| St. Augustine Civil Rights 1960 - 1965 by Gil Wilson (Introduction) ab urbe condita 395 - 400 |
| Civil Rights Era - "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all'" (Martin Luther King - Letter from Birmingham Prison, Alabama) 1950s Early NAACP In 1957 the NAACP chapter was reactivated by Reverend Thomas Wright of St. Mary's Baptist Church and Rev. John H. McKissick of 1st Baptist. Rev. Wright requested that the city commission provide additional recreational facilities and funding for a community library that the city approved. 1960 First Sit-in March 15, 1960 6 students from Florida Memorial staged a sit-in at Woolworth. On the third day students were hit with clubs, fists, and chains. The door had been locked so that the police could not enter. 1961 Henry Thomas In the summer of 1961 Henry Thomas returning from Howard University attempted to break the segregation barrier at Woolworth's lunch counter. Not only was he carried off to jail but they tried to have him committed to a mental institution. Today, Henry Thomas is a owner of several McDonalds in the Atlanta area. 1962 Suit to Desegregate St. Johns County Public Schools April 6, 1962 a suit is filed to desegregate St. Johns County public schools. 1963 The National Quadricentennial Commission In 1963 President John F. Kennedy created the National Quadricentennial Commission with Mr. Herbert E. Wolfe as chairman. Other members included Henry Ford, Jr., J. Peter Grace, Edward H. Linchfield, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, Senator George Smathers and Spessard Holland. Earle W. Newton became the executive director. Kennedy said that the Commission would form "a cultural bridge to Latin America." It received a $25,000 grant. The National Park Service would reconstruct the Cubo Line and repair the City gate. Dr. Robert B. Hayling In 1963 Dr. Robert B. Hayling took over leadership of the Youth Council of the NAACP. He was a dentist after graduating in 1960 he moved to St. Augustine. The tone of Dr. Hayling becomes an issue. On June 19 he is quoted by the St. Augustine Record as saying: "We are not going to die like Medgar Evers." "Passive resistance is no good in the face of violence." "I and others of the NAACP have armed ourselves and will shot first and ask questions later." The UPI had a news release that was issued by WKOY radio that stated "I and others have armed and we will shoot first, and ask questions later." While it was only used one time it quickly became the talk of the town. Later Dr. Hayling would call the FBI and relate how he had given a rife to a youth to protect the youth and himself. Dr. Hayling denied making the remarks. He did say that Virgil White, the St. Augustine chief of police was such a segregationist that he would not afford the movement proper protection. Vice-President Johnson On February 23 the NAACP requested the Vice-President not come to St. Augustine. (See letter from Adam Clayton Powell to President John F. Kennedy) Vice-President Lyndon Johnson had been invited to come to St. Augustine for the dedication of the Arrivas House. Dr. Hayling sent word that Johnson should cancel his visit. Compromises were made before Johnson ignored his pledge for a meeting between his press secretary and local leaders. President Kennedy was asked to withhold the $350,000 for the City's 400th Birthday Celebration. March 11 LBJ attends a fund-raising banquet in St. Augustine where blacks were forbidden to buy tickets for themselves but had to have tickets bought by whites. After threats of pickets from Dr. Hayling two all-black tables were added. March 12 NAACP visits city commission to find an empty room with a tape recorder for them to list their problems. Actual School Desegregation May 10 parents begin requesting that their students be enrolled in various all-white schools. Shelley Elected Mayor June 3, Dr. Joseph A. Shelley was elected Mayor of St. Augustine. June 16 meeting was held with city where Police chief Stuart read aloud from various right-wing journals denouncing Communist influence on "niggers." Beginning of the Civil Rights Bill Message from the President of the United States on the submission of the Civil Rights Bill June 19, 1963 To the Congress of the United States: Last week I addressed to the American people an appeal to conscience—a request for their cooperation in meeting the growing moral crisis in American race relations. I warned of “a rising tide of discontent that threatens the public safety” in many parts of the country. I emphasized that “the events in Birmingham and elsewhere have so increased the cries for equality that no city or State or legislative body can prudently choose to ignore them.” “It is a time to act,” I said, “in the Congress, in State, local legislative bodies and, above all, in all of our daily lives.” … In short, the time has come for the Congress of the United States to join with the executive and judicial branches in making it clear to all that race has no place in American life or law. …. The venerable code of equity law commands “for every wrong, a remedy.” But in too many communities, in too many parts of the country , wrongs are inflicted on Negro citizens for which no effective remedy at law is clearly and readily available. State and local laws may even affirmatively seek to deny the rights to which these citizens are fairly entitled---and this can result only in a decreased respect for the law and increased violations of the law.” Mrs. Fannie Fullerwood By June 24, 1963 Mrs. Fannie Fullerwood had become President of the NAACP. She requested a meeting with City officials that listed 6 items for the City's attention. Summer Demonstrations, 1963 On June 30 demonstrators were turned away from a municipal putting course leased to Bert Stone despite the city commissioners statement that all city facilities were desegregated (the library also refused admission). In the summer demonstrations began with picketing at the Civic Center and Woolworth on June 25.. July 1 a shotgun fight at Dr. Hayling's house between white and black youths occurred. Buckshot was fired at Hayling's house from a 1953 green Pontiac six youths were wounded. This