James Walker and Ethel P. Farrington House

This one-story hip valley roof duplex was built circa 1924. It is wood frame and eventually covered with vinyl siding. There are two entrances in the facade, with a one-over-one window on either side of the entrance. There are two chimneys to accommodate both parts of the duplex; an interior chimney for one side, and an exterior chimney for the other along the south facade. 

James Walker “J.W.” Farrington and his first wife, Ethel Page Farrington, were the first owners and occupants of 1615 Fayetteville Street. J.W. was born in Orange County but moved to Durham early in his life. From 1918 to 1919, during World War I, J.W. served as a private in the U.S. Army. He was a janitor at Watts Hospital for 28 years, retiring in 1963. He was a Sergeant-at-Arms with the Weaver-McLean Post 175 of the American Legion and a dedicated member of White Rock Baptist Church. Ethel B. Farrington was a domestic worker and lived at the home until her early death at age 35 in 1932. After Ethel passed away, J.W. moved out of the house.

The next longest occupant of 1615 Fayetteville Street was Adella Wells Morris, who lived in the home for ten years. Adella was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Before moving to Durham, Adella married James T. Morris, who worked as a machinist and later became a hotel cook. She taught in the Durham County Public School system for over 30 years, working at the Whitted School and Spaulding School. After retiring, Morris joined the National Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of West Durham Baptist Church, where she was the organist and choir directress. She also participated in the Dunstan Street Neighborhood Club and Model Mothers Club.

The overall longest occupant of 1615 Fayetteville Street was Janie L. Swann, who lived in the home for approximately twenty years. Janie was a beautician and worked at Modern Beauty Shop. She was involved with the Gleaner Club of St. Mark A.M.E Zion Church, likely meaning she attended the church for a time. She would also host the meetings at her home while living at 1615 Fayetteville Street.

Sources: 

Carolina Times

Durham Sun