Historical Background from the 1987 Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
Although the town of Monroe was incorporated by the state legislature in 1844 as the county seat for Union County (established 1842), its historic built environment, for the most part, reflects the period of growth and development which began in the early 1870s. While the city as a whole has a few buildings dating from the incorporation period, most notably the former Monroe City Hall (National Register, 1971), the Monroe Residential Historic District contains only two buildings thought to have been constructed prior to the Civil War. One is an outbuilding and the other, the Laney-Lee House, was enlarged and remodeled in the early 20th century, so that only some original interior trim attests to its early date.
For Monroe, like many small and medium-sized towns across the state, the arrival of the railroad was essential for the town's growth and progress. It was in 1874 that the Carolina Central Railway Company completed its line between Wilmington, the state's major seaport, and Charlotte, a southern Piedmont city which was eventually to become the state's most populous.
The station which was established at Monroe enabled the town to become a trading center for Union and the surrounding counties, notably Stanly to the north and Chesterfield and Lancaster across the border in South Carolina. The economies of all four counties were based primarily on agriculture, and farmers were now able to ship their agrarian products to far-flung markets much more easily and to purchase a diversity of goods not produced on the farm or locally available. The Georgia, Carolina and Northern Railway was incorporated by the state legislature in 1887, and by 1892, it had linked the growing town of Monroe with the major city of Atlanta, thereby opening even greater markets for the products of Union County and its neighbors.
In its maturation after the railroad's advent, the town of Monroe sits squarely in the context described by Sydney Nathans in The Quest for Progress: The Way We Lived in North Carolina, where he, following the lead of Walter Hines Page, delineated two types of North Carolina towns in the 1870s and 1880s. The first group included those which remained "in the grip of the past, their sleepy tone and leisurely habits set by former planters." Monroe was among a second group, characterized thus,
For Monroe, like many small and medium-sized towns across the state, the arrival of the railroad was essential for the town's growth and progress. It was in 1874 that the Carolina Central Railway Company completed its line between Wilmington, the state's major seaport, and Charlotte, a southern Piedmont city which was eventually to become the state's most populous.
The station which was established at Monroe enabled the town to become a trading center for Union and the surrounding counties, notably Stanly to the north and Chesterfield and Lancaster across the border in South Carolina. The economies of all four counties were based primarily on agriculture, and farmers were now able to ship their agrarian products to far-flung markets much more easily and to purchase a diversity of goods not produced on the farm or locally available. The Georgia, Carolina and Northern Railway was incorporated by the state legislature in 1887, and by 1892, it had linked the growing town of Monroe with the major city of Atlanta, thereby opening even greater markets for the products of Union County and its neighbors.
In its maturation after the railroad's advent, the town of Monroe sits squarely in the context described by Sydney Nathans in The Quest for Progress: The Way We Lived in North Carolina, where he, following the lead of Walter Hines Page, delineated two types of North Carolina towns in the 1870s and 1880s. The first group included those which remained "in the grip of the past, their sleepy tone and leisurely habits set by former planters." Monroe was among a second group, characterized thus,
"Other towns were hubs of enterprise, with reputations for business and energy .... It was in these go-ahead towns, which were smaller in scale but identical in ambition to the dynamic cities of the North and the Midwest, that money was pursued without shame, that idleness was scorned, and that the ideology of progress took root."
Nathans goes on to discuss the growth of the middle class in these towns and their effect on the towns' development through, first, their establishment and support of a wide assortment of stores and services, and, secondly, the construction of large and stylish residences located in gracious settings of commodious lots enhanced by a variety of shade trees and other plantings.
Finally, the impetus that stimulated the development of areas such as the Monroe Residential Historic District is stated graphically by Nathans.
"The widening network of railroads, the dramatic expansion of industry, and the gradual growth of towns and cities brought a new measure of well-being to middle- and upper-class North Carolinians. Reflected in proud new civic and commercial buildings, that wealth also found expression in private residences and suburban development."
Unlike the planned suburban neighborhoods where a certain uniformity of architectural style, materials, scale and physical relationships occurs, the areas and buildings within the Monroe Residential Historic District exhibit a great deal of physical variety. All of the variant elements reflect the evolution of the area over a period of seventy years and contribute to its richness as a picture of that evolution.
