Shining a light on history

WILMINGTON -- Thirteen sites across the city are busy preparing for the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society’s 43rd annual Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour. This year’s tour is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.

The 13 sites represent the breadth of history and architecture that gives Wilmington its charm.

On South Front Street, Gregg Thomas and Tom Faust have been busy putting the finishing touches on the McClammy-Powell House.

“I grew up visiting Williamsburg, so from an early age I appreciated all things historic,” explained Thomas as he perfected the live garland adorning his fence. Thomas and Faust purchased the home in February 2015, the fourth owners since the grand neoclassical home was constructed in 1914. “When I first came to town, the Residents of Old Wilmington taught me the concept of sharing one’s home with the community,” Thomas explained. “I realized if you own a large, historic home, it’s selfish not to share it with the neighborhood. I want others to cherish its beauty as much as we do.” There will be much to share during the tour at the McClammy-Powell House, from its leaded glass windows to the functioning mahogany pocket doors.

Around the corner, Chuck Pennington nostalgically prepares the 1853 Benjamin Beery House for the climax of its 20 years as the Verandas Bed & Breakfast. Two decades ago, Pennington and his partner, Charles Madsen, purchased the Italianate masterpiece after a devastating fire.

“It’s hard to imagine, but when we looked at that burned-out house, it was love at first site,” Pennington said. “We always looked at things differently from most. We always saw the finished project.” After leaving corporate lives in Washington, D.C., Pennington and Madsen poured their hearts into the endeavor, creating an escape for guests and themselves. “We wanted to be around people that were enjoying themselves, a complete change from the corporate atmosphere,” Pennington recalled. On Saturday evening, furniture original to the home will be exhibited, on loan from the collections of the Cape Fear Museum. “It’s been 162 years since those chairs were in the home,” said Pennington. “We’re so fortunate the Cape Fear Museum is providing the public with this special treat.”

The Temple of Israel is one of three historic houses of worship on this year’s tour. Built in 1876, the Temple of Israel is the oldest synagogue in North Carolina. Its golden onion domes are unique to Wilmington’s skyline.

“The Temple of Israel is Moorish Revival style architecture, which was very popular amongst synagogues in Europe and America at that time,” explained historian Beverly Tetterton. “Our synagogue is unique because many in Europe were destroyed during WWII, and in the United States many were torn down as congregations moved to the suburbs and built new synagogues.” Once inside the Temple, your senses are transported back to the 19th century. “Except for a very few alterations, it looks like it was when it was built,” said Tetterton. “It has the same pews, stained-glass windows, and even one of the original Torah.”

Ten other sites -- from urban lofts once owned by actor Dennis Hopper to contemporary mid-century modern bungalows -- will be on the tour.

Tickets for the 43rd Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour are $40 and may be purchased online at wilmingtonbycandlelight.org. Additionally, tickets may be purchased at your local Harris Teeter for $38 when using your VIC card or at The Ivy Cottage. Proceeds from the Candlelight Tour support the mission of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society and preservation of the Latimer House.

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