jan 1, 1887 - Juniper Gardens "Junikie"

Description:

Juniper, known today as Juniper Gardens, is one of the areas Exodusters migrated to in 1879,
located north of the Jersey Creek. A few Wyandot constructed homes were available in that area, thus making the need for building shanty housing a necessity to accommodate the new residents. Over time, many families in the area had small gardens surrounded by rocks to mark boundaries.

By the 30s, Juniper had developed into a healthy Black community. People worked hard, built homes, and took care of the family. Julia Briscoe shared this account of living in Juniper.

"My parents, Edward and Maple Donald married in 1926, relocating from Arkansas. They had three children, Edward Jr., M.J., and me. Later, two cousins, Samuel and Alberta Hill (siblings) moved in with us from Springfield, Arkansas. Dad worked the late-night shift for the railroad. When Edward was of age, he would help Dad deliver coal. Dad taught Edward and the boys how to repair cars. Dad was very industrious and smart. He would teach himself how to perform different tasks. Dad retired from the railroad after many years of faithful service. We went to church every Sunday at Trinity A.M.E. We all attended school, received a good education, and then graduated from Sumner. Ultimately, Edward became the captain of the Fire Department located in the Bottoms. I worked as a secretary at K. U. Hospital and later as a medical transcriptionist for Dr. Zigler. M.J. had a career in the military. Alberta was successful in cosmetology. Those were good times."

Alberta Dobbins shared this account, "My dad died when I was 12 years old. My older brother
Samuel was already living here. I arrived later to visit during summer vacation. My cousins and I enjoyed our time together so much; they asked mom if I could stay. My mother agreed. The Donald family had started out living in a small shack with an outhouse. All their children were born in that house. At that time, women delivered their babies at home. Then, the mother and child would go to K.U. Hospital for examination, and afterward, sent back home. Dad decided to remodel that small house. Later, Mother and Dad had a much larger home built with beautiful flowers all around and a garden in the back. There was a store next door. Within the community, food was plentiful. I would often help Mother cook in the kitchen. We attended Stowe, Northeast, and Sumner High School. Dad worked for the railroad but was injured when half of his foot was cut-off during a night shift. He received a settlement but continued working for the railroad. Mother worked for a shoe company and cooked for a wealthy family. That family would allow their chauffeur to take her to the store and wherever else she needed to go. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed time with her family. The Donald's were known for dressing nice and working hard."

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