Century‑old relics emerge as North Carolina community dredges its storied lake. A routine cleanup turned time‑machine this week when crews lowering Lake Lure for post‑hurricane repairs exposed a rust‑caked Model T truck and a 32‑foot wooden boat nicknamed “Pooh Bear,” both believed lost since the 1920s.
Who stands to gain from the surprise? History buffs, local officials and—perhaps—thousands of summer visitors itching for a glimpse of bygone Americana.
Partial lake draining uncovers century‑old model t truck beneath lake lure
For the first time since the dam filled in 1926, water levels have dipped far enough to bare stretches of lakebed unseen in living memory. Contractors working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spotted twisted metal that turned out to be a Ford Model T–style truck, likely abandoned when rising waters swallowed a work road nearly a century ago. “We’ve hauled docks for decades, but this is next‑level,” said Jake Mohl of Lake Lure Dock Co. What else has surfaced so far?
- Model T truck frame, wheels still attached
- “Pooh Bear” wooden launch, 32 ft long
- Smaller skiffs and rowboats
- Massive tree trunks and logging debris
- Assorted vehicle parts and iron fittings
Historic wooden boat known as pooh bear resurfaces after ninety long years
Owned by the pioneer Tanner family, Pooh Bear was bought to run passengers across the new reservoir but vanished in the 1950s, probably after a storm snapped its moorings. Divers now hope to cradle the hull for conservation. Curious to see it restored? You’re not alone—locals have already floated crowd‑funding ideas to put the vessel on display downtown.
Before you pack a metal detector, note that the exposed bottom remains off‑limits for safety. Authorities cite unstable mud and heavy machinery in constant motion.
City engineers and army corps remove hundreds of thousands of tons of silt
The treasure hunt is a by‑product of serious work: Hurricane Helene and earlier storms dumped sediment that choked coves and stressed aging infrastructure. To date, crews have dredged an eye‑popping volume:
| material removed | quantity so far |
|---|---|
| lake‑bed silt | 376,000 tons |
| mixed debris | 35,740 m³ |
Officials expect dredging, dock repairs and sewer upgrades to stretch into 2026, but the lake could begin refilling next spring if weather cooperates. “It’s messy now,” Mohl said, “yet every bucket of mud is one step closer to a cleaner, safer lake.” What happens next for visitors, homeowners and would‑be treasure hunters?
- Stay informed: The town posts weekly water‑level alerts and cleanup maps.
- Respect closures: Restricted zones change as equipment moves.
- Plan ahead: Tourism boards predict full boating access by summer 2026.
Consequently, Lake Lure’s drawdown has morphed into a living history lesson—one that blends grit, nostalgia and a dash of adventure. Ready to watch the past surface in real time? Keep your eyes on the shore; more secrets could emerge before the water rises again.