USA > North Carolina > New Hanover County > New Hanover County : a brief history > Part 5
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reviews published in the United States and England." Like similar rooms in other towns, Hasell's became the place where the intellectually inclined citizens could gather for reading and discussion. For this privilege they paid $10.00 per year. Soon after Hasell opened his reading room, he purchased the Wilming- ton Gazette and became involved in financial difficulties. The date the reading room closed is not known, but it did serve as a model for others to follow.
A similar facility was begun in 1813 by Alexander Macalester, who maintained a collection of newspapers, local and out-of- town, "for the perusal of the citizens of the town." This "reading room" occupied a house and was in operation for several years. Another such room was maintained by Thomas Loring, the editor of the People's Press and the Wilmington Advertiser. In 1833 he kept a file of 150 newspapers from twenty states for the use of members and planned to include papers from all the states.
Mr. Loring, in the same year, expressed further interest in the literary pursuits of the community when he urged the formation of a library and debating society. Shortly thereafter the People's Press carried an announcement of a "regular" meeting of such an organization, but it does not seem to have lasted for long. The idea of a library was revived in 1849 when the merchants formed the Wilmington Mercantile Library Association. The Wilmington Library Association, formed in 1855, occupied a hall in a business building on Water Street and seems to have re- ceived broad support. In 1856 it received all books and cases of the Mercantile Library on condition that its members would also be accepted by the donee organization. The Library Association soon outgrew its quarters on Water Street, and its directors appealed to the commissioners of the town of Wilmington for the use of a room in the recently completed Town Hall. Ap- parently, the request was granted and the new quarters were occupied in 1858.
The theater was an additional source of cultural stimulation. From time to time traveling companies, generally from the North, came to Wilmington, as they did to certain other towns in the state. In some cases the companies remained over a period of several weeks, giving two or three performances a week. Negro minstrels with an all-white cast began to appear in the 1840s. One example of this particular form of entertainment was the "grand concert" given in Wilmington in December, 1844, by the Original Plantation Melodists, which boasted "com-
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ENGLAND
FRAN
HEMISPHERE
B
Barnum and Bailey's ever popular circus provided entertainment for citizens of all ages. Photograph from McKoy collection.
posers and singers of all the most Popular Negro Songs and Choruses of the present day." A similar group, West and Piel's "Old and original Campbell Minstrels," visited Wilmington in 1851.
There was also entertainment on a higher plane, and no ap- pearance was more exciting than that of Jenny Lind, the "Swed- ish Nightingale." In 1850 Miss Lind, accompanied by her man- ager, P. T. Barnum, and a large entourage, passed through Wilmington on the way to Charleston in the course of her triumphant American tour. She was not scheduled to perform in Wilmington, but enthusiastic townspeople who were reluctant to have her leave without hearing her glorious voice pleaded with her to honor them with a concert. Unfortunately, Miss Lind had to catch a boat to Charleston, and time would not permit her to accept the invitation. The following year, however, she returned and gave a concert in Mozart Hall, which was located over stores on the east side of Front Street, between Market and Dock. Needless to say, her appearance was an overwhelming success and an enduring memory for the people fortunate enough to hear her.
The people of New Hanover did not always depend on out-
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siders for entertainment but sometimes used local talent. About 1788 a number of citizens organized the Thalian Association for the purpose of offering dramatic performances. Shortly there- after the association acquired, under perpetual lease, the lower floor of the Innes Academy building as a permanent home.
The organization attracted to its folds some of the most im- portant people of the community, but for various reasons its existence was intermittent and in the years that followed it went through several reorganizations. By the early 1850s, the Innes Academy no longer functioned as a school, and the town authori- ties decided to acquire the site for a new city hall. The Thalian Association received one half of the purchase money on condition it furnish and equip a theater in the east wing of the proposed structure. The theater that resulted opened with great ceremony on October 12, 1858, and its style and beauty were sources of pride to the community. Unfortunately, the association did not long enjoy the new home. It soon found itself in financial diffi- culties, and its rights and interest in the building were trans- ferred to the town of Wilmington. The Thalian Association was then dissolved.
