wilson villa
Dates of operation: 1917-1956
Mary Ann “Villa” Wilson’s business was her home. The Wilson Villa, a play on her name, was a popular tourist home for African American travelers in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. Beginning in 1917, Villa and her husband Robert Wilson opened their home to all kinds of travelers: businessmen, politicians, pastors, railroad workers, and performers in search of a clean and comfortable accommodation. Wilson Villa remained open throughout the Great Depression and across several moves, but most prominently on 697 St. Anthony Avenue.
Ms. Wilson, a woman born just after the Civil War ended, was well-known and respected within the Rondo community. Before her home even opened for business, people knew they could expect a high level of service from her.
The former home of Villa and Robert Wilson still stands today. The demolition of historic Rondo neighborhood spared their side of the street, although the house now faces Interstate 94. Photo courtesy of Google Maps.
Tourist homes listed in the Green Book provided a smaller alternative to hotels that may not be explicitly for “whites-only,” but could nevertheless deny service to African Americans. They were often more affordable and accommodating than hotels. In cities without hotels open to Black travelers, tourist homes were a saving grace. These hospitable businesses were often run by married women and helped bring in additional income for the family.
Like many other owners of tourist homes, Villa Wilson provided clean rooms and warm meals to her guests, as well as reassurance that—even if they weren’t allowed to book a room in a hotel downtown—they were always welcome with her.
Illustration of the Harlem Globetrotters, Minneapolis Spokesman, January 3, 1936
Famous musicians like Ada Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Fats Waller stayed at Wilson Villa when they performed in Minneapolis and St. Paul!
Listen to this playlist to sit in on a concert:
Wilson Villa welcomed a number of famous visitors, like singer Ada Brown, actor Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and the Harlem Globetrotters. The fact that these well-known Black entertainers stayed in the modest tourist home indicates that even they may not have been served at finer establishments. It’s also a sign that praise for Wilson Villa extended far beyond the boundaries of St. Paul.
Villa Wilson’s home continued to advertise listings until 1956 when construction to build Interstate 94 began tearing apart the Rondo neighborhood. She was 89 years of age. The Wilson’s beautiful two-story home still stands on St. Anthony Ave as one of the only Green Book businesses from the historic neighborhood to narrowly survive the destruction of Rondo.
timeline
Addresses:
697 St. Anthony Avenue
“Her house will be named ‘Wilson Villa’ and it will be up-to-the-minute in every respect.”
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Fannie S. Clay in 1933, the year they stayed at Wilson Villa, photo by Carl Van Vechten, courtesy of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University
CASSIUS BAR & CAFE
Explore the other Historic sites
SERVILLE HOTEL
JIM’S
PLACE
WILSON VILLA
G & G
BAR-B-Q
PHYLLIS WHEATLEY HOUSE