Can you believe the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society was TWENTY ONE years old as of March, 2015? Here are a few highlights from the Society’s early history.
The 1990’s
∞ October 21, 22, 23, 1994: – First fundraiser “Ocean Plaza Ballroom Blast” Featuring Chicken Hicks
∞ June 22, 1994: – First Speaker, Catherine Bishir of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Historic Preservation Section
∞ Fall 1994: – First Newsletter, editor Sandy Jackson
∞ December 1994 – October 1995: – First Preservation Campaign – Protection and preservation of the historic plantation ruins of Sedgeley Abbey
∞ March 1995: – Lighthouse logo, created by Martin Pebbles, was adopted
∞ Spring 1995: – Agreement with Town of Carolina Beach for the construction of the Beauregard Shipwreck Overlook
∞ April 1995: – Bingo fundraiser
∞ April 1995: – Ocean Plaza and Joy Lee Apartments nominated to the National Register of Historic Places
∞ July 1995: – Fort Fisher Revetment Project, advocacy, support, and ground breaking
∞ October 20-22, 1995: – Second Annual Ocean Plaza Reunion
∞ March, 1996: – Received $10,000 grant from North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources for compiling an inventory of known historic sites and cartographic inventory of Federal Point, directed by Sandy Jackson
∞ May 26th, 1996: – Hosted a celebration marking the 50th Anniversary of the Ocean Plaza Building. Wilmington Concert Band performed, followed by a fashion show in keeping with the original opening in 1946
∞ August 18, 1996: – Participated in Belk “Preservation Celebration” fundraiser
∞ June 22, 1997: – Oakdale Cemetery guided tour by E. F. “Gene” Risley Jr.
∞ October 18, 1997: – Barbeque fundraiser
∞ November 15, 1997: – Traditional Holiday Decorating Workshop, hosted by Fort Fisher State Historic Site, with demonstrations by staff members of Tryon Palace
∞ February, 1998: – First Cookbook
∞ February, 1999: – Entered into a lease with the Town of Carolina Beach for Gazebo structure to be converted into the Federal Point History Center
∞ March 1998: – Published Monuments & Markers of Federal Point, North Carolina compiled by Sandy Jackson
∞ May, 1998: – Fundraiser: Raffle of framed art print of the Federal Point Lighthouse by Kay Robbins
∞ Summer, 1998: – Entered into an agreement with MOTSU to maintain, prepare signage and protect the Newton Homesite and Graveyard. Work began with construction of a wooden fence
∞ February, 1998: – House Plaque Committee was formed and drafted guidelines for plaguing historic buildings
∞ September, 1998: – the first historic plaques were awarded to the Loughlin Cottage, Burnett Beach Cottage, and Ocean Plaza Ballroom, all over 50 years old and of significance to the community
∞ December 5, 1998: – “Down East” Barbecue fundraiser
∞ April 1999: – Sugar Loaf Battle marker moved from Dow Rd. to Federal Point History Center
∞ May 23, 1999: – First fundraising Cruise – Aboard Pirate IV
∞ June 27, 1999: – Commemorative Ceremony held celebrating the listing of Newton Homesite and Graveyard in the National Register of Historic Places
∞ October 22, 1999: – Ground breaking for renovation of the Gazebo structure to become the Federal Point History Center
∞ View a Slideshow of the May, 2000 Grand Opening of the History Center.