The house stands as a cornerstone of the Lincoln Park community, representing the final vestige of Reid High School, which was founded by the individual for whom the house is named. Positioned on a corner lot and bordering Reid Park, the residence enjoys a prime location just a brief ten-minute stroll from Main Street, where an array of public amenities, dining options, and shops await.
Born in 1879 in Lowell, a village nestled in Gaston County, Professor Charles Jesse Bynum Reid emerged as a significant figure in his community. He was one of eight children born to Mag and John Reid, who had formerly been enslaved. After graduating from Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain in 1904, Reid pursued higher education at Knoxville College in Tennessee, where he cultivated his passion for teaching.
Returning to Gaston County, Reid commenced his teaching career in Mount Holly, earning the affectionate moniker “Professor Reid” from the local residents. In 1918, at the age of 38, he exchanged vows with Maude Herndon, a fellow schoolteacher from Gaston County. Together, they established their residence in Belmont, constructing a Craftsman bungalow where they nurtured a family of four children: Bernard, Helen, Horace, and Doris. Throughout their lives, the couple remained dedicated to the betterment of their community, actively engaging in education and ministry initiatives.
Professor Reid’s commitment to education extended beyond the confines of his own family, as evidenced by his commissioning of a school to be constructed adjacent to their residence. Initially dubbed the Reid School, this institution provided education up to the 6th grade. Over time, the school underwent expansion, eventually encompassing grades 1 through 12 and being rechristened Reid High School in 1932. However, following Professor Reid’s passing in 1940, the school’s doors closed for the last time in 1966, and the campus structures were swiftly razed.
Today, the former school grounds have been repurposed into a public community park, serving as a testament to the school’s significance within Belmont’s Black community. A notable feature of this park is the sculpture titled “The Message,” which commemorates the school’s legacy.
Meanwhile, the Reid House retains its status as a poignant symbol of the Reid family’s enduring impact on Belmont. Situated atop elevated terrain adjoining Reid Park, the story-and-a-half bungalow boasts a charming wrap-around porch supported by distinctive battered-post-on-brick pier supports—a characteristic trait of Craftsman architecture.
Stepping inside the Reid House reveals its cozy charm, with inviting fireplaces and a built-in china cabinet enhancing the ambiance of the dining room. The interior layout is characterized by its asymmetry, with a parlor and dining room leading to a rear kitchen area on one side, complemented by a private office and a primary suite on the main level. Ascending the stairs, one finds three additional bedrooms, offering flexibility for adaptation, including the possibility of converting them into two bedrooms connected by a shared Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
While the Reid House boasts many original architectural elements such as windows, molding, mantels, and built-in cabinetry, a comprehensive rehabilitation is necessary to ensure its preservation. This renovation will prioritize the retention of these significant features while updating other spaces to meet modern needs, particularly in the kitchens and bathrooms. To safeguard its historical integrity, the sale of the house is contingent upon adherence to protective covenants and a rehabilitation agreement, guaranteeing that it will endure as a well-maintained landmark representing a vital chapter of our state’s heritage.
