Columbia in Boone County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
African-American Heritage Trail
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
1. Trubie's Market / Dr. Leroy McAllister Marker
Trubie's Market, 115 N. Garth, was owned by Trubie (Edwards) Smith from the early 1940s to the mid-1960s. it was one of few neighborhood markets serving blacks and one of the few women-owned businesses in the city then. "Ms. Trubie," who was white, knew everyone by name, including the children. When kids went to the store for treats, parents would call ahead and tell Ms. Trubie how much each could spend. She then advised each child accordingly. Dr. Leroy McAllister (1894-1973) was Columbia's only black dentist, serving people of all races from his home office at 200 N. Garth, which stands today. A graduate of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, Dr. McAllister practiced from the 1930s to the 1960s. Considered a Renaissance man, he was strict about dental hygiene and opened his office at any hour to care for ailing patients. Born in Sedalia, he served overseas in WWI as a Corporal in the U.S. Army.
Erected 2019 by Sharp End Heritage Committee, Economic Development Inc., City of Columbia; sign courtesy of Hawthorn Bank.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 38° 57.244′ N, 92° 20.33′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County. It is at the intersection of North Garth Avenue and East Ash Street, on the right when traveling north on North Garth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 N Garth Ave, Columbia MO 65203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Little Dixie and in the Missouri River Corridor. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: African American Heritage Trail
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
2. Trubie's Market / Dr. Leroy McAllister Marker
Regarding African-American Heritage Trail. According to a 1973 Missouri death certificate, the physician's full name was Lee Roy McAllister, who practiced professionally as Dr. L. R. McAllister.
Also see . . . African-American Heritage Trail complete, ready to teach. Columbia Missourian website entry (Submitted on April 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 178 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
