The history of the Booker T. Washington Community is one of the more unique histories in Pasco County.  Before the community became known as Booker T. Washington many locals referred to community as the "negro colony of north of Port Richey".  Like most African American communities, the Port Richey African American community had churches, a cemetery, a school, and social gatherings and most of the residents likely worked in the local citrus and timber industries.  One of the earlies mentions of the Port Richey African American Community can be found in the New Port Richey Press on September 21, 1923, where a dispute between two African American residents ended in tragedy.  The entire article transcribed here tells of this strange disagreement between two residents of this community.

"Negro Beats Another Negro to Death-- One of the foulest  murders committed in this section for many years took place Tuesday morning when Charlie Stewart, a negro, was met in the road in the edge of Port Richey and beaten by Lloyd Lang, a negro preacher, with a pine club so severely that he died a few hours later.  Stewart in a serious condition was found about fifteen feet from the highway by Calvin McCall, another negro, about 7:30 Tuesday morning.  McCall took him to his home and notified Deputy Sheriff Clyde Daso.  Dr. Belcher was summoned from Tarpon Springs.  Upon examining Stewart, he found a serious fracture on his skull, two ribs broken and internal injuries.  Dr. Belcher stayed with until he died about four hours later.  Stewart, though weakened from loss of blood, was conscious from some time before death and told of having met Lang in the road while going to work.  According to Stewart's story, they spoke and he started to pass when Lang whirled on him and struck him with a light-wood club that he was carrying, knocking him down and then jumped on him and beat him over the head with the butt end of a large pocket knife which he held in his clinched fist.  Not satisfied with this he then jumped on his stomach and kicked him, according to Stewart.  Examination of the man bore out his statements, his scalp showing numerous wounds such as would be inflicted by the butt of a knife and his body being badly bruised.  

Deputy Daso arrested Lang, finding him at work in Port Richey and brought him before justice J. H. Sheldon and held him under arrest pending medical examination of the wounded man.  Shortly after Stewart's death, a corner's jury was empaneled, consisting of John Holzscheiter, foreman, J.W. Clark, W.A. Casey, John Morgan, M. Broersma, and Bob Nix.  The verdict of the jury is that Stewart came to his death by wounds inflicted by Lloyd Lang.  Upon arrest Lang freely admitted he had beaten Stewart, but denied that he had used anything but his fist.  The pine club, spattered with blood, that  Lang is supposed to have used was found near the scene of the fight and taken as evidence.  The cause of the assault grew out of a near-fight at the negro church last Sunday, when Lang resented an objection raised by Stewart to having Lang preach to the congregation.  Lang is said to have then pullen a knife on Stewart and threatened him, but no trouble occurred as they were stopped by onlookers.  On Monday, Lang had Stewart arrested for disturbing religious services and threatening him with a deadly weapon.  Lang was brought before Justice J.H. Sheldon and fined cost of the case, whereupon Stewart and Lang apparently made friends and were not known to have had any further trouble until the fatal meeting Tuesday morning.  Deputy Daso took Lang to Dade City Tuesday night and turned him over to Sheriff Sturkie to await trial."  It is believed that Columbus C. Fullwood was the pastor of the small church mentioned in this article, which was a Baptist Church.  The exact location of this small church is unknown but we do know through this article that the Port Richey African American Community was established and had it's own church in 1923.

The belief of Columbus C. Fullwood being the pastor of the Port Richey African American Baptist Church is based on the next couple of articles found in the New Port Richey Press.  On October 5th 1923 the New Port Richey Press reports a somewhat humorous, yet dedicated story about Columbus Fullwood.  The article reads, "Negro Gets Summons and Walks to Dade City--  A humorous though pathetic incident is told of Columbus Fulwood, a negro living in the little negro colony north of Port Richey.  Columbus received a summons to appear before a grand jury on Tuesday, but received his summons too late to make either a bus or train connections to Dade City.  Having such reverence and respect for the law and the courts and believing no excuse would be accepted for his non-appearance, he set out on foot to walk to the county seat, leaving New Port Richey in the morning and arriving in Dade City late that afternoon.  He says he got a ride to Elfers but walked the balance of the way.  The route he took is about 42 miles and while there were no official timekeepers or judges, it is believed that he established a new record for cross-country hiking."  It is believed the summons received by Columbus Fullwood in this article was for what he witnessed as pastor of the small Port Richey African American Baptist Church and the incident that occurred and is mentioned above.  

