Battleship North Carolina aka ‘The Showboat’ to Hidden History at the Cape Fear Museum and USO Memories at the Hannah Block Community Center…
In early August, I had the opportunity to spend two action-packed days exploring Wilmington’s World War II Heritage.
Wilmington’s World War II heritage can be found throughout the city: from the mighty “Showboat” Battleship North Carolina, to “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” roadside markers tucked in the middle of busy intersections, to the WWII history woven right into the sands of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher. Once you start your World War II journey in Wilmington, you’ll be drawn to learn more about the places, as well as the people who lived, worked, and helped fight for freedom.
In Part One, I share a deep dive into my Day One WWII Wilmington Heritage Trail adventures, from learning about the Wilmington Shipyard that produced 243 Cargo Ships for the Navy and Maritime Commission and employed over 20,000 employees in 1943…we then visited a German POW site and then ventured on a hidden history search to learn more about a German U-Boat Attack on Kure Beach, before winding up the day visiting famed Civil War Fort Fisher, that became a major location for Camp Davis during the war.
In Part Two we’re going abroad the Battleship North Carolina aka The Showboat, which was the most decorated battleship in World War II, taking in history at the newly reopened Cape Fear Museum and time traveling to the U.S.O. building (Hannah Block Community Center) in the heart of downtown Wilmington.
The highlight of Day Two for me was a chance to have lunch with Capt. Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., a historian and preservationist who lead the charge to ensure Wilmington was designated as ‘America’s First WWII Heritage City.’
I look forward to sharing my Day Two Adventures in Wilmington ‘America’s First WWII Heritage City’ in this post.
- Before we get started on our adventure, here are some helpful resources as you plan your own travels to Wilmington WWII Heritage City Tour Sites
- This guide provides a list of places in Wilmington and the region tied to WWII Heritage. This was my go-to resources when charting my path through history
- Wilmington CVB WWII Heritage Guide
- World War II Wilmington Heritage Coalition
- Battleship North Carolina Official Website
- Hannah Block Historic USO Community Center
- Cape Fear Museum
Day Two: August, 7 2026: Touring ‘The Showboat’ U.S.S. North Carolina to Cape Fear Stories, Lunch with Capt. Jones and Historic U.S.O.
As I sipped my coffee in my room at the Hotel Ballast and got ready for another exciting day exploring World War II Wilmington history, I turned on a playlist of my favorite 1940s wartime songs by artists like The Andrews Sisters. My grandmother Sara met my grandfather Fred—a Navy officer during WWII—when he was briefly stationed in Savannah, Georgia. As tragic as the war was, I often think about how it brought them together through a chance meeting at a social event in Savannah. My grandmother used to tell me stories about those war years, including taking the train out to Long Beach, California, where he was stationed.
My grandfather was originally from Tyrrell County, North Carolina, and was a passionate supporter of the Battleship North Carolina. He served on a minesweeper operating off the East Coast from North Carolina down to Florida before transferring to the Pacific Theater (from Long Beach up to Alaska). My uncle recently recalled how he and my mom raised pennies and dimes to help save the battleship from the scrapyard in the early 1960s. As a kid growing up in North Carolina, one of my fondest memories was visiting the Battleship North Carolina on a school field trip.
Needless to say, I was thrilled for the opportunity to take an in-depth tour of the battleship again today.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Battleship North Carolina Tour
Getting there: 1 Battleship Rd., Wilmington, NC 28401. Located directly off HWY421N on the Cape Fear River across from Downtown Wilmington. For their hours and admission refer to their website: https://battleshipnc.com/visit/
With general admission, you can self-explore many areas of the ship using exhibit wayside panels. However, if at all possible, I highly recommend signing up for a guided tour. Because of the massive scale and rich history of the vessel, you could easily allocate multiple days or several trips to see everything. That being said, starting with a focused tour keeps the experience digestible and engaging without feeling like a torpedo of information overload.
The battleship is operated by a small paid staff and a dedicated corps of volunteers who are true experts on her history. The passion exuded by my tour guide, Doug, and his depth of knowledge regarding BB-55 (USS North Carolina) was unparalleled.
The ship offers several guided options, each with a distinct focus:
- Topside Tour (The Tour I Took with Doug): A 90-minute tour focusing on the battleship’s history, operations, armament, equipment, and life at sea. You explore the Main Deck and ascend four levels up to the Pilot House (Bridge). Along the way, you visit the Admiral’s Cabin, Combat Information Center (CIC), and Signal Bridge. It serves as an ideal introductory overview.
