Facade Incentive Grant Program...another strategy to stimulate investment and rehabilitation

200 Block Middle Street - early 1980's


 

Patterson Building (old Jewel Box)
First floor houses 2 facades/retail spaces
Second floor office space
Circa 1873-1876

     

        In the 1950’s, many property owners covered their deteriorating facades / storefronts with metal, tile and other materials in an attempt to modernize and compete with the new malls being built in the outlying areas. In the 1980’s, many programs, workshops and projects were developed to stimulate and encourage investment and the rehabilitation of commercial buildings with an emphasis on restoring their original early 1900 facades. This included a $2 million tax-exempt loan pool, federal tax investment credits that helped stimulate positive visible changes for many larger development projects, design assistance and a façade incentive grant program.

In 1987, to keep the momentum going and encourage the removal of secondary coverings, appropriate signage, new awnings, exterior paint and replacement of windows or cornices, I applied, with Board approval, for a grant from The Kellenberger Foundation to develop and coordinate a Façade Incentive Program. The program provided financial assistance to building owners or tenants in the Municipal Service District who agreed to make improvements to the façades of their buildings. It provided grants on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum participation of $1,000 per façade and $2,000 on any structure having more than one façade, for qualifying projects. To qualify, the Secretary of Interior’s Standards were used as guidelines for improvements. The renovation had to conform to city building and code  requirements and funds could only be used for exterior physical property improvements. Top priority was given to projects that made a highly visible contribution to the downtown.

Over the course of several years, 14 grants were approved for small and large projects. The most visible and dramatic change was to the façade of Tom’s Coins and Antiques and the adjacent building. Tom Faulkenberry made major changes on the interior and exterior of both buildings. The dramatic change served as a catalyst for other property owners on Middle Street to renovated or up-grade the facades of their buildings as well.

       The programs, loan pool, and federal tax credits had a significant impact on attracting investment and rehabilitation. Between 1981 and 1987, thirty-five downtown buildings were renovated representing private investments exceeding $5.7 million….a significant number in such a short span of time.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

 

Tom's Coins & Antiques -
Transformation of  the old Jewel Box and adjacent facade
244- 246 Middle Street



NEW MUMFEST VENUE...Songwriters' Take Note!!

Sunday, October 14, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Broad Street/Dance-arena Location

 

On-going 20-40 minute musical performances by NCSC members and non-member local songwriters in the New Bern area.

Songwriters may apply to perform by sending a recording and website link to: bdsyndrome@earthlink.net with brief bio and contact information. Due to space limitations, selection by NCSC will be based on performance quality. Performers selected will be notified on or before September 24 by NCSC with scheduled performance time.

Applicants who wish to perform at MUMFEST and join NCSC will be eligible to enter the NCSC Annual Songwriters’ contest. For more information go to: http://www.ncsongwriters.org/fr_home.cfm

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Catch the Spirit of Christmas...meet the challenge



Thea's Ideas
Christmas in July



As a welcome respite from the soaring temperatures, Thea Kincaid brought the Christmas spirit to downtown New Bern on the 25^th for her 10^th Christmas in July, a promotional event hosted by the DoubleTree Hilton. This clever and fun event brings numerous vendors who display their wares giving local businesses an opportunity to see the products “up close and personal” as opposed to choosing promotional items in catalogs.

Thea’s Ideas, a local business for 18 years, is the distributor for a wide range of high quality promotional advertising products. In addition to being a successful business owner, Thea spends much of her time on community service projects and in that spirit of Christmas invited vendors and attendees to open their hearts, purses and/or wallets and contribute to Religious Community Services (RCS). A generous anonymous citizen has contributed $10,000 to RCS with a challenge to the community that all monetary contributions to RCS by August 1, will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000.

We hope readers will catch the spirit of Christmas and meet the challenge for this very worthy cause.

Religious Community Services is located at 919 George Street, New Bern 28560.  Be sure and write Challenge on your check to insure it is matched in this campaign.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

A Beautiful New Dance Hall/Multipurpose Center in Downtown New Bern

Kudos and three cheers for Joyce Price, Beth Carole Beach and Mary Servalli.

