"Oberlin was not part of Raleigh. It was a proud freestanding, self-sufficient community of former slaves, free blacks, and their descendants, founded after the Civil War. In 1914, a New York newspaper described Oberlin as 'a unique little village of nearly twelve hundred inhabitants. The neat-looking buildings are artistically painted, and the front yards are planted with rose bushes and other shrubberies.' Oberlin actually surpassed Raleigh on some measures of homeownership and education."
- News and Observer, Nov. 2019
For a glimpse at the history of Oberlin Village, its residents, and a look inside at some of the homes visit the Saving Places blog post from the National Trust for Historic Preservation here.
 |
| .Restored Parlor of the Graves Fields House, Oberlin Village. |
A collection of interviews describes the life, residents and restoration of the village and various homes.
“Everything that I am, and everything that I became, is because of that house and what happened in that house.... The house was opulent. There were all kinds of rugs, the best of everything, [My grandfather] wanted his kids and grandkids to have the best—to tell them, ‘this is what you should expect.”
-Andria Fields, granddaughter of Spurgeon and Jeanette Fields
Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact
I pass these houses often on Oberlin Road. I never saw one with the beautiful stained glass. I'm glad to see the houses being preserved and recognized.
ReplyDelete