Lot 26

Northeast Corner of Churton Street and King Street

Prior to 1758, this lot was subdivided in half along the east-west axis fronting King Street.

William Nunn's Ordinary

c. 1758-1765

William Rice Nunn Sr. (1713-1787) owned several properties in Orange County, including 402 acres on the fork of the Great Creek, 230 acres in New Hope, and 538 acres on both sides of Flat Creek. Along with James Young, and Edmund Fanning, Nunn was given buying preference for the three most important commercial lots in town: lots 26, 25, and 6. Before 1770, Nunn owned pieces of each of these lots at different times.

From 1758 through 1765, Nunn was granted ordinary licenses for the Town of Hillsborough. The exact location of his ordinary is unknown, but Lot 26 appears to be the most likely spot given that he owned the western half on the lot on the corner of Churton and King streets across from the courthouse and market, and also given the length of time that he owned this property, which was longer than the others he owned.

Historian Mary Claire Engstrom wrote that the town of “Childsburg probably had one good tavern and at least two and perhaps three passable ones. Corbinton had numerous ordinaries, but most ordinary keepers took out a license only once or at most twice before succumbing to the difficulties of making collections in hard money. All tavern keepers had to institute countless court suits to collect bills, and court actions in the Province usually cost more than the debts involved.”

Nunn held many positions in town. He served as a commissioner, coroner, Justice of the Peace, and sheriff. He held the last position from 1765-1768 and one source indicated that he continued to be known as “Sheriff Nunn.” As sheriff, Nunn was accused by the Regulators of being part of Edmund Fanning’s courthouse ring. In 1770, he sold his house on Lot 26 to James Munro. By 1787, he was living in South Carolina.

A 1770 summons to the sheriff of Rowan for Peter Avent to be in court to answer William Nunn's charge of a debt of 6 pounds.

James Munro’s House and Store

c. 1767-1783

Although William Nunn did not sell his portion of Lot 26 to James Munro until 1770, Munro had been operating a “mercantile establishment” on that spot prior to 1768 when sixteen year-old Nathaniel Rochester began working for him as a clerk. In 1771, Munro was one of the several merchants who complained to Governor William Tryon about the Regulator Riot that year and the destruction it caused to the town of Hillsborough.

Rochester continued to work for Munro until 1773 when the two men entered into a partnership with Colonel John Hamilton (who became counsel for the British government in the middles states after the Revolution). The partnership was dissolved in 1775. Rochester would later found a city in upstate New York that bears his name.

During the Revolution, Munro declined to swear allegiance to the new American government and continued to import goods from Britain. In early 1781, after General Charles Cornwallis occupied Hillsborough, Munro took possession of the county records. He explained that it was his “ intention to hold them, in order to strengthen the influence of government until the contest should be decided.” Therefore, “I had all the records above mentioned privately buried underground in the woods along with my own bonds, books, and most valuable papers, with strict directions not to touch them until I should return; consequently they were suffered to remain in that situation so long, that when they were taken up, many of the books were found quite destroyed, and almost all my own papers rendered entirely useless.” Of the several deed books that Munro buried, only one was salvageable.

The county decided to hold Munro liable for these damages and sold most of his property as debt sales.

The 1768 Sauthier map depicts two buildings on the western half of the lot. The larger structure fronting King Street was most likely was James Munro’s store. The smaller structure may have been William Nunn’s ordinary. In 1779, Munro purchased that portion of the lot from Henry Lemon, who is identified in the deed as being “an innkeeper.” Munro is noted as living on this portion of the lot in several later deeds.

The long building on the eastern half of the lot was most likely Ralph McNair’s store. The building behind it was most likely McNair's ordinary.

Ralph McNair’s Store

1767-1772

Ralph McNair (1742-1784) was born in Glasgow, Scotland. While a young man, McNair moved to Halifax, NC and began working for Young, Miller & Co, a mercantile company with operations in Hillsborough. Around 1767, he moved to Orange County with his brothers Ebenezer and John. In November 1767, Francis Nash sold McNair the eastern half of lot 26, the portion fronting King Street that was located directly across from the town market and courthouse. One year later, when Sauthier produced his map, he recorded five two-story buildings and three one story structures on lot 26 as well as several garden plots.

McNair was a friend of Orange County Register of Deeds Edmund Fanning. In May 1768, he wrote a letter to Herman Husband stating that he was willing to consider the Regulators’ arguments but believed that Fanning was “most cordially disposed to give any who will come to his house, all the satisfaction they can ask or is in his power to give—He says he never was applied to by any man that was wronged to prosecute a Sheriff but that he cheerfully undertook it, where he found the complaint just, and that he always would be ready to do it whenever required, that he wishes for nothing so much as that some of the principal men of the Regulators would call upon him for information in any particular they are in doubt about and that he expects the new Laws up this week together with the Journals of the House of Assembly a sight whereof would silence every murmur dispel every fear, banish all distrust and convince the whole county how much he has been our friend, our Patron, our Benefactor.”

McNair was an eyewitness to the Regulator riot in Hillsborough on September 24, 1770. On October 9, he recorded a deposition in the Hillsborough District Superior Court describing the violent acts that occurred, injuring both people and property. Among the various acts of destruction, the windows of McNair’s house were broken that day. Governor William Tryon wrote a response to this complaint, promising that the legislature would “make reparation for the sufferings” and that he would ensure that “the proper measures to be taken in the present melancholy exigency of your affairs.”

A receipt for the items purchased by Governor William Tryon at McNair's store in March 1771 when Tyron was on his expedition to subdue the Regulators.

Items similar to those purchased:

(L.) A 1771 delftware bowl used to serve rum punch from the collection of the Glasgow Museum

(R.) Two 1770 George III Silver Double Barrel Cup made by Charles Aldridge Henry Green in London. Image courtesy of Southebys

In 1775, McNair represented Orange County as a delegate to the North Carolina House of Burgesses. This was the last General Assembly under British Rule. Afterward, he moved to New York and remained there for the duration of the American Revolution. As a Loyalist, his holdings in Hillsborough were confiscated in 1779. He petitioned NC Governor Alexander Martin to have his citizenship and his property restored, but the petition was denied.

McNair's Ordinary and Courtney's Tavern

c. 1767-1799

Ralph McNair also built an ordinary behind his general merchandise store and hired Phillip Jackson to be the innkeeper. Because McNair owned the adjoining Lot 27 and the western half of Lot 28 on the north side of E. King Street, these two acres became known in town records as “the Tavern Lots."

In 1772, McNair sold the Tavern Lots with all their buildings for 600 pounds to William Courtney. During Courtney’s 27-year tenure as owner, members of the North Carolina General Assemblies, who were meeting in St. Matthew’s Church (see Lot 98), patronized his tavern. State records document committee meetings in the “Billiard Room,” which is presumed to be the structure that McNair had been using as his general store.

The tavern in Old Salem, NC provides an excellent example of what taverns in Hillsborough might have been like. The existing structure was built in 1784 but was expanded continuously throughout the first half of the 19th century.

(L.) There were no private rooms. People even shared beds with other guests.

(R.) The dining room provided guests with meals and alcoholic drinks.

Many historians believe that Courtney’s Tavern – behind the Billiard Room – was the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis during the general’s nine-day stay in Hillsborough (see Lot 36). They site Benson Lossing’s account as well as Henry Colton’s 1856 article on the history of Hillsborough in the Southern Literary Messenger. Colton wrote:

Cornwallis's camp, when he first arrived in Hillsborough, was where now stands the residence of Hn. Wm. A. Graham; but when he heard that Green was about to recross the Dan, he moved it to the place where the Hon. John L. Bailey now resides. This, as well as many other acts, shows the superior mind of Cornwallis as a general--for a better situation than this latter for his army to act on the defensive could not be found. On the top of the high hill, which it is almost impossible to ascend, at least on one side, lies a plain, which at that time must have been very beautiful; the great western road ran at the foot of this hill, and winding, crossed the plain in front; on one side flowed the little stream which time has dignified by the name of a river. Cornwallis himself was most of the time quartered in what is now the Hillsborough House.

Interestingly, at the time that Cornwallis was in Hillsborough, William Courtney was a prisoner of war, having been captured by Cornwallis’ men in the summer of 1780.

William Courtney (died c. 1799) emigrated to Hillsborough, NC from Hillsborough, Ireland around 1766 and became a wealthy and prominent man. A Quaker, his wife and brothers joined the Cane Creek Meeting in 1767; however, he himself as well as his sister and daughter declined to enroll. Courtney served in the Continental army and as a town commissioner, tax assessor, Justice of the Peace, and Representative in the North Carolina General Assembly.

An 18th century distilling operation as recreated at Mt. Vernon, President George Washington’s home.

In 1782, Courtney purchased a slave named Africa Parker who was manumitted when he was about 40 years of age for “meritorious services rendered” as well as being “honest and faithful.” In partnership with neighbor William Cain, Parker established a still on Lot 27. The creek that Parker used for distilling is called “Still House Branch.” Parker went into debt to pay for his still and brewing equipment. However, the business was so successful that only a year later, the debt was paid. Parker is believed to be the first person of color to own a business in Orange County. He could read and write, which was rare, even for a freedman at the time. When signing his name, Parker often wrote, “freed man” after his signature.

Cain’s Corner

1783-c.1835

In 1783, the western half of the lot was subdivided again. This division occurred through the many sheriffs’ sales that were held to settle some of Munro’s debts. William Cain Sr. purchased the southern portion of the western parcel and operated a store at that location, selling woolen and fancy goods. The location became known as Cain’s Corner. Sometimes it was called Cain’s Row. The northern portion was purchased by John Estes (see Lot 36) for rental housing purposes.

William Cain Sr. (1734-1834) was one of the most prominent landowners in Orange County. In 1800, his plantation, Pleasant Grove, was the largest in the county with 4,417 acres and 30 slaves – a number that increased to 95 by 1830. The name of the plantation would later be changes to Hardscrabble by his son James.

Cain was active in several enterprises. He owned a mill on the Little River, was a Justice of the Peace for Orange County, served in both the House and Senate in the state legislature, was a trustee for the Hillsborough Academy, and was a patron of the University of North Carolina. For short time, Cain was a partner in the retail business with Thomas N. Hargis. The partnership dissolved in 1817.

William Cain Store North-Carolina Star 11-29-1810.png

A November 29, 1810 advertisement for William Cain’s store from The North-Carolina Star.

