Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Ebony Guest House
Photographed By Dave W, May 21, 2023
1. Ebony Guest House Marker, Side One
In 1949, Ebony Guest House, a prominent local tourist home for African Americans, opened at this site. It was owned and operated by Mary C. Holmes (1900-1981), a native of Williamsburg Co. who moved to Florence in the 1920s. She lived next door with her family, who helped maintain the Guest House. Her husband, Norman A. Holmes (c.1890-1969), was a minister and carpenter who oversaw construction of the two concrete-block buildings where guests stayed.
Ebony Guest House was listed in The Negro Traveler’s Green Book for a number of years and was a valuable resource at a time when white-owned establishments typically barred African Americans. It initially catered to traveling ministers but soon served a variety of guests, including national entertainers performing at nearby venues. Ebony Guest House closed in the 1970s. Holmes family descendants later converted the buildings into apartments.
Erected 2022 by Francis Marion University and the City of Florence. (Marker Number 21-56.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 34° 12.425′ N, 79° 45.646′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frank Mandeville Rogers Jr. / Floreence Tobacco Warehouse Company (approx. half a mile away); Historic Downtown African American Business District (approx. half a mile away); Trinity Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Civil Rights Sit-Ins (approx. ¾ mile away); The Original Site of The Wayside Hospital (approx. ¾ mile away); Skirmish March 5, 1865 West of Gamble's Hotel (approx. 0.8 miles away); McLeod Medical Center (approx. 0.9 miles away); William H. Johnson Birthplace (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Photographed By Dave W, May 21, 2023
2. Ebony Guest House Marker, Side Two
Photographed By Dave W, May 21, 2023
3. Ebony Guest House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
