Eastern North Carolina Living - March 2022 by APG Eastern NC

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VOL. 14, NO. 2 MARCH 2022 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher Kyle Stephens kstephens@ncweeklies.com

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PITT

Entrepreneurs find perfect spots in Ayden to grow business, marriage Story & Photos by Donna Marie Williams

our years ago, husband and wife Dancia

selling cars from his home.

that Ayden Autos now calls home.

Carter and Lamar Frost had never heard

“My husband loves going to the auction

“There was a lot of potential down here.

of Ayden, let alone imagined they

and getting cars for people,” Carter said,

It was like a nice dish. It just needed to be

would one day call it their home and choose it

adding that his home business outgrew the

seasoned right. It needed some spicing up,”

as the place to host their businesses — Ayden

space they had at home.

Frost said.

Autos and Yellow Flower Boutique. Today, both Carter and Frost have grown

“He said he wanted to open his own car lot. I agreed and said ‘me too.’”

to love the once unknown town and have

With each other’s full support, Frost and

developed not one, but two successful

Carter began exploring locations. That led to

businesses in Ayden’s downtown.

the discovery of Ayden.

“We liked it was small and community based.” Ayden Autos Opening in October 2019, Ayden Autos proudly serves as a budget-friendly used

Their journey to small-town happiness

“A building came up that would be perfect

began when the couple were living in

for a car lot. We came and did foot canvassing

Raleigh. At the time, Carter was working for

for about two weeks,” Carter said, adding

“I can’t have a bunch of $80,000 cars

the Department of Revenue and operating

at first others in the area tried to discourage

because of the demographics. But if you come

an online business that would grow into the

them.

in with a couple hundred of dollars, I can help

car dealership with offerings that will fit any person's style, accommodations and budget.

storefront in Ayden. Frost worked alongside a

But Frost and Carter saw Ayden’s potential,

you out. If I don’t have it here on the lot, I

partner buying and selling used cars as well as

took a leap of faith, and purchased the building

can get it for you within your budget. We are

budget friendly. We are here for the people,” Frost said. While cars range in make, model and price, Frost is determined to keep everything as budget-friendly as possible and wants each customer to leave happy with their decision. “If you come here, the cars are going to be affordable, even if it's a BMW,” Frost said. “I’m going to keep it at a range that you are comfortable at and that I am comfortable at… At the end of the day, I am here to help people.” This business model is intentional and backs Frost’s desire to help people. He sees first hand how essential having a car in a rural community is and remembers what it is like to be a customer. “In the country if you don’t have a car, I don’t know what you are going to do… It can be impossible to get anything done,” Frost said. “Cars are an essential business.” Cars have been an essential part of Frost’s life, having been dealing with them in one way or another for the majority of it. “I’m from the city (Patterson, New Jersey). There, it’s like from the time you were born all you wanted to do was get your license and drive. We are into cars,” Frost said, adding he was in the car business even before he could drive. “Selling cars, detailing cars, anything involving cars. It was something I was interested in.” Since opening Ayden Autos has attracted customers near and far and business has done well Frost said. “It’s been great. The people around here are good. Yesterday I had someone come from three hours away. I’ve had people from Virginia come in. If you have what people are looking for, they are going to come in,” Frost said, adding the internet also has helped drive sales. Upon coming to Ayden, Carter had already developed

and

Flowers Shop and Gwendy’s Goodies. They

more administrative work such as tags, titles

have been a lot of help to me and showing

and deadlines.

me the ropes.”

When she wasn’t at Ayden Autos, Carter

Yellow Flower Boutique offers a full

was working for Yellow Flower, creating natural

selection of facial, body and hair products all

plant-based bath, body and facial products

natural and plant based.

from a warehouse. Carter wanted more and soon found it, just around the corner from Ayden Autos.

conducted

business for Yellow Flower Boutique online via Etsy and on her own website. She maintained the online shop while helping Frost establish Ayden Autos and while obtaining her dealer’s license. While Frost was

Like Frost, Carter’s business stems from her desire to help people. Like most consumers, Carter would

“I wanted to get back to having interactions

purchase her bath and body works products

with people daily. It made me kind of an

from retailers and found that a lot of the

introvert not having that daily interaction,”

products would dry her skin out. She began

Carter said, adding she soon began looking for

a “quest” for more natural products with

a store front location.

minimal ingredients.

“I prayed about it. I was looking at places

“There were not a lot of products that had

in Greenville when this location popped up

natural derivatives and if they were, they had a

online. It was right around the corner from my

whole lot of extra detergent and preservatives

husband’s business and it was perfect.”

in it,” Carter said.

It didn’t take long for Carter’s application to

Not finding her desired products, Carter

get approved, and in June 2021 Carter opened

began by making her own soap and natural

her yellow door to customers for the first time. “At first it was slow because we opened up during a pandemic. Since pandemic requirements have lessened, we have had a lot of walk-ins and traffic has really increased a lot. We have really had a large increase. Since they are doing the revitalization and branding of the main street, that has brought a lot of people to downtown Ayden.” Carter said. Having been established in the community already, Carter was familiar with the friendly people of Ayden. She was still amazed at the

Yellow Flower Boutique successfully

busy buying and selling cars, Carter tended to

help she received from the town and others who helped her establish her storefront. “The ultimate reason I decided to put it here was the people in Ayden. They have been

There was a lot of potential down here. It was like a nice dish. It just needed to be seasoned right. It needed some spicing up.

instrumental in helping me with whatever I needed to get this business off the ground and get people in here,” Carter said. “This has been

Lamar Frost

the best experience being between Linda’s

Frost said. “If you want somebody to do good, no matter what it is, you are going to do what has to be done to help.” The couple also maintains a healthy workhome life balance, Carter added. “A lot of the time, when you are in a relationship, it’s hard to have a business with a relationship. You never cut it off. You never have a turned off moment or time away because you are always intertwining the business with the relationship,” Carter said. “I would say we have done really good. We know how to take breaks, travel and do things to break away from the daily hustle and bustle to keep things good and great.” The Future Both Carter and Frost desire to remain in Ayden and plan to become more involved in the community. Carter plans to start hosting soap-making and other classes at Yellow Flower while Frost deodorants.

Others

tried

her

products

had success with it.”

and were impressed, she said, and began

The Partnership

requesting different things.

Partners in both business and in life, Carter

“Here we are. I never thought I would be making anything but these soaps and body

and Frost draw from each other daily, serving as support and motivators for each other.

butters, but now we offer so many things.

“We are like the best of friends and

With the market being overly saturated with

helpmates. We try to make sure we help

bath and body, you do have to do other things

each other with whatever the other needs.

to stay competitive,” Carter said.

Sometimes we overdo it to a certain fault.

Yellow Flower Boutique offers shampoo, a range of natural soaps of different smells, face masks, cleansers and moisturizers, body butters and scrubs, and more. For men, Yellow Flower carries a selection of naturally made beard balms and oils. Products are also available for children with toys embedded in soap and for dogs as well. Recently, Yellow Flower created several unique products after partnering with Pitt Street Brewing Company, who contributed four pounds of beer to Yellow Flower. “I made beer body wash, beer soap and hand wash,” Carter said. Her favorite products include her hair growth oil. “I blend about 46 different herbs for a four month period. It’s really good and helps

Helpmates and being friends has really helped both of our businesses grow,” Carter said. Frost added, “Working with D (Carter) is great. She is that person. She is going to go the extra mile. She is a hard worker and she is dedicated. Whatever she puts her mind to, she is going to do it. Working with somebody like that it's easy and a no brainer for me. She gives 20 hours a day and thinks nothing of it. She will get up the next day and do it again.” The couple has found having their businesses located within walking distance of each other is a huge advantage as it easily allows for assistance between the stores.

is hoping to open his business up more to the community by having cook-outs. Generating

and

creating

community

spirit is important to Frost, who feels that community outreach leads to safer, better developed and happier communities. Carter would also like to expand into a more manufacturing role, offering her products at more retailers, salons and barbershops. The couple also hope to serve as inspiration and hope that their journey to success inspires others who may be afraid to go out on their own. “When people see local people like us (succeeding) they think we could have done that). Once they get confident, they will feel more comfortable and step out,” Frost said. “If there is something you want to do, go for it. The only failure is thinking about something that you want to do and not going for it.” Ayden Autos is located at 4186 Lee St.

When things get difficult, they remember

Around the block is Yellow Flower Boutique

their “common goal” and each partner is

at 512 Second St. For more information check

willing to make an effort for the other, Frost

out aydenautos.com and follow Yellow Flower

said.

Boutique on Facebook.

people with alopecia and hair loss due to

“We have a love for each other before

Donna Williams is a freelance writer and

extreme hairstyles such as braiding,” Carter

anything. When you have that, that will make

regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina

said. “I’ve had about eight testers who have

everything work. We have one common goal,”

Living.

