Adding Color to the Drab Streetscape...a grass roots effort

In the early and mid 1980’s, when downtown was at its lowest point, people joined together in a real grass roots effort to turn the downtown around. There was a tremendous amount of energy put forth by shop owners, volunteers, Governor’s Walk and Swiss Bear to create a multitude of activities and events  to attract people downtown... little princess talent shows, antique car shows, the Swiss Bear Festival and Spring Arts to name a few.  It was a time of people joining together and coming up with creative strategies to brighten the street scape.

One idea to add color, especially during national holidays, and brighten up the bleakness of the street, numerous overhead wires, broken and patched concrete sidewalks and treeless, Swiss Bear and the newly established Downtown Business & Professional Association came up with the idea of lining the streets with American flags.  Some of the sidewalks had holes near the curb that held flag poles at some point in the past, that were filled with dirt and debris. In June of 1986, we asked Charlie Kimbrell, then Director of Public Works, if he could drill three inch holes in the sidewalks, close to the curb and clean out the existing ones. He agreed and  drilled 30 holes, which totaled over 75 when the old holes were cleaned out.

We were all very excited and there was more cooperation among the shop owners then we had dreamed of. Catherine Hadnott, owner of Berne Emporium, came up with the idea to buy 75 eight foot, 3” in diameter closet poles for $12.85 a piece and attach the flags to the poles. Charles Blythe of Branches, furnished the flags at cost. A large group of volunteers and shop owners gathered in O. Marks and assembled them over a period of several days. The goal was to have them assembled and ready to put on the streets in time for Flag Day, June 14.

On June 14, every merchant put their flags out and the street looked glorious. A special ceremony was held in Bear Plaza that included a summary of the history of the American flag presented by the Elks Lodge #764 assisted by Troop 13 Boy Scouts. For Independence Day weekend, Troop 13 Scouts staffed the State, City, American and Swiss Bear flags in a ceremony in Bear Plaza. Fred Tracey was the emcee. Uncle Sam and Swiss Bear’s Bernie roamed at large. O. Marks had movies for the kids and an antique toy show and merchants had sidewalk sales. It was a grand holiday and we were all ecstatic…downtown was coming alive.  

Flag Presentaion - Bear Plaza 1986

Many merchants continued to put the flags out every morning for several years until we had the Plants Your Roots in Downtown New Bern campaign which raised funds to purchase trees. The City cut openings in the sidewalks and the trees remained until they were replaced when major street scape improvements began in the mid-1990’s.

The flag project and many other projects, showed how the private sector rose to the occasion to save their downtown. It truly was a time of working together in a collective effort to regain a vibrant downtown.  

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Vendor participation...the pace is picking up

As the days fly bye and October 13-14 is closer and closer, the pace of vendors wanting to participate in the festival is picking up.

We met with Doug McGinnis with Gables Run Equestrian Center and are pleased Gables Run will participate as a vendor in the Outdoor Life area. This new venue is an expansion of the Boat Show featuring vendors and exhibits of businesses that sell outdoor recreation products and goods, bikes, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.  He said the Gables Run birthday pony parties are very popular and to add interest to his exhibit promoting the Equestrian Center, he asked if he could bring a pony so kids can have their pictures taken sitting on the pony -- no rides…just pictures.  We agreed it would add a nice touch for kids of all ages.

So if you, your kids or grandkids love horses, this would be a nice memento of  mumfest 2012. Look for the Gables Run exhibit in Union Point Park.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Lawson Creek Boat Ramps

In March 1986, as the controversy over the development of Union Point Park and Texaco property into a protected harbor and river resource center grew, Swiss Bear’s Union Point Task Force agreed to the Board of Aldermen’s request to modify plans for Union Point and continue to seeks funds to develop the project.  They also asked the Task Force to expand their area of concern to include the development of Lawson Creek and in cooperation with the New Bern Recreation Department, examine and develop possible sources of funding to expand the boat launching facilities which would be eliminated from Union Point, if the Union Point project moved forward.  Lawson Creek Park, used as a dump for many years was in its early transition of being developed into a city park.

Lawson Creek Park - 1986

In March, Swiss Bear hired the Wilmington firm of Edward D. Stone, Jr. & Associates to design a conceptual site plan with four boat ramps and suitable parking and a budget estimate.  The Department of Public Works took depth readings and determined the site at Lanes Branch and Lawson Creek would be suitable. The average depth of the channel from the head of Lanes Branch to the mouth of Lawson Creek is seven feet plus. That side provided deeper water and more protection from the wind and wakes of large boats, significant advantages over the existing launching facilities in Lawson Creek Park. The plan also provided parking for 100 vehicles with trailers.

