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Durham of Yesteryear
Durham was originally composed of four settlements, South West Bend, West Durham, South Durham, and East Durham. Each area has its own schools, churches, general stores and post offices. In its heyday, Durham was buzzing with industry, commerce, activities and fairs.
Celebrations in Durham
Various parades, festivals, fairs, celebrations and events
Sylvester Dance Hall Erected in 1917 the Sylvester's Dance Pavillion was located on Route 136. This 150 ft x 55 ft building was the largest dance pavilion of its kind in the state. It provided entertainment for local and neighboring residents. There were large turnouts to the hall to enjoy the fine music and fun. It collapsed under the weight of snow in 1944. Harold Sylvester, the original owner attempted to salvage the hall’s piano but found it damaged beyond repair.
Baseball The Durham Red Sox played in the Spruce Tree League against teams from surrounding towns. They played at a diamond that once was located in South West Bend. Durham’s July 4th festivities usually involved a friendly baseball game. Another Durham team was called the Durham Devils.
Grange No. 7 The Durham Eureka Grange No. 7 was organized in 1874 with a membership of 30 locals. It was the center of social and community activities including suppers, dances, graduations, game nights and weddings. Also held were minstrel shows, although deemed as acceptable entertainment at the time, these performances were racial derision that perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Preservation advocates prevented the Grange Hall from being torn down and in 2008, after being fully refurbished, it became what is now the Eureka Community Center.
Durham at Work
Mills, corn cannery brickyard, shops
Durham was once alive with farms, blacksmith shops, a brickyard, mills, shops, greenhouses, cobblers, post offices and a tavern just to name a few!
Durham Education
Some of Durham’s many schools
Durham Churches
Several of Durham’s churches
