Andrews Mortuary & Crematory Wilmington Nc

Alright, buckle up, 'cause we're diving into the world of Andrews Mortuary & Crematory in Wilmington, NC. Now, before you say, "Whoa, heavy stuff," hear me out. This place is like the grandma of Wilmington, full of history, quirks, and even a touch of mystery. It's not your average "fun" spot, but stick around, and you might just find it fascinating.

Back in the Day

Let's rewind to 1912. That's right, Andrews has been around longer than sliced bread! It all started with a guy named J. Allen Andrews, who decided Wilmington needed a place to, ahem, "rest" its dearly departed. He built a beautiful Victorian-style building, complete with a chapel, offices, and even a residence. Talk about a live-work-play situation!

Now, here's where it gets interesting. The original building was located on 15th Street, but in the 1950s, they moved it to its current location on Market Street. Yep, you read that right. They picked up a whole building and moved it! Imagine the logistics of that. It's like playing real-life Tetris, but with a historic structure.

Meet the Residents

Andrews isn't just a place; it's a community. Over the years, it's seen its fair share of Wilmington's notable figures. There's the "Piano Man," a local musician who played at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. There's also the "Ice Cream Lady," who ran a popular ice cream parlor downtown. They might not be around in body, but their spirits (and sweet tooth) live on in Wilmington's memory.

And then there's the mystery of the "Unknown Soldier." Every year on Memorial Day, Andrews places a wreath on an unmarked grave. No one knows who this soldier is, but the tradition keeps his memory alive. It's like Wilmington's very own "Unknown" story, waiting to be uncovered.

ANDREWS MORTUARY & CREMATORY - Wilmington NC - Hours, Directions

Creative Cremation

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - or rather, the phoenix in the crematory. Andrews offers a unique service called "creative cremation." Instead of the usual urn, you can choose to have your loved one's ashes turned into something, well, a bit more fun.

How about a diamond? Andrews can create a synthetic diamond from your ashes. Talk about a blingin' way to go! Or maybe you'd prefer a vinyl record? Yep, you can press your ashes into a custom record, complete with a personalized label. It's like the ultimate posthumous playlist.

And here's a quirky fact for you: Andrews even offers a service where they'll mix your ashes with concrete to create a memorial reef. It's like becoming part of the ocean's ecosystem, for eternity. Now that's what you call a "sea" change!

ANDREWS MORTUARY & CREMATORY - Wilmington NC - Hours, Directions

The Ghostly Goings-On

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the ghost in the building. Andrews is said to be haunted. Now, I'm not one to scare easily, but the stories are enough to give you a little shiver. There are tales of cold spots, strange noises, and even apparitions.

But don't let that put you off. Ghosts or not, Andrews is a fascinating piece of Wilmington's history. It's a place where the past and present collide, where tradition meets innovation, and where the stories of Wilmington's residents live on.

So, the next time you're in Wilmington, take a moment to appreciate Andrews Mortuary & Crematory. It's not just a place to rest; it's a testament to the city's rich history and unique character. And who knows? You might even spot a ghost or two. But remember, they're just part of the story - and every story deserves to be told.