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The Gainsboro History Project

Social Life in Gainsboro

Gainsboro offered residents a rich and varied social life that allowed Roanoke’s African American community a chance to share their common interests.

Civic & Social Organizations

Dozens of clubs and other civic organizations were formed and joined by residents of Gainsboro and Northeast Roanoke. Many nationally recognized service organizations, fraternities, and sororities were chartered by members of the community.

Some of the outstanding civic organizations and social clubs that have enriched the lives of Roanoke’s African American community include:

  • Beta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
  • Altruist Club
  • Big Lick Garden Club
  • Continental Society, Inc.
  • Freemasons
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
  • Girl Friends Inc.
  • Ideal Garden Club
  • Jessie Fauset Reading Club
  • Knights of Pythias
  • Ladies United Aid Society
  • Links, Inc.
  • Odd Fellows
  • Omnia Bona
  • Order of the Eastern Star
  • Pinochle Bugs
Photo of members of the Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star outside of the Freemason’s Prince Hall. Courtesy of Roanoke Public Libraries

Civic Organizations

Churches

Churches were an important center for life in Gainsboro. Under the leadership of distinguished reverends, Gainsboro’s churches became well-known institutions within the Roanoke Valley. Congregations used their churches as places to gather and worship together as a community of neighbors. Many church leaders were active in civil rights and social reform.

Photo of members of The Order of the Eastern Star
Parishioners at First Baptist Church Gainsboro. Courtesy of Roanoke Public Libraries

Churches in Gainsboro

Recreation

During the time of segregation, Roanoke’s African American community had access to several recreational facilities. Dreamland was a social hub for adults and children alike, where many families spent the day at the business, located in Washington Park, swimming, dancing, and enjoying themselves. In addition, the William A. Hunton YMCA offered both recreational facilities and various social functions. Washington Park also provided large open spaces for recreation, playgrounds, and various athletics fields.

Photo of a busy day in Washington Park
Washington Park. Courtesy of Roanoke Public Libraries

See Also

  1. Civic Organizations
  2. Churches in Gainsboro
  3. William A. Hunton Branch YMCA
  4. First Baptist Church
  5. Rev. A. L. James
  6. Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
  7. Rev. L. L. Downing
  8. Hill Street Baptist Church
  9. Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church
  10. High Street Baptist Church
  11. St. Gerard Catholic Church
  12. Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church
  13. Loudon Avenue Christian Church
  14. Sweet Union Baptist Church
  15. Rev. Edward T. Burton
  16. Mount Zion AME Church
  17. Dreamland Recreation Center

Sources

Garden Clubs. (n.d.) [Vertical File]. Gainsboro Branch Library, Roanoke, VA, United States.

Shareef, R. (1996). The Roanoke Valley’s African American Heritage: a pictorial history. Donning Company Publishers.

Washington Park. (n.d.) [Vertical File]. Gainsboro Branch Library, Roanoke, VA, United States