Mr. Biglow had purchased gasoline on two occasions from a gas station located at 20th and Lamar Avenue. After paying for his gas he asked if he could use the restroom the proprietor informed him that there was not a colored restroom.
Mr. Biglow left without incident and bean the push for an NAACP Chapter. He stated the following reasons in his charter application.
- He was World War II veteran who had fought for his country overseas only to come home and be treated line a second class citizen
- Black soldiers guarded German prisoners who were kept at Camp Maxey. The German prisoners they guarded were allowed to go in the front door of Paris restaurants while he was directed to the back door.
- Black citizens were required to pay Paris Junior College taxes but could not attend classes until Brown vs. Board of education was passed by the Supreme Court in 1954.
After meeting with the Regional Director, he learned that it would take fifty members to get a charter. He then met with ministers and members of the black community, More than three hundred people signed up as members, and in April 1975 the Paris Branch received its charter.