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Serving the Public

HERTFORD

Story & Photos by Sarah Davis

n the early 1990s, the late Stanley

From before most businesses were open

E. Dixon Sr., co-owner of Town-’n’-

to well after they were closed, Joe was there

College Cleaners at 207 S. Wynn St. in

to accommodate anyone’s needs, and if, by

When approached about selling the

Murfreesboro, opined to a neighbor: “Joe and I

chance, a person couldn’t make those hours,

property, she at first hesitated, then agreed to

have served the public for more than twenty-

well, their clothes could be left on the porch

do so because young Stan had been so kind

five years.”

next door (where Stanley lived), and one

to her.

Whereas it’s somewhat remarkable that a business lasts a quarter of a century, it isn’t remarkable when the verb in that sentence

could pay next week. It was no coincidence that the cleaners was located next door to Stanley’s home.

them to Miss Lois, and she, in turn, rewarded him with cookies and milk.

She sold the land, and in 1965, Town-’n’College Cleaners opened as an on-premises dry-cleaners. It continued as such until 2003

is considered; in fact, that’s the reason the

A long-time maintenance supervisor for

business had then lasted twenty-five years

Hertford County Schools, eyeing eventual

At that time, Stan became his father’s

and has now more than repeated that feat.

with the death of Joe Dixon.

retirement, he began looking for a business

partner, and the cleaning operation was

To Stanley and Joe (Dixon) - his nephew

opportunity that would occupy his time and

moved to Dixon’s Cleaners at 406 Main St. in

and business partner – the purpose of their

talents. Next to his house was a piece of

Ahoskie (originally Minton’s Cleaners) which

business was to serve. Whether it was a

property that was part of Miss Lois Wynn’s

Stan had owned since 1979. The Murfreesboro

bereaved family member needing a suit

property that fronted on College Street, one

business then became a pick-up station.

pressed for a funeral, a mother of a groom

block east.

In addition to cleaning and laundry

needing a dress altered for a wedding or

At the time, she allowed the Dixons

services, one can also have clothes altered or

a grandmother needing her grandchild’s

(Stanley and Clyde Myrell) and Nationwide

rent formal attire. At one time, the Ahoskie

heirloom Easter frock cleaned before the

Insurance Agent Ed Forbes and his wife (Polly)

business offered custom monogramming.

Sunrise service, the cleaners on Wynn Street

the use of the land for a garden. The Dixons’

With Belk’s across the street, it was convenient

was the place to respond to the need.

son, Stan, would pick vegetables and take

to purchase a shirt or sweater and take it to

As a little boy, Stan Dixon served his community at first by extending

From supplying caps for Indy car driver

as Perc, definitely not cutting grease. A

Bobby Unser to appliqueing baby clothes

soap is used with Perc to cut moisture, thus

for Tom Togs, Stitch County achieved quite

controlling shrinkage.

a reputation beyond the many trophies

He’ll also tell about the laundry side of

and plaques it was constantly making for

the business where dry starch is added to the

organizations in Hertford County.

machine so that the starch can be dissolved

Stepping into Belk’s, J.C. Penny, Target or K-Mart, Stan could recognize his work

into the fabric. Presses include: utility, shirts, pants, hot-head and puff irons.

prominently displayed. After twenty-five

Now computerized, the business has

years in this business, Stan sold to Daniel Hall,

changed in the more than half a century the

in Murfreesboro; in later

an employee who had begun working at Stitch

Dixon family has been serving the public, but

years, as a businessman,

Count when he was only 15. He had been

the idea of serving has not.

there 16 years when he bought the business;

Another change has been the hours, thanks

so another small, local business continues,

in part to COVID19; once open almost from

but it has moved from Railroad Street to 126

dawn to dusk six days a week, hours have now

Commercial Road, off Hwy 42.

been reduced with both places opening at 8

kindness to a neighbor

he has served his neighbors throughout Hertford County and even beyond.

In addition to the Murfreesboro and

a.m. weekdays and 90 on Saturdays; Ahoskie

Ahoskie cleaners, there was also a pick-up

closes at 4 p.m. on weekdays, Murfreesboro

station in Winton for many years, closing

at 3 p.m., both at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and

in 2008, with the building sold to become

Saturdays.

another local business. Dixon’s for that special addition. That part of the business grew into an independent business that featured custom embroidery, engraving of trophies, plaques and awards, as well as silk screening, vinyl graphics and wraps. Known as Stitch Count and owned by Stan and his wife, Pat, it was a one-stop shop; a business could purchase a sign for its door, a wrap for its vehicle, t-shirts and caps for the baseball team it sponsored, and trophies for their success all at the one place on Railroad Street.

Ask Stan about the business, and you’ll soon learn about dry cleaning (which does seem to be an oxymoron); he’ll tell you about

And, don’t worry, if you can’t manage those hours, a phone call will still get you service. The ideas of longevity and service extend to employees as well.

Perc, the non-flammable, synthetic solvent,

In Murfreesboro, Fady Hicks was employed

considered a hazardous waste, used in the

from the beginning and remained a faithful

cleaning machine.

employee for about 30 years; coming on

Being considered a hazardous waste, Perc is taxed by the state of North Carolina, but being non-flammable, the tax is offset by better insurance rates than on a flammable, but untaxed, solvent. Water-based solvents are also nonflammable, but they do not clean as well

board shortly after the opening was Pauline Eley (known especially for her ability to press pleats) who remained there until the cleaning process was moved to Ahoskie. Sarah T. Davis began working there as a high

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school senior, continued occasionally when home from college and once she returned to Murfreesboro and began teaching math at HCHS, resumed part-time employment that has now continued for thirty-two years. In Ahoskie, Chris Taylor has been Stan’s righthand man for thirty-four years, and Cynthia Holley has worked there for twenty-eight years.

Dr. Robert C. Mills, OD Dr. Scott Matthews, OD

Employment is also a family affair: Stan worked there as a teenager, along with his cousin, Blair Bennett; Pauline Eley’s daughter, Sandra, ran presses for years; and Sarah T. Davis’ mother and brother have also been spotted retrieving clothes for a customer in Murfreesboro. As a little boy, Stan Dixon served his community at first by extending kindness to a neighbor in Murfreesboro; in later years, as a businessman, he has served his neighbors throughout Hertford County and even beyond: A lifetime member of the Ahoskie Jaycees, he served as president two terms and was named one of five top presidents in North Carolina; he served on the Ahoskie Planning and Adjustment Boards and was a leader in establishing Ahoskie Heritage Days. He has served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Dry Cleaning and Laundry Association. Currently he serves on the Board of Trustees of Chowan University where he is a member of the Executive Committee and chairs the Athletic Committee. Town-’n’-College Cleaners/Dixon’s Cleaners/ Winton

Cleaners

operate

small

town

businesses do; they serve, and one can hear Stanley Dixon Sr., saying, “My family has served the public for more than half a century.” Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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PERQUIMANS

“We knew we wanted to be near the water. We looked at the two Sounds and

Easy Living: The Herford Hub Story & Photos by John Foley

after looking in Washington and Oriental we decided on Hertford. “When we drove to the neighborhood we live in, it said welcome home to us. I have never been in such a tight, close knit community. When we were looking in Oriental, our realtor suggested the town needed a business center. When we decided on our Hertford home, we thought the concept would work here as well,” Morrissey said. When

the

couple

realized

the

Shannonhouse building was for sale, they

immediately decided to purchase the oldest f it weren’t for a farmer in Colorado,

decided to sell his property so they could build

Hertford may not have a business center

houses. That wasn’t for us,” Pamela Morrisey

today.

explained, sitting at a small conference table

Pamela and Patrick Morrissey’s neighbor

planted the seed for the couple to move to Hertford when he sold his 3,000-acre farm to make way for 990 new homes.

in the recently opened second floor meeting space at The Hertford Hub. After relocating to Hertford in 2018, the couple purchased the W.R. Shannonhouse

“Colorado was getting way too crowded.

Building on Church Street, spent a year

We lived in a rural area, quiet, nice and

refurbishing the building and opened The

peaceful area and the farmer down the road

Herford Hub in December 2019.

commercial building on Church Street, renovate it and open The Hub. They had never operated a business center before, but had used them in the past for the business they sold before moving. The couple contemplated purchasing a local pack and ship store that was for sale but decided to open a more contemporary, full service operation. “We weren’t too concerned or nervous about opening as we saw there was a need

We didn’t want to create a pack and ship store, we wanted to create an environment where people could come to meet and conduct business. for our services. Other people were more

discuss how to promote and market Hertford

concerned for us than we were because they

and downtown businesses.

had not experienced the type of environment or services we were going to offer. We didn’t want to create a pack and ship store, we wanted to create an environment where people could come to meet and conduct business,” Morrissey said. The Morrissey’s renovation pays tribute to the history of the area and the building. Exposing the brick from underneath the mortar that covered it was a major project, as was replacing the flooring on both levels. Pamela, the creative arm of the duo, designed the renovation, repurposing pieces of flooring and mortar on the walls, paying homage to those who occupied the building previously. The exposed brick and mortar highlights the craftsmanship of days long gone. “I love the rawness of the space. You don’t get to see this anymore. Its fascinating to me and I think it is beautiful,” Pamela said, pointing to the wall, supporting four newly

Pamela Morrissey here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Four different people owned it as that restaurant. The last owner fell into disrepair. It closed about 15 years ago,” Morrissey explained. Morrissey knows this history first hand. While in the midst of renovation, a man slowly walked by and peered into the window. Pamela summoned the gentleman in, and he introduced himself as Sam Hourmouzis, son of the original Hertford Cafe owner. Sam shared tasteful stories of the cafe and how he would have his birthday parties there during younger days. He reminisced of how he knew Jimmy Hunter. And while the aromas of bacon and eggs and fried shrimp have long ago wafted, the windows now boast the services of less tangible, but possibly more important nature. Out of a 2022 business 101 playbook, The

donated computer desks. “That’s old flooring.

