The Bing Rooming House has watched Plant City change and reform around it for 90 years. On April
12, it was honored with its very own State Historic Marker during a dedication ceremony.
Built in 1928, the Bing Rooming House served as a domestic hotel for African-Americans during the period of segregation. Now it features a museum that is dedicated to preserving the history of African-American culture.
When it was originally built, the house was home to Elijah L. Bing Sr. and his wife, Janie Wheeler Bing, and anchored the Laura Street African-American Business District. Even after his death, Janie Bing operated the house until 1975, providing overnight lodging for professionals ranging from doctors to teachers and even Negro League baseball players.
In 1999, descendants of the Bings deeded the house to the Improvement League of Plant City Community Development Corporation. In 2002, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“This is important because it signifies the history of the area,” Janell Johnson, board member of the Improvement League of Plant City and granddaughter of Elijah Bing and Janie Bing, said at the ceremony. “It brings the community together. The young people were able to come and be a part of it today and it’s important because we need to know what our history is, especially so we don’t repeat the past.”
During segregation, African-Americans who wished to find lodging in Plant City had two options: Stay with a friend or visit the Bings. Ministers, entertainers and visitors all found safe and warm accommodations under Janie Bing’s roof.
The museum reflects some of that change. It is a blend of Plant City history and the African-American culture throughout the history of the U.S. Everything from local artifacts to coverage of Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence can be found in the renovated rooms.
The path toward national historic recognition was no walk in the park. Most historical grants require a 50/50 match. Williams Thomas Sr. started community matches and fundraisers, dances and jazz concerts to help raise funds and gauge community interest in preserving the building.
Liesta Sykes, vice president of the Improvement
League, said once word spread the community began to really step up. The City of Plant City became a major supporter of the house and several city leaders, like Mayor Rick Lott, donated personal funds.
“Who all came together was all races that donated money, donated time, donated influence or whatever it was to help make this project happen,” Sykes said.
Sykes said the house was “nearly on the ground” when they first began the process of stabilizing the structure. Through multiple hurricanes, repeated foul weather and a changing community, the house still stood.
Though nearly a century has passed since it first opened its doors, Bing continues to act as a rallying point for the community. Throughout the week multiple classes and clubs hold their meetings at Bing, Improvement League events like book signings and festivals take place there and classes frequently hold reunions within its walls.
During the ceremony, community leaders of all walks of life spoke on the lessons they learned growing up under the influence of Janie Bing and vowed to continue to preserve the history that shaped countless lives in the area.
“We can do more together than we can do
separately,” Johnson said. “This house is a testament to that.”