You may have been wondering why I haven’t blogged in a while. It’s not because I haven’t been writing. On the contrary, I’ve been writing a lot. But instead of focusing on Richard Harvey Wright, I’ve been researching the life of Brodie Leonidas Duke. You see, after I finished writing A Story of Durham: ToldContinue reading “Life as a Writer”
Tag Archives: History of Durham
Treasured History
A gift described by Duke University Librarian Benjamin E. Powell as “one of the largest and most important manuscript collections to come to Duke University in recent years,”
Honoring a Home
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.
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”
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”
Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Durham, North Carolina
Okay, I know you are wondering why I have a picture of a mausoleum as my first treasure. Well, to be honest, this was where my treasure hunt began and it makes sense it should be the springboard for the blogs I plan to write about this incredible city. If you look closely, you willContinue reading “Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Durham, North Carolina”