National Register of Historic Places

1208 Washington Street.

The two hundred-third in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District (which erroneously assigns the house number 1206): “ca. 1930; 1 story; Clifton Hardy house; bungalow with gable-end form; decorative vent; hip-roofed porch; Hardy was a barber.”

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Hardy Clifton (c; Della) barber h 1208 Washington. Also: Hardy Caroline (c) h 1208 Washington

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: 1208 Washington, barber Clifton Hardy, 36; wife Bella [sic], 33, cook; and mother Caroline, 65.

Caroline Hardy died 6 October 1938 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 56 years old; was born in Greene County, N.C., to Jacob Best and Lucy Sheppard; and was buried in Wilson. Clifton Hardy was informant.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: 1208 Washington, barber Clifton Hardy, 54; wife Della, 54, house cleaner; and lodger Lucille Joyner, 24, teacher-grammar department.

Clifton Hardy died 1 January 1968 in Durham, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 February 1893 in Greene County, N.C., to Bill Hardy and Carolina Hardy; was married to Della Hardy; worked as a barber; lived at 1208 Washington Street; and was buried in Masonic Cemetery.

907 Atlantic Street.

The two hundred-second in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District:”ca. 1910; 1 story; Macedonia Church of Christ; brick-veneered gable-front church.”

Atlantic Street was not captured on Sanborn fire insurance maps of Wilson until 1922, when this building was home to a Seventh Day Adventist church. 

In 1956, Daniel McKeithan placed an ad in the Wilson Daily Times advertising the building for sale, as “the members are building new church.” (Mount Hebron Seventh-Day Adventist Church still meets at 700 South Pender Street.)

Wilson Daily Times, 20 September 1956.

Macedonia Church of Christ Disciples of Christ bought the building and moved in in 1959. 

Wilson Daily Times, 13 June 1959.

Macedonia met at 907 Atlantic until some time in the 1990s, and Miracle Temple Full Gospel Church moved circa 1998. The building is now occupied by Amazing Grace Original Free Will Baptist Church.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2025.

106 South East Street.

The two hundred-first in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The photo above was taken in April 2008 for Google Maps Streetview. A year later, the house at 106 South East Street was sold to the City of Wilson and demolished to make way for the Freeman Place housing development.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District: “ca. 1913; 1 story; Dempsey Lassiter house; L-plan cottage with hip-roofed porch; aluminum-sided.”

In 1918, Dempsey Lassiter registered for the World War I draft. Per his registration card, he lived at 103 East Street; was born 28 October 1874; was a blacksmith for Hackney Wagon Company; and his nearest relative was Mary Jane Lassiter.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on East Street, wagon factory laborer Dempsey Lassiter, 35, and wife Mary, 25.

Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lassiter Dempsey (c: Mary J) farmer h 106 S East

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 106 East Street, owned and valued at $1250, Dempsey Lassiter, 55, wife Mary J., 44; nephew Charles Bynum, 16; and nieces Katie Powell, 10, and Willie M. Leonard, 6.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lassiter Dempsey (c: Mary J) farmer h 106 S East; Lassiter Robt (c) h 106 S East

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 106 South East Street, farm laborer Dempsey Lassiter, 65; county school teacher Mary, 55; and widowed sister-in-law Carrie Bynum, 30, a housekeeper.

In 1940, Charles Lee Powell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 10 June 1918 in Nash County, N.C.; lived at 114 South East Street, Wilson; his contact was uncle Dempsey Lassiter, 110 [sic] South East Street; and he worked for G. S. Tucker & Company, South Goldsboro Street, Wilson.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lassiter Dempsey (c: Mary J) farmer h 106 S East

Dempsey Lassiter died 16 July 1946 at his home at 106 South East Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was married; was 68 years old; was born in Wilson County to Green Lassiter and Mary Powell; was a farmer; and his informant was Mary J. Lassiter. He was buried in Rountree cemetery [actually, Odd Fellows cemetery].

Mary Jane Lassiter died 21 August 1966 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 84 years old; was born in Wilson County to Charles Bynum and Julia Ann Davis; was a school teacher; and was a widow. James Bynum was informant.

