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In 1995, residents of the Old West Durham neighborhood mobilized to create a stronger community. From these early gatherings, neighbors began meeting to discuss concerns and visions for our neighborhood near Duke University and Ninth Street, and an association was formed that recognizes the diversity of the neighborhood as the foundation of a healthy, vital, and dynamic community. Today, our neighborhood is a reflection of Durham itself -- with a rich, colorful, gritty history and an exciting future -- proudly expressed in its credo: "Diversity, Harmony, Community."
Previously known as the settlement of Pinhook (already established by 1848), Old West Durham is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City of Medicine. The arrivals of Erwin Cotton Mills and Trinity College (Duke) in 1892 and 1893 helped transform the "rough and roaring" village into the quiet, tree-lined mill town we see today.
Old West Durham is enjoying a wonderful renaissance. Today, the neighborhood is home to a variety of funky shops and restaurants along Ninth and Broad streets. Several older homes are being renovated and houses that do go on the market are quickly sold. But, for many years, the turn-of-the-century mill village had fallen on hard times.
In the 1970s, Northgate Mall forced a number of shops in the neighborhood's Ninth Street shopping district to close. In the 1980s, the Durham Freeway (a product of urban renewal) destroyed a number of mill houses and Erwin Auditorium (the heart of the community). Road construction led to the loss of the neighborhood's two parks. Finally, the economic engine of the community -- Erwin Cotton Mills -- shut its doors in 1986. The neighborhood had hit rock bottom.
After years of neglect and hardship, Old West Durham needed to be pulled together. One of the first goals of our new neighborhood association was to build a sense of community. In addition to our monthly meetings, newsletters, chance encounters on neighborhood porches, and community events, OWDNA created this web site to help build that sense of community that was lost.
Good things are happening and we've had some success tackling thorny areas related to traffic calming, looming development, public safety, and quality of life.
We hope that you will support OWDNA by paying our dues. Any resident of Old West Durham can join by sending a $5 check (made out to "OWDNA") to Emily Wexler at 1014 Rosehill Avenue.
En 1995, los residentes del Barrio Viejo del Oeste de Durham (Old West Durham) se agruparon para crear una comunidad mas fuerte. En las primeras reuniones, los vecinos empezaron a debatir sus preocupaciones e ideas para su barrio cercano a la Universidad de Duke y la Calle 9 (Ninth Street). Se forma una organizacion que reconoce la diversidad del barrio y la base de una comunidad dinamica, sana y llena de vitalidad. Hoy en día, el barrio es un reflejo de la propia Durham, con una historia rica y llena de colorido y un futuro prometedor. Este sentir se expresa con orgullo en su lema: "Diversidad, Armonía, Comunidad."
Nuestra asociacion se reune el ultimo jueves de cada mes a las 7 de la tarde. Todos los vecinos del Barrio Viejo del Oeste de Durham son bienvenidos y les animamos para acudan que acudan a las reuniones. Para mas informacion, llamen a Kramer Reeves al numero 286-1808 o visite www.owdna.org.
One
World Market and Old West Durham co-host a holiday shopping night for
our community greenspace fund. One World Market is a non-profit in Ninth
Street North which helps artisans in developing countries get a fair
price for their work.