- City at Sea Tour (Next on My List!): Provides an inside look at daily life for the 2,300 sailors and officers who lived and worked aboard this floating city. Stops include living spaces, sickbay, mess decks, ship’s stores, barber shop, and the enlisted and officers’ galleys. (Note: This route involves numerous steep ladders, so it requires good mobility).
- Showboat Tour: The most comprehensive tour offered, taking visitors through nine levels of the ship—from the Main and Secondary Plotting rooms up to the Bridge. It includes the Engine Room, Turret II Barbette, Main Deck, 2nd & 3rd Decks, and 1st Platform. The Showboat Tour requires climbing multiple vertical ladders and is not recommended for young children or visitors with mobility constraints.
While waiting for my tour to start, I explored an exhibit hall showcasing the five U.S. Navy vessels named USS North Carolina. I learned that the namesake spans over 180 years of naval history:
The 1820 Ship of the Line: The first USS North Carolina, a 74-gun ship of the line completed in 1820 that served for nearly fifty years.
The Confederate Ironclad: During the Civil War, the Confederacy constructed the ironclad CSS North Carolina at the Berry Shipyard on Eagles Island—very close to where the battleship sits today.
The Armored Cruiser (ACR-12): Commissioned in 1908, this second official U.S. Navy vessel named North Carolina was a pioneer in naval aviation, launching the first plane from a ship underway in 1915.
The World War II Battleship (BB-55): The famous “Showboat” fast battleship that earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific Theater.
The Modern Submarine (SSN-777): Today, the name is carried by a state-of-the-art Virginia-class fast-attack submarine christened in 2008.
The battleship’s main museum center brings this history to life allowing you travel through Naval History and the Road to 250 too!
The Topside Tour
First off, a major shout-out to Doug, who was a phenomenal guide. I was the only person signed up for the 9:00 AM tour on Friday morning, but that didn’t stop him from going above and beyond to make the history of the USS North Carolina come alive.
He opened the tour by setting the historical context of BB-55’s construction:
“After World War I, the Washington Naval Treaty was signed by major Allied powers to prevent a naval arms race by capping battleship tonnage and gun calibers,” Doug explained. “For a time, nations abided by the treaty. However, by the mid-1930s, the United States recognized that international tensions were escalating in Europe and Asia. On June 3, 1936, Congress authorized the construction of USS North Carolina. Her keel was laid on October 27, 1937—Navy Day—at the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn. This made her the first American battleship constructed in sixteen years, leading a new class of fast battleships alongside her sister ship, USS Washington.”
“I know she’s nicknamed the ‘Showboat,’ but how big is she actually?” I asked as we walked out onto the wooden deck under the humid morning sun. I could only imagine what sailors endured working on deck in tropical summer heat.
“She displaces 35,000 tons standard and about 44,800 tons fully loaded,” Doug noted. “She has an overall length of 729 feet—longer than two football fields—with a beam width of 108 feet and a draft of 32 feet.”
“The engineering required to launch and operate something of that scale is incredible.”
“Fun fact: the reason her beam is exactly 108 feet wide comes down to the original Panama Canal locks, which were 110 feet wide. She needed that clearance to transition between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.”
During her launching ceremony at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on June 13, 1940, North Carolina Governor Clyde Hoey didn’t mince words, stating: “Its very power is fascinating. It commands our respect and will help us command the respect of the world. It speaks a language even a dictator can understand.” His daughter, Isabel Hoey, christened the ship.
Over the next ten months, fitting-out continued as her superstructure and armaments were completed before her official commissioning on April 9, 1941. Dubbed by media as “the world’s greatest sea weapon,” she spent her initial months on intensive shakedown cruises in the Atlantic.
“Where did the nickname ‘Showboat’ come from?” I asked.
“It originated with New York newspaper columnist and radio broadcaster Walter Winchell,” Doug explained. “He noticed her making frequent trial runs in and out of New York Harbor during sea trials and teased that she was ‘showing off,’ referencing the famous Broadway musical Showboat. The crew embraced it, and the name stuck. You’ll also notice the teak wood decking. Wood was used primarily for two reasons: it insulated the lower decks against extreme heat, and unlike steel or concrete, wood didn’t produce deadly splinters when struck by shell strafing. Maintaining that teak deck today takes continuous care.”
