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Some 64 years ago, schoolchildren across North Carolina helped save a battleship with their lunch money – including several schools on the other end of U.S. 74 across the state in Cherokee County.
In 1961, students and community members from every corner of the state collected nickels, dimes and spare change to “Save Our Ship,” raising more than $300,000 to bring the USS North Carolina home to Wilmington, according to a release. Their effort rescued the ship from the scrap heap and transformed her into a living memorial to the 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives in World War II and to the 9,000 crew members who served aboard.
Today, the Battleship North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, is searching for those original “North Carolina Navy” members – the kids, families and community leaders whose small donations made a historic difference. The nonprofit receives no money from the state.
“Children across North Carolina emptied their piggy banks to bring the battleship home,” said Dr. Jay Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina. “We want to ensure their contributions – and the story behind them – are never forgotten.”
Martin brought the fascinating story to the Rotary Club of Murphy’s meeting Monday, where he enthusiastically shared why saving the ship was a noble goal then – and recognizing those who saved it is still important today.
The memories from those who were there tell a powerful story of determination and pride.
- “There was very little extra money, but my parents managed to send many dimes with us to school to help save the USS North Carolina.”
- “All of my brothers and sister and I sold drink bottles, raked yards, knocked on doors – most anything we could to raise money.”
- “It was exciting to know I had helped bring the battleship home.”
I was living in Wilmington when my youngest child was born in the 1990s, and when family visited from out of town we always enjoyed taking them to see America’s most decorated World War II battleship. Experiencing the claustrophobia of being in those tight quarters made me appreciate the men and woman who fought for us that much more.
As an added bonus, a well-known alligator named Charlie became the USS North Carolina’s unofficial mascot while living in the marshy waters surrounding the docked ship. The 20-foot-long feller was a tourist attraction all on his own.
Anyone who contributed – or whose parents or grandparents did – can share written memories, photographs or videos at battleshipnc.com/dimes. Submissions will become part of a digital archive and may be featured in upcoming exhibits and educational programming celebrating the people who made it all possible.
Whether you were a student “crew member” who donated a dime, a teacher who organized your class or a community leader who helped rally your town, the battleship wants to hear your story.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him with comments and questions at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.