George Washington papers
Collection Overview
The papers contains a scrapbook of materials in the aftermath of Washington's death including telegrams, cards, funeral program, graveside and funeral photographs, and funeral receipts. There is one newsclipping from The News and Courier/The Evening Post about Hotel James.
Dates
- Creation: 1952-1989
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
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The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Biographical Note
George Washington was born on March 3, 1898 on James Island, SC. He was the son of Edward Washington of Richmond, VA and Celia Brown of Monroe, AL. He attended public schools on James Island and was a member of St. James Presbyterian Church and Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC.
In 1919, he married Georgianna Geddis and had two children Alethia and Ruth. He worked at the Western Union Telegraph Company on East Bay St. After Georgianna died, he married Hattie Powell and they had a son, Edward (Eddie).
In 1937, Washington opened The Huppe Cafe on Queen Street, he then moved it to State St. two years later. In 1949, he opened The Ashley Grille Restaurant on Spring St. In 1951, he then built Hotel James on Spring St., which opened in 1952.
Washington died on Monday, February 28, 1955. He was surived by his wife, Hattie and three children, Alethia W. Blocker of Pompano Beach, FL; Ruth W. Middleton of James Island, SC and Edward Washington of New York, NY.
Historical Note
The Hotel James or The James Hotel opened in 1952 and was located on Spring St. and Hagood Avenue. It had twenty room, a bar, two lounges, a ballroom called the Azalea Ballroom Limbo Room and was operated for over two decades by the Washington brothers (George, James, Edward, and Henry. During segregation, many Black vistors, including high profile individuals (i.e. James Brown and Hank Aaron) stayed there. The hotel closed in 1979.
Full Extent
1 linear feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
George Washington was born on March 3, 1898 on James Island, SC. Washington was a restaurateur and hotelier in Charleston, SC. In 1937, Washington opened The Huppe Cafe on Queen Street, he then moved it to State St. two years later. In 1949, he opened The Ashley Grille Restaurant on Spring St. In 1951, he then built Hotel James on Spring St., which opened in 1952.
The papers contains a scrapbook of materials in the aftermath of Washington's death including telegrams, cards, funeral program, graveside and funeral photographs, and funeral receipts. There is one newsclipping from The News and Courier/The Evening Post about Hotel James.
Collection Arrangement
The papers are arranged chronologically.
Subject
- Washington, George, 1898-1955 (Person)
- Washington, Hattie (Person)
- Hotel James (Organization)
- Title
- Inventory of George Washington papers, 1952-1989
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Aaisha Haykal
- Date
- 2026
- Description rules
- Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Repository
125 Bull Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424 United States
843-953-7608
averyresearchcenter@cofc.edu