Doug continued through the ship’s wartime timeline: “Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there was an urgent need for fast battleships in the Pacific. USS North Carolina passed through the Panama Canal and entered the Pacific Theater on July 11, 1942. By August, she was screening the aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and USS Saratoga during the Guadalcanal Campaign. On August 24, 1942, during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, she had her baptism of fire, downing seven enemy aircraft in a single engagement while providing a formidable anti-aircraft screen for Enterprise. She would go on to become the most decorated American battleship of World War II, earning 15 battle stars.”
“With all that intense action, did she ever sustain severe damage?” I asked.
“Yes. On September 15, 1942, off Guadalcanal, Japanese submarine I-19 fired a salvo of six torpedoes. Three struck the carrier USS Wasp, causing catastrophic fires that forced her scuttling. A fourth torpedo struck the destroyer USS O’Brien, which sank weeks later. A fifth torpedo slammed into the port side of USS North Carolina below the waterline.”
“That must have been horrifying.”
“The torpedo tore an 18-by-32-foot hole in her hull,” Doug explained. “However, her internal torpedo defense system and thick armor belt absorbed much of the blast, preventing fatal damage. The explosion shook the ship violently and caused rapid flooding on the port side. The crew executed counter-flooding procedures on the starboard side to keep her on an even keel. Thanks to her design and her crew’s damage control, she remained operational and stayed in formation at 26 knots. Tragically, five crewmen lost their lives in the blast and twenty-three were wounded.”
I paused for a moment to say a silent prayer for those men and their sacrifices.
“How were repairs handled after a hit like that?”
“She sailed to Pearl Harbor under her own power. En route, they stopped at Tongatapu to bury the fallen with full honors. At Pearl Harbor, yard workers repaired the torpedo damage in just twenty-one days, getting her back into the fight,” Doug explained as we approached the floatplane display on the fantail. “Throughout 1943 and 1944, her primary role evolved. Battleships were originally designed to fight enemy battle lines, but naval warfare had shifted. Aircraft carriers were now the principal offensive weapon, so BB-55 served as a primary escort protecting task force carriers with her massive anti-aircraft screen.”
By late 1943, American forces were advancing across the Central Pacific. North Carolina provided shore bombardments during major operations, including Kwajalein, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. In July 1945, she participated in direct bombardments of industrial targets on the Japanese mainland. Captain B. Hall Hanlon announced the war’s end to his crew on September 2, 1945, and the ship returned home, arriving in Boston on October 17, 1945.
On June 27, 1947, USS North Carolina was decommissioned into the Reserve Fleet in Bayonne, New Jersey. By 1958, she was slated to be sold for scrap. However, Wilmington residents James S. Craig and Hugh Morton spearheaded a statewide campaign alongside Governors Luther Hodges and Terry Sanford to save the ship. Over 700,000 North Carolina schoolchildren donated pennies, nickels, and dimes to purchase the vessel from the Navy. Local citizens in all 100 North Carolina counties raised additional funds to prepare her berth on Eagles Island across from downtown Wilmington.
The ship was towed from New Jersey and arrived at her permanent berth in Wilmington in October 1961. Today, she serves as a state memorial to all who served and to the 11,080 North Carolinians who gave their lives in World War II.
Key Tour Highlights
- OS2U Kingfisher Floatplane: “You wouldn’t expect to see an airplane on a battleship deck,” Doug pointed out, “but North Carolina carried two OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes. Since there was no runway, they were launched using 60-foot stern catapults powered by black powder charges, accelerating the plane from 0 to 60 mph almost instantly. Their main mission was naval gunfire spotting and search-and-rescue.”
- Landing: To recover the plane, the battleship executed a wide turn to smooth out the ocean surface (creating a “slick”), allowing the floatplane to land on the water and be hoisted back aboard by the stern crane.
- 16-Inch Main Battery Turrets: The ship features nine 16-inch/45-caliber guns mounted in three three-gun turrets. Firing armor-piercing projectiles weighing up to 2,700 pounds out to a range of 23
Three Gun Battery Turrets and Gun House
When you step aboard the Battleship North Carolina you can’t ignore the ‘big guns,’ the three main batteries, 16-inch 45 caliber guns. These can fire 2600 pound projectiles about twenty three miles and create a crater fifty feet deep and thirty feet wide. Can you imagine that impact? It’s like a mini meteor!
