When an airplane passed over to shoot this 1940 aerial, the landscape of much of the East Wilson into which I was born was undeveloped. My early years were spent mostly east of Carroll Street and once I started school I has essentially free range of the blocks between Carroll, Highway 301, Academy Street to the north, and Atlantic Street to the south. The housing in those blocks, except along the western and southwestern edges and a solid line of shotguns in the 1300 block of Carolina, sprang up post-World War II, when severe housing shortages and pent-up demand pushed East Wilson beyond city limits toward the planned path of a ring road (Ward Boulevard) and a widened and re-routed U.S. 301.
I came home from Mercy Hospital to 706 Ward Boulevard. Before I turned one, we had moved to a little brick rental house at 1401 Carolina Street. There, I gained my grounding in Black Wide-Awake and, on June 26, 1969, celebrated my 5th birthday in the backyard.
My friends then are my friends now. I hugged the neck of the lady at upper right just last month. And my own sweet mother, at upper left, blesses me daily. This birthday hits a little different, but I’m grateful for the journey — and proud that it started here.
Photo from the collection of Beverly A. Henderson.
Happy Birthday Lisa!!
Got a question….
When “East Wilson” is referred to , does that encompass streets on the South East side of Nash St. ( namely Manchester, Singletary, Gay, Gray, Robinson, Suggs, Wainwright, etc. ) in addition to streets on the North East side of Nash St. (namely, Carolina, Washington, Reid, Queen, etc.)??
I grew up on Manchester St. and beyond the railroad, racial divide of Nash St. into East and West , there was another divide within the Black Community as determined by what side (North or South side) of Nash St. you lived on.
Were there any homes from the streets of Cemetery, Manchester. Singletary, etc. included in the Historical List that appeared to have been conducted in the 1980’s ??
Hi, Dr. Judy, and thank you! Yes, East Wilson Historic District extends across Nash and down Pender Street and Black Creek Road, as well as the Finch and Lane Street area.
Happy Birthday, Lisa. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and learn so much about Wilson. May your next trip around the sun be filled with happiness and joy.
Thank you so much!!