Reflections on the Railroad
Journal entries from trip participants, posted from the road...
Today 08/01/2001 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
August 1, 2001
Reflection – Rankin and Parker Houses
Today we were at the Rankin House where we were enlightened by Jerry Gore. He told us that Mr. Rankin was a staunch abolitionist, a minister, and an educator for more than four decades. Two thousand people may have found refuge in his place.
Next we went to John Parker’s house. We were told that Mr. Parker was a freed slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad. At one time there was a bounty on his head of $40,000 for his activities.
Today was a good day, as the others have been. I felt sad and glad at the same time that these people had thee courage and determination to help one another toward freedom!
August 1
There were two particularly moving moments today - moments that made all of us realize what an emotional trip this has been for all of us.
As we stood on Abolitionist Row, hands joined, and called out the names of some of our ancestors, most of us had tears in our eyes or trickling down our cheeks. Somehow, standing there on the northern bank of the Ohio River, knowing that some of our ancestors had stood there before us, made all the emotions of the trip come to the surface.
Then in the afternoon at the quilt display in Oberlin, Judy Robertson discovered that her grandmother had participated in making the "Abolitionist Quilt" - proof positive that her ancestors had been part of the Freedom Seekers struggle. All of us shared in her joy and her tears. It was a very moving day!
Lynn Colonello
How on earth do you describe Jerry Gore? What a wonderful storyteller. He makes everything come alive. He adds just enough personal information, blended in with music, to make the facts so much more enjoyable and memorable.
Holding the chains and shackles that he has been able to collect sent a shiver down my back. I could not imagine what it must have felt like to have these around my ankles and wrist. We can only pray that no man will ever experience the humiliations of having these placed on their person.
The story of how a black man and a white man, Rankin and Parker, worked together as conductors shows us how things ought to be. I think one of the most important things I heard, and felt today was when Jerry said, "I am who you are and you are who I am
Biographical Statement
Dr. Leon Wafer
School: Rialto Middle
District: Rialto USD
Why are you interested in knowing more about the UGRR?
I teach 8th grade US History.. The experience gained on the UGRT will be invaluable.
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