As sluggish and unimpressive as the Hominy usually appears, it has repeatedly wreaked flooding havoc across southeast Wilson.
I recently spotted these placards along Banks Street:
The City of Wilson’s press release on Park-Mercer Wetland:
In the heart of Wilson, North Carolina, an exciting and innovative stormwater management project is taking shape. The Park-Mercer Wetland, situated as a tributary to Hominy Creek just outside Historic Downtown Wilson, is set to become a shining example of how municipalities can tackle stormwater challenges while fostering environmental sustainability. This project, in partnership with the NC State University Bio and Ag Engineering program, is not only transforming the local landscape but also providing valuable insights into water quality management.
Why Park-Mercer Wetland Matters
Wetlands are nature’s filtration systems, and their importance within municipalities cannot be overstated. They play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of urbanization and improving water quality. As our cities grow, managing stormwater runoff becomes increasingly critical to prevent pollution and flooding. This is where wetlands step in.
The Science Behind Park-Mercer Wetland
What makes the Park-Mercer Wetland project particularly fascinating is its collaboration with the NC State University Bio and Ag Engineering program. Together, they are conducting vital water quality testing to determine the nitrogen concentration in the water flowing out of downtown Wilson. This data is essential for establishing how long the water needs to be in contact with wetland vegetation to effectively reduce nitrogen levels.
Catch and Release Design: A Flow-Based Solution
The Park-Mercer Wetland project is designed with a ‘catch and release’ concept, emphasizing a flow-based approach to stormwater management. In essence, this means that water will be temporarily detained within the wetland, allowing it to interact with the native vegetation. This interaction is a crucial step in removing pollutants like nitrogen from the water.
The Impact on Wilson’s Community
So, why should the residents of Wilson be excited about the Park-Mercer Wetland project? The benefits are manifold:
Improved Water Quality: By naturally filtering and purifying stormwater runoff, the wetland will enhance the quality of water flowing into Hominy Creek and, ultimately, our local waterways.
Flood Mitigation: The wetland will help manage excessive stormwater during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding in our community.
Biodiversity: Wetlands are home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife. The Park-Mercer Wetland will contribute to biodiversity and offer opportunities for residents to connect with nature.
Educational Opportunities: Through partnerships with educational institutions like N.C. State University, the wetland project becomes a living classroom, fostering research, learning, and engagement with environmental science.
Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, May 2024; aerial via Google Maps.
This cottage is not within the bounds of East Wilson Historic District. However, East Banks Street — with its proximity to tobacco factories, lumber companies, and the warehouse district — has been an African-American residential area since the turn of the twentieth century.
The front facade of this house appears to have been modified somewhat, and the 1922 Sanborn map sketch suggests that the bay windows were not original. I did not get a close at the turned porch posts. If they are original, they are in remarkable shape. If not, kudos to whomever paid a little extra for replacements in kind.
Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C.
In the 1922, 1925, 1928 and 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directories, 410 East Banks was occupied by Joshua and Mary [Battle] Woodard. Joshua Woodard worked as tobacco factory laborer until circa 1929, when he secured a position as a chauffeur.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 410 Banks, Joshua Woodard, 43, chauffeur for C.M Fleming, and wife Mary, 34.
Josh Woodard died 29 September 1935 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 48 years old; was born in Wilson County to Maraman Woodard of Wilson County and Jane Miles of Maryland; was married to Mary Woodard; lived at 410 East Bank Street; and worked as a laborer. Bessie Baldwin, 412 Jones Street, was informant.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Andrew Rountree, 40, laborer in veneer manufacturing company; wife Emma, 38; and children Emma Gray, 12, Sadie May, 9, Annie Doris, 6, and Bettie Lavone, 4.
In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Rountree Andrew (c; Emma; 5) barber Roscoe L Harvey h 410 E Banks
In 1942, Andrew Rountree registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 27 April 1899 in Wilson County; lived at 410 East Banks; his contact was Irma Rountree, 410 East Banks (“mother & father dead”); and he worked for W.E. Thomas, Wilson Veneer Company, Railroad Street, Wilson.
In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Parker Benj (c; Emily) emp Armours h 410 E Banks
Among the properties upon whichAndrew and Mary Townsenddefaulted in 1940 was a parcel described as “a lot on the southern edge of Banks Street where Banks crosses a ditch that runs south into the Hominy Swamp canal, purchased from O.L.W. and Cynthia Smith, recorded in Book 111, page 361.”
The Townsends ran a grocery store in the block, alongside a one-story wooden house and Trinity A.M.E. Zion church. Across the street, rail spurs from the Norfolk & Southern Rail Road ran to a tobacco factory and two coal and wood yards.
Here is the “southern edge of Banks Street” today, looking toward Mercer Street. The block is empty.
And here, still, is the ditch that runs south into Hominy Swamp.
