1= 264 .S7 C74 Copy 1 Cjoncernmg South^ort, J^ortJi Carolina t cuasoasa Introduction THIS matter has been prepared to be presented primarily to a few of the many friends of Southport, North Carolina, both in the North and the South, who have hoped some time to see a hotel erected there, where they and their friends might sojourn from time to time in comfort, and that wish it might become better known among those of both sections who would enjoy the quaint and peaceful little seaport town with its sunny and historic setting. It is proposed to build an all-the-year-round resort hotel in the nature of a club at Southport. The substance of the description which follows in connection with the presentation of the project may be familiar to most of those to whom it is presented, but that the many features in connection with the plan be considered in relation to each other, and as some of them may be new to many, and a few to all, we go into the subject in detail and ask indulgence of any who may read that are already familiar with its various phases. Part One Down at the very most southern part of North Carolina, where the Cape Fear River empties into the Atlantic Ocean, is a quaint little town of about 1 500 people, called Southport. The town overlooks a broad expanse of protected water or bay which is formed at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and from its wharves can be seen, not far away, the white line of ocean waves breaking on the beach. There has been a settlement at this spot ever since Colonial times, in fact, the earliest settlers here had need of a fortification to protect against dangerous pirates which infested their harbor. Tradition has it that as many as twenty piratical vessels, under the black flag with skull and bones, have anchored at one time in this now peaceful harbor. Some of the ruins of the old fort are still to be seen. That little settlement, which was then a veritable outpost of civilization, has seemed to keep out of the march of the later progressive years, except to figure in the stirring war times, so that today there is a certain atmosphere about the place that sugge;ta anti-bellum and even Colonial days. The town was originally called Smithville, and under this name it went through the stormy days of it: career, but some twenty years ago the name was changed to the more euphonious one of SOUTHPORT at a time when there were indications that a railroad was about to come and that the sleepy little village was to awaken and find itself a bustling seaport city. Southport lies in a section rich in legendary lore and historic association. But a few miles off are the ruins of the old colonial town of Brunswick, which was once the seat of government of the British Province of North Carolina, and the scene of the first armed resistance to the Stamp Act, which occurred here nearly eight years before the "Boston Tea Party." The ruins of Colonial Governor Tryon's residence there, mark the spot upon which the first act of violence occurred in the war of American Independence. Nearby also are the remains of another colonial fort and behind that the ruins of a house in which, it is said, was born in 1730, one of the great heroes of the Revolutionary War, the trusted and honored lieutenant of Washington, Ceneral Robert Howe. Coming down to Civil War times, Southport was a center of busy military life. Here were the headquarters of the Confederate General in command of the important fortifications nearby, and here were the homes of the brave pilots who brought the many blockade-running steamers in and out of the water gateway that meant so much toward the subsistence of the Southern army. The site of Fort Fisher is in view from Southport, and there took place two of the fiercest bombardments of shot and shell that the world has ever witnessed. The fort fell after a three days' battle that was unparalleled in the annals of war. The Confederates abandoned the present site of Fort Caswell at this same time and that was accompanied by the exploding of hundreds of thousands of pounds of powder, with a shock that was felt more than a hundred miles away. Thus it is seen that the quiet little town has witnessed some of the most stirring of our times. Southport itself is nestled in a grove of huge live-oaks whose massive forms are the pride of its citizens and the admiration of its visitors. From this setting, on a slightly rolling elevation, it overlooks the broad waters of the capacious harbor and the ocean front beyond with their lighthouses, fortifications and water activities There is a quaint charm and restfulness here that with its remarkable climate and glorious water view, make friends of all who are fortunate enough to become acquainted with it. By consulting a map of this part of the United States it will be seen that the town is the farthest south of any in that state, that no railroads run to it, and that it alone, even when hundreds of miles of coast are considered, has a southern exposure of ocean shore. But an additional unique feature becomes evident when the course of the Gulf Stream is noted, and this feature is the most important when con- sidering its extraordinary climate; and extensive travelers have proclaimed it the finest seacoast climate the year through to be found in the country. It lies nearer this warm ocean current than many points to the south of it and this proximity to the Gulf Stream, coupled with the prevalence of a breeze from the ocean that is almost as constant as a trade-wind, greatly moderates the chill of the few winter months and the excessive heat of summer. Hence, the winters there are very short and mild and scarcely deserve the name, with only a trace of snowfall or more frequently none at all; while the summers are relatively long but the heat is not excessive, as might be expected in this latitude, for it is tempered by the prevailing seabreezes. A singular and noteworthy climatic feature in this connection is the prac- tically entire absence of fog. Southport has no malaria and at the season when the South is bothered by mosquitoes, one can find comfort here, for they seldom appear. The percentage of days when the sun does not shine is small, but though there are rainy days when it pours in torrents, one can go out immediately after the most severe storm without fear of getting their feet wet, for the sandy soil acts as an absorbent. In damaging wind-storms this vicinity has always been remarkably fortunate. The early Spring, which begins in February, is a desirable time to visit Southport. The months of July and August find many making it a most acceptable summer resort and