Up Front

Every now and then a unique opportunity comes along to tell a story that spans decades.

BY Pat Bradford

Published July 25, 2023|
From left: Keynote speaker, Dr. Phillip Clay a 1964 Williston alumnus, New Hanover County Board of Education Chairman Pete Wildaboer, Vice Chair Pat Bradford, Hugh McManus, Stephanie Walker and Stephanie Kraybill. Pat Bradford’s hair by Frank Potter, Bangz Hair Salon. Courtesy NHCS
From left: Keynote speaker, Dr. Phillip Clay a 1964 Williston alumnus, New Hanover County Board of Education Chairman Pete Wildaboer, Vice Chair Pat Bradford, Hugh McManus, Stephanie Walker and Stephanie Kraybill. Pat Bradford’s hair by Frank Potter, Bangz Hair Salon. Courtesy NHCS

Such is the case with this issue.

We featured a collection of companion stories in our July 2015 issue “Greatest School Under the Sun” on the closure of Williston High School amid the upheaval of court-ordered desegregation in the 1960s. The story of the beloved school first built in 1866 for freed slaves stayed with me. 

It can be challenging to time travel to second-guess decisions made in the past, but it is easy to see the injustice done to the would-be Williston High School classes of 1969 and ’70 when the all-black high school was closed and the 900-member student body was abruptly transferred to one of two all-white high schools.

Now 55-years later New Hanover County Schools, New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington put together a legacy graduation for the two classes that were not able to graduate from their school.

One of the little-known duties of a county school board member is officiating at graduation ceremonies. To be present to witness this historic occasion was such a blessing. Knowing every graduation is special, this one was so full of delayed joy and hope, I cannot but remember it always.

Pat Bradford at the unforgettable legacy graduation of the Williston High School classes of 1969 and 1970. Steve McMillan

Our Home of Distinction with its lush landscape is anchored in one of Wilmington’s older neighborhoods, Sunset Park, which was built to house people in the shipbuilding industry in a time of chaos on the planet.

Enjoy a fictional tale of two men who do most everything wrong in an offshore jon boat fishing trip and fortunately live to talk about it. A companion to this is an insightful look by veteran outdoorsman Robert Rehder at the variety of saltwater gamefish in our local waters.

We have the first-person story of a ride to Charleston down the Intracoastal Waterway in a 17-foot open center console boat some 20 years ago by Robert Dillow Jr. and his then new wife Mary Margaret McEachern for a week’s vacation. It is our tribute to the late Rob Dillow.

Discover an intimate music venue at the western end of Wilmington’s Castle Street called Live at Ted’s. Do not miss the subjective art of the popular Jimmy Womble and apple recipes.

We trust you will enjoy this August issue. Be blessed.

Pat Bradford

Senior Editor/Publisher







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