Not surprisingly, the houses erected in Monroe during the period of significance employed many of the nationally popular styles of the time, as well as more traditional local patterns. In the former case, the railroad had made the popular architectural styles and the requisite building materials accessible to local builders and potential owners.
Nathans goes on to discuss the growth of the middle class in these towns and their effect on the towns' development through, first, their establishment and support of a wide assortment of stores and services, and, secondly, the construction of large and stylish residences located in gracious settings of commodious lots enhanced by a variety of shade trees and other plantings.
Finally, the impetus that stimulated the development of areas such as the Monroe Residential Historic District is stated graphically by Nathans.
"The widening network of railroads, the dramatic expansion of industry, and the gradual growth of towns and cities brought a new measure of well-being to middle- and upper-class North Carolinians. Reflected in proud new civic and commercial buildings, that wealth also found expression in private residences and suburban development."
Unlike the planned suburban neighborhoods where a certain uniformity of architectural style, materials, scale and physical relationships occurs, the areas and buildings within the Monroe Residential Historic District exhibit a great deal of physical variety. All of the variant elements reflect the evolution of the area over a period of seventy years and contribute to its richness as a picture of that evolution.
Not surprisingly, the houses erected in Monroe during the period of significance employed many of the nationally popular styles of the time, as well as more traditional local patterns. In the former case, the railroad had made the popular architectural styles and the requisite building materials accessible to local builders and potential owners.
As Nathans pointed out in describing Hickory, North Carolina, "The coming of the railroad to the town in the previous decade {1870s} had brought new prosperity and put the community's home builders and buyers directly in touch with the latest trends of the era. On the railroad came the newest pattern books for homes. At sawmills nearby or far away, orders could be placed for elaborate manufactured moldings, factory-produced woodwork and doors, even for entire stairways. Carolina's traditional house-box-shaped, two-story—gave way to homes more modish and decorative."
After the Civil War, textiles became the dominant factor in the town's economic base, sped by the arrival in 1874 of the rail line linking Wilmington and Charlotte. Growth and development in Rockingham accelerated after this event, and the area within its historic district experienced its greatest period of construction. In contrast, the growth of Monroe in the last quarter of the 19th century was based much less on manufacturing (its first cotton mill opened in 1890) than on trade. But with the exception of the inequality in the number of surviving antebellum buildings, the districts are similar architecturally and spatially, with houses in the popular architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries located on streets radiating in three directions from the central business district.
The area incorporated by the state legislature for the town of Monroe [1843] consisted of a rectangular grid-plan tract of 75 acres—30 chains (1980 feet) by 25 chains (1650 feet)—centered around a courthouse square bounded by Jefferson, Hayne, Franklin and Lafayette (now Main) streets. In February 1861 the town was enlarged with an addition of land to the west of the original boundaries, and several other additions were made over the following 20 years, to the south, east and west.
After the Civil War, textiles became the dominant factor in the town's economic base, sped by the arrival in 1874 of the rail line linking Wilmington and Charlotte. Growth and development in Rockingham accelerated after this event, and the area within its historic district experienced its greatest period of construction. In contrast, the growth of Monroe in the last quarter of the 19th century was based much less on manufacturing (its first cotton mill opened in 1890) than on trade. But with the exception of the inequality in the number of surviving antebellum buildings, the districts are similar architecturally and spatially, with houses in the popular architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries located on streets radiating in three directions from the central business district.
The area incorporated by the state legislature for the town of Monroe [1843] consisted of a rectangular grid-plan tract of 75 acres—30 chains (1980 feet) by 25 chains (1650 feet)—centered around a courthouse square bounded by Jefferson, Hayne, Franklin and Lafayette (now Main) streets. In February 1861 the town was enlarged with an addition of land to the west of the original boundaries, and several other additions were made over the following 20 years, to the south, east and west.
