Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1977.046.020 |
Collection |
Jones, Mozella Franklin |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Date |
circa 1940 |
Description |
Sepia-toned portrait photograph measuring 7.25" x 9" depicting Lynn H. Holderness, who co-founded Lynn & Clark Cleaners at 749 N. Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, OK. He was born July 11, 1888 in Hopkins County, TX to Elijah and Ellen (Stribling) Holderness. He married Fanciel J. Martin on November 14, 1913 in Rogers County, OK. As early as 1916, the couple lived in Tulsa, where Lynn worked as a porter at the Bohnefeld Cleaning & Hat Works at 314 S. Cincinnati Avenue. He later worked as a cleaner for Lloyd-Richey Cleaners at 416 South Boulder Avenue. In 1926, Lynn Holderness and his older brother, Clark C. Holderness, established Lynn & Clark Cleaners. In 1928, Lynn Holderness married Jobie Elizabeth Jackson. They lived at 741 N. Greenwood Avenue. In 1937, Lynn Holderness opened the Banner Grocery Market located at 751 N. Greenwood Avenue. He owned the five-acre tract at the present-day site of the Washington High School parking and many other town lots. He bought the building which had formerly been the First Baptist Church of North Tulsa and turned it into apartments for low income families. He gave his life savings to pay off the mortgage on the old First Baptist Church. He extended credit to hundreds of people in the depression years. He was a charter member of the YMCA and sponsored ball teams, camping trips and paid for many boys who could not otherwise have joined. Lynn H. Holderness died September 30, 1966 in Tulsa, OK. |
Search Terms |
Greenwood District Blacks cleaners North Greenwood Avenue |
People |
Holderness, Lynn H. |