Parker House Maintains Link With Black Community

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(L to R) The late Maurice J. McFolling and Mrs. Belinda McFolling stand outside of Parker House's State Street meat plant in Chicago. The meat company is over 90 years old and is a staple in the Black community. (Photo Courtesy of Belinda McFolling)
(L to R) The late Maurice J. McFolling and Mrs. Belinda McFolling stand outside of Parker House's State Street meat plant in Chicago. The meat company is over 90 years old and is a staple in the Black community. (Photo Courtesy of Belinda McFolling)

The next time you drive down 46th and State St., pay close attention to the large white building on the west side of the street (if headed north). Take the building in because its loaded with rich Chicago history and savory sausage. It is no other than, the Parker House Sausage Company, where everyday, busy Parker House employees prepare the companys famous line of products including smoked sausage links, hot head cheese, sagey souse and polish sausages.

Founded in 1919 and incorporated in 1927, Parker House is the first African American owned and operated meat processing plant in the Midwest, according to its website. Judge H. Parker, Sr., began the company in his kitchen, selling the meat products door to door each day before he reported to work at the Chicago slaughter houses.

In time, Parker, Sr. was able to purchase several refrigerated delivery trucks which allowed black salesmen the rare opportunity to drive commercial delivery vehicles. More importantly, the refrigerated trucks resulted in the company breaking racial barriers for meat distribution in the Midwest.

In 1921, Parker, Sr. purchased a plant at 4605 S. State Street, the current home of Parker House. This achievement is just one reason why Parker, Sr. is considered by many as an entrepreneur who refused to accept the limits of race and paved the way for many others to follow.

Weve accomplished quite a bit and were proud of that. The community is very familiar with the Parker House Company name, said Belinda McFolling, vice-president of Parker House and the widow of former Parker House president Maurice J. McFolling.

Maurice McFolling was Parker Sr.s stepson and started working for Parker House when he was 19. He held every position in the company, according to Mrs. McFolling.

McFolling also told the Chicago Citizen that many people are not aware that Parker House is still a family owned business.

Surprisingly, some people are unaware that we are still a Black owned family business, she said. The vice-president attributes the companys longevity to an enduring relationship with the Black community.

Parker House has significantly given back to the Black community through the years. From sponsoring local boy scouts to participating in fundraising groups, the company has left an indelible mark on Black Chicago.

The meat companys relationship with Chicago State University (CSU) is arguably one of the strongest bonds it has with the Black community.

In 1974, Mrs. Elsie V. Parker, wife of Parker, Sr., found a volunteer organization at the university, The Ancillary Group (TAG). Through this benevolent vehicle, Mrs. Parker organized fundraisers and events that benefited CSU culturally, financially and academically. The groups aim is to foster and encourage support for educational and research programs at CSU while also nurturing an everlasting bond with the surrounding community.

Over 37 years later, TAG is still active at CSU and Mrs. McFolling is the organizations current president.

Today, Mrs. McFolling says her primary focus is launching a scholarship to honor the memories of her late husband, Mrs. Parker, Parker, Sr. and Judge H. Parker, Jr. (also a former president of Parker House).

What Im doing is keeping up the legacy. This is what my mother in law started over 37 years ago, said Mrs. McFolling. The McFolling/Parker Scholarship Fund is a TAG initiative.

On Oct. 15, an afternoon lunch will be celebrated at CSU honoring the memory and legacy of Mrs. Parker and her late sons Maurice J. McFolling and Judge H. Parker, Jr. The event will be held at the CSU Academic Library, Schienbuks Sunroom, 4th Floor. Tickets are $55 dollars and include lunch, entertainment and a silent auction.

For tickets and more information please call 773-980-9488 or e-mail taggerscsu@gmail.com

by Thelma Sardin

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