These three special  ladies had the vision and grit to tackle the massive renovation of  Stanley Hall,  249 Craven Street, on the second floor of the Stanley Building at the corner of Pollock and Craven Street.  A ribbon cutting on Friday, July 20 celebrated the completion of what is now a banquet, conference, music and dance venue featuring 3,600 square feet of a multipurpose hall, forty-five feet wide extending the full eighty foot depth of the building.

The Stanley Hall Ballroom is now the home of the Rivertowne Ballroom with Friday open dances, Monday dance classes and Wednesday night Line Dance and Zumba classes. The beautifully restored space with its large dance floor of heart pine, beautiful chandeliers and dramatic staircase makes this the perfect venue for wedding receptions, benefits and or special events for groups up to 200 people. Access to the hall is through a tall recessed door and staircase on Pollock Street or through an entrance and elevator on Craven Street.

The building was originally built in 1874 by Edward R. Stanley, a prominent merchant initially serving as a dance hall. Over the years it has been used for many purposes including a court room, gymnasium for athletic events, YMCA rooms, the town’s post office until the Federal Post Office and Court House Building (now City Hall) was built in the 1890’s.

*  Most recently it served as an office center.  

Prior to the 2008 economic downturn, a developer had purchased and gutted the upper story for renovation as residential condominiums. When Joyce saw the interior space, never realizing what was over her  ground level dance studio, she knew this would be the perfect location for the expansion of the studio. Her enthusiasm spread to Beth Carole and Mary and after many months of renovation, this incredible space has come full circle 138 years later and is once again a dance hall.  

For more information go to www.rivertowneballroom.com  or call 252-637-2003.

*The Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County by

  Peter Sandbeck

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Renovations - Stanley Hall

Renovations - Stanley Hall

Renovations - Stanley Hall

Renovations - Stanley Hall

Stanley Hall
Grand Opening July 2012
Photo courtesy of Nate Skipper

The Little River Winery Mobile Tasting Room...one of a kind

Little River Winery
Mobile Wine Tasting Unit

We are happy to announce the Little River Winery will be at MUMFEST 2012.  For a modest $5 admission fee, mumfester’s over 21 can sample a wide variety of wines produced from grapes grown in the foothills of North Carolina’s Uhwarrie Mountain range.

Little Rivery Winery
Tasting Room



The Little River Winery Tasting Room will be located on Craven Street (same location as last year). This Tasting Room is one of a kind, featuring nice amenities such as hardwood and tile floors, granite counter tops, mahogany wine racks holding 300 bottle of wine, a big screen TV with surround sound and air conditioning.

It’s the perfect place to stop and take a break, enjoy a sip of wine and socialize before venturing out into the midway area once again to enjoy the many other venues.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

An Adult Entertainment Center...not in our downtown!

At the June 1980 Swiss Bear Board meeting, Ella Bengel, Swiss Bear Board member and Alderman, stated she felt Swiss Bear should seek a tenant for the vacant Belk Building and a developer to construct a marina on the urban renewal property on the Trent River waterfront known as Bicentennial Park. Although immediate action was taken, Swiss Bear monitored investor activity of those interested in leasing or buying the building.

The following  year, Swiss Bear was spurred into action when the Board learned a company from another city planned to purchase the building for use as an adult entertainment center.  At the February 1981 Board meeting, Charles Blythe’s motion to pursue purchasing the building, passed unanimously and with the support of four local banks, Swiss Bear acquired the property. Belk donated their half of the building and Swiss Bear purchased the adjacent portion from the Coplon family at a bargain sale for $150,000. The banks allowed Swiss Bear to pay on the loan, interest only, until the building was sold.

By December of 1983, Swiss Bear had $131,000 invested in the building. Although it had been shown a number of times, no real interest was generated until Swiss Bear took a new approach with the syndication method of financing. The banks increased the line of credit so an architectural survey, an analysis and other studies could be undertaken. In 1984, five local businessmen, Lonnie Pridgen, Jr.,  Tom Karem, Gordon Parrot, Chick Askew and Joe Alcoke created the O. Marks Partnership and purchased the building for $150,000.

     The original goal was to develop the building into a first-floor retail mall and offices on the upper floors. The major $2.2 million extensive renovation restored most of the original exterior and interior. O. Marks Mall opened in 1986 with eight  specialty retail shops and offices on the upper floors.  Even though downtown was gradually beginning to turn around, the pedestrian traffic necessary to support the shops led to all but one closing within several years. Recruiting businesses to lease the empty spaces was very challenging, however community support for the project led to leases with the New Bern Chamber of Commerce, Neuse River Council of Governments, Swiss Bear, Weyerhaeuser and other local businesses that relocated into the building.   

