All Mills, No Millions
Downtown Milltown
The neighborhood of Edgemont (East Durham) developed around the Durham Hosiery Mill in the late 19th century.
The mills declined, and later closed during the Depression. Workers had to find low-wage employment outside of Edgemont.
Edgemont's deteriorated housing meant low rent. This attracted impoverished families who could no longer afford to live in other areas. Wage-earners moved out, poor folk moved in.
Edgemont housed both Black and White mill workers through its history, but our story begins in a poor, all-White Edgemont.
Duke's Role
Duke University funded the operations of Duke Chapel, so Sunday morning collections were intended only for benevolent projects.
In 1942, a Duke University sociology professor named Dr. Harold Jensen initiated a project to "render Christian service to the community and provide opportunities for Duke students to develop leadership skills and increase their knowledge of human relationships."
Dr. Jensen, along with members of the Duke University Religious Council (DURC) formed a committee to effectively use Duke Chapel's communal funds.
The (all-White) Edgemont Community was plagued by Southern mill-town poverty: crime, lousy housing, low education, and lack of culture.
Dr. Jensen's committee directed their efforts there.