Most of the tracts added were owned by a handful of individuals and families. They included merchant and builder J.D. Stewart, who erected several important brick commercial buildings in the central business district during the 1870s and owned land in the west and southwest areas of the district. Another merchant, J.R. Winchester sold many lots in the late 1870s and early 1880s to individuals wanting to build on Washington and Crawford streets and Lancaster Avenue. The widow of Monroe mayor and Union County state senator D.A. Covington owned substantial tracts between Lancaster Avenue and Church Street, as well as land on Houston Street east of Church Street. Attorney and one-time Union County representative to the state General Assembly. M.T. McCauley owned an estate which included land located in the eastern portion of the district.
And businessman B.F. Houston acquired numerous tracts on Hayne and Church streets. All of these individuals had 19th century residences within or near the boundaries of the district, and their sales of land and the construction of houses for themselves and others influenced the development of the district; however, only the Church Street residence of B.F. Houston survives, and it was remodeled in the early 20th century. The houses of the others, like those of a number of other prominent citizens of the last quarter of the 19th century have been demolished.
As is to be expected, the oldest surviving residence in the Monroe Residential Historic District is located only a short distance (approximately two and one-half blocks southeast) from the central business district. Said to have been constructed in 1858, the Laney-Lee House retains some of its original Asher Benjamin-influenced Greek Revival interior trim. However, as already noted, its current Classical Revival appearance dates from early 20th century additions and remodeling plus changes made in the 1960s.
And businessman B.F. Houston acquired numerous tracts on Hayne and Church streets. All of these individuals had 19th century residences within or near the boundaries of the district, and their sales of land and the construction of houses for themselves and others influenced the development of the district; however, only the Church Street residence of B.F. Houston survives, and it was remodeled in the early 20th century. The houses of the others, like those of a number of other prominent citizens of the last quarter of the 19th century have been demolished.
As is to be expected, the oldest surviving residence in the Monroe Residential Historic District is located only a short distance (approximately two and one-half blocks southeast) from the central business district. Said to have been constructed in 1858, the Laney-Lee House retains some of its original Asher Benjamin-influenced Greek Revival interior trim. However, as already noted, its current Classical Revival appearance dates from early 20th century additions and remodeling plus changes made in the 1960s.
A comparative examination of Levi Branson's North Carolina Business Directory for the years between 1872 and 1895 reveals the changes occurring in Monroe during the final quarter of the 19th century. In five years the number of merchants and tradesmen in the town rose from about twelve in 1872 to more than 30 in 1877-78; and by the mid 1880s, there were more than 60 individuals and firms listed in this category. In 1884, there were 12 mills in Monroe—grist and saw—plus a number of small manufacturing enterprises. The town's first bank (People's Bank) opened in 1874, and a major newspaper (the Monroe Enquirer) had commenced publication two years earlier, in time to be a major booster for the town. A very significant statistic is the increase in the number of cotton gins operating in Monroe and Union county; Branson's lists none in 1877-78, nineteen in 1884 (three in Monroe and sixteen in the county) and twenty-two in 1890 (seven and fifteen, respectively). A final item of note is the listing for hotels and boarding houses in 1890 and 1896-one and five, respectively, in the former year, and three and seven, respectively in the latter. The population figures for this period reveal the same caliber of statistics. The town's population more than tripled from 1870 to 1880—from 448 to 1,564—and increased by another 300 by 1890.
The city's rapid growth following the arrival of the railroad in 1874 is clearly demonstrated in the district where more than thirty houses built between 1875 and 1890 survive, especially in the southwestern quadrant of the district from Lancaster Avenue north to West Franklin Street.
The city's rapid growth following the arrival of the railroad in 1874 is clearly demonstrated in the district where more than thirty houses built between 1875 and 1890 survive, especially in the southwestern quadrant of the district from Lancaster Avenue north to West Franklin Street.
Many of the individuals associated with these new enterprises or representing the growing professional class built houses which survive in the district. Among the houses dating from the fifteen-year period between 1875 and 1890 are the ca.1875 residence of livery stable owner and People's Bank cashier E.A. Armfield, the Victorian eclectic house built in 1878 for attorney J.F. Payne and the 1881 Italianate house of grocer C.W. Bruner, the latter two being located on adjoining lots on South Washington Street. Two houses built in 1874, that of Monroe Enquirer founder W.C. Wolfe and B.F. Houston's house just to the north, are Italianate houses remodeled with monumental porticos in the Neo-Classical Revival style by later owners in the early 20th century. These houses demonstrate the popularity of the Italianate style during this time, as its decorative elements appeared on numerous houses, both large and small.
