The Wright-Reeves-Bailey House was erected in 1927-28 as a wedding present for Thomas Davenport Wright III and his bride, Claudia Lewis Wright. Wright was the nephew of Richard Wright, prominent businessman in Durham and founder of the Wright Machinery Company. Wright was very active in his uncle's businesses, managing both the Wright Machinery Company and the Durham Telephone & Telegraph Company after his uncle's death.The Wrights sold the house in 1939 to return to the family homestead, Bonnie Brae Farm. The home was purchased by Norman O. Reeves. Reeves operated five restaurants in Durham including the Reeves Cafe at the intersection of E. Geer and Highway 70. However, he was best known for the Palms Restaurant that opened on E. Chapel Hill Street in the 1930s and remained in operation until 1973.
In 1953, Reeves sold the home on W. Trinity to Yandall C. Bailey, another Durham businessman. Bailey owned and operated the Bailey Esso Service Station and Bailey's Drink Stand on W. Main Street in Durham. The property was sold to the current owner in 1977.