case would be viewed as a continuation of an earlier series of incidents. Vaughn and Keeny were two white kids caught with guns. The black youths had also had a gun but no evidence was taken of them having fired it. On July 16 Judge Charles Mathis would dismiss all the cases. From the July 1 picketing James Hauser lost his job as a school bus driver. The Tourist Information Center was picketed on July 2. July 5th Rev. Goldie Eubanks, Vice President of local NAACP advised picketing of businesses would continue on daily basis until further notice. July 16 Judge Charles Mathis dismissed all charges against whites and negroes in the Hayling shooting. July 17 a sit-in was held at a local pharmacy. There were 16 arrests made for trespass. On August 1 the adults were given fines of $100 or 45 days in county jail. They were convicted under the Florida Undesirable Guest Act. Judge Mathis banned picketing and participation in demonstrations by juveniles on July 23. They were to be turned over to Fred Brinkoff for prosecution. On July 28 nine adults were charged with trespassing and convicted by Justice of the Peace Marvin Gier. They were sentenced to 45 days in jail or a $100 fine. County Judge Charles Mathis tried six of the children: two were released to their parents and the rest were sentenced to 30 days in the county jail (or $100 fine) because their parents would not promise to keep them out of future demonstrations. Later they would be sent to reform schools in Ocala and Marianna. These became the St. Augustine Four: Audrey Nell Edwards, JoAnn Anderson, Willie Carl Singleton and Samuel White. The two girls were taken to Forest Hills Schools for Girls in Lowell, Florida. They were put in isolation for 56 days. The next night in a demonstration at the county jail the 250 protesters were assaulted with night sticks. Gerald Eubanks as Youth Council President reported on conditions to Vice-President Johnson. (The children were finally released by the State Cabinet without condition on January 14, 1964 bringing this to a close.) Judge Weinberg sentenced youths to 60 days in jail or $50 fine for handing out handbills in white neighborhoods of the Daytona Beach Morning Journal criticizing Judge Mathis. Florida Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights On August 16 the Florida Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights (that the whites boycotted) found: 1. Deep-seated and widespread feeling of discontent among the Negro Citizens of St. Augustine ...considerably worse than in most if not all other cities in the state. 2. No lines of communications 3. Only demonstrations worked to make grievances known. 4. Atmosphere in St. Augustine is repressive. They recommended: 1. Halt to the use of $350,000 federal funds for quad centennial. 2. Suspension of Fairchild Stratos Contracts until discrimination practices and intimidation of workers was ended. 3. Against AFL-CIO Local 1224 to end discrimination. 4. Withhold Federal funds till State of Florida releases children. More demonstrations August 22 Western Auto and a clothing store were picketed. 9 persons were arrested for trespass. August 30 4 people were arrested while picketing Western Auto and McCroy's. Their charge was picketing shall not interfere with pedestrian traffic. School Integration On August 28 5 students were enrolled in previously all white schools without incident. (Integration of schools was under Federal Court order.) Cattle Prods and Dogs There were more demonstrations at Woolworth's, McCrory's and Del Monico's restaurant. August 31 police used cattle prods and dogs to arrest 12 demonstrators. On Labor day 1963 the first demonstration was held in the plaza. 27 people were arrested with the police again using cattle prods. Bertell Duncan and Goldie Eubanks were among the cattle prodded. Robert Ingram the Jacksonville Vice President Youth Council NAACP requested FBI protection when he had to appear in court on charges he attended meeting in plaza and at the St. George sit-in. KKK Rally September 18 - the KKK distribute handbills without interference after the arrests of black youths in July who passed out handbills. On September 18 at a Ku Klux Klan rally behind South Gate Bowling Alley 1 mile south of St. Augustine on Route 1 Dr. Hayling, James Hauser (driver of Hayling's car) , James Jackson, and Clyde Jenkins were brought into the meeting and beaten. Rev. Cheney made it to a phone booth to call for help. Lawrence Bessent and Clarence Wilson were KKK who filed charges against Dr. Hayling and others from incident. They supposedly gave sheriff Dr. Hayling's handgun. Judge Marvin Grier fined Hayling $100 with a conviction of assault. Starting on September 27, 1963 the St. Augustine Record would publish date, time and location of all KKK meetings. At this point the FBI began to think that there was Klan influence in the Sheriff's office. (See eyewitness report) Connie Hunter's Letter to John F. Kennedy On September 27, 1963 Connie Hunter a local St. Augustine businessman wrote a letter to John F. Kennedy that the troubles in St. Augustine were being caused by outsiders and the African-Americans in St. Augustine were well treated. (See letter) Molotov Cocktails On October 22 Molotov Cocktails were thrown at the homes of the 3 families who had integrated St. Johns County Public Schools. One house was severely damaged. Death of William David Kincaid On October 25 a carload of four young white men driving through Lincolnville (with a loaded shotgun) was shot. William David Kincaid, age 24, was killed, Rev. Goldie Eubanks, Richard Eubanks and Chester Hamilton were arrested. The case was never brought to trial. Rev. Connie Lynch officiated at the funeral. Buddy Cooper, Exalted Cyclops (leader) of the St. Augustine Klavern Number 519 was an active pallbearer. Bart Griffen, Jacy Harden, Eugene Spegal, W. Eugene Willson all KKK along with Holstead Manucy were honorary pallbearers. Later Clifford Eubanks was arrested for kidnapping and murder of a female witness that could not be found. She was from St. Johns Island, South Carolina. This also was dropped. October 29 Dr. Hayling was arrested and charged with hindering