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!

By 1925, Ada Davis Winstead‘s dressmaking business, Ada’s Modeste Parlor, was booming at 108 West Nash Street, upstairs in the Wilson Theatre building at the heart of downtown. She employed at least five dressmakers catering to the fashion needs of her white clientele, including her sister-in-law Ella Davis, Louise Wilson, Lovella Cotton, Eliza Best, and Lessie Locust.

1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory.