Fly in the Buttermilk: The Life Story of Cecil Reed

Reed grew up as an isolated African American in the early 20th-century Midwest. He managed to succeed in that white world, ultimately getting elected to the Iowa state legislature and then being appointed to state and federal offices with substantial responsibility over various jobs programs. Reed's trick was to become such an unthreatening, model citizen that those around him had to accept him, a philosophy he calls ``bracing the system.'' When such notables as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway were refused admission to ``white'' hotels, his house became their hostel. Holding menial jobs, from shining shoes to dishwashing, Reed mastered them with flair, savoring the lessons they taught, until he became a successful small businessman. When neighbors wouldn't let their kids play with his, he built a mini-amusement park, complete with a merry-go-round, midget-car racetrack and pony rides, until the white kids came to his house to play. While it is impossible, on reading this volume, not to respect Reed and his accomplishments, his lessons about ``bracing the system'' are of questionable relevance today. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)