A Ministry for Modest Dress
Shirley R. Hawkins Ministries | P. O. Box 29062 | Richmond, VA 23242 | [email protected]
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
My purpose for writing this book is to share the complete story of what took place within the walls of the Colonial Revival brick mansion located at 508 St. James Street, Richmond, Virginia in historic Jackson Ward. I discovered in recent years that the structure was designed by Charles Russell, the first African American architect in Richmond, Virginia, for Dr. William Hughes, who also was Maggie L. Walker’s personal physician. This mansion, at one point in history, housed The Richmond/Virginia Workshop for the Blind and Richmond Evaluation and Training Center, to its restored splendor today by Preservationist, Zarina Fazaldin.
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While reading several articles about the mansion, I became deeply concerned when discovering the workshop was only mentioned in the numerous articles and books written about both of these fine gentlemen. Equally important, the information concerning what went on when the mansion was a production and training center had not been fully detailed. I had no idea of the historical background of 508 St. James Street when I was employed there in the 1960s. It is amazing to discover such valuable information at this stage in my life.
I knew I had to do something to make sure others knew about the awesome, dedicated staff; the delightful and riveting stories of the blind/vision impaired employees who kept something going on 24/7; and the musical and other talents these special individuals possessed. It was never a dull second, minute, or hour at 508 St. James Street, nor were any two days the same! Once you begin reading this book, the main goal is to renew your mind regarding the blind/vision impaired. I’m excited by what is about to take place.
