Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Chew C. Sawyer

1918-1973

Photographed by Steve Masler, July 28, 2015

1. Chew C. Sawyer Marker

Inscription. Chew C. Sawyer was a mid-twentieth century African-American entrepreneur. He founded Sawyer Realty Company, which later became Cornette Realty; Arnette Construction Company; Future Insurance Agency; and Sawyer Rental Agency. In 1956, Sawyer founded and was the first president of Mutual Federal Savings and Loan, the first African-American savings and loan in Memphis. Sawyer built and financed many homes, including his home on the historic Parkway system.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 145.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1956.

Location. 35° 6.561′ N, 90° 0.907′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is at the intersection of South Parkway East and Pillow Street, in the median on South Parkway East. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Zion Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Moss ~ Calvin McDowell ~ William Henry Stewart (about 300 feet away, measured in a

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direct line); G. P. Hamilton (approx. ¼ mile away); Calvary Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tennessee Williams’ First Play (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Memphis 13/Rozelle Elementary School (approx. 0.7 miles away); Stax Recording Studios (approx. one mile away); Marion Scudder Griffin (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . . Current view of property on the site of the South Parkway home of Chew Sawyer. Rotate this image and you can see the historical marker. (Submitted on July 29, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Steve Masler, July 28, 2015

2. Chew C. Sawyer Marker

Chew C. Sawyer Marker on the median on South Parkway East image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Masler, July 28, 2015

3. Chew C. Sawyer Marker on the median on South Parkway East

Looking north-west

Photographed by Steve Masler, July 28, 2015

4. Chew C. Sawyer Marker on the median on South Parkway East

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 29, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.