top of page
PRESERVATION PLAQUE PROGRAM
The Preservation Chapel Hill’s Historic Plaque Program recognizes and designates historically and architecturally significant structures in our community.
Why Apply for a Plaque?
The Preservation Chapel Hill’s Historic Plaque Program recognizes and designates historically and architecturally significant structures in our community. Chosen structures receive a plaque and are also listed and described on the PCH website. Additionally, the information gained by going through the process of researching a house helps us to build our community accessible archive about historic Chapel Hill and to create programming for residents and visitors. Help preserve and mark the historic architecture of Chapel Hill by applying for a plaque for your home or place of business.
Eligibility
To be considered for a Preservation Chapel Hill Historic Plaque, properties must be 50 years or older and within the city limits of Chapel Hill.
Selection Process
The Preservation Committee of Preservation Chapel Hill’s Board of Directors reviews all applications for historic residence plaques. It is important to provide accurate dates, correct full names, and sources for all information included in your application. The Preservation Committee is willing to discuss and work with applicants to improve information, but first consideration will be given to well researched and well documented applications. The name on the plaque will be chosen by the committee. Whenever possible, buildings will be named for the original owner or a significant resident. Other owners or residents may be added if they occupied the building for a significant part of its history, made significant architectural changes to the building, or made important contributions to the history of Chapel Hill. The cost of a residential plaque is $150 for members and $300 for nonmembers. This covers manufacturing costs of the plaque and PCH staff time. Checks and money orders are payable to Preservation Chapel Hill. Plaques are awarded each May during Preservation Month.
West Chapel Hill
Mallette-Wilson-Maurice House
c.1845
215 W. Cameron Avenue
Constructed in 1845, the Mallette-Wilson-Maurice House is one of the oldest homes in the Cameron/McCauley historic district. Built in the Greek-Revival style, the home is the work of Chatham and Orange county cabinetmaker, carpenter, and contractor, Isaac J. Collier. Collier worked on multiple noteworthy Chapel Hill buildings. He was the contractor of Chapel of the Cross as well as the contractor of the brick additions to the Old East and Old West buildings on UNC’s campus.
Sally Mallette bought the land where the Mallette-Wilson-Maurice House sits in 1845. Sally Mallette was the daughter of early Chapel Hill resident and bookseller, Charles Mallette. Sally was also the sister of Dr. William Mallette, who was a Chapel Hill physician who performed one of the first successful cesarean sections in the South. When Sally’s brother, Edward, died in the Civil War, she raised his orphaned children in the home.
Dr. Thomas J. Wilson purchased the home in 1891 for $800. Dr. Wilson was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and acted as a surgeon for the Confederate Army of Virginia. Wilson’s son, T.J. Wilson III, became a University registrar and later the head of the UNC Press. After Dr. Wilson passed away, students rented his corner office in the house. One of the most notable residents was UNC alumni and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Paul Green.
In 1944, Mrs. Charles S. Maurice and husband Dr. Anthony Maurice bought the home when Dr. Maurice accepted a position teaching geology at UNC. A graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Maurice joined the UNC faculty and during WWII taught physics to cadets in the Navy Pre-Flight School.
215 W. Cameron Avenue
Constructed in 1845, the Mallette-Wilson-Maurice House is one of the oldest homes in the Cameron/McCauley historic district. Built in the Greek-Revival style, the home is the work of Chatham and Orange county cabinetmaker, carpenter, and contractor, Isaac J. Collier. Collier worked on multiple noteworthy Chapel Hill buildings. He was the contractor of Chapel of the Cross as well as the contractor of the brick additions to the Old East and Old West buildings on UNC’s campus.
Sally Mallette bought the land where the Mallette-Wilson-Maurice House sits in 1845. Sally Mallette was the daughter of early Chapel Hill resident and bookseller, Charles Mallette. Sally was also the sister of Dr. William Mallette, who was a Chapel Hill physician who performed one of the first successful cesarean sections in the South. When Sally’s brother, Edward, died in the Civil War, she raised his orphaned children in the home.
Dr. Thomas J. Wilson purchased the home in 1891 for $800. Dr. Wilson was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and acted as a surgeon for the Confederate Army of Virginia. Wilson’s son, T.J. Wilson III, became a University registrar and later the head of the UNC Press. After Dr. Wilson passed away, students rented his corner office in the house. One of the most notable residents was UNC alumni and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Paul Green.
In 1944, Mrs. Charles S. Maurice and husband Dr. Anthony Maurice bought the home when Dr. Maurice accepted a position teaching geology at UNC. A graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Maurice joined the UNC faculty and during WWII taught physics to cadets in the Navy Pre-Flight School.