By 1825, Cain had partnered with his nephew Stephen Moore (b. 1801), grandson of the Revolutionary War hero of the same name. The general merchandise store was originally called Cain & Moore. By 1830, Cain was no longer active in the business and Moore was operating under the name Stephen Moore and Co. The “Co.” was most likely Moore’s brother William because in 1831, the firm was now called S. & W. Moore, General Merchants. Ledger books from 1831-1867 for this company are in the collection of the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina. However, the company must have moved from Cain’s Corner during that time.

In 1831, William F. Strudwick (1810-1851) was advertising that he had purchased Moore’s stock and was operating a business in Moore’s former house at Cain’s Corner. William was the brother of noted physician Dr. Edmund Strudwick, the first President of the North Carolina Medical Society. Edmund often acted as William’s agent for payments of debts from the community to the latter.

This business lasted until 1835 when Strudwick moved to Alabama (Strudwick died while visiting his family in Hillsborough, leaving behind his widow and 10 children. He is buried in the Old Town Cemetery.). William Cain Jr. continued the family’s mercantile business, entering into a partnership with John Umstead Kirkland in 1835. This association does not appear to have lasted long.

(L) An advertisement for shoes at Stephen Moore’s store that appeared in the Hillsborough Recorder on November 13, 1835

(R) A pair of children’s shoes worn by Adwins Spaulding from the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum donated by Mrs. EE Petty. Spaulding was born March 6, 1832.

Faddis' Tavern

1799-c.1834

William Courtney died intestate. In 1799, U.S. Marshal John Spence West sold the Tavern and the Tavern Lots for $1850 to John Hogg of the Scots mercantile firm Hogg & Adam. Reportedly, Hogg decided that the tavern was too dilapidated and re-sold it nine months later to John Faddis for $1,900. In the deed, Faddis was recorded as being a tavern-keeper. If the buildings were in poor condition, he must have improved them because Faddis ran the tavern successfully for almost thirty years. His establishment was a gathering place for community celebrations and was noted in the Hilslborough Recorder for its “sumptuous” dinners such as the one he hosted for Independence Day in 1823. It was called Faddis’ Tavern or Faddis’ Hotel during his tenure.

Some of the guests at Faddis’ used their rooms to ply their trades. In 1821, a Mr. Hurley offered dental services for men from the room that he was renting. For ladies, however, he would make house calls.

The other business on the parcel appears to have continued to be known as the Billiard Room. In 1814, when Faddis deeded this part of his holding to his son-in-law, merchant Jacob P. Womack, the building was recorded under the name Billiard Room. Interestingly, the parcel that Faddis gave to Womack also had a “house” on it known as Old Hall. What this structure was and how it was used is unknown.

After Faddis’ death in 1829, his son Thomas Jefferson Faddis acted as the proprietor. Thomas Jefferson Faddis graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1813. In 1820, he was a Major in the US army and was appointed aid-de-camp to Brigadier General Jehu Bird. The exact date he began working with his father as a merchant is unknown but they were in partnership together by 1821. His also had side businesses with other partners.

In 1833, with the intention of leaving Hillsborough, he advertised the sale of his houses and lots. By 1840, he was living in Lafayette County MS.

Faddis Cock Fighting 4-21-1808 Raleigh Minerva.png

Articles in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L.) A January 31, 1821 notice that identifies both Thomas and John Faddis as owning the store.

(C.) An April 21, 1808 announcement of cock fighting at Faddis’ tavern.

(R.) Even though Thomas Faddis had moved, he was still involved in a slander case that was resolved in his favor as is recorded here on July 16, 1840. Perhaps the slander was the reason he moved away.

William Bond's Store

1804-1812

By 1804, the lot had again been subdivided. William Bond (d. 1820) operated a store facing King Street. Books were among the merchandise he sold. In 1812, Bond sold his store and, with his wife Fanny, Bond moved to Tennessee. (Fanny was the daughter of Mary Burke and George Doherty. Mary Burke’s first husband was Governor Thomas Burke).

William Bond Bookseller 21-7-1804 NC Circular & Newbern WA.png

William Bond Bookseller 7-10-1805 NC Circular and Newbern Weekly Advertiser.png

Advertisements for books available at William Bond’s store in The North Carolina Circular & New Bern Weekly Advertiser.

(L) July 21, 1804

(R) July 10, 1805

Thomas Hargis' Store

1814-1822

Thomas Hargis (1782-1831) purchased William Bond’s store in 1812 and went into business with James Womack. Two years later, they dissolved the partnership. Womack operated a store in the Billiards Room and Hargis set up a shop forty yards north of Cain’s corner store. Hargis sold “an assortment of FANCY GOODS and GROCERIES,” including cloth, thread, grains, legumes, butter and lard, and alcohol.

Cain & Hargis North-Carolina Star 1-24-1817.png

Hargis North-Carolina Star 6-24-1814.png

(L.) As this January 24, 1817 notice in the Raleigh North-Carolina Star attests, before going into business on his own on Lot 26, Thomas Hargis partnered with William Cain.

(R.) A June 23, 1814 advertisement for Thomas Hargis’ new store in the Raleigh North-Carolina Star.

Dennis Heartt's Print Shop

1820-1879

Dennis Heartt (1783-1870) was born in Connecticut were he learned the trade of a printer. After several years working in Philadelphia, he contracted small pox and his doctor advised him to move south. After settling in Hillsborough in 1820, he opened a print shop and began publishing Orange County’s first newspaper, The Hillsborough Recorder. Like most small newspapers at the time, it was a weekly periodical of four pages that included local news as well as reprints of reports, and fiction from other U.S. newspapers. Stories were acquired through an exchange system among newspaper editors. Most of the papers were delivered for free through the US postal service until 1873 when it ended the franking privilege.

Establishing a printing business was an expensive undertaking. Printers needed to purchase a press and moveable type as well as continual supplies of ink and paper. The primary sources of income for a printer were advertisements and subscriptions but this revenue was inadequate to cover costs and needed to be supplemented with other printing jobs, including broadside advertisements, circulars (handbills, leaflets, and fliers), lottery tickets, and books.

(L.) Typesetting with upper cases for capital letters and small letters in the lower cases

(R.) A press lockup

(L.) Inking the type; (R.) Pressing the pages.

During his long career, Heartt trained many apprentices, including William Woods Holden who became a well-known newspaper editor and later governor of the state. An apprenticeship to become a printer required 7 years and began around age 11. A typical printer’s shop in a town like Hillsborough had 2 or 3 apprentices. They were called “Printer’s Devils” and lived in the master printer’s home, working for their room, board, and training. After completing their term of service, they became journeymen and were expected to work with other printers for 2-3 years. Senior journeyman would create a “masterpiece” to demonstrate their talent. Once they were accepted as master printers, they could set up their own shop or assume a business from a retiring printer.

In his early years in business, Heartt needed to execute several mortgages to remain in business. In 1828, he mortgaged his house that he was using as a printing office on the lot that belonged to William Cain Sr. as well as all his printing equipment to William Huntington. This note was presumably paid off by 1834 when he entered into a similar contract with James Webb whom he granted “All interest in his printing press, types & materials of every description.”

However, by 1837, he was able to buy Lot 62 and part of Lot 63 on E. Queen Street. There he built a stately home that he named “Heartsease.” In 1864, the Civil War was impacting his business and he again needed to execute a lease on the Hillsborough Recorder including, “the press type, stock of paper & ink in hand, the subscription list, job work engaged” to James M. Torrington.

Although his wife was a Quaker, Heartt was a Presbyterian and served as an officer in the Hillsborough church for a number of years.

After Heartt’s death in 1870, the Hillsborough Recorder’s office was moved to East King Street, two doors east of Webb’s and next door to Pogue’s shop.

(L.) Dennis Heartt c. 1870; (R.)Heartsease in 1937

Nathaniel Palmer, Palmer Law and Hillsborough Book Store

1825-1829

Nathaniel Jones Palmer (1804-1851) was born in Hillsborough. In 1825, he operated a bookstore in Hillsborough and began practicing law. In 1826, Palmer married Lavinia Isabelle Bryant and a few months later purchased the house on the corner of Churton and Union streets that would later become the Burwell School.

Among Palmer’s many accomplishments in Hillsborough, he:

helped establish the Franklin Library Society in 1822 with other prominent men from Hillsborough and served as its president.
was selected to give July 4th orations for the town’s celebrations
served as the Recording Secretary of the Baptist State Convention.Going hand-in-hand with this, he was active in the Temperance Movement.
served an apprenticeship at the printing business with Dennis Heartt of the
ran for Congress in 1829, although he barely received any votes.

(L) A May 18, 1825 ad for the Hillsborough Book Store

(R) An August 6, 1828 ad for Palmer’s law practice noting that his office was “opposite the tavern of Mr. William H. Adams. Coincidentally, Adams was the original owner of the house that Palmer and his wife resided in

In late 1829, Palmer closed both of his two main enterprises and moved to Milton the following year after selling all his assets to cover his debts. In Milton, he was able to have a fresh start and became one of the leading men in the area. He and his wife had 7 children and he was involved in a myriad of prominent businesses. His primary occupation in Milton was editing the Milton Spectator, which he established in 1831.

One of the most interesting incidents to occur while Palmer was living in Hillsborough is the disagreement he had with silversmith Lemuel Lynch (See Lot 25). Palmer accused Lynch of reneging on a contract to purchase his house – Palmer even moved the house across the street to a lot owned by Lynch as part of the agreement. Lynch explained that he backed out of the deal because there was a lien on the property.

(L) Two September 23, 1829 notices regarding the disagreement between Nathaniel J. Palmer and Lemuel Lynch over the purchase of Palmer’s house.

(R) A November 11, 1829 ad for the sale of Palmer’s property including the “building lately removed therefrom.”

David Kyle's Store

c. 1827-1831

David Kyle (d. 1836) appears to have begun his business as a renter. He does not purchase a parcel on Lot 26 until 1830 when he bought it from Eliza Estes (see Lot 36). He advertised that his shop was selling “Fancy & Staple Dry Goods” from India, Great Britain, Germany, and the US. When selling his store the following year, he described it as being “built in good style,” 41’ wide by 84’ long, and well enclosed with an excellent stable and gig (carriage) house.

(L.) In this March 7, 1827 advertisement for his store, David Kyle highlights his merchandise including leghorn bonnets.

(R.) A leghorn bonnet is one where the straw came from: Livorno, Italy (the word “milliner” for hat maker derives from Milan, Italy). Leghorns were made with a pleached straw and thanks to the Duchess of Devonshire, a fashion icon in England, this hat was bigger and wider than others.

