America’s Historic Roads
Puzzle 71 · Life Beside the Road · Page 99 in print
The Green Book
Victor Green began the Green Book in 1936 with help from his wife, Alma. Its listings helped Black travelers find businesses willing to serve them during an era of segregation and danger on the road.
Jump to a word
The words
Alma Green
Publisher who helped develop and later led the guide.
Civil Rights
Protections discussed for the guide’s traveling readers.
Dorothy Asch
Advertising director listed on the 1959 staff.
Esso
Oil company involved in marketing the guide.
Haberdashers
Clothing and accessories dealers listed in the guide.
Hair Salons
Businesses included in early listings.
Harlem
New York neighborhood central to the guide’s early editions.
James Jackson
Esso marketing executive who worked with Victor Green.
Langley Waller
Publisher of the guide’s final two editions.
Mail Order
One way readers could obtain the travel guide.
Postal Workers
Colleagues who helped connect the guide with businesses.
Sundown Towns
Communities that excluded Black people after dark.
Tailors
Clothing makers listed in earlier editions.
Tourist Homes
Private residences offering rooms to Black travelers.
Victor Green
Postal employee who founded the travel guide.
Sources
- The Green Book: An Historic ContextNational Park Service