November there is notably a month of sunshine and balmy air. Above all, Southport is a land of glorious sunshine, which makes one glad to be alive; with a clear, pure, ozone-laden air and sandy soil, where one can be out of doors with pleasure practically every day in the year. The sunsets there are remarked about by visitors and their gorgeousness is compared to those of the southern Italian seacoast. In fact, it is said that there is a decided similarity in general climate between the two localities. These atmospheric conditions, with surroundings of grand old trees, colonial structures, picturesque pilot and fish boats lying at their wharves, and possibly great ocean vessels at anchor nearby, make strong appeal to the artist, and when the place is better known, is bound to attract the marine, the landscape and historical painter. The residents of Southport are church-going, law-abiding, peaceful people and the colored population (decidedly in the minority) are of the better type of descendents of slave-time house and plantation servants. The government's modern harbor defence. Fort Caswell, is located within sight of the town at the mouth of the river and with its garrison of officers and soldiers, gives a touch of added interest to the visitor, and the parades, band concerts and social events are attractive. The present "good roads" agitation in that county is opening up one or two trunk lines leading out of Southport through a country of never-ending interest. The region about was originally covered with great forests of Long Leaf pine and such trees are still in abundance. There is a good growth of oak and pine everywhere about with now and then fields of cotton, corn or peanuts and possibly an old-time plantation settlement. The native sand roads are fine for the equestrian and numerous byways make good opportunity for "exploration." The hunting of wild game, deer and water fowl in season is very popular there with many. There is a noteworthy movement at present toward an improved road to connect Southport with Wilmington, and this, with the "Dockery" highway under construction, is going to make automobile travel from the mountains to the sea a matter of but a short day's journey and bring this point into prominence for auto tourists. Southport harbor is much frequented by pleasure craft from the largest steam yacht to the cruising launch, for many stop here on their way up and down the coast. The waters around Southport are fine for boating. The bathing season, both for serf and river, is long and in summer the ocean is so warm that the least hardy find serf bathing a great attraction. Two lighthouses, one of which is as fine as any on the coast, and two lifesaving stations, are near and excursions to these prove interesting to visitors. At every season there are vessels bound to and from foreign ports passing up or down the river, while large coastwise steamers make weekly trips between Wilmington and New York. The low white buildings of the quarantine station, which are built upon piling away out in the stream, are attractive as viewed in the distance from Southport, and in this connection is noted the facilities the government quar- antine equipment afford in any illness or accident emergencies, coupled with the fact that the several physicians practicing there stand high in their profession. Southport boasts a post office of the third class with two mail boats each day, well stocked stores of general merchandise and an excellent drug store. As a place for pleasure fishing it has the strongest of claims, and numerous seafoods are caught in marketable quantities here. They include oysters, crabs, clams, shrimp, shad, sea-bass and terrapin. Many hundreds of the latter are shipped from this point to the big eastern cities. Deep-sea fishing is a great attraction and enormous catches by hook and line are common in the seasons. As some ind^ of the climate here the prevalence of alligators in the creeks about Is worth mentioning, while palms and similar tropical growth are found growing wild. It is really "at the meeting of the pine tree and the palm." As the local-caught seafoods make an attraction for the table, so also do the local-grown fresh vegetables, Southport being almost adjacent to one of the largest early trucking sections. Head lettuce, strawberries, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, onions and the like are grown nearby in great quantities for shipment North. By proper care it is possible to have vegetables of variety fresh from your garden every day of the year. Fruits, especially figs, peaches and pears, grow in abundance. Native meats, such as lamb and peanut- fattened pork, are of high quality, abundant and cheap, but for the best of beef and for butter, northern markets must be resorted to at present. Fresh eggs are always to be had, while milch cows find satisfactory feed and pasturage. Among the specialties of the place is a confection that is made of local-raised cane sugar and peanuts, which many strangers send or take home in quantities as a delectable and distinctive product. Visitors, too, often leave orders with some of the town folk who do certain kinds of fine linen needlework at attrac- tive prices. Altogether, there is something about the little community that charms and fascinates with its quaintness, refreshing tranquility, sunny skies and balmy breezes. Part Two Southport is reached by way of Wilmington, North Carolina, which lies about twenty-eight miles up the river, and the short boat trip from Wilmington to Southport, down the majestic and historic Cape Fear River, aboard a clean, comfortable and commodious steamer, which makes daily trips and convenient connections for northern trains, is a pleasure to anticipate, and the little river journey which links Southport with the outside world seems a fitting introduction to a sojourn there. However, a steam road is now in process of construction that will eventually make it possible to arrive and depart at Southport by rail as well. Leaving New York City late in the afternoon or from Washington late in the evening, brings one to Southport before noon the next day and in returning, an afternoon boat connects with northbound trains that reach Washington by eight the next morning. