February is Black History Month, an annual observance recognizing the incredible impact of Black and African-American people throughout the history of the United States. This month-long celebration was established in 1976, and it calls attention to the many achievements of Black people in America, an important piece within the fabric of the nation. In a recently published article by the Columbus Foundation, an Ohio-based charitable organization working to assist donors in improving the community, the organization discussed the Ward family’s legacy. Interested in learning more about the Ward family and their contributions through E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co.? Keep reading to discover.
In 1881, John T. Ward founded E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. He was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and this horse and wagon moving service originated as a stop on this historic network of safe houses that worked to free enslaved African Americans. This stop existed in what is now present-day Whitehall, and it was known as the Ward Transfer Line. This was one of the first Black-owned businesses in the entire country, which is a noteworthy accomplishment. With only two horses and one wagon in the 1880s, E.E. Ward has now grown exponentially in the past 140 years to achieve success as the company it is today.
One of the foundations of E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. is the family connection that runs through the veins of the company. Among the people who have continued to carry on John’s legacy is Eldon Ward, John’s great-grandson. In 1945, Eldon joined the company, and then he proceeded to fill the president position from 1951 until the mid-1990s upon his retirement. Although Eldon fulfilled an integral role within the company for many years, his work in the moving and storage world is not the only impressive aspect of who he was as a person. He worked diligently as a philanthropist and as a leader of his community. He served on more than 40 boards throughout his lifetime, from the American Red Cross to the United Way. Elsie Ward, his wife, was also involved in this philanthropic work, and she and Eldon created the Eldon W. and Elsie S. Ward Fund at The Columbus Foundation, assisting young people to pay for YMCA memberships.
Although the company is no longer in the Ward family, the family’s impact still continues to live on through the lasting impression they have made. In the present day, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. is owned by Brian Brooks, Eldon’s godson, and his wife, Dominique. They have committed themselves to strengthen the E.E. Ward legacy while innovating in order to advance the company further.
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. and the Ward family continue to be honored and revered through art pieces at the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio. Aminah Robinson, a respected artist from Columbus who frequently shows African American history through her art, has created three stunning murals that depict the stories of what the company and the family have contributed through their work. Robinson’s work is proudly displayed by the King Arts Complex for all to see and learn more about the incredible history behind this company.
The rich history of this company has formed over many years, and the reason why the company has stayed successful and thriving for so long is the high-quality services it provides to the community. For people in the Columbus, Charlotte, and Raleigh areas who are seeking moving or storage solutions, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. can reliably provide exactly what they need and much more. With a large menu of services, the company can help to meet a wide array of moving and storage goals. The services offered by E.E. Ward include the following:
These solutions are an effective way to simplify your move. The team moving and storage at E.E. Ward commits itself to offer top-of-the-line services to all its customers in order to achieve the best results possible. When you count on E.E. Ward, you can expect the very best.
Thanks to over 140 years of dependable services, E.E. Ward has earned a trusted reputation as a supplier of the very best moving and storage has to offer. With countless positive reviews and plenty of awards, we’re proud of, we continue to commit ourselves to offer premium services to our customers every time.
Over the years, this historic company has made an incredible impact through its contributions to the community. This year and every year, we celebrate E.E. Ward during Black History Month and all year round. The legacy of the company simply cannot be denied and continues to make a positive influence.
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