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Black Heritage Trail of NH Historic Marker Unveiling - William Penn Thompson

Video

[music]
>> So Concord showed up. ALL RIGHT.
>> [cheering]
>> SO GOOD EVENING EVERYONE.
IT'S A wonderful evening to be here at
White Park. And I can't forget White
Park and we're honoring a black man.
>> [laughter]
>> And I have to say if you're going to
unveil a marker
for William Penn
Bill Thompson this is where we should do
it.
Because Bill Thompson, he knew this
field.
He knew the smell of the grass.
He knew the players, the fans, the
children.
And he knew how to make an entrance.
Anybody's done any research on him?
Uh we know that Bill would um on opening
day he would show up in a white suit
top hat and cane
and lead the opening day parade right
into here into White Park.
He was a showman.
He was somebody who understood that if
you're going to step onto the field, you
might as well let people know you
arrived.
And he arrived.
And today more than 60 years after his
death Bill Thompson is making another
entrance.
Today we're once again putting Will Penn
Thomas back on Concord's landscape.
Yeah.
>> [applause]
>> Born in Virginia in 1874, Thompson came
to this town as a young man.
And here in Concord is where his story
becomes much more than just baseball.
Because he came of age at precisely
[clears throat]
the moment when American's national
pastime was deciding who would and who
would not be allowed to participate in
Black players had played alongside white
players in the early years of
professional baseball.
Then came what we call the gentleman's
agreement,
which was nothing gentleman about it.
It effectively pushed black players out
of organized professional baseball.
And William Penn Thompson was part of
that generation caught on the other side
of the color line.
Imagine possessing the talent,
the skill,
and knowing that you could compete.
And then,
imagine being told that the rules of the
game had changed.
Not because you couldn't hit.
Not because you couldn't catch.
Not because you couldn't run.
But because you were black.
This is an important part of America's
story.
But it was not the end of Bill
Thompson's story.
Because he kept playing.
He played with the Cuban Giants. He
played with the Philadelphia Colored
Giants.
He played throughout New Hampshire. And
he played here
at White Park.
There's a story that I particularly love
about him. And I actually just met two
people who were part of this story.
I'll introduce you to Rosie and Robert,
who knew Bill.
>> So, years after
>> There we go.
There we
Bill would get off the bus.
>> Talking to Mike.
>> At Essex and White Street, below the
corner of my door.
>> At Essex and White Street with a bat
over his shoulder and a bag in back
on the
hanging on the back.
He worked his way in here.
He'd find a good grassy area behind the
backstop.
He'd put his stuff down.
He'd reach in, take a swig.
Then he'd get his bat and he'd come over
and say, "You want to pitch batting
practice to me?"
I'd say, "Sure."
He liked me because
I threw strikes.
>> And he would hit line drives all the
time. It wasn't pop-ups or foul balls or
anything. Line drives.
He would have been a great hitter for my
team.
I coached and managed
Little League for 33 years.
And I had a lot of kids.
But never would ever match up to Bill
Thompson and what a he was.
He certainly was a good ballplayer
and a nice gentleman.
Thank you.
>> So, years after his professional playing
days were behind him, Bill would still
come here to the park. He would arrive
carrying his old bat and glove.
Neighbors' children would gather around.
And Bill would let them pitch to him.
Even as an old man, he could still hit
that ball.
I love that image because history books
can sometimes make people seem very
distant from us.
But I want us to imagine Bill Thompson
being here.
An older black man,
bat over his shoulders, walking across
the lawn,
children waiting for him.
Just imagine that.
Because that is history, too.
History isn't only what happens in a
government building or courtrooms.
History happens in parks and in the
ordinary everyday moment of life.
And this is why the work of the Black
Heritage Trail of New Hampshire matters.
We often say
that our work is about making black
history visible.
And I want to linger on that word,
visible, for a little bit.
Because history is not only something we
read.
History is something we see.
We drive past it.
We walk past it. Our children play
beside it.
We absorb messages every day about who
matters simply by looking at the names
on our buildings,
our streets,
our schools, our monuments, and in our
parks.
Those names tell us something.
They tell us who built what.
They tell us that these people's lives
mattered.
They tell us we should remember them.
There is another message.
When black people are absent from that
landscape, it is a message that says,
"They weren't here.
They didn't contribute.
Their stories aren't part of New
Hampshire's story.
And we know that isn't true.
For black people have been part of New
Hampshire's history from the beginning.
Even before European contact. As we have
some records of black Africans trading
with Native Americans on the soil that
belonged to Native Americans prior.
We lived here.
We worked here. We raised our families
here.
We fought for this country.
We challenged injust- injustice.
We created art.
We built businesses.
And yes,
we played baseball.
So every time we install one of these
markers, we're doing something
deceptively simple.
We are literally changing the landscape.
Our markers are little interruptors. And
now we're in 17 towns across Well, this
one makes 18 towns across the state.
>> And on Saturday, we'll have our 19th
marker.
So, Darian knows where they are all are.
Where did she go?
So, these markers interrupt what we
thought we knew.
They interrupt the stories we inherit.
And they say,
"Wait a minute.
There's more to what we've been taught.
There is more color in our landscape."
Now, baseball is a game of memory. Cuz
the fans, as I was talking with Juan,
they know every statistics. The batting
average of their players, who pitched
what game, who stole what base, who hit
the home run, who broke records.
Baseball is about Baseball tells us that
the past matters.
But for generation, baseball official
officially memory left out some of its
greatest player.
The Negro Leagues existed because
extraordinary black athletes were denied
the opportunity to compete in Major
League Baseball.
And yet,
these players did not stop playing. They
built their own leagues. They built an
audience. They built a tradition.
They changed the game.
Bill Thompson was part of that larger
story, but he was also distinctly
our story, a New Hampshire story, a
Concord story, a White Park story.
And that is what makes today so
meaningful.
We aren't importing black history into
New Hampshire. We are honoring the black
history that has always been here.
And I want to acknowledge something
else.
History doesn't uncover itself.
Someone has to ask the question.
Someone has to do the research.
Someone has to remember.
Researchers, local historians, member of
the Sunset League, community memory
keepers, the city of Concord, and other
help bring pieces of his life back into
view.
And today, through the partnership of
the Black Heritage Trail of New
Hampshire,
through Ryan Cuttings, our former
intern's work, hey Ryan,
and to the city of Concord, through its
mayor,
and this community at large, the trail
has taken another step by placing our
first historic marker right here in
Concord.
Joining that eight the 17 other towns
because these are our stories.
So today Bill Thompson is back in the
lineup.
His name is here. His story is here. His
marker is here. And I thank everyone who
made it possible for being here
and for the Sunset League and to the
players and community members who have
carried Thompson's memory forward.
Because marker by marker
story by story
town by town we are changing the
landscape of New Hampshire
and we're making sure that when future
generations ask who lived here
the landscape itself will answer. Thank
you.
[applause]
>> I should always remember to put my
reading glasses on before they introduce
me.
You know, my predecessor Jim Bouley
always used to open every every set of
remarks by saying, "It's another
wonderful day in the city of Concord."
Uh
today is a really really really
wonderful day in the city of Concord.
>> Particularly by by virtue of the fact
that we have two folks, Conky and Renee,
who actually knew Bill uh as children
uh and are here today to see his city
honor him yet again, I would say.
Um
this is a a long-awaited day for
Concord, uh the unveiling of our first
marker on the Black Heritage Trail of
New Hampshire. Uh Concord hosting a stop
on the Black Heritage Trail has been a
personal goal of mine for some time. And
ever since I first learned about William
Penn Thompson, I have thought that he
is would be appropriate to be
memorialized in this way.
So, I thank the Black Heritage Trail of
New Hampshire, Ryan Cutting,
uh, rec uh, Parks and Recreation
Director David Gill for making this
dream a reality today.
>> Bill, as you heard, was a talented
athlete. But, the racism of his time
denied him the opportunity to play
before a larger audience of baseball
fans.
Nevertheless, he played a game he played
the game around the Northeast, as well
as with some of the most notable teams
in the Negro League, as you've heard.
His love of baseball prompted him to
help found Concord Sunset League, the
oldest after-supper amateur baseball
league in the country. And we have some
members of the current Sunset League
here today. Could you put your hands up
if you're in the Sunset League?
>> All right.
Bill's love for the game seems to have
been matched by his love for Concord.
And that love was reciprocated. Whether
it was by giving him a place of honor in
the parade that opened each Sunset
League season,
or city leaders throwing a party for him
on his 75th birthday,
or by naming a play area after him after
his passing in 1961 60, uh, af- at a
time when racial divisions were still
stark in this country.
Concord many, many times said, "Bill, we
love you."
And now
this.
This. And I have to say that Armenia
White, who contributed this park to the
city in memory of her husband, would
have been tickled about this because
they were both ardent ardent
abolitionists in the 19th century.