Junius Webb House
c.1913
302 Pittsboro Street
Junius D. Webb, best known in Chapel Hill for his reconstruction of the commerical section of Franklin Street, purchased the lot on which this house sits in 1894. He bought the land from David McCauley, after whom the Cameron-McCauley Historic District is named for. Webb built the house in 1913. The house was home for Webb, his wife Miriam, and their eight children until 1918. The Colonial Revival style home has undergone several renovations and additions, but the originial frame remains visible.
The Junius Webb House passed through many hands until 1958 when Kappa Jappa Gamma Fraternity, Inc. purchased the home. Kappa Kappa Gamma - Epsilon Gamma Chapter still owns the home, utilizing the space for active members to live, host social events, and hold academic banquets. Since purchasing the home, the sorority house has been home to over 2,000 UNC women.
302 Pittsboro Street
Junius D. Webb, best known in Chapel Hill for his reconstruction of the commerical section of Franklin Street, purchased the lot on which this house sits in 1894. He bought the land from David McCauley, after whom the Cameron-McCauley Historic District is named for. Webb built the house in 1913. The house was home for Webb, his wife Miriam, and their eight children until 1918. The Colonial Revival style home has undergone several renovations and additions, but the originial frame remains visible.
The Junius Webb House passed through many hands until 1958 when Kappa Jappa Gamma Fraternity, Inc. purchased the home. Kappa Kappa Gamma - Epsilon Gamma Chapter still owns the home, utilizing the space for active members to live, host social events, and hold academic banquets. Since purchasing the home, the sorority house has been home to over 2,000 UNC women.
Mason-Lloyd-Wiley House
c.1860
412 W. Cameron Avenue
James B. Mason, the first known owner of the home, bought the home from Turner Bynum in 1878. Mason, a graduate of UNC, served on the trustees committee between 1871-1875 when the University closed during Reconstruction. Built around 1860, the exact date of construction remains a mystery due to missing records. Handmade nails and bricks are evidence of the age of Mason-Lloyd-Wiley House. Since brick construction is rare in residential homes in Chapel Hill, especially in pre-20th century homes, the Mason-Lloyd-Wiley home is unique to Chapel Hill.
In 1885, James Mason sold the home to Confederate veteran Thomas F. Lloyd. Lloyd, an industrialist, constructed the first textile mill in Carrboro. Constructed in 1898, the textile mill was known as the Alberta Mill and was located at the West End railroad depot in Carrboro. Julian S. Carr purchased the mill ten years later. Today, the mill still stands and is now the Carr Mill Mall, a popular shopping and restaurant destination.
Purchased by William L. and Dorothy Ford Wiley in 1938, renovations to the home allowed for plumbing, electricity, and heat. W.L. Wiley, a French Professor, joined the faculty of the Department of Romance Languages at UNC and wrote numerous books in the home.
412 W. Cameron Avenue
James B. Mason, the first known owner of the home, bought the home from Turner Bynum in 1878. Mason, a graduate of UNC, served on the trustees committee between 1871-1875 when the University closed during Reconstruction. Built around 1860, the exact date of construction remains a mystery due to missing records. Handmade nails and bricks are evidence of the age of Mason-Lloyd-Wiley House. Since brick construction is rare in residential homes in Chapel Hill, especially in pre-20th century homes, the Mason-Lloyd-Wiley home is unique to Chapel Hill.
In 1885, James Mason sold the home to Confederate veteran Thomas F. Lloyd. Lloyd, an industrialist, constructed the first textile mill in Carrboro. Constructed in 1898, the textile mill was known as the Alberta Mill and was located at the West End railroad depot in Carrboro. Julian S. Carr purchased the mill ten years later. Today, the mill still stands and is now the Carr Mill Mall, a popular shopping and restaurant destination.
Purchased by William L. and Dorothy Ford Wiley in 1938, renovations to the home allowed for plumbing, electricity, and heat. W.L. Wiley, a French Professor, joined the faculty of the Department of Romance Languages at UNC and wrote numerous books in the home.
Scott-Gattis-Allen House
c.1860
400 W. Cameron Avenue
The lot where the Scott-Gattis-Allen House sits is a part of the original 221 acres granted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The University sold the one-acre lot to Ed Mallette who in turn sold the lot to Calvin Scott, a Chapel Hill merchant and elder in the Presbyterian Church. Completed in 1860, the original house consisted of four rooms, but has since undergone three changes. Wounded and imprisoned by Union forces, Scott served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, Scott never returned to his home in Chapel Hill and sold his home to James Mason in 1881.
