Transcriptions of newspaper articles by Mark W Podvia and Joan McBride
On April 7, 1893, the Evening Sentinel reported that Frederick Douglass was making his first visit to Carlisle when he addressed the students at the Carlisle Indian School. His presence at the school was also subsequently reported in the school's publication, The Indian Helper, on April14, 1893 and April21, 1893. The text of his speech was later printed by the Indian School's press. Until recently it was not generally known that this was not Douglass' first visit to the area. A prior visit was reported in both the American Volunteer and the Carlisle Herald on March 7, 1872 and March 14, 1872 respectively.
This earlier visit was apparently unscheduled, based on information gleaned from the articles. However, Douglass was invited to speak at Rheem's Hall the evening of his visit to Carlisle. Although his speech did not create a stir, his experiences in the town during his stay led to controversy, as reflected in the articles in each of the papers. The full text of each of the articles follows.
Two locations mentioned in the articles may be of interest. The first, Rheem's Hall, where Douglass spoke, was located immediately behind the Old Court House. It is a parking area today. The second, the Bentz House, where Douglass stayed, was located on part of the land that is today the former Wellington Hotel on East High Street.
Both articles are presented here in the order of their publication. They provide interesting insight into racism and the role it played politically in 1870s Cumberland County. Each of the newspapers had a particular political viewpoint as will become evident as each article is read.
American Volunteer, March 7, 1872
LECTURE BY FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Very unexpectedly to our people, Frederick Douglass, the celebrated colored orator, stopped off here on Saturday, (on his return home from Chambersburg,) and in the evening he lectured in Rheem's Hall, to an attentive audience. His subject was "San Domingo," on which he discanted for a full hour and a half Having accompanied the Commission sent out by President Grant to examine the island with a view of annexing it to the United States, he spoke of the country, its people, resources, tropical fruits, etc., with a good understanding and knowledge. He is not the "great orator" that his admirers represent him to be; but yet he is an agreeable and forcible speaker, and a fair elocutionist. Of course he favors the annexation of San Domingo; all those sent out by Grant to visit this island of snakes were pledged to report in favor of annexation before they left our own shores. The speaker, it must be confessed, made several good points in advocacy of annexation as good, indeed, as could be made in behalf of a bad cause.
During his speech, he frequently diverged from his subject to refer to himself personally and the colored race of America. In one sentence he hit somebody hard. He said the Commission appointed by President Grant to visit San Domingo, was composed of distinguished and learned men. He was the only colored man in the party, but yet notwithstanding his color, he was recognized, in every respect, as an equal. He ate at the same table with the Commissioners, occupied the same stateroom in the ship's cabin, and in San Domingo they occupied the same sleeping apartments. He was treated as a gentleman, just as all were treated. "But here in Carlisle, as well as in some other towns," remarked the speaker, "I am not treated in this way; here caste is still recognized; here a man is denied certain privileges because of his color. I am not annoyed; I care little about it; am not much hurt on this account," continued Douglass. "It is only a matter of time; we (the colored men) must wait patiently, and in the course of a few years we will be fully recognized as equals everywhere. There are many colors but only one humanity."
What did the speaker refer to? Where had he been snubbed in Carlisle? Upon inquiry, we learned that he had stopped at the "Bentz House," a most excellent hotel kept by our Republican friend, Mr. Geo. Z. Bentz. Mr. Bentz very properly gave Douglass a good room in his house, but when supper was announced he just as properly informed his sable guest that he could not eat at the public table with his white boarders. Douglass, it was evident from his dejected look, had not expected this kind of treatment. The "Bentz House" has a Republican for its landlord, and nearly all if not all the boarders are also Republicans, and it was not much wonder then that Douglass felt disappointed. He said little, however, and consented to take his meals in his room by himself. With all their professions, then, we have in this circumstance positive evidence that the Radicals are just as loath to recognize negro-equality as the Democrats are. Put them to the test and they squirm like eels in the process of being skinned, when they are asked to take a seat at the same table with a negro. We don't blame them; human nature is human nature; but we desire the "colored troops who fought bravely," to note the facts here mentioned.
''All at once I was startled by the howling of members and rattling of ponderous chains ... he grasped me with Herculean strength and shook me violently, dragging me up and down the room ... the funniest appearance was their grotesque and ludicrous dresses, and all wore burlesque masks" a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows recalled of his initiation in 1832.
The National Register of Historic Places was organized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Interview of Wanda Hunter for the Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library. Hunter discusses growing up as a Black Woman in Carlisle including the history of the Carlisle School District's segregation and integration policies, and Lincoln Cemetery.