Belhaven, North Carolina circa 1950

ABOUT THE TOWN
In Beaufort County, in the central coastal plain region of North Carolina, lies the town of Belhaven, on the north side of the convergence of Pantego Creek, Pungo River, and Pamlico River. First known as Jack’s Neck, and later Belport, Belhaven has always had a water-based economy, with its residents bringing in fish, crabs, shrimp, and oysters from the local waters. Wildlife abounds in the surrounding area including bear, deer, small game and waterfowl.

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Belhaven also attracts recreational vessels of all kinds, looking for food, lodging, gasoline, and recreation. Apart from fishing and tourism, Belhaven also had a stint as a lumber town in the early 1900s− part of John Wilkinson’s timber regime.

Belhaven celebrated the centennial of its incorporation in 1999. The 2000 census reflected just under 2000 residents.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Roger P. Meekins (1930- ) learned the newspaper business first hand. His father, D. Victor Meekins founded the weekly Dare County Times in Manteo in 1935, and later weeklies Tyrrell County Tribune in Columbia, the Hyde County Herald in Swanquarter, and the Pilot in Belhaven.

Roger began taking photographs for his father's newspapers when he was 15 as well as photographing weddings and christenings for local residents.

At the age of 17, he obtained a private pilots license and purchased an army surplus aerial camera and began an aerial photography service, flying himself in a Piper Cub while taking photos. He would often go to his assignments barefoot and covered in printer’s ink. His photographic career ended with his enlistment in the United States Air Force.

If you have any information about the businesses shown in these photographs please let us know.

obhc@ncdcr.gov