About Old North Durham
Old North Durham is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Durham, North Carolina. Originally known as North Durham, this area was converted from farmland into one of the city's first suburbs in the late 1800's. Many of the large historic homes along Mangum Street were built during the late Victorian era. Construction of the trolley line in 1901 (running north from Main Street directly into the heart of the neighborhood) spurred even more development. Through the 1920's and 30's many classic bungalows were built in the Arts & Crafts style.
Stories from long-time residents who grew up in the neighborhood in the 1930s tell of dirt roads, large families, and children playing everywhere you looked. In the evenings "Old Man Fletcher" would drive his ancient car to light all the "flambeaus" (kerosene smudge pots) and many times some of the neighborhood boys would ride alongside him. By the 1940's, Old North Durham was a close-knit community where multiple generations of the same families lived next door to one another.
After Integration in the 1950's and 60's, East Trinity Street became one of the first areas in Durham where African-American families bought homes and settled among their primarily white neighbors. Some of these early-integrating families are still in residence and can recall the challenge and the acceptance they experienced during that era. Today the "OND" has a vibrant African-American and Hispanic population that is an active part of a positive and progressive part of our community.
In the late 1960's Old North Durham experienced a social and economic decline similar to urban neighbohoods around the country as the population migrated from urban areas to outlying suburbs. However, during the late 1970's and early 1980's a major effort was undertaken to revitalize the neighborhood. With the creation of Durham Neighborhood Housing Services in 1981, neighborhood residents joined city officials, business and banking leaders to secure the financial support for home improvements and renovations. It was from this group that the Old North Durham Neighborhood Association (ONDNA) got its start. For the next twenty years, ONDNA continued building solid relationships among neighbors, and working with local government and community organizations to continually enhance the quality of life in our vibrant community.
Starting in the 1990's and continuing through today, the neighborhood is experiencing a resurgence of interest and home ownership. Because of Old North Durham's status at a National Historic District, many homes are being historically renovated. Old North Durham residents continue to represent a rich assortment of cultural, occupational and ethnic backgrounds. It is this mix that makes Old North Durham one of the city's most interesting and truly urban neighborhoods.
Stories from long-time residents who grew up in the neighborhood in the 1930s tell of dirt roads, large families, and children playing everywhere you looked. In the evenings "Old Man Fletcher" would drive his ancient car to light all the "flambeaus" (kerosene smudge pots) and many times some of the neighborhood boys would ride alongside him. By the 1940's, Old North Durham was a close-knit community where multiple generations of the same families lived next door to one another.
After Integration in the 1950's and 60's, East Trinity Street became one of the first areas in Durham where African-American families bought homes and settled among their primarily white neighbors. Some of these early-integrating families are still in residence and can recall the challenge and the acceptance they experienced during that era. Today the "OND" has a vibrant African-American and Hispanic population that is an active part of a positive and progressive part of our community.
In the late 1960's Old North Durham experienced a social and economic decline similar to urban neighbohoods around the country as the population migrated from urban areas to outlying suburbs. However, during the late 1970's and early 1980's a major effort was undertaken to revitalize the neighborhood. With the creation of Durham Neighborhood Housing Services in 1981, neighborhood residents joined city officials, business and banking leaders to secure the financial support for home improvements and renovations. It was from this group that the Old North Durham Neighborhood Association (ONDNA) got its start. For the next twenty years, ONDNA continued building solid relationships among neighbors, and working with local government and community organizations to continually enhance the quality of life in our vibrant community.
Starting in the 1990's and continuing through today, the neighborhood is experiencing a resurgence of interest and home ownership. Because of Old North Durham's status at a National Historic District, many homes are being historically renovated. Old North Durham residents continue to represent a rich assortment of cultural, occupational and ethnic backgrounds. It is this mix that makes Old North Durham one of the city's most interesting and truly urban neighborhoods.