Hertford Hub has expanded what one thinks

I kept that piece of mortar on the wall because

of a shipping store.

Aside from a wide array of business services, The Hertford Hub also offers complimentary desk space and Wi-Fi to students needing a place to work and study. “We designed the upstairs space so students can come and use it to study and use Wi-Fi if they don’t have it at home. We also encourage the space be used for tutoring,” Morrissey said. And while the second floor is a quiet place for study and meeting and reflection, the main floor offers the hustle and bustle of a community center. With retail. Hertford artisan birdhouse builder Roy Chappell features his custom crafted houses in the front retail section of the store and jewelry designer Jana Smith showcases her craft in the form of hand wired jewelry. The Morrissey’s wanted their business to be more than a pack and ship store. The integrity they used to renovate their inviting space boasts a flair for design and a desire for community. “We chose a ship’s wheel as our logo for

While the company prides itself on making

more reasons than moving to the Sound. The

The building’s history is reminiscent of

sure packages arrive at their destination safely,

spokes of the wheel signify our services, each

times past. It was a number of general stores,

the Morrissey business model is designed for

going back to the hub. To the center of the

Edward’s and Fleetwood and Jackson’s and

today’s entrepreneurs.

wheel: The community,” said Morrissey.

the walls used to be covered in it.”

eventually became Overton’s grocery store. It

The recently opened second floor meeting

For more information on complimentary

played host to the residents on a daily basis as

space can accommodate six people at the

student desk or tutoring space contact Pamela

four different owners operated The Hertford

conference table or 60 networkers looking for

Morrissey at 252-435-5005.

Cafe over the years.

a social gathering space. Monthly, Morrissey

John Foley is a retired newspaper editor and

and other area business owners meet to

new contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

“It was a staple in town. Everyone came

CHOWAN

A good meal with

old friends Story & Photos by Tyler Newman

f one were to ever find themselves in Edenton, taking a hike down West Queen Street would lead them to none other than

Westover General Store. Hosted in relatively modest, simple digs on the west end of town, Westover boasts one of the most renowned deli counters in Chowan County. Slicing up meats and preparing hoagies has been the way of land at 801 West Queen for over 30 years. First opened in 1988 to hungry local patrons, the store has forever remained under the Baird family name. Douglas Baird, venturing to Edenton from his Connecticut home, took a gander about town before settling on West Queen with Westover. Baird, no stranger to the deli business, had just left military service before the move and brought his wife and their 12 year old son, Douglas Jr., along for the ride. Not too long after, a daughter arrived: Kelsey. These days, Kelsey and Doug Jr. run the show while their father enjoys retirement and vistas around the world. While the store originally employed just Doug Sr. and his wife, as the years went on, the staff eventually doubled to accommodate the healthy demand from the community. Open Mondays thru Fridays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the store now employs roughly seven to keep everything running ship-shape. Westover may be known for their cold cuts,

One family even picks up sandwiches before going to see their college student in Wilmington. Kelsey Baird

but the shop also hosts a small convenience

figures milling about inside, picking up a

seeing their frequent flyers and running the

store, complete with everything from snacks

drink or placing an order. Law enforcement,

show, it can also take a lot more effort than

to cold drinks and even some fishing supplies.

firefighters, business owners, local leaders,

people realize to keep things in working order.

Two old gas pumps are lodged just out front

tourists, contractors, you name it, Westover

“There is a lot of behind the scenes

as well, still offering fuel to travelers headed

has seen it.

to and from Edenton.

To-go orders and party trays also help

work,” Kelsey says. “A lot of inspections and paperwork, keeping utilities going. It’s not

Kelsey Baird says the store even offers

rack up order counts each day. Large orders

hunting and fishing licenses as another

for local organizations are normal affairs at

Despite that, Kelsey says that nothing

convenience to the community.

always as easy as people think.”

the store. Westover has provided meals for

beats a quiet Sunday in the empty store doing

Back in the late 1980s, when the store first

Vidant Chowan Hospital, Albemarle Boats,

her paperwork. A time to unwind after a busy

opened, it was confined to mostly just the

Olam Edible Nuts, Avoca, Regulator Marine,

week of eager customers.

front half of the building, with the back half

the town of Edenton and numerous other

containing bedrooms and an apartment for

local businesses and industries.

the family. After a house was built in the back, Doug Jr. says, the Bairds were able to take action on the growing demand and expand the store rearward.

She also says she enjoys seeing some of the morning customers, who will typically

The Bairds give partial credit to their

come in as a group of older men. The

longevity to the “tons” of frequent customers

entourage would enter, order their cups of

they see day in and day out.

joe and tell old stories. When one generation

“One family even picks up sandwiches before going to see their college student in

passes away, a newer one would come in and continue the tradition.

The result? A dining room was added with

Wilmington,” Kelsey said. “Their kid says ‘I

Doug Sr. is part of that group now, Kelsey

better interior access to the bathrooms and

want Westover,’ so they pick some up on the

says. Their father – who remains a stakeholder

maneuverability. Even a small bar – that seats

way down.”

in the store – will always come get a cup of

roughly four – now protrudes where a living space once existed.

For reference, the drive down U.S. 17 to Wilmington from Edenton is roughly three

coffee when he’s home and not traveling abroad.

Otherwise, not much has changed at

hours. Any locals who move away surely get

Since taking over the store, Doug Jr. says

Westover since its inception. It has stood

a hankering for a Westover sandwich now and

that one can learn a lot from the service

strong near the bridge over Pembroke

then.

industry and running your own shop.

Creek, weathering everything from sprawling hurricanes

the

drenching

southern

humidity. On any given weekday around the noon hour, one can find a variety of local

Some of the most popular orders on a

“When you work for the public, you learn

normal day? Cajun turkey, Italian, ham, roast

how to treat people,” he says. “But you also

beef, the list goes on.

learn that you can’t make everyone happy and

“Pretty much everything,” Kelsey says. While Kelsey and Doug Jr. say they enjoy

that’s just how it is.” When the COVID-19 pandemic struck,

a vast majority of local restaurants

never been any competition over

– and the service industry at large

here,” Kelsey says.

– were affected. For many, the

Doug Jr. says that local shops

pandemic was crippling to the

like Westover provide a personal

industry. But not at Westover.

connection that a corporate store

“COVID never hurt us,” Kelsey says. “We got a lot of new customers when people realized we accepted food stamps.”

like McDonald’s may never be able to give to folks. “It’s

that

interaction

Through good times and bad

orders, we remember them. Some

over three decades and counting,

have been coming all 34 years. We

Westover has found itself becoming

all grew up and went to school here.

It’s that personal connection.”

tentpole

the

Edenton

community. Whether it is through

In a day and age when the

donations to local organizations,

hometown

sponsoring youth sports teams,

quaint mom & pop’s seem to be

being an active member of the

disappearing, Westover has held the

chamber of commerce, or just

line in Edenton and plans to continue

walking across the street to support

indefinitely.

Old Colony Smokehouse, the Bairds have done it all. “If they ever run out of bread at

deli

counters

and

“I’m hoping we never have to close it,” Kelsey says. “I’m hoping we can always keep it open.”

Old Colony, they’ll run over here and

Tyler Newman is a Staff Writer for

buy some. We eat there, they eat

the Chowan Herald and Eastern North

here. We support each other, there’s

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with

customers,” he says. “We know their

Angela Waters

Broker/Realtorge Cell: 252-714-9952 Fax: 252-792-5200

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118 West Main St. Williamston, NC 27892

118 W Main St. Williamston, NC 27892

HALIFAX

A family business

in every way Story & Photos by Thadd White

o what you do, and do it very well. That is pretty much the way the folks at Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts

have been operating their business for three generations and nearly eight decades.

peanuts – from country style to cajun – the

“In the mid-1980s, the federal government

business began as A&B Milling Company way

had a big dairy buyout and basically that put

back in 1945.

an end to feed business,” Allsbrook III said.

“My grandfather (Robert Allsbrook Sr.) and

At that point, Robert Allsbrook Jr. had taken

his brother (George Allsbrook) were working in

control of the business and he helped move

“We believe in customer service and

a feed mill in Rocky Mount when they decided

the company into the mail order peanut

providing a quality product,” said Robert

to come here (Enfield) and open their own

business. While peanuts had always been a

Allsbrook III, who represents the third

company,” Allsbrook III said. “It was primarily

part of the business, it wasn’t the focus until

generation. “We have been in business a long

a feed mill. We ground feed and delivered to

the mid-1980s.

time, we have a recognizable product and we

dairies.”

are known for providing a quality product.” While Aunt Ruby’s is now known for quality

That business, which also offered seed and fertilizer to local farmers.

