Historic Stumptown Community

Historic Stumptown Community. . Canton's Historic Stumptown neighborhood established itself as a tight-knit community and safe haven for Canton's Black residents throughout the early 20th century and remained as such into the 1980s. Named for the tree stumps left underneath house foundations when the area was developed, Stumptown is one of the oldest predominantly Black neighborhoods in Cherokee County., The historic community consisted of Crisler Street, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, and the side streets of Burge (formerly Chamblee), Roy, Teasley, and Jefferson Circle. By the 1960s, Stumptown was a self-sufficient community in its own right, boasting several successful businesses including a barber shop and a beauty parlor, a grocery store, and a funeral home, among others. St. Paul AME and Zion Baptist churches provided opportunities for fellowship and worship, while two popular restaurants, Thompson Cafe (owned by Doc and Ada Thompson) and the Swingtime Cafe, served as social centers for Stumptown residents; the latter of which hosted live music and dancing on Saturday nights., Before integration, Stumptown was home to Canton Jr. High, an elementary school for grades one through seven, run by Professor J.A. Burge and his wife, Marie Burge. After attending the elementary school, students were bussed to the Cherokee County Training School (later renamed Ralph J. Bunche High School) in the nearby Black community of Pearidge. In the mid-1960s, Stumptown residents played a crucial role in the integration of Cherokee County. The Durham children were among the first Black children to attend previously all-white schools, with Cynthia Durham transferring from Ralph Bunche High School to Cherokee High School, and her younger siblings Chuck and Shirley, transferring to Canton Elementary School. Another Stumptown resident, Mary Tanner Young, integrated the school system's staff when she accepted a job as an elementary school teacher at Canton Elementary School. Stumptown's youth also had a role in integrating the Pinecrest Restaurant when they staged a successful sit-in., As the 1980s came and went, the identity of Stumptown transformed, reflecting a new and growing Canton. Over time Stumptown's small businesses closed as families moved to pursue new opportunities and larger stores became more convenient and readily available. Though not as tight knit as in its heyday, family and community care has remained the heartbeat of Stumptown. The now blended community has welcomed new families, while descendants of the historic neighborhood still call Stumptown home., (captions) , (left) Ozela Woods and the Paving in Stumptown, 1949 In the 1930s, Stumptown residents petitioned Mayor Grady Coker to provide the neighborhood with water and streetlights. in 1949, a part of a larger beautification project, the City of Canton paved many downtown roads including Stumptown's Crisler Street., (top right) Canton Jr. High, ca. 1950s Burge Park is named for Professor J.A. Burge (row 3 on the right, standing in suit), and his wife Marie (row 4, 3rd from left). Together they ran Stumptown's elementary school, and became known in the community for the individual care and attention they gave each student., (bottom right) The Jennings Girls Standing in Front of 331 Teasley Street Stumptown residents recall many community events including Friday fish fries, game nights, cake walks, and an annual May Day celebration.