812 N. Elizabeth St.

November 2002, photograph by Preservation Durham survey volunteers.  

According to the Durham County Tax Administration, this house was built 1944. According to the 1939 City Directory, the resident of 812 N. Elizabeth Street was Lemuel Barbee, professional ball player. According to the 1960 City Directory, the resident of 812 N. Elizabeth Street was Quincy Barbee. He worked at the City Water & Sewer Department. No spouse is noted.

There is a possibility that Quincy Barbee was John Quincy Adams "Bud" Barbee, Negro League baseball player from 1935-1955. In this IndyWeek article, it is noted that the Barbee family lived for many years on Elizabeth Street. Similar to Quincy Barbee's listing in the City Directory, Bud Barbee is reported as not being married.

https://indyweek.com/culture/sports/durham-native-bud-barbee-s-sensational-career-tells-story-segregated-baseball-triangle/

 

Real estate documents that the building was renovated in 1956. It's not clear if this is the renovation that transformed into the duplex that it functions as today.