CHATHAM, Va. (WSET) \u2014 Community members, local officials and the Gilbert family gathered Saturday morning to unveil a new Virginia highway historical marker recognizing the legacy of Gilbert’s Restaurant, a longtime Chatham business that served as a gathering place and refuge for Black residents and travelers during the era of segregation.<\/p>\n
The ceremony was held at 401 N. Main St., at the corner of North Main and Lynn streets, where the restaurant once operated. The marker is part of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ Highway Marker Program, which commemorates significant people, places and events in the commonwealth’s history.<\/p>\n
The unveiling was hosted by Chatham First in partnership with the Pittsylvania Historical Society.<\/p>\n
Constructed in 1945 by the Rev. Robert Gregory Gilbert, the property initially operated as a gas station, grocery and general store, and caf\u00e9 serving Black residents who were barred from many white-owned businesses during segregation. Located along U.S. Route 29, Gilbert’s Restaurant became a trusted destination for local families and an important stop for Black motorists traveling through Southside Virginia.<\/p>\n
LEARN MORE: Chatham landmark revived: Gilbert’s Restaurant gets national historic recognition<\/p>\n
The business remained a family operation after Robert Gilbert and his wife took ownership in 1973, continuing to serve the community until the restaurant closed in 1999.<\/p>\n
Robert Gilbert said the marker recognizes not only the family’s history but also the broader community that supported the restaurant over the decades.<\/p>\n
“I am very proud, but humbled, to be a part of a legacy which was started by my mom and dad, the late Rev. Robert G. and Arzelia Gilbert,” Gilbert said. “I am very grateful for all of the community organizations and individuals that have coalesced around this effort.”<\/p>\n
Gilbert also thanked Dr. Ina Dixon for leading the initiative, as well as former employees and customers who supported the family business through the years.<\/p>\n
“I believe mom and dad are smiling down,” he said.<\/p>\n
Joel Keneipp, president of Chatham First, said the marker preserves an important chapter of the town’s history.<\/p>\n
“Chatham First is thrilled to experience this moment in history for not only the Town of Chatham, but most importantly for the Gilbert family,” Keneipp said. “Through efforts like these, our region is continuously telling our rich story and bringing these narratives to the forefront.”<\/p>\n
Bill Guerrant, a member of the Pittsylvania Historical Society, said the recognition is long overdue.<\/p>\n
“We are very pleased that the Gilbert family and this important historic site are getting the recognition they so richly deserve,” Guerrant said.<\/p>\n
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ Highway Marker Program identifies and documents historically significant people, places and events across the state. The markers are installed along Virginia roads to provide historical context for residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
Saturday’s ceremony featured remarks from representatives of Chatham First, the Pittsylvania Historical Society, the Town of Chatham and members of the Gilbert family before the marker was officially unveiled.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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