National Register of Historic Places

1020 East Hines Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1922; 1 1/2 stories; William Barnes house; early local bungalow with gable roof and engaged porch; shingled dormer; Barnes was a laborer, chauffeur, and builder.”

The address of this house was 1020 Wainwright Avenue prior to the extension of Hines Street in the early 1970s.

In the 1928 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Barnes Wm (c; Julia) lab h 1018 [sic] Wainwright av [In the householders’ section of the directory, the house number is listed at 1020.]

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Barnes Wm (c; Julia) lab h 1020 Wainwright av

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1020 Wainwright, owned and valued at $900, William Barnes, 46, lumber mill laborer; wife Julia, 42; and children Evelyn, 13, Mary B., 11, and William Jr., 8.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1020 [Wainwright], William Barnes, 58, cotton mill engineer; wife Julia, 55; children Evylene, 25, beautician in beauty parlor, Mary, 19, and William, 17, shoeshine boy in shoe shop; and adopted daughter Nebraska, 11.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Barnes Wm (c) lab h 1020 S Wainwright Av

On 27 April 1946, Clarence Hoskins, 22, of Wilson, son of Lonnie Hoskins and Gertrude Hines [sic] Hoskins, married Nebraska Barnes, 18, of 1020 Wainwright Avenue, Wilson, daughter of William Barnes and Julia Fields Barnes, in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister H. Hoskins performed the ceremony in the presence of Azzel F. Hall, Joseph Zeigler Jr., and Agnes M. Hoskins.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Barnes Wm M (c; Julia) mech Sou Oil Co h 1020 S Wainwright Av; also, Barnes Wm M jr (c) student h 1020 Wainwright

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, April 2022.

1010 Atlantic Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1913; 1 story; Queen Anne cottage with double-pile, hip-roofed form, projecting front wing, and several intact turned porch posts.” [The house is misnumbered as #1008 in the nomination form.]

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In the 1928 Wilson city directory: Jones Lee C (c; Sadie L), dentist 559 1/2 E Nash h 1010 Atlanta

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1010 Atlantic Street, seamstress Sadie Jones, 32, and sons Emery L., 7, Clarance and Clinton, 3; and lodgers Catherine Joyner, 14, James Coley, 9, and Elaine Coley, 15. [Sadie Jones was described as “single” and presumably was divorced.]

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: owned and valued at $1500, Robert Lee, 27; wife Elaine, 25; and son Robert Jr., 3.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lee Robt E (c; Elaine L; 1) tchr h 1010 Atlantic av

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lee Robt E (c; Elaine ) tchr h 1010 Atlantic av

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, April 2022.

620 Viola Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1950; 1 story; two-room, gable-roofed cottage.” This house appears to have replaced an earlier building on the site that dated from the mid-1920s. (The lot was empty at the time of the 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map.)

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In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Picott Wm (c; Annie) pntr h 620 Viola

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Chas (c; Ellen) lab h 620 Viola

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 620 Viola, rented for $9/month, Charlie Williams, 25, body plant laborer; wife Elandor, 28; and stepson Dav S. Shaw, 12.  

On 17 September 1938, the Wilson Daily Times listed the property among those subject to auction for delinquent taxes. The owners were the heirs of Della Barnes.

In 1940, Lester Dew registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his draft registration card, he was born 7 February 1911 in Wilson County; lived at 620 Viola; his contact was wife Grace Dew; and he worked for Southern Tobacco Company, Wilson.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 610 Viola, Lester Dew, 29, tobacco packer, and wife Grace, 26, tobacco hanger.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Dew Lester E (c; Grace) lab h 620 Viola

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, the house was listed as vacant.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, April 2022.

608 Viola Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1913; 1-story; L-plan cottage.” The original address was 619 Viola.