In April, during a joint city-county board meeting, County Commissioners appropriated $27,400 to help construct the boat ramps. The City provided the labor and the project was completed and dedicated in the late summer and have been a popular asset used by boaters and fishermen throughout the county ever since.

Dedication at Lawson Creek Park

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

East Waterfront Task Force...Design Competition

   

Swiss Bear board member cleaning up
Union Point Park

  

Design cometition judge discussing the
winning entry


 

Model of winning design -
Protected harbor & river research center 

 

  

Concept board of winning entry

In July 1983, following the City’s acquisition of the Texaco property, the Board of Aldermen designated Swiss Bear as the entity to plan the use of the Texaco property and Union Point,  granting 120 days to come up with a plan.  Swiss Bear organized the East Waterfront Task Force composed of representatives Swiss Bear, the Chamber of Commerce, Weyerhaeuser, Neuse River Foundation and the City Manager, several Aldermen and the City Planner.

The group met weekly, organized teams to clean up Union Point and visited the waterfronts of other cities including Norfolk, VA  and Baltimore MD. The Task Force determined a design competition would be the best way to obtain a creative plan for redevelopment of the Texaco property and Union Point and organized many sub-committees to include, fundraising, audio-visual and project/design. A professional advisor was hired to run the design competition and money was raised to cover costs incurred. Brochures were mailed to 3,300 architects and landscape architects in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. In February 1984, around 15-18 firms had submitted proposals and concept drawings. Judges with impressive credentials  were selected to jury the design competition, held in the Bank of the Arts. On April 26, the announcement was made that  Raleigh architect, Edgar Carr’s submission was chosen as the winning design. His plan called for the excavation of a large part of Union Point to create a protected harbor and construction of a river research center. Over the next three years, the Task Force worked diligently to acquire the support and funding to develop this project. Numerous meetings were held with local, state and federal legislators to secure funding. Presentations were made to civic groups soliciting support. In the 1986 “short session” the request to the state Senate Appropriations Committee for $1,900,000, a third of what they originally asked for, was turned down.  

In August at a Swiss Bear Board meeting, Harold Talton said the article in the Sun Journal stating the chairman of Swiss Bear said the project was “dead in the water” was untrue. He said the statement  made was “that the current design appeared to be dead in the water”. This project didn’t reach fruition as the design was simply to radical to garner the community support required to obtain state and federal funding.

However, this was just one of many more hurdles that had to be jumped before the Park was developed in the mid-1990’s.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

East Waterfront Task Force...developing a plan for Union Point Park

In a previous blog I wrote about Swiss Bear’s involvement in purchasing several parcels along the street and getting the parcels along the Neuse River donated to the City. The three acre tract, adjacent to Union Point Park, included fuel storage tanks and a vacant deteriorating gas station. It was important to acquire the property to begin developing the waterfront to attract and accommodate tourism and water recreation. The negotiation process took several years. During that time Swiss Bear approached Weyerhaeuser Corporation about their interest in building a museum and visitor center that would include an aquatic learning center. They indicated they were interested in considering such a project if the Texaco property was used to expand Union Point.  

With that in mind, in July 1983, following Texaco’s donation of the property to the City, Harold Talton, Swiss Bear Chairman and Marvin Davis, the Executive Director, went before the Board of Aldermen to request Swiss Bear’s designation as the entity to plan the use of the Texaco property and Union Point. The Board of Aldermen approved and passed a resolution granting Swiss Bear 120 days to come up with a plan.  Swiss Bear sought the Chamber of Commerce’s help and the two organization’s created  the East Waterfront Task Force. Members included, Tony Hooper, City Manager; David Rowland, City Planner; Boyd Meyers and Paul Cox, Aldermen; Weyerhaeuser representatives were Norm Johnson, Glen Wood and George Henson. Swiss Bear representatives were Harold Talton, Marvin Davis, John Ward and Kay Williams. Jamie King was the Neuse River Foundation representatives and Farrell Teague and Alton Herndon represented the Chamber. The Task Force worked on this project, which became very controversial, for more than three years.

