Enduring Legacy of Andrew, Jasmine Robinson (Part 1)

Trailblazers, community pillars and sources of inspiration. That’s how family, friends and historians described Andrew “Andy” and Jasmine Robinson. Their individualaccomplishments, coupled with their shared commitment to service and equality, left an indelible mark on Crawfordsville. They fostered a spirit of inclusivity that continues to resonate today. This week, we’ll share the story of Andy Robinson, who made an impact in his long career at Raybestos and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Next week, we’ll share the story of his wife, Jasmine.

Born in 1923, Andy Robinson’s life included an intermittent education at the Lincoln School for Colored Children, attending when it was opened, and after a year’s closure, returning. At age 17, Andy’s first job was working weekends and evenings for the Coney Island Restaurant on North Washington Street. Robinson worked 70 hours a week, earning a mere $10 per week. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a mere $150 per week in 2025 dollars.

Andy was drafted into the military in his senior year, never finishing high school. He shipped out with a segregated unit and served in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Philippines and New Guinea, unloading ammunition, food and clothing supplies from the ships entering the harbor. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Crawfordsville to begin work at Montgomery Ward, originally located downtown, though it announced a move to Crawfordsville Square in 1965.

During his employment at Montgomery Ward, he and Jasmine married and built their family. Though Andy experienced segregation in education, the military and life, he persisted. Andy found employment at Raybestos and ended up staying there for 35 years. His career culminated in the prestigious Outstanding Raymark Employee for Community Service Award in 1985.

Andy was noted for his love of all manner of sports, bowling, table tennis, horseshoes, and skating, where he was “always the first person to arrive at the skating rink and the last one to leave.” He was inducted into the Montgomery County Bowling Hall of Fame in 1988, and though he took a break from bowling for some time, he picked it back up again at the age of 93. He won gold medals in Lafayette’s Area Four Games for the Aged and was a member of the Sugar Creek Square Dancers for many years.

His passion for sports led him to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club for 25 years, where he taught table tennis and mentored countless children, leading teams to seven consecutive state championships. Later, the club posted a plaque in his honor.

Andy’s impact extended beyond sports; he served as a role model for young people, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and community involvement. His contributions were formally recognized when the Crawfordsville School Corporation honored him by placing his name on the old Boys and Girls Club building, a lasting tribute to his commitment to the town’s youth.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, multi-issue political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government. For information about the League, visit the website www.lwvmontcoin.org; or, visit the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Indiana Facebook page.