Tookes House

Tookes House is a residential structure in Tallahassee composed of sections built and expanded over two decades starting in 1948. The building contains eleven bedrooms across its various connected additions and reflects mid-20th century residential design.

The house began operations in 1948 when Dorothy Nash Tookes opened it as a boarding house to serve Black visitors facing segregation policies. This venture addressed the urgent need for safe lodging in a period when public establishments refused service based on race.

The house reflects how Black travelers navigated segregated Tallahassee by finding shelter within private homes of trusted community members. It demonstrates the practical ways families created welcoming spaces when public accommodations were closed to them.

The property sits at the intersection of West Virginia Street where it is easily visible from the road. Visitors can view the exterior of this landmark, which carries formal recognition as a documented historical site.

Dorothy Nash Tookes was Leon County's first certified teacher who channeled her professional standing into providing shelter for displaced travelers. Her dual role as educator and proprietor shows how Black professionals used their status to serve their community.