Arkansas State press., 1948-06-25
B. I. ". Birthplace
Memorial Most
Noted In Virginia

"A study of Virginia's historic
shrines indicate that no memorial
within the confines of the Old
Dominion Is credited with an i'm
pressive list of achievements such
as those accomplished by the
Booker T. Washington Birthplace
Memorial during the first two
years of its existence" according
to a statement released today by
Henry l.. Caravati, Richmond Pub
lie Relations Consultant Caravati
is assisting the officials of the
Washington Memorial in establish
ing an Industrial Training Center
for Negroes at the Booker T.
Washington birthplace in Franklin
County, Virginia.
During the past twenty-five
years. Caravati state. Il have had
abundant opportunity to observe
the progress of the many historic
shrines in Virginia. The appeal of
the Booker T. Washington Mem
orialhas a favorable acceptance in
practically every section of the
country. Prominent industrial edu-
cational. civic, and religious lead
ers, recognizing the magnificent
contribution made by Washington
to the racial problem of the
country. have responded magnifi-
GENTLY to the program of the
Booker T. Washington Birthplace
Memorial Caravati also stated
that this acceptance is very large
ly due to the splendid leadership
of S. J. Phillips, President of the
Memorial
In less than two years the Men,
orial has the following outstanding
achievements to its credit:
Cd The ZIG acre plantation on
which Booker T. Washington was
born has been purchased at cost
Of 81, 500. Three hundred adjoining
acres have been leased and an
option for purchase taken an
same.
(2) Five houses on the birthplace
grounds have been renovated and
modernized. One has been fitted
out as an administration building.
The others have been equipped as
housing and eating facilities for
personnel workers.
90 A beautiful driveway has
been laid at q cost Of $1,000.
90 Aheroic sile statue of Booker
T, Washington is being sculptured
at cost of 5000
90 A cropping system has been
laid out under the direction of a
competent farm manager. A 90
acre orchard is being planted and
20 acres of wheat are up. Enough
vegetables have been planted to
install canning factory at their
maturity and place these on the
market under the name of Book
cr Washington Memorial Brand"
90 Thorough bred livestock has
been purchased
ca Electric and sewage systems
have been installed
CD The grounds have been clear
cd and levelled for the erection of
a permanent building to house the
post office and serve as an assem-
bly, room for leaders and groups
Of workers,
90 A roadway marker has been
secured through the cooperation
of the Highway Department
u0l Ground Identification is UNI
der way.
QD A bill has been passed by
the House and is to come up be-
fore the Senate to erect $1,000,
10000 Hospital for veterans on the
grounds as a part of the memorial
to Booker T. Washington,
Q2) The United States Post Of
flee Department has established a
post office on the grounds under
the name Booker r Washington
Birthplace, Virginia More than
100000 pieces of mail have passed
through this office since February
u, A postmaster, and an assistant
postmaster have served in this
office since this time
C3) The 10th Congress authorized
the coinage of five million Booker
r Washington Memorial half-dol-
lars to be sold at a premium to
help in the work of the Memorial.