Colonial New Bern ; New Bern of today. F 264 .N5 C64 1910 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/colonialnewbernn01unse PAMPHLET COLLECTIO>r ^ ^{jKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, N. C. Rec'd. NEW BERN NORTH CAR0L1NA= .•- Founded by De Graffenried in 1 7 1 0 -.' COLONIAL NEW BERN NEW BERN OF TODAY Printed and For Sale by Owen G. Dunn New Bern, N. C. '^m l^rn, NortI| glaraltna •ffinrUtilUl new BERIV, ^^UU a :)oi;ulatiou ot ICOOO inliabituuts, lying at tlie juncture ot two beautiful, deep rivers, the Neuse, 1 1-4 miles and the Trent, 1-2 mile wide, a peninsular in sUiipe, is tlie center o£ tlie great Cotton. Lumber and Agricultural belt of the South Atlantic Seaboard. Its unlimited railroad and deep water facilities, the new Inland Waterway (12 feet deep) passing through the harbor, and railroads running into tlie City across both rivers and from tiie iiilscnd in various directions, with ample sites for mauufacturiBg industries, utilizing the i*aw niateri:tl found here iu great abundsince, msike this one of the most desirable Cities in whicli to locate, in the entire country. By an Act of Congress, approved March 3rd, 1909, au cxamiuatiou of the Neuse and Trent Rivers from the Inland Waterway (now being conslruited by the National Government) has been made, with the view of providing a clianuel to eontoriu with the depth of the waterway, giving New Bern deeper water outlets both to the ocean, at Beaufort, and to the North through the Inland Water- way, stt Norfolk, which will afford entry to New Bern of heavier draught steamers and vessels, both foreign and domestic, greatly increasing the present tremendous traliic on these two rivers, at Xew Bern, and work on these important iniprovensents will begin at onee. There is d.etiiring agricsiltural impiemeuts, boxes, barrels and baskets, carriages. boSlers and mnchinery, etc. Also the Norfolk Soiitliei ii Bailsvay CompJiny's Sltoits and the Pepsi-Cola Plant, all of which employ many !ve«iple. Tliere are electric light siud gas plants, for ligliting, power and fuel; three Icinks, one Nittional and two State, each with savings de;tartment, conducted on conservative, yet liberal basis, and two Building & Loitn Associations, which have furnished over 500 homes. 3IUllU''>trir'l WctUtril *" unlimited supply of cotton and lumber, as pine, asb, poplar, gum. cypress, oak, etc.. we are able ^'^llUH* *" materials for hosiery, cotton, yarn and knitting mills, furniture, sash, door and blind fac- ^ * tories. :ind wood working plants for the manufacture of wiigons, carriages, novelties, hames, wheelbarrows, trucks, trunks, boxes, laths, etc. Also tanneries and trunk and leather goods factories are wanted here. Tliere is ao lisbor problem here — both skilled and unskilled labor is plentiful and wages are moderate ^ ^UrtritltUrill Nowhere in the United States may be found so varied a production of crops as here, wliere fertility of soil 3^-^^JI-{|J^iJj(>|- admits of 3 or 4 cr«;ss being grown on same laud in a season. Everything required is grown, and crops are ' ctiltiv:;ted every month of the year. Alfstfa grows luxuriantly, yielding 5 or (J cuts annually, at great profit and little expense. Here agriculture is a science and the possibilities are limited only to man's capacity to cultivate and harvest nature's bountiful production. Cr.ttle, mules, horses, hogs, sheep and poultry of all kinds are raised with ease an«l sold right here at good profit. (£linttltr CUmatic conditions arc unsurpassed. A happy medium between the blizzard beaten, and drouth scorched Worth, West and Northwest and the enervating climate of the far South. Winters are short and mild. pr;ictiea!ly no snow, (there having i>een no snow for three (3) winU-rs pjist). being temjiered by the is- cop:!li!;ns. Roman Catholics. Hebrews and Christian Scientists all have their houses of worship, three of which, the Methodist, Hebrew and Christian Science, are new and modern structures. There is an excellent public school system from the prin«ary to high school, preparing for the various colleges in the State. Also a modern and well appointed Hospital. Three modern hotels, with numerous high-class private bearding houses afford ample accommodation for tourists looking for mild and healtliful climate. A continuous stretch of inland ivater of over 100 miles affording delightftil motor and sail boating, yachting, fishing and hunting. One of the best equipped fire departments in the country. Two steamers, four (4) roller-bearing horse hose carriages and one hook nii.^- ladder truck. For fnr'.hyr informafion address N,c- URING the summer of 1710 settlers from Switzerland and Germany, selecting a pleasant site at the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers, in the Province of Carolina, laid the foundation of a town which they called New Berne. Dur- ing- the smnmer of 1910 the descendants of those pioneers, mindful of the in- umnerable blessings that liave flowed from that act upon themselves and their country, purposes to commemorate its two hundredth anniversary in a manner worthy of that event. They may well do so, for few communities in the new world have had fl more interesting history; and certainly no city in North Carolina has more reason to point with pride to its past achievements and to its future promise. New Bern was the second town in North Carolina. Its founders were a small party of Swiss from the