Alderman Johnson House (613 Grace St)

1905

Rogers & Thomas, Contractors

“Neoclassical Revival style house built as an investment property for Cornelia Alderman (1846-1911). Purchased in 1950 by James L. Johnson (1919-1985), native of Weldon, NC, supervisor of instruction for New Hanover County black schools; and wife, Mildred Louise Hassell (1921-2001), native of Lake Waccamaw, N C, an elementary school teacher. House remained in the family until 1994.” (Digital North Carolina)

            A Neoclassical house is a style of architecture that draws inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. This architectural style became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Neoclassical period, which was characterized by a revival of classical forms and motifs. Neoclassical houses have symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows and doors, often supported by columns like those seen in ancient Greek or Roman buildings. Triangular pediments above entrances or windows add to the classical feel. Inside, rooms are arranged symmetrically around a central axis, reflecting the exterior symmetry. The design is simple and elegant, with minimal ornamentation, though details like pilasters, friezes, and moldings might be present, enhancing the overall classical grandeur. (McLaughlin, 2023)

            Based on the records provided, 613 Grace Street in Wilmington was likely constructed around 1905. Initially built for Cornelia Alderman, sister of Mary Poisson, who, with her husband William M. Poisson, resided at 611 Grace Street. Interestingly, Cornelia Alderman never lived at 613 Grace Street; her address still was at 611 Grace until her passing. (Digital North Carolina)

            Advertised for rent in 1907, the 7-room house had many modern amenities that made it stand out. As mentioned earlier, it was built in the popular neoclassical style of the time. The house had four coal fireplaces and a central flue, the house was more than just basic simplicity, with elegant mantles and a staircase that boasted its elegance. Gas pipes in the ceilings showed that gas lighting once illuminated the rooms, though this detail remains unconfirmed as an original tenant noted that the chandelier had a gas attachment. (Digital North Carolina)

             The house was constructed using 2x4 lumber and 2x6 floor joists, which were typical for that time. Originally, the walls and ceiling were made of plaster and lath, but most of these have since been replaced with drywall. The original heart pine floors are still present throughout the house. In the second-floor rooms, there are cuts and patches likely resulting from the upgrade of interior ceiling lights from gas to electric. The exterior features painted clapboard siding and a metal roof. According to the original shape of the home on the 1910 Sanborn map, it did not appear to have indoor plumbing at the time of construction. However, there have been multiple changes that were made to the Northeast corner towards the back of the house, previous owners added plumbing, including two baths, a kitchen sink, and laundry facilities. (Digital North Carolina)

The most notable occupants of the residence were James L. and Mildred "Louise" Johnson, who made significant contributions to the New Hanover County School system, particularly during the integration process in the late 1960s. Louise's parents, Reverend Ernest S. Hassell and Annie Maude Hassell, esteemed figures within the Warner Temple AM E Zion Church community, resided at 613 Grace Street with their daughter and son-in-law from at least 1956 to 1961. Following this period, James and Louise Johnson moved to 1409 Nun Street. Reverend and Mrs. Hassell continued living at 613 Grace Street until Reverend Hassell's passing in 1987 and Mrs. Hassell's in 1991. A great deal of these details are sourced from the application to create a plaque for the home and other various publications, including the Bill Reaves Collection at the New Hanover Public Library and historic home descriptions from the library's photograph collection. Additionally, references from the Wilmington Morning Star and Wilmington Journal provide further insight into the lives of the Johnsons and the Hassells. (Digital North Carolina)

            Before it was ever 613 Grace Street, the Poisson family obtained block 209, which contained lots 4 and 5, in 1867. William M. Poisson (1838-1900), was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and former postmaster of Wilmington. William Poisson made this acquisition on Mulberry Street (which is now known as Grace Street) situated between Sixth and Seventh Streets. In Wilmington's early urban design, blocks were subdivided into five East/West strips. The area bounded by Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Mulberry Street (now Grace Street), and Walnut Street was designated as Block 209. House plots along Mulberry Street were commonly denoted as Block 209, Lots 4 & 5, as they moved from South to North across East/West strips 4 & 5. (Digital North Carolina)

            Before 1883, the Poisson family established their home at 611 Mulberry (Grace) Street. William Poisson and his wife Mary (Alderman) Poisson (1839-1899) were the primary occupants, along with their daughter, Fannie Poisson Merritt, who shared the residence with them during part of the 1890s. Following William Poisson's passing in 1900, ownership of 611 Grace Street transferred to Cornelia Alderman. Additionally residing in the household were John Wallace Alderman (1850-1904) and Julia Wallace Alderman (1856-1909), Mary (Alderman) Poisson's sister, accompanied by their two sons: George Franklin (1842-1919) and Allison Alderman (1844-1923). (Digital North Carolina)

            In 1905, Cornelia Alderman commissioned Rogers & Thomas, Contractors, to construct a house next to 611 Grace Street. Instead of living in the home, it was advertised and sold for rent. Following Cornelia Alderman's passing in 1911 ownership of both 611 and 613 Grace Street was given to Cornelia's living heirs. 613 Grace was transferred to Civil War Pvt. George F. and Allison Alderman. Together George and Allison continued to rent out 613 Grace until George F. and Mary E. Alderman took up residence from 1915 until they died in 1919 and 1921. Ownership of 613 Grace remained within the group of heirs until it was deeded to Allison Alderman in 1919. (Digital North Carolina)

            Beginning in 1921, the house resumed its role as a rental property and remained consistently occupied from 1920 to 1943. In 1930, ownership of the house was transferred from Allison Alderman to H. Gaston and Anne Maye Carney, who financed the purchase through a mortgage from the Hanover Building and Loan Association. However, the Carneys defaulted on the mortgage in 1935, leading to the property's possession by Hanover Building and Loan. Throughout this period, various individuals resided at the address, suggesting that it accommodated both renters and boarders. (Digital North Carolina)

            In 1943, the property was sold by the New Hanover Building and Loan Association to Edward S. and Kathleen G. Taylor. Edward Taylor was recorded in the Wilmington City Directory as a Supervisor/Sheet metal worker at NCSC Co. Two years later, the Taylors sold the residence to Harry W. and Evelyn D. Hayden. Initially listed in the Wilmington City Directory as a clerk, Mr. Hayden later worked as an upholsterer at Edwin J. Farrelly and Co. (Digital North Carolina)

In 1950, James L. Johnson (1919-1985) and his wife, Mildred "Louise" Hassell Johnson (1921-2001), purchased the home, marking the beginning of a 44-year tenure of the property by the Johnson family. At the time, Mr. Johnson served as an educator, eventually becoming the Supervisor of Instruction for the Black Schools in New Hanover County, while his wife worked as an elementary school teacher. The couple shared their home with Mrs. Johnson's parents, Reverend Ernest Samuel Johnson, and his wife, Annie Maude Hathaway Johnson. In 1959, the Johnsons acquired land at 1409 Nun Street and relocated to a new residence there in 1961. Mr. Johnson's career in education flourished, progressing from a sixth-grade teacher to principal roles at various schools, including DC Virgo Junior High School, Chestnut School, and Trask Junior High. Meanwhile, Louise Johnson became a highly esteemed educator within the New Hanover County School System. Despite their move, the Johnsons retained ownership of 613 Grace Street, where Louise's parents resided until Annie's passing in 1993. Reverend Hassell, a respected figure in the Warner Temple AME Zion Church, passed away in 1987, just months before the couple's 70th wedding anniversary. Louise eventually sold the house to Billy Joe and Connie Price in 1994. (Digital North Carolina)

Chronology of Owners

1. November 4, 1863: Hamilton M. Mason sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to William M. Poisson for $2550.00, recorded in Deed Book SS, pages 13-15.
2. August 15, 1900: Last Will & Testament of William M. Poisson bequeaths all real and personal estate, including Block 209, Lots 4 and 5, to Cornelia Alderman.
3. April 26, 1911: Last Will & Testament of Cornelia Alderman transfers "the new house and lot, which is 613 Grace Street" to George F. Alderman.
4. October 30, 1919: George F. Alderman and Mary E. Alderman transfer ownership of Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Allison M. Alderman, recorded in Book 113, pages 288-289.
5. September 8, 1930: Allison M. Alderman sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to H. Gaston Carney and Anne Maye Carney for $2,000.00, recorded in Book 215, pages 595-597.
6. November 26, 1935: H. Gaston Carney and Anne Maye Carney transfer ownership of Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Hanover Building & Loan Associates due to mortgage default, recorded in Book 251, page 62.
7. June 30, 1943: Hanover Building & Loan Associates sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Edward Snow Taylor for $1,000.00, recorded in Book 334, page 638.
8. October 7, 1946: Edward Snow Taylor sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Harry W. Hayden for $10.00, recorded in Book 389, page 434.
9. October 1, 1950: Harry W. Hayden sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to James L. Johnson and Mildred H. Johnson for $10.00, recorded in Book 435, page 254.
10. October 21, 1994: Mildred H. Johnson, Widow, sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Billy Joe Price Jr. and Connie Louise Forbes Price for $58,500.00, recorded in Book 1823, page 395.
11. May 17, 2004: Billy Joe Price Jr. and Sarah Price sell Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Patrizia Schneider for $239,000.00, recorded in Book 4325, page 417.
12. March 20, 2015: Patrizia Schneider sells Block 209, Lots 4 and 5 to Robert M. Handlin and Stephanie M. E. Handlin for $190,000.00, recorded in Book 5875, page 1299.

Works Cited

"Deeds and Land Records – New Hanover County." Digital North Carolina Collection. New Hanover County Public Library, Wilmington, NC. Accessed March 10, 2024. https://cdm16072.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15169coll2/id/1618/rec/12

McLaughlin, Katherine. "Neoclassical Architecture Explained." Architectural Digest, https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/neoclassical-architecture-explained.

By Garrett Gray