Thomas P. and Ozie Keith Parker House

(The information below in italics is from the Preservation Durham Plaque Application for the Thamos P. and Ozie Keith Parker House)

Thomas P. Parker bought the land to construct 313 N. Maple in 1923 for $500. Parker bought the land from developer and legislator Lueco Lloyd, who purchased 34.62 acres that included much of North and New Street. Lloyd purchased the land from T.E. Cheek (plat map dates 1923) for $10,000. Prior to 1925, Maple Street was called North Street. 

The Parker family had long been Durham residents, and the 1913 City Directory has them residing on Parker Street in East Durham (perhaps "Park St.") and lists Thomas P.'s occupation as a mill hand and his father's as a farmer. By the early 1920's the Parker's were residing on North Street "nr. Heart" (Hart), and it is likely that Thomas P. constructed 313 N. Maple soon after he purchased the land in 1923. Thomas' parents, Thomas H. and Nannie E. lived at 313 N. Maple until their deaths (Thomas in 1930 and Nannie in 1944). Thomas P. served in World War I from July 31, 1918 to June 20, 1919 and was honorably discharged after he was severely wounded. Around 1925, he started working for the U.S. Postal Service, and he worked there for over 30 years. 

Thomas P. married Ozie Keith Carpenter on June 23, 1943, when he was 53 and she was 46. Ozie moved to Durham in 1928 and worked as a folder at Hamilton Hosiery and Finishers. In 1945 she posted a lost ad in the Durham Herald Sun, writing "LOST: SMALL CHANGE PURSE IN or near Golden Belt Mill. Containing money, and receipts. Mrs. Ozie Parker, 313 N. Maple." Ozie had a son from a previous marriage, Elmo Carpenter.

 Thomas died at the age of 1978 at his home, no cause is listed in his obituary. Ozie remained in the house and was very active as a volunteer in the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, the American Legion Auxiliary and the VA Hospital. She remained in the house until 1988, when a relative, Norma Jean Parker Thomas, purchased it. The house has been a rental property since. 

Remarkably, 313 N. Maple remained in the Parker family from 1923 to 2003: 80 years. This explains why it has remained so well intact and in good condition.