Old North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building facts for kids
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North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 114-116 W. Parrish St., Durham, North Carolina |
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| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Calvin E. Lightner |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001258 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The Old North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building, also known as the Mechanics and Farmers Bank Building, is an important office building in downtown Durham, North Carolina. It used to be the main office for the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. This company was one of the biggest businesses in the United States started and owned by African-Americans. Because of its history, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. This means it's a very special place that helps tell the story of American history.
About the Building
The old North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company building stands in downtown Durham. You can find it on the north side of West Parrish Street. This area was once famously known as Black Wall Street.
A Special Place in History
The building is made of brick and has six stories. It has a flat roof. The first floor has large windows and a main entrance in the middle. A special cover, called a marquee, stretches over the sidewalk. Above the marquee, there are decorative arches between the first and second floors. Stone details separate the first floor from the rest of the building. The words "Merchants and Farmers Bank" are carved into this stone. The upper five floors have pairs of windows. There are also two concrete balconies that stick out from the middle of the third and fifth floors.
The Company's Story
The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company began in 1898. It was started by seven African-American men. After one year, only two of them, John Merrick and Dr. Aaron Moore, continued with the business.
Building a Landmark
In 1900, Dr. Moore's nephew, Charles Clinton Spaulding, took charge of the company. Under his leadership, the business grew very quickly. By 1910, it had become the largest company in the country owned by African-Americans. The company decided to build this new headquarters in 1921. It was their second main office. At that time, it was the second-tallest building in all of Durham. The local newspaper, the Morning Herald, called it an "architectural gem." The building was designed by an architect named Calvin E. Lightner.