In a future blog, I will relate the many challenges and hurdles they faced over the following three years with the goal of developing the Texaco property and Union Point into a protected harbor and river research center.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Union Point Park late 1970's



Union Point Park late 1970's



Gaining Popularity...painting en plein air

 

Lisa Bisbee painting Baxter's Building

 


Painter Chris Wagner

 

Painter Lee Hood



Downtown New Bern’s development as a cultural arts center with galleries, museums, a theater, artwalks and other cultural events is attracting entrepreneurs/artists in growing numbers.  Gaining in popularity are artists gathering downtown to paint en plein air,  a French expression for painting “in the open air”.

Lisa Bisbee, a local artist/entrepreneur has been an ambassador for our downtown and for painting en plein air since she moved here a year or so ago. Every Saturday morning she sets up her easel on the sidewalk in front of New Bern ArtWorks & Co. on Pollock Street. As she sketches and paints, she engages visitors and residents in conversations about her work, downtown happenings, where they are from, places to go and things to see and do.  She said it is amazing how many visitors she meets from all across the country and foreign countries. 



Painter Lisa Bisbee
Photo by Robert Hennon



Lisa Bisbee's Artwork

Her enthusiasm has set the tone. More and more artists are joining her and adding to the ambiance and sense of place by setting up their easels every Saturday morning.

An invitation is extended to all artists who want to participate in this Saturday morning 10 a.m. – noon, downtown happening, painting  street scenes and chatting with the public.   It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s a great way to meet fellow artists, showcase your talents and meet interesting people.…just bring sketchbooks, watercolors or pigments of choice and gather on the 300 block of  Pollock and corner of Pollock Street and Middle Street. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning and enhance the culture of downtown New Bern.

For more information, call Craven Arts Council at 252-638-2577. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

PEPSI - a greater presence at MUMFEST

The  Pepsi Minges Bottling Group has been a Mumfest sponsor for many years. Since New Bern is the birthplace of Brad’s Drink, now known world-wide as Pepsi-Cola, we are happy to promote their presence at the festival.

Pepsi products are sold by the New Bern Lion’s Club members from the Pepsi carts located throughout the festival area. We share the proceeds with the Lion's Club which they use for their programs and projects that help the visually impaired. It is a partnership that has been in effect for many, many years, a partnership that benefits both organizations.

This year Pepsi will have a greater presence by adding to the mix of attractions. Large Pepsi and Mountain Dew inflatables will add color to the midway area. There will be a Pepsi Sampling Wagon with sample coolers and Willy the Hillbilly, the Mountain Dew’s mascot will be on site throughout the festival to “meet and greet” and add to the gayity and mix of roving characters, clowns and magicians.

We appreciate the support Wade Cline and the Pepsi Minges Bottling Group extends to Mumfest. We know the public appreciates it too.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Redevelopment of the Neuse River Waterfront/Texaco Property

In the June 13 Sun Journal edition, an article by Eddie Fitzgerald reported City workers were repairing an area in Union Point Park where the soils had been sinking due to settling around a large concrete foundation.  He called and asked if I knew the history/background of the large concrete base that had never been removed when the City acquired the property. I do know, as Swiss Bear played a major role in getting the then, Texaco property donated to the City. Tourism was seen as an industry that would be the key to the revitalization effort. The Texaco property could be utilized as an expansion of the adjacent Union Point Park.  The concrete  base was originally the foundation for three massive Texaco fuel storage tanks that stood  beside a vacant gas station built in the 1950’s. Removal of the foundation turned out to be very difficult and costly and ultimately the City made the decision to leave the foundation in place, add soil and plant grass over the foundation.

Acquiring the Texaco property was a process that took over three years. Following the donation of the waterfront section to the City, Swiss Bear accepted a bargain sale offer and purchased lots 1 and 2 along the street which in turn, was sold to the City. To determine the best use of this property and Union Point, this led to the creation of an East Waterfront Task Force made up of members from the City, Chamber of Commerce Weyerhaeuser, Hatteras, Neuse River Foundation and Swiss Bear. This project, along with many others, was  based on the goals and objective of the 1977 Central Business District Revitalization Plan.

The following paragraph from the Central Business District Revitalization Plan  summarizes the existing conditions of the Neuse River waterfront and recommendations for redevelopment of property historically used for commercial purposes including seafood and saw mill operations.