     When the U.S. Postal Service made the decision to move out of the Federal Building  (corner of Middle and New Street) to their new facility on Glenburnie Road, the downtown business owners lobbied for a downtown post office branch which was opened in the O. Marks Building. Currently the mix of businesses on the first floor includes several retail shops, a sandwich shop, offices, the post office and offices on the upper floors.

     The rehabilitation of this building by the O. Marks Partnership who faced financial  challenges, was key to moving the revitalization effort forward. This significant structure, a  downtown anchor building, is an example of how private investment was critical to downtown’s recovery.

     We commend the men who formed the O. Marks Partnership for their commitment to this key project and downtown’s recovery.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director  


57,000 square foot vacant Belk Building - 1980



Press Party, Harold Talton announcing the
O.Marks Partnerships' acquisition of the building  



Press Party -  August, 1985 



Rear Parking Lot Prior to Renovation - 1983



O. Marks Building under rehabilitation



O.Marks Mall - Completed Renovation.
First floor retail shops - 1986





MUMFEST Stage Entertainment

3 Day Weekend

MUMFEST offers a diversity of entertainment for the young and old alike! 3 Day Weekend is one of the many bands on the Main Stage in this year’s exciting line-up.

3 Day Weekend delivers all the best in classic and southern rock in a high powered performance. These highly seasoned musical professionals have rocked stages all over the Southeastern US. In 2004, they combined forces in Eastern NC with four part harmonies, thunderous twin lead guitars, rocking keyboards, synthesized horns and the granite city rhythm section. 3 Day Weekend continues to amaze crowds with the classic songs of the era by bands such as The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynrd, Thin Lizzy, The Doors, The Cars and Pink Floyd. With a contagious passion felt immediately by the audience, this band is able to bring the magic of the classic and southern rock era back to the stage for the most memorable and fun show you've experienced in years.

The Main Stage is  located in front of the Galley Store. Be sure and check the entertainment schedule on mumfest.com, the official program or for those with smart phones, click on the QR code on  MUMFEST posters or signage (October 13 – 14) in the festival area.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

O.Marks/Coplon Building...a long and interesting story



Coplon Building occupied by
Montgomery Ward until 1964



O. Marks Building Purchased by Belk in 1937



Metal facade uniting the two buildings into one Belk Dept. Store

The O. Marks building at 233 Middle Street has a long and interesting history. The building was originally two separate buildings. The three story portion, adjacent to the First Baptist Church, was constructed in 1915-16 for Oscar Marks & Son to house their expanded dry goods and shoe sales operations. Following Oscar Marks death in 1921, business declined and the firm closed its doors in 1927. The building remained vacant for four years until it was used as a Chrysler dealership. In 1937, Belk Department Store purchased the building and replaced the original storefront with large tin panels to “modernize” the façade and replaced the windows with glass brinks in the 1940’s and 1950’s.  

The two story section on the south side was built in 1927 for the Coplon Investment Company and occupied by Montgomery Ward’s until 1964 when it was leased by the Belk Department Store. The same large metal blocks were added to the façade to unite the two buildings into one, creating a  major anchor building in the central business district.

Belk remained downtown until 1979 when it joined in the exodus to the suburbs and relocated in the new Twin Rivers Mall. The large 57,000 square foot monolithic building added to the growing number of vacant deteriorating buildings, adding to downtown’s decline.

In a future blog, I will relate the challenges/hurdles Swiss Bear overcame that led to the rehabilitation of this major downtown anchor by a partnership of five committed New Bernians.  

Primary source: Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina,  Peter B. Sandbeck

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

The Next Chapter

An invitation from Patti and Tom Reeves, owners of a charming book store at 320 South Front Street in downtown New Bern.

The Next Chapter Books

“SUMMER IN NEW BERN………..RIDE THE TROLLEY, ENJOY MUSIC ON THE DECK AT THE DOUBLETREE MARINA, VISIT OUR NEWEST THEATRE VENUE AT  RATIO’S FRONT ROOM CABARET ON POLLOCK STREET AND BROWSE AT THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR A GOOD BEACH READ!