province of Berne, and a larger body of German Protestants from the Pala- tinate on the Rhine. The Palatines sailed from England, where they had gone to seek refuge 01d<'St House iu Craveu County, »w Bern, >. < P /7 Z^o from relii>ious })ei'seeution in their own conutry, in January, 1710, After a terrible voyage o? thirteen weeks, during which half of their nuni ber died, they landed in Virginia, and thence marched overland to the place selected for their settlement by the surveyor general of the pro- vince, "on a tongue of land between the 'News' and Trent rivers, called Chattawka, where af- terwards was founded the small city of New Berne." In September, 1710, they were joined by the leader of the colony. Baron de Graffenri ed, with his Bernese Swiss. De Graffenried found the Germans in a most pitiable situation, they having been forced "to sell nearly all their clothes and movables to the neighboring inhabitants, in order to sustain their life." He set to work vigorously to relieve their wants, and in a short time had the colony on its feet on the road to prosperity. But before the "townlet of New Berne," as De Graffenried called it, was a year old, the greatest Indian war in the history of North Carolina broke out and all the Neuse section was swept by a whirlwind of murder and pillage. It was while the savages were secretly preparing for this war that De Gratfenried and the surveyor, John Lawson, set out up the Neuse on an exploring exi^edition. They were promptly captured and carried before the council of the red men for trial. De Graffenried, by a clever ruse succeeded in effecting his escape, but Lawson was condemned and executed. Tradition affirms that his body was stuck lull of fat light- wood splinters and then burned; but De Graffenried in his account of their adventure says: "In the meanwhile, they executed the unfortunate Lawson; as to his death, I know nothing certain. Some Indians told me that he was threatened to have his throat cut with the razor which was found in his pocket; but some said he was hung, some said he was burnt. The Indians kept that execution very secret. God have mercy upon the poor soul." The Indian war reduced the little colony to a pitiful condition. Their number, too, was greatly de- creased, only "forty men able to fight and a crowd of women and children" being left. Fi- nally through the generous aid of South Carolina after three years of fighting, the Indians were beaten and their power crushed forever. While this war was in progress De Graff' enried returned to Europe, leaving his country- men and the Germans to struggle along alone as best they could. Fortunately the colony sur- vived the dark days of the war, and during the next decade maintained a brave struggle for existence. Their eff'orts were at last crowned with success. The year 1723 marked an epoch in the history of the "townlet" on the Neuse. In that year New Bern was laid off into streets and lots, and the town started on its career of progress. The Indians having been driven out of the country, white settlers poured in, and New Bern became the center of a thickly popu- lated section. Another body of Swiss-German immigrants joined their b-rethren in the year 1732, taking up lands in what are now Jones and Cnslow counties. Trade and ccmmerce be- gan to flourish. About this time the German and Swiss settlers began to anglicise their names. Mohr became Moor, Elbach became Eybock or Hypoek, Grum became Croom, Eisler became Esler or Isler, Mueller became Miller, Coxedaile beaame Cogdell. The history of the settlement from now on is a story of continuous progress. A bare men- tion of many important events is all that can be given here, but that is sufficient to substatiate this statement. In March, 1738, New Bern had become of sufficient importance for the sessions of the General Assembly of the Province to be held there. In 1739 the great evangelist, Geo. Whitfield, preached in New Berne. In 1740 the Palatines and Baptists petitioned for permis- sion to erect churches there. During the same year the assembly passed an act for the erction of an Episcopal church, reciting the fact that the vestry had already made 100,000 bricks to be used for that purpose. In 1741 the county of Craven was erected into Christ Church Par- ish. In 1749, James Davis came to New Bern, and set up the first printing press in North Carolina. In 1752 he issued from his press the first book printed in the colony, a volume of the provincial laws, bound in yellow leather, and hence called the "Yellow Jacket." On June 1, 1764, he issued the first number of the first newspaper in the colony called "The North Carolina Magazine, or Universal Intelligencer." During the same year the assembly passed 4 a law establishing a school in New Bern, which two years later was incorporated and thns became the first school ever incorporated in the State. It was the New Bern Academy, from which many of the State's most eminent citizens were graduated, among them being William Gaston, George E. Badger, John Stanly, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Francis L. Hawks. By this time New Berne had become the largest town in the Province, the center of culture and of education, the capital and political center as well as the chief port. On January 9, 1767, was begun at New Berne the famous Try on 's Palace, for which that popular colonial governor has in recent years l)een so