“We made the migration in the mid-80s and we’ve been doing it ever since,” Allsbrook confirmed.

The company prides itself on providing

ship.”

the best Virginia Peanuts around, which they

While giving his dad credit for the

buy from a broker, but are produced mainly

leadership it took to get Aunt Ruby’s going,

in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. While considering the name for the peanut brand, Robert Jr. made the decision to honor his mother, Ruby, and call the peanut business Aunt RUby’s in her honor. “My father named the business after his mother, Ruby,” Allsbrook III said. “That’s her imagery on the can.” Allsbrook said his mother was a nurse by trade, but joined the business in her retirement years, working on the chocolate to produce the chocolate clusters. She also

We are proud of her image and legacy, and we promote that image and legacy through quality.

became “Aunt Ruby.”

but grew into the role,” he said. “She enjoyed meeting people who came off the interstate. “A lot of people come off the interstate and think peanuts grow on trees,” Allsbrook mused. “She enjoyed explaining the process to visitors.” Ruby Allsbrook remained part of the business for many years and was popular among those who stopped by. Allsbrook said his grandmother’s photo on the can did make a difference. “Obviously we work hard to provide a

praised the people who work for Aunt Ruby’s. A key figure, Mike Williams, is a longtime employee who is instrumental in getting everything done. He said there are 11 fulltime employees at Aunt Ruby’s and about 40 seasonal workers. “We have people who have been with us for many, many years, whether it is full-time folks or seasonal workers,” Allsbrook said. “They are all very important to what we do.” The process at Aunt Ruby’s begins with the purchase of the peanuts, which is followed by

“She grew into the role of being ‘Aunt Ruby.’ She was a little apprehensive at first,

and the work still occurring, Allsbrook also

properly storing them. They are then cooked

Robert Allsbrook III quality product,” he said. “We are proud of her image and legacy, and we promote that image and legacy through quality.” While Robert III is vastly involved in Aunt Ruby’s peanuts and represents the company’s third generation, he said his dad is still “very much in charge.” “Dad is 80 and I hope he stays involved for a long time to come,” Allsbrook said. “This is his brainchild, and he is still the captain of the

at different times as needed. “We batch cook,” Allsbrook explained. “We cook the same amount each time for the same amount of time. We have tight reins over quality.” The quality shows forth in the product Aunt Ruby’s put on the shelf, whether it be from their highest selling product – Country Style – to their roasted cashews and almonds. The two top-sellers for Aunt Ruby’s are the Country Style, which are blister fried and salted, and the chocolate clusters. The company also offered roasted and salted

in-shell peanuts, honey roasted, roasted

have a lot of repeat business both online and

family had done here, and I was ready to be

redskins, chocolate peanut crunch, white

in the store.”

a part of it.

chocolate clusters, peanut brittle, salt and

Allsbrook said the people of Enfield and

“I have a sister who went to do other

pepper, cajun and the roasted cashews and

Halifax County also support the store by

things, and I chose to do this,” he continued.

almonds. In addition, those interested can

coming in to visit and buy peanuts.

“We are glad our parents let us make the

also buy raw shelled peanuts. Allsbrook said his favorite was the same as his customers – the Country Style. The last two added came a number of years ago, and they were the cajun and salt and pepper varieties. The peanuts are sold mostly on the internet, via the online store at auntrubyspeanuts.com, they can still be purchased over the phone at 800-PEANUTS. Despite the dominant online presence, which delivers peanuts to the lower 48

The business sees its highpoint every year from September to December, when peanuts are bought a lot as holiday gifts, but stays busy all year around. While three generations have already operated A&B Milling Company, the fourth generation is still a good number of years away – if they follow in the family footsteps. “My wife, Julia, and I have twin girls – Ruby and Clara Ann – both family names,” Allsbrook said. “They are named after powerful, strong women and we are proud of that.”

states, there is still quite a bit of traffic at 200

The daughters are still pre-teens, meaning

Halifax Street in Enfield, where the company

a decision on their longterm future is still a

operates.

number of years away.

decision about what was best for us, and I’ll do the same for my daughters.” Until that time, Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts will continue to do what they do well – and what their customers want. “We did a survey a little while back asking our customers what they wanted,” Allsbrook said. “What we found out is our customers like what we provide, and they want us to focus on doing what we do well. “It was great to hear that they want us to stay the course and are happy with what we provide,” he added. And that’s exactly what Aunt Ruby’s has done for all these years, and what they will

“We advertise on billboards along the

“I will allow them to make their own life

interstate, and we get quite a bit of traffic

choices just like my parents did for me,”

from people traveling on I-95,” Allsbrook said.

Allsbrook said. “I went away for a while, went

Thadd White is Editor of five Adams

“Once we get them here, they usually come

to college at Elon and tried some other things.

Publishing Group publications, including Eastern

back when they travel north or south. We

When I grew up, I was proud of what my

North Carolina Living.

continue to do.

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GREENE

“Meet me at the Moon” Story & Photos by Donna Marie Williams

gem on Greene Street, Half Moon Marketplace has served

“By profession, I am first and foremost

as Greene County’s premier gift

clergy and I am an educator. This has always

shop for the last six years. With its unique gifts and custom gift wrapping, Half Moon offers customers the

been a bucket list thing - to have a little boutique. I always thought it would be fun,” Annell said.

perfect gift-buying experience guaranteed

“For me, if I was going to have a store, I

to leave customers saying “meet me at the

was going to have a store with a purpose,”

moon.”

she continued. “I believe that we are

But the store serves as more than a gift

brought into the world to make the world

store and offers a unique business model

a better place than when we found it. That

that seeks to make a difference in the

generates down to love - love self, love

community and world.

neighbor. I feel like what I do - in order for

This has been the mission of the store since it opened, according to owner Annell George-McLawhorn, who owns the store

alongside her husband, Ed McLawhorn.

it to have value to me - has to somehow make a difference.” With this in mind, Annell has sought

out items not only uniquely different and not

formally occupied the building, Annell added

receive the gift and that maybe in getting

offered elsewhere in the county, but items

the Crescent Tea Room services of tea and

something that looks so bright and cheerful,

that have a purpose.

coffee, which are derived locally from the

it will make a difference for them too,” she

socially

Lanoca Coffee Institute in Farmville. Tea and

continued. “And no matter how much a

conscious. We can’t do everything that way

“We

try

everything

coffee are available anytime with tea parties

person spent on it, that is their gift of love for

otherwise we couldn’t stay in business, but

available by reservation.

someone else. If they are giving that gift of

we’re very intentional about what we buy,

Since offering this service, it has been

where it comes from, what kind of give-back

well-received with many utilizing this service

it may give to the community or the world

for ladies day out, club meetings, showers and

and what kind of impact it may have on the

more, Annell said.

environment,” Annell said.

Half Moon’s children’s room is filled with

love, I want it to look nice when they are giving it to that person so I want it to reflect that.” Like the moon itself, Annell and Ed strive for Half Moon to be a place that reflects light, casting love and hope to the community and

Many items in the store are handmade

gifts perfect for baby showers, birthday

by local artisans who participate in give-

parties and other special occasions and offers

“The moon has no light of its own. The

back programs where all or a portion of

toys that may not be customarily found at

moon only reflects light. When we see light

the proceeds of the sale benefit non-profit

department stores.

from the moon it is only reflected light. That’s

organizations.

beyond.

what we try to do here. We Are not the light,

Causes and nonprofits have changed over

but we try to be the reflection of the light,”

time with artisans choosing for proceeds

Annell said, adding as part of the brand they

to help the environment, local churches,

refer to the store as moonshine.

missions, senior citizens and more. “Some of our artisans are doing it because they need the resources from it. But a lot of our artisans are people that have some cause that they are passionate about. They found this as a chance to support that cause. To do something they enjoy, put it somewhere where it can be sold and then let their proceeds go back to whatever their cause is,” Annell said.

I really feel called to serve the community, and I love the give-back aspect of the store.

“That has made the name - since I made that realization - that has really endeared the name to me,” she said. The name Half Moon Marketplace, was derived from Ed, who partners with Annell in the business, takes on a more behind the scenes approach, Annell said. “The street we happened to live on at the time in Greene County was Half Moon. My husband kind of adopted it when our son was

“I really feel called to serve the community,

doing the derby races with the Boy Scouts. My

and I love the give-back aspect of the store.

husband builds drag cars in his spare time, and

As small as we are, it may just be a tiny touch

really got into that. He called his cars after he

of sand, but we are making just a little bit of difference in the world.”

Annell George-McLawhorn

started making them Half Moon racing. I took that and ran with it,” Annell said.

With its hand-picked selection of unique

“He’s the reason this store has stayed

gifts, the inventory of Half Moon Marketplace

open… If it were not for Ed, even though you

is always changing with offerings from

Gifts range from dolls, puzzles, kites and

don’t see him in here, we would not be open,

handcrafted paintings, lotions, soaps, honey,

wooden toys all which are guaranteed to

because he has floated this business many

pottery, jewelry and more.

provide joy and delight to young children.

times when it was not making it on its own.”

