Bing Rooming House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bing Rooming House
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Plant City, Florida |
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| NRHP reference No. | 02001009 |
| Added to NRHP | September 14, 2002 |
The Bing Rooming House Museum is a special historic building in Plant City, Florida. It's located at 205 South Allen Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This house was built around 1928. It served as a boarding house, which is like a guesthouse where people can rent a room.
The house was run by Mrs. Janie Wheeler Bing. It was a very important place for African-Americans during a time when many places were segregated. This meant that African-Americans were not allowed to stay in hotels or eat in restaurants that were for white people. The Bing Rooming House offered a safe and welcoming place for them to stay. On September 14, 2002, this historic house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. This means it's recognized as a very important part of history. Today, it has been fixed up and is open as a museum. You can visit the museum from Monday to Thursday, between 2 pm and 6 pm.
A Home Away From Home
The Bing Rooming House played a big role in the community. During the 1920s and beyond, many places in the U.S. had rules that separated people based on their race. This was called segregation. Because of these rules, African-American travelers, workers, and even famous performers often couldn't find a place to stay.
Mrs. Janie Wheeler Bing opened her home to provide a safe and comfortable place for them. It was more than just a place to sleep. It was a community hub where people could relax, share stories, and feel welcome. The house became a vital part of the African-American community in Plant City.
Becoming a Museum
Over the years, the Bing Rooming House continued to be a significant landmark. Its history shows an important part of American life. Recognizing its value, the house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places that are important to the history of the United States.
After being added to the Register, the house was carefully restored. Today, it serves as the Bing Rooming House Museum. Visitors can learn about its history and the lives of the people who stayed there. It helps everyone understand the challenges people faced and how communities helped each other.
