Topics Related to This Day in North Carolina History

The Story of the Lawson Family

On December 25, 1929, Charlie Lawson murdered his wife and six of their seven children before killing himself in Stokes County. His motive remains a mystery.

The State Library of North Carolina is Founded

On December 25, 1812, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the law that created what is now the State Library of North Carolina, to be administered by the Secretary of State.

Flying Ace George Preddy, Christmas Casualty

On December 25, 1944, Greensboro native George E. Preddy Jr., the top P-51 Mustang ace during World War II, was shot down by friendly ground fire.

Alton Stewart of Coats, Victim of “Man’s Conquest of the Air”

On December 25, 1929, Alton Stewart, who popularized flying in North Carolina, died in a plane crash. Stewart had been at the helm of a flight that originated in Raleigh and stopped in Angier to pick up passengers.

R. A. Fessenden on the Outer Banks: The Beginnings of Radio

On December 24, 1902, Reginald Fessenden, who had previously engaged in experiments on the Outer Banks, made the first intentional wireless radio broadcast, playing his violin and reading a passage from the Bible.

Mary Van Landingham, Long Remembered for Humility Quip

On December 24, 1937, writer and cultural leader Mary Van Landingham died in Charlotte.

Ava Gardner Born

On December 24, 1922, Ava Gardner was born in Grabtown, a small farming community near Smithfield in Johnston County.

“Aunt Samantha” Bumgarner, Traditional Musician

On December 24, 1960, fiddle and banjo player and old-time ballad singer Sarah Samantha Biddix Bumgarner died.

Sedaris’s Elf Tale Instant Hit for NPR

On December 23, 1992, David Sedaris made his debut on Morning Edition on National Public Radio reading his now-famous essay “The Santaland Diaries.”

Inventor and Ax Man John Council of Bladen County

On December 23, 1929, inventor and machinist John P. Council died.