During the 1890s, a succession of events presaged the city's expanding development, which was to continue virtually unabated through the first three decades of the 20th century, with the community's population increasing from 1,866 (1890) to 2,427 (1900). As a local newspaper reported in a 1925 special historical edition, "The period, 1876-1914, was notably one of progress." In 1890, the city's first textile mill and its first building and loan association were established. The Monroe Land Improvement Company was formed the same year with the express purpose of acquiring and developing city lots in Monroe. A second newspaper (the Monroe Journal) began reporting the news and boosting the city in 1892. And in the same year, the Belk brothers, William Henry and Dr. John M., began a rapid expansion of the mercantile operations commenced by the former some four years earlier with a number of innovative practices. Their chain of department stores eventually became the largest in the southeast; today there are some four hundred Belk and Belk-related stores in operation.
During the 1890s, a succession of events presaged the city's expanding development, which was to continue virtually unabated through the first three decades of the 20th century, with the community's population increasing from 1,866 (1890) to 2,427 (1900). As a local newspaper reported in a 1925 special historical edition, "The period, 1876-1914, was notably one of progress." In 1890, the city's first textile mill and its first building and loan association were established. The Monroe Land Improvement Company was formed the same year with the express purpose of acquiring and developing city lots in Monroe. A second newspaper (the Monroe Journal) began reporting the news and boosting the city in 1892. And in the same year, the Belk brothers, William Henry and Dr. John M., began a rapid expansion of the mercantile operations commenced by the former some four years earlier with a number of innovative practices. Their chain of department stores eventually became the largest in the southeast; today there are some four hundred Belk and Belk-related stores in operation.
The 20 November 1890 issue of the Monroe Register (one of the city's more short-lived newspapers) ran a large advertisement for a "Grand Sale of Elegant Residence Lots at Monroe, N.C. The King of the Cotton Belt." Offered by the Monroe Land Improvement company, the lots were located in that firm's "handsome addition to the town of Monroe, all lying near, and part within, the corporate limits of the city." The display went on to extol at length the virtues of Monroe as a place to live. Although the land being offered for sale is not within the Monroe Residential Historic District, the tone taken in the advertisement clearly reflects the prevailing attitude of the town's citizens during the period.
Many of the people associated with these and other enterprises moved to Monroe from other localities and required a place to live. They comprised the growing middle and upper-income class of residents so necessary to a thriving community—industrialists, bankers, merchants, publishers and printers, as well as members of the legal and medical professions. A number of these individuals reported their occupation for the 1900 census as "Capitalist."
Unfortunately, the houses associated with many of the founders of the new companies--such very prominent men as J.M. Fairley, H.M. Houston, W.H. Fitzgerald and R.A. Morrow—no longer exist. However, approximately twenty-five houses dating from the last decade of the 19th century do survive in the district. The outstanding Queen Anne-style residence of Gaston Meares and the substantial Classical Revival house built for W.A. Lane, exemplify the more prominent houses of the decade. Both were erected for men associated with the railroad.
Many of the people associated with these and other enterprises moved to Monroe from other localities and required a place to live. They comprised the growing middle and upper-income class of residents so necessary to a thriving community—industrialists, bankers, merchants, publishers and printers, as well as members of the legal and medical professions. A number of these individuals reported their occupation for the 1900 census as "Capitalist."
Unfortunately, the houses associated with many of the founders of the new companies--such very prominent men as J.M. Fairley, H.M. Houston, W.H. Fitzgerald and R.A. Morrow—no longer exist. However, approximately twenty-five houses dating from the last decade of the 19th century do survive in the district. The outstanding Queen Anne-style residence of Gaston Meares and the substantial Classical Revival house built for W.A. Lane, exemplify the more prominent houses of the decade. Both were erected for men associated with the railroad.
