One of the first pieces in downtown Wilmington's resurgence held a big anniversary 40 years ago.
According to an advertisement in the Wilmington Morning Star on Oct. 25, 1986, the Cotton Exchange put on its 10th anniversary festival. It was a chance to show off its assortment of stores and host events to draw in more shoppers.
Several longtime businesses were still at the Cotton Exchange a decade later, such as The Bookery. Another favorite was The Scoop, an ice cream parlor. The Basket Case featured silk flowers. The Nuss Strasse Cafe is now known as The German Cafe.
A clock rebushing demonstration was done by Wrigley's Clock Shop, which remains in the shopping center. Another Exchange staple today, T.S. Brown Jewelry, put on a gemstone cutting
demonstration.
Just 12 years earlier, the buildings that make up the facility along North Front Street were in disrepair and demolition was scheduled. J.R. Reaves and M.T. Murray bought all eight buildings from the Wilmington Redevelopment Commission.
The complex opened in 1976 and was one of the first downtown buildings in North Carolina to adapt and utilize existing historic buildings.
Now celebrating 50 years, other stores at the Cotton Exchange that have remained since the 10-year celebration include The Golden Gallery and Fidler's Gallery and Framing.
Owen Hassell is the local news editor for the StarNews. You can reach him at ohassell@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the archives: A downtown Wilmington center celebrates anniversary