Anderson Walker's Store

1831-1836

Like other merchants, Anderson Walker sold a variety of goods. He purchased the parcel of land that his store was located on and remained in business for 5 years, although in 1832, he tried to sell it. He went into partnership with Robert Moderwel, perhaps to provide more money for investment in the business. Moderwel continued the business for some time after the partnership was dissolved. By 1835, William T. Shields was working as an agent for Walker and Moderwel.

One of the items Walker stocked was queensware, a type of light white earthenware with a brilliant glaze developed from creamware by Josiah Wedgwood and named in honour of his patroness, Queen Charlotte in the 1760s.

Walker was a manager of the Orange Bible Society, an organization formed in 1822 to distribute bibles. In 1829, they announced in the Hillsborough Recorder that they had “sold or gratuitously distributed 668 Bibles and 601 Testaments.”

(L.) Queensware dishes. This pattern was produced for 200 years.

(R.) An advertisement for Anderson Walkers’ store in the Hillsborough Recorder

from December 17, 1834

Allen Parks' Store

1831-1836

Allen Parks did not own the property, but around 1834, he began operating a store directly north of Anderson Walker. The exact nature of his business is difficult to discern. He was sometimes referred to as “Dr.” The two products he advertised the most in the newspaper were lottery tickets and ointment to cure “external diseases.” Once, in 1838, he advertised that he had 3,000 pounds of bacon to sell as well as a sizeable quantity of lard.

Allen Parks (d. 1847) was a member of the Democratic party and served as the Treasurer for the town of Hillsborough from at least 1845 until his death in early 1847.

Various advertisements for Allen Parks’ enterprises in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L.) A June 11, 1840 ad for the state lottery.

(C.) A May 15, 1838 ad for bacon and lard.

(R.) A May 16, 1838 ad for ointment.

Slaughtered hogs waiting to be processed in Orange County. Image courtesy of Doris Wilson.

Latimer & Mebane

1836-1840

Charles Latimer and James Mebane Jr. entered into a partnership in 1836 and set up their business in the store formerly occupied by the late David Kyle. Their dry goods store carried a variety of items that they purchased in New York and Philadelphia. Although their business was noted on Bailey’s map of 1839, the partnership was actually dissolved in December 1838

(L.) A November 28, 1832 advertisement for Latimer & Barker

(C.) Early 1800s men’s hats -- one of the items advertised.

(R.) An April 28, 1837 advertisement in the Hillsborough Recorder for Latimer & Mebane

Col. Charles M. Latimer (1798-1875) born in Connecticut. How he earned the distinction of being addressed as “colonel” is currently unknown. During his long career as a merchant, he entered into several different partnerships, including Latimer & Barker from c. 1832-c. 1835, Nelson & Latimer with William Nelson from 1844-1847, Latimer & Jones until 1851, and Brown & Latimer with Henry N. Brown in until 1862 and then again after the war in 1866.

In the 1850s census, he was enumerated as a merchant living alone; but, in 1860, he was living in the household of hotelkeeper Henry C. Strowd (aka Stroud). This was the Orange Hotel on King Street that would later become the Colonial Inn. Interestingly, most of the other boarders in Strowd’s hotel were in their 20s, unlike Latimer who was 60 years-old at that time. In 1870, Latimer and Brown purchased the Orange Hotel.

Latimer held several civic offices including Magistrate of Police for Hillsborough and county treasurer. In 1853, he was appointed to assist in bringing street lamps to downtown Hillsborough. He also served as the chairman of the Salisbury Railroad Convention and advocated for a depot in Hillsborough.

Little is known of James Mebane Jr. except that he was a member of an extremely prominent family. His grandfather was Alexander Mebane Jr., a US Congressman and the first sheriff of Orange County. His father was James Mebane Esq., a Whig legislator who served as Speaker of the House in the North Carolina state legislature. James Mebane Jr. entered into a partnership called Mebane & Turner that dissolved in 1842. Afterward, he conducted the business by himself for a number of years.

Mickle & Norwood Dry Goods

1836-1843

Mickle & Norwood began advertising their dry goods store in the “house formerly occupied by Cain & Kirkland in 1836. Their ads were a constant addition to the local newspaper until 1843. The inventory they advertised grew more extensive over these years. As of July 13, 1843, the firm was still in business together; but, by July 26, Mickle was doing business as A. Mickle and Co. He continued to advertise this firm until 1843. Little else is known about the two grocers. In 1846, Mickle advertised that he had a new store. This establishment was located east of the courthouse on King Street.

Advertisements for Mickle & Norwood in the Hillsborough Recorder

(L.) April 8, 1836; (C.) March 9, 1839; October 3, 1844

William Freeman

1836-1839

William Freeman purchased the parcel on Lot 26, fronting Churton Street, in 1836. It had been the Walker/Moderwel/Shields store. Freeman presumably continued to operate a general merchandise store at that location, although he did not advertise in the Hillsborough Recorder and no other information about his business has yet been discovered. In October of 1838, he gave notice that his house and lot were for sale. This notice includes a reference to NB Thomas’ tavern which may have been on Freeman’s property, possibly in the same building. By 1839, Parker & Nelson were operating their business at this location.

William Freeman’s October, 4, 1838 notice in the Hillsborough Recorder of his desire to sell the house and land.

Post Office

1830s

The first US Post Office for Orange County was established in Hillsborough in 1793 under postmaster David Ray. Letters were delivered to the office and the recipients would need to pick them up. Once a newspaper was established, the list of letters at the post office was published in the paper. Although mail was a critically important means of communications, a tie to the rest of the world and political, economic, and social events, the post office was typically housed with other businesses along Churton and King streets and its location was changed frequently. A “permanent” post office was constructed on S. Churton Street in 1958 (see Lot 7), but it was replaced by another structure on E. King Street in 1977 that remains in use today for that purpose.

Although all of the locations for the post office in the 1830s are unknown, it was predominantly located on Lot 26.

Advertisements in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L) A November 22, 1838 list of letters at the post office. Until home delivery, people had to pick up their letters at the post office

(R) An August 22, 1839 notice that the post office had changed locations

Dr. Pride Jones

1837-1857

The second floor of the building occupied by Latimer and Mebane was utilized as a doctor’s office by Dr. Pride Jones.

Doctor’s equipment from the mid-1800s in the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum.

Halcott Pride Jones Sr. (1815-1889) graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1834. He was the son of Col. Cadwallader Jones who organized the Orange Guards in 1835. The company became defunct but Pride Jones reorganized it in 1855 and was elected its as a Captain. During the Civil War, it became company G, 17th N.C. Volunteers. Attached to the 27th N.C. Infantry, during the entirety of the war, the company was engaged in most of the battles of Northern Virginia, was at the surrender at Appomattox, and reportedly not a single member ever deserted.

After the war, the Ku Klux Klan conducted a campaign of terror in Orange County that included five recorded lynchings. In the spring of 1870, Orange County native and North Carolina Governor William Woods Holden was on the verge of declaring martial law to protect the lives and property of freedmen. However, before sending troops to the area, Holden asked prominent conservative citizens such as Dr. Pride Jones to convince their neighbors to end the violence. Dr. Jones wrote this letter to the Governor:

Jones also testified in 1871 before a state Senate committee where he recounted examples of the violence. In the end, Orange County was not declared in a state of insurrection unlike its neighbors Alamance and Caswell.

Jones served as Clerk of the superior court and as a member general assembly. He

Inherited Hardscrabble, William Cain’s grand estate, and in 1857, he hired John Berry to conduct extensive renovations on the house.

During the Civil War, son H.P. Jones (1844-1901) enlisted at the age of 17 and served in the artillery for the Confederacy. H.P. Jones and Company was located in west Hillsborough, across from the railroad station. The wooden two-story, 40-by-70 foot factory was built circa 1871, and the factory began operation in 1872. The factory was powered by steam, and manufactured the smoking tobacco brands Tar Heel and Occoneechee, and received an award for "Fine Smoking Tobacco" at the 1877 North Carolina State Fair. By 1900, H.P. Jones and Company was out of business and the factory building was vacant and later demolished.

HILLSBOROUGH, N. C., March 4, 1870.

SIR: On the 3d instant I had a long conversation with Mr. John W. Norwood in reference to an interview that he has recently had with your excellency. He urged me to accept of a commission from you, for the purpose of attempting to disband the secret organization in this county, known as the 'Ku-Klux,' and restoring the laws to their supremacy. This is a consummation heartily to be desired by all good citizens; and, though more averse than ever to any position in the service of the public, I feel constrained by a sense of duty to give my best exertions, however feeble they may be, in aiding the restoration of peace and order, and, should you deem me qualified for the position, I will accept it.

I feel certain that in this county I can further your views, and believe that if my commission is extended to Alamance I can exercise a considerable influence there also. But if, as is rumored here to-day, your excellency has, in obedience to the dictates of your duty, ordered troops to that county, you must pardon me for saying that I look with apprehension to the result, and my candid opinion is that the 'Ku-Klux' cannot be put down by force, without a dreadful amount of bloodshed and crime, and that the wise course adopted by you in Chatham would be much more effectual here also. If troops have gone there, of course they cannot be recalled at once; but I consider it of vital importance, should you consider it expedient to extend my commission to that county, for you to give me some authority in the premises, and. enable me to say that, upon such and such things being done, you will recall the troops.

I would further suggest that your instructions upon the subject of oblivion and pardon of the past be explicit and clear, or my labors may be unavailing.
It may be proper to add that I am not a member of the 'Ku-Klux,' or any other secret political organization whatever.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PRIDE JONES.
His Excellency W. W. HOLDEN, Raleigh.

Hillsborough House

c. 1838-1858

By 1838, Thomas Crain (aka Crane) was advertising a boarding house at the old stand of John Faddis. During his tenure, the former tavern became known as the Hillsborough House.

Crain remained the owner of the business until 1843 when James Jackson Jr. became the proprietor. In addition to regular boarders, Jackson began to accommodate travelers again.

By 1847, Robert F. Morris (1813-1872) had become the owner. Morris, a town commissioner in 1848 advertised that he was a tavern-keeper and that he had repaired and fitted up Faddis’ old stand and had a plentiful supply of liquor, including genuine and imitation French brandy, Holland gin, Jamaican rum, Switzerland Madeira, and London Porter – “a complete assortment, such as is rarely found in this market.”

Advertisements in the Hillsborough Recorder for Morris’ Tavern and Store:

(L.) May 3, 1848; (C.) March 8, 1848; (R.) Morris declared that he had a tierce of London Porter. A tierce was a measurement slightly smaller than a hogshead. It was 42 gallons.