The boutique also offers a variety of in-

Along with its extraordinary gifts, Half

Annell admits that the road has not been

style clothing for all ages, stylish umbrellas

Moon provides exceptional gift wrapping free

easy and Half Moon has had its fair share of

and gifts for the men in your lives.

of charge providing extra flair and allure to the

struggles. She is thankful for the support she

already amazing gift meant to brighten that

has received from Ed, the community and her

special someone’s day.

sister Connie Nelson, who has dedicated her

Half Moon itself consists of what were once two storefronts merged together to form the boutique, children’s room and the

“People love our gift wrapping and I love it

Crescent Moon Tea Room, which was added

because it makes people happy. I can see their

“It’s great to have their support… Connnie

in 2019.

happiness when we bring out a gift,” Annell

has donated so much of her time and Ed has

said.

donated a lot more than people would think.

Inspired by local bridge clubs and using china left behind from the resale store that

“I think about the person who is going to

time to the store.

Not only has he floated it when we were not

able to float ourselves, he also has without

offer to Greene County,” Annell said.

and give back and do so in a socially conscious

complaint allowed me to work a job for six

“I think it's a very important service for

way that helps us as a world and country

years that I don’t bring any income from. I

many reasons. It’s important that people who

move forward. At the same time it helps the

have to give him lots of credit,” Annell said.

live here have places where they live that they

community and you can make a living from it

Despite the obstacles and struggles, Half

can shop. It’s important for their quality of life,

hopefully,” Annell said.

Moon Marketplace is a place worth saving and

but it’s also important for our tax base. If I’m

When opening six years ago, Annell never

an important asset in Greene County.

not here and if Ace (Hardware) isn’t here or

imagined she would develop the relationship

Hardy’s (Appliance and Furniture) and all the

with the customers she has today and truly

places people can shop then our tax dollars

enjoys interacting with her now friends each

go to our surrounding counties and they need

day.

“When we contemplate whether to keep the business open - and sometimes we have to based on the economics of it - the thing that pulls me to keep it open is the fact that we are the only one offering a service that we

to come here. We need to be able to support

“I really enjoy talking to and meeting the

our own businesses and to bring our own

people when they come in. After six years,

revenues back to our own homeplace,” she

there are so many people who come in that

said.

they are not customers, they are friends now

Annell also hopes that the way Half Moon conducts business will serve as a model for

came. I love that aspect of it,” Annell said.

others and be a beacon of hope that business

Half Moon Marketplace is located at

can be conducted and profits made while

219 North Greene St. Snow Hill and is open

benefiting the world in a socially conscious

Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

way.

and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more

“I really love the fact that we’re trying

and I didnt even know them when they first

information call 252-717-4938.

to model a different kind of way of doing

Donna Marie Williams is a freelance writer

commercial business. We are trying to model

and regular contributor to Eastern North

an example of how you can both earn money

Carolina Living.

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HYDE

Care and Courtesy:

Customer Comes First

Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan

f one could just imagine times like they

sundry items that were first brought in by

washing cars, changing oil, balancing tires,

used to be: hand-dipped ice cream

boat, and later, when roadways improved,

waiting on customers and delivering fuel, jobs

heaped high on a waffle cone — a scoop

transported by truck.

that would give him the experience needed to

of chocolate boosting a scoop of vanilla

History and tradition, as well as knowing

capped with a scoop of strawberry; a chunk

what a community needs to maintain a way

He married Dottie Mooney when he

of hoop cheese cut from the round wheel and

of living, to move into the future is important

was 25, and they moved to Newport News,

just the size one is craving; or, as one pulling

to the people of Hyde County.

Virginia where he worked in a shipyard for

beside the gasoline pump, a bell clanging

This is true for Jesse Gibbs Sr. and his wife,

twice, as someone comes to the car window

Dottie, who have owned and operated Gibbs

to ask, “How much gas do you need?”

Enterprises, Inc. since 1992, with help from

Actually, there’s no need to imagine this

both of their children, Lisa and Jess.

one day operate his own business.

four years as a mechanic on cranes and other equipment. One weekend while visiting home, Bill Harvey asked Jesse, “How about coming back

at all; one can experience it firsthand at

Before their ownership, the business had

Gibbs Enterprises, Inc. Moments like this are

been known as the W.H. Cox Service Station,

Jesse explained that his wife didn’t care for

not of times past, but times present, where

owned and operated for many years by Bill

Newport News, he couldn’t get the raise he

customers come first.

Harvey Cox.

wanted at the shipyards and his father had

to work with me and drive the oil truck?”

Decades ago, many small family-owned

Shortly after Jesse graduated from East

stores dotted and dominated the landscape

Hyde High School in 1959, he worked with

of Hyde County’s rural communities. These

J.B. Cahoon, T. Etheridge, and Bill Harvey Cox

“I run the oil truck for Bill Harvey and then

small stores sold food, supplies and other

doing a variety of jobs such as pumping fuel,

I helped him at the store nights and mornings

recently passed. After a couple weeks, he decided to return home.

I open up early mornings to catch the crabbers and fishermen that’s going out and the farmers that leave early to go into the fields. Jesse Gibbs

until I had to go back out on the oil truck. It went on for fifty years that way.” During that span of time, Jesse drove for Coastal Oil Company, which later became known as Eastern Fuels. Jesse’s son, Jess, who started working at his father’s store in 1994, said that, “Dad was one of them when someone called late at night to say, ‘I am out of kerosene,’ he’d go take it to them. When boats would come in, he’d go right to the boat and fill them up off of the oil truck. And farmers, too.” Similar to Jesse, Dottie has an early connection to Bill Harvey’s store before their ownership. When local television stations were limited to half a dozen channels in much

of Hyde County, reception poor most of the

building, built by Bill Harvey with the help of

time, Dottie rented out VHS movies inside a

Tony Spencer in 1932, has a 90-year history

room of that store.

of being exactly what it is today: a store

During their ownership, they have provided a variety of services.

offering convenience for a community’s everyday needs no matter who the customers

Jess said, “We pump gas for people, which gives us a chance to get in touch and talk to

are: fisherman, farmer, out-of-town worker, local or anybody passing through.

them. If people want us to check their oil, we

Although their hours are 4 a.m. until 8

check their oil. You get to talk to everybody

p.m., Jesse typically opens the store at 3:30

and see how they’re doing.

a.m. By the time he arrives, the early morning

“We also tote things out to the car if people

customers are either lined up waiting at the

need help,” added Jess. “I’ll meet them at the

gas pumps or waiting to go inside to buy food

door, get what they want, and take it to them

and supplies for their workday.

because some people can’t get in and out.”

“I open up early mornings to catch the

“Dad’s the front man and mom’s the back

crabbers and fishermen that’s going out and

person,” Jess said. “She runs the cash register

the farmers that leave early to go into the

and does the bookkeeping on the computer.”

fields. I have a station full of people waiting for

Beyond

the

storefront

window,

the

me when I come to work. And there’s people

that’s passing through and don’t have enough

hundred containers of hoop cheese which

gas to get to Manns Harbor,” said Jesse. “We

amounts to more than 4,200 pounds a year.

have a lot of hunters who come in here

But owning a business is not only a huge responsibility to a community; it is a chance

mornings to get what they need.” Hydraulic oil is a popular item for both

to make a difference and Jesse and his family

fishermen and farmers, but Jesse sells motor

have placed the community in their best

oil, white waterproof boots, blue gloves, belts

interest.

and a variety of groceries including handdipped ice cream, coffee and hoop cheese

“People depend on me a lot,” Jesse said. “I just try to help the community.” At age 82, when some people are slowing

and a lot of it. “I have a whole crowd of coffee drinkers here shooting the breeze and lying and

down, Jesse continues to work a day of twelve or more hours. “Ever since I’ve been working, I’ve always

everything else,” laughed Jesse. As a matter of fact, Jesse sells about sixty

worked seven days a week. I’ve had one

pots of coffee a day. Considering that he is

vacation in 82 years and that was one week

open seven days a week nearly all year, he

that I took off and that’s the only time I ever

goes through over 21,000 pots of coffee a

took off unless I was sick. But I love coming

year.

down here and being with the people,” he said.