The three block commercial area east of South Front Street including the old Holiday Inn, the Texaco Storage property and Union Point Park as fragmented and in some cases represented incompatible land uses as the city moves toward the accommodation of tourism and recreation. These key land parcels should be assessed and planned to conform with the rest of the central business district. The spectacular waterfront  setting and convenient accessibility to boat traffic will make this area increasingly valuable as other development occurs. This waterfront area should be carefully controlled from a visual point of view to insure its compatibility throughout the central business district. Waterfront pedestrian access should be required in this area as the land is redeveloped, creating a continuous connection from the existing City Park (Council Bluff Green) beneath the Highway 17 bridge along the water’s  behind the Holiday Inn (demolished in the 1990’s) and the oil storage area, around Union Point Park, under the Highway 70 drawbridge and along the edge of the urban renewal site. New development along the Neuse waterfront should include a 30 to 50 foot pedestrian easement to allow public access along the water.

In a future blog I will relate the steps taken after the three and a half acre parcel with a then value of $300,000, by the City and the East Waterfront Task Force in coming up with plans for the development of Union Point Park. The evolution of Union Point to its present day appearance was a long and challenging process and one of the many projects that played a major role in the incremental redevelopment of the waterfront and revitalization of the central business district.

Tell us what you think. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Council Bluff Green 1990

Holiday Inn at
East Front & Broad St - 1985




Texaco Property on East Front St.
Fuel storage tanks and vacant gas station

 



Barge being towed away from Texaco site



Question of the Day ... are you a "mumfester"?

After Nancy Hawley retired, Tryon Palace’s Public Relations/Marketing person for many years, I called and asked if  she would consider doing the PR/Marketing for Mumfest. Fortunately for us, she agreed and this is her third year.

As a big fan of mumfest, she frequently said, “Susan, there are a lot of mumfester's out there…people who love the festival and look forward to attending every year…we need to get their input".

I agree.

So the question of the day is…are you a mumfester? If so what is your favorite venue?

Diane Dennis (who works for our title sponsor, Joe Alcoke Auto & Truck Center) told me last fall her very most favorite venue/attraction that she never misses, is the Weller retriever field demonstrations. The NBPD  K-9 and Weller retriever demonstrations have been traditional favorites so last year we decided to add another animal venue, the Purina Incredible Dog Team, as a new attraction. It was so popular, we are bringing it back again this year. 

Gary Curry's t-shirt collection



Gary Curry, Manager of the BridgePointe Hotel & Marina (a Mumfest sponsor for many years) told me recently, he looks forward to adding each year’s T-shirt to his collection. He moved here in 2006, has bought one every year and enjoys wearing them. In fact, he forwarded me this picture of his mumfest t-shirt’s.

Nancy said the Pollock Street Bunco Babes like tasting wines at the Little River Mobile Wine Tasting Room and buying unique items from the many craft vendors. Another friend told her she and her husband have a pact that once a year they can eat their way through mumfest without guilt.

Others have said they love the festival foods…funnels cakes are at the top of the list for many.

How about you? If you are a mumfester, we would enjoy hearing from you….what is your favorite venue/attraction?

Do you have a t-shirt collection…how many and how far back do they go?

How about mumfest posters…do you collect them?

Tell us what you are looking forward too!

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Media Support...Helping MUMFEST Grow

In the early 1990’s, I invited representatives from various radio and TV stations to a breakfast meeting. The purpose was to ask for their support in promoting Mumfest. Up to that point our primary way of marketing the festival was very grass roots…through posters, public service announcements and word of mouth. The festival began as a small two block affair in 1980 and had continued to expand through vendor fees from vendors, in-kind services, or contributions. Initially we didn’t have the numbers to attract sponsors that we needed to generate the funds to book the entertainment and attractions as we do now.

By the early 1990’s, with the City’s help, we had expanded taking in three blocks of Middle Street, two of Pollock and two of South Front Street with vendors, entertainment and attractions. The growth of the festival and its focus on “something for everyone” was gaining area recognition. The timing seemed right to take the festival to the next level but we needed the media’s support to attract the number of festival-goers that would insure the return of vendors and sponsor opportunities.

At the breakfast,  I presented plans for the festival that year and related how important the media’s support was to grow the festival. I expressed thanks and gratitude for the support they had extended with public service announcements but now needed their support as partners/sponsors who would promote the festival with scheduled commercials.

To my delight, the meeting was a success.