As Pastor of the Port Richey African American Baptist Church, Columbus C. Fullwood had the following article published in the New Port Richey Press on October 17th 1924.  "Colored People Thankful for Contribution Made-- We the colored people of Port Richey wish to say that our rally of the 12th passed over to a great success and we wish to thank the many white friends who have donated so liberally to us on the building of our church, The Little Home Baptist.  After a careful total, we find that our church is out of debt and we have $2.81 to turn over to the treasurer.  We thank one and all and pray for God will bless you on earth and when the time on earth is ended that each may get a reward in Heaven.  We are having day school here now and again we wish to thank the kind white ladies who have furnished the school room with books for the education of our children.  Thanks to one and all.  C.C. Fullwood & Ida E. Burch"  Not only does the small Port Richey African American Community have it's own church in 1924, known as the Little Home Baptist Church, but it also has it's first school.  This is the first mention of the Port Richey African American School, which later became known as the Booker T. Washington African American School.  Again it is not known exactly where this small church was located but note the articles refer to the community being located "north of Port Richey" and it is likely that the church was also "north of Port Richey".  These few article show the beginnings to what would become known as the Booker T. Washington African American Community located just north of Port Richey.

It was on November 19th 1925 that the Port Richey African American Community became officially known as "Booker T. Washington, an exclusive subdivision for colored people".  It was on this date that Benjamin Helmar Hermanson submitted the plat of the Booker T. Washington Subdivision for record with Pasco County.  (click here to see 1925 plat map of Booker T. Washington and the later corrected map)  On April 6th 1926 the addition to the Booker T. Washington African American Community was platted and submitted for record with Pasco County, this plat again being submitted by owner B.H. Hermanson.  (click here to see 1926 addition to the Booker T. Washington Community)  B.H. Hermanson took portions of another subdivision that he owned called the "Hermanson Subdivision" and had it replatted and filed for record with Pasco County, the replat became the addition to the Booker T. Washington Subdivision dated April 5th 1926.  According to the plat maps filed for record with Pasco County, the Booker T. Washington Community was located along present day Ridge Road and U.S. 19 intersection, north to Stone Road and backing up to what is now known as Embassy Hills; the Booker T. Washington plats show the community in S21 and S28 of T25, R16.  The map to the left shows portions of the old Hermanson Subdivision, which was replatted in 1926 to become part of the Booker T. Washington Community as shown in the addition plat maps, the road leading to the area marked as the Hermanson Subdivision is known as Stone Road today.

B.H. Hermanson was an active member of the community and was actively involved with real estate in the area.  Not only was Hermanson actively involved with local real estate but he is also credited with starting the first Masonic Lodge and band in New Port Richey.  Hermanson also served on the New Port Richey City Council for 12 years and was instrumental in the development of the Booker T. Washington area along with many of the other white residents of New Port Richey and Port Richey.


By 1927 the Booker T. Washington Community had become an established community on the West Coast of Pasco County.  Support and rally from the white residents of New Port Richey for Booker T. Washington was often published in the New Port Richey Press.  It was on December 2nd 1927 that the New Port Richey Press published the following story, "Colored School at Booker T. Washington in Need of Funds-- Mrs. Ruth Shaw and Mrs. Fonnie Salisbury, the Woman's Club Committee, report that the colored school at Booker T. Washington, three miles north of New Port Richey is in need of additional funds to keep their school going.  County funds only provide for a short term for the colored school, but offer to duplicate any amount raised by the people themselves to extend the school for one or two months.  The colored people are very anxious to see their children secure an education and are doing everything they can to raise funds in their limited way.  J.S. Jackson, manager of the Meighan Theater, has kindly consented to announce this fact to the patrons of the show Saturday evening and Mrs. Fred Shaw and Mrs. Salisbury will be stationed at the door to receive any contributions the people may wish to give to this worthy cause."  It is still believed that during this time that the Booker T. Washington Colored School didn't have it's own building but children were still taught in the community church.  

