Clyde Blackwells
Known Name(s)
Clyde Blackwells
Address
112 Union St. Manchester, VT
Establishment Type(s)
Hotel
Physical Status
Demolished
Detailed History
Clyde White Blackwell, an African American born in North Carolina in 1888, was a familiar fixture of Manchester, Vermont, for decades. He worked as a porter and doorman at the Equinox House during the tourist season and as a watchman during the off season. Unlike many Equinox employees, who worked and lived in Manchester seasonally, Blackwell lived in the town all year long. His wife, Annie Ozella, sometimes traveled down to North Carolina to see her family for weeks at a time during these off seasons. Blackwell was known for his impressive memory, able to address each Equinox guest by name. He took care of other employees and was a notable cook, often providing food for town functions. Blackwell’s daughter, Helen Mae, was employed at the Equinox House as a maid. Blackwell worked at the Equinox House for forty-eight years, from 1907 until his death in 1955. Local newspapers were flooded with fond obituaries. For the entirety of Blackwell’s career, the Equinox House catered to wealthy and important guests, all of whom were white. The hotel would not accept African American lodgers, which may be why Clyde Blackwell opened his home to them. The 1930 Federal Census documents that Blackwell rented his house at 91 Union Street; based on the street maps 91 Union might be 112 Union Street.