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad is the most direct route and the trains of this road are considered among the best between the North and the South. Southport's little hotel, the only public place at present for strangers in the town, is not commodious enough to comfortably care for more than a dozen or fifteen people. It is of much interest to visitors though with its quaintness and homelike surroundings, and if its white walls could but speak, they might tell of the many stirring days gone by. It is proposed to erect, equip and operate a hotel at Southport, located on the water-front where there are trees and a fine view, and to have it supplied with modern conveniences. According to the tentative plans, the main portion of the building will be two stories high, of Southern Colonial architecture, built of frame of materials that are for the most part produced right there within the county; using locally-cut cedar shingles stained to a weathered gray, for the sides; locally-cut cypress trim and porch work, painted white; with native yellow-pine flooring and framing material. (See last page). A perusal of the tentative plans show an arrangement that will care for from 70 to 80 guests with the dining and kitchen quarters adequate for service up to 150 or more; it being the intention to construct additional sleeping quarters when patronage grows. The loung- ing rooms and porches have been given especial consideration that they be ample and attractive. The intention is to furnish the hotel in simple colonial style throughout with no pretense toward splendor, but to be sure to have good things of their kind. To have the whole place so clean and attractive as to be unique and at the same time to appeal to the most fastidious. No carpets would be used, sub- stituting rugs of simple and serviceable texture, with linen wash-rugs in bed chambers. The idea in room furnishings would be to make a specialty of good beds and good linen while adding to the usual equipment of the average hotel bedroom, some of the inexpen- sive but attractive and appreciated features found in the hotels of the very highest class. There will be steam heat in every room for the times when it is wanted and a large fire-place on the main floor lounging room as an attraction for cool evenings; the most modern electric lighting installation, and generous plumbing equipment with hot and cold water in every guest room. It is not intended to have a service in any department that conforms to that of a large city hotel nor to have an elaborate table, but to have plenty of wholesome well-cooked food in moderate variety, specializing on the good things to eat that come from the waters and truck gardens of the immediate vicinity. To use white help almost entirely and for the more important places, servants that have been trained for such service. The surroundings are such there, that it is believed there will be no trouble in retaining servants who come in as strangers to the community. Every month one may have flowers that are grown out of doors, except perhaps a short interim between chrysanthemums in November and violets about the first of the year. It is the intention to cultivate flowers to supply the hotel that may be used to add to those the wild woods about afford, and to have well-kept lawns and walks, which the supply of running water will make possible. Excellent tennis courts can be cheaply constructed and a demand for a golf course, will find an opportunity nearby to lay one out under cond.t.ons similar to those that exist at Pinehurst, North Carolina. It will be necessary to install a small power plant for various uses as follows: to supply water from an artesian well about 1 50 feet deep to be driven on the property, to furnish power for electric dynamos, and to run a small laundry and refrigeration plant. Gasoline can be bought cheap there and gasoline engine power is the most desirable from every standpoint. There is no electric light plant nor laundry nor ice plant in the town. It is the expectation that a profitable local demand would promptly appear for these features of the hotel plant, and the installation of equipment with this in view would work an economy in the operation as well as in plans for enlarging, which a few seasons of good management may bring. The town has recently been equipped with a modern Bell Telephone Plant, connected with the outside world by a new long-distance wire. The Postal Telegraph Company has a wire to Southport and the Western Union people have signified a desire for equipment in the hotel. It is hoped to have the town offices of all three companies somewhere within the hotel and by a combination of service, work an economy, at the same time supplying these advantages. Regarding a name, which is considered by hotel proprietors as being a matter of more or less importance, the following has been deemed worthy of notice: At the time the earliest white settlements were made here (somewhere about the year 1665), what is now known as the Cape Fear River was named the Clarendon River, in honor of an English statesman, the Earl of Clarendon, who became Lord High Chancellor of England. As the name figured very prominently here in the early times, it is suggested that CLARENDON is a suitable and appropriate name for the hotel, and also that some of the history and legend of those days in these parts be accumulated and preserved in accessible form for the interest they will create. For instance, a reproduction in oil of a portrait of this venerable nobleman (the original copy of which now hangs in the New York Public Library), would be well worthy of a prominent place in the hotel, while the Clarendon coat of arms, a simple but beautiful crest, could be used in the few ways that seemed fitting and proper. (See cover for design). This is an outline of the basis of the enterprise, and similar undertakings, where a high standard has been maintained, have proven sound and profitable. Up the ocean beach some thirty miles above Southport, several large resort hotels are open during the summer season with an increasing patronage each year of people from the southern states. They do not supply the requirements of many from that section, however, to whom a proposition such as the one here outlined would strongly appeal. These hotels are not substantially built and they offer, aside from the ocean and the bathing, few if any of the things that would make this hotel popular. Because of the peculiar advantages it would enjoy over them, their proximity could not be considered as competition, but as being favorable. It is firmly believed that no opposition of any kind would be met in carrying out this project, and the immediate vicinity can be safely looked upon to support and foster it in every way possible. 10 >> O o a> S O OD. Architects Sketch of Proposed Hotel at Southport, North Carolina Copyright. 1911, by The Coitiay &■ dross Co. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 11 ill 014 496 033 6