undeservedly abused. The total sum voted for its construction amounted in our money, to about $75,000. The l)ui]ding was ])lanned l)y John Hawks, a Moor from the Island of Malta. It was completed in Octolier, 1779. At that time it was generally regarded as the handsomest building in America. It contained the executive offices, halls for the academy and was the residence of the governor. The "Palace" is thus described in Morse's Geography (1789): "The palace was erected by the province before the Revolution, and was formerly the residence of the governors. It is large and elegant, two stories high, with two wings for offices, a little advanced in front to- Tijoii I'aliice, >ew IJern, >. ('., part of ivliich is uoiv standing. wards the town; these wings are C(..nnected with the i^rincipal building by a circular arcade. It is much out of repair; and the only use to which this once handsome and well furnished building is now applied is for schools. One of the halls is used for a school and another for a dancing room. The arms of Great Britain still appear on a pediment in front of the building. ' ' In 1798 a negro woman carried a lightwood torch into the cellar, filled with wood and hay. There is scarcely any need to tell the rest of the story. Yet it may be said that one of the wings escaped the flames and is still in use as a residence. Much abuse has been heaped upon the head of Governor Tryon for his part in the erection of this building; but in fact it was a wise act, and the criticism if any is to lie employed, should be aimed at those whose carelessness per- mitted fill's historic structure to lie destroyed. New Bern, in spite of its being the home of the royal governor, was early lo the front in 5 the "common cause" at the outbreak of the Revolution. In the persons of Alexander Gaston (father of William Gaston), Kichard Cogdell, Abner Nash, Joseph Leech, James Coor, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and others the town furnished many of the foremost among the patriot leaders of that struggle. It was at New Berne that the lirst Congress of North Carolina, independent of the royal authority, met, August 25, 1775. This Congress gave expression to the American position on the issue in dispute with the mother country in a series of spirited and clear-cut res- olutions; declared for a Continental Congress, and elected William Hooper, Joseph Hewes and Richard Caswell delegates. It was at New Bern, too, on April 3, 1775, that the second Pro- vincial Congress met, and on April 4, 1775, that the last assembly called by the royal author- ity convened. After a stormy session of five days. Governor Martin, on April 8, 1775, issued his proclamation dissolving the assembly, thus I ringing British rule in North Carolina to an end forever. A few days later, the New Berne committee of safety, under the leadership of Abner Nash, whom Governor Martin denounced as "the oracle of the committee and a prin- cipal promoter of sedition," surrounded the "palace", drove the royal governor out and took possession. The next governor to occupy the "palace" was Richard Caswell, the first gov- ernor of the independent State of North Carolina, who took the oath of office at the "palace" in New Berne, January 16, 1777. The first assembly of the State, after the Declaration of Independence, met in New Berne, April 7, 1777. Thus within a year's time. New Bern saw the downfall of the royal government and the establishment of the government of the independent J EpiscoiKil ( Imrcli, >ew Hern, X. ('., SlKnuiis' Old Oak Tree iindfr wlik-li Geo. W.isliiiigtoii stood. State of North Carolina. To the overthrow of the former and to the maintenance of the latter New Berne has contributed her full share for which she well deserves the gratitude of the State. How well this historic city has served the State may l)e Judged from a mere enumeration of the public men she has contributed. Such enumeration is not always an evidence of the highest and best service, and it does not by any means follow that all of those na.ines are here given deserve to be ranked among the jewels of the commonwealth. It is not too much to say, however, that there is no community in America whose annals would not be enriched if it could add to its list of distinguished citizens the names of William Gaston, Abner Nash, Geo. E. Badger, John II. Bryan, Jolm Stanly, Matthias E. Manly, and some others to be hereafter mentioned. New Berne has given to the State three of her governors, Abner Nash, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Sr., and Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr. In the list of North Carolina's jurists must appear the following whom New Berne has 6 contributed to the bench of the State: William Graston, George E. Badger, Edward Harriss, John R. Donnell, Matthias E. Manly, Owen H. Guion, W. L. Clarke and David L. Ward. To the Continental Congress New Bern sent Abner Nash, William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Sr., and John Sitgreaves. To the Congress of the United States she has been repre- sented in the Senate in the persons of George E. Badger and Furnifold M. Simmons; while to the House of Representatives she has sent the following: Richard Dobbs Spaight, Sr., John Stanly, William Blackledge, William Gaston, John H. Bryan, Charles Shepard, William H. Washington, Richard S. Donnell, David Heat on, Charles R. Thomas, Sr., Orlando Hubbs, Charles