Since that time, the Beasley Broadcasting Group, Inc., (99.5 the X, 101.9KISS FM, 106.5 WSFL, 107.9 WNCT, Soft Rock V103.3), ESPN New Bern 105.7 FM, 1490 AM and Radio Free ENC 1450 AM, Inner Banks Media (Thunder Country 96.3, 94.1 WNBU Talk of the Town, and Next Media (Bob 93.3 WERO, WRNS Your Country 95.1), the Bear 97.9, TV 12 and Fox News have been Mumfest sponsors.

Their support and sponsorships have been invaluable, is greatly appreciated and Mumfest is all the better for it.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

New MUMFEST Trolley Sponsor

Special thanks to Steve Woolard, Vice President and City Executive, for the little bank’s sponsorship of the Mumfest 2012 trolley.  

We began providing continuous shuttle service festival weekend  to alleviate some of the traffic and parking concerns with finding a parking space in the downtown area. Festival-goers are picked up and dropped off from the parking area behind Penny’s at the New Bern Mall and are dropped off or picked up at four locations in the downtown area, compliments of our sponsors. Without the trolley sponsors and support of the management at the New Bern Mall, we would not be able to provide this service.

Founded in 1998, the little bank’s guiding principal, old fashioned service, is the perfect fit for the trolley sponsorship.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

City Hall Clock Tower

New Bern City Hall Clock Tower - Today

Photo courtesy of National Archives
City Hall as Post Office,Court & Custom House

The City Hall Clock Tower is a prominent landmark for downtown New Bern that can be seen for miles. It serves as the City’s unofficial timepiece, by night illuminated by red light bulbs mounted on each hand and white bulbs on each hour.

Many are not aware City Hall was constructed in 1895-97 to house the post office, Court and Custom House operations without a tower or clock.

In Peter Sandbeck’s book, The Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina, the US Treasury Department built the building at a cost of $68,746.60. Although the City fathers asked for a clock of some sort to be added, after the original plans had been finalized, no action was taken on the request until 1906  when tentative plans were made to install a single-faced clock in the south gable. Numerous citizens complained such a clock would not be visible from most of the town that led to construction of a small rooftop clock tower housing a four-faced clock in 1907.  Citizens again complained that this first clock was too small to be seen two blocks away. In 1908, Congressman Charles R. Thomas of New Bern obtained an appropriation to construct a new more prominent tower and clock. In 1909, the King Lumber Company of Charlottesville, VA was  awarded the contract to construct  the present tower and install the Seth Thomas illuminated four-faced clock according to designs prepared by Treasury Department architect James Know Taylor. The tower and installation was completed in 1911.

 

In 1935, the City purchased the building and it renovated it for use as the city’s municipal center.  The interior of the building was renovated in the early 1990’s.  Although the clock is still a prominent landmark, the large Seth Thomas mechanism was replaced with an electric motor in 1991. The historic clock mechanism’s removal from the City Hall Clock Tower and its  new lease in life was posted in a previous blog.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Rest & Relaxation

Rest & Relaxation Area - Mumfest

As festival-goers traverse the large area covered by the festival, they can look forward to a brief respite along the way. Once again, The Courtyards at Berne Village will provide an area as you enter Union Point Park that offers a place to rest and relax and gather strength to continue enjoying the many attractions and vendor booths. This has been a popular venue and we are appreciative of the Courtyards sponsorship…we know festival-goers do too!

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Adding Color to the Downtown Streetscape

Planter on South Front St.

South Front Street

As you walk along South Front Street you see large white concrete planters filled with an assortment of plants that brighten the streets,  where the streetscape improvements are anticipated to take place within the next 12 months. This is the work of a group of  committed women who live in the Downtown Historic District. They plant and maintain them seasonally which adds a great deal of color and charm.

The large massive planters were  constructed of concrete by city employees under the direction of Cedric Boyd. Cedric worked for the City for many, many years. The City government in the 1950’s was small and had few departments. Cedric Boyd served as the Director of Public Works, Parks and Recreation and handled anything else that needed to be taken care of related to City maintenance. With a miniscule budget, he was looking for ways to beautify downtown and Union Point Park as both were beginning to feel the effects of the post WWII exodus to the suburbs.

He came up with the idea of the planters as he was drinking coffee from a Styrofoam cup. He looked at the empty cup…studied it a bit…and said this is the shape we’ll use to cast planters. They made many and placed them throughout the downtown and in Union Point Park prior to the major streetscape improvements that began in the mid-1990’s.   