Behind those windows and between those walls lies the heart and soul of the store: the Gibbs family who have selflessly devoted their lives in helping to build their community stronger not only through their commitment to keeping products stocked to help sustain people’s needs, but also through the exchange of daily conversations and care they give to their customers where friends become family and where memories are made. Gibbs Enterprises, Inc. is located at 32399 U.S. 264 in Engelhard. Their telephone number is (252) 925-1870. Their hours are from 4 am. – 8 p.m., unless you need Jesse at an earlier time. Sandy Carawan is an English Language

Hoop cheese is also popular and the

But Jesse’s is more than what is sold behind

Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College

average container weighs a bit more than 21

the storefront windows and between the

High School in Swan Quarter and a longtime

pounds. Each year Jesse sells more than two

tongue and grooved walls.

contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

Happening by Motsie Brooks, watercolor, 201 0

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PASQUOTANK

Wysors find home in

‘Recycled Reader’

Story by Tyler Newman Photos by Tyler Newman & Chelsea Bartell Taylor

ention the word “books” while

tall aisles, one is presented with a clean, yet

Genre names in the store can be found laid

in Elizabeth City, and you could

homey layout. Books adorn the shelves,

out on the floor as decals or stickers, arrayed

instantly be pointed toward The

clustered and stacked every which way, all of

in various colors. Some of the more popular

them feeling slightly familiar while also quite

genres, like mystery and romance, take up

novel (pun intended).

entire walls, their labels hanging high above

Recycled Reader. A community institution in Pasquotank County for 25 years, the used bookshop has

Looking for a book on Cleopatra? They are

seen a couple of different storefronts since

sure to have it. A detective romance? Without

Near the front of the store, one can find

its inception in 1997. Just within the door, the

a doubt. Upton Sinclair? Stephen King? Allison

gifts such as recycled puzzles, wax melts,

heart has remained the same: recycling old

Brennan? Yes, yes and... yes.

apparel and other unique little gifts and

books from around the area for others to give them a good home. Jane and Bud Wysor, owners of the bookstore, say while things were slow in the

The Wysors say that while romance may have been the most popular genre 15 years

for all to see.

trinkets. Soft

classical

arrangements

and

ago, things have slowly shifted towards the

symphonies ooze overhead through the

mystery genre in recent years.

speakers, courtesy of local public radio station

beginning, it has paid off. They now boast a

“People liked to read romance books a

burgeoning number of loyal customers who

while back and some of them were mystery

While customers can peruse to their heart’s

always return to bring in their used books, and

romance,” Bud said. “From there, they can

content, some of the real fun can take place

hope to find more.

cross over into mystery and find a whole new

at the counter. Those who wish to bring in

genre.”

used books can utilize their trade-ins as store

Wandering aimlessly through the store’s

WHRO.

credit, with the Wysors keeping track of each customer via a myriad of individual index cards, alphabetized by name. Originally, the customer base was not very large. Over time, and through a couple of relocations, it grew larger.

couldn’t ask for better people working here.” Long-distance customers are no strangers to The Recycled Reader, with some venturing Hampton Roads. Amidst stacks of trade-in books decorating

“We were originally downtown in front of

the counter, the couple works in tandem to

Todd’s Pharmacy,” Jane says. “Elizabeth City

ring up multiple customers at a time, clearly

had a couple of bookstores at the time, but no

engaged in a longstanding rhythm that has

used bookstore.”

persisted for years.

This original location was on South Poindexter Street. twice. The first time to a location on West

band cards, helping out with local library sales,

Ehringhaus Street near the now defunct

providing discounts to marathon runners and

Southgate Mall and the second to the F&H

even assisting the College of the Albemarle in

Building off of Halstead Boulevard Extended.

creating a virtual lending library are just some

work with and sell books.

50 miles away in Chesapeake. Plenty of room

to share it with — and not just the customers.

to cultivate a niche market in a rural area.

When the store first opened in 1997, the

While one may think that selling books all

pair welcomed a child. They have since had

day, every day, would give the Wysors no time

another, both being raised in the bookshop.

to read in their spare time, but that is incorrect.

Jane says that she did not want to return to her

They both have their own favorite books and

original life as a teacher, which prompted her

frequently recommend others to their loyal

to open the shop in the first place. Bud soon

customers.

It was the first bookstore they had ever not looked back.

this writing is “The Memory of Running” by Ron McLarty.

other dedicated used bookstores. The nearest

however, the couple has always had company

owned. It may be safe to say that they have

Bud’s favorite as of

To this day, Elizabeth City still has no corporate chain, Barnes & Noble, is close to

company.

Meany” by John Irving.

of the ways the store gives back.

Throughout the life of each location,

joined her, fresh off of a stint with a local fuel

“A Prayer for Owen

numerous community projects and involved itself in local happenings. Offering high school

The latest move, taking place in 2016, gave

today, the favorite is

Since opening, the store has taken part in

Since then, they have moved the store

the Wysors a bigger store and more room to

For Jane, at least

as far as Manteo, Greenville and, of course,

For Jane, at least today, the favorite is “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving. Bud’s favorite as of this writing is “The Memory of Running” by Ron McLarty. The couple says that while they are

As the Wysors speak about their business

cautiously optimistic about the future of used

and the passage of time, customers come and

bookstores in the community, they may not

copies. For others, it was a healthy blend

go. Some browse for a bit, others linger and

feel so comfortable about minted bookstores

of both: use an e-Reader and buy plenty of

chat.

that focus on selling new books and releases.

actual books.

Many customers from Elizabeth City and

larger

The Wysors credit the plethora of repeat

surrounding environs often come in and strike

companies like Amazon will eat into the share

customers and their valuable trade-ins that

up all sorts of conversations with the owners.

of bookstores that sell primarily new books.

have helped the store persist for so many

New construction in the area, internet or

She feels that the used bookstore will survive,

years.

broadband availability, dining options, driving

learning to live with a happy balance between

directions, recommendations, you name it.

real books and e-books, which dominate

One customer shopping recently had just

Jane

says

that

she

worries

Amazon’s market.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to build up our customer base to survive,” Jane says. “You can’t put a lot of time and money into

traveled from Virginia Beach. She said she

About 10 to 12 years ago, Bud says, they

this and expect to immediately make bank,”

is a regular, and ended up collecting two full

began to worry about the onset of e-books

Bud added. “It takes time. But we’re finally at a

stacks of mystery novels to carry northward

and the threat of the Kindle and Nook in

comfortable spot.”

with her – many of whom authored by CJ Box.

the book market. Those worries were soon

Tyler Newman is a Staff Writer for the

Another customer stepped in around the

assuaged when their customers continued

Chowan Herald and Eastern North Carolina

same time, saying of the Wysors that “you

coming in, still taking a preference to hard

Living.

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WASHINGTON

Shaw loves helping people at Ivy Gardens Story by Deborah Griffin Photos by Deborah Griffin & Contributed

vy Garden Designs by Donna is a smalltown florist with big values. Located

historic

downtown

Plymouth, the full-service flower shop is a stone’s throw from the mighty Roanoke River. Owner Donna Shaw has been delighting customers with her whimsical arrays for 12 years at the 105 Water Street shop. The Bear Grass native has worked with flowers almost half her life. She cut her first flowers at Designers Corner in Williamston under the tutelage of Sandra Moore (now retired), who ran the shop for years, located in Piggly Wiggly. “She called me years ago to see if I wanted a job,” she said. “[Moore] taught me everything I know.” Shaw was between jobs at the time. “She thought I was a nice person; and thought I could get along with people and be good with the public,” Shaw added. “She is a very special person to me. She led me to going to church. She was a big inspiration to me,” she continued. “She showed me the ropes of doing the flowers. I give her all the credit. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t learned from her,” she said. Shaw’s son, Brian Tripp, is now the owner of the shop inside Piggly Wiggly, renamed Tripp’s Florist. “Once I started playing in flowers at Piggly Wiggly, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I like helping people,” she said.

After Shaw left Piggly Wiggly, she opened

couldn’t do this without him.”

a flower shop in the (now closed) Clark’s

Shaw and Charles also have a daughter,

Pharmacy on Main Street in Williamston,

Mindy Johnson, and two grandchildren, Layla

called Clark’s Downtown Flowers and Gifts.

Price, 15 and Skyler Price, 11.

When the opportunity arose for her to take over an existing flower shop in Plymouth, she decided to take a chance.

Shaw puts her whole heart into her business. “When I moved here, I didn’t know

“I didn’t know how it was going to work

anybody. I worked hard to build my clientele.

out,” she said. “I was really scared to go out on

I treated people good and was nice to people.

my own.”

They kept coming back,” she said. “I’ve got

Her husband, Charles, who comes to the shop with her almost every day, kept encouraging her.

good customers. I treat them well. I give it my whole life.” She has a hard time saying no.

“He is my rock,” she said. “He is the one

“I’m real tender-hearted. My customers

who pushed me. He would tell me, ‘It’s going

are like family. Sometimes I work seven days

to work. You are doing fine.’ I bought it and it

a week.”

took off. It’s been good ever since.” She and Charles have been married 41 years.

When she leaves her shop for the evening or weekend, she switches calls to her personal line.

“He has put up with me that long,” she said,

“Sometimes I take orders while I’m out to

laughing. “He was my childhood sweetheart. I

eat on Saturday nights,” she said. “You have to

I worked hard to build my clientele. I treated people good and was nice to people. They kept coming back. Donna Shaw be there for people when they need you. I’m

“It was unreal,” she said.

always there to help.”

Still, at times, she has more than one

She knows not everything can be done during traditional business hours, especially funerals. One of the saddest things about COVID for Shaw was the uptick in the number of funerals.

Shaw loves being a small-town florist.

funeral in a day. Even though weddings are much harder,

When her own mother died in October,

she would prefer weddings outnumber

her son, Brian, did her mother’s (Brian’s

funerals. But she realizes arranging funeral flowers is a way to give a final gift to people.