Life in Antebellum Days
In 1790 when the population of Wilmington was approximately 1,000, its buildings, with a few exceptions, were contained within the area bounded by Chestnut, Third, and Orange streets, and the river. Outside these bounds there were a few buildings scattered to the north and south along the river. Also, several buildings, including St. James Church, extended out Market Street as far as Fifth Street, which was the original eastern boundary of the town and was long known as "the old boundary line." Beyond this limited area of occupation, woodlands extended outward in all directions except on the river side.
Seventy years later, in 1860, the population had increased ten- fold to just under 10,000 persons. More people brought more business, and the increased activity was apparent everywhere. Along the riverfront there were numerous vessels, some loading and unloading at the wharves while others waited to anchor and take their place when space permitted. Square-rigged ships from foreign lands were crowded together with sleek American schooners. Intermingled with these specimens of a passing mode were forerunners of the future, modern steamers. Other re-
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minders of the changing times were the depot and tracks of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.
While Wilmington grew in population and commercial im- portance, it retained many aspects of a small village. As late as mid-nineteenth century, the buildings of the town, with a few exceptions, were still within the area bounded by Campbell, Fifth, and Wooster streets, and the river. As the population became more crowded, the physical appearance of the town underwent change as some low, poorly drained areas were filled in, and the level of others lowered. Generally, these changes in terrain involved the several small streams which flowed through the town and were so much a part of its development. One of the streams originated at Third Street between Ann and Orange and flowed westward to the river. It took its name, Tanyard Branch, from a tanyard placed along its course in 1826. A short distance to the northward Willow Springs Branch rose near Third and Dock and also followed a westward course to the river. Jacob's Run began near Fourth and Princess and followed a southwestwardly course to the river at the foot of Dock Street. Farther to the northward another stream flowed to the river from its origin near Second and Grace.
In various places these streams created obnoxious conditions. For example, at the head of Jacob's Run was a quagmire; and where Jacob's Run crossed the intersection of Second and Market streets, the area was so low and poorly drained it acquired the name of "Mud Market." An even worse condition existed where Front Street crossed Grace (or Mulberry, as it was then called). About 1840 the level of Front Street at this intersection was raised without providing drainage for the small stream that flowed along Grace on its way to the river. As a result, the water backed up Grace Street as far as Second. This body of water, called the "Horse Pond," was several feet deep.
Another low place, offensive at times, was known as Dry Pond. Located just to the south of the town proper and in the woods, it was a depression in the white sand which contained water in rainy weather only. At a later time, Dry Pond was to give its name to the entire area surrounding it.
Nature was more benevolent in the several excellent springs she bestowed on the town. One, Willow Spring, the head of the branch of that name, was a favorite rendezvous for local strollers. Another, Rock Spring, located at the foot of Chestnut
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Street, was long a favorite of sea captains as a source of fine water.
The streets of Wilmington contributed to its continuing rustic appearance. Sidewalks were few and the streets were still sandy thoroughfares lighted at night by lamps placed at the inter- sections. A memorable scene of the time was the lamplighter going about his duties as dusk crept over the town. For years these lamps were lighted by whale oil, but a great improvement came in 1854 when the oil was replaced by gas derived from lightwood and rosin and furnished by the Wilmington Gas Com- pany.
Some towns delayed having street lights for many years be- cause of the fear of fire which, as in colonial days, continued to be a source of disaster. In Wilmington the danger increased with the growing population and the greater concentration of buildings, many of which were frame and highly flammable. The town continued to maintain one or more fire engines, but they were not always equal to the demands made on them. Water for the engines usually was pumped from public wells, not always a sufficient source. Consequently, interest in a municipal water- works system increased. In 1850 the Wilmington Aurora urged the establishment of such a system for the town. By utilizing a spring near the railroad depot, contended the paper, the ex- pense would involve little more than constructing conduits. The project was postponed, however, until a later time.