Dr. Robert E. Gattis, a doctor from Orange County, purchased the house when he and his wife, Lula Foushee, moved to Chapel Hill in 1902. Dr. Gattis was a partner in the Eubanks Drug Store. When Dr. Gattis died from a bout with typhoid fever, his wife remained in the house to raise their six daughters and rented rooms to boarders. Among these renters were two future UNC presidents, Franklin Porter Graham and Marvin Hendrix Stacy.
Dr. Marvin Allen lived in the home for numerous years with his wife, Mrs. Marvin Allen. A professor of physical education at UNC, Dr. Allen started the soccer program at UNC and coached its first team. Allen coached the team until 1976. The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame inducted Allen in 1998.
400 W. Cameron Avenue
The lot where the Scott-Gattis-Allen House sits is a part of the original 221 acres granted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The University sold the one-acre lot to Ed Mallette who in turn sold the lot to Calvin Scott, a Chapel Hill merchant and elder in the Presbyterian Church. Completed in 1860, the original house consisted of four rooms, but has since undergone three changes. Wounded and imprisoned by Union forces, Scott served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, Scott never returned to his home in Chapel Hill and sold his home to James Mason in 1881.
Dr. Robert E. Gattis, a doctor from Orange County, purchased the house when he and his wife, Lula Foushee, moved to Chapel Hill in 1902. Dr. Gattis was a partner in the Eubanks Drug Store. When Dr. Gattis died from a bout with typhoid fever, his wife remained in the house to raise their six daughters and rented rooms to boarders. Among these renters were two future UNC presidents, Franklin Porter Graham and Marvin Hendrix Stacy.
Dr. Marvin Allen lived in the home for numerous years with his wife, Mrs. Marvin Allen. A professor of physical education at UNC, Dr. Allen started the soccer program at UNC and coached its first team. Allen coached the team until 1976. The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame inducted Allen in 1998.
Pool-Patterson House
c.1870
403 W. Cameron Avenue
Built in 1870, Solomon Pool was the first known owner of the two-story house known as the Pool-Patterson House. The Pool-Patterson House is the first home in Chapel Hill to have running water installed. Raised by his two brothers on the family plantation in Elizabeth City, Pool graduated from UNC in 1853 and became the fourth president of UNC. Pool served as president from 1869 until the University closed in 1871 (during Reconstruction). Because he was a Republican during the time of Reconstruction, Pool was the “most disliked person ever to be President of the University of North Carolina.”
In 1888, Confederate veteran Henry Houston “Hoot” Patterson bought the house. Patterson became a leading businessman and one of Chapel Hill’s most prominent citizens. Patterson owned and ran a general store on the corner of East Franklin and Henderson Streets. Patterson was also vice president of the Bank of Chapel Hill, a village alderman, and a member and chairman of the Board of Education. Patterson was also the founder of the first telephone company in Chapel Hill in 1901.
403 W. Cameron Avenue
Built in 1870, Solomon Pool was the first known owner of the two-story house known as the Pool-Patterson House. The Pool-Patterson House is the first home in Chapel Hill to have running water installed. Raised by his two brothers on the family plantation in Elizabeth City, Pool graduated from UNC in 1853 and became the fourth president of UNC. Pool served as president from 1869 until the University closed in 1871 (during Reconstruction). Because he was a Republican during the time of Reconstruction, Pool was the “most disliked person ever to be President of the University of North Carolina.”
In 1888, Confederate veteran Henry Houston “Hoot” Patterson bought the house. Patterson became a leading businessman and one of Chapel Hill’s most prominent citizens. Patterson owned and ran a general store on the corner of East Franklin and Henderson Streets. Patterson was also vice president of the Bank of Chapel Hill, a village alderman, and a member and chairman of the Board of Education. Patterson was also the founder of the first telephone company in Chapel Hill in 1901.
East Chapel Hill
Anderson-Holton House
c.1968
601 Brookview Drive
Designed by Donald Stewart and built by Robert Anderson in 1968, the Anderson-Holton House is an important example of Modernist architecture in Chapel Hill. Architect Donald Stewart designed many homes and buildings around Chapel Hill and was the original designer of Carmichael Arena on UNC’s campus. Robert Anderson and Donald Stewart were architects and partners at Community Planning and Architecture Associates. Built in the Lake Forest neighborhood, the home is perched on a steep hillside overlooking Booker Creek and served as the Anderson’s family home for many years. William Coker, renowned UNC botanist, once owned the lot the Anderson-Holton House was built on. In 1984, Bill and Bitty Holton purchased the home. The Anderson-Holton House is a crucial home to Chapel Hill, for it helps you to better understand Modernism and its role in shaping Chapel Hill suburbs and the built environment.
