A LOOK BACK: Wilmington in 1980

An aerial of downtown Wilmington along the Cape Fear River on July 14, 1980. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Ronald and Nancy Reagan's visit to Wilmington in May of 1980. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Ronald and Nancy Reagan visit Wilmington in May of 1980. Ronald Reagan was campaigning for president. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Wilmington joined other coastal seaports throughout the country in rediscovering the diverse potential of their urban waterfronts. After receiving a $1.1 million dollar grant from the federal government, work began on Riverfront Park in 1979 with construction shown here in 1980. The park was dedicated on March 20, 1982. [StarNews Collection, New Hanover Public Library; caption by Beverly Tetterton]

A portrait of David Brinkley taken in 1980 at the StarNews. The longtime ABC journalist grew up in the Port City and worked at the StarNews. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Hanover Center shopping center photo from 1980. It was one of the first shopping facilities in Wilmington outside of the downtown area and now features stores such as Stein-Mart, Harris Teeter and Hobby Lobby. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Ronald and Nancy Reagan's visit to Wilmington in May of 1980, which included a speech near the Cotton Exchange. The event was days before the North Carolina primary, where Reagan was competing against George Bush for the Republican nomination. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Winter Park Elementary in 1980. [CONTRIBUTED]

Laney’s Michael Jordan goes up against defenders in 1980. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

In October of 1980, Wilmington got an unexpected royal guest in Prince Charles. He landed at Wilmington International Airport (then called New Hanover County Airport) for a quick refuel. [STARNEWS]

Mrs. Manley and Mrs. Sadgwar in Wilmington's historic district, 1980. Mrs. Manley's ancestor owned the Wilmington Daily Record, the African-American newspaper. [CONTRIBUTED]

Bill Robertson and son Mike were upset about vandalism on the Kure Beach Pier in 1980. The back of this photograph, taken by StarNews photographer, Wayne Upchurch reads – Words of Warning – Fires accidental and intentional are just one of the hazards facing the pier owners. Lumber thieves, BB marksmen aiming or the lights and hurricanes are some of the more mundane ones; Volkswagens driving onto the pier are among the more unusual. [New Hanover Public Library, StarNews Collection; caption by Beverly Tetterton]

An aerial view of Bald Head Island. "Old Baldy" lighthouse is clearly visible in the photo in July of 1980. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Michael Jordan with his parents when he signed with North Carolina on Nov. 1, 1980. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

Dionne Warwick performed at Trask Coliseum during the Azalea Festival in 1980. [STARNEWS]

The Second Marine Division Band plays the national anthem during a Memorial Day ceremony May 27, 1980 aboard the Battleship North Carolina. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]