DURING THE MONTH OF JULY, OUR WALLS WILL BE GRACED WITH PAINTINGS OF SUMMER DONE BY SEVERAL LOCAL ARTISTS INCLUDING LISA BISBEE, MICHAELE ROSE WATSON, JAMES HERRING, BRIDGETTE SWAYNE, GAIL BISBEE, LEE HOOD AND CURT WRIGHT.  WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US IN THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT FOR ARTWALK  ON FRIDAY, JULY 13, FROM 5-8PM.  THERE WILL BE LOTS OF ART, MUSIC AND GOOD FOOD---ALL PRODUCED LOCALLY!

ON SATURDAY, JULY 21, FROM 12-3PM , WE WILL HOST A BOOK SIGNING BY A VERY TALENTED AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR, KENNETH CAPPS.  HE WILL BE HERE WITH HIS NEW NOVEL, FORGIVING WATERS.  TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET KEN AND GET A PERSONALIZED COPY OF HIS BOOK. 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THE SUMMER AND SOME “TREASURES” WITH YOU”!

PATTI & TOM

252-633-5774

http://www.thenextchapternc.com/

Tom Reeves, Owner
The Next Chapter Books



New Bern's Revitalization Effort...initiated in mid 1970's

Original minutes from a 1980 meeting

In June 1976, while serving as President of the New Bern-Craven county Chamber of Commerce, Doug Davis conceived the idea and provided the leadership which led to the creation of a Downtown Revitalization Committee. The committee was formed with representatives from the following: (1) Chamber of Commerce (Doug Davis), (2) President of the Downtown Merchants Association, (3) Director of Redevelopment Commission, (4) One from the City of New Bern, (5) One Downtown Merchant at large,  (6) One member from the Craven County Board of Commissioners. The Downtown Revitalization Committee conducted many public forums to allow for citizen in-put and to keep the public informed as to the progress being made. The slide/tape program from Santa Cruz was very instrumental in helping tell the story of revitalization.

At the July 12, 1977 meeting held at the Palace Motel, Mr. Davis told those present that, at the original meeting on June 3, 1976, the Downtown Revitalization Committee came into being, and at that meeting the Committee was given a mandate to see that a Central Business District Revitalization Plan to include an architectural study, if necessary, was accomplished. Mr. Davis stated that the committee with the help of the Board of Aldermen, City, Merchants and Land Owners has completed this step and is now ready to proceed with a plan for implementation if this is the wish of those present.

Next the Chairman introduced a five-phase plan for the Downtown area. The plan encompassed a four city block area bounded by Middle, Pollock, Craven Streets and Tryon Palace Drive. The estimated cost for each phase was included.

Mayor Kimbrell spoke in favor of the plan as did Mr. Leo Brody and many others. Mr. Green was granted permission by the Chairman to take the floor. He advanced several excellent reasons why the plan should be implemented and concluded with the following motion: “that the group approve a vote of confidence addressed to the City Board of Aldermen in order that they might favorably consider a special tax district to fund the five-phase plan within the four city block area of the C.B.D”. The motion was seconded by Jim Whiteside. During the discussion, George Scott offered an amendment to the motion that the work on all phases of the plan be started simultaneously. The motion was seconded by Lou Steinberg and E.B. Austin. The motion and the amendment carried unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9:45 PM by asking all present to attend the meeting of the Board of Aldermen on July 19 at 8 PM at City Hall.

*The 1977 Plan was the foundation for the revitalization effort, however several recommended projects/phases were never pursued including construction of a mall area throughout the downtown.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director 

MUMFEST ARTZONE

Painting by Dan Nelson - Downtown New Bern

Every year we look for new venues for mumfest to keep it fresh and interesting. Our goal is of course, to produce a festival that attracts thousands to our downtown area. It is also a goal to entice visitors to come back and shop, dine and enjoy our many attractions at a later date. Certainly, as our downtown has developed as a cultural center with an abundance of artists, museums, theatre and other attractions, it is easy to do.

To highlight the many working artists and galleries, this year's mumfest will feature an ARTZONE. Jim Bisbee is chairing a committee to encourage the galleries to have artists working in their studio’s or on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Pollock Street so they can interface with festival-goers, discuss their painting styles and sell their work. It will be listed on the festival map, on the website and in the festival program.

