Dreamers and Innovators

Dreamers and Innovators. Macomb Street. , Another business strip occupied the 600 block of Macomb Street. Businesses on this part of the street included Bill the Tailor, where men went to get the perfect fit; Sullivan Groceries, where Red Delicious apples were pilfered by school children; buildings that housed furniture stores with names that changed through the years; and Joseph Franklin's Modern Cleaners. , Bill the Tailor and his staff were expert craftsmen. In addition to making complete, personally styled, and fitted garments, they altered old suits, repaired split seams, replaced zippers, and maintained an assortment of buttons to match even the most unique or rare ones. , Sullivan's Grocery Store was owned and operated by a White family that included a father, mother, daughter, and an assortment of other relatives. Most of the non-family employees were African Americans from the neighborhood, who stocked the shelves and cleaned. These workers included Lincoln High School students Roscoe Williams and Max Stokes. Others were adults who were trained as butchers; they were encouraged never to throw a scrap of meat away, even when it began to "ripen." , Joseph Franklin's Modern Cleaners was separated from the preceding businesses in the block by the respectable residence of Mr. Franklin. , Alonzo Bragg and his family and Joe Franklin also owned houses on the block near the retail stores. Alonzo Bragg was a bellman at the Cherokee Hotel, and his wife Osceola was a homemaker. The couple's descendants included Doris Bragg Gilliam (daughter), Darryl Gilliam Scott (granddaughter), and Darci Washington and Darnica McLaurin (great-grandchildren). , Joe Franklin was active in many aspects of Tallahassee society. Perhaps what he loved most was the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, where he was a member and officer for decades before it united with Anderson Chapel AME Church. Mr. Franklin had been romantically linked with many women, but remained a bachelor. His house was meticulously maintained by his sister, Hazel Courtney., Special Thank You , to the Soul Voices , Frenchtown Marker contributors: , Mrs. Althemese Barnes , Mrs. Annie Harris , Dr. Aron Myers , Mrs. Anthon "Ann" Roberts