By 1928 "The Little Home Baptist Church", of Booker T. Washington, changes names and becomes known as the Paradise Baptist Church.  It was in January of 1928 that the Paradise Baptist Church held a special service and invited every one from all around.  The article published in the New Port Richey Press on January 13th read, "Colored Church to Hold Special Services Sunday-- Booker T. Washington Pastor Invites White Folks to Hear Him-- The services at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church are as follow:  Rev. Ed Harrison, Pastor.  Communion the first and third Sundays in the month.  We invite our white friends to come at all times.  The hour of service, 3:30 PM.  On the third Sunday in January our text will be Mene Mene, tekel upharsin.  We invite each and everyone to come.  Remember the text, tell your friends and let us have an old religious Sunday afternoon.  Good singing, and we will try to give you good preaching, with the help of the Lord.  Your in Christ, Rev. Ed Harrison, the pastor."  

Also published in the January 13th 1928 edition of the New Port Richey Press was an invitation to a program that the Booker T. Washington Colored School was conducting.  The invitation read, "Colored School to Give Program on January 20th-- The teacher of the colored school at Booker T. Washington is planning a good program to be held Friday, January 20th at 8:00 P.M. at the pavilion.  There will be a contest between Clearwater and Tampa songbirds.  It will be a grand program ans we ask all the white friends to come-- M.E. Houston, Teacher."  It still appears in 1928 that the Booker T. Washington Colored School did not have it's own building and classes were being held at the church where M.E. Houston was teaching class.  Note that this special program was NOT being held at the school house but rather at a local "pavilion".

February 10th 1928 the New Port Richey Press reported of a home that was lost to fire in the Booker T. Washington Community, again the support of the white residents of New Port Richey was there for the African Americans of Booker T. Washington.  The Press report read, "Home of Negro is Burned Leaving Family Destitute-- All Clothing Lost in Fire Late Friday Night That Destroyed the Home of L. Witherspoon-- The home of Lawrence Witherspoon, a highly respected member of the colored settlement, was burned to the ground Friday night, with all of its contents, and Witherspoon himself barely escaped with his life while rescuing his small children from the burning structure.  The family had retired for the night when the fire broke out and it had gained great headway before being discovered.  All clothing was destroyed along with food and groceries, leaving the family destitute.  Witherspoon is employed but makes only a small salary and told the Press reporter that the family would appreciate clothing or food.  The children are three, five and six years of age, the oldest being a girl."

In March of 1928 another of Booker T. Washington's prominent and well liked residents called for the assistance of the white residents.  Reported in the New Port Richey Press on March 16th 1928, "Negro Gets Help From White People of City-- Robert Starks, a respectable member of the colored settlement at Booker T. Washington, had the misfortune recently to cut his foot very badly.  Infection set in and he has been unable to work for some time.  He has a wife and a number of children to support, and would have been in very destitute circumstances had it not been for the help of the white people who subscribe to a fund being gotten up by Charles Eason, another colored man.  Several dollars were realized but according to Dr. Bechtold, the man will not be able to return to his work of cutting cross ties for at least six weeks, and other assistance would be appreciated."  This article is very interesting and gives some information about some of the more prominent residents of the Booker T. Washington Community.  Mr. Charles Eason mentioned in the article is the husband of Mrs. Nellie Eason who was one of the first Secretaries of the Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, she served with Pastor Rev. Ed Harrison.  The man who the article is written about is believed to be one of the first residents of the Booker T. Washington Community, it is also believed that Robert Starks was a friend of Benjamin H. Hermanson.  According to Pasco County tax records for the year of 1928 Robert Storkes (sic) was paying taxes for a lot 15 in block C of the Hermanson Subdivision, it was this portion of the Hermanson Subdivision that was replatted to the Booker T. Washington Subdivision in April of 1926.  The street that lot 15 block C was located, in the Hermanson Subdivision, was called Robert Street, possibly named after resident Robert Starks.  (click here to see March 1926 portion of Hermanson Subdivision)

In April of 1928 four years after the construction of the Booker T. Washington Baptist Church, improvements were made to the church building with the help of the white residents.  On April 2nd, 1928 the Booker T. Washington, Paradise Missionary Baptist Church again published an article in the New Port Richey Press thanking the white residents for their assistance during another rally for the community and church.  

The article read as follows, "Colored People Appreciate the Help of White Folks-- Booker T. Washington Subdivision, Paradise Baptist Church, April 2nd 1928.  Greeting to You All: We thank the good white friends for helping us in our rally in March.  We are painting our church and we gave Mr. Shaw $15.00 on lumber bill. We also thank the good white women for enlighting our women on how to govern the Home Mission Society.  May the Good Lord bless them.  We also thank Mrs. Dr. Avery for the nice garments for the poor women and children.  My gratitude to the people of New Port Richey is great.  'Blessed are they who consider the poor'.  I verily believe that the white people of New Port Richey are the best to the colored people of any city in the United States, and I sincerely feel that the Great Good Lord who looks down from his mighty throne above sees and knows this all and is saying.  'In-asmuch as ye did it unto the least of these, my children, ye did it unto me'. Rev. Ed Harrinson, Pastor; Mrs. Nellie Eason, Secretary."  As the Pastor is mentioning the payment of a lumber bill and the painting of the church it appears as though improvements to the church were made by the residents of Booker T. Washington Community, another change to the name of the church was soon to follow.