R. Thomas, Jr., William B. Shepard and Edward Stanly. The following of New Bern's sons have presided over the Senate and House of Representatives of North Carolina: Abner Nash, James Coor, William Blount, Richard Do))bs Spaight, Sr., John Sitgreaves, William Gaston, John Stanly, Richard S. Donnell, and Owen H. Guion. In 1873 Stephen F. Miller, author of the well known "Bench and Bar of Georgia," who passed his early years in New Berne, wrote his "Recollections of New Bern Fifty Years Ago" in which he portrays many of New Berne 's mo st eminent citizens of that time. Oi John Stanly he says: Uesidenoe of James A. Bryan,, foriiieilj Residence of Jolm Stanlj. "John Stanly was foremost (among the lawyers) in age and natural gifts. His voice was strong, clear and musical, and his manner peculiarly graceful and dignified. In repartee and sarcasm I never saw his equal. His efforts in that line were absolutely withering. The composure of no suitor, witness or rival advocate could survive his pungent criticism. Ever bold and fearless, he at once rose to the breadth of the occasion, always wielding a polished cimitter with the energy of a giant and the sk ill of an artist. ' ' Probably no one will be found to contradict the statement that of all her eminent citizens. New" Bern is proudest of her Gaston. Of him Miller says: "William Gaston was an orna- ment of the Bar, of Congress, of the State Legislature, and of the Bench of the Supreme Court, in all of which positions the ascendancy of his virtues, intellect and learning was acknowl- 7 edged. * * * It was my privilege to hear Mr. Gastoii frequently in court, wrestling with his great professional rival, Mr. Stanly, in all that constitutes and tries the strength of character. I have heard no ett'orts since equal in ability, logic and eloquence. My youthful imagination was completely dozed, and now, in my sixty-eighth year, I recall those scenes as the greatest forensic triumphs I ever witnessed. He was diffident and when he first rose to ad- dress the court or jury, he trembled perceptibly, but in a few moments he was self-possessed, and commanded profound attention. He was uniformly respectful to the suitor and witnesses, to the Court and to his brethren of the bar. When he closed a speech, the whole subject- matter, both evidence and law had been exhausted by analysis and the mind rested with perfect confidence in the conclusions uttered. There was no touch of sophistry to mislead, and no mys- terious phrase or look to bewilder the jury. All was luminous as a sunbeam. His face ex- pressed the benignity of soul which animated his whole life." Standing by the tomb of Gas- ton in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Berne, his former friend and correspondent, the distin- guished Edward Everett, raising liis hat, said: "This eminent man had few equals and no superiors. ' ' Of Francis L. Hawks, eminent as lawyer, theologian, and historian. Miller says: "His voice was the richest imaginable, his language copious and beautiful, his manner very impres- sive. I was fond of hearing him in argument opposed to the veterans Stanly and Gaston, and my feelings were always on the nide of young prodigy, as I considered Mr. Hawks. * * * Not only was Dr. Hawks one of the most eloquent speakers in America, but he was also chaste and voluminous author. He was eminent in letters as well as in oratory. He was th6 best reader I ever heard. Even a dry statute was intresting under the music of his voice. His gifts and labors considered together, the ancient town of New Berne has never produced another son of such literary accomplishments to adorn the age of her Gaston and Stanlys. When once remonstrated with by a parishioner, who, (unwilling to resign his rector to a more lucrative field to which he had just been invited ) reminded him that the ' ' young ravens would be fed"; "Ah, yes," replied the reverend gentleman, "but unfortunately there is no such promise for the young Hawks. ' ' Mr. Miller's recollection of John H. Bryan is that he was very logical and earnest as a speaker. * * "I have not seen Mr. Bryan within the last forty-nine years," he says, "but I have a distinct recollection of his ample forehead, his intelligent face and courteous manner. ' ' Judge John E. Donnell, he says, was a man of strict integrity, as well as a kind, considerate, generous neighbor. Many other great historic events and many other eminent historic personages connected with the history of New Berne might be mentioned with both interest and profit, but the scope of this article forbids. There is left now for but one other incident in her history which after the lapse of nearly two centuries brought her again in close contact with the parent city among the Alps. In the year 1891 the city of Berne celebrated the seven hundredth anniversary of her foun- dation. By special invitation from the city authorities the city of New Berne sent her mayor to represent her on that occasion. Three years later the city council of New Berne adopted the armorial bearins and colors of the parent city, and in 1896 the Council of Bughesses of the city of Berne presented to her offspring the famous banner of Berne, ' ' displaying the arms of our city and the date, 1891, in remembrance of the celebration of that memorable anniver- sary and of the birth of friendly relations between the two cities on this occasion," In pre- senting this banner to the