We expect to see a good mix of painting styles, pottery and jewelry being created and other art forms demonstrated which will add to the streetscape and festivities that fill the downtown on this fun-filled weekend.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director

All Aboard for MUMFEST...and SeaFair

Three cheers for Charlie Hall and his article in the Sunday, July 15 Sun Journal. article

Needless to say, we are thrilled to have SEAFAIR as our newest attraction. This specially built 228 foot mega-yacht, nearly six stories high, will dock for the festival week-end at the New Bern Grand Marina and be open for tours October 12, 13, and 14.

As stated in the article, we will launch the festival with an opening gala, New Bern Art Fest, October 11 to benefit our organization along with the Craven Arts Council & Gallery. The two-tiered opening includes a First View Cocktail Reception ($150 per person) and a Collector’s Invitational Reception ($100 per person). We  have organized a committee to  move this forward and will be sending invitations in mid-to-late August to people throughout the state.

Anyone interested in receiving an invitation is asked to email their name and address to swissbear@swissbear.org.

We believe this event and attraction is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and encourage those who come for the Gala and/or week-end will return and enjoy the many attractions, galleries, unique shops and dining opportunities at another time.

SEAFAIR has 28 galleries filled with art, jewelry and sculpture, two outdoor bars, coffee bar, formal dining area and open-air bistro on the Sky Deck.

Tickets for the week-end are $15 at the door for a one day pass; $20 for a priority/multiple-day ticket.

Advance discounted tickets are available on-line at expoships.com. By U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, all attendees must show a photo ID to enter the yacht.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Evolution of Union Point Park...major redevelopment in the mid-1990's

In the 1990 Urban Design Plan (UDP), initiated and partially funded by Swiss Bear, redevelopment of the park was one of four major priority projects. LDR International’s plan called for construction of a new bulkhead, promenade, railing, relocation of the parking to the northern edge of the property and relocation of the masonry Woman’s Club building to the center of the park. In 1992, the City hired Allison Platt & Associates to prepare development plans and drawings so they could move forward with redevelopment plans. The final modified plan called for bulk heading, railing and walkway around the perimeter, relocation of the boat ramps to the northern edge, relocating the Women’s to the center of the park and replacing the asphalt parking lot and drive-way with lawn, lighting and trees. The northern section (old Texaco property) was under construction with bathroom facilities and a stage.

The future of the Woman’s Club building became a controversial topic and stalled the project. Charlie Kimbrell, former mayor, alderman and director of public works, feared relocation of the building would destroy the structure and its historic value. He felt the building needed to be restored where it stood (estimated cost $100,000) and spearheaded a petition coalition to “Promote Preservation, Restoration and Utilization of the Woman’s Club Building”.  Swiss Bear explored the cost to relocate the structure which was estimated at $40,000. At the March 24^th, 1993 Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board agreed to apply for a $5,000  grant to determine the feasibility of relocating the building. The controversy became a sore point between Charlie Kimbrell and the City and came to a head as the City worked to finalize redevelopment plans. The Aldermen assured Kimbrell they had no intention of demolishing the building.  When the Board of Aldermen studied the feasibility of relocating the building, cost of relocation and renovation to meet code requirements, they determined the cost was prohibitive and approved demolition of the building and solicited bids for Phase I improvements (new bulkhead, promenade and railing).

When Phase I estimates twice the estimate obtained several years before, the City considered putting the project on hold. Understanding redevelopment of the park was critical to the revitalization effort, Swiss Bear initiated  a campaign, Put Your Mark of the Park with the goal of raising $250,000 to assist the city with that effort. The public was invited to purchase bricks, pavers, benches, rails, street lights and pavers, engraved with contributor’s names or the names of loved ones.  The original goal of $250,000 was surpassed by $100,000. The city responded to the community’s generosity and support by moving forward with Phase II, investing more than $1.6 million in the project.  

In the mid-2000’s, the Gazebo was constructed with funds from the New Bern Women’s Club, area businesses and the City in tribute to the House the Depression Built.

The redevelopment of Union Park, once again a community effort, boosted the morale of the city and enhanced the revitalization of downtown and redevelopment of the waterfront.  This beautiful park, at the confluence of two rivers, attracts hundreds of people on a daily basis, is a place for community activities, parties, concerts, picnics, festivals, reunions and family gatherings.