the investigation of "The Harlem hand grenade". This night of violence took place after the funeral of Kincaid. A Klan rally was held and several members were sent on a mission. Several places and cars were shot and a hand grenade was thrown at the Harlem. For unknown reasons the grenade didn't go off. On November 9 a conversation in the Ship's Bar was overheard between 3 white men for a $500 reward for the death of Dr. Hayling. The conversation was reported to the FBI. November 22, 1963 Assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. December 1963 a St. Johns County grand jury blames violence on militant Negro leaders and the KKK. 1964 More Violence against Blacks In 1964 the national spotlight was placed on St. Augustine. January 21 Charles Brunson (a deaf-mute) attended a PTA meeting. At the meeting several firebombs were thrown which destroyed Brunson's car. February 7, the Robinson family home burned down. They had been one of the families to integrate local public schools. Turney W. Burkhard, Deputy State Fire Marshall ruled after soil analysis that flammable liquid was thrown on the house. February 8 gunshots were fired into the home of Dr. Hayling killing his dog and causing considerable damage to the house. February 10 the United States House of Representatives pass the Civil rights Act of 1964 by a vote of 290 to 130. February 16 The United Florida KKK blow up the Godfrey house in Jacksonville to get the family out of an integrated school. William Sterling Rosecrans the leader of the dynamiting was taken to St. Augustine by fellow klansmen where he was given employment and a cover to conceal his identity. March 6 Dr. Hayling, Rev Eubanks, Henry Twine and several others drove to the Southern Christian Leadership (Motto: "To save the soul of America") Conference in Orlando to meet with the aides of Rev. Martin Luther King. Spring Vacation 1964 and Mrs. Mary Peabody March 11 a letter sent inviting students from the north to spend their spring vacation in St. Augustine with the Civil Rights struggle. March 26 demonstration at Murray High School resulted in Sheriff's deputies arresting two white college students for organizing the disturbance. The action began over Easter week, March 28-April 2. Students were invited from New England to participate. The SCLC in New England planned the attack. James Breedon an Episcopal priest was able to get Esther Burgess, the wife of John Burgess the new suffragan Episcopal Bishop in Massachusetts, Mary Peabody wife of the retired bishop of central New York (and mother of the Massachusetts governor), and Hester Campbell the wife of Donald Campbell a former suffragan Episcopal Bishop from Los Angeles. Esther Burgess was a light skinned African-American. After the three attempted to eat lunch in the Ponce Motor Lodge they were asked to leave. Esther Burgess was arrested later that day for trespassing. SCLU attorneys Tobias Simon of Miami, John M. Pratt and William Kunstler of New York field petitions for writs of habeas corpus in the Federal District Court of Jacksonville. Others arrested included William Sloan Coffin and David Robinson, chaplains of Yale University, Robert Hayling and fifteen year old Annie Ruth Evans. March 23 letter from Interior Dept to White House over situation with Mrs. Malcolm Boyd and stating that Easter services at the Castillo must be integrated. (See letter) March 28 26 demonstrators were arrested for trespassing. March 29 9 demonstrators were arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest. Chaplain Winston Davidson, Yale University, was charged with failure to obey a police officer. March 30 39 arrested for sit in dash in. Refused to post bond. On March 30 Mrs. Peabody lead a group of African Americans to integrate the 10:00 service of Trinity Episcopal Church. The vestry locked the exterior doors to prevent Mrs. Peabody from entering. (This started other groups to attempt to integrate Trinity including Julian Brown and were asked to leave by the ushers. Mrs. Malcolm Peabody was accompanied by Mrs. Donald J. Campbell, Mrs. John Burgess, Prof Lawrence Burholder and Rev. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. 90 demonstrators including Mrs. Malcolm Peabody (picture of arrest) the mother of the Governor of Massachusetts and the wife of an Episcopal Bishop were arrested at the Ponce de Leon Lodge. Peabody was charged with trespass after warning. 150 demonstrators marched through downtown to the Ponce de Leon Hotel dinning room. City police arrive with dogs and cattle prods 117 demonstrators were placed in the county jail. Mrs. Mary Peabody refused to be released from the jail until all the protesters in the Ponce de Leon Lodge and the Ponce de Leon Hotel dinning room demonstrations were released. Winston W. Davidson, white minister from Conn. picketing against segregation in downtown St. Augustine was surrounded by white citizens who bodily prevented him from picketing while burning him with cigarettes. He was arrested for "blocking a public sidewalk" and "interfering with the lawful orders of an officer." April 1 74 students were taken into custody at Murray High School who refused to attend classes and where on their way to a demonstration. Mrs. Lucille Plummer is fired from her job at Flagler Hospital after being warned about her Civil Rights activity. Mrs. Nora Lee Guess was fired from the Hotel Ponce de Leon after six years employment. Mr. Bungum Robinson was fired from his job at Bozard Ford after being elected Treasurer of the local SCLC. Lillie Brown was one of the demonstrators here in St. Augustine. April 5, Hosea Williams disappointed at having only 10 adults volunteer for an arrest at a sit-in. Clifford Alexander sends a memo to Lee White as the Lyndon Johnson White House attempts to create a Federal response to the ongoing civil rights struggle in St. Augustine and the 400th Celebration. (See memo) (See memo from the assistant to the Secretary of the Interior) April 10 - Article in the St. Petersburg Times states that one member of the National Quadricential Commission - Edward Linchfield, chancellor of the University of Pittsburg said: "The significance of the