22 14
40 58 72
Features On the cover
14 Wrightsville Wreck of the
USS Columbia
She lies beneath Masonboro Inlet, the 168-foot USS
Columbia. The former Confederate blockade-runner was
captured on her maiden voyage and had been converted
to a Union blockader when she ran aground on January
14, 1863. Some of her crew was rescued while others were
taken prisoner before she was scuttled. Now buried under
15 feet of sediment,
the Columbia’s story has been uncovered.
By Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr.
22 The Steward
A lifetime of collecting sold at auction in a matter of
hours. Out of 560 lots, what does a connoisseur pluck for
posterity? British Delft, whalebone scrimshaw, rare letters,
manuscripts and books are a few of the antiquities prized
for their historic significance. By Marimar McNaughton
32 The Ringing Rake
Clammer Jerry Harrell knows his way around Wrightsville’s
sounds. From Hewletts Creek to Whiskey Creek, Harrell trolls
his johnboat in search of the proverbial honey hole. Raking
as many as 100 an hour, Harrell sells his clams for 17 cents
apiece. Though he may not strike it rich, he attributes the
fresh air as the reason for his good health and vitality.
By Cole Dittmer
40 Swedish Retreat
Every winter the Land of the Midnight Sun is thrust into
months of darkness inspiring Swedish designers to create
light, airy interiors for year-round living. Local designer Patti
Howell adopted this aesthetic for the interior of her new
Autumn Hall home. By Brandy Brinson
wbm JANUARY 2013
58 Welcome to the Suburbs
Big box medical centers are farming their healthcare providers
back to the suburbs in a trend toward bringing wellness
services to residents. While specialized care still requires
medical-center attention, more and more checkups are taking
place closer to home. By Michelle Saxton
72 Savor: The Beet Goes On
Rejuvenation begins anew each January with resolutions
avowing healthier habits. This year, why not try juicing?
With tips for the novice and hints from the experts, this
how-to-juice primer will get you started.
By Amanda Thames
32
I photographed Jerry Harrell during
a late November afternoon as he
raked deftly through the mud in the
waters around Wrightsville Beach
in search of clams. As he worked,
Harrell described many of the
changes he’s seen over the years,
both in the landscape and in the
clamming business.
— Allison Potter
7
Departments
8 Up Front
10 Beach Bites
54 In View
78 Social Seens
82 Tide Chart
Advertising Section
67 Health & Wellness:
Profiles
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM