xenia Area
The area is rural with sporadic farms, frequently we passed large fields of corn and soybeans. We drove to Wilberforce College and picked up a local guide, Ester Williams.
She took us to Payne University /Seminary. Professor Payne was the first black professor at Wilberforce, hence when the college expanded they named the seminary after him. We stopped briefly to view the beautiful stained glass windows as the morning sun shone in.
We visited other significant sights, however, they were currently weed grown lots.
Next we went to Colonel Youngs house. The house has a history of it's own. A slave owner purchased it in 1858 for his slave mistresses and their children. The children that could pass for white returned with their father to the south. This house became a station on the Underground Railroad. There is no documentation to support the theory that a tunnel ran from the cellar under the then dirt path. There is evidence on file however, that the current paved road has collapsed in the suspected location.
As we drove through the area Esther Williams spoke frequently. Her most valuable point was that these Freedom Fighters were seeking freedom not only for themselves, but also for future generations.. She ask us to ask ourselves, "Would your ancestors be proud of the way you've lived your life? Would your choices be worth the risks they took?"
National African American Museum Wilberforce, Ohio – by Gloria Kenley
Today we visited the National African American Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit “When the Spirit Moves” was about African dance. It covers the history of African dance beginning with Africa, moving through slavery, and on to hip-hop.
I learned about African ritualistic dancing for fertility and funerals, and announcements through drums and dance.
I better understand how as African Americans we move all parts of our bodies – bending arms, legs torsos, etc. – when we dance. I always thought it was just rhythm, but now I know it comes from our African heritage. I am so proud to be an African American woman.
Today We Visited Wilberforce University
The University was established in 1856. Today the historically black college is 99.9% black as told to us through our tour guide Esther Williams. Mrs. Williams was full of valuable information as we were taken through not only the University but the surrounding town of Xenia.
The University was an instrumental part of the Underground Railroad, as many homes both on and off the property were believed to have found safe havens as they struggled along their many routes to freedom. The Colonel Young home was home to Colonel Young, an esteemed and respected man of the military who served as a professor at the educational institution of Wilberforce. This home was believed to have been a safe haven for freedom seekers.
I think I can safely speak for the group of us when I say that we are touched so far by what we have learned. So much of this history, all of our history, is untold and seems to be hidden. We have realized that it is our responsibility to teach our youth and all about the struggles of the past. These struggles should not be taken for granted. Not only do we owe this to our ancestors, but, ourselves as well.
Tasha M. Lindsay
Fifth Grade Teacher
San Bernardino City Unified Schools
July 31, 2001
Reflection – Phillip’s Folly
“Phillips Folly” was a house built by a gambler. It had a hiding place for enslaved Africans as well as a holding pen [for the slave auction] in the same area under the house.
We went inside the under part of the house. It was all made of some kind of white blocks. There were dirt floors of course. Some people climbed through from the hiding areas (and inside the walls into the holding pen. Mr. Gore, our tour guide, gave us a great dissertation and song about the ancestors.
Our drawback at the present, is that the house is now occupied by businesses. Attorneys are upstairs in offices in various rooms. We could not go inside. There is now a café in the areas where the slaves were held before. The people [building tenets] have placed supplies all along the walls as well as a shop. The café owners have put in a candle workroom and selling area. My opinion was and is that this is very sad. To me this is a desecration of the site. That is why not restore it and keep it as close to the original as we can!
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