Sarah Estell
August 11 …
Sarah Estell — a free black woman in the slavery era — rose to prominence as a successful African American entrepreneur during a time when it was almost impossible for a black person to operate a successful business. She owned and operated a “very well-known and respected” ice cream and sweets shop downtown Nashville, TN in the mid-19th century.
On August 11, 1853, a payment notice for an ad placed by the trailblazing 19th-century entrepreneur in the Nashville Union & American was published. And a record noting that Brigadier General Alfred Eugene Jackson paid Estell $2.00 for “eatables.”
Estell, whose customers ranged from families to generals to Masons at the Grand Lodge, was making ice cream before the invention and dissemination of the ice cream churn and before the invention of air conditioning. Her enterprise likely began in the early 1830s, was formally recognized by 1840, and remained active through the 1850s.
Estell started selling ice cream in the early 1830s, but eventually expanded her business to cater events, church socials, fire companies, political fundraisers, and banquets for the city’s firemen in Nashville. She later also added a boarding house to her enterprise.
Another newspaper ad — published on April 30, 1859 — announced the beginning of that year’s ice-cream season and confirms her establishment at 89 Cherry Street (now Fourth Avenue) in downtown Nashville. She served Nashvillians with “excellent ice cream” and other refreshments during the Summer season.
A historical marker in Nashville that honors Estell reads…
“Sarah Estell, a free black woman in the slavery era, ran an ice cream parlor and sweet shop near here. She overcame the many hurdles faced by free persons of color, and her venture thrived. Her catering firm met the banquet needs of the city’s firemen, church socials, and political parties from 1840~1860.”
Photographs of Sarah Estell are scarce. However, review the following two resources where you can view images related to her life and legacy…
- Historical Marker Photograph — A photograph of the historical marker commemorating Sarah Estell’s contributions is available on the Historical Marker Database. This marker provides insights into her achievements and the context of her time.
- Nashville Public Library Virtual Exhibit — The Nashville Public Library has curated a virtual exhibit titled “36 Notable Women of Nashville,” which includes a section on Sarah Estell. The exhibit features images and information about her life, highlighting her role as a free African American woman entrepreneur in the 19th century.
Also check the following sources:
