Winchester, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Taylor F. Finley
Dentist, Teacher, Recreation Center Operation
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2016
1. Dr. Taylor F. Finley Marker
Dr. Finley, whose dental office was located at 232 East Piccadilly Street from 1936 until the 1950s, was the black community's only practicing dentist beginning in 1928. He also taught science and manual training at the Douglas School. Finley was founder of the Douglas High School's Alumni Association and a member of the Daniel J. Farrar Elks Lodge. He was born in Winchester and spent his entire life here. His grandson, Donald L. Finley, Sr. was the first African-American man elected to Winchester City Council.
Dr. Finley operated the Finley Recreation Center located at 567 North Kent Street. It was a skating rink and dance hall that opened in 1940 and closed the mid-1950s. Children could roller skate during the day and adults enjoyed the popular gathering place in the evenings. Here Ray Charles, James Brown, Lloyd Price and Fats Domino played to sell-out crowds. The center was also rented for social functions, and held the first meetings of the Douglas Alumni Association.
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Dr. Taylor Floyd Finley, DDS, Courtesy of Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA
2010 View of buildings along E. Piccadilly St and N. East Lane including those demolished in 2015 as part of Gateway improvement project. Dr. Finley's office
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Science & Medicine.
Location. 39° 11.15′ N, 78° 9.642′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of North East Lane and East Piccadilly Street, on the right when traveling south on North East Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winchester VA 22601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Early Education Of Black Students In Winchester (a few steps from this marker); Third Battle of Winchester (within shouting distance of this marker); The Virginia Woolen Company and Lewis Jones Knitting Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Daniel Morgan (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Baker Lot And Virginia City Addition (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stone Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Piccadilly's Public House (about 400 feet away); Original Land Grant (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2016
2. Dr. Taylor F. Finley Marker
Courtesy of Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA.
3. Dr. Taylor Floyd Finley, DDS
4. 2010 View
2010 View of buildings along E. Piccadilly St and N. East Lane including those demolished in 2015 as part of Gateway improvement project. Dr. Finley's office and home was at 232 E. Piccadilly St. He attended school nearby at the former Douglas School. Close-up of photo on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 761 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
