An African American woman lifiting a tray of food.

Category: 

Commerce

Tags: 

Dish, Entrepreneur, Physical Movement, Vendor

Gordonsville Waiter Carriers

Gordonsville, Virginia | late 1800s

In the late 1800s, enterprising Black women known as waiter carriers transported food long distances to the Gordonsville train station, the junction of several train lines. Seizing the opportunity to feed hungry travelers, they developed a reputation for their fried chicken.

Adopted By Paula Perlis