Very few houses continue to stand that represent our city’s history and its deep seated roots. And now with the destruction of this magnificent house that stood so proud, we should pause and give respect to the loss of one of Durham’s finest jewels.
Category Archives: A Practical Approach to Experiencing Joy
Durham’s Churches
I happened to be on the 27th floor of One City Center looking down upon the roofs of the buildings below and was taken back by the large churches in the distance. Four of the churches stood out the most, First Baptist, Duke Memorial United Methodist, Trinity Methodist, and Duke Chapel. I tried to getContinue reading “Durham’s Churches”
In Search of Bonnie Brae
As I have been searching out the history of Richard Harvey Wright, I’ve been amazed at the number of people who have shared their memories of this incredible house. In its time of glory, it was a true masterpiece. Initially, owned by Richard Harvey Wright, upon his death in 1929, he entrusted his sister Mary,Continue reading “In Search of Bonnie Brae”
A History of a House
Whitehall Terrace was built by my grandfather in 1930 for his wife Helen. Helen didn’t want to live at Bonnie Brae with her mother-in-law and my grandfather’s old aunt Nannie. Even though it was during the Great Depression, no expense was spared for Helen. My mother is the young girl sitting with her father, RichardContinue reading “A History of a House”
Behind the Scenes of Durham in 1890
Richard Harvey Wright and Julian Carr are up to something, but what, I’m not totally sure. There is something going on, and Julian Carr wants to make sure Richard Wright stays quiet about it. Theo Allen, an attorney representing Richard Wright, is preparing to take the Dukes to court. Apparently, since Richard left the W.Continue reading “Behind the Scenes of Durham in 1890”
A Proclamation
My father, James Robert Hawkins was mayor of Durham between 1971 and 1975. This was a turbulent time in the history of Durham, when the schools were integrated, Hope Valley was annexed into the city limits and the freeway divided Hayti. The development of the Research Triangle Park was a dream my father had, andContinue reading “A Proclamation”
The Beginning of Durham
First of all, I want to thank Dana Pope for sharing these pictures with me. If you ever wanted to know what Durham looked like after the Civil War, when men were discovering the value of tobacco, this map gives a clear picture. After Julian Shakespeare Carr made his money in tobacco and textiles, heContinue reading “The Beginning of Durham”
Travelers in Time
I’m going to admit that I’m a little in awe of my Great Aunt Cora. She never hesitated to travel to the far reaches of the world. As we saw in my last post, Cora was seen traveling on an elephant and on a ship crossing the Atlantic. Thanks to Stephen Barringer and his huntContinue reading “Travelers in Time”
The Traveling Trio
These three women were known for their willingness to go to the far ends of the world. Thanks to their Uncle Richard Harvey Wright, who was known for traveling across the Atlantic ninety-four times, the Pacific fourteen times, and around the world eight times. Aunt Cora (who I was blessed to be named after) MaryContinue reading “The Traveling Trio”
Durham History Told from the Grave
To me, the evolution of Durham started with John Ruffin Green and his cured bright leaf tobacco that placed Durham on the map. Malbourne Angier, a store owner, and a passionate citizen of our city made a huge impact on expanding Durham beyond the few store fronts on Main Street. And then there is W.Continue reading “Durham History Told from the Grave”