41 West Elizabeth Street
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Last updated April 30, 2024
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Directions from Charlotte Harris Marker to site 31:
- Go north on N Main St
- Turn left onto W Elizabeth St
- In 450ft, site 32 is on left
Elon Rhodes was the city of Harrisonburg’s first black School Board member and was elected to the City Council in 1976 and served as vice mayor. 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, American Legion Post No. 76, 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 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 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.
References
Elon Rhodes, “Interview with Elon Rhodes (SdArch-20-5),” by Wondwossen Getachew, Lucy Simms Remembered Oral History Collection, 1 Dec. 2000, audio, https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/scoh-simms/2018/04/27/elon-rhodes/.
Erin Flynn, “School Board Rep to Resign: School Names Also Chosen For Two New Facilities,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, 3 Feb. 2016.
Melvin Mason, “A Man of Commitment,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, April 10, 2006.
“Mrs. Smith Vice Chairman: Rhodes Gets School Post,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, 6 July 1972.
Elon Rhodes, “Interview with Elon Rhodes (SdArch-20-5),” by Wondwossen Getachew, Lucy Simms Remembered Oral History Collection, 1 Dec. 2000, audio, https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/scoh-simms/2018/04/27/elon-rhodes/.
Erin Flynn, “School Board Rep to Resign: School Names Also Chosen For Two New Facilities,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, 3 Feb. 2016.
Melvin Mason, “A Man of Commitment,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, April 10, 2006.
“Mrs. Smith Vice Chairman: Rhodes Gets School Post,” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, 6 July 1972.