In collaboration with Black History Month, the Portsmouth Historical Association will be posting untold stories, during the month of February, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of prominent black citizens in Portsmouth. These narratives from the past aim to provide readers with insights into the significant impact that black citizens and buildings in Portsmouth had on the city's history. Through these hidden voices, the historical series seeks to unveil the influential contributions that may have been untold, offering a richer understanding of Portsmouth's diverse heritage.

The first untold story is about Dr. Eugene J. Bass.

For numerous years, Dr. Bass played a pivotal role in Portsmouth as a successful druggist and businessman. He was the proprietor of the E. J. Bass Drugstore, situated at 233 Green Street (Northeast corner of Green & London, presently the location of Children's Harbor). Established around 1896, the drugstore operated in the Lincolnsville area of Portsmouth, a significant neighborhood for the city's African American residents during that period.

Beyond its commercial functions, Dr. Bass's drugstore served as a vital information hub for the African American community in Portsmouth. It played a central role in disseminating news, acting as the primary location for submitting information intended for publication in Jeffrey Wilson's Colored Notes Section of the local newspaper.

Dr. Bass achieved a distinctive honor by becoming the second African American to pass the Virginia Pharmaceutical Board which lead to him being the 1st black pharmacist in Portsmouth. His legacy endures, as evidenced by his family home, still standing at 613 London Street today. This historical residence serves as a tangible connection to the life and contributions of Dr. Bass in the rich tapestry of Portsmouth's heritage.