While Wilmington and Beaufort are both sea-side places, the former is
chiefly a commercial town while the latter is devoted to the fishing and
oyster industries. The island is swept by refreshing sea breezes, and a
great many of its inhabitants are boatmen and fishermen. The Beaufort
fisheries extend over a large area in which immense schools of fish are
found. In deep sea fishing the nets are dropped to a depth of one hundred
feet and drawn up often filled to bursting. Not infrequently whales are
captured off the coast.
Not long ago both the church and school buildings in Beaufort were swept
away by fire, but they have recently been restored, as seen in the
illustration. The church is making good progress under its young colored
pastor. The school is crowded. Industrial work is being carried on to a
limited extent, and it is hoped that in the coming year an industrial
building can be erected. Nothing can contribute more to the progress and
welfare of the young people than a well-equipped industrial department
where knowledge of trades can be imparted.
[Illustration: THE WILMINGTON A. M. A. SCHOOL.]