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In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Harrison Reginald (c; Bessie) driver Hackney Oil Co h 608 Viola

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Reddit Jos (c; Mary) lab h 608 Viola

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 608 Viola, rented for $14/month, Joseph Redditt, 34, oil mill laborer; wife Mary, 26; niece Eva Branch, 16; and roomer Lucy Barnes, 29, cook.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 608 Viola, paying $11/month, Josh White, 48, factory deliveryman, born in Georgia, and wife Pecorria, 41, chambermaid at girls college; paying $4/month, Florine Jones, 24, servant, born in Georgia; husband Preston, 29, service station attendant, born in South Carolina; and daughters Hattie Pearl, 7, and Doris E., 4. [By October 1940, the Joneses had relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where Preston Jones registered for the World War II draft.]

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Woodard Flossie (c) cook h 608 Viola

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, April 2022.

504 North Vick Street.

The one hundred sixty-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.

The approximate location of 504 North Vick.

As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District, this building is: “ca. 1922; 1 story; shotgun with hip roofed porch.” This house has been demolished.

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

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Harris Milton (c; Florence) lab 504 N Vick

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bright Janie (c) lndrs 504 N Vick

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 504 Vick Street, rented at $12/month, Janie Bright, 26, laundress, and sons James, 7, and Theo, 5; and sister Malisia Murphey, 35, cook.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 504 Vick, widow Janey Bright, 40, and sons James, 18, CCC camp, and Joshua, 15, new worker.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bright Janie (c) cook 504 N Vick; also Bright Jas (c) h 504 N Vick; also Bright Joshua (c) tob wkr h 504 N Vick

In 1942, James Theo Bright registered for the World War II draft in Richmond, Virginia. Per his registration card, he was born 24 February 1922 in Wilson; lived at 407 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia; his contact was mother Jannie Bright, 504 North Vick, Wilson; and he worked for John Sarras, Richmond.

Joshua Royal Bright died 25 October 1943 at “Wilson Co. T.B. Hospital.” Per his death certificate, he was born 12 March 1925 in Wilson to Joshua Bright of Sampson County, N.C., and Jannie Murphy of Duplin County, N.C.; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Magnolia, N.C.

In October 1944, Leslie and Minnie Diggs Artis transferred title to the property at 504 North Vick to their daughter Sallie Mae Artis Bell (later Shackelford).

Wilson Daily Times, 28 October 1944.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bright Janie (c; wid Joshua) tob wkr h 504 N Vick

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, May 2022.

924 Carolina Street.

The one hundred sixty-fifth 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, this building is: “ca. 1922; 1 story; shotgun with hip roof.”

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Lowe Charles (c) lab h 924 Carolina

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Chappman Viola (c) h 924 Carolina

The bend of Carolina Street between North East and North Vick Streets was once lined with endway [shotgun] houses. Detail from 1940 aerial photograph of Wilson, N.C.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Cromartie Leslie (c; Nora; 6) lab h 924 Carolina

In 1942, James Leslie Cromartie registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 31 August 1920 in Saint Paul, N.C.; lived at 924 East Carolina; his contact was Nolie Cromartie, 924 East Carolina; and he worked “Imperial Tobacco (season) … Defense work at present.”

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mitchell McKinley (c; Augusta) porter RyExp h 924 Carolina

Wilson Daily Times, 5 June 1989.

This 1989 notice reveals that the six shotgun houses at 904 through 924 Carolina Street were built on a single lot and required a zoning variance for repairs because they did not meet setback requirements. 

807 Black Creek Road.

The one hundred sixty-fourth 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 original address of this house was 807 Stantonsburg Street. It was demolished prior to the 1988 survey for the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District.

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Detail of 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson showing 807 Stantonsburg Street in the block after the Colored Graded School. East Contentnea Street, at top right, is Cemetery Street. Argus Road no longer exists.

In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John (c) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno (c) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno C (c; Estella) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John C (c; Estella) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 807 Stantonsburg Street, freight depot laborer John C. Bynum, 38, born in Mississippi; wife Estella, 37, stemmer; daughter Cora A., 10; and siblings Abraham, 36, tobacco factory laborer, Augusta, 24, servant, and James Bynum, 19, tobacco factory laborer.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: freight station laborer John Bynum, 48, born in Missouri [sic], and wife Estella, 46.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John C (c; Estelle) lab ACLRR Co h 807 Stantonsburg

Estelle Bynum died 30 January 1944 at her home in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 3 October 1894 in Johnston County, N.C., to George Barnes and Cora Cook; was married to John Bynum; and lived at 807 Stantonsburg Street.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno C (c; Beadie) lab ACL h 807 Stantonsburg

John Columbus Bynum died 30 October 1967 at his home at 807 Stantonsburg Street. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 June 1891 in Mississippi to Charles Bynum and Julia Ann Davis; was married to Beadie Bynum; and was a retired laborer for A.C.L.