mayor and city council of New Berne, February 27, 1896, the Swiss minister to the United States, after quoting a paragraph from Washington's farewell mes- sage, exclaimed: "Noble old city beyond the sea, surrounded by Jura and the Alps! Thou returnest in handing over thy glorious banner the greetings which thy daugliter brought to thee on the 8 seven Imndredtli hirthday and the homage slie rendered to thee in assnming' thy color and symboL "Noble city, thou mayst be trustful: Thy banner is well kept and well preserved in the country where Washington's noble words are still living — words which are in harmony with thy endeavors. "Citizens of New Bern: When the Bernese, Christopher de Graff euried, founded your city, it was standing here as a dangerous outpost of civilization at a time when savages still held possession of the country. Your ancestors contributed to make this beautiful and great country habitable, and then free. You will be loyal to this banner if you, mindful of its and your origin, shall keep awake the love of liberty and justice which is common to the cities of Ertach and Haller, to the country of Tell and Pestalozzi, as well as to the country which Washington founded and which Lincoln ennobled and preserved. "Mr. Mayor, citizens of New Bern: Let this banner fly under the shadow of the star spangled banner: both lead to the peaceful struggle for the welfare of mankind " 9 Resideuce of Mr. E» K. Bishop,. JVew Kern,, N. C. MEW BSMlf O'F T'O'DMY INTER and Summer, the whole year round, New Bern and its vicinity possess Wfor the stranger attractions hardly known in any other part of the country. The climate is delightful, with the breezes from Pamlico Sound to temper its Summer and from the Grulf Stream to moderate the Winter, all out-door exer- ' cises can be constantly engaged in for the entire year. New Bern is a good place to live in, and a good place in which to make a living — the opportunity to make money and also to enjoy it are both here. New Bern is destined to become a favorite Southern Winter resort. Health and pleasure seekers will find hunting and fish- ing excellent. It is an ideal field for the gunner, angler and yachtsman. The growth and development of New Bern has been steady and satisfactory. True, she owes her prosperity, in large meas- ure, to the natural position she occupied, locat ed at the junction of the Neuse and Trent Riv- ers, and today the City founded by DeGraffenried contains a population of over 16,000 souls STEADY GROWTH On every side may he witnessed evidences of steady growth and progress. The town no Elks Tlant is similar to the 12 Itt >si(l< iii e ot ->lr. W. B. Blades, New Beru, ^. C. llesidence <»f Mr. E. H. Meadows, ?iew Beru^ N. €. Porter-Brown Chemical Company, here, wliich also manufactures and ships this product to all points in the State, as well as supplymg the requirements of the local demand. The marl which enters into the manufacture of this lime and is found in large quantities along the Neuse and Trent rivers just above New Bern, is composed of decomposed sea shells, bones and other alluvial or flood deposits and is rich in lime value, being used largely among farmers and truck gardeners to relieve the sourness in the soil, as well as for fertilizing pur- poses. Thus it will be seen that two characters of agricultural lime are being made from two varieties of raw material at New Bern. Industries and Articles Manufactured In addition to the industries mentioned in a preceding paragraph, there are located in New Bern a number of plants engaged in the m anufacture of various articles, the principal ones being lumber, fertilizers, lime cotton seed meal and oil, agricultural implements, liarrels, crates, boxes, buggies, ice, cereals, m^edicines, machinery structural iron and steel and soft drinks — Pepsi-Cola, the soft drink that is making New Bern famous. L ■ - -J Plant and OtKces of the Pepsi-Cola (dnipanj. .\t>v IWrn, (. NEW RAILROAD SHOPS Under the head of new industries may pro[Kn'ly be classed the new shops of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company, which are to be built to replace the shops l)urned here some months ago. These shops will be large and equipped with improved and modern machinery, affording employment to a large force of mechanics and other workmen, which will greatly increase the city's wage income. The Chamber of Commerce has reliable information that other large plants are to soon locate at New Bern, and is now negotiating with others, with the view of having them settle here also. 15 FERTILIZERS The mannfacture of commercial fertilizers is one of New Bern's leading industries. There are a number of plants engaged in the manufacture of fertilizers at New Bern, among which are the New Bern Cotton Oil & Fertilizer Mills, E. H. & J. A. Meadows, Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company, Craven Chemical Company, and D. B. Martin & Company, while the Pokomoke Guano Company and Baugh & Company, of Norfolk, maintain agencies with com- modious warehouses here. A number of the above fertilizer mills have either enlarged their ])hants quite recently or have under consideration doing so in the near future. There are manufactured at New Bern during the year about 75,000 tons of commercial fertilizers, and about 25,000 tons are shipped in from Norfolk and elsewhere, making a total of about 100,000 tons of commercial fertilizers that are