Nestled along the peaceful outskirts of Myrtle Grove, the Old Chimney neighborhood is a beloved gem known as much for its quiet streets as for its storied past. With moss-draped trees, winding lanes, and one of the most intriguing names in all of New Hanover County, Old Chimney is a living archive of local heritage. Let’s take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood’s roots, discover how it earned its name, and explore why so many families choose to call it home generation after generation.
Origins: Where the Story Begins
The land now called Old Chimney has witnessed centuries of change. Before European settlement, the area was home to indigenous peoples who fished and farmed along the sandy banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. By the late 1700s, farming families from the Carolinas and Virginia began to establish homesteads here, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant access to water routes.
In the early 19th century, Old Chimney Road became one of the main connectors between Carolina Beach Road and Masonboro Loop Road. The area remained primarily rural for much of its early life, with clusters of small farms, marshy woodlands, and country roads weaving through what would someday be known as Myrtle Grove.
How the Neighborhood Got Its Name
Old Chimney’s unusual name sparks curiosity in locals and visitors alike, and the story behind it is a point of pride among residents. It is said that the name hails from a centuries-old brick chimney, the only remnant of a once-grand antebellum home that stood near what is now the intersection of Old Chimney Road and Mountebank Drive.
After the Civil War, the home fell into disrepair and was eventually lost to a fire in the late 1800s. All that remained was its towering chimney—a silent sentinel that withstood hurricanes, Reconstruction, and the push of progress. For decades, the “old chimney” served as a gathering landmark for community events and family picnics, appearing in countless local photographs and eventually lending its name to the entire neighborhood.
Key Historical Milestones
Through the years, Old Chimney has been witness to, and participant in, many key historical shifts:
- Post-Civil War Rebuilding – After the destruction of the original antebellum home, local families pitched in to rebuild. The area’s first church gatherings and school classes were held in homes along Old Chimney Road, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.
- Bungalow Boom of the 1950s – The post-war era brought growth to the area, as servicemen returning from WWII sought new homes close to, but not quite on, the bustling Wilmington waterfront. Simple, one-story bungalows sprang up along Crooked Pine Road and Ashland Court, cementing the community’s reputation as family-friendly and affordable.
- Modern Development – In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Old Chimney neighborhood saw significant new construction, particularly along Mountebank Drive and adjacent cul-de-sacs. Despite growth, residents placed a high value on preserving large tree canopies and the unique architectural character of the neighborhood.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Though the original chimney itself no longer stands—removed during development in the 1970s—its legacy remains deeply woven into the area’s identity. Today, several key landmarks keep the spirit of Old Chimney alive:
- Old Chimney Park – Created in the late 1990s, this pocket park at the center of the neighborhood features a stone monument paying tribute to the historic chimney. It’s a favorite spot for spring picnics, community potlucks, and quiet reflection.
- The Heritage Oak – Along Ashland Court stands a massive live oak tree, estimated to be over 250 years old. Locals say it “watched over” every resident who ever walked these streets, and families gather each year for holiday photos beneath its spreading branches.
- Old Chimney Swim and Racquet Club – Since the early 1980s, this friendly neighborhood club has served as a gathering place for summer swim meets, family tennis matches, and neighborhood celebrations. It’s not just a place to play—it’s where the heart of Old Chimney beats deepest.
Evolving With the Times
While Old Chimney remains steadfastly committed to its heritage, it has gracefully embraced changes brought by the passing decades. What was once farmland is now a peaceful patchwork of cul-de-sacs and quiet boulevards, where children ride bikes under ancient trees and neighbors greet each other with warm smiles.
Recent years have brought a renewed appreciation for the neighborhood’s natural beauty. Residents are active in local conservation efforts, including creek cleanups along the nearby Myrtle Grove Sound and native plant landscaping throughout the community. The annual Old Chimney Heritage Day, held each spring at the park, draws longtime residents and newcomers for music, storytelling, and tours of homes dating back to the 1950s.
What Makes Old Chimney Special
Ask any resident, and they’ll tell you it’s the sense of continuity—a living connection to the past coupled with genuine neighborliness—that sets Old Chimney apart. There’s an easy pace here, a respect for tradition, and a willingness to welcome new faces who share the neighborhood’s love of history and home.
Whether you’re catching the golden hour glow on Old Chimney Road, strolling past the Heritage Oak, or joining a cheerful potluck at the Swim and Racquet Club, you’ll feel the echoes of generations who’ve built their lives upon this land. Old Chimney is not just a name on a map; it’s a story still being written, and all who call it home are proud to be its latest authors.