History

The roots of what we now know as the Town of River Bend start near the turn of the century. This robust tobacco plantation of 1,200 acres was owned by the Odd Fellows, a fraternal group of black tenant farmers collectively working and farming together raising the golden leaf, which was the backbone of Eastern North Carolina's economy. During the recession of 1914, this hardy, proud group was forced to sell its land to the "company store" for supplies and debt. The W.S. Clark Company was a leading supplier of farm supplies and general merchandise to the farming community. During the first half of the century the Clark Company obtained nearly 70 farms, large and small, through barter and exchange for debt.

During the 1960s with the beginning of the decline of small tenant farms, large tracts with high tobacco allotments became inefficient for absentee owners. The Clark family, at this point, was beginning to age and die out. It was timely for them to convert their low production large tracts into cash and move on into newer fields.

In 1964, Frank Efird and family moved to New Bern from Salisbury, NC. Shortly after, the Efird Company was organized to build single family homes - many for the retirees who came to the area. Mr. Efird began his search for a large tract of land with water and soil conditions that could be developed into a total living planned community. The Odd Fellows farm was purchased in October 1967 for $486,000, and thus, was the beginning of a 25-year development plan for River Bend Plantation.

Gradually at first, and then with increasing speed, the Efird concept was successfully marketed throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Primarily, the message was delivered to groups of people nearing or at retirement age. The response was excellent and, as demand grew, new sections of the project were opened. For those desiring a life style without yard and house maintenance, there were the Quarterdecks. For those wishing a single family home and a separate lot, single family homes were available. In addition to retirees, many working and military families settled in River Bend. A convenience store and gas station - the "Bread and Bait" - opened for business.

The picturesque barn was converted to a riding academy and the present marina was created by making a navigable channel almost one mile long to the Trent River.

The barn and riding ring accommodated local and non-resident boarders. The caboose, originally a security officer's quarters, was functional as a unique playhouse. The tack shop, subsequently destroyed by fire, served as a community center. All newcomers made their River Bend "debut" to a most active welcoming committee working out of these quarters. Community fund raising activities were centered around the tack shop to the point that enlargement and improvement were under consideration.

Plantation Drive, in section three, was a dirt road esplanade with crepe myrtle planted in the middle. Channel Run's development, again, was a drawing board concept.

A most valuable asset was the citizenry, and collectively, their combined efforts to utilize the community association as a vehicle made River Bend one big happy place to live.

In the same vein, two distinctive cooperative projects that will survive, as others have faded, are the time capsule and the Rhems volunteer fire department. The Rhems fire department merits special reference in consideration of the River Benders who participated in the conception and ultimate realization of this valuable adjunct. Talented neighbors quarterbacked the necessary paper work, piloted actions through a maze of bureaucracy, and co-signed loans as collateral to underwrite seed money for the original construction. They were also very much in evidence as coolie labor since the contracted construction work covered only major and specialized building.

The community had fun working together and they also had a great time playing together. A series of neighborhood progressive dinner parties about over-ran volunteered home facilities and seventy-five couples at one attendance finally dictated a limited turnout.

From its beginning, River Bend has been a politically active community. In 1977, after much discussion of the matter, some members of the River Bend Community Association met to discuss the possibility of incorporating the Town. A great deal of time and effort went into the project and it was decided to take a straw vote of the residents to see if they would support the idea. Such a vote was held and the residents decided against incorporation.

Early in 1980 the idea was revived and the Committee for Incorporation of River Bend was formed. Many residents were opposed to incorporation and formed a Concerned Citizens Committee.

At the November 4, 1980 referendum, 522 River Bender voters -- out of a total of 710 registered to vote -- went to the polls. There were two items on the ballot - "yes" or "no" on incorporation and the selection of a mayor and three councilmen who would assume office if the "yes" votes prevailed. The voters approved incorporation by a vote of 298 "for" versus 224 "against." In terms of percentages the vote was split 57.1% for and 42.9% against.

Prior to incorporation there were no viable means of taking care of our roads. Everybody owned them and nobody owned them. They no longer met standards so the state highway department would not assume responsibility for them in their present condition. The school buses would not use our roads because they were not under municipal control. In the absence of an approved road system, it was not possible to obtain VA or FHA loans for new home construction or State funds to repair the streets.

River Bend had no zoning ordinances. There were various sets of restrictive covenants but they did not address many of the problems being faced, nor could they be enforced.

Police protection was another concern of the residents. Coverage was provided on a rather limited basis by the county sheriff's department. Given the size of the county and the small staff available at the time plus the diverse duties imposed upon the department, response to problems in River Bend was not acceptable to the residents. It was felt that a local police department with only River Bend to be concerned with would be better suited to our needs. Incorporation was the way to get such service.

The City of River Bend Plantation (the name was changed in April 1981 to the Town of River Bend) was in business! And what a start it was. The Town had no money except for a donation of $423.09 from the organizing committee. However, the Community Association came to the rescue with a donation of $1,500. A yard sale at the Barn brought in a further donation of $925.32. These moneys helped keep operations going until some tax income could be received. In May of that year, the first tax bills covering the period from February to June were sent out. Much work at the County tax offices checking assessments preceded the mailing of the tax bills.

On July 25, 1981 River Bend celebrated its incorporation with a festival and picnic in what is now the Town Park. Governor Jim Hunt and a number of State legislators were present. A time capsule noting the event was buried near the gazebo in the park.

1981 also saw the establishment of the River Bend Police department - one officer. The Community Watch organization was created - and continues to remain active in the Town.

As the Town grew it became apparent Council responsibilities were too much for three people to handle. Early in 1982 the Council was increased to five members, following the example of the majority of small North Carolina communities.

It was decided to proceed with the development of a Land Use Plan, which would offer guidance for the future development of River Bend. This was accomplished with a State grant plus a minor contribution by the Town. Street and traffic signs were installed throughout the Town and development of the Plantation Landing project got under way. Additional Quarterdeck town houses were constructed and more and more single family homes were built.

The Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA) initiated a flood study in River Bend in late 1982. The report, which was finally issued early in 1986, established flood level criteria for the Town, and became fully effective on August 19, 1986. River Bend was the first community in Craven County to have this work done.

In 1997 the Town purchased the privately owned water and sewer system from the private contractor who originally installed and ran the operation. It is planned that the water system will be expanded to the entire Town in 1998.

Today, River Bend is a model of a small Town operating efficiently with one of the lowest tax bases in the State of North Carolina. In 1995 River Bend was named the safest community of its size in the state.

(Special thanks to the Historian Committee who drafted the original version in 1988)


Old Pollocksville brick road behind Baptist church circa 1900	Old house on Old Pollocksville road circa 1900	Old school on Old Pollocksville road that James H Brown of New Bern (age 88) attended in 1919 (It disappeared in 2005)