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.
Johnston County, N.C., native William A. Mitchner arrived in Wilson ca. 1908. Second known Black physician in Wilson County. Dr. Mitchner built this small office in 1936 in the middle of the Black business block and practiced here until his death in 1941.
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.
African-American elementary school built with Rosenwald funds ca. 1917 on present-day Willing Worker Rd. Consolidated with 8 other schools in 1951 when Springfield High School built.
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.
REID STREET COMMUNITY CENTER
Dedicated Dec. 1938. Expanded in 1950s. Social and entertainment hub for 50+ years. Acclaimed swim team. Venue for nationally famed gospel, R&B, and soul acts.
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.
Former site of Golden Rule Kindergarten. The Daniels home, which stood in front of the school building, was recently demolished.
Founded 1947 by Rev. Hattie Daniels. Operated in building behind her home at 908 Wainwright St. For nearly 30 years, educated hundreds of East Wilson children. Legacy continues at Hattie Daniels Day Care Center.
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.
LITTLE UNION PRIMITIVE BAPTIST
Established before 1914. Member of Turner Swamp Prim. Bapt. Assoc. led by Elder Jonah Williams. Original church destroyed by Hurricane Fran in 1996. Rebuilt on site with donated funds.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, September 2024.
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.
HERITAGE CEMETERY
Formerly Elm City Colored Cemetery. Founded 1896 by local African-American community, which was denied access to Elm City’s public cemetery. Still active.
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Read about Elm City Colored Cemetery here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, September 2024.
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.
Second location of Black Catholic school, 1948-1968, staffed by sisters of Oblate Sisters of Providence. Succeeded by co-op kindergarten Kiddie Kollege of Knowledge.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, August 2024.
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.
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.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ELM CITY
Est. 1904. In 1964, Ku Klux Klan threatened integrated volunteers painting church, prompting state police intervention.
For more about the church and this incident, see here and here.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, August 2024.
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.
ROUNTREE CEMETERY
In 1897 and 1906, Rountree Missionary Baptist Church purchased two lots on either side of street to establish cemetery for church members. Cemetery name later applied to two adjoining African-American burial grounds. Burials ceased ca. 1950.