>> So, I hope that the William Penn
Thompson marker is the first of several
black heritage trail stops that we host
here in Concord. I've already suggested
that First World War veteran, inventor,
and musician Hiram Gardner would be a
notable worthy second person to
memorialize in this way. But, whatever
happens, I look forward to supporting
whatever direction the next marker in
Concord might take.
In closing, I really want to thank our
city parks and recreation staff for
doing a great job to prepare the site
for today's ceremony. I want to thank
the memory of
my barber, who I shared with Bill
Thompson,
Bob Gifford, known as Gift by to many,
who told carried the legacy of stories
about Bill, who while you he was cutting
your hair, would fill you in on all
sorts of great Concord things. And one
of those things he talked about was Bill
Thompson.
I also want to thank deeply
deeply
David Parker
who is here,
Bob and Laura Tuxbury, and the honorable
Sylvia and Robert Larson for their
generous generous financial
contributions towards erecting this
marker. They were the easiest
fundraising asks I ever ever had to
make.
So, thank you all.
>> [applause and cheering]
>> And finally, I can say without
qualification that this is one of the
best days possible to be Concord's
mayor.
>> Well, um greetings everyone. Uh firstly,
I would like to say it's really
incredible to see so many people here
today to honor such an incredible man as
William Thompson and thank you all for
Uh my name is Nelson Alahosa. Um I am a
staffer for Congressman Chris Pappas.
Unfortunately, due to conflict, he could
not be here today, but he had some words
which I would like to share with you
all. And he did send his regards as
well.
He writes,
"Dear friends, thank you for inviting me
to celebrate William Penn Bill Thompson
with you on unveiling of this dedicated
marker in his honor by the Black
Heritage Trail of New Hampshire here in
While I regret not being able to attend
in person, I want to thank the Black
Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and all
those who have made this event possible.
William Penn Bill Thompson, originally
born in Virginia, moved to Concord in
1890 and played
played baseball in Concord's Sunset
League.
Thompson was one of the last
African-American players to play in on
an integrated baseball team.
He was a beloved member of the Concord
community showing up to kick off each
baseball season in his white suit and
top hat.
In 1961, the Concord Board of Aldermen
named a local park
the William Thompson Playground in his
memory.
Black Heritage Trail is vital
to promoting American history
and New Hampshire's story.
And the Black Heritage Trail promotes
awareness and appreciation of American
African-American history
in our state by dedicating trail markers
to individuals like Bill Thompson and
often exhibit educational programs,
curriculum, and tours.
I commend everyone at the Black Heritage
Trail for their work
which they do to build inclusive
communities by preserving
African-American history in our state.
Thank you again for being here today.
And thank you for inviting me.
Most importantly,
thank you for the dedication and
commitment to preserving and promoting
African-American history for generations
to come.
Sincerely, Chris Pappas, Member of
Congress.
>> Hi everybody. My name is Katie McRow.
I'm the board treasurer for the Black
Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. We are
so glad you're all here. Thank you so
much. I see nonprofit leaders, my
neighbors, our friends.
I our friends and neighbors, nonprofit
leaders, elected officials, some are our
city councilors. Thank you for coming.
Cindy Warmington, candidate for
governor, we're delighted to have you
and every one of you.
>> Thank you all for coming.
Um Senator Maggie Hassan couldn't be
here, but I'm honored to read some
remarks on her behalf. Before I do that,
um because I'm the last thing standing
between you all and the actual
unveiling, um you're all invited to my
husband Jed's and my home after for a
reception. It's that blue house
directly, if you walk down the hill, you
will run right into our house and we
will put a cold drink of lemonade and
some delicious fruit salad made by our
good buddy Pete McRow in your hand and
we'll have some time to chat. So, please
all come. Um from Senator Maggie Hassan,
"Dear friends, I'm sorry that I can't be
with you today, but I join you in
celebrating the unveiling of a new Black
Heritage Trail of New Hampshire marker
honoring William Penn Bill Thompson.
The work of the Black Heritage Trail of
New Hampshire is pivotal to
understanding our state's full history
and ensuring that important chapters are
not forgotten.
Black Granite Staters have always been
an integral part of the state's history.
And by unveiling new markers such as
today's, the Black Heritage Trail
ensures that their full stories continue
to continue to be told for generations
With today's marker unveiling, we honor
Granite Stater William Penn Bill
Bill's life reminds us of a painful time
in our history. One where Black
Americans were barred from opportunities
in many ways, including sports.
