HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) – The Washington Street Historical Preservation Society passed a major milestone in cementing the street’s place in history.
“As a child I can remember walking up and down Washington Street, playing on Washington Street, and my mom taking us trick or treating,” said Raynetta Jackson. Jackson grew up in the area and you can see her history every place you look; from the site of the old funeral home her family ran to the mural of her great-grandfather.
She and other natives like Erik Steed Royal remember laundry mats, barbershops, sandwich counters and churches.
“Washington Street was not struggling, Washington Street was thriving,” said Jackson.
Slowly, over their lifetime, that history, community and legacy started to fade as iconic buildings like the Kilby Hotel were reduced to rubble.
“Wait a minute, this is going to be gone and generations are not going to know anything about this,” said Royal.
That’s why Jackson and Royal, along with Phyllis Bridges and other locals formed the Washington Street Historic Preservation Society in 2019.