đź“— Looking into who wrote the Green Book...
Somehow the topic of the Green Book came upon my feed again and it hit me that I had no idea where it came from. To the search engine (startpage.com)!
Incase you don't know about the Green Book, its a segregation era travel guide for black folk in the US (although there were international versions of the book) from 1936–1966.
From the 1949 edition of the book itself.
With the introduction of this travel guide in 1936, it has been our idea to give the Negro traveler information that will keep him from running into difficulties, embarrassments and to make his trips more enjoyable.
Back to who wrote the Green Book, Victor Hugo Green and his wife, Alma S. Duke. However not alone as there were informants and a team to help develop the book. Unfortunately there is little documentation in this regard and on the couple themselves. Although Victoria Van Orden MartĂnez did incredible research on her blog, I hope you check it out.
From the 1949 Edition, also referring to the first publisher of this edition, Gibraltar Printing and Publishing Co.
The Jewish press has long published information about places that are restricted...
When you are traveling please mention the Green Book, in order that they might know how you found their place of business, as they can see that you are strangers. If they haven't heard about this guide, ask them to get in touch with us so that we might list their place.
From Green Book restaurants by Jan Whitaker
Most of the restaurants seem to be in Black sections of towns, or are Chinese. Their numbers seem to have been dependent on Victor Green’s informants, who were said to be mail carriers like himself.
There Was a Documentary in the Works...
I found this really cool interview with Calvin Alexander Ramsey Sr by Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson. There's pictures of of the couple, the book and its to highlight a documentary that hasn't seemed to pan out. A shame.
I'm eyeing this play by Calvin Alexander Ramsey Sr about the Green Book. but don't know if I can justify getting it but I'm tempted.
Other Books Lost to Time
From the 1949 edition of the book itself.
But during these long years of discrimination, before 1936 other guides have been published for the Negro, some are still published, but the majority have gone out of business for various reasons.
Extra:
- Green Book International 1949 PDF from Henry Ford
- NYPL Digital Collections - Various Green Book Digital Copies
