Ballard-Hamilton House and Office

Ballard-Hamilton House and Office. Destination. Built 1940, 1420 7th Ave. N. , The Ballard House honors a time when thriving neighborhoods; businesses, churches, social, cultural, and civic organizations; made up a dynamic African-American community during the first half of the 20th century. One of few surviving "live-work" structures within a thriving enclave, it was constructed as a family residence and medical office by Dr. Edward H. Ballard, an African-American physician. Before leaving the community in 1949, Dr. Ballard made significant contributions to its collective well-being, locally and statewide. The property was acquired by Jessie Perkins. It served as a "hotspot" for civic meetings and social events during segregation when many places were off-limits to the Negro population. In the 1950's, the medical office became home to the practices of Dr. Dodson Curry and Dr. Herschell Hamilton. A physician from Pensacola, Dr. Hamilton was the first African-American Board Certified General Surgeon in Birmingham and practiced 43 years. He was devoted to human rights, supporting it for decades actively, strategically, and financially. Known as "Battle Surgeon," Dr. Hamilton treated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Freedom Riders beaten at the city's bus terminal, Foot Soldiers injured in 1963 "Project C" demonstrations, and 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches., "My father was known as the 'Battle Surgeon for Civil Rights.' or the 'Dog Bite Doctor.'" , Herschell Hamilton , former chairman of the board of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute., Lesson C6: Give three examples where children of the Civil Rights Movement have honored the legacy of their parents.