Other houses from this time include the large Queen Anne cottage of dentist W.B. Houston and his wife Mollie and the Victorian eclectic house of merchant E.D. Worley. By the mid 1890s, the irregularly configured and heavily ornamented Queen Anne style was in the ascendancy for residences in Monroe. Its popularity was sustained for both large and small houses through much of the first decade of the 20th century, although by the last few years of the 19th century, the various Classical Revival styles had begun the staggering rise in fashion which was to result in their domination of residential construction locally, as well as nationally, for much of the 20th century.
The first two decades of the 20th century brought additional growth and development to Monroe, as the population increased from 2,427 in 1900 to 4,084 in 1920. In 1901, the two railroad lines serving the town merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company of Norfolk, Virginia. This company later opened a repair shop facility in Monroe, making it a major center for the line. Beginning in the 1890s, an influx of railway employees arrived in the town, from engineers and conductors to laborers. Many of these people made Monroe their permanent home, with some building substantial houses and becoming prominent members of the community. In addition to Gaston Meares and W.A. Lane, they included W.E. Cason, who a large Classical Revival house on South Main Street.
The first two decades of the 20th century brought additional growth and development to Monroe, as the population increased from 2,427 in 1900 to 4,084 in 1920. In 1901, the two railroad lines serving the town merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company of Norfolk, Virginia. This company later opened a repair shop facility in Monroe, making it a major center for the line. Beginning in the 1890s, an influx of railway employees arrived in the town, from engineers and conductors to laborers. Many of these people made Monroe their permanent home, with some building substantial houses and becoming prominent members of the community. In addition to Gaston Meares and W.A. Lane, they included W.E. Cason, who a large Classical Revival house on South Main Street.
A number of new commercial enterprises opened in Monroe during the first decade of the 20th century, including the Bank of Union, whose president, W.S. Blakeney, moved to Monroe from South Carolina and built a large Classical Revival house on Wadesboro Road (now E. Franklin Street), adjacent to the now demolished Queen Anne style residence of furniture dealer T.P. Dillon. Blakeney's house was designed by the prolific Charlotte architect Charles Christian Hook, and the contractor was John Wallace of Monroe. The bank's vice-president, J. Ray Shute, also built a Classical Revival house, ca.1909, on East Windsor Street.
The most significant of the numerous wholesale operations to be established during this period was the Monroe Hardware Company, a firm which by 1919 was doing an annual wholesale business of more than one million dollars, in addition to a substantial retail department. Many officials and employees, including traveling salesman, lived in the district. Its president, James A. Stewart, built a house on South Crawford Street, which is an eccentric example of the Classical Revival with a number of additions and alterations, and the company's first general manager, Randolph Redfern, remodeled his father-in-law's Italianate house into a grand Neo-classical Revival residence.
In their 1902 publication, Sketches of Monroe and Union County, Stack and Beasley made the following observation about housing in Monroe, "There are handsome, modern dwellings here, cozy homes and modest little cottages, and one can find something to suit both taste and purse, to buy, build or rent."
Among those responsible for the construction of a number of Victorian eclectic rental cottages, many of which survive around the district, was Randolph Redfern who combined this activity with his management of the Monroe Hardware company.
The most significant of the numerous wholesale operations to be established during this period was the Monroe Hardware Company, a firm which by 1919 was doing an annual wholesale business of more than one million dollars, in addition to a substantial retail department. Many officials and employees, including traveling salesman, lived in the district. Its president, James A. Stewart, built a house on South Crawford Street, which is an eccentric example of the Classical Revival with a number of additions and alterations, and the company's first general manager, Randolph Redfern, remodeled his father-in-law's Italianate house into a grand Neo-classical Revival residence.
In their 1902 publication, Sketches of Monroe and Union County, Stack and Beasley made the following observation about housing in Monroe, "There are handsome, modern dwellings here, cozy homes and modest little cottages, and one can find something to suit both taste and purse, to buy, build or rent."
Among those responsible for the construction of a number of Victorian eclectic rental cottages, many of which survive around the district, was Randolph Redfern who combined this activity with his management of the Monroe Hardware company.
