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Thousands of American Indians migrated to Baltimore during its “reservation” era. The Baltimore landscape is unique in the world, offering a variety of amenities and temptations simply not available in their communities of origin. It seems there is a bar on every corner, or a church… Early on, it became apparent that safe spaces were needed for American Indian people to assemble and stay connected or reconnect to their cultural heritage. Here, you will see us socializing in all of these settings.
Roland Freeman, [Lumbees on Baltimore Street], ca. 1968 – 1970. Gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 in. The Photography Collections, University of Maryland Baltimore County (P2022-02-001) (L – R) Bonnie Cummings, Tim Hunt Jr., David Hunt (all Lumbee), with permission from Roland Freeman.
Jeanette Locklear (Lumbee) (center, back) hanging out with friends Mary Anne, “Jenny Girl,” and Pam, in the 1600 block of East Baltimore Street. Jeanette and her family lived at 1628. Barre Monument Co. is still right next door at 1630. ca. 1958, courtesy of Jeanette (Locklear) Hunt.
This was a kids birthday party at West Cross Street Baptist Church, former home of the oldest congregation established by American Indians in the City of Baltimore. All of the kids are wearing their Sunday best, enjoying cake and each other's company. (L – R) James Lewis, Paula (Lewis) Locklear, Kenny Maynor, Kathy Maynor, Stanton Lewis Jr. (all Lumbee), ca. 1970, courtesy of Mary Helen Lewis.
“<span class="small-caps">headquarters</span>: The Baltimore American Indian Center, 113 S. Broadway, is the hub of cultural activities for area Indians.” Photo by Jim Davis for the News American, October 24, 1985, permission from Hearst Corporation. (L – R Johnny Lee (Lumbee), Margie “Pocahontas” Chavis (Lumbee), unidentified others.)
Photo by Jim Davis for the News American, October 24, 1985, permission from Hearst Corporation. (L – R) Dosha Jacobs, Virginia Locklear (both Lumbee).
This is an early photo of the Lumbee Indians softball team, sponsored by the American Indian Study Center. Almost all of the players were Lumbee and Coharie women from North Carolina. The coaches were Lumbee and Coharie men. This teams’ existence is an example of the assimilation of migrant American Indian families into working-class Baltimore culture. Patterson Park, ca. 1976, courtesy of Mary Helen Lewis.
Little Shirley Chavis (Lumbee) is sitting on a car outside the home of her grandmother, Dorothy Chavis (also Lumbee). Family, friends, and folks from the neighborhood would gather at Dorothy's home, no matter where she lived in East Baltimore. ca. early 1970s, courtesy of Carolyn Chavis.
Elinor Cahn, [Macho kid playing with friend in Patterson Park], 1978. Gelatin silver print, 10 x 8 in. East Baltimore Documentary Photography Project collection, The Photography Collections, University of Maryland Baltimore County (Coll_278-26-282) (L – R) Dale Cox, Tommy Britt (both Lumbee)
Cousins Brenda (Chavis) Smith and Henry Oxendine (both Lumbee) standing outside Dorothy Chavis’ home on Bank Street. ca. late 1960s, courtesy of Carolyn Chavis.
Brothers Danny Chavis and David Chavis (both Lumbee) sit on the back of a car outside their home on Bank Street. ca. late 1960s, courtesy of Carolyn Chavis.
Lisa (Chavis) Webster (Lumbee) stands outside her mother's home, on Bank Street and faces east, toward Broadway. ca. 1970s, courtesy of Carolyn Chavis.
Wm. Smitty Chavis (Lumbee) and Tina Vendetti, his neice, stand outside of Joe's Bar at Eden and Bank Streets while Smitty has a smoke break. This bar was known as a good family dinner spot and was frequented by folks of all ages. ca. 1970s, courtesy of Caroline Chavis.
Lumbee elders catch up at a Chavis family gathering in Merritt Point Park. ca. 1990s, courtesy of Carolyn Chavis.