Morris also operated the store fronting King Street that had been the Billiards Room. A fire in the early morning of March 7, 1848, did considerable damage to Morris’s stables, but all the horses were saved. In 1851, he was advertising that he had horses, hacks, and “good careful Drivers” that were “kept in readiness to carry persons to any point they may wish for a reasonable charge.” He also announced that he intended to run a line of hacks from Hillsborough to Henderson that would leave immediately after the arrival of the stagecoaches from Greensboro and return from Henderson to meet the coaches headed back.

“Hack” was the shortened version of “hackney carriage.” It was a car for hire. These late 1850s/1860s Studebaker carriages were probably similar to those used by Morris.

Robert Morris sold the businesses in 1854. By 1858, he had moved to Durham where he opened the town’s first inn and was one of the town’s first tobacconists, establishing a tobacco manufacturing factory on the land later occupied by the Bull factory.

(L.) Robert Morris c. 1870; (R.) Morris’s Durham factory. Images courtesy of opendurham.org

The next owner of the property was Hedgpeth & Fuller, a saddlery business that formed in 1848 but ended in 1850. Saddler Solomon Fuller (1812-1851) married Eliza May Phillips in 1833. She was the daughter of saddler James Phillips and sister of William H. Phillips. Eliza grew up in the corner house on Lot 99. The Fullers had five children, including three daughters who attended the Burwell School on N. Churton Street. They also had an infant daughter who died in 1842. In 1843, Fuller declared bankruptcy. Fuller died from disease at the young age of thirty-nine. Both he and his wife are buried in the Lockhart-Phillips Cemetery on E. Tryon Street.

The Hedgpeth that comprised this partnership was AW Hedgpeth (1812-1866). Hedgpeth won several awards at the annual agricultural fair for best lady’s saddle. In 1854, He partnered with a man named Garrard and utilized the stables for a livery business. Several Garrards lived in Hillsborough and the identity of this one cannot be confirmed. After 1855, he appears to have been in business on Lot 26 as a sole proprietor.

(L.) Fuller & Hedgpeth's January 20, 1848 notice of their partnership

(C.) A March 29, 1854 advertisement for Hedgpeth & Garrard.

(R.) Two portable hitching posts from the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum.

In 1850, Hedgpeth served as a town commissioner and later held the positions of town collector and jailor. He married a woman named Rosanah and they had many children, some of whom became involved in trade and mercantile businesses in Hillsborough, others who moved from the area. In 1861, the newspaper recorded an infant child of AW and Rosanah dying. When Hedgpeth died, his obituary only recognized his family ties and his status as the proprietor of the Hillsborough House.

After AW died, A Hedgpeth continued the saddlery business at the location he called Hedgpeth Hotel. This was most likely his son and the man who is recorded as passing away in 1882.

(L.) A c. 1850s women's sidesaddle. (C.) A c. 1850s photos of a woman riding side saddle

(R.) an illustration of how women rode side saddle Courtesy of Historic UK

By 1855, the business was in the hands of William McCauley who called it a “House of Entertainment” and was catering only to visitors. He too advertised that he had repaired buildings and purchased new furniture. Three years later, when McCauley was selling the tavern, he described it as having “thirteen rooms and ten fireplaces, a good cellar, a good kitchen, with two fireplaces, a smokehouse, and stables with thirty six stalls, a good spring and spring house within thirty steps of the kitchen, and a front house on the street for business and nearly two acres of land, the best stand in town.” In November 1857, celebrations were held for the second anniversary of the Orange Guards that included the Oak City Guards who were accommodated at the Hillsborough House where many of the activities took place.

Like his predecessors, McCauley continued to run the adjacent store fronting King Street.

None of these men owned the property that the business was on.

Levin Carmichael's Tailor Shop

1838-1860

Levin Carmichael (c. 1798-1886) had already been working in town as a tailor when he moved his business to N. Churton Street in 1838. The location of his previous shop and the exact date he began his trade in Hillsborough is unknown. In addition to providing custom work, he stocked his store with ready-made clothes that he purchased in New York and Philadelphia. Carmichael had a long career and was still listed as a tailor in the 1870 census when he was 72 years old. At that time, he was enumerated as having a 57 year-old wife and four children at home, ranging in age from 17-24.

Advertisements in the Hillsborough Recorder for Levin Carmichael’s business:

(L.) May 4, 1838; (C.) May 2, 1839.

(R.) “Shop of the Tailor,” in Edward Hazen, The Panorama of Professions and Trades Image courtesy Winterthur Library.

Carmichael was a well-liked member of the community. He was known for his pithy sayings, served as town commissioner, and was active in the Whig party. Additionally, Carmichael was one of the many members in 1852 of a committee of arrangements from the Scott and Graham Club that planned a “Mass Meeting” and “Free Barbeque.”

Carmichael Asheville Citizen 4-28-1888.png

(L.) An April 28, 1888 article in the Asheville Citizen attesting to Carmichael’s well-known and long-remembered wit.

(R.) An April 28, 1894 article in the Orange County Observer extolling Carmichael as a poor but honest man who fashioned suits for all of the big-name state politicians in 1840.

Carmichael and President Johnson Raleigh Times 5-4-1907.png

(L.) A May 4 1907 advertisement for Carolina Roller Mills in the Raleigh Times that tells of a reunion between Carmichael and his former friend and co-worker, President Andrew Johnson, who apprenticed as a tailor in Raleigh.

(R.) Thimbles used by President Andrew Johnson when he was a tailor.

Grog Shop

c. 1839

A grog shop is a drinking establishment, especially one of a disreputable nature. They were common throughout the United States in the first half of the 19th century, a time that satirist H. L. Mencken called the “Gothic Age of American drinking.” In 1840, British traveler Francis Sheridan remarked about Texas, “The passion for erecting grog shops supersedes the thirst of religious worship & Temples wherein to exercise it.” Editor and Quaker Dennis Heartt ran many stories and editorials in The Hillsborough Recorder, attesting to the evils of grog shops.

Grog is rum that has been diluted with water. The word originated with Admiral Edward Vernon (the namesake for George Washington’s home in Virginia – his half-brother Lawrence served under Admiral Vernon) who wore grogram (grosgrain) cloaks. Vernon ordered that the daily ration of rum given to his sailors be mixed with water to minimize incidents of drunkenness at prevent spoilage of the rum. The British Navy adopted this recipe for its entire fleet. At some point, lemon or lime juice was added to the cocktail in order to help prevent scurvy. While the US Navy discontinued its grog ration in 1862, the British Navy continued the practice until “Black Tot Day” in July 1970.

In contrast to fine establishments, grog shops were typically made of logs, covered with pine boards for the walls and rough-hewn pine planks for the floors. Most grog shops worked on a cash-only basis.

The owner of the grog shop in Hillsborough is unknown. as is how long it remained in business

A 19th century illustration depicting the progress of a man who begins by taking a morning dram of liquor, then begins to frequent a grog shop, and eventually ends up in poverty, wretchedness, and ruin.

(L) An October 4, 1838 article in the Hillsborough Recorder about a murder that occurred in a grog shop near Person County because the proprietor tried to stop a drunk patron from drinking more.

(R) An October 19, 1843 notice of a town ordinance forbidding slaves from frequenting grog shops.

A June 27, 1844 letter to the editor of the Hillsborough Recorder decrying the practice of buying votes with grog and congratulating Orange County for the low occurrences of this practice.

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Parker & Nelson

1839-1848

Parker and Nelson were another one of the partnerships operating general merchandise stores on Lot 26. Abner Parker (1795-1854) came from a prominent family of planters. His mother Clara was a Mangum. In the 1850 census, he lists his profession as “farmer.”

After this partnership was dissolved, William Nelson briefly worked with Charles Latimer before working as a sole proprietorship from at least 1843-1848. Nelson was a member of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church.

(L.) An October 24, 1839 advertisement for Parker & Nelson in the local paper.

(R.) A May 7, 1840 ad for salt at Parker & Nelson.

At this time, salt was imported from Europe and the Caribbean and brought to market towns like New Bern, Petersburg, VA, and Fayetteville where it was purchased by Orange County merchants.

James Watson Tailoring

1845

James GS Watson moved to Hillsborough and set up a tailoring business two doors above the printing office. He advertised that he would continue to receive the latest fashions from London, Paris, Philadelphia, and New York and that he had much experience in the art of cutting.

(L.) A men’s fashion plate from 1846

(C.) An October 9, 1845 ad in the Hillsborough Recorder

(R.) Detail of a men’s suit from 1845 from the collection of FIT

D.D. Phillips Saddlery

c.1847-c.1860

In 1847, D.D. Phillips began advertising his saddler business one door below the Printing Office. In this ad, he referenced an early company that he had been a partner in: Hooker & Phillips.

In 1854, his saddles were on display at the Orange County Fair and he was awarded best gentleman’s saddle and bridle

By 1859, he had expanded his business to include steel doors and gates. That same year, he added coffins to his inventory – a good investment. According to an 1863 map, by that time, he may have moved his business across the street to Lot 25.

Illustration of an 1860s men’s saddle courtesy of willghormley-maker.com

Daniel .D. Phillips (1819-1870) was the son of saddler James Phillips (1765-1847) who married Nancy Lockhart (see Lot 99) and built a stately home on Tryon Street as well as the cemetery between this house and the Lockhart house. Phillips was one of the founding members of the Orange Guards. When the company was established in 1855, he was a second lieutenant. However, he does not appear to have fought in the Civil War. Phillips was a strong proponent of the temperance movement, belonging to the Union and Mountain Spring Divisions of the Sons of Temperance and the “Order.”

He married Tarmesia M Phillips (1827-1899). They lived on Lot 18 on the southeast corner of King and Wake streets where they operated a hotel. Phillips and his wife are buried in the Old Town Cemetery.

1845-brown-and-white-cotton-and-linen-suit-via-museum-at-fit.jpg

Advertisement for D.D. Phillips in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L.) September 30, 1847; (C.) December 14, 1859; (R.) February 8, 1860

William F. Strayhorn Shoes and More

1849-c.1853

The first notice of William F. Strayhorn’s (1816-1883) retail career appears to be in 1844 selling pharmaceutical products. By 1850, he had opened a shoe shop on Churton Street, in the center of the block. He advertised that, “having procured the services of Mr. T.C. Hays as foreman, and employing the best workmen he can obtain,” he was manufacturing and selling a large assortment of boots and shoes. In 1853, WF Strayhorn moved his business one door west of Mrs. Vasseur’s Confectionary on King Street.

His business must have been successful because in 1854, he purchased Twin Chimneys, a stately pre-Revolutionary War house on W. King Street that had been the home of Reverend John Knox Witherspoon between 1817 and 1832 (see Lot 98). Strayhorn lived there with his family until 1869.

