NATCHEZ, Miss. – The office and pharmacy of one of Natchez’ first black physicians is among Mississippi’s 10 most endangered historic places as the building continues to deteriorate.
“If immediate action is not taken to stabilize the structure, it will soon be lost,” states the Mississippi Heritage Trust’s description of the Franklin Street building.
The now-vacant Dumas Drug Store is where A.W. Dumas practiced medicine and operated his pharmacy. It was an anchor of downtown Natchez’ black business community in the 1900s.
Dumas came to Natchez in 1899 after graduating from the Illinois College of Medicine. He began his medical practice with John Banks, who was the first black physician in Natchez, according to a report posted by the Natchez National Historical Park. Dumas in 1941 was elected president of the National Medical Association, the organization for black doctors. He died in 1945.
Dumas’ infirmary was one of the few private facilities in the state to provide health care to blacks.
The old Dumas Drug Store on the 700 block of Franklin Street has been vacant for more than 35 years “and is slowly being lost to time. Windows and doors are missing, leaving the building open and vulnerable to vandalism. The rear wall is in danger of collapse,” states the Mississippi Heritage Trust’s assessment of the building’s condition.
The building was constructed in two parts: the western portion between 1904 and 1910 and the eastern portion between 1910 and 1925, said Carter Burns, executive director of the Historic Natchez Foundation. It’s owned by the Williams family, he said.
MHT last Thursday unveiled its list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2021 at an event in Jackson. Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson attended the gathering and expressed hope the Dumas building can be saved.
“So grateful to be part of a community that values its history and hoping for a great future for this significant property,” Gibson said in a Facebook post.
Also listed is Alcorn State University’s Oakland Chapel. The 1838 building on ASU’s Lorman campus needs major renovations after deferred maintenance and inappropriate alterations have threatened its stability, according to the MHT. The campus’ Oakland Cemetery is also listed as endangered.
To see the complete list and descriptions of Mississippi’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, go to www.mississippiheritage.com
The Mississippi Heritage Trust works to save the state’s architectural legacy. It’s been compiling its 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list since 1999.
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