Doug and I managed to avoid hitting our heads as we entered into one of the Gun Houses. It is a cramped space even with a few people in the gun house, but to think on average there were thirty-eight people working in this part of the gun house.
“Each gun house requires 147 crew members to operate it and the gunnery was the largest division of the ship.” Doug explained “We’re in Turret number three, which is the half turret. It has three gun barrels or gun pits, and each are set up slightly differently to show how they were loaded and fired.” Doug walked me through the process for how the guns were fired and the marvels of engineers behind it. I’ll admit I need to revisit because it’s amazing all of the engineering and teamwork it took to ensure this operation ran smoothly.
“The stereoscopic scope allows you to locate a target or get a bearing. There is also a small computer here with manual inputs…”
Battle Ribbons and Kill Board: “This is what we call the ‘Kill Board,’ and up top it shows the Battle Ribbons and Kill Board for her service in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater, earning 15 battle stars. You also can see a summary of the Battleship’s achievements in WWII like sinking ship representing the Japanese merchant marine ship EIKO MARU, which we sunk on January 29th, 1944. The crashing plane and 24 flags represent that we downed at least twenty-four planes that can be verified, but probably more…with multiple ships and planes shooting in battle its hard to figure out exactly who was responsible.” Doug explained.
Signal Bridge Area:
One of my favorite parts of the tour was the Signal Bridge. We started by learning about the flag controls on the signal bridge for all the different flags you fly on the halyards. These would be numbers or letters and was one way to communicate with other ships if within line of sight. You’d need to be careful with talking between ships because the enemy could be listening in. Light signals at night were more easily detected by the enemy as well, so flags were simple but could be effective for communication.
We then got to peek through the window of the sea cabins for both the navigator and captain. Both had separate quarters below, but often would stay on the bridge in case called for an emergency. This gives you a window into the tension and day to day life of both sailors and officers on the ship.
The Charthouse is where they would keep all the navigation charts, which would be updated as the war continued and they had more information coming in. It’s fascinating how we have so much in the palm of our hands with GPS and yet charts are still important and were a major intelligence factor in ensuring success in the Pacific.
The Bridge Conning area is what you see in movies, where you have the Annunciator that says full, ⅔, max with a captain in command. Doug explained that the bridge would be conned from; multiple conning stations on the ship…captain and Admiral chair; talker in direct communication; switchboard; sound powered phones; vibrations from your voice created electricity (two tin cans and a string); dial up phones too, but you’d usually use the sound powered phones here; annunciator info to the engine rooms; full, ⅔, stop – he knows how much RPMs and would signal.
“What was the max speed of BB-55?” I asked as I looked at the Annunciator that directed the speed.
“While we maintain the ship as a living history museum, her ultimate mission is to stand as a solemn memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians killed in WWII. We also maintain records for veterans and families of the 15,000 men who served aboard BB-55 during the war.”
I was deeply moved by the tour and the legacy of all those who served, and also the continued impact of the countless volunteers that keep the The Battleship North Carolina alive to share the story today and continue to share it to future generations. The Battleship receives no direct ongoing federal operating funds and relies primarily on admissions, gift shop sales, and donor support. I can’t wait to return on my next trip to explore the lower decks!
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science:
- The new location is now OPEN and it’s amazing. Address: 230 Grace Street, in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Official Website
After finishing up the Topside Tour just before 11 a.m., I drove from the Battleship to downtown Wilmington for a ‘preview’ tour of the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science for their grand reopening in their new state of the art location at Grace Street in the heart of downtown Wilmington.
While the building is new, the museum’s legacy dates to 1898 making it the oldest history museum in North Carolina. I’m honored that I had the chance to attend a preview tour several days before their formal opening. What an amazing museum it is! There is something here for the entire family from the kids play area and planetarium, to the science exhibits and my personal favorite the history wing ‘Cape Fear Stories…’ This section includes everything from Wilmington’s prehistoric era (did you know the region used to be home to a giant sloth) to the Colonial Era and Revolutionary War to Civil War, dark days of the Wilmington Coup to Civil Rights.
Today I was particularly interested in the amazing exhibits about World War II in Wilmington.
The Cape Fear Museum has tons of exhibit panels telling the story of WWII in Wilmington including those who served and the importance of the Wilmington Shipyard, USO, Camp Davis and life on the Home Front. Here are some of the pictures I snapped during the preview tour:
Slam Dunk for History: as a huge Tar Heel Basketball fan, I loved seeing Wilmington’s hometown hero Michael Jordan’s gear on display.
