We The People: The WWII history behind the old USO building now used as a Community Arts Center

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - It still stands to this day at 120 South Second Street in Downtown Wilmington, the Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center.

Inside, it still looks very similar to what it did when it opened back in December 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

“It was open seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” said Susan Habas, executive director of Thalian Association, a theatre company based at the Community Arts Center.

It was originally built as a USO center for hundreds of thousands of armed forces personnel who trained in the Wilmington area during World War II.

“People came here for free coffee and donuts, entertainment, relaxation, they could sleep, there were bunks in the basement,” said Habas.

One woman was at the center of it all, now known as Mrs. World War II Wilmington, Hannah Block.

“Hannah was the wonderful local woman who organized all the entertainment here, day in and day out, and organized young people hosting servicemen,” said Habas.

Oftentimes, Block was the entertainment, playing the piano. History she repeated in 2008 when the building was named and dedicated in her honor.

“This building means that all the fellas that did not come home, we still have their spirit here,” said Block at the dedication.

The USO ended its full-time operations in 1946 after the war ended. The city then bought the building, and it became the Parks and Rec department. It officially changed to the community arts center in the 1960’s.

“At the height of the war, 63,000 people a month came through this building,” said Habas. “Now, we’re as busy as we can possibly be and we see 63,000 people a year.”

The building isn’t used as a USO now.

“We use it for classes, theatrical performances, rehearsing, having a non-profit meeting,” said Habas.

But its past is preserved through exhibits, a restoration to its 1943 appearance and original pieces, including the floors.

“History is important; people should remember,” said Habas.

The doors are still open for anyone to see, and sometimes even still for entertainment.

“You’ve got a building that has a very current purpose and also is a tribute to our history. It’s very unique,” said Habas.

It’s a testament to those who served in America’s first World War Two Heritage City.