For more than 80 years, the 75-foot-tall community Christmas tree in Wilmington’s Hilton Park stood as a hallmark of holiday celebrations.
The Woman Behind the Lens
Bayard Wootten became the first woman in the North Carolina National Guard thanks to her innovative photography.
The Masked Publisher
Even when it wasn’t Halloween, the late founder of this magazine put the “trick” in trick or treat.
Our Green-Eyed Girl
In 1941, Smithfield native Ava Gardner’s mom told The State about a call with her daughter’s new boyfriend — American box-office star Mickey Rooney.
Trunk Show
When the circus came to Louisburg in the early ’50s — proudly showing off its performers in a caravan through town — the elephants reigned on the parade.
Cabbage Concoction
In 1985, a Harnett County couple invented a creative concoction of cabbage and New Coke that they dubbed “Mountain Caviar.”
Real Estate Regret
What’s not to love about living in a historic house once owned by a North Carolina governor? The squirrels and possums and snakes, of course.
Turbo Turtles
On June 15, 1940, a tiny turtle named Leopold lived up to his royal name by winning first place in Mount Airy’s Turtle Derby. The prize? Twenty dollars.
Make Believe
For generations, locals claimed that a young, unknown Walt Disney came to Asheville to live and work in 1924.