601 Brookview Drive
Designed by Donald Stewart and built by Robert Anderson in 1968, the Anderson-Holton House is an important example of Modernist architecture in Chapel Hill. Architect Donald Stewart designed many homes and buildings around Chapel Hill and was the original designer of Carmichael Arena on UNC’s campus. Robert Anderson and Donald Stewart were architects and partners at Community Planning and Architecture Associates. Built in the Lake Forest neighborhood, the home is perched on a steep hillside overlooking Booker Creek and served as the Anderson’s family home for many years. William Coker, renowned UNC botanist, once owned the lot the Anderson-Holton House was built on. In 1984, Bill and Bitty Holton purchased the home. The Anderson-Holton House is a crucial home to Chapel Hill, for it helps you to better understand Modernism and its role in shaping Chapel Hill suburbs and the built environment.
Arthur C. and Mary S.A. Nash House
c. 1926
124 South Boundary Street
In 1926, architect Arthur C. Nash built the Nash House for his family. The Nash House is in the Colonial Revival style. The home is one of Nash’s many contributions to Chapel Hill. Nash began working with the University of North Carolina (UNC) in 1922. He designed Wilson Library, Graham Memorial, The Carolina Inn, Kenan Stadium, South Building, and other dormitories and classrooms. Mary Screven, Nash’s wife, was a talented painter. The two retired to Washington D.C. in 1930.
After the Nashes retired, Clara and Roland McClamroch purchased the home. The McClamrochs rented the home to Alpha and Robert Wettach. Robert Wettach earned his degree from Harvard University. He was a law professor and Dean of the UNC Law School from 1941-1949. Alpha Wettach taught psychology at UNC and became the UNC Dean of Women Students in 1951. In 1983, Clara McClamroch died and her heirs sold the home to Monica and Joseph and Kalo.
The Kalos were both law professors at UNC. In 2013, Jennifer and Victor Chen purchased the property. The Chens immediately undertook a large renovation projected guided by the original blueprints. The building retains many of Arthur C. Nash’s original design features, as well as retaining original doors, windows, hardware, and plaster. During their renovation, workers rediscovered architectural features that previous renovations had hidden.
124 South Boundary Street
In 1926, architect Arthur C. Nash built the Nash House for his family. The Nash House is in the Colonial Revival style. The home is one of Nash’s many contributions to Chapel Hill. Nash began working with the University of North Carolina (UNC) in 1922. He designed Wilson Library, Graham Memorial, The Carolina Inn, Kenan Stadium, South Building, and other dormitories and classrooms. Mary Screven, Nash’s wife, was a talented painter. The two retired to Washington D.C. in 1930.
After the Nashes retired, Clara and Roland McClamroch purchased the home. The McClamrochs rented the home to Alpha and Robert Wettach. Robert Wettach earned his degree from Harvard University. He was a law professor and Dean of the UNC Law School from 1941-1949. Alpha Wettach taught psychology at UNC and became the UNC Dean of Women Students in 1951. In 1983, Clara McClamroch died and her heirs sold the home to Monica and Joseph and Kalo.
The Kalos were both law professors at UNC. In 2013, Jennifer and Victor Chen purchased the property. The Chens immediately undertook a large renovation projected guided by the original blueprints. The building retains many of Arthur C. Nash’s original design features, as well as retaining original doors, windows, hardware, and plaster. During their renovation, workers rediscovered architectural features that previous renovations had hidden.
Berry-Brown-Tax House
c.1914
611 E. Rosemary Street
Harriet Morehead Berry built the Berry-Brown-Tax House in 1914 on a piece of land originally owned by W.C. Coker. The home is a bungalow that has a rustic appearance due to its cedar siding and river rock foundation. Harriet Morehead Berry graduated with honors from the State Normal and Industrial School (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro). Berry accepted a job as a stenographer to Dr. Joseph Pratt on the Carolina Geological and Economic Survey at Chapel Hill in 1901. Berry continued to work with Pratt as a secretary on the North Carolina Good Roads Association. The North Carolina Good Roads Association sought to improve the roads across the state. When Pratt enlisted for WWI, Harriet Berry became acting leader of the survey and the Good Roads Association. Berry sold the home to her sister, Mary Berry Brown and her sister’s husband, Dr. Kent Brown, UNC professor of Germanic languages and literature, in 1919. Renovations completed in 2007 have changed the original appearance, yet it retains its authentic charm.
