Historical markers missing as well as sidewalks
By Lisa Mozer, Ed.D.
Some beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors - making walks an enjoyable activity these recent days. My walks have led me to two different directions/issues that are related. Fortunately, walking is also an activity that the Statesville mayor dedicates time to also. Our paths will cross on Veterans Day.
Starting at noon on Thursday (Veterans Day), if the weather permits, the mayor, and I will walk several streets together (starting out at Calvary Presbyterian parking lot on Green St.) And yes, many in my family are military veterans. I retired as MSGT, and a forecaster, in the Air Force Reserves, with 21 years in my military uniform.
There are several ongoing discussions to share with the city mayor regarding our neighborhood. The first topic - the same streets that remained dirt roads well into the 60’s are the very same roads that are now paved and don’t have sidewalks. This community is 1/2 mile from the doors of Statesville’s city hall. An easy walk to get to, this proximity of this community is not by accident. Well, documented for its historic and significance as part of Statesville, and yet there are no historic street markers or land markers in this African American community.
As children playing with friends and family members in this community many conversations are still reminiscent about having attended Sunday services (for Calvary Presbyterian) in an old building. That old building was torn down years ago, however an open green space where the building once stood is very visible. That building was the Billingsley Academy. A historic marker at minimal should be an immediate correction for historic recognition.
There are two planned stops on this short walk with the Statesville city mayor. Starting at Calvary Presbyterian Church heading towards Falls Street: we will be walking in the streets because South Elm Street, Newton Street, Dockery Street, and Falls Street, all do not have any sidewalks. Our final stop at 241 Garfield Street is not only worth strolling by for its early American architectural design - but this address also is well known in the community as the Holidays’ house. While there is no signage or landmark at 241 Garfield Street - we can all agree this oversight also warrants an immediate correction. That is - if we truly value the history of our Statesville city. The many contributions by Dr. Holliday and Mrs. Holliday are indeed historically significant and well documented by local (Mr. J. Reese) and national historians.
The Hollidays’ many medical and academia contributions were essential and were influential to a miraculous paradigm. Our first-generation of African Americans living widely outside of enslavement (literature refers to as the era of progress after the civil war) were living here. Their work along with the work of others from a pre and post enslavement era was beneficial to first, second generations, and on here in the city of Statesville and Iredell County.
From our enslavement, to freedom, and extending to segregation, and then the civil rights movement of the 1960s - this is a historic community. Residents here support it being recognized by monumental and structural support/funding - and landmarks and sidewalks are long overdue too.
