18-02-2025
Fairmont remembers contributions of local civil rights pioneer
FAIRMONT — Hartley's Department Store was more than happy to take money from Black Fairmont residents but not employ them for front-end positions.
Catherine Dooley Taylor helped change that.
"Hartley, they had a black lady that ran the elevator, but Blacks were not allowed into the department store," Rev. Wesley Dobbs said. "Along with her brother, Fred Dooley, and others, Sister Taylor marched up the street, no violence. We just marched. They would take your money, but you could not work there.
"After probably about five to six years, they broke down, and we was allowed in the Hartley's just like any, anyone else. She was very instrumental in that because her and her brother would not let it go until it happened."
The City of Fairmont celebrated the Second Annual Catherine Dooley Taylor Day on Monday. Last year, City Council passed a proclamation naming Feb. 17 Catherine Dooley Taylor Day, in recognition of her contributions to the community. Taylor passed at the age of 102 in 2012. The city also dedicated its first honorary street sign under its then-new program in July 2024. The sign dedicates Maple Avenue to Taylor.
The action at Hartley's wasn't the only civil rights work Taylor did, Dobbs said. She also helped with a push to make local banks issue loans to Black residents, helped end discriminatory practices at DC Murphy Company Store and theater in Fairmont. Taylor also marched outside the Marion County Courthouse after two white teenagers confessed to the murder of a gay Black man.
"She had everybody at heart, she cared for everyone," Mary Tate, Taylor's daughter, said. "She was just that kind, strong person who wanted to help everybody in any way she could."
Tate said her mother received the Humanitarian Award from the governor in Charleston. Her mother did more in the community than civil rights work. Tate said she devoted her life to her church and community. Dobbs said Taylor was at Morningstar Baptist Church with him for 36 years.
Taylor is particularly known for one of her quotes. Fairmont Mayor Anne Bolyard keeps it close at hand.
"I actually keep a bookmark of her obituary in my notebook that I run into Council each every meeting," Bolyard said. "'Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to Man.' I'm paraphrasing her words and legacy, but that is a driving force for me."
Bolyard never had a chance to meet Taylor personally but did meet her surviving family members at least year's street sign unveiling.
February is Black History Month. Bolyard said Black history is American history, and it's important to celebrate each contribution made by Black Americans.
"There are countless of those to be found not often found in the mainstream or traditional history books of this country," she said. "It's an important part of our history that we need to celebrate and recognize every day, not just in the month of February."