611 E. Rosemary Street
Harriet Morehead Berry built the Berry-Brown-Tax House in 1914 on a piece of land originally owned by W.C. Coker. The home is a bungalow that has a rustic appearance due to its cedar siding and river rock foundation. Harriet Morehead Berry graduated with honors from the State Normal and Industrial School (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro). Berry accepted a job as a stenographer to Dr. Joseph Pratt on the Carolina Geological and Economic Survey at Chapel Hill in 1901. Berry continued to work with Pratt as a secretary on the North Carolina Good Roads Association. The North Carolina Good Roads Association sought to improve the roads across the state. When Pratt enlisted for WWI, Harriet Berry became acting leader of the survey and the Good Roads Association. Berry sold the home to her sister, Mary Berry Brown and her sister’s husband, Dr. Kent Brown, UNC professor of Germanic languages and literature, in 1919. Renovations completed in 2007 have changed the original appearance, yet it retains its authentic charm.
Bahansen-Herzenberg House
c.1915
6 Cobb Terrace
Constructed in 1915, the Bahansen-Herzenberg House is in Cobb Terrace, a subdivision of Chapel Hill. Possibly the first suburb in Chapel Hill, Cobb Terrace was designed by Collier Cobb. Cobb sought to provide affordable housing for professors and constructed eleven homes. The Bahansen-Herzenberg House is one of these eleven homes built from an Aladdin Homes kit. Everything needed to construct the home came with instructions and numbers on the materials for easy construction. The Bahansen-Herzenberg House is another home in the popular trend of kit houses in the first half of the 20th century and one of the 75,000 Aladdin homes built overall.
Jane Burns Cutley Bahansen, a civil rights activist, resided in the home from the 1950s into the mid 1970s. When Chapel Hill’s first black mayor, Howard Lee, decided to run, it was in this home where plans were first discussed. Joseph A. Herzenberg, the first openly gay elected official in North Carolina, also lived in this home.
Today, renovations done by owner Melissa McCullough have made the home modern and efficient which have earned the house the LEED for Homes Silver rating. Though modernized, the home has maintained historical relevance.
6 Cobb Terrace
Constructed in 1915, the Bahansen-Herzenberg House is in Cobb Terrace, a subdivision of Chapel Hill. Possibly the first suburb in Chapel Hill, Cobb Terrace was designed by Collier Cobb. Cobb sought to provide affordable housing for professors and constructed eleven homes. The Bahansen-Herzenberg House is one of these eleven homes built from an Aladdin Homes kit. Everything needed to construct the home came with instructions and numbers on the materials for easy construction. The Bahansen-Herzenberg House is another home in the popular trend of kit houses in the first half of the 20th century and one of the 75,000 Aladdin homes built overall.
Jane Burns Cutley Bahansen, a civil rights activist, resided in the home from the 1950s into the mid 1970s. When Chapel Hill’s first black mayor, Howard Lee, decided to run, it was in this home where plans were first discussed. Joseph A. Herzenberg, the first openly gay elected official in North Carolina, also lived in this home.
Today, renovations done by owner Melissa McCullough have made the home modern and efficient which have earned the house the LEED for Homes Silver rating. Though modernized, the home has maintained historical relevance.
Brockwell House
c.1925
211 Henderson Street
The Brockwell House is a colonial revival style house located at 211 Henderson Street in Chapel Hill’s Franklin Rosemary historic district. The house was built for Samuel Brockwell (1870-1940) and his wife Francis “Fannie” Brockwell (1877-1963) in 1925. Samuel was an early entrepreneur in the area. Durham architect George Watts Carr Sr. (1893-1975) designed the house.
Samuel Brockwell owned the Pickwick Theatre. The theater was renovated in 1915 to seat 600 people and include a new café, cigar stand, garage, and dormitory. Samuel also established the B&B Auto Station that provided transportation from Chapel Hill to Durham for a small fee. Fannie was very involved with Orange Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. She played an important role in planning the church’s expansion in 1925.
The Chapel Hill chapter of the Phi Mu sorority purchased the home in 1966. Renovation of the house began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. The renovation enlarged the living room. It also added a dining room, gallery, chapter room, and upstairs bedrooms. A housemother’s apartment was carved out of the original first floor bathroom and kitchen. The exterior portico, three fireplaces, and the servant’s staircase were removed during the renovation. The garage was removed to make room for a driveway. The Brockwell House is still the home of Phi Mu.
211 Henderson Street
The Brockwell House is a colonial revival style house located at 211 Henderson Street in Chapel Hill’s Franklin Rosemary historic district. The house was built for Samuel Brockwell (1870-1940) and his wife Francis “Fannie” Brockwell (1877-1963) in 1925. Samuel was an early entrepreneur in the area. Durham architect George Watts Carr Sr. (1893-1975) designed the house.
Samuel Brockwell owned the Pickwick Theatre. The theater was renovated in 1915 to seat 600 people and include a new café, cigar stand, garage, and dormitory. Samuel also established the B&B Auto Station that provided transportation from Chapel Hill to Durham for a small fee. Fannie was very involved with Orange Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. She played an important role in planning the church’s expansion in 1925.
