In 1934, Wrightsville Beach was on a high from nearly three decades of immense growth.
Massive hotels like The Oceanic brought in tourists, and venues like the famed Lumina Pavilion entertained them, as well as local residents, when they weren’t on the beach. Even the Great Depression hadn’t completely dampened the spirit.
It all seemed indestructible until a fire on Jan. 28, 1934, wiped out the entire north end of the island and threatened the beach’s livelihood in a matter of hours.
This week on the show, we talk about Wrightsville Beach's history up to the fire, why it was such a landmark moment for the town and how it thrust the tourist destination into a whole new era.
Joining the conversation is Madeline Flagler, executive director of the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish.
The show is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry and Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning.
Sources:
-- "Land of the Golden River, Vol. 1" by Lewis Phillip Hall
-- "Historical Narrative 1841-1972 of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina," by Rupert Benson
-- "Wrightsville Beach: The Luminous Island," by Ray McAllister
-- Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, wbmuseumofhistory.com
-- Wilmington Morning Star Editions, January to February 1934
Enduring mystery: The fire that destroyed Hemenway Hall
Unearthing history, literally, with the Cape Fear Explorers
The once and future queens of the N.C. Azalea Festival
Wilmington's rock of ages: Remembering The Mad Monk
Goodbye, Farewell and Hello
U.S. Colored Troops and the Battle of Forks Road
Ellerbrock and Boss: Faithful Unto Death
Black Thursday: The Exodus of Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
The World's Largest Living Christmas Tree
Unearthing 1898, Part 3: The Aftermath
Unearthing 1898, Part 2: The Massacre
Unearthing 1898, Part 1: The Campaign
Legend and Liquor: The Haunting of Lula's Pub
A Murder Etched in Stone
Washington, Taft and Wilmington's Presidential Visits
One Night at Frying Pan Tower
A View of History from the Bellamy Mansion
The Crusade of Women's Suffrage in North Carolina
How Smithville Became Southport
The History Behind Wilmington's Confederate Statues
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