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Three Hurricanes StrikePopulation increased to about 1,500 by 1945, but tragedy struck again in the form of Hurricane Hazel in 1954. With winds of 125 to 140 miles per hour and a storm surge of 12 to 14 feet, Hazel wiped out upwards of 250 houses and damaged 500 more. Again, the town rebuilt, and in 1964 the seven-story Blockade Runner Motor Hotel opened. However, Lumina had deteriorated over the years, and in 1973 was demolished. An era of history came to a close. Shell Island Resort was built in 1984, but again Mother Nature struck with hurricanes Bertha and Fran which damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, leveled the dunes and destroyed the two fishing piers. Again the town rebounded to repair the damage and the new concrete, hurricane resistant Johnnie Mercer’s pier was built. History On DisplayA number of historical artifacts, photos and exhibits reflecting the history of the town are on display at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, which also features a 12 foot model of the town in 1910. |