Because he had been a Confederate during the Civil War, Strayhorn received an amnesty pardon from President Andrew Johnson in 1865. He served as town commissioner and mayor, and he was the proprietor of the Orange Hotel (later the Colonial Inn) from 1870-1872.

Strayhorn’s wife, Harriet Nichols was the daughter of hotel proprietor Richison Nichols (see Lot 25). She served as US postmaster from 1873-1881. After her death in 1881, her husband held the position until 1882.

Also a part of the Strayhorn household was Joseph “Joe” Nichols (ca. 1822-after 1880). He had been born a slave in the Nichols’ household. At some point, he learned the trade of a house carpenter and was sold to the noted builder John Berry (see Lot 25). However, having married a fellow slave named Harriet (who was called “Aunt Harriet-Joe” to distinguish her from her mistress), Joe and Harriet Nichols resided in the Strayhorn’s home rather than with the Berrys. Joe Nichols worked for Berry for many years both as an enslaved man and after he was legally free. No specific works are documented as Nichols’s, but it is likely that his workmanship appears in most if not all of Berry’s buildings from around 1840 onward.

In 1870, Joseph Nichols and his family were listed in the US Census as residing among other artisans of color. The Nichols’s cottage, stood on E. Corbin Street near the new Town Cemetery into the 1970s, but is now lost. However, the Nichols family cemetery, where Harriet and Joe are buried, was dedicated as a protected site in 2022.

William Strayhorn sold everything from Boots to Bitters for bilious fevers.

(L.) A July 4, 1844 advertisement in the Hillsborough Recorder; (R.) A September 11, 1850 ad

(Below) Twin Chimneys

H.N. Brown, Sr., Confederate Depot, Farmer's Hall

1862-1871

In 1849, William H. Brown purchased a parcel in the center of the lot facing Churton Street from Josiah Turner. In 1862, he sold it to his son Henry N. Brown Sr. who had already been occupying the space in his partnership with Charles Latimer. Exactly when Brown began operating a store at that location is unknown but he was one of the few merchants in business at that time because approximately 90% of all eligible white men in Orange County fought during the Civil War. Nearly all served in Confederate units. The difficult economic conditions that had been brought about by the war caused other merchants to shut their doors. Brown advertised that he had purchased the inventories of these men -- either in their entirety or significant portions -- including Latimer and Brown, James Webb, H.L. Owen, and J.C. Turrentine

His business was called H.N. Brown and Co. but the store was called the Confederate Depot. He advertised it as a “Variety Store,” selling sewing supplies, woodworking tools, nonperishable groceries, office supplies, personal hygiene items, and other goods. To accommodate his customers, Brown did not insist that they pay in specie (gold or silver coins), but allowed them to used Confederate bills.

Advertisements for H.N. Brown's store in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L.) February 12, 1862; (C.) November 11, 1863; (R.) July 6, 1864

Henry Brown farmer's Hall HR 7-30-1870.png

(L.) A July 30, 1870 advertisements for Farmer's Hall in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(R.) H.N. Brown, Sr.'s 1871 cash book in the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum

After the war, the name and nature of the business changed. It became Farmer's Hall and primarily sold produce that Brown purchased from farmers in Orange County.

Brown also partnered with David Parks to form Brown, Parks & Co. Parks had returned from the war and was poised to become one of Hillsborough's wealthiest men, investing in many businesses and real estate.

One of Brown’s most interesting projects was Chaseville, a real estate development that he began in 1868. Named for the noted abolitionist Salmon P. Chase who became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Chaseville was intended to be a town in West Hillsborough where newly freed slaves could own property. The development consisted of almost 140 acres and was divided into lots of between roughly one and six acres. Lot 1 sold to Haywood Beverly and Robert Fitzgerald. They utilized the property as a tan yard. Unfortunately, in 1871 Brown went bankrupt and was forced to sell the majority of his properties, including Chaseville. The development was abandoned.

Additionally, Brown was one of the many owners of the Orange Hotel (Colonial Inn), purchasing it in 1870 in partnership with Charles Latimer, but selling it in 1872.

After the bankruptcy, he became involved in other business projects and had several business partners including DC Parks. In the 1890s, Brown continued his business operations at “The Corner” where his sons operated a store.

Henry Nicholas Brown, Sr. (1831-1908) was born in Hillsborough. His father was shoemaker and entrepreneur William Henry Brown; his mother was Mary Louisa Vasseur (1813-1868), daughter of the owner of a confectionary of King Street. He was called “HN” in formal situations and “Nate” by his friends. He married Margaret Parthenia Evelyn Hooker, sister of Dr. O.W. Hooker (see Lot 25). She was a Burwell School student, and from 1869-1874, during their years of financial difficulties, they rented to house on N. Churton Street that had been the school.

Brown was also heavily involved in politics in the 1870s and early 1880s. He held ran for office and held various positions in the local Republican Party. At that time, the party supported voting rights for African American males. Black men even held positions of authority in the Orange County Republican Party.

All places of business in the town of Hillsborough closed on the day of Brown’s funeral. It was held at the Methodist church, which was crowded with mourners, both white and black (who sat in the gallery). In addition to the 7 active pallbearers, there were 27 honorary ones. Many people came from out of town as well. The Orange County Observer remarked, “There never was more genuine sympathy shown to those who were bereaved than was shown by the people of all classes in memory of one whom nearly every body in the county had known since childhood.”

Webb Family Businesses

1799-1904

The Webb Family conducted the most prolific and longest operations in the history of Hillsborough to date. Their various concerns began with patriarch Dr. James Webb in 1799 and essentially lasted through four generations until the death of Cheshire Webb in 1932. However, they appear to have ceased doing business on Lot 26 in 1899 when they moved their mercantile operation to the Parks building on Lot 36.

Dr. James Webb (1774-1855) was a graduate of the University of North Carolina and the University of Pennsylvania where he studied medicine. In 1799, he moved to Hillsborough and established himself as a physician with an office and dispensary near his home on E. Queen Street.

An 1840 invoice 1840 for purchases of medical supplies by Dr. James Webb from the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum

To supplement his income, he became a partner in William Bond’s general merchandise store.

Dr. Webb’s involvement in retail operations may have increased in 1829 when he was advertising his interest in purchasing wheat and flax seed. Other business ventures of Dr. Webb included:

A general store and lumberyard, later known as Webb, Long & Co., in which his son-in-law Dr. Osmond F. Long (1808-1864) was a partner.It is believed to have been located on Lot 26, bordering Lot 27, and facing King Street, in the place that had belonged to William Bond.
Webb & Hancock, a brickyard operating near the Eno River
Webb & Freeland, a partnership with J. J. Freeland
A business that hired out the slaves of widows and of ailing or absent owners.

(L.) A December 20, 1820 advertisement in the Hillsborough Recorder

for Webb's business leasing slaves

(R.) Dr. James Webb. Image courtesy of archive.org

Dr. Webb also served as Clerk and Master in Equity in scores of estate settlements and as the executor of innumerable Hillsborough and Orange County wills.

In 1815, Dr. Webb was appointed to serve as the cashier for the Hillsborough branch of the Bank of the Cape Fear, a post he held until the closing of the office in 1846.

An account ledger for the Bank of Cape Fear from 1815-1828in the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum. Notable entries include: William P. Magnum, Archibald D. Murphey, Martha Strudwick, Fredrick Nash, Sterling Ruffin, and Mary W. Burke.

Despite all of these enterprises, Dr. Webb declared bankruptcy in November 1842; his possessions were sold at public auction in December.

Two of Dr. Webb’s sons became doctors and at least one, James Webb (1816-1897), became a merchant, as did his son James Webb (1844-1904). Because both of these men were called “James Webb Jr.” difficulty arises in deciphering which man was the owner of the various enterprises that they were involved with. A July 29, 1885 article in the Durham Recorder maintained that the father retired shortly his son returned home from the Civil War. If this statement is correct, than all businesses prior to 1867 were operated by the father, and after 1868, were operated by the son. These businesses included:

Continuing the general merchandise store on Lot 26 facing King Street:
- In 1839 as James Webb Jr. and Co, a partnership between James, his brother John, and his brother in-law O.F. Long (the business was also advertised as O.F. Long and Co.)
- In 1845 as Long, Webb & Co
- In 1866 as James Webb & Sons, a partnership with his two sons John and James
- By 1868, son James Webb Jr., was operating this business as a sole proprietorship under his own name
- Around 1874, as James Webb Jr. and Bro., with his brother Joseph Cheshire “JC” Webb (1848-1893). In 1884, the brothers bought the parcel and building and undertook extensive renovations and remodeling.
A Tobacco Warehouse (see Lot 3)
A tobacco manufacturing business called Webb & Company. It was founded by James Webb, Jr., Joseph C. Webb, and George C. Corbin in 1878 on Lot 2 on E. King and Street near the courthouse. They produced twist and plug tobacco and in 1881, at the height of their success, they were producing about 150,000 pounds of tobacco. But, fortunes changed and by 1900, the company was out of business. The facility was used for storage until a year later when it became the Hillsboro Milling Manufacturing Company.
A textile mill, Eno Cotton Mill, started in 1896 by James Webb, Allen J. Ruffin, and George Durham to produce yarn and cloth.

A map drawn in 1904 that was recorded by the Orange County Register of Deeds office depicts James Webb Jr. owning most of Lot 26 at that time.

Drug Store at Cain's Corner

1866

In 1866, a drug store began advertising its wares in the Hillsborough Recorder and that it was located on Cain’s Corner. This business was a partnership between Joseph C. Webb and an unidentified Whitted, presumably James Y. Whitted. However, this Joseph C. Webb does not appear to be directly related to the Webb mercantile family. This Joseph C. Webb operated a drug store on W. King Street in 1860 that was known as Webb and Dickson. His partner was Henry Dickson. The store closed in 1862 when this Joseph C. Webb joined the Orange Guards. He distinguished in service and earned the rank of major. Judging from his photograph, he was at least in his 20s during the war. The Joseph C. Webb of the mercantile family was only 11 years old when the drug store was active and 13 years old in 1862 when the other Joseph C. enlisted.

(L.) An October 24, 1866 advertisement for Webb & Whitted’s Drug Store

(C.) A May 9, 1866 ad. Both appeared in the Hillsborough Recorder

(R.) Major Joseph C. Webb

Turrentine & Son

1854-1864; 1867-1868

In 1854, James C. Turrentine announced in the newspaper that he had “fitted up” the corner store, north of the courthouse. His inventory appears to have been dry goods, including clothing and carpets. In addition to this mercantile business, JC Turrentine served as a director of the Hillsborough Savings Institution, the local bank.

