Zora Neale Hurston House facts for kids
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Zora Neale Hurston House
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1734 Avenue L, Fort Pierce, Florida |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1957 |
| Built by | Benton, C.C. |
| Architectural style | Frame Vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002047 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 4, 1991 |
| Designated NHL | December 4, 1991 |
The Zora Neale Hurston House is a special historic house in Fort Pierce, Florida. It was the home of the famous American author Zora Neale Hurston from 1957 until she died in 1960. This house is very important because it is the only one of her homes that still exists today. On December 4, 1991, it was recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great historical value for the whole country.
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What is the Zora Neale Hurston House?
The Zora Neale Hurston House is a simple, one-story home. It is made of concrete blocks with a stucco outside and a flat roof. It was built in 1957 by Dr. C.C. Benton. He was a doctor who built several similar homes in the area. The house was originally on School Court. In 1995, it was moved about 500 feet north to its current spot at 1734 Avenue L. This move allowed for the expansion of Lincoln Park Academy, a school where Zora Neale Hurston once taught.
Who was Zora Neale Hurston?
Zora Neale Hurston was a very important African-American writer. She was born in Notasulga, Alabama, but she spent a lot of her life in Eatonville, Florida. Eatonville was a special place for her, and she wrote many stories about it. She was one of the most important female writers of her time, especially in the mid-1900s.
What did Zora Neale Hurston do in this house?
Zora Neale Hurston lived in this house without paying rent, thanks to Dr. Benton. While she lived here, she was very busy. She worked as a journalist for a local newspaper called the Fort Pierce Chronicle. She also taught at Lincoln Park Academy. Besides her jobs, she continued to work on a big book manuscript called Herod the Great. Sadly, this book was not published before she passed away.
Exploring the Zora Neale Hurston Heritage Trail
The Zora Neale Hurston House is a stop on a special tour called the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail. This trail helps people learn more about her life and where she lived.
What other places are on the trail?
- The Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library is another stop. It's a library named after her.
- There is a "Zora Exhibit" at the Agape Senior Recreation Center. This building used to be the St. Lucie County Welfare Home. Zora Neale Hurston passed away there in 1960.
- The Garden of Heavenly Rest Cemetery is also on the trail. This is where Zora Neale Hurston is buried.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Florida
- National Register of Historic Places listings in St. Lucie County, Florida
- List of residences of American writers