The Chapel Hill chapter of the Phi Mu sorority purchased the home in 1966. Renovation of the house began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. The renovation enlarged the living room. It also added a dining room, gallery, chapter room, and upstairs bedrooms. A housemother’s apartment was carved out of the original first floor bathroom and kitchen. The exterior portico, three fireplaces, and the servant’s staircase were removed during the renovation. The garage was removed to make room for a driveway. The Brockwell House is still the home of Phi Mu.
Chapel of The Cross
c.1843
304 E. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill’s Episcopalian Chapel of the Cross has a long history dating back to May 23, 1842. Under the guidance of Reverend William Mercer Green, twenty-four individuals formed the beginnings of the church. A graduate of UNC and a professor of Belles-Lettres at UNC, Rev. Green and his congregation chose the location of where the Chapel was to be constructed. Thomas U. Walter designed the church in the Gothic-Revival style and construction began on the church in 1843. Walter is significant because President Millard Fillmore appointed him Architect of the Capitol Expansion in 1851. As the parish grew, there came a need to build a new chapel. This new chapel was built to the east of the original chapel and completed in 1925. Other construction has added to the Church, but the most substantial addition is to be completed later in 2014 when the newest wing, west of the original Chapel, is finalized.
Being one of Chapel Hill’s original churches, Chapel of the Cross has provided numerous individuals with a place to worship. Its most notable past attendee may be Pauli Murray. Murray, who grew up in Durham, North Carolina, first gained national attention when she pursued legal action for her rejection to UNC’s all-white Law School. Rev. Pauli Murray became the first African-American woman ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1977, Murray celebrated her first Eucharist at the Chapel of the Cross and became the first woman to celebrate the Eucharist at Chapel of the Cross.
304 E. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill’s Episcopalian Chapel of the Cross has a long history dating back to May 23, 1842. Under the guidance of Reverend William Mercer Green, twenty-four individuals formed the beginnings of the church. A graduate of UNC and a professor of Belles-Lettres at UNC, Rev. Green and his congregation chose the location of where the Chapel was to be constructed. Thomas U. Walter designed the church in the Gothic-Revival style and construction began on the church in 1843. Walter is significant because President Millard Fillmore appointed him Architect of the Capitol Expansion in 1851. As the parish grew, there came a need to build a new chapel. This new chapel was built to the east of the original chapel and completed in 1925. Other construction has added to the Church, but the most substantial addition is to be completed later in 2014 when the newest wing, west of the original Chapel, is finalized.
Being one of Chapel Hill’s original churches, Chapel of the Cross has provided numerous individuals with a place to worship. Its most notable past attendee may be Pauli Murray. Murray, who grew up in Durham, North Carolina, first gained national attention when she pursued legal action for her rejection to UNC’s all-white Law School. Rev. Pauli Murray became the first African-American woman ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1977, Murray celebrated her first Eucharist at the Chapel of the Cross and became the first woman to celebrate the Eucharist at Chapel of the Cross.
Chapel of the Cross Rectory
c. 1914
501 East Rosemary Street
Construction of the Rectory for the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church started in 1913 and was completed in 1914. The home is a “Brentwood” model kit house from the Aladdin Kit Houses Company. Aladdin sold kit houses from 1906 until 1987. This style and floorplan were very popular during the 1910s because of its colonial style stairs and semi-enclosed porch. Aladdin sold the Brentwood model for $2,100 in 1913.
The house served as the rectory from 1914 until 1970. During that time, it was home to four rectors of the Episcopalian Church and three chaplains of the University of North Carolina. Between 1921 and 1944, Rev. Alfred Lawrence, the Rector of the Chapel of the Cross, and his wife Millicent lived there with their children.. Millicent ran a small kindergarten in the homefor some of that time.
The Diocese of North Carolina sold it in April 1970 to the Tri Sigma sorority. The sorority decided not to use it and sold it the same year to the Law Office of Howard Manning, who rented the house to Charles Jeffress. Currently Katherine and Vincent Kopp call the Rectory home. The Kopps bought the home in 1993.
The Rectory is in both the local historic district of Chapel Hill and the National Register of Historic Places historic district. It has been renovated a few times. In the late 1970s or early 1980s, the rear deck was added to the home. This is the only known change to the outside of the home. In both 2005 and 2008, the bathrooms were remodeled. In 2011-2012, the exterior was re-shingled with new cedar shakes. Shakes are similar to shingles, but instead of being used on a roof, they are used on the side of a house. Other than the deck, the outside appearance has been the same since 1914.
