06/23/2026
The Green book of 1946 mentioning safe places for African Americans to stop in Hagerstown. It mentions the Harmon Hotel, which was built by Walter Harmon, one of the most well-known and wealthiest African American men living in Hagerstown in his time. Harmon’s skill and entrepreneurship in the real estate business led to his success and resulted in his building the Harmon Hotel, a bowling ally, a dance hall, and owned nearly 40 houses on Jonathan Street. Walter Harom died in his 40's, but his widow, Florence Key Harmon continued his business for the next 40 years, including the years it is listed here.
Another known Green Book location was Ship Tea Room at 329 N. Jonathan Street.
This image is from the National Archives, and was used in our documentary. We are sharing reels cut from our documentary, as well as historic photos used, and soon interview snippets from the dozens of hour-long interviews we conducted for the documentary, many hours of which were not able to make the cut into the documentary. Follow us for more!
