Deanwood in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Shopping on Sheriff
A Self-Reliant People
— Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2019
Sheltered from the overt bigotry many African Americans experienced when venturing downtown, Deanwood shoppers of the 1950s patronized Sheriff Road's mostly African American businesses, including Mouse Gordon's tailor shop, Tip Top Grocery, Deanwood Pool Hall, Fat's Barber Shop, 4501 Soda Bar and Grill, a pharmacy, printer, and bakery.
Among the businessmen was Earl E. King, Sr., who started selling ice and coal from his home near Sheriff Road and 45th Place in 1925. King and his family also delivered ice for home iceboxes. In the late 1950s, he installed the only 14-home, self service ice machine in Northeast, still visible behind 4501 Sheriff Road. He also offered limousine service.
Al and Ida Mendelson were among the Jewish proprietors who ran businesses here. In the 1940s they lived above their Certified Food Market at 4400 Sheriff, where cash-strapped customers could simply sign "the book" and settle accounts later. Their son Maury developed "big burger" patties and sandwich steaks for sale to area restaurants. The Mendelsons sold the grocery in 1948 to focus on Murry's Steaks, offering wholesale frozen meat products. In its third generation, the business continues as Murry's family of Fine Foods, retailing in Washington and the Mid-Atlantic.
Another multi-generation business began when Henry Parker opened Suburban Market and a filling station at 49th Place and Grant Street in 1944. Some 30 years later the marked moved to 4600 Sheriff Road. After Parker's death, his son Irving ran the market, while son Reginald opened a barber shop across the street. The Parkers supported neighborhood activities, including the Roper Recreation Center's baseball team.
Erected 2009 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 38° 54.171′ N, 76° 56.188′ W. Marker is in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Deanwood. Marker is at the intersection of Sheriff Road Northeast and 46th Street Northeast, on the right when traveling west on Sheriff Road Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4600 Sheriff Road Northeast, Washington DC 20019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Randall Memorial Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Macedonia Community Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shaping Strong Minds
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.