Stephen Booker, my father, impacted my life more than anyone. I was an only child until I the age of 13 and when my mother Winifred gave birth to my sister Nancy. So, I spent a lot of time with my father.
My Dad was employed at Jones, Witter and Company. Located on Spring Street downtown, it was the only dry goods and notions business in Columbus with no retail connections. When Dad asked me if I wanted a job I said yes! At the tender age of 12 years old I was a working! My pay was one dollar for sweeping floors. Eventually I earned a raise making two dollars. Years later, I became the first black man to work in the office of that company.
In 1953 I was hired full-time. Another man I worked with was Mr. Fortune. We worked in the
My Dad was employed at Jones, Witter and Company. Located on Spring Street downtown, it was the only dry goods and notions business in Columbus with no retail connections. When Dad asked me if I wanted a job I said yes! At the tender age of 12 years old I was a working! My pay was one dollar for sweeping floors. Eventually I earned a raise making two dollars. Years later, I became the first black man to work in the office of that company.
In 1953 I was hired full-time. Another man I worked with was Mr. Fortune. We worked in the