Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Runge-Fales House

c. 1870; c. 1925

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Runge-Fales House Marker

Inscription. Greek Revival style house built for Gerhardt Henry William Runge (1828-1876), grocer and saloon keeper, and wife Johanna H. Eckel (1836-1920), natives of Hanover, Germany. Purchased in 1922 by James Benjamin Franklin Fales (1859-1925), owner of J.B. Fales & Sons Wholesale Fish House, and wife Maggie Delana Hewlett (1867-1944). They added the portico and wrap-around porch. South parlors were first medical office of son, Robert Martin Fales (1907-1995), physician and local historian.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 34° 13.892′ N, 77° 56.555′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on South 5th Avenue north of Nun Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 311 S 5th Ave, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Runge-Tienken House (a few steps from this marker); Wallace House (a few steps from this marker); Reuben Grant Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Durham-Davis House (within shouting distance of this marker); Price-Leiner House (within shouting distance of this marker); Stevenson-Grant House (within shouting distance of this marker); McEachern House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chadwick House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Runge-Fales House Marker

(about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Story of a House. A foresighted businessman, Runge built two houses — his own large residence and a smaller house next door, so his wife would be able to rent the property after he died and produce some income. (William Irvine, Salt Magazine) (Submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Wilmington Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which includes this property and was listed in 1974. (Prepared by Survey and Planning Unit, North Carolina Division of Archives and History; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. Wilmington Historic District Boundary Expansion and Additional Documentation (PDF). National Register nomination that expanded the district in 2003. (Prepared by Sherry Joines Wyatt and L. Robbie King; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.