shipped from New Bern during the season, l>y rail and water to various ]ioints in the State, with a valuation of about $'2,000,000. AGRICULTURE Farming is a very important industry around New Bern. The land is fertile and is capable of growing several crops on the same land in one season. Crops grow and the land may be cultivated throughout the whole year. Every thing required may be grown with good profit. Alfafa has become a valuable staple crop, is easily cultivated and earns $G0 to $75 per acre a season, yielding five or six tons which is readily sold for $15.00 a ton in the city. Native grass which make nutritious hay, follow any crop. Alfafa, (iioiMi at New Bern, N. C, sowed Septenilier imi, cut four times in V,m, .yielding oyer four tons to the acre. Sold in Neyv Bern at $1.5.00 per ton. The staple crops are cotton, corn, oats, cow peas, sweet and Irish potatoes, clovers, water- melons, peanuts, savoy lieans, rutal)agas, turnips, etc., while a considerable acreage in truck 16 is cultivated for shipment to the North, and for the home trade. Berries and fruit are also profitably grown. Cattle, mules, horses, hogs, sheep and poultry of all kinds, such as fowls, ducks, geese, turkeys, etc., are raised and do well here, for which there is a good and profitable demand. South Downs in Oak Grove, near Xew IJern, >. ( . RESOURCES AND ADVANTAGES After all, a community is rich only in }!ro portion to the value of its resources, and we claim that few places anywhere enjoy more valnal)le resources and natural advantages than are found around New Bern. We will place before our readers, the resources of our section, as briefh' as possible, in the following paragraphs and would invite your careful attention thereto: The leading resources found at New Bern are lumber, fish and oysters, agriculture, un- surpassed water facilities and good j-ailroad service. TIMBER AND LUMBER Not many years back, when North Carolina pine, now known all over the world — had little commercial value, it was a common sight to see long rafts of magnificent virgin pine timber being brought to the city and going begging at from $1 to $3 per 1,000 feet, only one mill was in operation at the time and as there was practically no demand for North Carolina pine in the North, our pioneer mill, which was owned and operated by the late Samuel Radclitf, en- joyed the pick of the finest pine timber through which a saw was ever run. Our people up to this time had disdained using anything except the very best grades of heart timber for building purposes, which was plentiful around New Bern and almost as cheap as dirt. Our farmers who owned thonsands of acres of virgin pine forests considered themselves 17 Hiirvestiiig oats in June tliat were sowed in January, at New Bern, N. C. land iioor, and destroyed millions of feet of valuable timber in opening up their forests for the plough. They little dreamed that in a few years their land with its virgin growth of val- uable pine, which at that time could scarcely be given away, would, as if by magic, raise them from dire poverty to great wealth. Even when i^rosperity loomed up before them, they were powerless and without means and in many cases disposed of their valuable holdings for mere pittances. The advent of the Northern capitalists into New Bern and the construction of modern mills however, were the prime factors in creating values in our timber forests and had it not been for these developments, the community could not be what it is today, nor would we have had the benefit of the Northern mill men's presence and capital, many of whom are still with us or are represented by descendants. Contrasting the conditions found in New Bern today, witli those of a cjuarter century ago, marked changes have been wrought and the place is steadily and surely forging ahead. There are today nearly a score of lumber mills busily engaged in the manufacture of the now famous North Carolina pine, in the New Bern section, some of which are the most mod- ern and best equipped in the South. These mills work about 5,000 employes at the mills and in the woods, having an annual capacity of about 175,000,000 feet. There were shipped from the New Bern mills during 1909, 11-1,992,688 feet of North Car- olina pine, with a valuation of about $2,000,000. New Bern is now the largest lumber produc- ing point in North Carolina, and exceeded the next largest shipping point for the same period by over 25,000,000 feet, or $388,432.31 in value. Banking Institutions the Backbone of a Community Among the i)anking institutions of the city optimism }»revails, and all signs of the 1907- 09 financial de]U'ession are l)ut memories of the past. We do not know of any town in the 18 state whose banking houses look after the interests of their depositors more consideratelv and liberally than do the New Bern banks. The National Bank of New Berne and the New Bern Banking & Trust Company, both strong, sound and reliable, have served the public long and faithfully and enjoy absolutely the confidence of the whole community and a very large patronage. The P&oples Bank, which opened its doors to the New Bern public in October, 1907, has had a phenomenal growth, having more than doubled its deposits each year of its existence. This bank is also well managed and likewise enjoys the confidence of the entire community. All of the New Bern banks maintain savings departments which share in full measure