St. Augustine Quadricentennial is not measured alone in its years. It is important, too, as a symbol of the spread of western culture into this hemisphere. An essential part of that culture is our belief in the value, the dignity and therefore the quality of all men. It would be a repudiation of that culture, a reflection on that symbol and a mockery of that event were this nation, through the sponsorship of the presidential commission, to hold a national and even international celebration in a community in which any of our people are denied the unmistakable full measure of their citizenship. I continue as a member of this commission because I have every expectation that the rights and opportunities of all people will be respected in St. Augustine as clearly as they are implicit in our heritage." April 14 Trinity Episcopal Church integrated by five local black Episcopalians on orders of the Episcopal bishop, Bishop West who had ordered all churches in the Diocese of Florida to open church doors to anyone who wished to attend services. On April 26 the vestry met and drafted a resolution to the bishop censuring the National Council of the Episcopal Church for its position on civil rights. The conservative forces of Trinity included A. H. Tebeault, Dr. Hardgvoe Norris, E. W. Trice, Clayton Stratton and Kenneth Barrett. May 15 a KKK rally was held at Vilano Beach point, the burning cross was highly visible in St. Augustine. May 20 Dr. Hayling files suit to integrate Flagler Hospital. May 25 Andrew Young calls on Mayor Shelby. Staff Report of United States Civil Rights Commission On May 18, 1964 the staff of the United States Civil Rights Commission created an internal report on the recent civil rights history in St. Augustine and some recommends on what could be done with the 400th Anniversary Celebration to pressure the city to address concerns of the African-American community. (See Report) May 18 - Dr. King speaking at a St. Augustine Baptist church calls St. Augustine a "small Birmingham" he says that he will return. He said that segregation would soon be over in St. Augustine "because trouble don't last always." May 19 Trinity vestry voted to withhold money from the Episcopal diocese and sent a three page letter blaming "racial agitators". This letter was published in the church bulletin. School Integration Continues - with a twist After the burning of one house and a car 13 more African-American students are integrated into the St. Johns County School system. The St. Augustine Record publishes the names and ADDRESSES of the new students. May 26 - AP tape for the day with quotes from Martin Luther King and Hosea Williams (see tape) The Mayor Issues a Warning On May 28 the Mayor issued a warning to parents and children about participating in the upcoming Civil Rights demonstrations. May 28 - First mass night-march to the slave market. May 29 - the house SCLC rented for Dr. King in St. Augustine was sprayed with gunfire. Street Demonstrations - Hoss Manucy, Connie Lynch, J. B. Stoner and L. O. Davis and the Klan May 30 the street demonstrations begin. The street demonstrations used a new weapon in the Civil Rights arsenal - Night demonstrations. These were extremely dangerous because of the potential for violence that could occur and rapidly disappear. White groups organized by Hoss Manucy (local - head of the Ancient City Gun Club - convicted felon, moonshine runner, and special deputy sheriff). The Surf Side Casino was the location of both Klan and Ancient City Gun meetings. (Since June 25, 1961 the Florida Ku Klux Klan and the United Klans of the KKK, Inc, in Florida consolidated - the new organization was known as the United Florida Ku Klux Klan). Connie Lynch (segregationist minister from California - called the "Chaplain of the KKK, drove around in a pink Cadillac wearing a Confederate Flag for a vest - a sample of his talk: Rallying the Klan shortly after the Baptist church bombing, Lynch said the victims "weren't children. Children are little people, little human beings, and that means white people... They're just little niggers, and if there's four less niggers tonight, then I say, 'Good for whoever planted the bomb!" and J. B. Stoner (KKK Atlanta Attorney - now convicted for church bombings) held counter meetings on the plaza. Stoner's favorite comment to the crowd: "Niggers want to integrate because they want our white women." (Partial list of some arrested Civil Rights workers) Local law enforcement officers used trained dogs in crowd control. L. O. Davis the County Sheriff, 20 years, an ex- railroad detective, football coach said: "I went out Elk's Rest to talk with those Niggers. Niggers that's what I called them. I told them I didn't want a single nigger vote, because I didn't want to beholden to them for any election." (1964 Primary) William Rosecrans another KKK had been hiding out in St. Augustine Nicks Boat Yard under the name of James Lewis. Manucy betrays him to the police suspecting he had bombed a FECR Train. (The Florida East Coast Railway had become involved in the longest strike in labor history. Starting January 23, 1963. On February 26, 1964 2 dynamite bombs derailed two freight trains in St. Augustine causing extensive damage. Scab labor was used to keep the trains rolling.) June 1 - (Secret tapes of LBJ - LBJ to George Smathers Monday, June 1, 1964, 2:48 P.M. LBJ: "What about Saint Augustine? They're giving me unshirted hell on that, and we've called down and talked to the Governor, and he says that he's watching it very carefully, but they say they're shooting into King's white-man's house down there. This assistant to King, [Harry Boyte was the target of a murder attempt at a St. Augustine hotel.] and a lot of trouble like that. He's demanding we go in. We talked to the Governor. He thinks he's got it. He's watching it, pretty alert to it." June 1 internal memo from Lee White about call to Dr. Martin Luther King about Federal protection for St. Augustine protesters with follow-up to Department of Justice and Governor Bryant. "If physical death is the price I must pay to free my white brothers and sisters from the permanent death of the spirit, then nothing could