In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historical markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.
We been here.
1925. Black brickmason John M. Barnes built this Charles Benton-designed house for undertaker Camillus L. Darden and wife Norma. Now home to local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, August 2024.
My great grandmother, Catherine Clark, was the chief cook for the Dardens when they lived here.
Oh wow!!! Thank you for sharing that detail!
Hi Lisa. Have you considered applying to the William Pomeroy Foundation for a Hometown Heritage Marker Grant? It’s not complicated. We just got one for our ancestor Miles Lassiter (checkout our Strieby Church Heritage page on Fb). Go to wgpfoundation.org.
Of course the other alternative is for you to create an official marker program! 😉
Love the stories. ❤️
Hi, Margo! Wilson County has a historic marker program (I’m on the committee, in fact). This series is intended to reflect my fantasy marker placements! 🙂 Thanks for the info about the Pomeroy Foundation grant though — definitely good to know.