On June 22nd 1928 the New Port Richey Press announced a special service to be held at the new and improved Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.  According to the article, "Negro Spiritual 'Quartet' Will Sing at Booker T. City--  The Mt. Carmel colored quartette (singers) will render a fine program at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Thursday, June 28, at 8 P.M.  All the white people are cordially invited.  You have heard these singers before and know their ability.  Christopher Columbus Fulwood, Deacon and Rev. J.H. Merritt, Pastor."   It is apparent that by June of 1928 C.C. Fulwood had been ordained as a deacon and was no longer pastor of the church.

By August of 1929 the small Booker T. Washington church changed names once again.  It was also at this point that the location of the small baptist church is revealed for the first time, the church became known as the Pine Hill Cemetery Church.  According to an August 2nd 1929 New Port Richey Press article the church once again was holding special services which were announced in the newspaper.  The article read, "Pine Hill Cemetery Church to Have Big Program on Sunday-- The colored people of the Pine Hill cemetery church have planned a rousing program for next Sunday, starting at three o'clock p.m.  There will be two quartettes, singing the old Negro spirituals, so well liked by both colored and white folk, and a sermon by the Rev. J.H. Merritt, in the style of gospel form.  At seven p.m. there will more of the spiritual quartette, followed by the evening sermon, filled with power of the Spirit.  The white folks are especially invited to come out and hear our services and see how we are trying to commune with Jehovah.  Otcie Jones, Secretary."  Even though the small Missionary Baptist Church was now being called the "Pine Hill Cemetery Church" there was no actual connection between the cemetery and the church other then location.  It is also believed that this was NOT the official name of the church.  See the section below on the Stark African American Cemetery History and the cemetery for the Booker T. Washington Subdivision.

As the Booker T. Washington Community continued to grow so did the church and school.  According to Pasco County school board records dated August 6th 1929, among colored teachers to be assigned to teach for the school year was listed Cherry [Carry] Robert who was assigned to school no. 36.  This assignment was for the 1929-30 school year.  On February 3, 1930 school board minuted reported that Carrie Roberts salary for the school year was $55.00.  The 1928-29 pupil lists show that M. Stewart had been assigned to teach at school no. 36 prior to Carry Roberts.  Pupil list for 1928-29, below, also show that there 18 students in attendance for that school year.  Pupil list not only listed student names and ages but they also listed the parents names.  Most of the students enrolled for the 1928-29 school year were enrolled on October 22, 1928.



On October 23rd 1929 the Booker T. Washington Colored School held a literary program at the school house, which was open to the community.  The typical method of advertising this program was used and the announcement was published in the New Port Richey Press on October 18th 1929, "Colored School to Have Program Next Wednesday-- There will be a literary program Wednesday night, October 23, at 8 o'clock at the New Port Richey colored public school for the purpose of raising fund to extend the school term.  We take this method of inviting the public, both white and colored to be present and assist us.  We are attempting to educated the colored youths and thus make better citizens of them.  Full length school terms will do most to accomplish this, so please come and bring your friends.  Carrie L. Roberts, Teacher; Columbus Fulwood, Supervisor."  It is apparent that by 1929 the Booker T. Washington colored school had become a "public" school, being supported by the School Board.  It is also apparent that Columbus Fulwood, former pastor of the church and current deacon, had become the supervisor of the Booker T. Washington School.

On October 25th 1929 the New Port Richey Press published the announcement of special services to be held at the Booker T. Washington Missionary Baptist Church.  "Colored Church Folks To Have Services At Pine Hill Sunday P.M.--  The colored folks are to have an interesting program of sermon and song at their church near Pine Hill cemetery next Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  The well known Negro quartet from Clearwater will be present and sing all the old time spirituals.  Rev. McBride will deliver the address.  The white folks are especially invited, according to Deacon George Mitchell."  