“Some out of town flower shops were not

“It is the last thing you can do for someone

open. People were calling me asking me to

- and you want to get it right as a comfort to

do flowers for funerals because their florists

the family,” she added.

wouldn’t do them,” she said. “I had grown men calling me crying, asking

“I love helping people, making them happy, and getting them what they want,” she said.

Shaw said she and Charles feel embraced by the surrounding community.

grandmother’s) flowers. “I was going to do them, but I didn’t want to take that away from him,” she said. “They were beautiful. It was exactly what I would have done.” Ivy Garden Designs by Donna is located at 105 Water Street in Plymouth and is open 9

me to do flowers for their mothers’ funerals

“The people love us here,” she added.

a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9

because it was the weekend, and nobody

Shaw has one full-time and one part-time

a.m. until noon on Saturday.

would do the flowers. It was sad,” she added. She sometimes had eight or nine funerals in one week during the pandemic.

employee who help her service Plymouth, Williamston,

Columbia,

Washington and Windsor.

Creswell,

Roper,

Deborah Griffin is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

BERTIE

Spencer’s Snack Bar is a staple in Windsor

ood made with love and a smile. That’s what locals and visitors will get when visiting Spencer’s Snack Bar in

downtown Windsor. The restaurant has been a popular destination for many generations with a rich history that has seen trials, like multiple floods over the years. But with God’s help the businesses current owner’s Nancy and Vic Thompson continue to serve its patrons in memory of Nancy’s late father, Spencer Pierce.

Story by Leslie Beachboard Photos by Leslie Beachboard & Contributed

It’s a simple take-out restaurant for those looking for breakfast or lunch with no entrance or tables. Just walk up to the window, place an order and wait for the order. “I am so grateful and thankful to God for putting me at Spencers. I give Him all the glory. I love and so very much appreciate each and every customer He had blessed me with,” said Nancy Thompson. Long before Spencer’s Snack Bar became famous locally for its double cheeseburgers, it was known as the “bus station,” and helping travelers get to their destinations. The history of Spencer’s Snack Bar goes back to the Bus Station. In fact, some longtime locals still refer to it as “the bus station.” The Windsor bus operations originated in the Hotel Pearl, which was located on the north end of Queen Street circa 1905. William and Lillian Smallwood began selling bus tickets in 1931 in the second bus station location at 124 South King Street. Afterwards, the Smallwoods sold bus tickets across the street from the previous location at 124 South King Street, where the Smallwoods opened a little restaurant. Later, a new building was built, and the bus station moved to 208 West Granville Street, the current home of Spencer’s Snack Bar. Western Union telegraph services were added when the bus station moved to Granville Street. Bus systems developed quickly as better equipment became available and roads were improved. In the 1930’s, two buses left Windsor daily, but by 1968 there were eight buses daily. In the early days, a one-way ticket to Norfolk, Virginia, was was $1.25, but by 1968 the same ticket cost $4.20. The Smallwoods retired in 1968 after 37 years of continuous service. The couple was awarded a

I am so grateful and thankful to God for putting me at Spencers. I give Him all the glory. Nancy Thompson plaque which read, “Carolina Trailways Service

bad in the late 1960s. It remained closed for

the devastation and reopen the doors to serve

Award.”

a long time.

its patrons.

In the 1970’s, Lewis and Inez Tadlock

Milton and Barbara Tadlock took over the

In 2017, Nancy was awarded the Citizen

moved to Windsor to run the bus station.

snack bar when their children were small

of the Year Award from the Windsor/Bertie

The Tadlocks operated the station for

to earn extra income. It became known as

County Chamber of Commerce for her hard

approximately 10 more years.

Tadlock’s Snack Bar.

work and dedication to the citizens of Bertie

In the early years of the bus station, when

Barbara did a lot of the work while Milton

the buses would arrive, Otis Mitchell would be

continued to work at Lea Lumber Company.

If someone was in need of a meal, Nancy

in the yard to say, “the bus is coming.”

Their children, Mark and Jill, help in the snack

always has made sure they had something, no

bar as they got older.

questions asked, even if they were unable to

Even after Windsor no longer had buses coming, Mitchell would still holler, “the bus is coming.” He thought is was his job to announce the bus.

The Tadlock family ran the snack bar for eight or nine years until the late 1970s.

County.

pay. “I consider each and everyone, my friend

In addition to the Tadlock family, other

and family. I love them so much. Many

Their son, Milton Tadlock, ran the bus

owners/operators of the snack bar were Betty

heartfelt thanks and love to my husband, Vic,

station for an additional year at the Granville

Joyce Castelloe, Ruth Phelps, Robert and Ann

and my employees. They are awesome to me

Street location before it was relocated to

Turner and Freda Hoggard.

and I couldn’t do it without them,” said Nancy.

Roberson’s Service Station on South King Street in the 1980s. The bus station continued to operate a few more years until it was closed due to bus operations being discontinued in Windsor.

Nancy’s father, Spencer, changed the name

Spencer’s Snack Bar is known is its double

to Spencer’s Snack Bar when he purchased

cheeseburgers, but also serves a variety of

the business in 1993.

other items. Breakfast and lunch is served

“My daddy, Spencer Pierce, ran the business beginning in 1993 until he retired in

According to records, Locke Smallwood

2003 and I took over. There have been many

closed in the front porch of the bus station on

wonderful families that owned and operated

Granville Street, the current Spencer’s Snack

the business before us,” said Nancy.

Bar location, for serving food and Locke ran the bus station.

from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Spencer’s Snack Bar is located at 208 West Granville St. in Windsor. When she is not cooking and spreading joy

Since the Pierce/Thompson family started

and God’s love at the snack bar, Nancy enjoys

Spencer’s Snack Bar, it has been hit by flooding

spending time with her mom, Margaret, her

Frank Byrum and his wife, Ruth, sold fast

from several hurricanes and tropical storms.

husband, Vic, her son and daughter-in-law,

food in the early 1950s from the closed in

Beginning with Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and

Spencer and Kristy and her two grandchildren,

porch, known as Frank’s Place. The menu

several more times including twice within two

Harry and Skylar.

consisted of fast food like hamburgers and

weeks in 2016 with Tropical Storm Julia and

hot dogs. Families would get food and go to

Hurricane Matthew.

the movies. Frank ran the snack bar until his health got

Each time the family, along with employees and community members, would clean up

Leslie Beachboard is the Managing Editor for the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Chowan Herald, Perquimans Weekly and The Enterprise. She can be reached via email at lbeachboard@apgenc.com.

BEAUFORT

Insurance is a

Family Affair

Walking in the doors of this office, one will immediately feel the warmth, care and friendliness from this office family.

Story by Kelly Grady Photos by Kelly Grady & Contributed

ocated in the beautiful Harbor

graduated with a degree in accounting, and

District in downtown Washington,

married Marion.

Sloan Insurance Agency, Inc. has

Deciding to make Washington their home,

been an independent and family operated

Lloyd put his degree to work and was hired as a

business since 1950.

bookkeeper for the Talley Brothers’ Farm Supply

Walking in the doors of this office, one will immediately feel the warmth, care and friendliness from this office family.

Company on Main Street in town. In September, 1950, Lloyd decided to venture into the world of insurance, thus

After serving our country with the United

Sloan Insurance was born, opening its doors to

States Air Force during World War II, Lloyd

selling property and casualty needs to people -

P. Sloan Jr. of Charlotte, attended Louisburg

focusing on the needs of the local farmers.

College.

With his vision of a family-owned business,

There, he met his future wife, Marion Ruth

Lloyd hired his mother, Myrtle Sloan, who

Hodges, a native of Washington. He then

worked in the business from 1955 to 1985.

continued his education at East Carolina

During that time, Lloyd and Marion had two

Teachers College (now East Carolina University),

sons, Mike and Lewis. After each son graduated from East Carolina University in the 1970's, they too had the desire to become involved in the family business and selling insurance. At that time, making three generations working together under the same roof. The agency continued to flourish and although they changed office locations three times, they stayed loyal to Main Street with each move. Their current office building is across the street from where Lloyd was originally employed. Mike and Lewis have since taken over the family business and are committed to continuing the legacy set before them. What began as an insurance company offering policies only through Iowa Mutual Insurance Company in 1950, has expanded to a multitude of different companies. Moving into their 72nd year in insurance, they currently offer auto, homeowners, life, health and business insurance for your protection. As Mike and Lewis say, “We offer insurance products and services for many of the financial perils our clients face today as our agency has for the entire 72 years of our existence here in Beaufort County.” The agency is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each Monday through Friday. Kelly Grady is a retired educator and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

For Reservations: wfd43@embarqmail.com or 252-724-0994

Be a kid again – sleep in a treehouse!

Nestled along the Cashie River the treehouses ar the perfect place to relax and enjoy the awesome view and the sounds of nature. You may also use them as a base to explore the river on kayak/canoe, or hunting or fishing.

Town of Windsor (252) 794-2331 www.windsornc.com

Windsor is more than a lifestyle!

