CAPTAIN ALEXANDER MOORE HOUSE – 1906

218 S. Walnut Street

This house is an example of a Three-bay “I” Plan, typical in this area around the beginning of the 20th Century. It was characterized by single rooms on either side of the entry corridor, a center gable, a front door that featured sidelites with decorative raised lower panels. This house has decorative wood shingles in the front and end gables as well as a unique frieze below the soffit constructed of bead board.

Alexander Moore (1862-1937) was the son of Tyre Moore (one of many in alternating generations) and Mary Bloodgood. In 1896, Alex Moore was the first keeper of the Core Banks Lifesaving Station. In September 7, 1904 he was appointed Keeper of the Bogue Inlet Lifesaving Station, where he served until June 15, 1915. After leaving the service he was a carpenter, fisherman and boat builder (the Sonny Boy and others). About 1890 Alexander married Geneva Moore (1873 to 1930). Their children were Josephine, Tyre, William, Mattie, Clarence, Harry, Mary, Lillian G. and Ralph. Tyre ultimately joined the Coast Guard and retired with the rank of Lt. Commander.

The exterior has been reconstructed over the original structure but has the exact appearance of the original. The gables are totally original. The interior has been beautifully reworked for contemporary living. If Ronnie and Sara McLean had not undertaken this project after the Swansboro Historic Association saved it from demolition this structure would have disappeared.