Hughes' Visit
The Darden Reception
Hughes was invited to a reception at the Darden house for his last and final event in Wilson, NC. In his previous Chicago Defender column that was shared, Hughes called it “the lovely Darden home,” showing that he received the southern hospitality that he anticipated for his North Carolina trip.
The picture above shows the current Darden House.
History of the Darden Home & Business
The information provided below comes from the historical African American blog, Black Wide Awake, written by Wilson history and genealogy researcher, Lisa Y. Henderson. Black Wide Awake focuses on the historical documentation and genealogical research of Wilson's past Black community.
For a more extensive history of the Darden home and history, please see CAMILLUS L. DARDEN DIES.
The Darden house was built by Wilson's Black mortician, Charles H. Darden, then passed down to his son Camillus L. Darden who is referenced in the article below. When Camillus Darden passed away, he gave the house to his wife Norma Duncan Darden. After her death, she left it in the care of the local Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter.
The Darden Business
This obituary in the Wilson Daily Times on January 14, 1956 tells about Camillus Darden and his family's legacy: Hughes met a well-renowned leader in Wilson’s Black community. Camillus' father rose from the chains of enslavement and developed a thriving funeral home business that his son continued. The Dardens also sold bicycles, phonographs, Victrolas, and phonograph records. Camillus Darden received an education through Wilson County Public Schools, Brown’s Embalming School, and Eekels College in Philadelphia. Darden was an active community member as he took on leadership roles at the St. John’s A.M.E church on its board and planning committee. He also helped organize a Men’s Civic Club and participated in the local Mount Hebron Masonic Lodge chapter, Elks, Old Fellows club, and Knights of Pythias. Darden organized burial societies, was a member of the Christian Aid Burial Society, a charter member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association.
The Darden High School that was located on Carroll St. was named after Camillus Darden’s family in 1939.
Presently
Address: 108 North Pender Street, Wilson, NC 27893
Houses the local Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter.
