The 500 block of East Nash Street is justly remembered as the 20th century epicenter of Wilson’s African-American-owned businesses. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black entrepreneurs and tradespeople also operated across the tracks. As Wilson’s downtown experiences a resurgence, let’s rediscover and celebrate these pioneering men and women.

Check in each Sunday for the latest in the Historic Black Business Series!

Harvey G. Barnes took out a large ad in the 1912-13 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., City Directory to promote his House of Signs at 107 South Goldsboro Street.

1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory.

In the 1912 city directory, Edward Montague is listed as a sign painter employed by H.G. Barnes.

In 1914, Progressive Colored Citizens included a glowing write-up of Harvey G. Barnes on its front page:

“H.G. Barnes, the sign painter, better known as ‘U No Barnes,’ is a good workman and has practically all of the white business of the town. He was trained in the trade in Cleveland, Ohio, although he is a native of this community. With careful attention to the details of his business, he has established himself as worthy. He also installs all kinds of electrical signs.”

In turn, the painter placed an ad for his new business, Acme Sign Works:

“U No Barnes” — He does the work.

1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory.

Before 1918, U No Barnes shut down his sign-painting business in Wilson and joined the Great Migration to Washington, D.C.