Archive for Announcements

This Month in New Bern, September 2019

· September 1, 2019

This Month in New Bern - September

By Claudia Houston, New Bern Historical Society

Born in the month of September, a thirteen term U.S. Representative from New Bern left an immense economic legacy in eastern Carolina that lasts to this day. Who was this man and what did he do to benefit this area?

Graham Arthur Barden was born in Turkey Township, Sampson County, on September 26, 1896. He served in the Navy during WWI and in 1920 graduated with a law degree from the University of North Carolina. He established a law practice in New Bern the same year and also began to teach at the high school. He became the high school football coach and coached New Bern teams to finals in football, baseball, and basketball. His happy-go-lucky disposition earned him the nickname “Hap.” Barden was the football coach during 1922 when New Bern played in the eastern championship game in Raleigh. During the game a devastating fire soon dubbed the “Great Fire” had broken out in New Bern and the fans heard about it when a Raleigh newspaper “Extra" addition was distributed around the stadium. When the coach heard about the fire he sent someone out and bought every paper in the stadium so his team wouldn't hear about it. New Bern won the game 6-0 and anxiously headed home when the news was shared.

Barden soon became a Craven County Judge. He ran and served as a state legislator and in January of 1935 was elected to Congress as a Democrat, representing North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. He was incredibly popular and was elected and reelected with little or no campaigning on his part. He became an expert in education and labor and soon became the head of the powerful Education and Labor Committee for a decade. He helped to pass the Barden-LaFollette Act which made vocational training possible for all types of physically handicapped people and he also led the passage of the Taft-Hartley Act as well as the Landum-Griffin Act which were designed to control corruption in labor unions.

Barden was described in his day as an ultra-conservative. He distrusted bureaucracy in Washington, as well as inflation and corruption and did not want governmental intrusion in the everyday life of his constituents. While not all of his positions were universally popular, he was deeply admired for his devotion to the people and well-being of eastern North Carolina. His most enduring legacy was the acquisition during his tenure as congressman of three major military bases during the 1940’s: Cherry Point Marine Air Station in Havelock, Camp Lejeune Marine Base in Jacksonville, and Seymour Johnson Air Force base in Goldsboro. The eastern Carolina area had suffered huge economic losses in such areas as tobacco, textile and manufacturing. The acquisition of those military bases provided employment for thousands of eastern north Carolinians and a huge economic boon for the area. Thus, New Bernian Hap Barden’s legacy endures to this day.

Despite being begged by colleagues to remain in Congress, Graham Barden retired on January 3, 1961 and spent his remaining years with his family in New Bern, fishing on the Trent River. He died in 1967 and is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Categories : Announcements, Newsletter, This Month

This Month in New Bern, May 2019

Posted by NBHS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

· May 1, 2019

This Month in New Bern – May 2019

By Claudia Houston, New Bern Historical Society

In 1954 a young man quit his job as a truck driver and began singing professionally as “The Hillbilly Cat.” His first Sun studio recording “That’s All Right Mama” rose to the number three spot on the Country-and-Western-charts. Despite discouraging words from the Grand Ole Opry and rejection by New York City Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, he made a six-state tour in 1955 with Hank Snow’s Jamboree. He would appear with them in New Bern in May 1955. His name -Elvis Presley.

As part of the Hank Snow several state Jamboree tour, Elvis Presley played in Jacksonville, Florida on May 13, 1955. At the end of the performance in front of 14,000 people he said “Girls, I’ll see you backstage.” That started a full scale riot in response and fans chased Elvis into his dressing room tearing off his clothes and shoes. At each concert that Elvis appeared in, the audience chanted his name and requested more playing time.

On May 14, 1955 Elvis Presley appeared at the Shriner’s Auditorium at the corner of East Front and Broad Street in New Bern. He played third bill, behind Hank Snow and Slim Whitman and he played two sets, one at 7 pm and one at 9pm. Tickets were $1 for general admission, $1.25 for reserved seating and children were admitted for 50 cents. Some locals later met Elvis at William’s restaurant (now the Chelsea) where he ate lunch and signed autographs. Although several ladies who attended the concert stated he brought the house down, there were no riots in New Bern.

At the end of the Hank Snow Jamboree, Elvis returned to Memphis. He soon left Sun records and negotiated a contract with RCA that brought him stardom. His first single with RCA, “Heartbreak Hotel” became his first gold record.