For many years fire protection was the responsibility of the individual citizen, and each was required by law to keep water buckets for use when needed. However, in fire fighting there was strength in unity, and eventually volunteer fire companies came into being. Such organizations had been authorized by the Gen- eral Assembly before the Revolution, but none seems to have been formed. In 1806 a state law, for the first time, authorized fire engine companies and granted Wilmington and New Bern the right to exempt members from military service. This right was later extended to all fire companies in the state. By 1860 Wil- mington had two companies.
Wilmington, in those early years, had its share of fires and more. Of many disasters, three stand out in importance. On the morning of November 4, 1819, before the break of day, the terrifying cry of "Fire!" awakened the sleeping inhabitants of the town. The fire had begun in a small grocery store, on the wharf near Dock Street. Fed by numerous frame buildings,
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E
Sea captains knew Rock Spring at the foot of Chest- nut Street to be a source of good water in Wilmington. Photograph from McKoy col- lection.
tinder-dry from weeks of drought, the flames rapidly spread out of control. By the time the fire had burned itself out, the four squares between Second Street and the river and from Market to Orange streets lay in ashes. About half the buildings of the town, approximately 300 of various kinds, including the new Presbyterian Church, had been destroyed. The estimated damage was between $600,000 and $700,000. The loss was felt all the more as it came soon after a terrible scourge of yellow fever had visited the town and had carried off many of its people. The despondent survivors began the dreary job of rebuilding.
On January 17, 1840, again in the dark predawn hours, disaster struck again. This time fire had begun in a store at Front and Market and quickly spread over the two squares bounded by Market, Second, and Princess streets, and the river. In this area only the Bank of Cape Fear, on Front Street; the town market, in the center of Market Street; and a few small structures still stood. The 150 or so buildings that burned included the court- house, the customs house, and two hotels, as well as numerous offices and stores. The very heart of the business district had been destroyed. Again the people of Wilmington bent to the ordeal of rebuilding.
The next disaster came on Sunday, April 30, 1843, just before noon. Most of the townspeople were in church when the dreaded
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cry of "Fire!" once more sounded through the town. The fire began in a warehouse located in an alley running westward from Front Street between Princess and Market. A gale force wind was blowing from the south, and within minutes the fire was beyond control. Feeding on nearby frame structures, it soon leaped across Princess Street and continued northward relent- lessly. Wind-driven sparks ignited combustible roofs far in advance of the main wall of flames. Within two hours an area of eight blocks from Second Street to the river and from Princess Street to Red Cross and beyond lay in ashes; less than twenty buildings were left standing. Ten times that many had been destroyed - buildings of all descriptions, including stores, of- fices, dwellings, the customs house on Water Street, the Method- ist Church at Front and Walnut, and the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad depot and ships. This devastating loss of busi- ness establishments and private homes included some of the finest in town. Wilmington citizens had not long since finished rebuilding the town after the fire of 1840; now they were again faced with the same grim prospect, and again they faced up to the challenge.
Fires brought devastation to Wilmington on several occasions. This 1886 photograph from McKoy files shows fire destroying the Front Street Methodist Church.
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There were other fires before and after, but those of 1819, 1840, and 1843 were almost like the bizarre scheme of a cruel fate. Successively four, then two, then eight squares of the town were devastated by fire. These fourteen squares covered the area between the river and Second Street, and from Red Cross to Orange-a large part of Wilmington as it then existed.
Maintaining law and order was no less a problem than fire. The State Constitution of 1776 provided for a sheriff and constables in each county. For years the sheriff was appointed by the county court; he, in turn, appointed the constables. The sheriff was the chief law officer, but since much of his time was spent in transacting court business, the constables were the more active in the actual enforcement of law, both in the county and in the town.
The Wilmington town commissioners were also concerned with law and order, and most of the ordinances they passed reflected their concern. Negroes were the cause of most apprehension. Fear of slave uprisings existed wherever slavery existed, and in North Carolina this feeling was strongest in the east where Negroes were most numerous. More than half the population of New Hanover County were slaves. The same was true of Wil- mington, which also had several hundred free Negroes.