The business and residential construction boom continued in the first decade of the 20th century. Business concerns such as the Union Real Estate Company (1902), the Monroe Insurance and Investment Company (1906), and the Houston-Heath Realty Company (1909) were formed by the most prominent businessmen in the community for the express purpose of buying and selling land and constructing houses. Among these community leaders were W.S. Blakeney, J.R. English, E.A. and Frank Armfield, the Shute brothers, W.M. Gordon, E.C. Carpenter, H.E. Copple, E.C. Williams, J.R. Williams and others. Houses associated with many of these individuals survive in the district.
They were assisted by a second building and loan association (Peoples, organized in 1908) and such enterprises as the Porter-Myers Lumber Company (1909), which both supplied building materials and constructed buildings. Among the principals of the latter firm was the contractor G. Marion Tucker. Three houses on Maurice Street have been identified as having been constructed by the Monroe Insurance and Investment Company as speculative housing; they are all variants of the Classical Revival styles, built about 1912.
Between 1900 and 1920, a group of very high-style Neo-Classical Revival houses were built in Monroe, which reflect the city's astonishing affluence. Typically, these large, mostly frame, houses were two-story, double-pile structures with one-story wraparound porches and monumental porticoes. Within the district, twelve houses survive with this hallmark monumental portico which is identified with the Neo-classical Revival style and is thought to symbolize status and prosperity, especially in an economy based partially or largely on cotton.
They were assisted by a second building and loan association (Peoples, organized in 1908) and such enterprises as the Porter-Myers Lumber Company (1909), which both supplied building materials and constructed buildings. Among the principals of the latter firm was the contractor G. Marion Tucker. Three houses on Maurice Street have been identified as having been constructed by the Monroe Insurance and Investment Company as speculative housing; they are all variants of the Classical Revival styles, built about 1912.
Between 1900 and 1920, a group of very high-style Neo-Classical Revival houses were built in Monroe, which reflect the city's astonishing affluence. Typically, these large, mostly frame, houses were two-story, double-pile structures with one-story wraparound porches and monumental porticoes. Within the district, twelve houses survive with this hallmark monumental portico which is identified with the Neo-classical Revival style and is thought to symbolize status and prosperity, especially in an economy based partially or largely on cotton.
It is significant that several of the houses exhibiting the porticos are earlier houses remodeled in the style in the first decade of the twentieth century, while others are more modest two-story houses merely had the monumental porticoes grafted onto the facade. The latter type includes the ca.1905 residence of W.M. Gordon, president of the Gordon Insurance and Investment Company, and the Snyder-Beasley House, built in 1912 for D. B. Snyder, secretary-treasurer of Henderson Motor Company and the wholesale merchandise firm, Henderson-Snyder Company.
While the total number of houses of this type represents a relatively small percentage of the total number of buildings in the district, when combined with the twenty-one substantial Classical Revival houses, when five of which have two-tier central porch bays, they make up more than eight percent of the total number. If buildings erected after 1920 (by which time most of the Classical Revival houses had been built) are subtracted, a truer picture of the impact of this style can be envisioned.
Added to this are the even greater number of more modest Classical and Colonial Revival style houses and the brick-veneer Classical Revival/Craftsman houses so popular in the 1920s. They are scattered throughout the district, with one or more being located on every street in the district, creating a visual impact which lingers today so that the overall impression is of overwhelming dominance of the Classical Revival styles.
While the total number of houses of this type represents a relatively small percentage of the total number of buildings in the district, when combined with the twenty-one substantial Classical Revival houses, when five of which have two-tier central porch bays, they make up more than eight percent of the total number. If buildings erected after 1920 (by which time most of the Classical Revival houses had been built) are subtracted, a truer picture of the impact of this style can be envisioned.
Added to this are the even greater number of more modest Classical and Colonial Revival style houses and the brick-veneer Classical Revival/Craftsman houses so popular in the 1920s. They are scattered throughout the district, with one or more being located on every street in the district, creating a visual impact which lingers today so that the overall impression is of overwhelming dominance of the Classical Revival styles.
