American Beach property owner, Sollie Mitchell celebrated his 103rd birthday. Sollie and his wife, Mary Barnett Mitchell, built their beach home on Lewis Street, where he continues to visit as his beachside get-away. Sollie Mitchell was born in 1918 and attended Stanton High School. He became a soldier in World War II and is now Florida’s oldest WWII Veteran. Sollie was employed by Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. The former legendary Pullman Porter and activist was the only Pullman Car Porter on the Freedom Train that took passengers from Jacksonville in 1963 to the March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King. He worked for the railroad until he retired in 1981. A noted philanthropist for religious, educational, fraternal, and civic causes, Sollie dedicated his life to helping
others. Sollie’s name is synonymous with the Prince Hall Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge #377, which was renamed in his honor and is now, Sollie Mitchell Lodge #377 located in downtown Jacksonville. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Sollie continues his community advocacy as a volunteer, historian and friend to many! He is still often seen driving his White Lincoln Continental around Jacksonville and sometimes drives to American Beach.