Booker T. Washington Speaks at the 1st Presbyterian Church and at the Armory. May 3, 1914.

Booker T. Washington’s visit to Englewood was a major local event that brought one of the most prominent African American educators of the era directly into the civic and religious life of the town. During his stay, Washington spoke at two important Englewood venues, each representing different constituencies within the community. Washington first delivered an address at the First Presbyterian Church, where he spoke to a union meeting of white churches. Later the same day, he addressed a union gathering of Black churches at the Old Armory, which was located in Englewood’s Fourth Ward, within the predominantly African American neighborhood commonly known as Little Texas. The choice of venue underscored the importance of Black-controlled and Black-centered spaces in Englewood’s civic and religious life. At both locations, Washington emphasized education as the foundation of racial progress and social stability, frequently pointing to the work of Tuskegee Institute as a practical model for economic self-help and institutional development. The visit was organized by a local Englewood reception committee composed of leading Black residents and clergy. Contemporary accounts name the committee members as Rev. L. R. Mason, Dr. Willoughby, Rev. W. E. Griffin, G. H. Jonas, J. Campbell, and L. M. Cobb, who escorted Washington to his engagements and helped coordinate the events. Their involvement highlights the strength and organization of Englewood’s Black civic leadership during this period. Washington’s appearances drew large audiences and were widely noted within the community, reinforcing Englewood’s role as a place where national Black leaders engaged directly with local concerns. His time in Englewood also formed part of a wider New Jersey itinerary that included nearby cities such as Hackensack, reflecting the close ties among Black communities across Bergen County and the surrounding region.

“Booker T. Washington to Speak Here Tonight.” The Record (Hackensack, NJ), April 28, 1914. “Booker T. Washington at First Reformed.” The Record (Hackensack, NJ), April 28, 1914. “Noted Colored Educator Coming: Booker T. Washington to Speak in State Street Auditorium.” The Record (Hackensack, NJ), May 4, 1914. “Sheltering Arms for the Colored Orphans of Bergen County.” The Record (Hackensack, NJ), May 4, 1914. “Noted Colored Educator Coming.” The Ridgewood Herald (Ridgewood, NJ), April 23, 1914. “Dr. Booker T. Washington Coming.” The Freehold Transcript and The Monmouth Inquirer (Freehold, NJ), May 1, 1914. “Booker T. Washington to Speak Here Tonight.” Passaic Daily Herald (Passaic, NJ), May 4, 1914.

Library of Congress

January 1, 1905

May 3, 1914