Slave uprisings were infrequent, but they occurred often enough to create an atmosphere of constant apprehension. The worst scare in New Hanover County came as a result of the so-called "Nat Turner Insurrection" which occurred in South- ampton County, Virginia, in the late summer of 1831. A band of slaves led by another slave, Nat Turner, had risen in revolt and had killed fifty or more white men, women, and children. As news of this atrocity spread southward, it aroused rumors of local slave uprisings. For example, a free mulatto reported that the Negroes of Sampson, Duplin, and New Hanover counties were organized and ready to rise. They planned, he added, to march to Wilmington by two routes and to kill and destroy as they marched. In Wilmington they hoped to be joined by 2,000 additional supporters and to obtain arms and ammunition. From there they would continue their violent way. In the hysteria aroused by this rumor, the militia was called out. Some Negroes were whipped and released; others were thrown in jail. Rumors fed on rumors, and reports reached as far as the western part of the state that Wilmington had been captured and destroyed by Negroes. In actual fact, fifteen slaves had been imprisoned in
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the town. Of these, six were convicted of attempting to incite an insurrection. They were executed and their heads were placed at strategic locations about the county as a warning to others. However, not a single individual had been found in actual insur- rection in New Hanover or in any other of the counties.
While the 1831 scare was the worst to occur, it was illustrative of other incidents, both before and after, that led to enactment of laws to control Negroes. Unless they had special permission from their masters, all slaves were required to be off the streets of Wilmington by nine o'clock in the evening; the town bell tolled the hour. To distinguish themselves from slaves, free Negroes were required to wear a shoulder badge with the word "FREE" thereon.
In addition to the services of the sheriff and county constables, Wilmington also provided special protection for its townspeople. The chief law enforcement officer was called the magistrate of police, chosen by the town commissioners from among their own number. The men he directed, however, were guards, or watchmen, rather than policemen in the modern sense. They patrolled the streets of the town during the hours of darkness. Their cry of "Ten o'clock [or whatever the correct hour] and all's well," as they went about their rounds, was a sound of com- fort to the townspeople. The watchmen, however, were few in number, and their widely separated cries announced their where- abouts to the lawless as well as to the law-abiding. For that reason, the cries eventually were abandoned.
Patrols of private citizens were also used to keep a check on the movement of Negroes. Appointed by the county court, these patrols rode about the county rounding up stray slaves and were alert to any signs of trouble. Citizen groups also patrolled the streets of Wilmington, usually on Saturday night and at any other time an abnormal degree of lawlessness might be expected. The patrol system, however, never was satisfactory. The duty was considered onerous by those on whom it fell, and they were not always conscientious in fulfilling it. The system was still in existence in 1860, but it was subject to much criticism.
Health was another major problem of the times, and in the port towns such as Wilmington conditions were at their worst. Vessels came from afar, sometimes bearing epidemic diseases that were highly contagious and often fatal. Throughout the area the marshes and swamps were breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects that carried the fevers that were so prevalent.
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In Wilmington the problem was intensified by poorly drained and offensive areas such as the Mud Market and the Horse Pond.
By 1850, or thereabouts, the worst of the drainage problems had been removed, but other serious health hazards remained. Adjacent to many of the homes were stables, privies, and stag- nant ponds which were breeding grounds for insects, and of course houses had no protecting screens. In addition, food prepa- ration and preservation left much to be desired. Since few homes had running water, sanitation habits were far below the stan- dards of a later day. Once a week, or perhaps less often, the members of the average family took turns bathing by the fire in a wooden tub containing water brought from a nearby well or spring.
In this atmosphere created jointly by nature and man, the people of New Hanover County were exposed to numerous dis- eases. Some, such as sore throats, colds, influenza, pneumonia, pleurisy, and others, still exist. Others have been eliminated or controlled by later and more advanced medical knowledge. At one time certain diseases were thought to come from miasma, the mist that hovers above swampy areas and stagnant pools before it is dispelled by the rising sun. These diseases, known collective- ly as miasmatic fevers, were at their worst in the summer, and those who could afford to do so went to places of higher elevation to remain until the first frost. Some fled to the nearby sounds. Malaria was the most prevalent of the diseases and one of the most active agents of death. Typhoid was mistakenly considered a severe form of malaria. Bilious fever, also a dreaded malady, caused the skin of some victims to turn yellow and was some- times mistaken for yellow fever. Tuberculosis of the lungs, gen- erally known as consumption, was also widespread.
