He was the only African American dentist in Beaufort County and practiced for more than 50 years. This building was Dr. Dowdy’s third office location. His first office in the mid 1930’s was located at 410 Gladden Street in the Medical and Business Building.

He later moved into Dr. Lloyd’s (who was African American) former drug store building at 408 Gladden Street in the 40’s, and finally moved into this location at 230 West Fourth Street in the 1950’s.

Dr. Dowdy graduated from Howard University School of Dentistry in 1928, and he was the first African American person to be appointed to the Washington City School Board during segregation and was the first African American man in Washington to become a 33 Degree Mason.

He was also the Chairman of the African American World War 2 Fund Drive. Under his leadership, the generous donation from the African American citizens of both Washington and Beaufort County helped significantly towards the war effort and helped to boost the morale of local African American military men and women and their families.

Dr. Dowdy is still revered as one of Washington’s most outstanding African American leaders.

Sources: Dr. Dowdy's obituary via DigitalNC; Article in the Washington Daily News , Dr. Dowdy’s medical office Published 4:56 pm Monday, January 24, 2022 ,By Leesa Jones