For many years, those that remained were neglected for the most part until the following women decided it was time to take charge. Connie Dugan, Anne Schout, Roselie McDevitt, Patti Urick, Marie Skoagsbakken, Pat Huges, Pat Tyne, Vieve Moeckel, Cathy O’Brien, Judy Ames, Milenda Robinson, Betty Simon, Dottie Webb, Annette, Carolyn Startsman Hunt and Margie Foskit.

We are glad they did and appreciate their efforts and sense of service.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director      

                                                            

A Private Tour of SeaFair

SeaFair at Morehead City
Photo by Alan Welch

On Tuesday, May 15, Danielle Glynn, Linda Mattocks and myself had the pleasure of climbing aboard the 228” mega yacht, SeaFair, for a guided tour by Captain’s Sam Carroll and Craig Matthews. Owner’s David and LeeAnn Lester invited us to tour the vessel during its layover in Morhead City to re-fuel  en-route to Greenwich, CT for a art show over the Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 28.

We accepted the invitation so we could get a first-hand look at what will be a mega highlight and new venue for Mumfest, October 13-14.

SeaFair, the world’s first mobile mega yacht venue, will remain dockside at the Doubletree Hilton Marina during Mumfest. The $40 million yacht requires a draft of on 6.6 feet which makes it possible to dock at the Hilton facility…in the heart of the festival.

Deck 1 features a formal entry, 10 exhibit spaces and a coffee bar.

Deck 2 had 12 exhibit spaces, Luxe Lounge an open air champagne and caviar lounge on the aft deck.

Deck 3 has six exhibit spaces and a glass walled lounge.

The Sky Deck (4) has an open-air lounge, bar and cocktail reception area.

With a basic crew of eight, for the week/week-end of the show, additional staff will be hired locally and all the goods and services needed such as food, plants, catering, room accommodations etc. will be purchased in New Bern.

It was a fun experience and we appreciated their gracious and hospitality. Captain’s Matthews and Carroll confirmed, having looked at the site on May 14, the yacht will be in a perfect location and they are looking forward to being at Mumfest…we are too.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Pictured left to right
Captain Sam Carroll
Captain Craig Matthews

Pictured left to right
Linda Mattocks, Danielle Glynn, Susan Moffat Thomas

Beautification of the City...one of many strategies

 

Crepe Mytrle

In the early to mid 1980’s, when downtown New Bern was still quite bleak in its appearance, there were many people who worked to improve its appearance through anti-litter and clean-up campaigns and plantings of trees and shrubs. It was a grass roots effort and the re-structuring of the downtown economy to expand tourism as a major industry led to many creative ideas.

One of the many committees organized was the New Bern Beautification Committee. The members represented numerous nonprofit organizations who were partners in the downtown revitalization effort. Its goal was to define ways to beautify the City that would encourage visitors to our City. Members of the committee: Mike Tiddy, Executive Vice President , New Bern Chamber; Jeanne Hunt, Chamber Conventions and Events Committee’ Joy Dosher, COC Marketing and Tourism Committee; Louise Harlow, President, New Bern Garden Club; Pat Faulkner, President, American Heart Association, Craven County Division; Harold Talton, President, Swiss Bear, Robert Stallings, Jr., Chairman, Craven County Tourism Development Authority; Kathy Beckwith, Executive Director, New Bern Historical Society; Susan Moffat, Executive Director, New Bern Preservation Foundation; Dabney Coddinton, Jr., Tryon Palace.

The Committee determined the City should encourage residents to plant an abundance of Crepe Myrtle trees and shrubs throughout the City  so they would become a major point of interest…similar to Wilmington, NC known for its azaleas.  With that in mind, the Committee petitioned the City to adopt a resolution to adopt the Crepe Myrtle as New Bern’s official shrub. The petition presented to the Board of Aldermen recognized the unusual beauty of the crepe myrtle; that many interested citizens determined the Crepe Myrtle would be an attraction if they were planted in abundance; the trees/shrubs should be strategically located to attract visitors much like Wilmington; and both the private and public sector should be encouraged to promote plantings throughout the City and County.

At the August 6, 1985 Board of Aldermen meeting, Crepe Myrtle was adopted as the official shrub of New Bern.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Shuttle On Down ...

