57 South Main Street
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Last updated: March 25, 2024
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Directions from Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center to site 33:
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Harry Lee Solomon was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on March 15th, 1896. Solomon began shoeshining at the young age of ten at local barbershops. In 1920, Solomon was single and working as a wage worker in a shoeshine parlor. By 1930, Solomon had been married to a woman named Janie Marie for three years and had a son named Harry, and the family lived at 370 North Mason Street. Harry’s occupation was listed as “shoeshine.” By then, the industry was recorded as “own parlor,” indicating that he owned his own shoeshine business, Harry Lee’s Shoeshine Parlor.
Solomon was known as more than just a shoe-shiner. He was respected as a talented musician by the Harrisonburg Community. He sang for local quartets and at his church. He was also part of the band Ace of Rhythm as the pianist and vocalist. Solomon and his fellow band members made a name for themselves in the Harrisonburg and Shenandoah Valley communities. The band played at clubs, establishments, schools, and other events.
In 1940, the Solomons lived in the same home they now owned and had a daughter named Catherine. Two years later, at 46, Harry Solomon was required to enroll in the World War II draft, though it does not appear he was drafted into service. On January 19th, 1960, Harry Solomon died suddenly from what the medical examiner deemed a likely heart attack. Harry was buried in Newtown Cemetery.
In 1940, the Solomons lived in the same home they now owned and had a daughter named Catherine. Two years later, at 46, Harry Solomon was required to enroll in the World War II draft, though it does not appear he was drafted into service. On January 19th, 1960, Harry Solomon died suddenly from what the medical examiner deemed a likely heart attack. Harry was buried in Newtown Cemetery.
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Brianna Madden-Olivares performs an excerpt of her final monolog in Not Made For This.
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Rev. Harold Brown, Sr. worked in Harry Lee's Shoe Shine Parlor. He too is a wonderful singer. Listen and enjoy!
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