"The Trial of the Century," A Tale of Jealousy and Privilege

More accurately, the first of many "Trials of the Century" in 20th century America. This one gave us the "Molineux Rule."

(General George Molineux, center, with some of his Civil War unit in front of his home on Fort Greene Place, 1884)

In 1894, a very successful African American restaurant owner and host named Hiram S. Thomas bought a house on a quiet stretch of Fort Greene Place in Brooklyn. He announced the purchase of his new house to a man who was dining at the Lake Ho…