501 East Rosemary Street
Construction of the Rectory for the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church started in 1913 and was completed in 1914. The home is a “Brentwood” model kit house from the Aladdin Kit Houses Company. Aladdin sold kit houses from 1906 until 1987. This style and floorplan were very popular during the 1910s because of its colonial style stairs and semi-enclosed porch. Aladdin sold the Brentwood model for $2,100 in 1913.
The house served as the rectory from 1914 until 1970. During that time, it was home to four rectors of the Episcopalian Church and three chaplains of the University of North Carolina. Between 1921 and 1944, Rev. Alfred Lawrence, the Rector of the Chapel of the Cross, and his wife Millicent lived there with their children.. Millicent ran a small kindergarten in the homefor some of that time.
The Diocese of North Carolina sold it in April 1970 to the Tri Sigma sorority. The sorority decided not to use it and sold it the same year to the Law Office of Howard Manning, who rented the house to Charles Jeffress. Currently Katherine and Vincent Kopp call the Rectory home. The Kopps bought the home in 1993.
The Rectory is in both the local historic district of Chapel Hill and the National Register of Historic Places historic district. It has been renovated a few times. In the late 1970s or early 1980s, the rear deck was added to the home. This is the only known change to the outside of the home. In both 2005 and 2008, the bathrooms were remodeled. In 2011-2012, the exterior was re-shingled with new cedar shakes. Shakes are similar to shingles, but instead of being used on a roof, they are used on the side of a house. Other than the deck, the outside appearance has been the same since 1914.
Cobb House
c.1893
517 E. Franklin Street
Situated next door to the Presbyterian Manse, the land where the Cobb House is now located was once a part of the same parcel of land that Charles Phillips once owned. Collier Cobb, UNC geology department head, purchased the lot and began construction on the Cobb House in the winter of 1894. Photographs of the home suggest the home was constructed in two stages. As UNC continued to expand, Collier Cobb saw the need to increase housing for faculty. He purchased a tract of land north of the Post Office and built a housing development, Cobb Terrace. Cobb was also one of five faculty members to found the University of North Carolina Press. Collier Cobb is a crucial cog in understanding Chapel Hill’s past, for he took many of the early photographs of the area.
517 E. Franklin Street
Situated next door to the Presbyterian Manse, the land where the Cobb House is now located was once a part of the same parcel of land that Charles Phillips once owned. Collier Cobb, UNC geology department head, purchased the lot and began construction on the Cobb House in the winter of 1894. Photographs of the home suggest the home was constructed in two stages. As UNC continued to expand, Collier Cobb saw the need to increase housing for faculty. He purchased a tract of land north of the Post Office and built a housing development, Cobb Terrace. Cobb was also one of five faculty members to found the University of North Carolina Press. Collier Cobb is a crucial cog in understanding Chapel Hill’s past, for he took many of the early photographs of the area.
Edward Kidder Graham House
c.1906
115 Battle Lane
Edward Kidder Graham was a UNC alum, former English professor, and ninth president of the univeristy. He built this home with his wife, Susan Moses Graham in 1906. The Colonial Revival style home features a Craftsman style porch. Originally it had the name Bulrushes. This was after Susan's maiden name and the bamboo brush that surrounded hte home. Over the years the house had many different residents. In 1909 four students, Charles Tillet, Kemp Battle, Francis Winslow, and Frank Porter Graham, rented the second floor suite. Tillet, Battle, and Winslow went on to be presidents of the Bar Association Graham later became president of the university.
The house adds a special history to Chapel Hill. The 1968 horror-comedy Three in the Attic brought the house to the big screen. Although not an award winner, the film did grab the attention of Chapel Hill natives as well as film lovers when the house became condemned in 2008. Molly Froelich, a Chapel Hill resident and preservationist, bought the home in 2010 and began restoration work. Current owner, Martin Lindsey, finalized the restoration.
115 Battle Lane
Edward Kidder Graham was a UNC alum, former English professor, and ninth president of the univeristy. He built this home with his wife, Susan Moses Graham in 1906. The Colonial Revival style home features a Craftsman style porch. Originally it had the name Bulrushes. This was after Susan's maiden name and the bamboo brush that surrounded hte home. Over the years the house had many different residents. In 1909 four students, Charles Tillet, Kemp Battle, Francis Winslow, and Frank Porter Graham, rented the second floor suite. Tillet, Battle, and Winslow went on to be presidents of the Bar Association Graham later became president of the university.
The house adds a special history to Chapel Hill. The 1968 horror-comedy Three in the Attic brought the house to the big screen. Although not an award winner, the film did grab the attention of Chapel Hill natives as well as film lovers when the house became condemned in 2008. Molly Froelich, a Chapel Hill resident and preservationist, bought the home in 2010 and began restoration work. Current owner, Martin Lindsey, finalized the restoration.
