This small, little noticed, run-down structure marks one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of Montgomery. In 1888, 15-year old Victor Tulane walked barefoot from Wetumpka to Montgomery, clutching his $15 savings. By age 35, this young Black man had built this Victorian grocery store, at one time listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Back then, its unusual ornamental corner tower was painted red. The side entrance (on the right) led up to a second floor apartment, where Victor and his wife often entertained Booker T Washington. Besides being a grocery entrepreneur, at various times Tulane was cashier of the Black-owned Penny Savings Bank, a druggist, Chairman of the Board of Old Ship Zion Church, on the Tuskegee Institute Board of Trustees, and was the first black man to serve on the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. The Victor Tulane Housing Project, built in 1951, was named in his honor. More information and National Register Listing can be found here.

-Charles Humphries