the success of the parent institution. Well conducted banking houses are one of the greatest assets a growing community could possess and the Chamber of Commerce heartily commends the New Bern banks to all who contemplate locating in our city and may desire to open an account in a reliable banking- institution. WATER FACILITIES New Bern enjoys excellent water facilities and is an inland port of consideral)le impor- tance. Being situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Neuse 1 1-4 miles, and the Trent, 1-2 mile wide, ample facilities for increased water traffic and commerce are afforded. Excellent docking and shipping facilities are found on both sides of the rivers. New Bern is only 20 miles from the Adams Creek-Beaufort ship canal, which will when completed in the early Fall, give a 12 foot channel at high water and 10 foot at lower water from the Neuse river to the Atlantic, affording direct intercourse between New Bern and the outside world by large vessels and steamers. »Hse Hirer at >ew Bern, C. 19 FISH AND OYSTERS The fish and oyster market of New Bern is known far and wide. Few places on the Atlantic coast otfer a greater variety of fish and oysters than does New Bern, where nearly all varieties of fish are handled in season, throughout the entire year, while oysters of ex- cellent quality are to be had in great abundance eight months of the year. The run of fish for the past year in the waters of Eastern North Carolina have been unusually heavy and the volume of business in this line at New Bern this year exceeded that of the previous year by a very considerable amount. There are a nmnber of firms in the city who pack and ship fish and oysters to all parts of the country. HUNTING AND FISHING TJie hunting around New Bern during the winter season is very fine. Ducks, geese, deer, bears, foxes and (juail are plentiful and alford sportsmen much pleasure. Fishing during the Spring and Summer months in the waters around New Bern is very good and all who are fond of the sport may ])e assured a good time. INLAND WATERWAY This canal is the first link to l;e constructed, of the great intra-costral waterway, which will ultimately connect the New England and Florida coasts. The appropriation granted by Oongress for the construction of this ship canal was $550,000, and after it is completed, the traffic and shipping passing through the same is expected to be sufficiently heavy to justify fui'ther improvements and a greater depth must of necessity follow. It v/ill readily be seen that these improvements will greatly increase New Bern's pres- tige as an important commercial point and with her excellent water and railroad facilities she is destined to become one of the greatest places in the State. RAILROADS - New Bern forms the hub of the wheel of railroads that diverge in five directions. North, East, South and West, placing the city in touch with the outside world and within a few hours of the leading cities of the country, only one hour to the Atlantic ocean, a few hours to AVilminjvton and Raleigh; twelve hours to Charleston; six hours to Norfolk; ten hours to liiehmond and twenty hours to New York, with double daily passenger trains in all direc- tions. Both the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company and the Atlantic Coast Line are alive to the importance of New Bern as a valuable shipping point, and many very decided Im- provements are expected to eventuate in the near future in connection with these lines. IMPROVEMENTS Street improvements have held the attention of the New Bern public for the past year and a half, and in three elections during that period our citizens have shown their public spiritness hj voting for bonds as a means of raising money sufficient to carry on the improve- ments, until' we dare say — few towns in the State the size of New Bern can show better streets and sidewalks. HOTELS New Bern is well equipped in the way of good hotels. The Gaston, one of the best in the State, is modern, in every particular and has proven exceedingly popular with the traveling public and is maintaining the reputation won when opened to the public two years ago. The Gem Hotel is kept in excellent manner and is giving entire satisfa^^tion to its many 20 Interior View, Hotel Gastou, Xew Beru, X. C. patrons, successfully catering to a large and appreciative patronage. This hotel, like the Gaston is new, and every thing is modern and up-to-date. The Hazeltou caters to lodgers and is also caring for its patrons in a most satisfactory style. Various first-class boarding houses alford excellent service and care for patrons in a sat- isfactory manner. CLIMATE The climatic conditions of New Bern are very good. No extremes of winter and smumer. Summers ai e cooled by deliglitful breezes from the sounds and rivers, the average summer or maximum temperature in the mouth of July being 75 degrees. The winters are short, mild and delightful. No snow has fallen for the past three years, except one or two slight flurries, that failed to cover the ground. Cold spells are short and the average minimum — January temperature is -10 degrees. Outdoor life during the winter months at New Bern is pleasant and exhilarating and is enjoyed by a large colony of North- ern tourists, some of whom own winter homes in the city. HEALTH The health of New Bern is excellent and compares favorably with the rest of the world, pneumonia, lagrippe and