471 Broad Street
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Last updated on April 27, 2024
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Directions from Effinger Street School to site 14:
- Turn left onto E Gay St
- In 350 feet turn left on Broad St
- Site 15 is on the left in 250 feet
This is the former home of Roberta Webb. Roberta Anna Morgan Webb was born on January 7, 1990, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from the Hampton Institute in 1909 and moved to Rockingham County to begin her teaching career at the old Newtown School in Elkton. Two years later, Mrs. Webb started teaching at Effinger Street School in Harrisonburg, teaching sixth and seventh graders until 1922. In 1924, she married the Rev. John M. Webb and had three daughters. Mrs. Webb operated a nursing home out of her house for ten years. She took in those in need, gave them care, and even taught them primary education. She also offered in-home childcare for her community members and was the first to do so. Mrs. Webb was an active NAACP, PTA, and the Broad Street Mennonite Church member. In 1943, Webb was the first African American member of the Broad Street Mennonite Church. She was also the first Black resident at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. For her 100th birthday, Mrs. Webb received a greeting from President and First Lady Reagan. Roberta Webb died on December 20, 1990, at age 101. After Mrs. Webb's passing, a daycare center was founded in her honor. The Roberta Webb Child Care Center and Preschool opened in the fall of 1994 on Kelley Street and operated until June 2024.
