2020 Susan Sellers Carson Scholarship Recipient
Elizabeth Pratt has been named the 2020 Susan Sellers Carson Scholarship recipient.
Category: SHS Programs
The Walker–Pyke House, Jewel of Southport’s Waterfront
Majestic houses offer intriguing insights into their occupants and the times in which they lived, and Southport’s Walker–Pyke house is no exception. This is not to say that less remarkable homes do not have their own stories, but history is written by the winners. Thus, the imposing mansion endures thanks to loving preservation, while the more modest dwelling crumbles into obscurity.
The “Color Me Southport” Zoom presentation by Southport Historical Society President Bob Surridge and former resident Juli Ghiselin, offered a view into the lives of several “movers and shakers” who left their mark on this stately home.
The Walker–Pyke house was built circa 1800 by Captain Jack Walker, an aide to General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. Captain Walker became a wealthy landowner and there was talk of creating a town named Walkersburg between Ft. Johnston and the site of today’s Deep Point Marina. While that did not come to pass, his home remains a fitting memorial, inspiring residents and visitors to dream of living in such splendor.
In 1889, William Pyke purchased the home. Had LinkedIn existed at the time, his profile would have been a thing to behold. He was a titan of real estate, banking, and local
government with a grand vision for turning our modest city into a major East Coast port. A rail line would link Chicago and its grain and supplies, to Southport, picking up Tennessee coal along the way to fuel steamers.
Juli Ghiselin – daughter of famed Southport photographer and artist Art Newton – recalls the Walker–Pyke house as a “drafty old big house on the waterfront” during her time there as a child from 1957 – 1968. This is the sad truth of landmark homes: maintaining them is an eternal project. Nonetheless, this home has withstood the ravages of coastal life and time to delight us today and – we hope – for generations to come.
2019 Susie Carson Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Sophia Rupkalvis!
Each year, the Southport Historical Society awards a scholarship in honor of Miss Susie Carson, which is a two-year award of $1,000 each year.
Four applicants chose the topic of Kate Stuart and one chose the topic of Rosenwald Schools. After the scholarship committee reviewed the essays, Sophia Rupkalvis’ essay on Rosenwald Schools was chosen the winner.
All applicants received a letter from SHS President Don Parker wishing them well as they begin their university careers and a complimentary membership in the Southport Historical Society for their entire university stay. Sophia received a letter notifying her that she had won the scholarship and an invitation to present her essay at the May General Membership meeting. Her essay was also published in the Summer issue of the Society’s newsletter, The Whittler’s Bench.
Read Sophia’s award winning essay here.
Find out more
Would you like to know more about the Susie Carson Scholarship program? Click here for all the details.
Two Deserving Winners are Awarded the 2018 Susie Carson Scholarship
A big high five to Gina Flow and Hogan Disbrow!
Shout out!!
Each year, the Southport Historical Society awards a scholarship in honor of Miss Susie Carson, which is a two-year award of $1,000 each year. This year the Society received a total of eight applications, which is excellent participation!
Seven applicants chose the topic of Benjamin Smith and one wrote about German U-boats near Southport during WW II. After the scholarship committee ranked the applicants, the top two applicants were so close that the committee recommended that both be awarded $2,000 scholarships. The board approved that recommendation and the scholarships were awarded to Gina Flow (attending UNC-Chapel Hill) and Hogan Disbrow (attending Wake Forest).
The successful applicants received a letter, from SHS president Don Parker, notifying them that they won the scholarship and wishing them well in their college endeavors. The unsuccessful applicants also received a letter from Parker wishing them well as they begin their university careers. All applicants received a complimentary membership in the Southport Historical Society for their entire university stay.
Check ’em out!
You can read the wonderful winning essays at the following links:
Read the Essay by Gina Flow
Read the Essay by Hogan Disbrow
Find out more
Would you like to know more about the Susie Carson Scholarship program? Click here to get the low-down.