Bob and Lolly Tupper Papers, PC.5302

[Identification of item], PC.5302, Bob and Lolly Tupper Papers, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo, NC, U.S.A.

The Bob and Lolly Tupper Papers, 1940-2006 (bulk 1969-1972), documents the Croatan Inn (also known as the Croatan Hotel) located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The collection contains correspondence, brochures, photographs, clippings, menus, recipes, and other papers.

Most of the correspondence consists of letters written by the Tuppers to their regular guests updating them on happenings at the inn at the beginning or end of the season, but also included are a letter regarding the Tuppers' attempt to sell the inn in 1969 (accompanied by a floor plan of the inn) and a letter from a woman named Jan explaining the history of the "Croatan Critique" newsletters in the collection.

Included are several typewritten editions of the "Croatan Critique," a humorous daily newsletter written by the staff designed to poke fun at guests staying at the inn. Many of the issues contain humorous anecdotes related to the drinking habits of the guests and their raucous "cocktail parties." The 12 August 1955 issue contains an account of Hurricane Connie, including a joke "Connie Special" dinner menu featuring items like "fiddler crab juice" and "closed shutter salad." Several issues are missing from the collection.

Other Papers, 1942-circa 1972, includes a pledge on Croatan Hotel stationery signed by numerous guests stating "I to wit and herewith pledge my attendance as a guest at the Croatan Hotel, Kill Devil Hills Beach, North Carolina (Mr. Hitler permitting and Mr. Emperor Hirohito doesn't count) the first two weeks of August 1942." Also included are hotel floorplans, a humorous petition to remove Jimmie Gray from the position of Kill Devil Hills town treasurer, an advertisement for the hotel's Wheel House bar room, blank stationery, membership cards for the Croatan Deck-Bar, and a Croatan Inn "Wooden Nickel."

Photographs largely date from the 1969-1971 seasons (although a handful of earlier photographs are included) and primarily depict the guests, staff, and events held at the Croatan Inn.

Folders arranged alphabetically. Material within folders arranged chronologically.

Robert "Bob" and Laura "Lolly" Tupper were residents of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, and briefly owners of the Croatan Inn. The Croatan Inn (also known as the Croatan Hotel) was originally built in the 1930s by Bernie and Russell "Skipper" Griggs. It was located on North Carolina Highway 12 in Kill Devil Hills, about halfway between Nags Head and Kitty Hawk around milepost 7.5. The original inn had 15 bedrooms, an oceanfront dining room, a lounge, and traditional cedar shake siding. On the beach directly in front of the inn lay the remains of the 1921 shipwreck "Irma," on whose deck early guests are said to have had numerous parties.

The inn was eventually sold to the Tupper family in 1968. The Tuppers sold it in 1972 and moved to Virginia, and the property would eventually be repurposed into a restaurant (Papagayo's and, later, Quagmires) before being razed in 2006 to make way for a condominium complex.

1. Brochures and Promotional Material, circa 1940s-1970s

2. Clippings, 1953-2006

3. Correspondence, 1969-1972

4. Croatan Critique Newsletter, 1940-1957

5. Menus, 1969-1972

6. Other Papers, 1942-circa 1972

7. Recipes, circa 1969

8. Photographs, 1942-circa 1972

Tupper family

Croatan Inn (Kill Devil Hills, N.C.)

Hotels--North Carolina--Kill Devil Hills

Hurricane Connie, 1955

Vacations--North Carolina--Outer Banks

Kill Devil Hills (N.C.)--Social life and customs--20th century

Outer Banks (N.C.)--Description and travel

Donated by Laura "Lolly" Tupper, June 2010.

Processed by Samantha Crisp, September 2019.