On the upstairs balcony they also have natural plants from the area including Venus Flytraps. Did you know that Venus Flytraps only grow naturally in this area of the Cape Fear region! God has a plan because we have enough flies and mosquitoes here – bring in the Venus Flytrap. Learn more here.
I can’t wait to return (they are open to the public and have tons of great exhibits and activities going on).
Conversation with Captain Wilbur D. Jones Jr.: Historian and Preservationist
After the fabulous tour of the Cape Fear Museum, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Wilmington local legend and military historian Wilbur D. Jones Jr. Truly an honor! I mentioned him several times in our part one post about Wilmington: America’s First World War II Heritage City as I shared his stories about the WWII German Prisoner of War Camp and the U-Boat attack on the Ethyl-Dow Facility at Kure Beach (July 1943). Capt. Jones grew up in Wilmington during World War II and later became a Naval Captain in the post war wars himself. Growing up in Wilmington ‘Boomtown’ significantly impacted his own life story and he has worked to help preserve World War II Heritage. He has sought to help preserve the buildings, the stories and research all of the aspects of Wilmington’s Boomtown Years. Capt. Jones has authored or co-authored over twenty books, including his latest release ‘Don’tcha Know There’s a War Going On?’ (purchase via the link, the book is AMAZING – a real page turner)
“When I’m in heaven, I’ll be making sure the sign is still up when you enter Wilmington that says ‘America’s First World War II Heritage City,” Capt. Jones told me as he shared the story of the twelve and a half year journey to ensure that Wilmington received the designation in 2019. “We worked with a number of the state’s congressional delegation, local and state elected officials, and organizations to receive the designation. In March 2019, President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer established that heritage program.”
“Capt. Jones is a treasure for Wilmington,” our mutual friend, Connie mentioned. “He has been a strong advocate for preservation and raising awareness about Wilmington’s crucial role in World War II.”
“On September 2, 2020, at the Battleship North Carolina, Trump announced the designation by the Secretary of the Interior of Wilmington as the first World War II Heritage City,” Capt. Jones smiled. “It was a culmination of a lot of work and passion to get that designation. I insisted it say that we were ‘the first,’ because truthfully the impact of Wilmington in the war deserved that designation. From the Shipyard to Camp Davis and beyond, Wilmington was crucial in the fight on the home front and beyond.”
Capt. Jones shared with me that as excited as he was for Wilmington to be America’s First World War II Heritage City, he was also extremely proud that this program also created other WWII Heritage Cities to help preserve and share the story of World War II.
“Wilmington’s World War II History is so important to study and to visit the places where the history happened.” Capt. Jones explained as we discussed my travels following the World War II Heritage Trail Sites. “I remember trading candy with the German POWs, they were from Rommel’s captured Afrika Corps. Many of them were farmers back in Germany and were hired per the Geneva Convention codes to work our area farms because many of the young workers were in the war effort. Without the POWs we wouldn’t have been able to keep those farms going.”
He also shared accounts about his research to get a marker for the Ethyl-Dow Chemical Plant and U-Boat attack, which was never officially confirmed by the U.S. Government, but Capt. Jones says his research proves it happened. “There were rumors immediately after the attack of course…over the years I’ve interviewed eyewitnesses and done a lot of research, which backs it up. It happened…July 1943 at Kure Beach, a German U-Boat fired on the plant. The plant produced bromine from seawater, a valued additive to aviation and high-performance gasoline, so it was an important target for the Germans.”
“That’s scary, but I’m not surprised. My grandfather was a minesweeper for a time off the coast of North Carolina and did report at least one German U-Boat. They were off the coast. That’s the sort of history we are powerful, because at the time, you’d not want people to panic, but that’s just how important Camp Davis and the military defense was from protecting the coast.”
While Capt. Jones is proud of all the preservation work done in Wilmington, he has a special place for the Hannah Block, U.S.O. Building. “It’s one of our greatest treasures. Only six original World War II era U.S.O. Buildings remain and one is right here in Wilmington. During the war years, around 35,000 servicemen and women would frequent the U.S.O. center for music, dancing, the canteen…it is a museum open to the public and a community arts center with local theatre run by the Thalian Association. It is a must visit for anyone in Wilmington.”