Elvis had a unique style of music and performance all his own - a combination of country and gospel. He danced around on stage shaking his hips and many adults were shocked by his music and dancing. When he appeared on TV, he was asked not to dance or was filmed from the waist up. Elvis began to appear on TV shows such as the Milton Berle Show, the Ed Sullivan Show and the Steve Allen Show. In addition to making records and performing concerts, Elvis began to star in movies. His first movie was Love Me Tender in 1956. He also sang the title song from this movie which went number one. Over the next 15 years, he starred in over 30 movies including Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii, and Viva Las Vegas.

Elvis Presley was nominated for 14 Grammy awards, winning three times. He recorded forty top ten songs, including eighteen number one hits. He died of heart failure on August 16, 1977 largely due to increased weight and drug use and was buried at Graceland (the home he bought on the outskirts of Memphis, on March 17, 1955).

Elvis was one of the great musical icons of the 20^th Century and became known as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply the “The King.” And now you know, sixty-four years ago this month, the “The King” performed in New Bern.

Categories : Announcements, Events, This Month

This Month in New Bern, April 2019

Posted by NBHS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

· April 1, 2019

What Happened in New Bern during April New Bern Historical Society 2019 By Claudia Houston

Did you know that in April of 1791, George Washington, first President of the United States, visited and slept in New Bern?

In May of 1789 Washington decided that he would visit every state in the country. By the end of August 1790 he had been to all the northeastern states but delayed a trip to the southern states mainly because North Carolina had not yet ratified the U.S. Constitution. Once that occurred on 13 Nov. 1790, he began his plans for a Southern Tour to personally observe and meet the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and to determine the strength of the newly formed United States of America in those areas.

Washington’s one hundred day journey of one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven miles through the South began March 21, 1791. He left in a white coach from the then United States capitol at Philadelphia and reached Halifax, North Carolina on April 16, 1791. On the morning of April 20, the President was greeted on the outskirts of New Bern by a group of leading citizens who escorted him into town. It is believed that he stayed at the home of the late John Wright Stanly whose home was quite elegant, though empty. Legend has it that New Bernians opened it up and cleaned it and furnished it for the President.

The next day Washington walked around town and visited Christ Church, and the historic Cypress Tree at the end of Change Street. Washington had requested to see this spot under which Richard Dobbs Spaight, later Governor of North Carolina, had promised aid to Nathaniel Greene during the Revolution. Washington kept a diary during the Tour, and was “exceedingly” pleased with his reception in New Bern. The town received him with cannon fire, speeches, a grand dinner and a ball at Tryon Palace, and with great respect and admiration. That afternoon, Washington was feted at a public dinner and ball at Tryon Palace at which fifteen toasts were given. Washington left early as he was being honored at another ball at the home of Colonel Leech. The President, a lifelong Mason, received greetings from St. John’s Lodge No 2 and he responded to them on April 29, 1791. The communication was read to all the members and entered into the minutes of the Lodge.

On February 22, 1799, five years after Washington’s visit, his birthday was celebrated at Frilick’s Hotel in New Bern. It was the first such public honor of his birth and New Bernians celebrated it every year in grand fashion. Washington’s Birthday, after the President’s death, became a national holiday.

George Washington saw more of this country while in office than any other American president before the twentieth century. Hence the claim by many small towns and villages, “George Washington slept here.” But we know, in New Bern, he really did.

Categories : Announcements, Events, This Month

This Month in New Bern, March 2019

Posted by NBHS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

· March 1, 2019

What Happened in New Bern in March

By Claudia Houston, New Bern Historical Society

The Battle of New Bern took place on March 14, 1862. Of the many stories of the brave Union and Confederate soldiers who fought that day, one of the most interesting is that of 21-year-old student Frazar Stearns. Stearns was a member of the Amherst College Class of 1863, where his father, William Stearns, was the college president. William wanted his son to become a minister, but Frazar wanted to be a scientist and was especially interested in chemistry. Frazar’s professor of chemistry, 35-year-old William Smith Clark, became an officer in the 21^st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and encouraged many of his students to join. William Stearns initially denied approval for his son to enlist, but finally relented on the condition that Frazar join the 21^st Massachusetts and remain close to Professor Clark. Lt. Col. Clark was in command of the regiment and 1^st Lt. Stearns became his Adjutant.

On March 9, 1862, Frazar wrote his mother: “we are going to-morrow morning at daylight somewhere, - where, exactly, I don’t know…always remember that any hour or any moment may bring you news that I am killed or dangerously wounded…These are horrible times, when every man’s hand is against his neighbor. But I have hope. Let the North pray more…” It was his last letter.

