Hall Recorded History of Black Community

Nathaniel Hall was born in Brevard to D.C. and Etta Gash Hall on January 17, 1916. Hall was educated at Rosenwald School. He moved to Washington D.C. where he earned both a B.S. and M.A. in education. Hall taught social studies in the public school system for many years.

Nathaniel Hall, pictured here with his sister Selena Robinson, received the
Transylvania County Historical Society's 2004 Preservation Award for his
account of community heritage and other writings.

When the Transylvania County began preparing for its Centennial celebration Mary Jane McCrary asked Hall to write a history of the African American people of the county. Written in 1961, Nathaniel Hall’s book “The Colored People of Transylvania County” remains an excellent sources for the years of 1861-1961. Because of the lack of written records much of the information comes from personal interviews conducted by the author. Written material used included letters, newspaper articles and tax records.

Hall provides information on schools, churches and cemeteries. He also covers social and community life, ranging from secret societies like the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows established in 1898 to the community center conceived by Mary B. Kilgore in the early 1940s. Baseball teams, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, bands, a library, a nursery and kindergarten, a swimming pool all played important roles in creating the community as well.

Throughout the early and mid-1900s African-American businesses in the Carver St. and Mills Avenue area included a barber shop, beauty shop, boarding houses, cafés, grocery stores and a taxi stand. In addition to the importance of place Hall covers the people of the community, including teachers, preachers and businessmen and women, as well as those active in the military and politics. He also talks about the relationship between the black and white communities through the years.

In 1960 the Transylvania Citizen’s Improvement Organization (TCIO) was organized to improve and promote educational, political, economic and civic opportunities for African Americans in Brevard and Transylvania County.  Their first goal was integration of the school system. In 2000 the group published “Reflections: TCIO Celebrates 40 Years of Community Service” highlighting community achievements and featuring numerous photographs.

In 2003 Hall published a biography on the life of his sister, Selena Robinson.  The book begins with the story of the Hall family growing up in the Rosenwald community in the early 1900s.  It continues with Selena’s adult life—her marriage, family and role in the community.  Selena was active in church, readily offered help to all and became a community leader.

These books are available at the Transylvania County Library, although “The Colored People of Transylvania County” is only available in the North Carolina Reference collection.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.