Little did Steven Warren know when he decided to move to a section of Franklin County, VA in 1890 to set up housekeeping that he was making history! He not only created a home but also businesses. There was a livery stable, Aunt Ollie’s Restaurant and Bed and Breakfast, a slaughterhouse and a chicken house that provided fresh eggs and chickens. He also grew gardens to provide vegetables for his family and had a restaurant and store.
He used his will and determination to survive and his lessons learned to move forward, thus the origin Warren Street. It grew into a Black community that expanded to what is now known as “West Court Street” where Lee and Rosa Waid, the Pinkards and the Bashams lived on one side of the street and the Warrens on the other. James E. Brooks built the first grocery store in town, “J.E. Brooks & Company,” and the history goes on and on…
In 2000, Eleanor Woods and Darlene Swain were chatting as Darlene was working on Eleanor’s hair at the Glamour House Beauty Salon on Warren Street. As one thought led to another, the subject of history came up and Eleanor said, “We have a beautiful history, why don’t we tell our own history and I want it done while I am still alive” Why don’t we?” Darlene replied. Hence the Warren Street Festival concept began. A committee was formed, the “Warren Street Society.” The first order of business was to write about the Black community, highlighting the Extraordinary People of Franklin County and Black residents 80 years and older.
The first festival was held on the third weekend of August on the market proceeding up Warren Street. This year marks the 18th year of the Warren Street celebration. Eleanor Woods is still honored as the “Little Engine” that pushed the Train (Darlene Swain) to keep moving forward. Sadly, she passed away in March 2001 five months before the first festival was held!
The festivals continue to celebrate the history of African Americans to date and remain diverse in celebration and in honoring others. It really has something for everyone!
This year’s festival will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 with a Meet and Greet and Business Expo at which Heart’s Desire Floral Design, Jerry Poindexter with his Voomerang, ADORN Jewelry, Mallory Jones Tupperware Consultant and all other legal businesses that wish to display their wares there!
The public is especially encouraged to come out and support this rare event at-No Cost to Businesses! Light refreshments will be served. Also the Gospel show from 7-9 p.m. will feature the Disciple Aires and more. The Back-to-School party is from 9-11 p.m. with D.J. Bernie Mack!
Breakfast on the Market begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, with speakers James Swain of Atlanta, GA and Grand Marshall Norman Grey of Richmond, VA.
This years’ honoree is 90-year-old Dorothy Cundiff of the Retail Merchants Association who was instrumental in helping with the logistics of the festival in its first year and has been with the town since 1953.
The Antique car parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. after which the Macho Man competition, Pretty Legs (male and female) and car show winners will all be announced!
Also on Saturday, the Gospel, Gospel Hip Hop, Rhythm & Blues, etc. groups will include: John Thorp and Truth, the New Anointed Gospel Singers, Patterson and Company; Spirits of Joy, M-Pact, (hip hop gospel) Disciples of Faith Dave Campbell and Kerosene Willy, Kemstry, Smoke Stack Lighting and D.J. Ronald Redd. Vendors will include the Game Man and Bouncy House among others.
Saturday will also feature Prom Night for Ladies and Gentlemen from Lee Waid Training School who can still wear their Prom dresses and suits. Awards will also be given (bring a picture of proof). Nowhere can you witness the likes of a “Warren Street Festival!”
