41 West Elizabeth Street
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Last updated on April 30, 2024
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Directions from Charlotte Harris Marker to site 36:
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Elon Rhodes was the city of Harrisonburg’s first Black School Board member from 1965 to 1975 and was elected to the City Council in 1976 and served for 16 years. Rhodes was born on July 31, 1922, in Rockingham County. He attended Effinger Street School and enlisted in the United States Army after graduation. He defended his country during World War II and rose through the ranks to staff sergeant. Rhodes was a self-employed barber and operated his barber shop for 44 years in Harrisonburg. He was a John Wesley United Methodist Church member, the Commander of Newman Washington Post 76 of the American Legion, Mason’s Omar Lodge No. 226, and the Newtown Cemetery Trustee Board. Rhodes served as councilman for sixteen years. Rhodes died on April 8, 2006, and lays to rest in the Newtown Cemetery.
In a fitting tribute to his memory and contributions, the city of Harrisonburg honored Elon Rhodes in 2016 by naming the Elon Rhodes Early Learning Center after him. This center stands as a testament to his dedication to education and his commitment to the community.
In a fitting tribute to his memory and contributions, the city of Harrisonburg honored Elon Rhodes in 2016 by naming the Elon Rhodes Early Learning Center after him. This center stands as a testament to his dedication to education and his commitment to the community.
