It appears that the portly gentleman in the lower-left is standing guard over several bundles of straw brooms. Great job sir!

Hampton University at one point was the Hampton Normal School and Agricultural Institute. Mary Peake, an educator in Phoebus, taught under the Emancipation Oak, now on the Hampton Campus. She occupied Brown Cottage, now considered the first building of Hampton University. (Or at least that's the way I understand this history I gathered.)

It's not clear to me though if Phoebus Normal School is connected to Hampton University. In 1905, it seems unlikely. Maybe Phoebus Normal School would've been targeting a different set of students.

Phoebus high school was built in the mid 1970's, but it doesn't seem to be a replacement of any older structures.

[There was no Phoebus Normal School. "Normal School" was the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The sign says "Cars (streetcars) leave for Phoebus, Normal School, Hampton & Newport News every 15 minutes." Note that first comma. - Dave]

Do I even need to say it? The hotel burned in 1920. It was replaced by a new hotel (same name) in 1928. That building still stands, though it is now a high end retirement community.

Just to the top left of the triple piling on the left, there is a man leaning against the barrels with a flat topped cap. (policeman?) I cannot be sure which direction his face is pointed but he appears to be wearing a lone ranger type mask or a pair of goggles. Can you please give me the scoop.

[He's a porter. - Dave]