It is always a shame when something like this happens. Too bad that there wasn't some way to save the structure.

Bert

Diane Baum St. Claire house in Kill Devil Hills was really beautiful. Maybe another then and now? The only problem is that there is no longer a now.

Bob

When I was looking at the photos of this station on Stephen's site a few weeks ago, I thought how cool it was, and how I would like to see it next time I went to the OBX. I am saddened that I shall never get this oppurtunity.

We drove by there on Friday and there were some people milling around in the tower. We depated on stopping but drove on. Sunday we went back and all the windows in the tower and on at least two sides of the building had been removed.

We wanted to go inside since there were no doors, but did not want to get arrested due to the no tresspassing signs. I wish we would have walked up and asked to look around on Friday. Guess we will never get that opportunity again. I will get the photos up for you as soon as I can.

Pardon my "french", but that really SUCKS... I've been lucky enough to go to the OBX several times in the past 20 years for vacations and the Kill Devil Hills LSS was always one of my "we're definately in NC" landmarks. For those not familiar with the area down there, there are HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of rental houses down there so this building REALLY stuck out as a thing of beauty!!! It was a quitesential Outer Banks building.

I'm really sad to see it go... I would really love to see HL crank this one out!!!

The story is in two parts so you have to use both links. This article was sent to me by a friend.

http://epilot.hamptonroads.com/Repository/ml.asp?Issue=VirginianPilot/2004/10/19&ID=Ar02900&Mode=Gif


http://epilot.hamptonroads.com/Repository/ml.asp?Issue=VirginianPilot/2004/10/19&ID=Ar03000&Mode=Gif

Almost like killing something alive.

bobo

After seeing those photos, I am now very close to tears. Actually, remove that "very close to" and replace it with "in". Seeing those three photos of that beautiful building falling to the ground just put a damper on my day.

Me too, Greg. Me too. On both comments.

bobo

It is a sad day in America when an historic building such as the Diane Baum St. Claire house is destroyed to make way for some high-end beach houses! Don't these people care about preserving the historic past of the Outer Banks? I guess the answer to that question is obvious! What a shame! Money is all that matters to some people.

Perhaps the destruction of this former life-saving station will serve as a reminder to others that all of our historic buildings need to be protected and preserved for future generations. I commend those who tried to stop the destruction of this historic property and only wish that a different solution could have been reached!

All my best,
Paul Conlin
ALF Secretary