Farrar-Pagano House
c.1929
114 Laurel Hill Road
Preston Farrar purchased the tract of land this home sits on from William Coker in 1928. This two-story Stucco style home was completed just two years later. It is part of Coker’s historic Rocky Ridge Neighborhood, Chapel Hill’s second area of “planned suburbanization.”
Farrar attended Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. After graduation, he taught English in Pennsylvania and New York high schools. Upon taking a job at UNC, he moved to Chapel Hill with his wife, Edna, two children, and father. Farrar taught English and Drama at the university. Edna often assisted her husband in his productions by hosting plays at their home or making costumes. Because of his love of drama and theater, he built an indoor theater and an outdoor amphitheater on the property.
The home stayed in the Farrar family until Joseph Pagano purchased it in 1974. Pagano founded the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. He is currently the Center’s director emeritus. After purchasing the home, Pagano undertook a large renovation project which included enclosing the side and rear porches in order to add a kitchen, studio, and garden room. Further renovations were made in 2002 when a new wing was added.
114 Laurel Hill Road
Preston Farrar purchased the tract of land this home sits on from William Coker in 1928. This two-story Stucco style home was completed just two years later. It is part of Coker’s historic Rocky Ridge Neighborhood, Chapel Hill’s second area of “planned suburbanization.”
Farrar attended Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. After graduation, he taught English in Pennsylvania and New York high schools. Upon taking a job at UNC, he moved to Chapel Hill with his wife, Edna, two children, and father. Farrar taught English and Drama at the university. Edna often assisted her husband in his productions by hosting plays at their home or making costumes. Because of his love of drama and theater, he built an indoor theater and an outdoor amphitheater on the property.
The home stayed in the Farrar family until Joseph Pagano purchased it in 1974. Pagano founded the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. He is currently the Center’s director emeritus. After purchasing the home, Pagano undertook a large renovation project which included enclosing the side and rear porches in order to add a kitchen, studio, and garden room. Further renovations were made in 2002 when a new wing was added.
Henry-Nuzum House
c. 1918
213 N. Boundary Street
George Henry, a Latin professor at UNC, built the Henry-Nuzum house in 1918. Immigrating to America from Nova Scotia, Canada around 1890, Henry moved into the house with his wife and their children when Henry began his graduate degree in the Classics. Henry became the Assistant Registrar in Wilson Library in 1923. After George Henry’s death, Mrs. Henry continued to live in the house until she passed in 1966. Enlarged by thirty percent in the 1930s, the home gained new living and dining space. Dr. Claude Nuzum, professor of medicine at UNC, and his wife have further altered the structure of the home when they added a sunroom, a deck, and remodeled the kitchen; however, the heart pine floors are original to the home. Henry Nuzum, the son of Claude Nuzum, participated in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games on the rowing team.
213 N. Boundary Street
George Henry, a Latin professor at UNC, built the Henry-Nuzum house in 1918. Immigrating to America from Nova Scotia, Canada around 1890, Henry moved into the house with his wife and their children when Henry began his graduate degree in the Classics. Henry became the Assistant Registrar in Wilson Library in 1923. After George Henry’s death, Mrs. Henry continued to live in the house until she passed in 1966. Enlarged by thirty percent in the 1930s, the home gained new living and dining space. Dr. Claude Nuzum, professor of medicine at UNC, and his wife have further altered the structure of the home when they added a sunroom, a deck, and remodeled the kitchen; however, the heart pine floors are original to the home. Henry Nuzum, the son of Claude Nuzum, participated in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games on the rowing team.
Holmes-Koch House
c.1913
204 Glenburnie Street
Built in 1913, the Holmes-Koch House is a Shingle Style house that upon first glance may appear to be out of place. The Holmes-Koch House is distinct to Chapel Hill, for the Shingle Style is more common in New England rather than in the South. Originally constructed for John S. Holmes, he lived in the house until 1924. Appointed as the first state forester in North Carolina in 1909, Holmes had a prolific career with the North Carolina Forestry. In 1924, Professor Frederick Henry Koch purchased the home. Koch was the creator of the Carolina Playmakers and resided in the home until 1944.
204 Glenburnie Street
Built in 1913, the Holmes-Koch House is a Shingle Style house that upon first glance may appear to be out of place. The Holmes-Koch House is distinct to Chapel Hill, for the Shingle Style is more common in New England rather than in the South. Originally constructed for John S. Holmes, he lived in the house until 1924. Appointed as the first state forester in North Carolina in 1909, Holmes had a prolific career with the North Carolina Forestry. In 1924, Professor Frederick Henry Koch purchased the home. Koch was the creator of the Carolina Playmakers and resided in the home until 1944.
bottom of page