Gainsboro in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Hunton Life Saving And First Aid Crew
Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 7, 2021
1. Hunton Life Saving And First Aid Crew Marker
Inscription.
Hunton Life Saving And First Aid Crew. . Alexander A. Terrell organized the Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew in Dec. 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The crew, reputed to have been the first all-black volunteer rescue squad in the United States, was originally headquartered here in the William A. Hunton branch YMCA. On call 24 hours a day, members responded to medical emergencies using their own vehicles before they acquired an ambulance. The crew also provided safety and first-aid training in the community. In March 1956, the Women's Auxiliary of Hunton Life Saving was organized. The crew moved to new headquarters several blocks northwest of here in 1964 and suspended operations in July 1987.
Alexander A. Terrell organized the Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew in Dec. 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The crew, reputed to have been the first all-black volunteer rescue squad in the United States, was originally headquartered here in the William A. Hunton branch YMCA. On call 24 hours a day, members responded to medical emergencies using their own vehicles before they acquired an ambulance. The crew also provided safety and first-aid training in the community. In March 1956, the Women's Auxiliary of Hunton Life Saving was organized. The crew moved to new headquarters several blocks northwest of here in 1964 and suspended operations in July 1987.
Erected 2019 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-83.)
Location. 37° 16.519′ N, 79° 56.51′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Gainsboro. Marker is on Wells Avenue NW east of Henry Street NW, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
