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

Schnibben-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority House

1902

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Schnibben-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority House Marker

Inscription. Neoclassical Revival style house built for Martin Schnibben (1869-1947), grocer and saloon keeper; and wife, Matilda Wrede (1879-1928). Natives of Germany, they enlarged the house in 1911. Purchased in 1928 by Henry Taylor (1873-1941), native of Fayetteville, wood dealer; and wife Josie Bolden (1871-1934), native of Ironton, Ohio. Inherited by daughter, Effie Taylor Harlee (1896-1946), Williston Industrial School teacher, wife of John Harlee (1894-1961), salesman and embalmer. House remained in Taylor family until 1961 when sold to Wilmington Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When they purchased the house they were the first African-American women to secure a bank loan in Wilmington. The building has served as their sorority house since 1966.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. 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 1902.

Location. 34° 14.442′ N, 77° 56.481′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North

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Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is at the intersection of North 7th Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south on North 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 N 7th St, 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: John Kay House (within shouting distance of this marker); Telfair House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis-Telfair House (within shouting distance of this marker); Foster F. Burnett House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sampson-Johnson House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); McGhee House (about 300 feet away); Bowdoin-Moore House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Schnibben-Delta Sigma Theta House. Historical plaque application packet includes more details about the house and its owners and occupants. (Port City Architecture collection, New Hanover County Public Library) (Submitted on January 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. The Schnibben-Delta Sigma House. In 1902, Martin purchased and built a house at 401 N. 7th Street. However, Martin, Mathilda, and their family did not immediately move in. Martin rented the house to John H. Hintze. John was also a German native who immigrated to Wilmington.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Schnibben-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority House Marker

He was the local butcher in Wilmington. While John rented the house at 401 N. 7th Street, Martin and his family were visiting Germany. (Brian Fiore, Beyond the Plaque project, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, 2024) (Submitted on January 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. 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 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

4. 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 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Martin Schnibben image. Click for full size.

"The Schnibben-Delta Sigma House", Brian Fiore, Beyond the Plaque project, UNC-Wilmington (Public Domain)

3. Martin Schnibben

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.