Montgomery, Ala., Jan, 16.
Victor H. Tulane, a leader of his Race here for many years, died at his home, 430 S. Union St., at the age of 57. His rise to affluence, through his own industry and native shrewdness, was little short of remarkable. Prior to his death he owned a mercantile business and operated a real estate agency of considerable scope.
Tulane first came to Montgomery when he was 15 years, old having walked here from Wetumpka, where he was born. His first job was porter in a saloon, but later he opened a store at the corner of High and Ripley Sts. which he operated for about thirty years. He later rented his store and entered the real estate business, and before his death had accumulated a comfortable estate.
For many years Tulane served on the board of trustees of the Tuskegee Institute. He was also chairman of the board of trustees of the Hale infirmary. He was widely known for his generosity and willingness to serve in charitable movement. He was actively connected with the community chest and was one of the first to donate toward the Y.M.C.A. building for white (sic.) persons.
Surviving are his widow, Willie L. Tulane of Montgomery, and his daughter, Naomie Tulane Vincent, New York city. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Loveless Undertaking company.
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Transcribed from The Chicago Defender Jan 17, 1931 via ProQuest Historical Newspapers online database.
More about this branch of the family to come. Victor’s wife, Willie Lee Allen Tulane, was one of Eliza’s daughters.
I'm not sure about native shrewdness bit……but a great testament none the less.
What A Powerful Man.
I don't think it was meant in a racist way especially since the Chicago Defender was an African American newspaper. Just took it to mean he was intelligent and naturally shrewd. Not as in he was a shrewd native.
Nice site, great photos, thanks for sharing!
What a good man he was, and he passed away so young! And so many accomplishments.
Amazing. I have been working on a documentary film about Bill Traylor, a former slave who began drawing at the age of 80 while living on the streets of Montgomery in the 1930s and 40s. (http://www.billtraylorchasingghosts.com). Little is known about Traylor, but it is our contention that his work was influenced and inspired by the vibrant African-American community that owes so much to Victor Tulane and the Alabama State Negro Business League over which he presided. I am hoping that you and your readers might have photographs, home movies and reminiscences of black Montgomery between 1900-1945 that you might be willing to share. Very little has been written about black Montgomery before the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s time that this world finally gets the recognition it deserves. Thank you so much, Fred Barron
Very touched by the history of Victor Tulane. I am spending time at 800 High Street as it is being restored. Just being inside gives me a feeling of a such a rich history. Like layers of an onion being peeled open. Reading about the dentist hidden under the floor made me immediately search to see if the basement was the hiding place. I feel honored just to be in the same environment as such a wonderful family. If only these walls could talk.. Would love to know more family history. We want to building to be preserved as close to the original as possible.
Was the basement a hiding place? I don’t know if there are photographs of the inside of the building but I am in touch with his granddaughter and will ask her. I would love to see the inside of the building if I get to Montgomery.