Selden Park - History
Selden Park was the artery that circulated heritage, culture, education and recreation throughout the communities of Black Americans of Brunswick, Georgia. The history of Selden Park reflected the recognition of the African American coastal
communities in numerous ways. The success of establishing an African American Educational Institution required significant financial backing. Contrary to the financial wealth of the Southern Industries and planters, the
African American communities in the south would not be able to succeed unless funds were available. The experience of obtaining education for African American children and adults was particularly reflective of the continuing
problems of the slave system, therefore, the overwhelming emphasis in the educational system was to present domestic science and trades and practical and skilled learning.
Thus, Selden Park reaches back in history to be named:
I892 – Discussion took place to open a Normal School in Brunswick, GA included Rev. Samuel Dent, Sr. (a student
at Morehouse College), Rev. H.A. Bleach (a black instructor teaching in
Missouri, later became a principal of Selden), and Miss Carrie E. Bemus (an instructor at Morehouse College, who later became one of the 3 principals of the school). Miss Carrie E. Bemus asked her friends E. P. Selden (a steel industrialist in PA and his brother Dr. Charles Selden a missionary to China), for financial assistance after exhausting all her money.
Dr. Selden purchased the land for the school where the park is today. The school was named for Dr. Charles
Selden.
1903 –The Selden Normal and Industrial Institute doors opened.
1909 – 1933 - Courses were offered in: cooking, domestic science (My Grandmother), sewing,
millinery, farming, gardening, and carpentry. Later, shoemaking, nurses training, teacher training, and business were
added.
1933 – School closed in Brunswick and consolidated with the Gillespie Institute in Cordele, GA.
1950 – The park became a recreational center for blacks because all public parks and beaches did not allow blacks.
1950 – 1984- Mr. Genoa Martin was Park Director for 34 years
The once historical multipurpose building/gymnasium had served as a stop on what was called the Chitlin’ Circuit, a string of venues where black entertainers could perform at a time of racial segregation. It was the first such recreation facility for African-Americans in Brunswick and surrounding counties. The historical building was
Once performed at the park were: Cab Calloway, James Brown, Junior Walker, Otis Redding, Ruth Brown, Sam Cooke, Joe Tex, Al Green, Comedian Moms Mabley, Shirley Caesar and other Gospel Greats, Golden Glove Boxing Events,
and many other treasured entertainment activities.
2007 - Historic Multipurpose Building/Gymnsaium was demolished
Presently, Selden Park is operated by the Glynn County government of Brunswick, Georgia
communities in numerous ways. The success of establishing an African American Educational Institution required significant financial backing. Contrary to the financial wealth of the Southern Industries and planters, the
African American communities in the south would not be able to succeed unless funds were available. The experience of obtaining education for African American children and adults was particularly reflective of the continuing
problems of the slave system, therefore, the overwhelming emphasis in the educational system was to present domestic science and trades and practical and skilled learning.
Thus, Selden Park reaches back in history to be named:
I892 – Discussion took place to open a Normal School in Brunswick, GA included Rev. Samuel Dent, Sr. (a student
at Morehouse College), Rev. H.A. Bleach (a black instructor teaching in
Missouri, later became a principal of Selden), and Miss Carrie E. Bemus (an instructor at Morehouse College, who later became one of the 3 principals of the school). Miss Carrie E. Bemus asked her friends E. P. Selden (a steel industrialist in PA and his brother Dr. Charles Selden a missionary to China), for financial assistance after exhausting all her money.
Dr. Selden purchased the land for the school where the park is today. The school was named for Dr. Charles
Selden.
1903 –The Selden Normal and Industrial Institute doors opened.
1909 – 1933 - Courses were offered in: cooking, domestic science (My Grandmother), sewing,
millinery, farming, gardening, and carpentry. Later, shoemaking, nurses training, teacher training, and business were
added.
1933 – School closed in Brunswick and consolidated with the Gillespie Institute in Cordele, GA.
1950 – The park became a recreational center for blacks because all public parks and beaches did not allow blacks.
1950 – 1984- Mr. Genoa Martin was Park Director for 34 years
The once historical multipurpose building/gymnasium had served as a stop on what was called the Chitlin’ Circuit, a string of venues where black entertainers could perform at a time of racial segregation. It was the first such recreation facility for African-Americans in Brunswick and surrounding counties. The historical building was
Once performed at the park were: Cab Calloway, James Brown, Junior Walker, Otis Redding, Ruth Brown, Sam Cooke, Joe Tex, Al Green, Comedian Moms Mabley, Shirley Caesar and other Gospel Greats, Golden Glove Boxing Events,
and many other treasured entertainment activities.
2007 - Historic Multipurpose Building/Gymnsaium was demolished
Presently, Selden Park is operated by the Glynn County government of Brunswick, Georgia