Rich in history, nuts in lore – what’s the secret of Hopewell Bay?
From a quaint beach retreat to an economic powerhouse in its own right, how did Hopewell Bay rise to become the state’s most famous town—also known as the Pearl of Seranova? And how has a certain local bigwig family managed to wrap the entire town around their finger?
The state capital, Veilwood, is a buzzing cultural hotspot renowned for its vibrant nightlife, swanky architecture, and the home of one of the most prestigious universities in the country (and their award-winning pickleball team, Seranova Sea Urchins).
Yet, for some reason, the Boultons—Veilwood’s wealthiest family—abruptly left the city for Hopewell Bay. Why did the affluent clan abandon the urban epicenter to build their empire in a seaside town better known for its white sharks than its booming business parks?
From crowded streets to sandy retreats – the Boulton family on the move
relocated the family and their wealth to Hopewell Bay during the 1920s.
While both the factory and Boulton innovation thrived in their new home—it wasn’t long before Lindsay Boulton, Ignatius’ daughter with a can-do attitude, invented the spray can—the seaside lifestyle suited Boultons, too. Katie ‘Skatie’ Boulton practically lived at the beach, Clara Boulton adored marine life (strikingly handsome sailors included), and the Boultons quickly became well-known for their monthly beach cleanups, quickly earning a reputation as local philanthropists. One could say that it’s always been the Boulton women who arrive to clean up the mess—be it a storm-wrecked city beach or the disastrous financial decisions of the Boulton patriarchs.
Anyhow—what was it that prompted Ignatius to leave Veilwood behind for good—almost overnight?Some say that Boultons’ abrupt departure may also have had something to do with his involvement with Veilwood University. Shortly after the family left, the Boulton-donated Boulton Pavilion mysteriously closed to the public.
Mentions of the family vanished from university yearbooks. Their faces were smudged from the photographs. What could have happened?
From praised patron to persona non grata – what happened to Ignatius Boulton?
Ignatius Boulton, the Boulton family patriarch and Maddie’s direct ancestor, was a highly regarded university patron and one of the founding members of Veilwood’s Curiosity Fellowship—a group of men who held prestigious positions in Veilwood high society.Members of the Fellowship were known to fund expeditions for Veilwood University and generously support its science and engineering programs—as well as host lavish parties still whispered about among university students and professors alike.
And there’s more: during initiation rituals at Veilwood University, anecdotes about the secret meetings involving sacrificial rituals and the treasure maps of valuable artifacts gathered from around the world during the Fellowship's expeditions are still frequently shared.
Could these stories have something to do with the cancellation of all things Boulton?
We reached out to the university for comment.The principal not-so-politely declined to respond, but a Veilwood University anthropology professor, Dr. Horatio Bones, contacted us later, hinting at an age-old legend involving Seranova’s first settlers and rumors of hidden treasure. It is said to be located near Hopewell Bay—treasure that might hold the key to the Boulton family’s legendary fortune.
Could the tin can factory’s location have something to do with this?
And as for the sacrifices—do we even dare ask?
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Editor’s noteRight before publishing this piece, we received an anonymous tip (though the anonymity was slightly undermined by the use of City Hall letterhead—still, we applaud the sender’s creativity with the letters-cut-out-of-nespaper tactic). The letter made bold claims about the origins of the tin can invention, and even the rightful ownership of Boulton’s ancestral home, Beaumont Hall.
However, we’ll need to consult our lawyer before publishing any of these explosive allegations.
Stay tuned – until next time.