Ads for Turrentine & Son (L.) May 9, 1855; (R.) February 27, 1871;

(C.) The Turrentines sold Grover and Baker sewing machines, one of the earliest models in the US. In 1864, the company boasted, “To speak plainly, our Grover and Baker embroiders as well as sews, giving something to beauty as well as to use and combines with the practical facts of economy the aesthetics of higher grace.”

JC Turrentine also served as an Agent for the distribution of corn for the Destitute of Orange County, which was associated with the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandon Lands for the state of North Carolina. The bureau existed from 1865-1870. This document is part of the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

JC Turrentine managed the business with his son, presumably James M. Turrentine who assumed the store on Cain’s Corner in 1867 after the Drug Store closed. James Turrentine filed for bankruptcy in 1867. Heceased his advertising in 1868.

John A. Turrentine was also a merchant in Hillsborough. Neither his relationship to James nor the location of his store has not yet been discerned. John was in business with Henry Dickson at one point.

Two ads for James Turrentine’s store from the Hillsborough Recorder on September 4, 1867. Among the many items Turrentine sold was ice cream. A crank ice cream maker was patented by William Young in 1848.

Latimer's Old Stand

1866-1869

The building that had been Charles Latimer’s store went through many hands in the period directly following the Civil War. From 1866-1868 it was M. Cohen’s Variety Store. Interestingly, he advertised prominently that he was selling musical instruments. Also of interest, Cohen may have been of Jewish ethnicity -- unusual for Orange County. In early 1868, A.H. Lowe was advertising his Cash and Barter Store. By the end of 1868, J. Israel had removed his dry and fancy goods store to that space. And, J.M. Tate was operating a general merchandise store there by spring 1869.

Advertisements for businesses at “Latimer’s Old Stand” in the Hillsborough Recorder:

(L.) October 24, 1866; (L.C.) August 19, 1868; (R.C.) December 2, 1868; (R.) May 26, 1869

J.D. Wilbon & Son

c. 1871 - c. 1880

John D. “J.D.” Wilbon, Sr (1822-1904) opened a general store with his son William E. “W.E.” Wilbon (1850-1902), in the space at the corner of Churton and King Streets that had previously been the drug store. He also sold insurance for the Franklin Fire Insurance Company and for life insurance companies. J.D. Wilbon turned the entire business over to his son in 1872 but continued to sell insurance. In 1873, J.D. was elected by the Board of Commissioners of the town to serve as Magistrate of Police. W.E. Wilbon moved to Baltimore in 1880 where he died at the age of 52 from typhoid.

(L.) A December 13, 1871 advertisement in the Hillsborough Recorder for a visit with Santa at Wilbon’s store. (R.) Thomas Nast, created this cartoon of Santa Claus that appeared on the front cover of the December 30, 1871 issue of Harper's Weekly and helped popularize modern imagery and lore about Santa.

The Wilbon’s desire to purchase partridge – advertised that same day – presumably as related to Christmas.

Graham Law Office

1872-1978

Major John W. Graham began practicing law in Hillsborough around 1861, in an office one door north of Lynch’s jewelry store. In 1872, he purchased a parcel in the northern portion of Lot 26 and built an office for his law practice that would remain in his family for over one hundred years.

John Washington Graham (1838-1928) was the son of William Alexander Graham (1804-1875) who served as Governor of North Carolina as well as Secretary of the Navy under President Millard Filmore. During the Civil War, John W. Graham was a major in the 56th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. After the war, he was the Orange County solicitor from 1866-1868, a delegate to the North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1868, a five-time state senator, 1868-1872, 1876, 1907-1908, and 1911 as well as railroad trustee.

John W. Graham as a soldier in the Civil War, young lawyer, and elder statesman

John W. Graham practiced law first with his brother James A Graham (1841-1909), who was a captain on the Orange Guards and wrote Descriptive Book of the Orange Guards. After the war, he married Elizabeth Cheshire Webb of the noted mercantile family. Later, John W. Graham was joined by his son Paul Cameron Graham (1869-1932). Paul moved to Durham around 1910.

The current stone building on this site was built in 1930 by Graham’s son Alexander who also used it as a law office. In 1935, he partnered with J. Dumont Eskridge and they remained in practice together until Eskridge’s sudden and untimely death. They served as Orange County’s attorneys.

Alexander H. “Sandy” Graham (August 9, 1890 – April 3, 1977) was a graduate of Harvard Law School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1921–30. In 1929, he was elected Speaker of the House. From 1933-1937, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina.

(L.) A 1936 campaign brochure for Sandy Graham

(R.) A wicker rocker and writing desk owned and used by Sandy Graham

Both from the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum

In addition to serving as county attorney with his partner, J. Dumont Eskridge (1910-1953) also acted as the town of Hillsborough’s attorney and served as county commissioner in the 1940s. He was a deacon of the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church and a charter member and president of the Lions Club. A July 16, 1953 article in the News of Orange remarked, “Mr. Eskridge will be remembered for his wit and his ability to translate simple everyday happenings into humerous annecdotes,” especially “his unique stories stemming from his boyhood life in Surrey county” which “left his listeners virtually rolling in their seats.”

A month after Eskridge’s passing, Graham entered into a partnership with John Q. LeGrand (1905-1962) of Chapel Hill. LeGrand was a 1927 graduate of UNC, a representative for New Hanover County in the General Assembly, a member of the Board of Trustees of UNC, and served as a prosecutor of the County Recorder’s Court and the attorney for the Town of Chapel Hill.

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Cheek's Saloon

1878-1903

James A. Cheek (1842-1903) was born in Orange County and served as a private in the Confederate army. By 1870, he had saved $98, which he had earned chopping wood, and went into business operating a saloon. One year later, he purchased four acres in West Hillsborough from tanner Haywood Beverly and began operating a distillery at that location.

Business prospered. In 1878, he purchased property on Lot 26 fronting Churton Street from the corner through the parcel that his saloon was on. He rented out the corner store. Socially, he and his wife Rosa became known for the gatherings they had at their home on SW corner of Churton and Orange streets.

Cheek became active in politics. He was elected to the General Assembly in 1882 as an Independent Democrat, winning handily due to his disapproval of the system of county government and opposition to the stock laws that prohibited the free roaming of livestock. An 1888 biography in the Greensboro North State described him as “a man of education and strong character,” “a careful legislator,” and “devoted to the interests of his constituents.” Cheek served two nonconsecutive terms in the state legislature and then as a town commissioner, switching his affiliation to the Republican party. He became an advocate of rights for African Americans, publicly lambasting Democrats for their hostility toward black businessmen – Cheek rented the space below his saloon to African American barbers.

His outspokenness may have been the cause for his political demise. A May 2, 1900, letter to the editor of the Greensboro Patriot called him a “political trickster” and lambasted him for “selling liquor over the counter to negroes and other irregularities.” For these crimes, Cheek supposedly had his liquor inventory seized twice.

(L.) A May 12, 1888, advertisement for Cheek’s whiskey in the Orange County Observer;

(C.) James A. Cheek; (R.) A bottle used in Cheek’s distillery from the collection of Bob Lloyd.

Barbershop

c. 1880-1903

In the Antebellum South, most barbers were slaves. Consequently, after the Civil War, many freedmen continued the trade. The barbers who set up shop below Cheek’s saloon cut hair for both white and black customers. Their barbershops were founded on bonds of mutual respect and were not only a place for haircuts and shaves, but also for sharing news and receiving or giving advice.

A barbershop in Richmond, Virginia, as depicted in the “Illustrated London News,”

on March 9, 1861.

Although the date that James Cheek began renting out the space below his saloon to African American barbers is unknown, Frank W. Harris began advertising his business there in 1880. In addition to cutting men’s hair, he also particularly paid attention to ladies hair cutting and shampooing as well as children’s hair cutting and that he would wait upon ladies at their residences at short notice. In 1884, Harris moved to a new location where he also ran a “First Class Eating Saloon,” where he served fresh oysters and fresh fish and promised to “give as good as the market will afford.”

Frank Harris was born in Virginia circa 1855. Around the age of 25, Harris settled in Hillsborough where he worked as a barber. It is likely that Frank relocated to Hillsborough to work and live among his kindred. He resided in an enclave of People of Color having last names common to the town of Hillsborough such as Harris, Day, Whitted, Payne, Umstead, and Nichols. By 1900, he was living in Chapel Hill, still working as a barber. Harris moved back to Hillsborough by 1910 and resided on Churton Street. He moved once more, this time to Washington, DC, where he continued working as a barber.

Richard Harper moved into Harris’ shop in 1886.

Richard Harper barber OCO 11-13-1886.png

Advertisements in the Orange County Observer for Frank Harris and Richard Harper:

(L.) May 28, 1881; (R.) November 13, 1886

In 1893, Daniel Morrow became the barber at this location. He remained there until his death in 1902. His position was then filled by C.V. Heritage.

Daniel Morrow (1857-1902) was a member of the AME church in Hillsborough, married a woman named Mamie, and had 4 daughters. Morrow was a “long-time friend” of Joseph Harris, the editor of the Orange County Observer. When Morrow took ill and then after he died, Harris recognized his friend in the newspaper, noting that Morrow was “well known and popular.” Morrow was buried in the “colored” cemetery on Margaret Lane. He and his family are some of the few individuals buried there that have been identified.

(L) An advertisement for Daniel Morrow in the Orange County Observer January 7, 1893.

(R.) A notice about C.V. Heritage’s barbershop in the Observer on August 28, 1902.

(Below) The announcement of Morrow’s death and funeral in the Observer, August 28, 1902

WE Steward

1883-1887

According to an 1885 article in the Durham Recorder, W.E. Steward moved to Hillsborough from Richmond, VA around 1875. He had been a “practical tobacco manufacturer” until 1883 when he went into business in the store at the northeast corner of Churton and King streets where he sold items “of miscellaneous character, embracing dry goods, groceries, confectionery and almost a score of other lines.” The article praised Steward for his well-selected stock and reasonable prices as well as his accommodating personality.

In 1887 and 1888, he served as the town constable.

At some point, his business expanded to include a livery, possibly at the old Faddis stand where others had had liveries. An 1889 notice in the paper announced that Steward was leaving Hillsborough and moving to Winston.

(L.) A December 6, 1884 advertisement for Christmas goods at W.E. Steward’s store.

(C. & R.) Circa 1880 toys from the collection of the Orange County Historical Museum.

