Mrs. Olivia W. Clark of Roosevelt, N.Y., formerly of 622 Cherokee St., Bethlehem.
Born in Roanoke, Va., she was a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (McDaniels) Palmer. She was the widow of Harry J. Clark.
Mrs. Olivia Clark came to Bethlehem in the 1920’s around the same time as her sister, Maria Palmer Walton. Olivia was a graduate of Hampton University and from there became teacher, she also was a cook for the University Club, located on Market Street, Bethlehem. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Bethlehem.
Mrs. Clark and her husband Harry became acquainted with Dr. James F. Goodwin after he moved to Bethlehem, PA. At that time he lived and maintained his practice from the home of Andrew Fauntleroy, located two doors down on Cherokee Street. Across Cherokee street was the home of Abram Lane, Bethlehem’s first black business man.
Most of the Scholarship Club meetings were held at the Clark home. After Dr. Goodwin moved to Reading, PA a few years lapsed and the Bethlehem student asked Mrs. Clark to start the Scholarship Club again. And she did.
The annual graduation programs were significant. Each student was expected to develop and present a graduation speech before the community and their parents. Everyone was encouraged to seek education beyond High school. (Olivia Clark is pictured front row-third from left)
Mrs. Clark was responsible for the musical programs presented. She involved parents, who sewed the costumes which she had designed. As she taught students to sing and dance, assisted by her daughter Audrey Clark Blue. Anyone who had the least bit of talent and coordination was inducted. IT WAS LIKE BROADWAY! Everyone participated. These programs were developmental as well as fundraisers. Mrs. Clark was always an unselfish person – always giving of herself. For those that found it difficult to attend, transportation was provided. The productions and programs were held at the Jewish Community Center, then located at the corner of Brodhead and Packer Avenues, adjacent to Broughal Junior High School. Productions were also held in local black churches.
We here in Bethlehem are all the better today because of this Great Lady – Mrs. Olivia Clark.