By the late 1990’s, the number of festival-goers had grown to the point the density was a serious safety concern/issue. The removal of the old Neuse River Bridge provided the opportunity to request permission from NCDOT to close Broad and East Front Street during the festival week-end so we could move the festival to wider streets. The additional space, plus being able to link to Union Point Park, allowed us to increase the number of vendors and venues which attracted more festival-goers. With concerns for having adequate parking, we made the decision to contract with New Bern Tours to provide continuous trolley shuttle service and the owners of the Twin Rivers (now New Bern) Mall agreed to allow the use of the parking area behind Pennys as a pick-up/drop-off point. The service has become so popular, the City provided City buses in the past few years to accommodate the huge numbers that use this service.

We extend special thanks to the City and area businesses that sponsor the trolley’s. Little Caesar’s Pizza  sponsored the service last year, were pleased with the response and are sponsoring a trolley again this year in addition to the little bank. We greatly appreciate their support and know those who use the service, do too. 

Pick-up/drop-off locations will be published closer to the festival.

Susan Moffat Thomas 

Executive Director

 

1910 Seth Thomas Tower Clock...saved from oblivion

City Hall Clock Tower Today

In a recent blog, I related the history of the City Hall Clock Tower and that it was given a new lease on life after the huge historic Seth Thomas hand wound mechanism was replaced with an electric motor.

The clock’s new lease on life is another example of how this community has worked together to preserve its historic assts for the greater good of the community. It began in 2007 when I was still chairman of the City’s 300^th Anniversary Celebration. In addition to creating events to attract visitors, the 300^th was seen as an opportunity to identify projects that could be developed or restored to have tangible, measurable lasting outcomes for many years to come.

Dobert  Owsley came to my office full of excitement as he had learned the Seth Thomas Clock mechanism in the City Hall Tower had been abandoned he asked if I could get permission him to go into the tower to inspect the clock. We walked over to City Hall and following a brief conversation with Bill Hartman, then City manager we climbed the steps to the tower and were awed by the massive clock works that had long been forgotten.  Both, lovers of clocks we were very excited to see the clock and he was even more excited about the possibility of restoring it. We went immediately to ask the City Manager for permission to remove and restore the mechanism by the members of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter 191 of the National Watch and Clock Collectors’ Association. Permission was granted from the City and the New Bern Firemen’s Museum Board provided space in the old station for the restoration project.

To insure I didn’t leave anyone out that participated on the project, Bob Weeks provided the following information and its donation by the city for permanent exhibit in the NC History Center.

Restoration Committee members, Dobert Owsley, Committee Chairman; Ed Gray, Mike Hattem, Glen Irving, Kenneth Johnston, Yvonne Johnston, Francis Murphy, Robert Papasodero, Fred Swartout, Robert Weeks, Jerry Govesky and Sid Weiner disassembled the clock movement and removed it from the New Bern Town Hall Tower worked very hard every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until noon for four years to restore the clock. The original clock movement was made in Bristol, Connecticut by the Seth Thomas Clock Company and weighs approximately 2,800 pounds. The city paid approximately $2,783.00 for the clock and installed it in 1922. The number of volunteer hours spent restoring the clock equaled approximately $40,000.  The restoration was sponsored by the National Watch and Clock Chapter 191, Swiss Bear 300th Anniversary Connectivity Committee, the New Bern Firemen's Museum, and Tryon Palace. 

Clock mechanism display
inside NC History Center

Clock face outside NC History Center

The Restoration Committee planned this project as a gift to the City of New Bern for the 300th Anniversary until Tryon Palace indicated an interest in placing it in the NC History Center that was going to be completed during the City’s Tercentennial year. The City of New Bern donated the clock to Tryon Palace and following completion of its restoration, the clock movement was moved to the NC History Center and mounted over the main entrance.  The clock is running and keeping time within seconds.  

The works of the clock movement can be viewed free by walking in the main entrance to the History Center.  All you have to do is turn around and look up after you pass through the main entrance of the History Center.  You will be fascinated as you watch the giant pendulum swing and see the movement parts work.  You will hear the "click, click" of the escapement ,which is the same type as that used on the Big Ben Clock in London, England.  Additionally, there is a kiosk to the right of the entrance that explains the history of time. 

Ms. Kay Williams, Tryon Palace Director, calls the clock the "Crown Jewel" of the History Center.  Be sure to arrive on the hour and hear the bell ring. 

Thanks to the commitment of this special group of talented people, a historic treasure was saved from oblivion and is now a treasure for all to enjoy.    

