‍ "Preserving the past, inspiring the future:

Honoring the history of Aurora and Richland Township, NC."

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Every small town has a story, and Aurora’s history is too good not to share. Living and working in the heart of Aurora, NC—running The Blue Crab Boutique and Scoop Sloop Ice Cream Station—Beverly Horvath watched thousands of tourists fall in love with the Aurora Fossil Museum each year. She realized these visitors were hungry for more local culture. When a piece of local lore sparked her imagination, she knew exactly what to do.

‍ Long before it became Aurora, the area was known as Betty Town in the early 1800s. The fields surrounding Betty Town were fertile and grew crops of sweet watermelons. Because these melons ripened in the peak heat of late summer, locals affectionately nicknamed them "August Hams." It is said that freedom seekers following the Underground Railroad were encouraged to “go to where the August Hams grow” which referred specifically to the fields of Betty Town.

‍The story sparked an idea to create a unique way to present local history to visitors. A traveling monument has been created that will stand as a tribute to the varied history of Aurora/Richland Township. We have placed a large water tank on a trailer that is painted as an August Ham.  Historical plaques will be affixed to the tank that tell the stories of local Indian tribes, Betty Town, formation of Aurora, fishing and farming, the Phosphate Mine, The Aurora Fossil Museum and many other interesting changes to the area. The monument will be taken to local parades and events to promote our small town, but its home is at the corner of 4th and Main Streets in Aurora.

‍ To help fund and support this dream, we host our annual fall fundraiser, The Aurora Historical Shiver Tour, which will be held this year on November 13th and 14th. This special event takes you on a walking journey back in time through the Aurora Historic District. We are currently looking for passionate volunteers and participants to step into costume and help us bring Aurora's vibrant past to life! For tour details, ticket info, or to find out how you can donate or get involved, call 252-501-8059, email TheWorldsLargestAugustHam@gmail.com or stop by and see Crabby Bev at The Blue Crab Boutique.

‍Follow The World’s Largest August Ham on Facebook and visit our website TWLAH.ORG for updates and buy fun merchandise. Our volunteers are working hard to get this project rolling. Please keep checking on our progress!

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