Susan Moffat Thomas  

Executive Director 



Union Point Park - Present




Union Point Park Gazebo - Present




New promenade - After renovation




New promenade - after renovation




1990 Urban Design Plan Concept




Union Point Park - early 1990's



ARTWALK

Friday July 13, 5 – 9 p.m., another great evening in downtown New Bern

 

The Bank of the Arts presents Time Machine by installation artist Jan Horner. The kenetic objects range from rusty wheels to hanging pieces, many of natural materials, others man-made. The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m.. The exhibit runs through August 25. 317 Middle Street.

Michaele Rose Watson’s Studio, tucked away at 413B Broad Street will have numerous artists, performers, musicians, painters and sculptures in attendance, where art will be created and displayed 5–9 p.m.,  413B Broad Street.

Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery features new paintings by Sally Sutton, an artist recognized for the amount of color in her work and bold brush strokes and whose work is in many well-known collections. 317A Pollock Street. 

New Bern ArtWorks & Company. Meet artist Harriet Goode, whose figures in her paintings represent women she may know or strangers who hi-jacked her imagination. Located in Studio 323 at 323 Pollock Street. 

Other participating art venues.

   Bear Hands Art Factory & Framing, artwork by Shannon
   Semple- 213 219 Middle Street.
   The Next Chapter, Summer scenes by local artists, 320 South
   Front Street.
   New Bern Farmer’s Market, Artists, authors, live music, 412
   South Front Street.
   Caroline McGarth Newborn Photography, Newborn
   photography exhibit, 329 Middle Street.
   Beads-N-Bowls, 220 Craven Street.
   The Accidental Artist, 219A Craven Street.

Enjoy your evening...

Susan Moffat-Thomas
Executive Director 

A new home for "The Bear"

The huge wooden bear sculpture in front of Persimmons Restaurant has a new home. Created by artist Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran and other volunteers for the 2011 Craven Arts Festival in the Riverfront Convention Center last September, the sculpture has been in front of the restaurant since the show ended.  

 

Thanks to the City’s Public Works Department, “the Bear”  was relocated to the Ratio Theatre Company on 901 Pollock Street. Fortunately, the original plan to burn the sculpture at the end of the show fell by the wayside following many people’s reaction of ...oh, no, you can’t do that! Although it wasn’t built to endure the ravages of time, the Bear has held up well and has added color and interest to downtown New Bern.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

The Evolution of Union Point Park...New Bern Woman's Club, the house the Depression built

New Bern Woman's Club - Late 1930's

The property along the Neuse River in the city’s early history was the site of seafood and sawmill operations. By the early 1900’s, its decline as a port city led to the gradual  deterioration of the Neuse and Trent waterfront. By the early 1920’s Union Point  was used as a city dump. In 1931 the New Bern Women’s Club initiated a major project to convert the Union Point dump into a park and construct a Club House. Mayor Tolson and the Board of Aldermen approved the project provided it could be done without any cost to the city other than City labor, when it could be spared. With President Roosevelt’s announcement, municipalities could borrow P.W.A. funds with a local match of funds, the Woman’s Club Committee requested some of the relief-employed labor be diverted toward the park project.  "The large force of laborers began by leveling and grading the land. The Club women, knowing the men on the relief payroll had been on short rations for many months, opened a soup kitchen and prepared meals by collecting donations of food and money. They  also opened a distribution center for new and used clothing. Clothed and fed, when the men began to sing as they worked, the women knew their project was assured." 

New Bern Woman's Club - Late 1970's



*Summarized from a 1934 Woman’s Home Companion entitled 

  “The House the Depression Built”. 

When the building was completed, Mayor Tolson’s gift to the project was a lovely lily pool. The building and park became a rallying point that boosted the morale of the city and was the place community activities, parties, picnics and dances took place for many years.  

Newly constructed pavilion in Union Point Park - 1950's

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Cedric Boyd, Public Works Director, developed the park further with a pavilion the City employees constructed, a picnic area and boat ramps.  As the downtown deteriorated, the hurricanes and frequent flooding led to the deterioration of the park and Woman’s Club building. The concrete floor heaved and cracked and the building was closed for use in the early 1980’s as it was deemed unsafe.

Union Point Park - Late 1970's

In a future blog, I will relate the controversy and future plans for the park that led to the demise of the House the Depression built. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director