be more redemptive." Dr. Martin Luther King - June 5, 1964 June 7 arsonists set fire to Kings beach cottage. June 9 more than 200 persons marched downtown when violence broke out with whites attacking the white demonstrators. The Monson Motor Lodge (recently torn down) was the focus of more protests and arrests. Churches in town refused entrance to mixed groups. William Kunstler was the attorney for the civil rights groups. Rev. Andrew Young and Jackie Robinson were also present. Judge Simpson told L. O. Davis that he could not use sweat boxes or padded cells on the demonstrators at the county jail. June 10 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr tells supporters at St. Mary's Missionary Baptist church that he would participate in a sit-in at a motel restaurant the next day. State troopers arrive. (The White House and Governor Bryant talk about arrangements) White House talks about resumption of night marches with Burke Marshall, head of Civil Rights Division for the U. S. Department of Justice. (See internal memo) Dr. King and Rev. Abernathy Arrested June 11 Dr. King, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Rev. Robert England among others were arrested at the Monson Motor Lodge (jail photo) by Officer Everett Haney. (This was Dr. Kings' 12 arrest in the movement.) They were given 10 day jail terms. Dr. King and Rev. Abernathy later moved to Jacksonville jail for safety. June 15 Governor Bryant issues an order for a "Special Police Force". The force included Florida Highway Patrol, State Board of Conservation, State Beverage Department, Florida Sheriffs Bureau, Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and investigators from the Governor's and Attorney Generals office. This state of martial law placed the sheriff department and city police department under the control of the Special Police Force. Dr. Hayling, Henry Twine and Roscoe Halyard spent weekend in DC for an AFL-CIO March to Washington monument for passage of Civil Rights bill. Jackie Robinson addresses crowd at St. Paul's AME. SCLC addresses Federal involvement (See memo of M. Carl Holman to William Taylor U. S. Civil Rights Commission) (Letter from Lee White to Governor Bryant over drop in attendance at the Castillo.) (Letter from Lee White to Dr. King and Dr Hayling over law enforcement) Newspaper article (probably JET) looks at the arrest of Dr. King from a greater perspective. June 12 J. E. Stoner, Vice President candidate of the National State' Rights Party arrives from Atlanta."we're not gonna be put in chains by no civil rights bill, now or any other time!" June 13 White House talks with Rev. Wyatt Lee Walker, Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (see memo) June 17th march goes through white residential section ends up at the Monson Motor Lodge. The newspaper protests this decision to allow demonstrators on private property in the late hours of the night. St. Augustine Beach Wade-Ins June 17 starts wade-ins in the segregated beaches with a two-hour 35 person wade-in. June 24th whites turned away a group of about 30 people who attempted a wade-in. The beaches had already by law been desegregated. Police had to protect the blacks trying to physically desegregate the beach. 300 whites marched to Washington Street. Monson Swimming Pool Later on June 18 an incident occurred when the manager of the hotel placed an unknown substance in the swimming pool water when an attempt was made to integrate the pool. The photo shot was seen around the world. Henry Billitz an off-duty policeman jumps into pool to beat swimmers. The marches at St. Augustine set the stage for the passage of the 1964 US Civil Rights Act. J. T. Johnson today. June 18 Grand Jury calls on King and the SCLC to leave St. Augustine for one month to diffuse the situation. The jury claimed that King and the SCLC had disrupted "racial harmony" in the city. King replied that the Grand Jury's request was "an immoral one," "the Negro community (was asked) to give all, and the white community to give nonthing....St. Augustine never had peaceful race relations." June 19 march saw the arrests of Andrew Young, C. P. Vivian and Hosea Williams. June 20 - King rejected a grand jury presentment called for immediate appointment of biracial committee as basis for calling off demonstrations for 1 week. Grand Jury considered Kings actions since issuance to be attempt at intimidation and refused to alter presentment. First wade-in first wade-in at a whites-only beach Manucy's raiders followed them into the water until state police finally intervened. Manucy complained: "I can't understand why any white citizen would want to protect niggers against white people." 400 persons attend meeting in slave market. Don Cothran, Al Massey KKK from Jacksonville spoke and J. B. Stoner. White House in contact with Governor Bryant over order banning night demonstrations. (See Memo) June 21 Demonstrators attempted to attend 11:00 services at churches. 6 blacks including an Episcopal minister were taken into the Trinity Episcopal Church by the minister Charles Seymour after a confrontation outside with members of the vestry. A white male accompanied by 4 blacks attended the Catholic service. Efforts to enter the 1st Methodist Church were repulsed. 