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
The Rebel Rose
Elephant on the Loose
Tales of a Cape Fear Christmas
One Tree Hill (feat. James Lafferty)
Beasts of the Cape Fear
Joe Baldwin's Head Light
Down With the Ship
Charred Wilmington
The Girl in the Barrel
Watery Grave
The Body Under Third Street
Freedom Fighter
Below the Surface
(Un)Dead and Buried
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