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Right the Record: Gerard Alexander Jennings

(1912-1979)

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Mr. Jennings was the proprietor of Jennings Lunch and Pool Room which also operated as a successful lunchroom, pool hall, and dance hall until his death in 1979. Jennings moved the business to a two-story building at 110 South Commerce Street from the North Commerce Street location.

Portrait of Gerard Jennings

1912

  • Mr. Jennings was born on March 24, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Gerard and Mary Ellen Johnson Jennings.
  • He was raised in Culpeper by his adoptive parents Stewart and Susie Beckwith Allen.

1940

  • Gerard served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he rose to the rank of Corporal.
  • Civic minded, he served as President and leader of the Culpeper County-Wide Civil Council, and he was a prominent and respected African American businessman, advocate for both civil rights and equal education within the Culpeper County school system, and Antioch Baptist Church leader.

1979

  • Gerard died on June 24, 1979 and is buried in his family’s plot in the Antioch section of Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper.
  • His wife, Gillie Margaret Jennings, died on September 11, 2004, and is buried in the Culpeper National Cemetery (New Section). The couple had one adopted daughter, Gloria.

Jennings Lunch and Pool Room

Gerard Jennings Lunch and Pool Room was located at 110 East Commerce Street.

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