Fred N. Day was born in Granville County, on this day in 1864.
Fred was known as the “jeweler-evangelist,” because of his work as a local jeweler, and because of his work with conducting baptisms and revival meetings. He was known throughout North Carolina for his evangelistic work, which he began in 1897, and continued until ill health forced him to retire in 1938.
Fred was ordained to the ministry in 1907 by the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association. He served as moderator of that association for 25 years. He was one of the founders of Salem Baptist Church.
His jewelry store was located on North Liberty Street, near the O’Hanlon Building. A fire in the O’Hanlon Building in 1913 damaged the store, causing Fred to close for repairs. He had just reopened his store when another fire broke out in the O’Hanlon Building in 1914, again causing damage to the jewelry store.
Rather than repair the Liberty Street store, he moved his business to North Trade Street.
Fred passed away in 1949.
The above photo shows an inset image of Fred Day, surrounded by his jewelry store. This photo was also printed as a postcard.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