kindred diseases which often prove fatal in bleaker climates are mild in form and infrequent, while typhoid, so prevalent and oftentimes fatal in higher alti- tudes is remote and seldom fatal. Malaria, which formerly prevailed here as at most other places, has been conquered to a very considerable degree, by exterminating mosquitoes, and if the body is protected from the poison of their stings during the summer months no danger of "catching malaria" exists absolutely. Longevity is great and the death rate is very low at New Bern, aud we challenge any 21 city, anywiit'Te, to sliow l)etter health conditions, or healthier looking inhal)itants than are found at New Bern. Educational Advantages "Athens of North Carolina'* New Bern is very prond of its schools. The puljlic schools are excellent in every way and are fitting the 'children and youth of the city for entrance into the various State colleges and seminaries, or for successful business careers. All branches, including manual training, cooking and sewing are successfully taught. Up to a quarter century ago one building, the same that was built about the year of 1766 — nearly 150 years ago, which is well preserved — was deemed sufficient for the necessities of that time. Now there are two other spacious brick buildings, the third having been com- pleted a year or so ago, containing an excellent auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, which is said to be the finest public school auditorium in the State. liiiikliiigs of tlie ISew Beru diraded Schools. New Bern is alive to the necessity of having the very best educational advantages and with the ever increasing facilities for the proper training of her youth the soubrequet, "The Athens of North Carolina," which she has enjoyed for over a century still clings ineffacably, though gracefully to her laurel bedecked brow. A very commodious and dural)le brick ])uilding has recently been built for the colored children of the city at a cost of al:out .■|^7,()!)0.()0, GOVERNMENT BOATS The Government maintains several boats at New Bern. The revenue cutter "Pamlico" looks after the port and sounds below the city, and the "Elfrida," a large yacht which has been turned over to the Naval Reserves for cruising purposes. The Government has recently assigned the torpedo lioat "Dupont" to this ])ort for use of the various divisions of the Naval Eeserves. 22 i S. Torpedo Boat "Dupoiit," Uuiiho.it "Elfridii" iii rear tied to »ioeK. 23 PURE DRINKING WATER The drinking water at New Bern is gotten from deep artesian wells, of wliicli there are six, and is exceedingly fine and healthful. The water supply is under sanitary regulation of the city, the plant being municipally owned and controlled, and the water analyzed at stated and sufficient periods hy the State Board of Health. CHURCHES New Bern is blessed with a full complement of churches of practically all denomina- tions, some of which are new and handsome edifices, while others are old, yet having their interiors in keeping with latter day requirements. The Methodist Church is possibly one of the handsomest buildings of its kind in the State, and the Christian Science hall and Jewish Synagogue are new and attractiv'? buildings, being worthy of especial mention. Ceittenary Motliodist Church. 24 2") LIGHT AND SEWER SYSTEM The city is lighted throughout by electricity, the plant being owned by the city, as well as the sewerage system, both of which are well conducted. A modern gas plant owned by Northern capitalists, supplies an excellent grade of gas for illuminating and cooking pur- poses at moderate rates. Good roads are the order of the day. There are ten or fifteen miles of excellent sand and clay roads leading into New Bern, and others are being prepared and will be in good condition very soon. Good roads prove a most valuable asset to any community and our county officers, the farmers, and the general public are deeply interested in the good work that is going on here in that direction. With an abundant yield of cotton — 6,00 J bales having been sold on the New Bern market this season, an inexhaustible supply of timber of all kinds, fertile fields that are capable of supplying food requirements for thousands of inhabitants without outside aid; with deep water on both sides of the city (penmsula as to shape) affording desirable sites on railroads and water, as well as on opposite sides of the Neuse and Trent rivers; with its continuous stretch of inland water of over 100 miles, extending through Pamlico, Croatan and Albe- marle Sounds, alive with fish and game, and the great inland waterway, which will ultimately connect Cape Cod and the far South, practically at its very door, opening up channels of com- merce to all parts of the world, on a parity with Norfolk, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, etc.; with railroads crossing both rivers and grid-ironing the city and surrounding territory. New Bern bids fair to become one of the most important cities on the South Atlantic Sea- board. Plant of JV'ew Bern das t'onipanj. GOOD ROADS BRIGHT FUTURE 26 Jewish Sjuagogiie, >'ew Bern, A\ C. Roman Catholic Church, >ew Bern. N. C, Presbj teriau Cliurch, New Bern. N. C. Craven Connty Court Honse and Jail, >ew Bern, N Eiiising Pork for Market, »w V.fnu >. f. 29 30 3! John L. Roper Lumber Coinyanj, \e\v Bern, N. t'. i/ate Due I DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA 27706