A Remarkable Commemoration

 
Fellowship and commemoration. That’s what Herchel Miller says is the intention behind the Juneteenth Gammon House Father Fest. Miller started his work with the Gammon House after his retirement 8 years ago. He is serving as the event’s committee Co-Chair and watched as the event came to fruition over time. He is very pleased to see what it has become, and the sense of community it produces. "The Gammon House contributes to a deeper sense of place for Springfield residents since it was rescued from the wrecking ball," says Miller. 
  
The Gammon House has been celebrating Juneteenth in one way or another for about 18 years. Far before President Joe Biden officially established June 19th as a federal holiday in 2021. “We’ve been gaining traction with our 5k, as well. The celebration really comes in three parts; a 5k which fell on June 8th this year” says Miller. The George And Sarah Gammon 5k Run/Walk/ Discover was held on June 8th, with a turnout of about 50 contestants. Registered participants were given ice cream from Young's Jersey Dairy, and could enter different drawings to win prizes aside from the trophies awarded to the winners! They hope for the number of participants to multiply in the coming years.  

Miller continues saying “...the Together We Rise Prayer Breakfast, on June 14th, was hosted by St. John Missionary Baptist Church. This event featured keynote speaker Pastor Dale DeGroat. Our main event is the Juneteenth FatherFest… but what’s interesting is that this observance has gained such a following. We get support from people who are from Springfield yet no longer live in Springfield. The City has even contributed so we’re really proud of how it’s evolved over the years, and the sponsors and partners it has acquired,” says Miller.  
  
He continues to say that they block off Center Street from Liberty to Pleasant Street for the event.  They attracted more than two dozen vendors, 12 food trucks, and a kid’s zone featuring bouncy houses and other rides. “This year we’ve surpassed our fundraising goals…we do appreciate the support from the very philanthropic business community of Springfield.” This year there was also a stage for the first time, for an array of local performers to be featured.  
  
Dale Henry, Board President of the Gammon House, was also commented on the celebration. “We’re also proud to say that we have celebrated Juneteenth for more years than anyone in the whole region. We have more volunteers than we ever have, so it goes to show the committed base of volunteers we can count on for events, and when we host groups here at the house.”

Henry is referring to the fact that the Gammon House boasts the longest-running, official celebration of the holiday in the midwest, by a historic landmark. He has served on the Gammon House board since its establishment in 1998.  
  
This board was generated out of necessity to mark the building as the historic landmark it is today, and to save it from demolition after local historian, Art Thomas, thought the house should be given historic significance. This home, constructed and inhabited by George and Sarah Gammon in 1850, would be the midpoint out of 15 underground railroad sites from the Ohio River to Canada. “Springfield has a really strong history,” says Miller.

“For black people to be able to build a brick home and own land in the 1850’s was very significant. This is also the year that the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in America, which indicated that an owner of a freed slave had the right to go into a free state and retrieve that person to bring them back to slavery. That produced a whole industry and created crazy situations for free black folks. So George and Sarah were incredibly courageous, as was their family. Their second child, an elder of two sons, even went on to serve in the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers during the American Civil War” he goes on. “George and Sarah were really heroes, and she-roes, of the time. We feel as though it’s our obligation to tell their story and attract folks to this site,” adds Henry.  
  
The Gammon House Board of Directors is also delighted to represent the only African-American historic landmark in the city. While there are 10 members, they are looking to expand and find “community-minded” individuals.  

"It's a depository for local history of all Springfield. It's given life to our dying history. It's given hope to the Black community that somebody cares" commented Gail Grant, a current member of the board. 

Future plans for the Gammon House include murals, and the construction of an interpretive/educational center to sit near the property. 
  
For more information or to volunteer at Gammon House, follow this link GammonHouse.org . Dale Henry and Herchell Miller would particularly like to thank their sponsors and supporters, including former residents: Bishop Steve Houpe, Dee Miller, Maurice Stinnett, Angie Emmons, John Legend, along with Champion Lodge #15, The Alpha’s Gentleman’s Fraternity, CJ’s Refuse Hauling LLC, Clark State and the Springfield City School District.