This morning I learned that today, March 21 is the “International Day of Forests.” Established by the UN 11 years ago, the day draws attention to the need to preserve these essential ecosystems, which supply food, water, medicine and other resources. Tongue in cheek, do those “other resources” include the bumper crop of pollen we have seen recently?
All joking aside, New Bern’s history is rich with tales of fortune and misfortune connected with the vast pine forests of Eastern North Carolina. Beginning in the early 1700’s and reaching a peak in the mid-1800’s, the production of “naval stores” (tar, pitch and turpentine) propelled the economy of our region to produce 96% of the naval stores in the country!
The latter part of the 1800’s into the early 1900’s saw the lumbering industry build the largest sawmill in Carolina in New Bern, the industry producing all manner of lumber products from boards to battens, shingles to shakes.
Visible remnants of that era include the Blades House in New Bern, a reflection of the fortunes made. Almost invisible is the misfortune suffered by the laborers in the fields and forests who harvested the raw materials. And not to forget the Great Fire of 1922 which started at the Rowland Lumber Company on the banks of the Neuse River.
As Newcomers we now enjoy the tone and temperament of New Bern – cozy restaurants, colonial architecture, historic homes, trolley tours and Tryon Palace. It may be a challenge to “see” the industrial history foundational to the town. Interested to learn more? Check out the North Carolina History Center and the New Bern Historical Society.
Lots to learn about the local community we now call home. Perhaps I have a new appreciation for the pollen, even as I will welcome the next rain (sweeping does not work!)
“Thanks” to all who provided feedback to the recent member survey. Be sure to see results posted on line. Planning ahead – our next general membership meeting, April 11, 2024. Newcomers 101 from 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM, followed by open social time with the formal meeting beginning at 7:00 PM. Come learn about the programs and people at the Craven County Community College.
See you there, Bill Brettschneider, president