Frazar Stearns was still recovering from injuries incurred at the Battle of Roanoke Island when the

From 1862 Memorial Biography Frazar Stearns

21^st Massachusetts along with other troops under the command of Maj. Gen Ambrose Burnside,

moved towards the town of New Bern. On March 12, the 675 members of the 21^st led their brigade and discovered abandoned fortifications. The 21^st Regiment was directly in front of the brickyard where the Confederates had artillery pieces. Ordered to take the position, the 21^st captured part of the brickyard but had to retreat. Clark then gave the order to “charge bayonets.” It was a bold move, and Clark received a promotion to Colonel because of it. But the 21^st Massachusetts was soon forced out of the brickyard by a Confederate brigade. Clark then heard the news. Frazar Stearns had been shot through the chest and was dead, along with eighteen others. Clark was inconsolable, and General Burnside ordered that the cannon that had been captured by the 21^st Massachusetts that day be given to the regiment. They voted to give the cannon to Amherst College in memory of Frazar Stearns.

Austin Dickinson, the brother of famous poet Emily Dickinson, was a close friend of Stearns and was

greatly affected by his loss. Stearns was eulogized, spoken of in state proclamations and honored with a large funeral. His father wrote a novel which included his beloved son’s letters and the eulogies given at his funeral. There was much shock and grief in the closely-knit town of Amherst, and while many others from the community died, the story of Frazar Stearns is still told and his memory honored. Ironically, the cannon that was donated in Frazar’s honor was on loan to the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh for several years. It was returned to Amherst in 2015 during the sesquicentennial of the Civil War’s End.

Categories : Announcements, Events, This Month

This Month in New Bern, December 2018

Posted by NBHS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

· December 1, 2018

What Happened in New Bern in December

Anyone who visits or lives in New Bern even for a short time, soon learns there is an active musical and theater community. The city abounds with talent, young and old alike. Beginning in the 1800’s, anyone who was anyone in musical theater, opera, and later, film appeared at the Masonic Theater on Hancock Street in New Bern. But in the 1930’s a long running musical tradition began in New Bern at that very stage.

On December 19, 1936 at 11 pm the Yuletide Revue, America’s oldest Christmas Charity show began. It became a tradition for years in New Bern and all the proceeds from the Revue were used to provide joy to underprivileged children during the holiday season. The Revue was held on the stage of the Masonic theater, America’s oldest operating theater, and it became the birthplace of what was to become America’s oldest Christmas charity show. The Revue, besides its charitable purpose, became a showcase and springboard for local talent to pursue national recognition and stardom.

In a newspaper account published in the New Bern Mirror, December 19, 1958, it was reported that the “Yuletide Revue is a traditional part of New Bern’s Christmas because the citizens here have made it so.” For many years the Revue was held at the Masonic Theater, but in later years it became a tradition to hold it at New Bern High School. Many performers who went on to fame had their start at the Yuletide Revue. Mickey Gunnerson, a Wilmington native raised in New Bern, had her debut as a dancer at the Revue when she was four years old. She later attended the University of North Carolina where she studied dance. In 1952 she moved to New York City, continued to study and was featured in seventeen shows on Broadway, including “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying”, and “Sweet Charity”. She was also in revivals of the “Pajama Game”, “My Fair Lady” and “Brigadoon”. Mickey was known for her talent, professionalism and reliability.

Another featured performer who got her start at the Yuletide Revue was Kathy Young. Kathy, a native of Greenville, first appeared in the Revue as a tap dancer at the age of two, but eventually went to Hollywood and signed with Paramount pictures as a starlet. She appeared in movies with Bing Crosby and Cary Grant, including “Christmas Holiday.” She later became a photographer’s model and appeared on many magazine covers.

There were many other people who did not appear on stage, but were important contributors to the Revue. O.A. Kafer was Manager of the Masonic theater and donated its use in the early days. George Fuller provided the use of pianos and organs for free. And who was the originator of the Revue? It turns out it was J. Gasgill McDaniel, Editor of the New Bern Mirror who produced, staged and directed the Revue every year, and even purchased his own ticket. When questioned as to why he did this, McDaniel replied, “The least I can do is remember the unremembered.” McDaniel came from a family of ten, who “Santa never forgot.” Since its inception, the New Bern Yuletide Revue provided gifts for over 5,000 children.

Categories : Announcements, This Month

Summer Hours

Posted by Mickey

· June 22, 2012

Summer is here, and the New Bern Historical Society Office will be operating on a reduced schedule for the months of July and August. We will be open to the public between the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm Monday through Thursday during July and August. In addition we are closed for the Fourth of July holiday on July 4-5.

The New Bern Historical Society staff and Board of Directors hopes that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer!

Categories : Announcements