Old Wilson Historic District
Wilson, NC

The Gold Harrell House is an impressive Queen Ann style house built circa 1884 for prominent Wilson minister and publisher Pleasant Daniel Gold (1833-1920) by one of Wilson’s foremost builders, James W. Wilkins.  Gold came to Wilson in 1871 as the pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church and served area churches until his death in 1920.  Gold and his son, Jon D. Gold (1867-1954) formed the P. D. Gold Publishing Company.  In 1898 they started the Wilson Times, and in 1902 they started the Daily Times; the two papers merged in 1936 to form the Wilson Daily News, which is still family owned. 

In 1922 the property was purchased by Ephrain J. Harrell, than a salesman with the Woodard Brothers and Company, wholesale grocers.  Harrell (1884-1983), a native of Wilson, incorporated the Acme Candy Company in 1924, which he built into one of the largest manufacturers and wholesalers of candy in Eastern North Carolina.  Harrell and his wife, Thelma (Keith) Harrell (1900-1975) resided here until their deaths.

The large, two story, T-plan building is crowned by a slate-covered cross-gable roof whose gable ends are decoratively framed with arched braces and king posts, creating a picturesque three dimensional effect on the otherwise restrained exterior. 

The spacious wrap-around porch was added by the Harrells in the mid 1920’s.  Carried by Tuscan Columns supporting a dentiled frieze and enclosed by turned balusters, the classically detailed porch blends well with the rest of the house.  The fenestration consists of single and double windows containing tall Queen Anne Style sash composed of small pane divisions outlining a large central pane.  The windows are handsomely framed by cornerblock surrounds and projecting molding window hoods and retain their louvered shutters.  A decorative, three-sided bay is located on the front southeast. 

The rear elevation contains a two-story, similarly detailed ell, shed rooms, and (now enclosed) porches.  The center hall, double-pile interior has undergone little alteration and reflects the same restrained character as the exterior.  The closed stringer stair rises from the rear.  Simple woodwork, classical over mantels, and an ornate spindle screen at the bay window complete the interior. Modest Queen Ann Style windows are found on the second story.

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