Chavis Park carousel today, photo by John Morris

Having lived in Raleigh for about ten years now, I feel sheepish to admit that my first visit to Chavis Park occurred about a week ago. Originally conceived as part of the Works Progress Administration, the Park opened in 1937 during segregation for Raleigh’s African American citizens. Named after John Chavis, a prominent black preacher and teacher alive in the late 18th and early 19^th centuries, the Park provided a destination spot for black families from all over the state.

Easily accessible from Martin Luther King Blvd., the 37-acre park is equipped with a swimming pool for the summer, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, a playground, expanses of fields for soccer and other sports, and of course, the original Chavis Park Carousel.

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I took this photo of Hugh Morson High School with my Kodak Instamatic in late February, 1966 — the beginning of the end.

As we move into a new year, many of us can’t help but to think about old acquaintances and reflect on things past. A beloved friend I’ll never forget was Hugh Morson High School.

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Ivey-Taylor Department Store on Fayetteville St. in 1946

The folks at the North Carolina State Archives have recently launched a new online exhibit titled Carolina Christmas. Featuring historic holiday photos and documents from across the state, the exhibit gives a glimpse into the ghosts of Christmas past.

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