Wilson Daily Times, 1 November 1967.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, May 2022.

703 East Vance Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1913; 1 story; saddlebag house aluminum-sided and heavily remodeled.”

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For several weeks in 1920, an unidentified African-American nurse living at 703 East Vance advertised her skills in the Wilson Daily Times.

Wilson Daily Times, 21 January 1920.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bennett Fredk D (c; Lillie) h 703 E Vance

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 703 Vance, rented for $11/month, Fred D. Bennett, 46, minister, Holiness Church; wife Lily, 43, laundress; and children Herbert, 15, Willie, 12, Ruth, 6, Naomi, 10, and Charles E., 4. The Bennetts and their two oldest children were born in Georgia; the remaining children in South Carolina. [In 1940, the Bennett family was enumerated in New Haven, Connecticut.]

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Rogers Wm (c) h 703 Viola

In the 28 October 1944 edition of the Wilson Daily Times, a “Land Transfers” column detailed this transaction: 

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Darden Moses (c; Cora) h 703 E Vance

The Dardens did not keep the house long:

Wilson Daily Times, 1 December 1950.

206 North Reid Street.

The one hundred sixty-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, this building is: “ca. 1930; 1 story; James Mack house; bungalow with gable-end form and subsidiary  gabled porch; aluminum sided; Mack operated a shoe-shine shop at the railroad station.”

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In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mack Jas (c; Beulah) Baltimore Shoe Shop h 206 N Reid

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 206 North Reid, owned and valued at $2500, James Mack, 36, shoe shop cobbler, and wife Beaulah, 35, both Georgia natives.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 206 Reid, owned and valued at $2000, James Mack, 36, shoe shop owner, born in Avera, Georgia, and wife Beaulah, 35, born in Salisbury, N.C.; and roomer Robert Johnson, 22, born in Winston-Salem, N.C., Wilson County teacher.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mack Jas (c; Beulah) Baltimore Shoe Shop h 206 N Reid

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mack Jas (c; Beulah) Baltimore Shoe Shop h 206 N Reid

Beulah Mack died 28 December 1953 in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was born 7 September 1895 in Salisbury to Napoleon Brown and Laura Watson; was married; and lived at 206 North Reid Street, Wilson.

406 North Reid Street.

The one hundred-sixtieth 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, this building is: “ca. 1930; 1 story; bungalow with cross-gable roof and engaged porch.”

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 406 Reid Street, rented for $16/month, Leroy Mercer, 37, grocery store delivery boy; wife Netta, 38, laundry; and children Sylvester, 11, Dempsey, 10, Mattie, 8, Annie D., 6, and James Nixon, 4. 

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 406 Reed, rented for $14/month, Leroy Mercer, 47, truck driver, Peacock Grocery Company; wife Mattie, 47, private family laundress; roomer Luvenia Brown, 20; and son Dempsey Mercer, 21, show shiner.

In 1940, Dempsey Mercer registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 19 November 1920 in Wilson; lived at 406 North Reid Street; his contact was Leroy Mercer of the same address; and he worked for Willis Prince, 519 East Nash Street.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mercer Leroy (c; Mattie) driver Peacock Gro Co h 406 N Reid

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Mercer Leroy (c; Mattie) hlpr Peacock Gro Co h 406 N Reid

Mattie K. Mercer died 24 August 1959 at her home at 406 North Reid. Per her death certificate, she was born 6 May 1892 in Enfield, N.C. to Berry King and Adeline Bellen and was married to Leroy Mercer. Informant was Mattie Best, 807 East Green.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, April 2022.