“Can you tell me a little about the U.S.O. and its impact in Wilmington?” I asked. I always loved seeing old movie reels about the U.S.O. visits by Bob Hope and others during the war. For a second I could envision the canteen a buzz as music played in the background and for a second young servicemen and women could dance and have some normalcy, even for a night.
“The U.S.O. Building at Second and Orange street opened in 1941. It was segregated and a second, but equal (per the law) African American U.S.O. was constructed fifteen blocks north at 9th and Nixon Streets. Tragically the African American U.S.O. was torn down, but we do have the main location on 2nd and Orange. The two Wilmington U.S.O. Clubs were designed by local architect Second Lt. Leslie N. Boney in the Type A Buildings that were standard for clubs across the country.
Type A U.S.O. Clubs: Both Wilmington U.S.O. clubs were 14,000 square feet, two-story military-style facility of frame construction, foundations made of concrete block with brick piers. The interiors were paneled in plywood and acoustic fiberboard with pine floors upstairs and a cement floor in the basement.
In doing additional research, I learned that the United Service Organizations was formed under the direction of President Roosevelt as a project of several individual organizations including the YMCA, Salvation Army, National Catholic Community Service, National Jewish Welfare Board and the National Travelers Aid Association. The U.S.O. served military personnel, their families and defense workers. In Wilmington The National Catholic Community Service (in partnership with the U.S.O.) operated a women’s center at the H.B. Eilers House at 5th and Orange. It provided accommodations and kitchen facilities for war workers and servicemen’s families. They used a carriage house on site for sports, crafts and theater.
“Thousands of Wilmingtonians volunteered for the U.S.O. operations in Wilmington. It was a way you could give back on the homefront,” Capt. Jones shared. “It was such an important part of the community. From recreation activities like music and dancing and canteen to social services too. High School Students would serve as Junior Hostesses.”
Capt. Jones also shared that the US Post Office on North Front Street, which stands today, played an important role in World War II Wilmington as women volunteers charted air movements in the basement twenty-four hours a day. The main post office also was used for wartime bond drives and patriotic rallies.
While Wilmington officially has the designation of America’s First World War II Heritage City, the work isn’t done. “We need to continue to raise awareness and get the next generation involved in telling the stories and ensuring these places are preserved and the legacy of those who served is remembered. I’m working hard to recruit historians and volunteers to help with this because we have to be stewards of the history otherwise the designation won’t matter.
Capt. Jones is hoping to do more lectures and select tours via bus to Wilmington sites with interested groups. He is also preserving his memories as a child growing up in World War II Wilmington and the layers of history he’s uncovered through his years of research in his books. His latest book is available on his website and all major book outlets. It was such a page turner I finished it in a few hours and am reading it again.
I’m so grateful that I had the chance to speak with Capt. Jones and for his tireless work in preserving Wilmington’s World War II Heritage. I can’t wait to return this fall and take a personal tour of the Hannah Block U.S.O. Center with him.
Unfortunately during my visit, the Hannah Block U.S.O. Center was closed, but all for a good cause. They had a summer theatre camp and the students were putting on a play and learning about World War II History. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition maintains a home front museum in the lobby that is a memorial the 248 WWII New Hanover County military dead and Wilmington’s two Medal of Honor Recipients: Charles P. Murray and William D. Halyburton.
Luckily, I was able to tour the exterior of the building and learn more about the site’s honorary namesake Hannah Block. I also ran into a site volunteer who knew Hannah Block…
Get to know Mrs. WWII Wilmington – Civic Leader Hannah Block…
“You would have loved her,” a site volunteer told me. “She was a force to be reckoned with in the best way possible. She was known as Mrs. WWII Wilmington for her efforts to keep the story of Wilmington’s World War II Heritage alive.”
Learning about Mrs. Block’s life I instantly felt connected with her. I’m a singer-songwriter and it turns out that she was a renowned jazz singer! Here’s here bio:
Hannah Block was a trailblazing civic leader in Wilmington whose legacy can still be felt today through her years of service in the community across the generations. She was born in Portsmouth VA in 1913. She studied music at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore before moving to New York. There she took the stage name ‘Nina Rhodes’ and performed as a jazz singer in night clubs! In terms of history that alone is amazing, as that era was such a critical movement in music and pioneering for her to play nightclubs.
She moved to Wilmington in 1935 with her husband Charles Block, after they met in NYC. His family co-owned the Block Shirt Company.
