Going to Wrightsville Beach in the early 20th century was like no other attraction in the state thanks to Lumina Pavilion, a grand and glowing venue for dancing, music and merriment. The staple of the coast and the South enjoyed decades of prominence until cars, war and rock 'n' roll brought about its demise.

This week, we revisit the Palace of Light with special guest Madeline Flagler, the executive director of the Wrightsville Beach Museum and History.

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram.

Additional editing by Adam Fish. Recorded at WHQR in downtown Wilmington.

A StarNews Media Production. This season is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry.

Sources:

"Wrightsville Beach: A Pictorial History," by Greg Watkins and the Wrightsville Beach Preservation Society

"Wrightsville Beach: The Luminous Island," by Ray McAllister

Cape Fear Museum archive photos

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History exhibit

UNC-TV’s “Lumina: Remembering the Light,” PBS, 1999