However, Bill's commitment to leading a
successful baseball career with an
uncrushable spirit and unwavering love
for his community embodies the true
spirit of the Live Free or Die state.
Becoming a legendary baseball player on
teams such as the Cuban Giants, the
Philadelphia Covered Colored Giants,
Phil served as an inspiration for all
aspiring athletes, especially Black
Granite Staters.
Additionally, Bill's community ties ran
deep. Whether he was leading the parade
in Concord to kick off the baseball
season, a note to us all always wear a
top hat, everyone will remember you
forever. So, whether he was leading that
parade
or playing with the Concord Sunset
League which still lives on today, Bill
always was looking for more ways to
serve our state and make New Hampshire a
better place.
I have no doubt that our state and our
country are better off thanks to people
like Bill who had the courage to chase
chase their dreams and inspired others
to do the same.
Thank you to the Black Heritage Trail of
New Hampshire for organizing today's
event. I look forward to continuing to
work together to honor all Granite
Staters who have helped shape the
history of New Hampshire. With every
good wish, Maggie Hassan.
>> And now the marker will be unveiled by
our mayor
Ryan Cording, JerriAnne Boggis, and
David Gill, who's had had a shout-out,
but where is David cuz he is the head of
Parks and Rec, who has done so much for
tonight. Thank you all.
And also by the members of the Sunset
>> 1 2
3
>> I'M GOING TO GET THE MIC. I'M GOING TO
GET THE MIC.
All righty, my name is Ryan Cutting and
I have the honor of reading you the
marker text.
I was a part of the help of creating the
the marker as well with the text. So,
I am happy to be here in front of you
all reading it.
William Penn Bill Thompson
1874 to 1960
Legendary African-American baseball
player and trailblazer Bill Thompson was
born in Virginia and moved to Concord,
New Hampshire before 1891.
At the time, when racial segre-
segregation was spreading throughout the
professional baseball,
Thompson was among the last generation
of players to complete compete on an
integrated team before the sport became
fully segregated.
During the the 1890s and unwritten
unwritten gentleman's agreement
effectively barred black players from
Major League Baseball.
Despite these barriers, Thompson built
an impressive career playing
professionally for the Cuban Colored
Giants, the Philadelphia Colored Giants,
and
two of the most prominent black baseball
teams of their era.
Locally, he was a found a founding
player of the amateur Sunset League.
He was also celebrated as a showman who
often led opening day parades to White
Park
while wearing
his his famed white suit and top hat.
In 1961, the Concord's Board of Aldermen
honored his legacy by naming William
Thompson a playground in his memory.
Although discrimination denied him the
opportunity to compete in the major
leagues, Thompson's extraordinary
talent, perseverance,
and showmanship left an enduring mark on
the game.
His contributions to baseball history
secured his legacy as a pioneering
athlete and one of and one of New
Hampshire's most notable black sports
figures.
>> All right. Thank you everyone for being
here. My name is Daria Steel. I am the
program assistant at Martha Corey.
>> Daria was great to work with.
>> Oh, it's all right. I said Daria was
great to work with.
>> I [applause] couldn't agree more. Thank
Thank you all so much for being here. I
am very grateful to be here myself as
somebody who grew up in New Hampshire.
And I just want to do some quick thank
yous and then we can get on our way to
go eat some food and drink some
lemonade. So, just quick thank yous to
the city of Concord, Ryan Cotton,
Sylvia and
Laurel Larson,
Metal Designs New York,
Katie and Jed Marrow, Pete Musso, I'm
sorry.
Yeah, that's what I said.
I'm just kidding.
David Parker and Bob and Laura Tuxbury.
And I hope you all are able to join us
this Saturday at 11:00
in Keene, New Hampshire to unveil the
marker, our 19th marker, which is why I
didn't list them all. I do know where
they are, I promise.
Um,
in honoring Dr. Albert C. Johnston, who
was Keene's first radiologist. So, I
hope you all are able to join us and if
not in Keene, then maybe at the Black
New England Conference in October in
Manchester, New Hampshire. It's our 20th
annual and it's going to be a very big
deal. We're putting a lot of work into
it, so come, support, learn,
and hear from Jo Ann Reed, who is our
keynote. Thank you.
>> All right. So, as Katie said, we will be
having a reception at her house, which
is that blue one right over there. If
you haven't signed in already, you will
be forced to. So,
please feel free to make your way over
there and thank you again so much for
being here on this historic day. Thank