“Ex-Slave Ex-Tra: The Living Voice and Biography of an Ex-slave in Modern History” at the Chattanooga Library offers more insight into Walker’s life. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing the story of late Chattanoogan Mary Walker, who at the age of 116 learned to read and write, was given the keys to the city, and received recognition from not one but two US presidents.
Her life
Mary Hardway Walker was born into slaveryin the year 1848 in Union Springs, AL. Following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Walker began a full and eventful life, despite the segregation and racism of the Jim Crow era; by the age of 20, she was married and had her first child.
Walker eventually had two other children (three sons in total) and worked various jobs like cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and even selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. In 1917, Walker and her family moved to Chattanooga, where she lived until her death in 1969.
Here in Chattanooga is where Walker outlived her husband and all three children by the time she was 114. It’s also where she first learned to read, write, add, and subtractafter enlisting in the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement in 1963.
At the time she learned these skills, Walker was 116. Some sources say 117, but that may be referencing how she attended a one-hour class two nights a week for more than a year.
Mary Walker with her teacher, Mrs. Helen Kelley, and classmates during one of their classes | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Her accolades
The US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare certified that Walker was (and remains) the nation’s oldest student, but that’s not her only accolade. She was also:
Named Chattanooga’s Ambassador of Goodwill — twice
Recognized for her achievements by former presidents Lyndon B. Johnson + Richard Nixson
Visited + celebrated by leaders from across the country and Canada
Given the keys to Chattanooga
Named the “prize pupil” of her Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement class
Noted to be one of the longest-living former enslaved persons
What’s Blooming in Sitton Gulch | 10 a.m. | Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA | Free | Take a morning hike to see the wildflowers in bloom — meet at The Interpretive Center.
Tuesday, March 11
Mountain View Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Tennessee Riverplace | $12 | Bring a mat for a yoga flow by the river while taking in the scenic views — you can explore the nearby hiking trails after the practice.
Wednesday, March 12
Page-Turners on the Patio | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Greenhouse by OddStory | Free+, RSVP | Bring a book to read on your own while enjoying drinks, snacks, and optional conversation with fellow book lovers.
Thursday, March 13
The Floor is Yours | 7-9 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | Free+ | Those 18+ can participate in this open mic show or be part of the audience — this month’s theme is “Drive Out the Snakes.”
Friday, March 14
Sk8 Night | 5-8 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Bring your own skates (or rent a pair) to skate the night away with Dazey Skate Co.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has invested $1 million to help restore the Tivoli Theatre. In appreciation of the investment, the main stage at the theater will be renamed the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation Stage when the facility reopens in 2026. (Chattanoogan.com)
Cause
The City of Red Bank is hosting a month-long food drive in March to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Food donation items can be dropped off at City Hall on Dayton Boulevard Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arts
Tickets are on sale now for the Hunter Museum of American Art’s inaugural Terrace at Twilight on Thursday, April 24. The spring fundraiser encourages guests to dress in garden-inspired outfits to enjoy a night of dancing, cocktails, and floral-themed fun — and an opportunity to win best dressed.
Health
Nominations for the Hamilton County Health Department’s Daisy Award are now open. The award honors nurses across all health department locations who have gone above and beyond in providing compassionate care. Submit your nomination + the awardee will be announced in May.
Mansion Monday
Lakefront property alert: A 5,564-sqft home in the Eagle Bluff subdivision is on the market boasting upper and lower-level decks to take in the views of Chickamauga Lake. Take a tour of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom property with a sunroom, recreational space, and extra-large garage for your vehicles and kayaks.
Environment
Local nonprofit Green Steps is partnering with Sleepyhead Coffee to host an East Main Street litter cleanup on Sunday, March 30. Volunteers will meet at the Sleepyhead Main + Dodds location at 11 a.m. to pick up supplies. Sign up to participate.
Community
Chattamatters is seeking community listening ambassadors for an upcoming project. The paid opportunity involves talking to your friends + neighbors about local news and community information. Learn more.
Outdoors
What if the best week of your child’s summer also helped them grow in confidence? Whether they’re tackling the high ropes course, paddling down a river, or sharing stories around the campfire, every experience at Camp Lookout is designed to build friendships, foster faith, and create unforgettable memories. Learn more + register.*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of posh kitten heels. They feature textured suede fabric, a chic pointed toe silhouette, and an adjustable ankle strap for added stability.
When it comes to the most observed + logged bird species in the Hamilton County area, only four (out of the nearly 300 readers who participated) guessed the correct answer — the ring-billed gull. eBird lists over 300 bird species logged by birdwatchers + this species has the most observations — 14,790 times over the years.
}})