144 Ash Street.

The two hundredth in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

This house was demolished between 2012 and 2019. The photo above, courtesy of Google Maps Streetview, was taken in April 2008. The address of this house has vacillated wildly. It has been known as 141, 138, 144, and 218 Ash Street as lot lines shifted and houses were densely packed into Ash Street’s short stretch. Current tax records describe the now-vacant lot as 144 Ash Street. (And Ash is often spelled “Ashe.”)

The inventory list of the nomination form for East Wilson Historic District, prepared in 1987, is confusing. #144 is described as a vacant lot. #138 is a “shotgun with shed-roofed porch,” which obviously is not this house. It appears that #142, “ca. 1908; 1 story; two-room central-hall house with turned post porch,” is the house above, though it does not now have turned posts on its porch.

The last Google Maps image of the house, June 2012.

Ash Street was once part of the Oswald and Sallie Lipscomb farm. On 8 April 1890, Maria Peacock purchased a one-quarter acre lot from the Lipscombs for $37.50. Per the deed, Peacock, who already lived in the lot, received a life interest in the property with the remainder to Levi H. Peacock and his heirs.

Description of 144 Ashe Street from Deed Book 2391, page 143, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office, Wilson.

The 1908 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C., shows the house as 141 Jane Street, as Ash was very briefly known.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Ash Street, post office clerk Levi Peacock, 40; wife Hannah, 38; children Oliva V., 15, Hannah, 13, Levi, 11, Susan, 6, Rubie, 4, and Vivian, 1; and mother-in-law Susan Pryett, 55, laundress.

Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 141 Ash Street, post office clerk Livia H. Peacock, 60; wife Annie, 31; children Olvia, 23, Annie L., 21, Livia H. Jr.; Sudie, 14, Rubie, 12, Vivian, 9, Bennie, 5, and John, 3; boarders Mary S. Roberson, 32, and Mary Brodie, 20; plus widow Susan Byatt, 62.

In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Peacock Hannah (c) tchr h 138 Ashe; Peacock Hannah L (c) hair dresser h 138 Ashe; Peacock Levi H (c) clk P O 138 Ashe

Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C.

In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Peacock Levi H (c) clk P O 138 Ashe [But Hannah, Ruby, Susan and Vivian Peacock at 140 Ashe.]

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Peacock Levi H (c; Hannah) h 218 Ashe [But Peacock Hannah H (c) tchr Wilson Graded Sch r 138 Ashe]

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Peacock Levi H (c; Hannah H) bellmn Hotel Cherry h 218 Ashe; Peacock Rubie E (c) sch tchr h 218 Ashe; Peacock Susan M (c) student h 218 Ashe; Peacock Vivian (c) lndrs h 218 Ashe

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 218 Ash, Levi Peacock, 62; wife Hanna, 64;  Susan, 28, Elizabeth L., 26, John H., 24, and Benjamin, 23; Hanna Luke, 80; Susan Piatt, 34; and Ruby Piatt, 15. [There are numerous errors in names and ages in this entry.]

Detail from 1930 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C. The house is labeled (138) 218 Ash.

Levi Henry Peacock died 16 August 1934 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 72 years old; was born in Alabama to James Peacock and Marie Peacock, both of Wilson County; was married; lived at 218 Ash Street; was an “ex-P.O. clerk”; and was buried in Wilson [Masonic? Odd Fellows? Vick Cemetery?]

Hannah H. Peacock died 29 March 1935 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 50 years old; was born in Edgecombe County to Booker Pyatt of Petersburg, Virginia, and Susan Hines of Edgecombe County; resided at 218 Ash Street; was a school teacher; was the widow of Levi Peacock; and was buried in Wilson [Masonic? Odd Fellows? Vick Cemetery?]

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Hana Peacock, 32; her grandmother Susie Pyatt, 84; and brothers John, 22, and Benjamin Peacock, 24.

In 1942, Levi Harry Peacock registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 May 1898 in Wilson; lived at 418 North Reid Street, Wilson; his contact was Hannah Peacock, 138 Ashe Street, Wilson; and he worked for W.E. Barnes at Cherry Hotel, Wilson.

Susan H. Pyatt died 14 January 1944 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1874 in Edgecombe County to Louis Hargrove and Hannah Lewis Hines; was widowed; and resided at 218 Ashe. Hannah Peacock was informant.