Unfortunately, neither the architect nor the builder has been identified for the most expansive of the Neo-classical Revival houses. The residence of Dr. John M. Belk was built just after the turn of the century on South Hayne Street for this prominent mercantile giant. It has a full-facade, two-story portico which contrasts with the more typical entrance-bay projecting portico found on such houses as that of hotel proprietor N.G. Russell on west Franklin Street, built in 1916-17.
The entrance-bay portico appears earlier on the grand house built 1912-14 for James H. Lee, which was designed by the well-known Charlotte architectural firm Wheeler and Stern (designers also of St. Paul's Episcopal Church); its construction was supervised by master carpenter William Ervin Wallace. About the same time, Charles Iceman, president of the Icemorlee Cotton Mills, of which James H. Lee was a major shareholder, hired local contractor G. Marion Tucker to erect a Neo-Classical Revival house on West Franklin Street. Tucker was responsible for the construction of many houses, commercial buildings and institutions in Monroe during the first three decades of the 20th century.
As already noted, Monroe's population in 1920 was 4,084; in addition, areas just outside the city's corporate limits contained several hundred residents. Two incorporated areas—Icemorlee (also known as west Monroe) and Benton Heights--which were located northwest of Monroe's city limits—added approximately 750 people to the areas population. (These two towns were annexed by Monroe during the 1940s.) The town's textile industry had increased to four cotton mills, and its various other enterprises continued to grow.
The entrance-bay portico appears earlier on the grand house built 1912-14 for James H. Lee, which was designed by the well-known Charlotte architectural firm Wheeler and Stern (designers also of St. Paul's Episcopal Church); its construction was supervised by master carpenter William Ervin Wallace. About the same time, Charles Iceman, president of the Icemorlee Cotton Mills, of which James H. Lee was a major shareholder, hired local contractor G. Marion Tucker to erect a Neo-Classical Revival house on West Franklin Street. Tucker was responsible for the construction of many houses, commercial buildings and institutions in Monroe during the first three decades of the 20th century.
As already noted, Monroe's population in 1920 was 4,084; in addition, areas just outside the city's corporate limits contained several hundred residents. Two incorporated areas—Icemorlee (also known as west Monroe) and Benton Heights--which were located northwest of Monroe's city limits—added approximately 750 people to the areas population. (These two towns were annexed by Monroe during the 1940s.) The town's textile industry had increased to four cotton mills, and its various other enterprises continued to grow.
The city's growth during the second decade of the 20th century was such that, even with numerous firms and individuals constructing houses throughout of the city (including cottages built by G. Marion Tucker in 1917 for the newly organized Bearskin Cotton Mills), supply could not keep up with demand. In May 1919, the Monroe Journal reported that, "A number of desirable families are being kept away from Monroe because they cannot secure homes here." The article went on to report that the Chamber of commerce was initiating an effort to have 25 "modern bungalows" built during the next year. Among the individuals responsible for erecting a number of houses during this period was newspaper editor Eugene Ashcraft; residences, both large and small, on West Franklin, East Houston and East Windsor streets have been identified as being Ashcraft-built houses. In some instances, he bought large tracts with an already existing house, subdivided the lot, built a new house on a smaller lot, and then sold both houses.
During this second decade of the 20th century, while the various classical Revival styles remained extremely popular, the bungalow became an increasingly employed house form and continued in vogue well into the 1930s. While the majority of bungalows built throughout this period were relatively modest one or one-and-a-half story frame versions with limited craftsman details, those such as the shingle-sided W.C. Stack House on West Franklin Street, the Henry Laney House on West Windsor Street, and the residences on South Church Street of Allen Heath and Samuel Howie are of particular note. The Howie House has notable craftsman interiors as well.
During this second decade of the 20th century, while the various classical Revival styles remained extremely popular, the bungalow became an increasingly employed house form and continued in vogue well into the 1930s. While the majority of bungalows built throughout this period were relatively modest one or one-and-a-half story frame versions with limited craftsman details, those such as the shingle-sided W.C. Stack House on West Franklin Street, the Henry Laney House on West Windsor Street, and the residences on South Church Street of Allen Heath and Samuel Howie are of particular note. The Howie House has notable craftsman interiors as well.
