05/09/2024
Looking Handsome, Harvey!
This morning, we took a walk with our Curator, Jim, over to the ribbon cutting of New Bern’s newest hotel – The Harvey! This was an incredible moment for the City of New Bern, and when we returned to work, we couldn’t resist digging through our old photos! For our weekly, “What’s in the Attic with Jim,” enjoy this photo of the Harvey Mansion taken on May 17, 1974 – almost exactly 50 years prior to the Grand Opening held today!
Our visit today included a full tour of this meticulously preserved historic icon situated on South Front Street, formerly known as Tryon Palace Drive. To say we are proud of the proprietors – Charles and Gary – would be an understatement! The Harvey Mansion, dating back to the 1790s, was built by successful merchant John Harvey and served as his home, warehouse, and office. Because it occupied the full width of the lot, an arched alley was constructed through the center of the building allowing carriage access to the Trent River waterfront/wharves. The home remained in the Harvey family through the 1870s, then housed a variety of establishments to include the New Bern Military Academy, Cherry Point Apartments, Craven Community College, and the Harvey Mansion Restaurant and Bar.
Today was a monumental achievement for our “partners in history” over at Heron Hospitality. Working to restore this property from extensive hurricane damage and years of vacancy truly takes a labor of love – yet having extraordinary vision and a talented team truly paid off! We are proud of The Harvey team and their wonderful delivery of historic charm coupled with modern convenience. Congrats! Be sure to stop in and see their very own “History Museum” when you book your stay – and of course, see you next week – “from the Attic!”
City of New Bern, NC Government New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Downtown New Bern