In 1944, John Hines Peacock registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 16 October 1915 in Wilson County; lived at 218 Ashe; his contact was sister Hannah L. Peacock, 218 Ashe; and he was “unemployed, except working around his home.”

1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory

Hannah Lee Peacock died 1 May 1969 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 12 September 1924 [sic] to Henry Levi Peacock and Hannah Hines; lived at 144 Ash Street; was a retired teacher; and was single. Vivian Peacock Smith, 144 Ash, was informant.

Wilson Daily Times, 22 April 1989.

Doris Smith Herrell sold the Peacock family’s Ash Street properties, including 144, in 2009, ending nearly 120 years of ownership by this family.

542 East Nash Street.

This house is not within the bounds of East Wilson Historic District. Rather, it lies within Wilson’s Central Business-Tobacco Warehouse District. Demolition, lot consolidation, and in-fill building have resulted in shifting addresses for this house. Now 542 East Nash Street, it was once 549, then 540, and briefly 545. It and the adjacent house are the last of several residences that once lined this stretch of the south side of Nash Street.

Annie Peacock Mitchell bought the lot on which the house stands from Rev. Owen L.W. Smith on 23 December 1907. (See Deed Book 69, page 529, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office.)

On 21 March 1914, Annie Mitchell sold the lot to her daughters Sallie Ann Mitchell and Eva May Mitchell subject to a lifetime right to live in the house her son Floyd Mitchell built. 

Deed book 97, page 552, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office.

In 1918, Albert Mitchell registered for the World War I draft in Wilson; was born 15 January 1878; lived at 549 Nash Street; worked as a laborer for Imperial Tobacco Company; and his nearest relative was mother Annie Mitchell.

In 1918, Floyd Alfonso Mitchell registered for the World War I draft in Wilson; was born 2 March 1884; lived at 549 East Nash; worked as a carpenter; and his nearest relative was mother Annie Mitchell, same address.

In 1918, Lee Arnold Mitchell registered for the World War I draft in New York, New York; was born 16 May 1886; lived at 108 West 131st Street; worked as a waiter for N.Y.N.H. & H.R.R.; and his nearest relative was mother Annie Mitchell, 545 East Nash Street, Wilson.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 549 Nash Street, widow Annie Mitchell, 71,  children Sallie, 46, Eddie, 44, Albert, 42, Eva, 36, and Floyd, 34, niece Severana [Severine], 18, and nephew Lester, 16.

Eva Mitchell Haywood died 1 October 1925 in Wilson; was about 40 years old; was born in Wayne County, N.C., to Edward Mitchell and Ann Peacock; lived at 540 East Nash Street; was the widow of Lucien Haywood; was a dressmaker; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

Sallie Ann Mitchell died 29 March 1926 in Wilson; was about 54 years old; was born in Wayne County to Edward James Mitchell and Ann Mitchell; was single; lived at 540 East Nash; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 540 East Nash, Albert Mitchell, 52, tobacco factory mechanic, brother Flody [sic], 47, house carpenter, and two roomers.

Albert Mitchell died 9 July 1938 at Mercy Hospital in Wilson; was born about 1878 in Wayne County to Edward Mitchell of Wayne County and Anna Peacock of Wilson County; was the widower of Cora Mitchell; worked as a laborer for Imperial Tobacco Company; and resided at 540 East Nash Street, Wilson.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 540 East Nash, Floyd Mitchell, 56, and eight lodgers.

Floyd Alfonzo Mitchell died 18 January 1944 at his home at 540 East Nash Street, Wilson; was born 2 March 1884 in Wayne County to Edward Mitchell and Annie Barnes; worked as a carpenter; and was single.

In the 1947 Wilson, N.C., city directory: Richardson Bessie (c) 540 E Nash

Signal Boost: South Benbow Road Historic District celebration.

Kudos to Wilson County’s own Eric Woodard, winner of Greensboro History Museum’s 2024 Voices of a City Award, for his vision and drive to garner recognition of Greensboro, North Carolina’s South Benbow Road neighborhood as a National Historic District. The district is significant for its Mid-Century Modern architecture, many designed by architects trained at NC A&T State University and as the home of leaders of and participants in Greensboro’s Civil Rights Movement. South Benbow Road District will be Greensboro’s first historically African American neighborhood to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Join Woodard and others celebrating this milestone on February 15 in Greensboro!

