Where do I start?

     I never knew Frank Barfield; he died @ 1952, I think, but I owe Mr. Barfield
more than I can ever repay. Mr. Barfield was a real estate auctioneer, but he loved Durham
and Ellerbe Creek. In 1940, he donated the land to the County of Durham that now
houses Northgate Park, the old Jaycee little league baseball field, the tennis courts and the
current Dog Walk.

            A group of concerned citizens began a search for a site for a Children’s Museum
which was originally located at 400 W. Lavender Street. This museum moved to Georgia
Avenue in 1947 and finally moved to Murray Avenue in 1958 as the state renowned
Museum of Life and Science.

            As a little point of interest, do you know what the biggest complaint concerning
the Museum of Life and Science is? Some people complain that evolution is not
presented in the “scientific light” of truth by the programs and many exhibits. Personally,
it conveys to me the strength of conviction of this original philanthroper and the
dedicated volunteers had to their Christian heritage and principles.  Thanks to you!!

            After the Children’s Museum moved to Georgia Avenue, the Lavender Street

building was used as a youth center, but the constant flooding of Ellerbe Creek called
this to a halt. Barfield Youth Center was then erected across the end of the Bird
Sanctuary (as Northgate Park was originally known).From its erection  until fire
destroyed it in 1969, the families from all over Durham, but primarily the Northgate area
used the facility for reunions, dinners, crafts, Youth Center activities, a summer day camp,
and other family meetings, etc. Club Boulevard Elementary School was opened in 1950
and the entire post-war Bird Park area blossomed.

            I grew up on Acadia Street and lived across the street from the Bird Park from
1949-1966 and I experienced every pleasure the park area could offer. The most
significant thing about this time in my life was when Park View Baptist Church was
formed in Barfield Youth Center in 1952. I was baptized in  St. Paul’s Methodist Church
in 1953 where we performed our baptisms. After that I participated in all the activities I
could that were offered by the church for my age group.

                        I swam in the flooded water of Ellerbe Creek in the early 50’s while my father
moved his car up to Shenandoah Avenue to keep it dry. I watched the U.S. Corp of
Engineers come in back in the early 60’s and correct the flooding problem. I have played
in the brush and tree outcroppings planted to house birds, but this ground was so moist all
the time that you could retrieve fishing worms off the top of the ground. I have invited
myself to many picnics, played softball with so many friendly strangers, played football
all afternoon, watched while the Jaycee field was put up, and played day camp softball on
the field.

                  I have seined the creek for hours on end catching tadpoles and monster crayfish. I
           walked the  path between Northgate Park and Duke Park when no Highway 85 existed,
           but a 30’pipe had to be shimmied or walked over Ellerbe Creek. I have fished along that
           same trail and caught a 15” eel that scared a friend of mine and I so badly we dragged it
           home on our hand made line for my father to identify.

            I grew up knowing the families from Ruffin Street to Cascadilla Street
and as far north as the old Roxboro Road rock quarry. I lived for this safe
neighborhood where fifth graders could wander out of the familiar and never
have to fear molestation or beatings as long as they were home in time for dinner.

            I learned how to introduce myself to strangers and interact with all people
in activities going on at Barfield Youth Center.  I perfected the respect, honor,
obedience, and truthfulness at the Barfield Day Camp that I learned from my parents.
 I learned my leadership skills from this same camp.

            Park View built a church building near the tent revival where I was saved.
Sunbeams, Sunday school, Royal Ambassadors, Children’s Church and BTU
taught me all I needed to know about salvation and service to others. I spoke my
 first message in this church one Youth Sunday and Bright E. White taught me about
 hope and faith as I considered the pastoral call.

            I went to work for IBM in New York and was involved in an automobile

accident that resulted in my being unconscious for a month and being sent to Watts
 Hospital to die at home. My mother had stayed by my side all this time in New York
and my father would come up when he could get away from the other three young ones
 at home.

            Upon my coming to and rehabilitating at home over the next year, I trusted the
Lord more with my life but I was too embarrassed to come back to Park View. I knew
that my Grandmother and her church had prayed incessantly for me and the Lord drew
me to her church. It was here –the first day I attended-that I met my future beautiful,
 loving wife. I was re-baptized and rededicated my life to God and Rose.

            This is not the end of my story, but I think it is time for Northgate and Park View to tell of this 20 year period from 1950 to 1970: