George T. Downing
b. New York City, NY, December 30, 1819
d. Newport, RI, July 21, 1903
Prominent Newport citizen, African American entrepreneur, engaged in hospitality sector - restaurant and hotel business. Arrives Newport in the mid 1840's.
Owner of Sea-Girt House or hotel which fronts Bellevue Avenue. The building (five stories) has large stores on first floor and accommodations upstairs. The complex includes the Downing residence and restaurant. Amenities include dinners and game suppers in private parlors and accommodations for gentlemen boarders and families.
Operates confectionery and catering business; supplies the cottages - services include the providing of music.
Arson fire destroys original block on December 15,1860. Rebuilt - various physical changes have been made since Downing ownership. The block that bears his name still exists. Located on Bellevue, bordered by Liberty and Downing Streets.
One of 26 men and women who donate monies for the purchase of land to be known as Touro Park (1865). Downing name is inscribed on stone marker at park.
Member of the committee responsible for the Bellevue Avenue extension to Bailey's Beach.
Uses his influence towards the desegregation of Newport schools (1865); member of the equal rights movement in Rhode Island.
Dies at home, funeral held at Emmanuel Church, located on Dearborn Street.
Ardent advocate of the Negro's cause; works for the advancement of this race, and member of anti-slavery societies.
Learns restaurant business from his father - a proprietor of NYC restaurant and oyster house which is frequented by prominent people from all walks of life.
Makes important contacts through this establishment. Influenced by leaders of freedom movements who frequent this business; Downing joins anti-slavery movement at a very early age.
After the Civil War, Downing realizes increased exposure as advocate of equal rights and is sent to Washington, DC to protect interests of fellow Negroes during reconstruction.
The most prestigious Downing enterprise: in charge of the cafe/dining room of U.S. House of Representatives at the Capitol. This grants Downing the opportunity to influence and lobby policy-makers. Operates this concession for over a decade.
He married Serena Leanora de Grasse, November 24,1841, the daughter of George de Grasse - (considered to be the protègè of Aaron Burr).
Operates confectionery and catering business; supplies the cottages - services include the providing of music.
Arson fire destroys original block on December 15,1860. Rebuilt - various physical changes have been made since Downing ownership. The block that bears his name still exists. Located on Bellevue, bordered by Liberty and Downing Streets.
One of 26 men and women who donate monies for the purchase of land to be known as Touro Park (1865). Downing name is inscribed on stone marker at park.
Member of the committee responsible for the Bellevue Avenue extension to Bailey's Beach.
Uses his influence towards the desegregation of Newport schools (1865); member of the equal rights movement in Rhode Island.
Dies at home, funeral held at Emmanuel Church, located on Dearborn Street.
Ardent advocate of the Negro's cause; works for the advancement of this race, and member of anti-slavery societies.
Learns restaurant business from his father - a proprietor of NYC restaurant and oyster house which is frequented by prominent people from all walks of life.
Makes important contacts through this establishment. Influenced by leaders of freedom movements who frequent this business; Downing joins anti-slavery movement at a very early age.
After the Civil War, Downing realizes increased exposure as advocate of equal rights and is sent to Washington, DC to protect interests of fellow Negroes during reconstruction.
The most prestigious Downing enterprise: in charge of the cafe/dining room of U.S. House of Representatives at the Capitol. This grants Downing the opportunity to influence and lobby policy-makers. Operates this concession for over a decade.
He married Serena Leanora de Grasse, November 24,1841, the daughter of George de Grasse - (considered to be the protègè of Aaron Burr).
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