110 Main Street

Former location of Henry Peters – Porter House

Henry Peters, a son of Cesar and Lois Peters who were rescued from being sold as slaves in South Carolina by their Hebron neighbors in 1787, purchased the house that stood here in the early 19th century so he could farm. Henry Peters had been born after Cesar Peters’ family were rescued. He was part of a sizeable group of African Americans who lived in Hebron Center earning their living by providing farm labor to gentlemen-farmers also living there.

Henry Peters house with modern alterations before it was torn down.

Doctors and lawyers, like Governor John S. Peters MD and Honorable Sylvester Gilbert, who dwelled around the Green also relied upon skilled African American labor to ensure that their farms would remain competitive. As a result, the African Americans living along this section of Route 66 were able to lead a middleclass life, even though they could not vote. Unfortunately, very few of the houses that these African Americans lived in have been preserved.

Think about it

Farm animals like cows, horses, and sheep need hay to survive. What steps must be taken to turn grass into hay? Why couldn’t a farmer have his cows graze outside all year rather than taking in hay?

Use your imagination – Imagine it’s early morning on Henry Peters’ farm. What farm sounds might you hear?

Where to go next

Look further down Route 66. You might see the chimney of a large house at the top of the hill. Stay here to read about it, and then walk back toward Hebron Center.