Like other buildings on the block, 1501 and 1511 22nd Street South are showing their age. But if those old walls could talk, they would tell a tale rich in St. Petersburg history.
“They would tell a story of a struggle. They would tell the story of perseverance,” said William Swain, whose father once owned them.
That man, Dr. Robert Swain, was a prominent African American who opened his dental practice and neighboring apartments on those lots back in 1954.
At the time, the city was segregated and African Americans were not allowed to live south of 15th Avenue South. Swain’s property was just 25 feet over that line.
Before he was allowed to build them, Swain had to hire an attorney and threaten to sue the city for violating his civil rights. Once permission was granted, Swain’s practice thrived and his apartment building became a temporary home to some of the biggest names in baseball.
Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Frank Robinson were among the players who stayed there because they weren’t allowed to board with their white teammates while in town.
Olympic Gold Medalist and legendary track star Jesse Owens, as well as tennis player Althea Gibson also stayed at Swain’s apartments. All the while his children said they were unaware of just how famous those tenants were.
“I would point out this is my Aunt Althea, not knowing that she was the famous Wimbledon tennis player,” said son William Swain. “She was just Aunt Althea to me.”
And to his children, Swain was just dad. It wasn’t until years later that William and his sister Lynne Swain finally realized the impact their father had.
“It makes me feel very proud,” said Lynne.
“For the longest time, this was it. Please don’t go past this line,” William said. “So it makes me very proud to know he was instrumental in making that happen.”
Swain’s family said they want their father’s story told so the next time people pass by those 22nd Street South buildings, they’ll realize just how important they were to the community during the Civil Rights era.