Over the next several years the community continued to hold fund raising programs to expand the small community school house.  On February 2nd 1934 the New Port Richey Press published yet another invitation to a program to be given by the Booker T. Washington School.  "Humorous Drama to Be Given by Negroes-- A humorous drama "The Pilgrims Journey, or Heaven Bound" will be presented by a cast of amateur players of the Negro school and community at the Graveyard or Cemetery church Sunday, February 11th at 3:30 p.m.  The play is being directed by Levy Gregg, principal of the school, and he states that no detail will be left undone.  "The Devil's Quartette" is a unique feature of the play, and they will give a group of unusual selections.  Three anthems will also be sung, with one requested number, "Just a Tiny Ray of Sunshine".  The Rev. Hottentot Plushbottom will preach himself happy and the cast promises an unique afternoon of entertainment.  White folks are cordially invited."  

In December of 1937 the true location of the first Booker T. Washington School is finally revealed.  It was December 17, 1937 that the school held a Christmas program that was again advertised in the New Port Richey Press.  "Colored School To Give Christmas Program-- Booker T. Washington School to give Christmas program Monday night, Dec. 20th, at 8:15 P.M.  The general program of entertainment promises to be most interesting.  And all are invited to attend.  The school house is located one block east of the Pine Hill cemetery.  Seats have been reserved for white patrons.  Tentative programs is outlined as follows:  Opening song, Jingle Bells.  Scripture reading, Twenty Third Psalm, by Professor Ira V. Green.  Singing of Christmas Carols.  There will be a number of recitations.  Also the following playlets: 'Who Took the Turkey'.  'Supposing You Could Be a Tree."  The article reveals the first physical location of the Booker T. Washington School house.  In 1936 a Department of Transportation map, left, confirms this location of the Booker T. Washington School.  The shaded area on the left side of the map represents the city limits of Port Richey.  In the center, just outside the city limits, is a small box with a cross, which represents the Pine Hill Cemetery.  To the right of the cemetery mark is a small shaded box with a flag on the top, this symbol represents an active school.  While these maps do not name any schools, this school is likely the first Booker T. Washington School located one block east of the Pine Hill Cemetery.  It is believed that the Booker T. Washington Missionary Baptist Church was where the community children were taught, meaning that the map may represent both the location of the school and the church.

As the community continued to grow so did the need for education.  By 1944 the school board saw the need to expand the Booker T. Washington School to better service the growing community.  On August 25th 1944 the New Port Richey Press reported, "New School For Colored People-- The Pasco County board of instruction has purchased a one and one-half acre of plot of land, located on Hwy 19, north of Port Richey, from Dave Griffin.  A new school for the colored children of the Booker T. Washington section will be erected on the property, work to begin immediately.  It will be made of concrete blocks."  The property that the school board had purchased was located at the northeast corner of U.S. 19 and Ridge Road, however these roads were both dirt lanes through the woods.

On April 25th 1945 the New Port Richey Press reported, "Work Starts Soon On New School For Colored-- Work on the new Booker T. Washington colored school will commence next week, according to R.D. Stevenson, member of the county school board for the Pasco west coast district No. 32.  The structure will be 20X40, cement block and wood construction with facilities designed for efficiency and comfort for the colored folk of this section.  It will be located about a half mile north of Port Richey close to the main highway.  Wm. Cutting is in charge of the work which will commence next week."

The following month construction had moved rapidly as the finishing touches were being put on construction.  According to a New Port Richey Press article, by Mrs. W.E. Randall, published on March 9th 1945, "The new building for the colored people is a fine looking building, as it is being finished along the highway just beyond town.  Of cement block construction, it will also be extremely economical in upkeep.  The school board is to be commended on giving our colored folks such a nice place for their children."  

Nearly 7 months after the purchase of the new property the new Booker T. Washington School finally opened.  On April 21st 1945 the new Booker T. Washington School was dedicated.  The event was attended by many residents, including the white residents of Port Richey.  The large event, like most, was published April 20th in the New Port Richey Press as follows, "Dedication Of Colored School Is Tomorrow-- Interesting Program is Outlined and Public is Invited to Attend.  Barbecue at Noon- Dedication of the Booker T. Washington Colored school will be held Saturday, April 21 (tomorrow) with appropriate ceremonies starting at 8:30 p.m. and preceded by a barbecue dinner served at the school between 12 and 1, noon.  The school, recently completed, is located just north of the city on highway 19.  Program for the day is announced as follows: