This three-bay, double-pile Minimal Traditional has a cross-gabled roof with a smaller projecting gable over the entrance and west bay at the front facade. A full-width rear gable is one bay deep, and the house is further extended with an enclosed shed roof back porch. The house has brick veneer throughout, except the front porch, which is sheathed with vertical boards with a scalloped edge. The porch is supported by decorative iron porch posts with unique scrolling design. Replacement 9/9 vinyl windows and a modern six panel door finish the exterior. A few basement windows are two-light fixed.
Willie Blue Bradsher and her husband, Wilson Bradsher, were the original occupants of 209 E. Umstead Street. Willie was the original owner of the property, and Wilson moved into the property after their marriage in 1945.
Willie was born in Bladen, North Carolina. She attended Winston-Salem State University for her undergraduate degree and North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) for her master's degree. She taught at East End Elementary School in Durham for 30 years. Willie was also a longtime member of St. Mark AME Zion Church. Beyond her support as a member, she was the superintendent for the church’s Sunday School. The church honored Willie’s dedication to the institution by naming the Sunday school’s beginners and primary departments after her. The church also recognized her for her dedication with an award and a ceremony in 1984.
Willie was also involved in community affairs as a member and leader in numerous clubs and organizations. She was a member of the Durham Chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, president of the Hornettes, and a life member of the Durham YWCA. She was also a dedicated member of the Winston-Salem Teachers’ College Alumni group, even hosting the group at her home at 209 E. Umstead. After Willie died in 1985, in recognition of her dedication to her alma mater and children’s education, Wilson donated significant funds to Winston-Salem State University to endow a professorship. At the time, it was one of the biggest gifts to be given from a Black individual to an HBCU. The professorship was created to be, “...interdisciplinary with major emphasis on redirecting the quality of the overall teacher education program, focusing on the elementary level.”
Wilson Brasher was born and raised in Durham and attended Durham public schools throughout his primary education. For his secondary education, he attended North Carolina College and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Wilson was also an educator, working as a teacher at Whitted Elementary School and then a principal at numerous schools, including Walltown School, Lyon Park School, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary School.
Similar to his wife, Wilson was a dedicated steward of the Durham community. He participated in the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Honorable Elders of Tobaccoland Kiwanis Club, and the Dorcas Masonic Lodge 460. He was also involved in ensuring the well-being of his community through his work with the Durham County Mental Health Board, on the board of directors of the John Avery Boys and Girls Club, and as a driver for the American Red Cross and for the Transportation Corps on election days.
The Bradshers lived in the home until 1961. The home was then rented out for many years. The current homeowner and resident purchased the property in 2020.
Sources:
Herald-Sun
Carolina Times
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