Going to Wrightsville Beach in the early 20th century was like no other attraction in the state thanks to Lumina Pavilion, a grand and glowing venue for dancing, music and merriment. The staple of the coast and the South enjoyed decades of prominence until cars, war and rock 'n' roll brought about its demise.
This week, we revisit the Palace of Light with special guest Madeline Flagler, the executive director of the Wrightsville Beach Museum and History.
Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram.
Additional editing by Adam Fish. Recorded at WHQR in downtown Wilmington.
A StarNews Media Production. This season is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry.
Sources:
"Wrightsville Beach: A Pictorial History," by Greg Watkins and the Wrightsville Beach Preservation Society
"Wrightsville Beach: The Luminous Island," by Ray McAllister
Cape Fear Museum archive photos
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History exhibit
UNC-TV’s “Lumina: Remembering the Light,” PBS, 1999
Hurricane-Force History
Long Live Old Baldy
Cape Fear Classics, Vol. 2
Rebellion at Brunswick Town
The Downfall of Charles Town
Trouble Comes to Town
A Most Daring Escape
The Showboat Goes to War
Blood and Honor at Ten Paces
The Yellow Death
Still Burning: The Story of Firestarter
The Roots of the Azalea Festival
The Suicide Club
Wilmington in the Time of Nazis
Cape Fear Classics, Vol. 1
Ghosts of Gallows Hill
Massacre After Midnight
The Man, The Myth, The Hermit
The Lost Treasure of Money Island
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