Need Info about Baton Rouge, 1940's-1950's (Baker, Bastrop: obgyn, hotel)

[bbw57]

Just wondering if any of you might have information and/or photographs regarding African-Americans in Baton Rouge; particularly McKinley High School, old movie theaters (The Ann, The Lincoln, etc). I'm doing a documentary and need your help. I'm especially looking for relatives or friends of A. L. Chapman (he used to own The Lincoln Theater).

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

[bakerbuff]

If you are going to talk about African-Americans, you have to discuss The Leland College in Baker,Louisiana. It was a school from elementary to college for African-Americans. Former Grambling Coach, Eddie Robinson and many other local African-Americans graduated from The Leland College.

[kaufman12]

Hello My name is Chris Brown , I may have the info that you may need feel free to contact me 225-200-7824

[ProteusF]

My Mother Pearlyne Mitchell nee Ross (Bastrop, LA) used to work for Dr. Chatman (affectionately called "Chat"), her uncle at the drugstore adjacent to the Lincoln Theater in Baton Rouge is return for his funding her education for Pharmacy School (Southern/Howard). FYI, some family members altered the spelling of the last name Chatman/Chapman.

I have fond memories of playing in the theater as a child and also running around the encircling veranda at Chat's big brick house nearby the theater. He ran some of his medical practice from his home. I recall my mother telling me that he opened the theatre and a hotel so that people of colour could be served, as in that day, black people were not welcome at many public establishments in the south. One of his sons - my cousin, Dr. Donald L. Chatman still lives in Chicago. Chicago OBGYNs - Dr. Donald Chatman, MD

My Mom is gone now, but one of my Aunts, Hattye M. Nicks (nee Ross) still lives in Bastrop, LA.

Gayle A. Mitchell