James Randall took and collected photos of Black Charleston, preserving an important piece of the city's history. His mentor was fellow photographer E.T. DuMetz. As a writer, Randall scripted a regular history feature in the WV Beacon Digest, and was the author of two local history books - The Way We Were: Garnet High School 1900-1956 and Black Past with Anna Gilmer. Randall presented KCPL with a gift of nearly 200 photos from his collection.
Image Gallery
Annex Barbershop
Annex Barbershop 404 Shrewsbury St. Owner David Scott and barber Macel Washington shown in photo, c1940s.
Gold Leaf Gilding
Arthur V Haynes of Charleston demonstrating the art and craftsmanship of gold leaf gilding on glass. Date Unknown.
Bob's Café
Bob's Café 1331b Washington St East, c1930s.
C.H. James Produce
C.H. James and his son E.L. James, Sr stand in front of their new building at Virginia St. and Park Ave. in 1916. C.H. James Produce Co began in 1883.
Knights of Pythias
Charleston Black History - Knights of Pythias Lodge Hall North West Corner of Washington and Dickenson streets, c1907.
Cooper's Park and Shop Market
Cooper's Park and Shop Market located on Rt 60W near Kanawha Terrace St. Albans, 1963-1982. Owner George W Cooper.
Harden and Harden Funeral Home
Harden and Harden Funeral Home during the 1950s. Mr. Harden died in 1946. Entered into the Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Q-Ball Inn
Q-Ball Inn, a billiards establishment owned and operated by Robert C Barnes at 1331a Washington St. East. Mr. Barnes and Charles Cunningham shown, c1932.