For years, we’ve vacationed at Carolina Beach and have witnessed many transformations. Recently, I found two treasures by Arcadia Publishing. One is part of their series, Postcard History: Carolina Beach by Elaine Henson and the other one is in the series, Images of America: Carolina Beach by Lois Wheatley. What fun to see and read about how the area beaches have developed.

In the book by Henson, I recognized an old family friend holding a string of fish on one of the  featured postcards. As I examined one of the photos, I wondered why they did away with the safety line provided by the Hanover Seaside Club. It was for sun bathers and consisted of ropes attached to tall poles anchored deep in the sand along the breakers. Such a good idea!

Wheatley made me appreciate Britt’s Donuts all the more. I had no idea the yummy treats had existed since 1939.

I’ve been inspired to add a couple of trips to my bucket list. I would love to browse the special collections at the New Hanover Public Library and Hugh Morton’s Collection housed at the UNC Wilson Library.