Carrboro's Strayhorn House Celebrates 150 Years of Family History

Seven generations of the Strayhorn family have called the historic home their own since 1879.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Strayhorn House in Carrboro, North Carolina has been home to seven generations of the same family since it was first built in 1879 by formerly enslaved couple Toney and Nellie Strayhorn. The home has become a symbol of Carrboro's early Black history and the family's dedication to preserving their legacy, even as other historic Black-owned homes in the area have been lost to gentrification.

Why it matters

The Strayhorn House represents an important part of Carrboro's history as one of the first Black families to settle in the area. As many other historic Black-owned homes have been lost to development and gentrification, the Strayhorn family's commitment to preserving their home and passing it down through generations serves as a powerful example of the importance of protecting local Black history and culture.

The details

In 1879, Toney and Nellie Strayhorn, who were formerly enslaved, purchased a plot of land and built a one-room log cabin in Carrboro. Over the years, they expanded the home to accommodate their growing family, and it has now been passed down through seven generations of the Strayhorn family. The home has become a gathering place and a living museum of the family's history, with descendants like Lorie Clark and Dolores Clark working to maintain and preserve the property.

  • The Strayhorn House was first built in 1879.
  • In 2023, the Town of Carrboro unveiled a plaque in front of the house to recognize its historical significance.
  • In the summer of 2025, the Carrboro Town Council approved the creation of an honorary street sign on Laurel Avenue, naming it 'Honorary Strayhorn Drive'.

The players

Toney and Nellie Strayhorn

The formerly enslaved couple who purchased the land and built the original one-room log cabin that would become the Strayhorn House in 1879.

Lorie Clark

A descendant of Toney and Nellie Strayhorn and the coordinator of student leadership and engagement at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. She resides in one of the other Strayhorn family homes on the block.

Dolores Clark

Toney and Nellie Strayhorn's great-granddaughter, who currently lives in the Strayhorn House and is committed to ensuring the home remains in the family.

Nevaeh Hodge

Dolores Clark's granddaughter and a student at N.C. A&T, who has grown up understanding the importance of the Strayhorn House and her family's history.

Barbara Foushee

The mayor of Carrboro, who has emphasized the town's dedication to preserving Black history, such as that of the Strayhorn House, amid nationwide efforts to erase it.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very honored to be a part of this legacy of people who, generations ago, had a dream and had a desire to create something that would be sustained for seven generations.”

— Lorie Clark, Descendant of Toney and Nellie Strayhorn (dailytarheel.com)

“I think just having a house that people can go visit and see and just actually go talk to the descendants and learn the history has been pivotal to the Carrboro community.”

— Nevaeh Hodge, Granddaughter of Dolores Clark (dailytarheel.com)

“Our history is being threatened. Nationwide, through various efforts, Black history and its artifacts are being removed in various places across the country. That's not what we're doing here in Carrboro.”

— Barbara Foushee, Mayor of Carrboro (dailytarheel.com)

What’s next

The Strayhorn family and the Town of Carrboro plan to continue working together to preserve the historic home and educate the community about its significance.

The takeaway

The Strayhorn House stands as a powerful symbol of Carrboro's early Black history and the enduring legacy of the Strayhorn family, who have dedicated themselves to preserving their home and passing it down through generations. As other historic Black-owned properties in the area have been lost, the Strayhorn House serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting local cultural heritage.