Tenney-Lapham in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence

c. 1850; moved 1901, 1912

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 6, 2012

1. Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence Marker

Inscription. These vernacular buildings are significant for their association with, and are among the last vestiges of, Madison's first African-American community. Both were moved to the site by African-American civic leader, John Turner. The two-story, gable-front building was moved in 1901 to provide a meeting place for the Douglass Beneficial Society and later adapted for use as a grocery by Rev. C. Thomas. The 1 ½ story house was moved in 1912 as the parsonage for the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1917 both were sold to John W. Hill who continued to operate the grocery store until c. 1980.

Designated July 16, 1991

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 96.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1991.

Location. 43° 4.868′ N, 89° 22.736′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Tenney-Lapham. Marker is at the intersection of East Dayton Street and North Blount Street on East Dayton Street. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 649 East Dayton Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Here was Madison’s first African-American neighborhood (here, next to this marker); Miller House (a few steps from this marker); Badger State Shoe Factory (within shouting distance of this marker); City Horse Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); City Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Anna and Cornelius Collins Residence (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Irene and Robert Connor Residence (about 800 feet away); Collins House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 6, 2012

2. Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence Marker

The marker is on the ground to the left of the steps.

John Hill in front of his grocery store image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

3. John Hill in front of his grocery store

This photo is on the nearby "Here was Madison's first African-American neighborhood" marker.

Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

4. Thomas / Hill Grocery and Residence

The Thomas / Hill house is just behind the nearby "Here was Madison's first African-American neighborhood" marker in the foreground, with the former Hill's Grocery building attached on the right. The Miller house, with its own marker, is just beyond the former Hill's Grocery building.

Hill's Grocery Store Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

5. Hill's Grocery Store Building

Hill's Grocery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

6. Hill's Grocery

The windows to the right of the front door of the former Hill's Grocery building still bear the name as seen in photo no. 3 above.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 634 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.