This 1888 Sanborn map depicts 6 businesses on Lot 26 (From North to South):

The Graham Law Office

Webb's General Merchandise Store

A butcher/meat seller identified in the newspaper only as "Mr. Turner"

Cheek's Saloon and Richard Harper's Barber shop

Hedgpeth & McCollum's General Merchandise Store soon to be H.N. Brown Jr. & Bro.

In 1887, the Orange County Observer noted that Thomas Hedgpeth and MW McCollum, two “young gentlemen,” had opened a store. They began to advertise this new store in January of that year. It was located in the building on the corner of Churton and King, owned by James A Cheek. To accommodate their expansive stock, Cheek made improvements to the building in June of 1887, removing several partitions, thereby rendering it “one of the most handsome stores in town.”

Thomas Hedgpeth (b. 1858) was presumably related to the other Hedgpeths who worked in mercantile businesses. Thomas Hedgpeth worked as a clerk in Park’s Bazaar in 1886 before he began his venture with McCollum. Hedgpeth was elected to serve as a town commissioner in 1888.

MW McCollum appears to have been the principal buyer for the business. In September 1887, he and his wife went on buying trip to New York. Before working in the mercantile business, Matthew “Matt” W. McCollum had been a teacher at S.B. Turrentine’s school, the Union Literary Academy, in Chatham County. That’s same year, he ran unsuccessfully for the position of Clerk of the Superior Court. McCollum married Thomas Hedgpeth’s sister Lizzie in April 1887. The newspaper announcement of the wedding noted that the couple had many friends who wished them well.

In August 1888, Matt and Lizzie became the proprietors of the Occoneechee Hotel, renting the business from DC Parks. That same year, McCollum became the President of the Cleveland and Fowle Club. The purpose of the club was to elect Grover Cleveland as the President of the US and Daniel G. Fowle as Governor of North Carolina. In his capacity as President, McCollum was required to make many public speeches and was known to be an excellent orator. Also in August 1888, McCollum was elected by the Board of Town Commissioners to fill the vacancy created when James A Cheek resigned.

The two men were in business together as late as April 1888. But by March 1889, McCollum had left the firm and gone to work as a clerk for Henry N Brown Jr. and his brother NW Brown, and Cheek was updating “the corner” building for them. In September 1890, McCollum accepted a position as bookkeeper and clerk with D. McCauley of Chapel Hill and the McCollum family moved to Chapel Hill.

A March 8, 1888 advertisement in the Orange County Observer for hats at Hedgpeth & McCollum and two c. 1888 photos of Orange County men wearing hats. from the Maude Faucette collection at the Orange County Historical Museum.

Although little is currently known about Thomas Hedgpeth, this January 9, 1886 notice in the Orange County Observer describes him as the happiest man in the county over the holidays because he shot a 22-pound turkey.

H.N. Brown Jr. & Bro.

1888-1894

The Brown family owned many businesses that were located in different places around Hillsborough. In 1889, Henry N. Brown Sr. went to New York to purchase merchandise for a new firm that was opened by his sons, H.N. Brown Jr. and N.W. Brown, in the corner building formerly occupied by Messrs. Hedgpeth and McCollum. Brown Sr. continued to meet with clients at that location.

Brown repeatedly advertised that he ran a “one price” store. Since he sold a wide variety of goods, this slogan presumably meant that there was no haggling involved – that each item only had one price and because the asking price was so low, bargaining was unnecessary.

One of the many items that Brown sold included fresh fish that was brought into town by train. Brown became an advocate of having two train depots: one in West Hillsborough and one in downtown Hillsborough Interestingly, he also sold “Italian Macaroni and Cheese.”

Advertisements for H.N. Brown Jr & Bro in the Orange County Observer:

(L.) June 22, 1889; (L.C.) November 23, 1889; (R. C.) May 17, 1890; (R.) October 5, 1889

Brown had a colorful way of expressing himself in his ads.

Like the rest of his family, Nathaniel William “NW” Brown was an enterprising man. From a young age he worked in the family businesses and by the age of 20, was partnering with his older brother. Brown began serving as postmaster in 1889 at the age of 21 (the Orange County Observer called him “the courteous and efficient postmaster”), and in February 1890, he opened a bookstore in the post office, which was located on the north side of W. King Street. This store primarily sold books, bibles, and writing supplies, but it also sold soap and a variety of other items. By 1894, this store was called the Glass Front Bookstore.

In 1892, NW Brown also opened a new general merchandise store on King Street in the building to the east of the post office, which he called the Confederate Depot. All of these businesses were operated through the company NW Brown & Co.

In 1893, NW Brown’s term as postmaster came to an end and he concentrated on all of his mercantile businesses. When the Brown’s closed their business at the corner is unknown but by 1894, they had a general store on the northeast corner of Churton and Tryon streets (see Lot 99) and by 1900, the corner store was listed as being vacant on the Sanborn map. By 1905, all of the buildings facing King Street on Lot 26 had been removed.

Assorted Ads for NW Brown & Co. in the Orange County Observer:

(L) February 15, 1890; (C) February 3, 1894; (L) December 17, 1892

In August 1891, Brown advertised that he 100 hornets' nests for sale. What people would use them for is unknown.

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Joseph A. Harris Jr., Groceries

1892

In 1891, Henry N. Brown Sr. notified the public that Joseph A. Harris Jr. was opening a store in Brown’s shop. The tone of the notice appears to indicate that Brown did not choose to vacate the premises but perhaps lost his lease to Harris (Brown had previously owned a large portion of Lot 26 but lost it in an 1872 bankruptcy).

Joseph Arthur Harris Jr. (1869-1893) was the namesake of the editor of the Orange County Observer. He died at the age of 23 from an illness. He was buried at St. Matthew’s Church.

In 1872, the Observer was located on the second floor of Harris’s grocery store.

(L) A notice in the November 11, 1892 edition of the Orange County Observer

(R) A November 19, 1892 advertisement for Joseph A. Harris's store

Newman & Smith

1894

In 1894, a fire broke out in Rosemond’s livery and most of the businesses on the western side of Churton Street to the north side of King Street were affected. The two-story building that was owned by C.M. Parks but occupied by Newman and Smith was consumed (see Lot 25). Accordingly, they moved the merchandise they had been able to salvage and set up a new shop across the street, in the building that had been the post office. A report on the fire stated that they lost 500 bushels of corn and wheat that had been stored on the second story of the building. Fortunately, they were insured for $900.

(L.) The February 17, 1894 notice in the Hillsborough Recorder about Newman & Smith's move

(R.) A June 25, 1908 ad. for JB Wagner in the Orange County Observer.

Mattie Taylor Dressmaker & Milliner

1875-1907

Beyond her advertisements in the newspaper, and a glowing review of her shop in The Durham Recorder in 1885, little is known about Mrs. M.L. “Mattie” Taylor. She opened her business in Hillsborough in 1875, and by 1885, had the largest millinery shop in the county. The 1885 article boasted, “It is seldom that we find in a town five times the size of Hillsboro so large a stock and so excellent an assortment of millinery, notions, etc.”

In 1876, Taylor was operating her business out of H.N. Brown Jr.’s general merchandise store on the NW corner of Churton and King streets. However, in 1888, her business was located in the Jones building on King Street. By 1894, she had moved into the building next to Webb’s general store that had served as a millinery shop during Charles Parks’ tenure and perhaps still under the Webb brothers.

Taylor employed her sister Miss T.A. Pogue who, according to The Durham Recorder, was excellent at sales. In 1906, she and her sister were still in business and in 1907, the Orange County Observer reported that Taylor and Mrs. Floyd Leonard, who may have been her sister, had gone “North” on a shopping trip. After that notice, her business no longer appeared in the newspaper.

A few of Mattie Taylor’s many advertisements in the Orange County Observer

(L) January 15, 1876 when she is “At Brown’s”

(R) September 29, 1894 when she is in the Webb building on Churton

The 1885 article about Mattie Taylor referenced the character Flora McFlimsey from a poem by William Allen Butler entitled “Nothing to Wear: An Episode of City Life”. In the 1857 poem, Butler satirizes the shallow life of a young lady who has a closet full of clothes but continually laments that she has “nothing to wear.” The poem was inspired by this photograph.

J.B. Wagner Shoes and Harness Repair

1908

From May through July of 1908, JB Wagner advertised that he had opened a shoe and harness repair business one door north of Cheek’s brick building. This building was constructed sometime between 1905 and 1911. How long Wagner remained in business is unknown. However, by 1911, the building was listed as vacant on the Sanborn map.

A June 25, 1908 ad in the Orange County Observer

Mattie Taylor moves to Webb 9-29-1894.png

Sanborn maps of Lot 26. (L.) 1900; (C.) 1905; (R.) 1911

Between 1900 and 1905, the row of buildings fronting King Street on Lot 26 were removed. No fire is recorded during that time. The buildings were presumably taken down.

Local businesses were presumably affected by national events. A Panic in October 1907, lead to a severe monetary contraction across the US and the creation of the Federal Reserve System. Another Panic in 1910 lasted until 1912.

By 1914, when this photo was taken, new buildings had been constructed on Lot 26.

Mitchell Furniture and Hardware

c. 1912 - 1958

By 1912, a new building had been built on the corner, facing Churton Street. There, Albert Sidney “A.S.” Mitchell (1868-1949) operated a home furnishings and general hardware store. The furniture was sold in the north side of the building and the hardware in the south. His services included custom picture framing, paints and gardening supplies. Among his many customers, the county commission purchased office chairs and tools for road maintenance. The store was also a location where people could buy hunting licenses. It became a favored local gathering place for men to discuss business and politics.

When the next Sanborn map was drawn in 1924, the building had a second story. This addition was likely added to the existing structure.

Mitchell and his wife Carrie Moorefield (1878-1962) had 6 children. Two of the sons, Albert Leonard (1903-1986) and William “Bill” Mitchell (1901-1991) continued the business after Mitchell retired.

Mitchell Hardware with James Freeland .png

Two views of Mitchell’s Furniture and Hardware.

(L.) In 1938; (R.) In the 1950s with local entrepreneur James Freeland pictured in front.

(L.) A November 19, 1914 ad in the Orange County Observer

(C.) A.S. Mitchell

(R.) A June 17, 1948 ad in the News of Orange

Farmers and Merchants Bank/ Durham Bank & Trust

c. 1917-1961

Farmers & Merchants Bank opened for business in Hillsborough by 1917. It was originally located in the old Cheeks Saloon building. Then, in 1925, it constructed a new building between its existing location and Mitchell Furniture & Hardware on the corner. The Chapel Hill News recorded that the new new building was made of granite and brick and that construction cost around $5,000 and provided the bank with ample space and light. S.A. Johnston served as the cashier in 1925. Until 1939, Farmers and Merchants was the official depository for the funds of Orange County.

