In 1957, Hotel Turned Away Black Newlyweds. 60 Years Later, New Jersey Fifth-Graders Organized Them a Long-Overdue Honeymoon
This article is one in a series at 社区黑料 that profiles the heroes, victories, success stories, and random acts of kindness to be found at schools all across America. Read more of our recent inspiring profiles at The74million.org/series/inspiring.
A group of New Jersey fifth-graders was so touched by a black couple鈥檚 tale of being turned away from their honeymoon hotel in the 1950s due to racism that they took it upon themselves to right the historic wrong.
The kids arranged a special celebration for the couple 鈥 just in time for their 60th anniversary.
In 1957, young newlyweds Gilbert and Grace Caldwell drove from North Carolina to Mount Airy Lodge in Pennsylvania鈥檚 Pocono Mountains, only to be sent packing because of the color of their skin.
Giving thanks to God for the witness of retired Rocky Mountain Conference pastor Gil Caldwell and his wife Grace, and a group of elementary school children who know it is never to late to right a wrong.
鈥 Bishop Karen Oliveto (@BishopOliveto)
Gil Caldwell, a minister who often about his work in the civil rights movement, told the story of his honeymoon on a visit to Bear Tavern Elementary School in Titusville, New Jersey.
It鈥檚 a story he tells often.
Wonderful story on about a friend of mine whom I honored to worked with in Denver who was so helpful to my service – Rev. Gil Caldwell is one of the great warriors whose shoulders I stand on. Thanks to those students!
鈥 Peter Groff (@petercgroff)
鈥淔irst they pretended I did not have a reservation,鈥 he told . But he had a copy. Then the hotel鈥檚 story changed to, 鈥業f we said yes, our guests would be very unhappy.鈥 鈥
The students found the resort鈥檚 mistreatment of the couple outrageous.
鈥淎t the end of the story I was like, 鈥楾hat鈥檚 just terrible,鈥 鈥 one student told CBS.
鈥淚t was really heartbreaking,鈥 said another. 鈥淚 feel like this is the worst thing that someone could do to someone.鈥
We’re not crying, you are. A beautiful story, featuring former longtime board member Rev. Gil Caldwell.
鈥 PFLAG National (@PFLAG)
So the kids decided to do something about it. They started a letter-writing campaign asking if the new owners of the hotel, now called the , would give the Caldwells another chance at the honeymoon they never got to enjoy.
They agreed. CBS News aired footage of the couple arriving for their stay last month.
In 1957, Gilbert and Grace Caldwell were turned away from their honeymoon resort for being black. A group of fifth graders in New Jersey, upon hearing the Caldwells’ story, sought to take action.
鈥 CBS News (@CBSNews)
鈥淲e鈥檙e here! We鈥檙e here! We鈥檙e here!鈥 Gil Caldwell announces in the video. A valet opens the door for him and gives him a firm handshake. And though he walks with a cane, Caldwell strides swiftly down the hotel鈥檚 brightly colored hallways.
鈥淭he rug feels so nice,鈥 Grace Caldwell comments.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a beautiful place,鈥 her husband agrees.
Once in their room, despite the camera crew, they kiss.
The school actually surprised the couple with the news at an assembly in May. After welcoming the Caldwells back, language arts teacher Christina Virtucio pinned a boutonniere on Gil and gave Grace a wrist corsage. Students read excerpts from the letters they had written about the couple鈥檚 experiences in 1957.
Then Principal Christopher Turnbull announced the resort鈥檚 offer of an all-expense-paid stay.
鈥淲hat you do for me 鈥 how wonderful, how magnificent,鈥 Gil Caldwell told the students, according to
The resort itself also reposted the CBS story, writing on :
鈥淚t’s never too late to right a wrong. Gilbert and Grace Caldwell were treated unjustly when they were turned away on their honeymoon over 60 years ago. Mount Airy was a much different place at that time than it is today. Inspired by letters from the fifth-grade students of聽, we invited the couple back for an all-expense-paid honeymoon redo. We love being able to show how far we鈥檝e come.鈥
In the comments on the post, a representative of the casino said the couple was 鈥渁 delight to host,鈥 and added, 鈥淚t was the least we could do.鈥
Said Grace Caldwell to CBS, 鈥淚t was really magnificent to know that kids cared that much.鈥
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