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

Back by Popular Demand...King BMX Stunt Show

BMX Bike Stunt Show
Mumfest

Thanks to BSH Appliances who are sponsoring the King BMX Stunt Show, Mumfest festival-goers can enjoy watching this professional level stunt show. BSH has sponsored the show for the past five years, a festival favorite that entertains audiences with high-flying aerial maneuvers that leave your jaws gaping.

Because of the close proximity to Greenville, known as Pro-Town for having more BMX pro’s in residence than any other place in the world, Keith King is able to pull top riders in the United States. His riders are professionals who have competed at the Pro-level in major games such as X Games, Dew Action Sports Tour, Gravity Games etc.

In addition to the BMX Stunt Show, festival-goers can enjoy the B/S/H/ exhibit  that has Bosch appliances and other Bosch products on display. To add to the fun, sign up for the drawing in which a lucky festival-goer will win a major appliance.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

The Evolution of New Bern's Waterfront... changing with the times

Although there are few indications left that New Bern was a major port that relied on its rivers for its livelihood in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the downtown business district remains in close proximity to the Neuse and Trent Rivers. In the early 1800’s, a steam-powered saw mill operated in Union Point and the banks of the Neuse River was lined with turpentine distilleries and tank yards. All the businesses, industries and residences were clustered around that commercial area. Following a severe depression from the late 1820’s into the early 1840’s, three major fires devastated the economy. However, by the late 1840’s and  early 1850’s, the national demand for turpentine, lumber and naval stores brought renewed growth and development.

In the early 1860’s, during the Civil War, New Bern became an active commercial and waterfront district due to the occupation of the Union Forces for the duration of the war. As a center for Union operations, the town maintained an active commercial and waterfront district.  Three more fires and lumber based economic growth in the post Civil Wars years led to intense building activity. In the early 1900’s, the economic prosperity led to expanded growth and construction away from the waterfront into what is now the business district. The downtown began to assume its recognizable landscape between the 1880’s and 1920. The mishmash of older frame and brick commercial buildings and residences, irregularly sited along the downtown streets, were demolished as the intense building activity in the expanded business district continued. More than 50 major brick buildings were constructed and in 1909-1910, the city paved 35 blocks of streets with bricks and constructed 25 miles of concrete sidewalks with granite curbing.  Downtown was then the place most people went to shop, bank, worship, recreate, or participate in the political life of the community whether they went there every day or once a season.

Trent Waterfront late 1960

Aerial View of Waterfront - 1960

In the 1920’s the decline of the lumber industry led to an economic downturn and New Bern’s decline as a port city.  The growth of trucking and the auto industry led to the post WWII exodus to the suburbs and further deterioration of the downtown and its waterfront. In the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, 14 acres of commercial buildings on the Trent waterfront were demolished through a federal urban renewal program. The objective was to redevelop the waterfront and a Development Commission was established.

Throughout the decade of the 1950’s, the waterfront was used for fishing boating and sailing and outboard motor races. By the 1970’s the sport of sailing in the Neuse led to the creation of two yacht clubs.   

Union Point Park Today

Aerial View of New Bern Today

In 1977, the Downtown Revitalization Plan commissioned by local officials and business leaders, articulated the goal of transforming the entire downtown waterfront…taking it from its slum conditions to a place of beauty, a place where people of all ages, races, and walks of life could enjoy the spectacular beauty of the two rivers joining forces. The Plan pointed out  expanding tourism, developing recreational opportunities and attracting retirees could be the catalyst for the revitalization of the  downtown and the redevelopment of its waterfront.  Swiss Bear, a private nonprofit, was organized to stimulate and coordinate the downtown revitalization effort in partnership with the public sector. Many partners joined in the effort. Over the past 30 years, four hotels, three marinas, a riverfront convention center, Farmers Market, and the NC History Center, redevelopment of Union Point Park and Council Bluff Green, removal of the old Neuse River Bridge, development of the Riverwalk along the two rivers (to provide public access to the waterfront ) the new Neuse River Bridge and replacement of the Alfred Cunningham Bridge transformed the downtown and waterfront. Tourism is a major industry and downtown and its waterfront is a destination.

New Bern’s willingness to adapt to the needs of the time, led to its growth and development in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and  again in the late twentieth and early twenty first century. The spectacular waterfront setting, convenient accessibility to boat traffic and public access to the waterfront has made this area increasingly valuable to the on-going development of New Bern and Craven County.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director