As previously written, my 2nd great aunt, Tilithia, owned and operated a restaurant/boarding house by the name of The Strand Cafe.

One of Tilithia’s daughters, Juanita, married a certain Clarence “Jim Kitty” Russell. Jim Kitty went on to be the proprietor of his own eatery/pool hall named Russell’s Grill.

Historical news articles and other primary sources indicate that Russell’s Grill, located in the heart of Church Street in Norfolk, at some point became an important meeting place.

The obituary of Lucille Jones Seals, later owner of Russell’s Grill, provides very interesting information about the establishment:

“One of Norfolk’s most esteemed Black business owners has passed at age 90. Lucille Jones Seals, owner of the Mark IV Restaurant and Lounge, passed on December 12, 2017 after a brief illness. She was an entrepreneur of various businesses with an impact that was felt by many for more than 50 years. 

Seals was working at Russell’s Grill on Church Street during the late 40s when it was the watering station for famous entertainers and stars of the Black music scene. Church Street at that time was the place to be for Black commercial  enterprise, entertainment and cultural enrichment.

She would later assume the role as owner of Russell’s Grill and change the name to the Mark IV in 1972. That Mark IV lounge closed in 1984 when the city began to redevelop Church Street.”

Nevertheless, on an early February afternoon in 1930, there was a scandal at Russell’s Grill.

According to the news report, Clarence—Jim Kitty, was struck in the lower thigh by a bullet allegedly delivered by his wife, Juanita. The anecdote of a joking/talking Jim Kitty waiting for his family doctor is described. Also, the scene is set concerning Juanita’s prompt arrest and her husband’s signing her surety. Attorney Walter L. Davis makes an appearance in this news story. He moves for and receives a change of court venue for his clients, the Russells.

Their legal strategy wins and days later, Juanita is vindicated in a court of law. The incident is deemed an accident and that’s that.

There are so many questions.

Even so, one thing is for certain. Jim Kitty and Juanita remained married for the rest of their lives—Jim Kitty passed away in 1966 and Juanita died about ten years later.

While this 1930 scandalous accident is documented in the news of the day, it did not stop the business that paid them.

Remember to search out historical newspapers and other primary sources for information on your ancestors. Keep in mind that the history you find may just be a blast 💥.

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