921 Atlantic Street.

The one hundred ninety-ninth in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District: “ca. 1913; 1 story; Queen Anne Cottage with double-pile, hip-roofed form, projecting front wing, intact turned-post porch; good example of the type.”

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 921 Atlanta, rented for $20/month, Jasper Turner, 42, sawmill sawyer; wife Mary, 37; and children Isodel, 17, Ruth, 16, Floyd, 12, and Therman, 10.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 921 Atlantic, farmer Weslie Swinson, 59; wife Addie, 53, tobacco factory stemmer; and children John H., 35, Contentnea Guano laborer, Willis, 30, “Darden Funeral-tobacco factory,” Iola, 20, tobacco factory stemmer, Odessa, 18, tobacco factory stemmer, and Doris, 15.

In 1940, Willie Lee Swinson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 August 1907 in Greene County, N.C.; lived at 921 Atlantic; his contact was wife Isadell Swinson, 804 East Green Street; and he worked for Boyd Clark at Carolina Warehouse on Tarboro Street. 

In the Hill’s 1941 Wilson, N.C., city directory: Swinson Wesley (c; Addie) h 921 Atlantic av

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Wesley Swinson, 67; wife Addie B., 62; and son Willie, 41, chauffeur for local tobacco buyer.

Wesley Swinson died 3 August 1953 at his home at 921 Atlantic Street. Per his death certificate, he was born 7 November 1883 in Greene County to Aaron Swinson and Sarah Taylor; was married to Addie Swinson; lived at 921 Atlantic; and worked as a laborer. 

Wilson Daily Times, 3 August 1953.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, August 2024.

903 Atlantic Street.

The one hundred ninety-eighth in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District: “ca. 1935; 1 story; modernized clipped-gable bungalow.”

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: David Robt G (c; Elizabeth) barber h 903 Atlanta

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: David Robt G (c; Eliz) barber 903 Atlantic av

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 903 Atlantic, owned and valued at $500, Fred Pender, 33, furniture store laborer, and wife Ezzie M., 30.

In 1940, Fred Pender registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 22 June 1905 in Wilson; lived at 903 Atlantic Street; his contact was wife Ezzie Mae Pender; and he worked for R.E. Quinn Company, 137 South Goldsboro Street.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Pender Fred (c; Ezzie M) linoleum layer R E Quinn & Co of Wilson h 903 Atlantic av

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ellis Brown Jr., 47; wife Margaret, 45; and son Ellis Jr., 29, history teacher at local city school.

919 Atlantic Street.

The one hundred ninety-seventh in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District: “ca. 1930; 1 1/2 stories; Donnie Hargrove house; bungalow with clipped-gable roof and matching dormer, engaged porch; partial brick veneer; Hargrove was a barber; builder was brick mason Jeff Russell; contributing garage”

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In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Hobbs Hadie (c; Elsie) attndt Smith’s Filling Sta h 919 Atlanta 

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Russell Jefferson E (c; Julia) brklyr h 919 Atlantic av

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 919 Atlantic Avenue, owned and valued at $3000, Donna Hargroves, 35, barber shop at pool room; wife Flora, 31; and daughter Geraldine, 15.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Hargrove John (c; Flora; 2; Manhattan Billiard Parlor) barber 421 E Nash h 919 Atlantic av

In 1942, John Hargrove registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 October 1902 in Wilson; lived at 919 Atlantic Street; his contact was Vina Hargrove, 1110 Carolina Street, Wilson; and was a self-employed barber at 421 East Nash Street.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 919 Atlantic, barber John Hargrove, 45, barber; wife Mae B., 34, beautician; and daughter Dorothy, 20. 

104 North East Street.

The one hundred ninety-sixth in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District: “ca. 1930; 1 story; two-room house with bungalow traits; late example of the type in the district; built as a rental property by black merchant Rufus Hilliard.”

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In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Dillard Henry (c; Mary L) lab h 104 (100) N East

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 101 East Street, rented for $10/month, Velma McCormick, 27, tobacco factory hanger.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: McCormick Velma (c) maid h 104 N East

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, September 2024.