Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court facts for kids
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Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House, Lynchburg VA, November 2008
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1422 Pierce St., Lynchburg, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | McLaughlin, James T. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, American Foursquare |
| Part of | Pierce Street Historic District (ID14000527) |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001519 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 24, 2002 |
| Designated CP | August 25, 2014 |
The Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court is a special historic place in Lynchburg, Virginia. It includes a house built in 1911 and a famous tennis court. This site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. It is part of the Pierce Street Historic District.
This home belonged to Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, a very important doctor and tennis coach. He helped many people and trained future tennis champions.
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Dr. Robert Walter Johnson: A Special Home
Who Was Dr. Johnson?
Dr. Robert Walter Johnson (1899-1971) was a doctor in Lynchburg. He was the first African-American doctor to be allowed to practice at Lynchburg General Hospital. This was a big step forward for the city.
Besides being a doctor, Dr. Johnson loved tennis. He was a great athlete himself. His home is built in the American Foursquare style. It has a tennis court right next to it.
Training Future Tennis Stars
Dr. Johnson used his own money and skills to start a special tennis program. It was called the Junior Development Program of the American Tennis Association. This program began in the 1950s.
He taught young African-American tennis players. He focused on good sportsmanship and discipline. Two of his most famous students were Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. They were the first African-Americans to win at Wimbledon, a very famous tennis tournament.
A Welcoming Place for Important Guests
During a time when many hotels would not allow African-American guests, Dr. Johnson's house was a safe place. He offered lodging to many important African-Americans traveling through Lynchburg.
Famous guests who stayed at his home included the musician Duke Ellington. Other notable visitors were baseball legend Jackie Robinson, bandleader Lionel Hampton, and baseball star Roy Campanella.
The Historic Tennis Court Today
The original tennis court was made of red clay. It was where Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson practiced and became champions. The court was last used in 1971. After that, grass grew over it, but the net posts still showed where it had been.
In May 2018, a new green clay court was built and dedicated on the same spot. This means new generations can see and appreciate this historic court.
What About the House?
The Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House is a very important historic building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, the house itself has unfortunately fallen into disrepair over the years.
