Chapter Six UNIQUE PEOPLE

Chapter Six
UNIQUE PEOPLE
6.1 - A TRIBUTE TO W. KENDALL DORSEY
Wilmingtonian W. K. Dorsey was a distinguished educator with many talents. He originated a
program of audio-visual education that was used throughout North Carolina in the latter 1900s in
the public schools. One of his 52 programs created was about the Cape Fear Area and its history
from 1520 to 1774. Above is the title page and below one of the slides of adventurers entering the
Cape Fear River.
6.2 - HENRY BACON, ARCHITECT
To the left is pictured the gravestone of Henry Bacon located in a very historic part of Oakdale
Cemetery. He is known for being the architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. To the
right is a portrait picture found in the Cotton Exchange placed in honor of his inclusion in an
outdoor plaque memorial to a number of famous Wilmingtonians. This portrait picture was the
first time I had ever seen his likeness and I wanted to include it with his grave marker.
6.3 - HENRY JAY MACMILLAN, ARTIST
Henry Macmillan was a well-known Wilmington oil portrait painter in the 1900s. His work in
other media was not generally known. I consider the above watercolor unique both as to its
painting quality and particularly the capturing of expression on the face of this young child.
6.4 - SENATOR ALTON ASA LENNON
The above plaque is located in the courtyard of the Federal Building on Water Street adjoining
the fountain. The Federal Building, commonly called the Customhouse, is an imposing building
the width of a city block. It contains federal courtrooms and various federal offices. Senator
Lennon had the unique honor to have served as both a congressman and a senator. This building
is a National Historic Site.
6.5 - SOLAR ASTRONOMERS - PEOPLE WHO LOOK AT THE SUN
Nearly all amateur astronomers observe the dark night sky, but there are others who observe the
sun. The father and daughter team of John and Susan Buccini are accomplished solar observers.
Their telescopes are set up at their home for day to day observing. But when there is an eclipse of
the sun anywhere in the world, they are off to see it. Above is an excellent photo of the moon
obscuring the sun fully - a total solar eclipse. Below right is a photo of a discovery of the
Buccinis of a large solar flare which was a first discovery in astronomical circles.This couple is
unique in their accomplishments.
6.6 - THE LEGACY OF JAMES WALKER
Pictured above is the monument of James Walker in Oakdale Cemetery. On it is found a short
description of his gift of a hospital to the people of Wilmington. In 1967 James Walker Memorial
Hospital was closed when the New Hanover Memorial Hospital was built. It was later demolished
except for the former Nurses Home. Shown below is a monument erected in 2002 describing the
James Walker Memorial Hospital.