While some of the local diseases were contagious, the worst and most feared epidemics were brought in from the outside by ships. During the eighteenth century, smallpox was the most active of the diseases, and when it struck from time to time, many died. After vaccine against smallpox was discovered in 1798, the danger and fear of the disease declined, although it persisted for many years. By 1860 yellow fever had long since replaced smallpox as the most fatal and most feared disease.
Wilmington was afflicted with yellow fever as early as 1798, and other epidemics followed from time to time. One of the worst occurred in 1819 at a time when the disease raged along much of the Atlantic coast. Many of the people of New Hanover,
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especially in Wilmington, died. Those who could, fled the town, seeking safety elsewhere. The following year, the scourge re- turned and claimed additional victims.
Care of the sick was generally undertaken by the family and was confined to the home, with occasional exceptions. Home medicines were various and in many cases very effective. Knowl- edge of medicine was still quite limited, and the physician mixed his own medicines in his office. Wilmington and New Hanover County were fortunate from the beginning in having many fine physicians who usually made their visits on horseback and were a reassuring sight as they rode about on their rounds, with a saddlebag containing medicines and instruments. Dr. Armand DeRosset traveled in this fashion almost until his death in 1859 at the age of ninety-two. The doctors generally charged an annual fee for their services to a family; and while they were seldom called except in an emergency, when they did visit the sick, they remained for as long as the circumstances demanded.
Medical therapy consisted chiefly of pukes and purges, blood- letting, and blistering. Emetics and purgatives were administered according to the disease. If these were not effective, the patient was bled by lance, leech, or cup. As much as a pint or a pint and a half of blood might be drawn at a single letting. For illnesses causing localized pain, such as pneumonia and pleurisy, plasters of mustard or opium were applied and left on until blisters were induced. By the 1850s, however, some doctors were removing the plaster before blistering. Surgery was performed by general practitioners, some of whom were quite skillful though not especially trained for this service. In the absence of a hospital, surgery (sometimes, tooth extraction) was performed in the doctor's office or patient's home with the only pain reliever being opium or alcoholic liquor. Clearly the great advances in medical science were yet to come.
At one time it was the custom to bury the dead in the local churchyard, and from the early years the yard of St. James Church was used for this purpose. By mid-nineteenth century, however, limitations of burial space and concern over community health had brought about a greater acceptance of burials else- where. Guided by this changing attitude and looking to the future well-being of the town, a group of prominent citizens met in 1853 and organized under the corporate name of "The Pro- prietors of the Wilmington Cemetery." Proposing to establish a cemetery on the edge of town, they acquired a 65-acre tract
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located on the east side of Burnt Mill Creek, to the northeast of the town as it then existed. Lots were laid off and offered for sale, and the cemetery, Oakdale, was declared ready for inter- ments. The commissioners of Wilmington then passed an ordi- nance prohibiting burials within the limits of the town.
The first burial took place in the new cemetery on February 5, 1855; by a cruel twist of fate the deceased was Annie DeRosset, the six-year-old daughter of Armand DeRosset, Jr., one of those most active in establishing Oakdale and the first president of the Proprietors of the Wilmington Cemetery.
The care of the poor was another civic problem. Judged by modern standards little was done for these unfortunates, yet they were not altogether neglected. In colonial times laws pro- vided for poor relief; and in keeping with English custom, the vestry of the Church of England in each parish administered the law. After the Revolution, the poor law was continued with little change except that its administration was transferred from the vestry to overseers, or wardens. There were seven wardens elected by the people in each parish, and in each county a tax was imposed to provide funds for the poor. Probably no action taken by the "Wardens of the Poor of the Parish of St. James"
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