Enduring
Families
Project

Children’s Stories

The Enduring Families Project (EFP) focuses on preserving and sharing African American history in the Coulee Region, primarily through children’s stories. It aims to build an inclusive community by highlighting local historical figures and events. The website features stories, resources for teachers and students, and videos related to multicultural education.

News & Events

I Wanna Be a Barber Like Mrs Moss

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Stories

Access resources for each story by clicking on the Get Resources button.

STORY 1

“A LONG WAY TO FIND HOME”

George Edwin Taylor as a child

How does a 5-year-old child survive on a wharf for three years alone in Alton, Illinois? After arriving in La Crosse he is arrested and taken in by two formerly enslaved people in West Salem. What is the nature of the relationship George develops with Nathan and Sarah Smith? Later, George becomes the first Black man to run for President of the United States in 1904.

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STORY 2 | Coming Soon

“I WANNA BE A BARBER LIKE MRS. MOSS”

STORY OF LYDIA MOSS BARBER SHOP

Isabell Mc Collon was living with at the Burt Boarding House with her widowed father and eight-year-old brother when she met Mrs. Lydia Moss at the Moss Barber Shop. It was a marvelous world to know two women who owned their businesses, but then she met the African American Literary and Debating Society. She thought she would never leave La Crosse.

STORY 3 | Coming Soon

“Stormy Weather”

STORY OF KIDS IN THE MOSS BOXING RING

“Stormy Weather”, story of Lillian Smith Davenport
Lillian Smith was 10 years old when her older sister, mother and grandmother were catering parties for some of the wealthiest families in La Crosse.

She had chores preparing for these parties, but her favorite was listening to the music from the butler’s pantry.

Lillian Smith Davenport grows into a vaudeville and jazz singer.

Music is included in story.

Consider the juxtaposition between her home/life and the homes/lives she visited.