In 1939, the bank was bought by Durham Bank & Trust Company. The bank manager in the 1940s was S.A. Johnson and William B. Coleman served as its full-time cashier.

In 1961, it became Central Carolina Bank and Trust and moved to the Parks Building (See Lot 36). At that time, Mary W. Riley retired. She had joined the staff of the bank in 1930 and became their bookkeeper in 1939.

J. Clyde Ray, Lawyer

1925

In 1925, James Clyde Ray (1890-1969) built a two-story office building at the northern end of Lot 26. The Chapel Hill News noted that the cost of the property and the construction was around $10,000. The ground floor contained a suite of offices on one side and a restaurant on the other that was operated by Arthur Crabtree. The upstairs had space for six offices and a lodge room. Also of note, the building offered a public restroom for women “who come to town for shopping.” It was the first public toilet in Hillsborough.

Ray served as a state senator, representing Alamance, Caswell, Durham, and Orange counties for several terms in the 1920s. In 1963, he was appointed Registrar for the town of Hillsborough. A newspaper article in 1963 called him a “one-man Chamber of Commerce, and ambassador at large.” His wife, Mamie Ethel Brown, was also active in the Hillsborough civic and social life of the community, appearing many times in the “Hillsboro Happenings” section of the newspaper.

(R.) A 1930s photo of Paul Collins with the 1925 Durham Bank & Trust building behind him.

Courtesy of Sally Ann Webb McPherson

The Ray building as it appeared in 1966.

Bonner Sawyer, Attorney

1938-1972

Bonner Sawyer (1902-1972) began practicing law in Hillsborough around 1938, in the building that now bears his name (the former Ray building). He earned his law degree from UNC where he was a member of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity, and began practicing in 1924. He became associated with the law practice of Sandy Graham in 1930, leaving this prestigious position to become the town attorney for Chapel Hill. He remained with Chapel Hill until 1938. By 1963, he had entered into a partnership with Dalton Loftin (see Lot 25), as the firm Sawyer and Loftin.

With his 40 years in practice, Sawyer became one of the state’s most outstanding trial lawyers. He was especially active in Orange County community affairs, serving as a town commissioner, founding member of the Lion’s club, member of Eagle Lodge No. 19 AF&M, head of the Boy Scouts, director and vice president of Hillsborough Savings and Loan, and a leader in the local and state Bar association where he served as president.

(L) Bonner Sawyer photographed for the newspaper after securing a not guilty verdict for a client

(C) Sawyer in an October 5, 1950 article in the News of Orange about his position as board attorney for Hillsborough Savings & Loan

(R) Sawyer's signature signing his oath of office as the attorney for Chapel Hill in 1931

Boo Collins/Citizens Insurance Agency

1934.-1964

Elizabeth Hyman “Boo” Collins (1912-2002) operated Citizens Insurance Agency, next door to the bank that her father managed. She handled the business from 1934 until 1942, when she joined the Women’s Army Corps and served in the South Pacific. Her father, Paul Collins, kept the insurance agency running until she returned in 1946.

In 1962, Boo stepped down and Paul R. Williams purchased the firm and merged it with Ballard Insurance, owned by John P. Ballard. The office was on King Street until 2024.

A descendant of Paul C. Cameron, the wealthy judge, railroad builder, planter, and slaveholder who owned and operated Stagville plantation, Boo Collins inherited her home called “Highlands.” It was built in 1844 on US 70A near S. Churton Street. Additionally, she was a lifelong member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Hillsborough.

(L) Collins graduated high school in 1930 from St. Mary’s in Raleigh where she was voted “Most Popular”

(R) A notice of the firm merger in the December 27, 1962 News Of Orange

Dr. Bryan Roberts

1930-1960

Dr. Bryan Nazer Roberts (1898-1960) was general physician, opening his practice in Hillsborough in 1930. His office was on the second story of the Ray/Sawyer building. A native of Orange County, he graduated from Hillsboro High School and UNC. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland in 1925, and served his internship there.

Roberts was active in civic organizations. He was a Shriner and a Mason, belonged to the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church and the American Legion (He was a private in the Student Army Training Corps during World War I) as well as the 40 & 8 Club. He was also a charter member of the Hillsboro Lions Club.

He married Jean Lower and they had two sons: John (1931-2022) and Franz Joseph.

Robert’s brother, Dr. Marion Butler Roberts, was also a physician. He had a practice across the street (see Lot 25).

Little Pep Cafe

c. 1940-1946

In the 1940s, before Route 70 bypassed Hillsborough, on its northern edge, all east-west traffic across the state passed though downtown. The Little Pep café catered to locals, as well as to truckers, who parked their rigs up and down Churton. The restaurant provided important employment for local women. In 1945 two separate newspaper stories told of employees Mrs. Frederick who was working there while her husband was overseas and Margaret Riley who returned to work after a tonsillectomy.

In 1943, the restaurant was owned by Ervin Liner. Later E.W. Godfrey took over. In 1946, he decided to move the restaurant to Route 70 when the Trailways service changed its stopping point to that location.

A May 23, 1946 announcement in the News of Orange telling that the Little Pep Cafe was closing in downtown Hillsborough and moving to a new location

Fairview Food Store

c. 1940-c.1960

The Grocery store was originally a subsidiary business spun off from Coleman-Laws next door (See Lot 36). JG Goodwin was hired to manage the operation. By 1952, he owned the business. Goodwin had a full meat market within the store and oversaw retail sales and delivery of groceries in town. In 1952, a fire destroyed the building. Goodwin was planning to rebuild it but he moved his business to Route 70 instead and the space remained open. Currently, it being used as outdoor seating for a restaurant.

JG Goodwin (1903-1964) married Esther Wellington. They had four children including JG Goodwin Jr. who served as a pastor in Korea for many years. In 1961, Goodwin Sr. served as chair of the Orange County Christmas Seal Sales campaign to eradicate tuberculosis.

In addition to groceries, Fairview Food sold some other merchandise like women’s hosiery.

(L) A May 25, 1950 ad for nylons at Fairview Food. "Denier" denoted weight or thickness of the nylon yarn. “Gauge" referred to the texture of the knitted fabric. High gauge stockings had a more flattering appearance and wore longer because of their fine, closely-knit fabric.

(R) 1950s Mary Grey nylons similar to those Fairview would have been selling.

Summey's Shoe Store

1961

In June 1955, Lawrence Summey opened Summey’s Shoe Shop on King Street in the former Latta Dairy Coop building. For nine years prior to that time, he had worked as the shoe repairman for the Parker and Iron shoe shops. By December 1961, he had moved to the north side of the building on the corner of Churton and King streets, previously occupied by Mitchell’s Furniture.

Wilmer Lawrence Summey (1926-1998) was a native of Hillsborough and a graduate of local schools. He married Janice Johnson and they had four children. The family attended Mars Hill Baptist Church.

Ads for Summey's Shoes in the News of Orange: December 14, 1961 and July 11, 1963

Photos of the Christmas Parade in the 1960s with Summey’s Shoes in the background

In 1987, the association broke ground for the construction of a new building on South Churton Street, beyond the historic district. The open house was held in February 1988.

Hillsboro/Hillsborough Savings & Loan

1960-1988

In 1913, Charles H. Robertson, HH Iler, BH Revell, WA Heartt, TN Webb, and JC Webb met in the back room of West End Drug on Nash Street in West Hillsborough to begin organizing a Building and Loan Association. The first officers were Robertson, who served as president until 1927, NW Brown, vice president, CM Andrews, secretary-treasurer, and John T. Johnson, attorney. In 1948, Earl Stone became the Association’s first full-time secretary. His wife also worked full-time as his assistant and a teller.

The enterprise was so successful that in 1950, they moved out of the drug store and into a new building on Calvin Street that they constructed. Business continued to grow. Around 1957, the name of the association changed to Hillsboro Savings & Loan.

In 1960, they decided to construct a new flagship building in downtown Hillsborough and maintain the other structure as a branch office. Lifetime resident Gee Coleman remembered that the new building on Churton Street was constructed where a two-story wooden structure with an unfinished basement had been. The building had been used as “some kind of a mercantile establishment, but it was vacant and in bad repair. It was open and was probably a nighttime stop by some homeless individuals, who were in those days called bums. The building was torn down —probably because it was considered a firetrap — and that left a hole in the ground that had been the unfinished basement. A fence was put up around part of the hole to prevent someone from falling into it.”

In 1960, the lot was purchased by Hillsboro Savings and Loan, which had, for just a couple of years, been named Hillsboro Building and Loan. A modern building was then constructed there and became the main office, with the former office building on Calvin Street in West Hillsboro becoming a branch office. The grand opening of the new main office took place on April 15, 1961.

According to Gee Coleman, when the association celebrated its golden anniversary, W. John Clayton, who joined the board of directors in 1917 and served as president from 1945 until at least 1961 was also celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary the same year. Mrs. Clayton remarked, “We may as well celebrate our anniversary at the office. You have been married to that place as much as you have to me.”

(L) An ad for the opening of the new S&L building in the News of Orange, April 13, 1961

(R) The building in 1983

The 1988 program from the grand opening of the new bank building

Coleman's Orange Farm Equipment

1959-1962

By 1959, Coleman-Laws (See Lot 36) had changed into Coleman’s Orange Farm Equipment and had moved to the old Mitchell Hardware building on the corner of Churton and King streets. The inventory remained basically the same until 1963 when the store did not renew its contract to sell International Harvester machines and focused its inventory more heavily on hardware and home goods.

The store was owned and operated by Harlan G. “Gee” Coleman Jr. (1922-2020), a renaissance man, well known for his work as writer, editor, publisher and owner of, the News of Orange County. Born in his family’s home on Queen Street, the only three years he did not live in town was when he served in World War II. After leaving the family hardware business in 1962, he became involved with the newspaper business and remained with it until he retired at age 89. (See News of Orange below)

Ads in the News of Orange for Orange Farm Equipment

(L) February 12, 1959

(R) A photo of Coleman's from the street taken in 1966. Courtesy of Marsha Cates Stanley

Clerk of the Court Annex

1988- c. 2008

After the bank moved to a new building on South Churton Street and closed its downtown office, Orange County purchased the building and moved the Clerk of Court’s office there from the courthouse building. Just recently, with the expansion of the courthouse, the clerk’s office was moved back there.

Bonafide Sandwich Shop

2016-2017

Information Coming