During World War II, Hannah was on the forefront of the home front efforts in WWII Wilmington. She served as a charter member of the USO board, helping to organize dances, entertain troops stationed at Camp Davis, Bluethenthal Field (now ILM airport), Fort Bragg and the USO in Wilmington.
One awesome fact I learned about Mrs. Block is that she was North Carolina’s first female head lifeguard at Carolina Beach. She volunteered for the position during the war when the men were deployed overseas.
The staff member I spoke with told me that Mrs. Block helped coach her and many other pageant contestants, including 1962 Miss America winner Maria Beale Fletcher. She and friend Beulah Meier organized the first Azalea Pageant with Wilmington’s now renowned Azalea Festival. For many years she was an adviser to the Azalea Festival’s teen committee.
“She was elected as the first woman on the Wilmington City Council and later served as the city’s first female major pro tempore…a true trailblazer and heartbeat of Wilmington. One of her great passions was helping preserve the USO and its use as a Community Arts Center.”
“She’s already a hero to me! From music to the home front in WWII to becoming a mayor! She’s a true inspiration!”
Hannah Block died in 2009 and the USO/Community Center is named in her honor. Even in death her countless years of service continue to make an impact on Wilmington from the community arts camp for kids to WWII Heritage…proof that actions even small can make a huge difference on the ‘home front.’
- Hannah Block Tribute on Star News (local Wilmington paper)
Want to honor Hannah’s memory and the 35,000 servicemen and women who visited the 2nd street USO in Wilmington each week? Stop by the center to visit the museum, take in a community event or show…Check out their official website here: https://wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/
I’m so grateful to have been able to travel back to 1940s Wilmington for two days to learn about the important WWII Heritage that this city has. I encourage you all all to make plans to take time to experience, listen and remember to the stories of Wilmington’s World War II past during your next visit. From the Battleship North Carolina to Hidden WWII History in plain sight to Fort Fisher’s transformation to Confederate Fort to United States Stronghold for Liberty in WWII…Wilmington is ‘recruiting YOU’ to America’s First World War II Heritage City.
Pro-Tips-Where to stay:
As I mentioned in Part One of this series, During this trip, I stayed at the Hotel Ballast, which looks out at the Battleship North Carolina. I also love The Front Street Inn and the Aloft Hotel in the historic Atlantic Coastline buildings is neat (it also has WWII ties with the ACL Railroad). The good news is Wilmington and the beaches have tons of awesome places to stay. Advantage of downtown is its very walkable to attractions like Riverwalk, Boat Tours, Burgwin-Wright Museum, Cape Fear Museum and more.
Dining Guide:
Wilmington is a foodie town with so many delicious restaurants. For this WWII Heritage themed trip I enjoyed:
- Winnie’s Tavern – Winnie’s has been operating for sixty-three years in Wilmington. It was founded by Winnie Hansley, who worked at the Wilmington Shipyard during World War II, making this a perfect spot for lunch on my WWII heritage adventure. Hand’s down one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.
- Havana’s at Carolina Beach – Housed in 1916 cottage steps from the ocean and Carolina Beach Boardwalk, a great place to eat when on the WWII Heritage Trail from Carolina Beach to Fort Fisher
- Elijah’s – a Wilmington Riverfront Tradition and one of my favorite spots for fresh seafood and Battleship North Carolina and Cape Fear River Views
Thanks again to the helpful information from the Wilmington CVB, Capt. Jones, Doug at Battleship North Carolina and the friendly staff at all the sites/restaurants. Can’t wait to return for more history adventures in Wilmington!
Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest posts.
Here on my main travel blog, I do a lot of deep dives because I love geeking out over history and cool travel destinations. I also post daily history, scenic places, coffee spots, small towns and more on my social media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americannomadtraveler/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americannomadtraveler/
On my Substack, I’m beginning to post regular History and Travel features (usually under 1500 words). Same vibe, just a little more condensed. Love you to join the ‘Sub’ as well.
Thanks for the support!
About American Nomad Traveler:
Hi, I’m Adele aka The American Nomad Traveler…I started this blog to share my passion for history, scenic spaces, national and state parks, cool #destinationcoffee spots, art, music and more. When I’m not blogging I am a singer-songwriter and you can purchase my music at https://adelelassiter.bandcamp.com/community
Huzzah for History!
Have an idea for American Nomad Traveler, or interested in partnering for a feature/content creation? I’d love to hear your ideas. You can email me at: americannomadtraveler@gmail.com