A number of large houses combining elements of the Classical Revival and craftsman styles were built between 1915 and 1930, including a significant group of tapestry brick veneer examples located on Lancaster Avenue. This same tapestry brick veneer was also used on many bungalows built during the 1920s, several of which have clipped or jerkin head gable roofs. They, like the ubiquitous frame craftsman bungalows, are scattered throughout the district. Other popular styles of the 1920s which made token appearances in the district include the Spanish Colonial Revival style and the Colonial Revival with Renaissance Revival influences, each with only a small number of examples in the district. Seen more frequently was the Tudor Revival style which appears with varying degrees of faithfulness on several houses.
As the lots available for development declined in number, construction of new houses in the district slowed, although architecturally those built between ca.1930 and the beginning of the Second World War continue many of the themes established during the 1920s. Both the colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles enjoyed continued popularity during the decade, with examples of each in various parts of the district. By this time, residential construction had largely moved to suburban neighborhoods and to the areas of Benton Heights and West Monroe, which, as already noted, were later annexed by Monroe.
From about 1940 to 1960, few houses were constructed in the district. Since that time, a number of single family houses—ranch style and postwar Colonial Revival—have been built, individually or in small pockets, around the district. They, like the recent duplexes and small apartment complexes, have been built on lots which had remained vacant or were the site of earlier houses which have been demolished. Their scattered presence in the district reinforces the evolutionary character of the district without compromising its ability to convey an understanding of the period of significance. The areas immediately surrounding the district contain different land uses and later 20th century development.
As the lots available for development declined in number, construction of new houses in the district slowed, although architecturally those built between ca.1930 and the beginning of the Second World War continue many of the themes established during the 1920s. Both the colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles enjoyed continued popularity during the decade, with examples of each in various parts of the district. By this time, residential construction had largely moved to suburban neighborhoods and to the areas of Benton Heights and West Monroe, which, as already noted, were later annexed by Monroe.
From about 1940 to 1960, few houses were constructed in the district. Since that time, a number of single family houses—ranch style and postwar Colonial Revival—have been built, individually or in small pockets, around the district. They, like the recent duplexes and small apartment complexes, have been built on lots which had remained vacant or were the site of earlier houses which have been demolished. Their scattered presence in the district reinforces the evolutionary character of the district without compromising its ability to convey an understanding of the period of significance. The areas immediately surrounding the district contain different land uses and later 20th century development.
The district is overwhelmingly residential in character, with the majority of buildings having been erected as single family dwelling units. A number of houses have been divided into two or more units, and there some small apartment buildings scattered throughout the district, but the majority of houses remain in single family use. In addition to residential uses, there are two churches in the district, one contributing and one non-contributing, and the three earliest sections of the Monroe Cemetery are included because of their collection of significant 19th and early 20th century grave markers and their association with many of the individuals and families for whom houses in the district were erected.
Preservation/restoration activities are not consistent throughout the district. Approximately half of the area encompassed within the Monroe Residential Historic District makes up the bulk of the south Monroe Historic District, which was designated locally in 1984. The survey and resulting publication and the designation of a local district have stimulated awareness of the community's historic built environment and the need to conserve what has survived. Since the 1978 survey conducted by Mary Ann Lee, a number of deteriorated frame dwellings within the district have been demolished, with several of the resulting vacant lots being converted to attractive open space or private gardens. The remaining buildings are generally in fair to good condition. Efforts are underway by several individuals to rehabilitate houses in the district for residential and commercial use.
Preservation/restoration activities are not consistent throughout the district. Approximately half of the area encompassed within the Monroe Residential Historic District makes up the bulk of the south Monroe Historic District, which was designated locally in 1984. The survey and resulting publication and the designation of a local district have stimulated awareness of the community's historic built environment and the need to conserve what has survived. Since the 1978 survey conducted by Mary Ann Lee, a number of deteriorated frame dwellings within the district have been demolished, with several of the resulting vacant lots being converted to attractive open space or private gardens. The remaining buildings are generally in fair to good condition. Efforts are underway by several individuals to rehabilitate houses in the district for residential and commercial use.
