2010 Southgate Street

(Below in italics is from the 2004 East Durham National Register listing; not verified for accuracy by this author.)

House. Large 1 and 1/2 story side-gable bungalow with a shed dormer window, exposed rafter tails, weatherboard, 12-over-1 sash windows, and a wraparound porch with boxed posts and a wood railing. The original entrance sidelights have been closed in. The side bay of the porch has been enclosed as a room. 1930 CD: Maggie Surmons, occupant. 1935 CD: 3 tenants. 1937 SM. 

Although this home was built in 1918, few records exist about residents until the late 1920's. Prior to that time, Southgate Street was named Markham Ave, I assume after Felix D. Markham, a former Sheriff who also owned a farm on the land that is now Liberty and Southgate Streets and Guthrie Avenue. And yes, this is in addition to the Markham Avenue that current Durhamites know located in West Durham. The name was changed to Southgate around 1925 to honor James H. Southgate, one of Durham's wealthiest business men who also ran for VP under the Prohibition Party ticket. 

The following people have lived at 2010 Southgate Street:

1926- CS Vaughan and Mrs. Carrie Nutt  

Not much information is known about either, although both last names are common in the area. I did find a Carrie Nutt who went to Watts Hospital School of Nursing, but in order to be a "Mrs." as labeled in the city directory, she would've had to have been married at 10 years old, so I'm going to assume that's not the same woman. 

1927- Joseph (JC) Peed and his wife Mozelle, and tenant Mrs. Julia Andrews

The tenant, Mrs. Julia Andrews, was listed as a mill hand in the city directory. Previously Mrs. Andrews lived at 413 South Duke Street. 

Joseph Peed worked at Durham Life Insurance Company, which was located at 128 West Main Street.  The company started in Durham, selling industrial insurance and life insurance to low income workers at plants and mills that covered them in the event of a work accident. Agents in Durham like Mr. Peed would surely have no lack of customers during that time period, in a city like Durham. The company moved it's headquarters to Raleigh in 1920 but still kept offices in Durham.  Mr. Peed's offices were in this Durham location. The building (red link above) was a popular site to view parades from, as seen in this photo(courtesy of Duke Archives):

(residents continued)

1928- Mrs. Addy White, widow of GR White

1929- Hal T. Harris and his wife Dora

Hal was a salesman at Carpenter Motor Company. Perhaps Mr. Harris would've wanted to sell you one of these 1929 Chevy beauties? 

1930- Mrs. Maggie Sermons

1931-1933 -Leslie V. Hilburn and his wife Lola

Mr. Hillburn was a pipefitter. 

This home is listed in tax records as "RES/2-FAMILY".  It is quite possible it was built as separate untis, as numerous years show 2 residents in the directory. It also could be a more recent separation of space. Regaardless, it is still very likely that it was a rental home in the time period above, as every year brings with it new residents it seems.  

The photo below is from a 2007 snapshot from Google "street view", which is a little grainy (ok, alot grainy).  But it shows a bright blue home, on the forgotten side, but with the original 12/1 sash windows and what appears to also be the original railing. The shed dormer window however has been covered up.  

The home was purchased in 2010 for low low price of $6500. A lot of work has gone into the house, and it is on the market again as of April 2012, this time for $45,000. The MLS listing says that the previous owner did work on the foundation, installed new siding, new windows and HVAC. 

The most recent photo of this house shows it has also been painted white, the railing and stairs were replaced, and the dormer window was set free once again. I'm a little sad about the windows, and I swear that bland yet ugly door must be Home Depot's top seller, but otherwise the integrity of this home has been somewhat preserved.  That front porch alone is worth the $45,000 asking price.