3 blacks and one white were arrested at 11:0 service 11:50 3 more demonstrators were arrested. All were charged with trespass with malicious intent, breach of peace and conspiracy. June 21 In Mississippi three volunteers working for the Mississippi Freedom Project disappear. On June 23 J Edgar Hoover would report that their car had been found burned out. He told Johnson that it was his opinion that the three had been murdered. June 22 22 arrests with wade-ins. 16 segregationists, 3 black males and 3 whites. During the night windows in office of State senator Verle Pope were smashed. Pope had been attempting to act as mediator and form biracial committee. Paul Hansen, photographer for Danish TV news was attacked and beaten while photographing a demonstration. June 22 - Memo over Governor Bryant's order to ban night time marching and Justice Department response. June 24, Charles Lester Strickland arrested for throwing a cherry bomb. June 25 had most serious rioting at St. Augustine Beach as a group of whites attacked 75 people during a wade- in. Richard Cubbage, 19 years old, a white protester against integration had his head cracked open by police. That evening 500 whites crashed through police lines and attacked demonstrators. Nineteen people were hospitalized. St. Augustine Police Officer Chessley G. Smith was arrested by Florida Highway patrolman More and Florida State Conservation officer R. Pierce on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. (He was tried in Judge Charles C. Mathis' court on July 14 and found not guilty. Officer Smith never took the witness stand.) Charles B. Stanford was arrested for assault and battery on C. T. Vivian, leader of SCLC. June 26 Commander H V. Gibson, Florida Conservation Dept. advised on June 25, 1964 that he had talked with Halstead Manucy, Klan leader, in St. Augustine the night before in the plaza at St. Augustine. Gibson said several of Manucy's "muscle men" surrounded him during the conversation and two of them bumped him slightly. Gibson told them that if one of them laid a hand on him he would shoot Manucy. Manucy then reportedly called off his men. June 26 In a call to Lee White Dr. Martin Luther King looks for a way to "save face" in St. Augustine. Talk of Harold Wolfe. Follow up calls with Governor Bryant and Senator Smathers. (See memo) June 28 1 white and 4 negroes were turned away from the 1st Methodist on King St. Demonstrators were told to leave by ushers. They refused and when St. Augustine police were reluctant to make arrests they knelt on church property and prayed for about 10 minutes. Then they left without any arrests being made. June 29 The Titan of the UFKKK at St. Augustine requested all klansmen who cannot participate in the "March on Congress" to meet at the Old Slave Market, St. Augustine at 5:00 July 4th in Klan regalia for a peaceful parade through downtown St. Augustine as a show of Klan strength. Dr. Hayling and James Jackson were arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor since juveniles have been used in marches and other demonstrations. Hayling charged in 7 counts released on $2,300 bond. James Jackson held on one count and released on $300 bond. Martin Luther King and John Gibson also have warrants. King surrendered at the courthouse and was released on his signature (delinquency of a minor). June 29 - Mrs. Malcolm Peabody's efforts to stop Hispanic participation in the 400th Anniversary celebration is noted by Lee White, special counsel to President Lyndon Johnson to Hobart Taylor, special counsel to the Presidents Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (see letter) June 30 a truce is called after Governor Bryant appointed a (fictitious) biracial committee to study local racial problems. St. Augustine businessmen stated that they would comply with the new Civil Rights Law expected to take effect later in the week. Yoder was requested by Deputy Sheriff and two Manucy red necks to turn over photographs of the officers who beat segregationists at beach. Photographer had equipment taken from him on May 28 demonstration. June 30 A telegram is received by Dr. Martin Luther King from The Organization of Afro-American Unity Malcolm X chairman: "We have been witnessing with great concern the vicious attacks of the white races against our poor defenseless people there in St. Augustine. If the Federal government will not send troops to your aid, just say the word and we will immediately dispatch some of our brothers there to organize self defense units among our people and the Klu Klus Klan will then receive a taste of its own medicine. The day of turning the other cheek to those brute beasts is over." June 30 White House had been looking for someone who may intervene with the St. Augustine City Council to help from a biracial committee to reduce the tension. (Howard E. Wolfe's White House file) July 1 - SCLC leadership leaves St. Augustine. Dr Shelley, the mayor of St. Augustine, had received a call earlier from Mr. Howard E. Wolfe. He said that George Smathers called him up and said, "Lyndon Johnson, the president, was very anxious to get this civil rights bill passed and signed and he wants it signed on the fourth of July." This was around sometime in Jun, and he wants you to form a committee in st. Augustine, a bi-racial committee, call Martin Luther King, and do anything he wants you to do. Cooperate with him so we can get this, give King a victory. Well, Mr. Wolf called me up and asked me if I knew what they were talking about all of our representatives in the legislature and Mr. Wolf told us what Senator Smathers had called him and talked to him about and he also called Governor Bryant and Bryand had been in contact with Mr. Wolf. and we discussed and kicked it around and I kicked the ball and said, 'Mr. Wolf, you've lived here all your life' and said 'This Civil Rights Bill is going to be signed in the next, very week, two, couple of weeks.' We knew it was coming because he told us. I said, "When that happens, all this is going to be finished,' and I said, 'Now you do this, you're going to double-cross your friends in this community. You're going to see the community out to give Martin Luther King the victory so he can go to any other community and say 'see what we did in St. Augustine, we can do it any place else we want to..." (Dr. Joseph Shelley CRSTA 6, September 6, 1977 University of Florida - Interviewer Dr. David Colburn) U.S. Congress Passes the 1964 Civil Rights Act The national focus of the King campaign was the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This would end discrimination within public accommodations. On June 19 the Senate passed the bill. The House of Representatives passed the revised bill on July 2. The bill was signed by LBJ on the 2nd with Dr. Martin Luther King at his side. President Lyndon Johnson's Televised Address From the address of the President upon the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on Nationwide Radio and Television in the East Room “We believe that all men are created equal. Yet many are denied equal treatment. We believe that all men have certain unalienable rights. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights. We believe that all men are entitled to the blessing of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessing – not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin. The reasons are deeply embedded in history and tradition and the nature of man. We can understand—without rancor or hatred—how this all happened. But it cannot continue. Our Constitution, the foundation of our Republic, forbids it. The principles of our freedom forbid it. Morality forbids it. And the law I will sign tonight forbids it. … Let us close the springs of racial poison. Let us pray for wise and understanding hearts. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make our Nation whole. Let us hasten that day when our unmeasured strength and our unbounded spirit will be free to do the great works ordained for this Nation by the just and wise God who is the Father of us all.” Aftermath July 4 the KKK march with about 150 people and 75 of those wearing robes. Few spectators and no incidents. More violence. July 5 five negroes including a woman and a child were fishing off Vilano Bridge. They were attacked by a group of 7 to 12 white youths, one of them using a bicycle chain. Two of the Negroes went injured one was hospitalized. One was under indictment in connection with shooting of William Kincaid. July 9 Alonzo Manucy also known as "Bubba" nephew of Halstead picketed the Monson Motor Lodge carrying a sign "Niggers ate and slept here, would you?" The motel manager, James Brock, was told by Stone that Stone was in charge of the picketing. Brock asked him why he was being picketed since he accepted Negro guests only when forced to comply with Federal law. Stoner replied, "We're just trying to get you some nigger business." Stoner added they planned to picket all integrated St. Augustine establishments. July 14 Henry Twine attacked with iron bars in front of a motel. July 17 to 24 KKK rallies were held at the City Baking Company on State Road 207. July 16 Teams of negroes sponsored by the SCLC tested eating facilities in St. Augustine. 27 restaurants were tested and teams were turned away from all except 3. Suits were filed against Rustys and Santa Maria. July 17 At Pappy's Seafood Restaurant victims got out of car and were immediately charged by seven or eight white males. On July 24 Stoner, Lynch, Paul Cochran of Jacksonville and Barton Griffin of Jacksonville were arrested for burning cross without permission. Bill Coleman was arrested for cross burning and wearing a hood. 2 Molotov cocktails were thrown through window of Monson Motor Lodge Dinning Room causing $3000 damage. July 28 Holstead "Hoss" Manucy took the 5th 33 times in a case about 15 food establishments and motels refusing to integrate. August 5 a injunction was placed from Judge Simpson barring Hoss Manucy and the Ancient City Gun Club from discouraging integration by any threat or action. August 14 Flagler Hospital ordered to integrate. August 19 Judge Simpson found motel manager William Chew and Deputy Sheriff Charles Lance, Jr., in contempt of court for refusing to rent a motel room to blacks and for following them in their car. Lance was ordered to turn in his badge or resign his commission from the sheriff's force within twenty days. August 20 Palms Congress Inn William and Johnnie Chew were found guilty of contempt. August 23, 1964 a newly formed Citizens Council met at Holiday Inn where William Chew became president. August 26 Charles Allen Lingo a white field worker for the S.C.LC. was attacked and injured at the St. Augustine Beach. Charles Lingo and Arthur Funderberk filed civil action for $20,000 damages against Sheriff L. O. Davis for failure to protect them from being beaten at St. Augustine Beach. October 1 Rev. Seymour resigns from Trinity Episcopal and accepts a position at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans. Rev. Stanley Bullock took over as priest at Trinity Episcopal in St. Augustine. December 3 Ketterlinus Jr. High - 8th grader assaulted on playground by a white man who struck child with fist knocking him to the ground. Creating the Myth By June the Federal Courts had taken over much to the protests of local citizens. The St. Augustine Record in a September 27 front page story talks about "the lash of federal judicial infringement on the rights of citizens and the constitutional powers of local and state courts." Over 500 cases involving Civil Rights protests were moved to the Jacksonville Federal Court of Judge Simpson. The claim was that they could not get a fair trial in St. Johns County. October 23 Jerome Godwin and Hoss Manucy arrested and jailed for failing to turn over names of the Ancient City Gun Club. Manucy had taken the 5th Amendment thirty-three times. March 22, 1964 Mayor Shelley had submitted a statement in response to the information being distributed by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He disputed any public segregation. The only places that were segregated were private businesses. He stated that police protection was adequate and that the first shooting incident would have been prevented had "certain Negro citizens cooperated with the police department." On November 19, 1964 Charles P. Barrier, the City Manager, gave a statement about the disturbances. He blamed the earlier picketing on two full time NAACP Field Directors, Willie Luden of Savannah and James Brown of Tifton, Georgia. He blamed the national news media for working with Dr. King and publicizing the visit of Mrs. Malcolm Peabody. He blamed the special police force created by the governor for problems because: "it seemed to us that this Special Police force had been given instructions to leave the negroes alone, but arrest all the white people they could." 