Introduction
Charlotta Pyles
The Trowbridge House
Asa Turner and the "Illinois Band"
African American Churches
Schools
Building Coffer Dam
Most Common Occupations
Civil Conservation Corps
Farming
Most Common Businesses
African American Doctors
Social Activities
Sports
NAACP

 

 

African Americans in Lee County enjoyed playing sports but frequently found it difficult to do so due to the local segregation practices there. Local high school teams were integrated by 1900. However, prior to World War II, it was difficult to African American athletes to continue playing their favorite sport after high school as many professional and semi-professional sports teams and many amateur leagues were segregated as were many town teams. This changed fairly rapidly after World War II and by the mid-1960’s professional, semi-professional, and amateur teams and leagues were integrated


(top left) African American amateur teams were being organized in Keokuk during the late 19th century.

Unidentified Keokuk team, circa 1890’s ~Courtesy Shane Etter


(bottom left) While African Americans might be segregated in other parts of their lives, school teams in Fort Madison and Keokuk were integrated by the 1900’s.

Photo of 1916 Fort Madison football team ~Courtesy of Lois Eichacker


(top right) From the 1930’s to the 1960’s, baseball teams in Keokuk were segregated. Several African American teams such as the Stanton Oilers and the Keokuk All Stars played in Keokuk with much success.

Photo of All Stars circa late 1930’s or early 1940’s, top row L to R Art Weldon, Cliff Ashby, Eddy Robinson middle rowL John Robinson, Mr. Clark, Duke Robinson, Joe Coleman, Rothwell, front row: Otis Morris & Albert Clark (bottom) ~Courtesy of Shane Etter


(bottom right) Louis Dade was born in Missouri in1908 and came to Fort Madison in 1926. He was soon employed as a chauffeur to O.B. Sheaffer. Dade became quite interested in golf in the 1930’s and would sneak onto the Fort Madison golf course before dawn to play before he went to work. Since only Fort Madison County Club members were allowed to play on the Fort Madison course and African Americans were not able to join the County Club. In 1939, he became the first African American to win the Iowa Amateur Golf title.

Photo of Louis Dade, circa 1930 ~Collection of AAHMCCI – Gift of Louis Dade