The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1905 Great changes are being made in the African quarter. "Hickman's Row" which for years has been the shelter and home of numerous members of the colored population is undergoing changes which will place it beyond recognition. The east half of it has been torn away and the balance of the ancient pile moved onto new foundations. It is said a new tenement house is to be erected on the ground where the old one stood. Here is where Sambo enjoyed the comforts of home and Aunt Dinah prepared the corn cake according to the most approved Kentucky methods and the picaninnies grew and waxed strong. Often in the gloaming when the atmosphere was sultry from the sun's effect ebony groups gathered on the front lawns to catch a breath from the evening zephyrs and recount the experiences of the day while the youths played tag or else climbed the lightning rods into higher altitudes and lovers found out their souls in bliss. Sometimes song invaded the stilly night; "We is down in de valley Whar de co'n an' cotton grow -- We's a mighty happy set o'niggers A'liben in de Hickman Row -- Dar am glory in de mawnin An' dar's dreamin' all de night -- Sing glory hallelujah, bress my soul, Dis wo'l am growin' bright." And so it is. The palaces of the rich offer no more of contentment than the simple life of the colored gentry as it swarmed in and out of the Row and the recent alterations are illustrative of the Old and the New South. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert September 12, 2004 [email protected] *This is an ignorant white man's point of view!! Does anyone know where 'Hickman's Row' was located?? Would like to know more about it.