1965 January 7, 1965 A. H. Tebault, Jr., Editor of the St. Augustine Record, gives his review. He blames the troubles on national publicity. The Federal Court was the most single detriment to local and state law enforcement in the keeping of the peace. Outside agitators such as Mrs. Malcolm Peabody and Martin Luther King were part of the stage play by the Southern Leadership Conference and the National Council of Churches. March 17, 1965 Virgil Stuart, Chief of Police, City of St. Augustine sends his comments on the "Racial Agitation in St. Augustine" to a Florida Legislative Committee reviewing the recent events. He marginalizes Dr. Hayling as a person who led a group of "young negro trouble makers" or "hoodlum followers". The National Council of Churches was blamed for the Easter invasion on 1964. He indicated that the youthful disturbances began when "young teen-age white girls began to show up dating and mixing socially with negro male students from Florida Memorial College." The national press was responsible because it staged Hollywood Productions." Martin Luther King "plotted" to bring thousands of participants from other states. He stated "potash and battery acid were used against the police officers by the marchers with hypodermic syringes and plastic containers such as cleaning fluid, etc. He was also upset about the Governor creating a Special Police Force which resulted in the arrest of a City Police Officer "for no good reason" who was then placed in the county jail. April 22, 1965 11:00 Service Ancient City Baptist Church and Grace refused admission to black teenagers. July 8, 1965 A wick was placed under the 100 gallon gasoline tank of Mrs. Plummer Secretary SCLC. August 26, 1965 Dr. Hayling still threatening to demonstrate at the 400th St. Augustine Celebration. White House still trying to determine its policy. (See memos) (Federal Government options) The state commission drew its own conclusions. It highlighted that the Florida Memorial College assured the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of "a ready and enthusiastic supply of pickets and demonstrators who already had gained considerable experience during the summer of 1963." The school would later move to Miami. National news media was to blame. Physical violence against the demonstrators were provoked by "imported young white girls strolling through the Plaza arm in arm with Negroes or imported white men escorting Negro women." Judge Simpson was to blame for the violence. When laws are bad they should be respected but until repealed they are the law and are worthy of the same respect and obedience as all other laws. State Commission Go to St. Augustine Rebounds June 21 In Mississippi three volunteers working for the Mississippi Freedom Project disappear. On June 23 J Edgar Hoover would report that their car had been found burned out. He told Johnson that it was his opinion that the three had been murdered. |
| Beach Wade-In Florida Memory Project |
| Dr. King and Rev. Abernathy Florida Memory |
| Dr. Robert Hayling Florida Memory |
| Len Murray SCLC Florida Memory |
| Hoss Manucy Quotes: "We're not tied to the Klan in any way though I'm not knocking the Klan. It's a wonderful organization. "A nigger can't make a living without a white man, he has to go North where the welfare checks are bigger." "There's no white men scared of a nigger. That's a proven fact in St. Johns County." The Eugene-Register Guard - July 1, 1964 "My boys are here to fight niggers, Martin Luther King? He's a nigger. He's an outside nigger and we don't put up with outside niggers in St. Augustine. He's a Communist. That's a proven fact." Harpers Magazine |
| Lyndon Johnson Speaking on St. George Street |
| A. H. Tebeault, Jr. Vestryman of Trinity Episcopal Church (and editor of the St. Augustine Record: "Well, we're at an impasse because it (Clergy must enforce entrance of African Americans to the Church) won't happen. I must decide between being an American or an Episcopalian." |
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| If you're serious about understanding Civil Rights in St. Augustine, this is a foundation book. Put it on your must have list. Dr. Bronson |
| Andrew Young: "When you have one man, wearing civilian clothes, beating you while another, wearing a badge, stands waiting to arrest you when the first one gets tire, well, that makes you think. St. Augustine is really worse than Birmingham. It's the worst I've ever seen." St. Augustine Marches around the Slave Market |
| President John F. Kennedy |
| President Lyndon Banes Johnson |
| signing of 1964 Civil Rights Bill by President Johnson |
| The tension produced by this confrontation between civil rights demonstrators and the Klan operating on both sides of the law is palpable, inescapable to the visitor. Many local businessmen have begun to carry pistols routinely, and the day before I arrived a housewife had almost her whole knee blown off when a loaded shotgun being carried in the family car went off accidentally. The temper of the white community borders on hysteria. In a claim that covers some bloody ground indeed, Martin Luther King has called St. Augustine "the most lawless city I've ever seen." George McMillan in "The Klan Scourges Old St. Augustine" Life Magazine June 26, 1964 |
| Virgil Stuart St. Augustine Chief of Police around demonstrators |
| Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy being arrested with Virgil Stuart, Chief of St. Augustine Police |
| Dr. Martin Luther King, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Brock |
| J. B. Stoner |
| Stoner Manucy, Lynch |
| "If I had known what I know now about this town, I doubt if I would have come here. Man, these Negroes were really violent. We had to go around the community and knock on each door and convince the people that violence begets violence and we couldn't win that way." Hosea Williams |
| Martin Luther King speaking about St. Augustine in 1964: "Even if we do not get all we should, movements such as this tend more and more to give a Negro the sense of self-respect that he needs. It tends to generate courage in Negroes outside the movement. It brings intangible results outside the community where it is carried out. There is a hardening of attitudes in situations like this. But other cities see and say: "We don't want to be another Albany or Birmingham, and they make changes. Some communities, like this one, had to bear the cross." |
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