Missing an Edition of Eastern Living? EASTERN

EASTERN N O RT H

N O RT H

C A R O L I N A

N O RT H

C A R O L I N A

All in the

FAMILY Multi-generation

Welcome to

Our

Carolina Pine & Hardwood, Inc. PO Box 607 231 US 13 Bypass Windsor, NC 27983 www.carolinapinehardwood.com Phone: (252) 794-2780 Mobile: (252) 209-5582

LIVING

C A R O L I N A

Heroes among us

Buyers of Standing Pine and Hardwood Sawtimber and Pulpwood

EASTERN

LIVING

Businesses

Town

We Salute You

Tarboro Our History is Just the beginning

Columbia Honoring Our Past Designing Our Future

Littleton Gateway to Beautiful Lake Gaston

Spruill Farms

McKellar Law

Powell & Stokes

Family roots run deep in Tyrrell Co.

Father & Sons serve Northampton

Serving neighbors for over a century

Pick a copy up at 109 S. King St, Windsor, NC 27983 Eastern Living Magazine

109 S. King St • PO Box 69 • Windsor, NC 27983 Phone: 252-794-3185 • Fax: 252-794-2835

Bertie County

Phelps Insurance Group Russell Phelps, President Dianne Phelps, Vice President 103 S. King Street, Windsor, NC 27983

252-794-4036

We offer complete insurance programs with small town service. Personal lines and commercial lines.

Thankfully Serving Bertie County for 50 Years!

The Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce represents and advocates business interests, promotes economic growth, provides leadership in community affairs, enhances the quality of life for the people of Bertie County and provides services and programs for its members.

121 Granville Street, Windsor, NC 27983 www.windsorbertiechamber.com (252) 794-4277

Bertie Ledger–Advance Community News at your Fingertips

Golden Skillet

Littl

In memory of Dotsie Dunlow

103 W. Granville St., • Windsor, NC 27983 (252) 794-3468

Thadd White Group Editor twhite@ncweeklies.com Leslie Beachboard Managing Editor lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com Andre’ Alfred Sports Staff Writer aalfred@ncweeklies.com Brandice Hoggard Staff Writer bhoggard@ncweeklies.com

NGIRL SMALLTOW summer Beachboard says Leslie brings a time of change. A4

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980 S. Academ y St. Ahoskie, NC INLEFT 27910

Heating & Air Conditioning

252.209.0223

THURSDAY • JULY 1, 2021

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109 S. King St • PO Box 69 • Windsor, NC 27983 Phone: 252-794-3185 • Fax: 252-794-2835

GATES

The Petaler:

Built by their own hands

Story & Photos by Thadd White

iding along U.S. 158 in Gates

While the idea of operating her own

County, there is natural beauty as

business hadn’t always been paramount in

far as the eye can see. There is the

Leslie’s mind, she was not nearly a neophyte

sightly Gates County Millpond and the lovely fields and forests. Dotted along the way are the beautiful residences in which Gates County residents make their home.

to the flower business. “I went to school for horticulture and floristry,” Leslie said. “It was something I had Douglas was born in Norfolk, Virginia and

Nestled along the highway, tucked nicely

it was there she began working with flowers, starting at a Farm Fresh in Virginia Beach as an

that has been adding to Gates County’s beauty

intern when she was still a teenager. From there she moved on to the Norfolk

While the outdoor beauty is natural, so

Vocational Center, where she earned her

likewise is much of the beauty inside The

education in horticulture and floristry. She

Petaler Florist and Gifts.

was putting that education to work in Suffolk,

“My husband, Danny, and I built the building by ourselves,” said Leslie Douglas, who has been operating The Petaler for some 32 years.

Virginia as she and Danny constructed what would be the home of The Petaler. “When we opened, it was just a two-room florist, but we quickly had people asking for

She said it took them about six months

gifts,” Douglas said. “This was back before

– Danny had been a construction worker

there was a Dollar General or Wal Mart on

before moving on to a new trade - to build the

every corner. Folks here wanted a local place

beautiful structure, which started with just two

to pick up gifts and we were able to add that.”

rooms.

Leslie Douglas

been doing since I was 16 years old.”

between Gatesville and Sunbury, is a business for more than three decades.

When we opened, it was just a two-room florist, but we quickly had people asking for gifts.

Douglas and her husband added an

upstairs, complete with a spiral staircase,

small county,” Leslie said. “We just do the best

providing flowers for them weekly,” she said.

before adding a third room which is primarily

we can. I’m certainly not getting rich here, but I

“I like to get them something that is not

gifts.

enjoy working with the people who come in. It

monotonous.”

While the florist is still a primary reason

feels good to have the folks here support me.”

During the last two years of COVID, Leslie

for the customers to drop by The Petaler,

One of Leslie’s favorite things to do is

said she has changed how work has been

customers also come for last-minute gifts, gift

door wreaths – something she does all year

done. She said at first the business closed

baskets, flowers, plants and edibles.

because people like to change up their décor.

like most, but then went back to work with

“People come in and ask for gifts for me

Though obvious, weddings are a key

and at first you might think we wouldn’t be the

demographic of the florist business and

place for that, but I can put together a basket

something The Petaler still handles regularly.

of edibles – we carry all kinds of excellent food

“We do a lot of weddings and, of course,

and snacks – and they are popular,” Leslie said.

funerals,” Leslie said. “As I’ve gotten older, the

In addition to the flowers and the food,

funerals are tough. I end up crying right along

among the most popular items at The Petaler are T-shirts, jewelry and yard ornaments. In fact, The Petaler is chock full of gift items – from the obvious Willow Tree Angels and flowers to peanuts, cheese straws and toffee.

with the family a lot of times.” As for seasonal work, Christmas is still the one that brings the most business, according to Leslie. “Christmas

obviously

the

longest

There are also an abundant assortment of

holiday,” she said. “You have to prepare for it

candles, signs, flags and college fan items.

a long time in advance and be ready a month

“We also have inis, which is shipped to

or so beforehand.

precautions – many times including leaving deliveries outside. Some 30 years into working on her own, Leslie said she does look forward to retirement at some point, but isn’t sure when it will come. “I have enjoyed my work,” she said. “It is very life-consuming though. We can be getting in a car to leave, but if we get a call we have to stop and do what we need to for our customers. “One day I would like to retire,” Leslie continued. “That day is sooner rather than later, but some customers really depend on me and I hate not to be here for them.”

Gates County from Ireland,” Leslie said. “It’s

“Mother’s Day is also a big holiday because

not exactly the best-selling item, but for the

most everyone has a mother whether they

The Petaler is open from 9:30 a.m. until

people who love it, they love it.”

are still living or not,” she continued. “That

4 p.m. each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and

means we get a lot of arrangements for living

Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. It is

mothers and then do flowers for people to

located at 76 U.S. 158 in Gates.

The line includes body butter, cologne spray, lotion and nourishing cream. The product is one of many reasons people from Gates County and the surrounding region make their way to The Petaler. “It’s hard to survive in a small business in a

put on the graves of their mothers.” Leslie also says The Petaler does a lot of work for churches in Gates County. “We do a lot of churches in the area –

Thadd White is Editor of five Adams Publishing Group publications in northeastern North Carolina, including Eastern North Carolina Living.

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NASH

Seven decades of serving Dortches Story & Photos by Deborah Griffin

rom country store to ultramodern

Now 72, he sometimes longs for the

wedding venue, Smith’s Red & White

slower pace of the iconic country store where

has been serving the Dortches

farmers would stop in for a “pop and a ‘Nab’.”

community almost 70 years.

(Most eastern North Carolinians know

In some ways, walking into Smith’s Red

‘Nab’ is Southern slang for Nabisco’s packaged,

& White, located on the outskirts of Rocky

orange-colored,

Mount, is like taking a step back in time.

butter-filled crackers – although, at times it

Home-cooked

aromas

waft

among

grocery store aisles and are reminiscent of walking through the screen door of Grandma’s kitchen.

square-shaped,

peanut

can refer to any snack cracker.) Pop is short for soda pop. Over the years, the Smiths, (which now includes third generation Derrick, Bruce’s son),

Even the name Red & White is a throwback

grew the store into a contemporary 20,000-

to when Red & White grocery stores were

foot grocery, expanding four different times

found in small towns throughout the country

- keeping close ties to its country store roots.

in 1930s and ‘40s. Second generation owner Bruce Smith is in the business of balancing nostalgic deliciousness with modern convenience. His father, S.B. (Sherwood) Smith, (now

processing center distinguishes them from modern food-store chains. “Sausage and country ham are what we were built on,” said Coggin. “Our fresh meat is what put us on the map,” agreed Smith. Their sausage, loved by customers all along the Eastern Seaboard, is ground daily. “We use the same recipe we’ve used for 60 years,” Smith said. Each week, they produce over 10,000

Coggin said to be competitive in the grocery

doubles and triples, as people buy it for

store business, “you have to be different.”

gifts; the line sometimes snaking to the front

One way they do that is through comfort food. Bushels of hard-to-find county-store candy greet customers as they enter the store.

On a bigger scale, the store’s famous meat

pounds. During Christmas, that amount

feed, seed and fertilizer store when Dortches 4.

said.

Smith’s Red & White’s store manager Terry

deceased) started the store in 1954 as a small was a simple farmland crossroads. Bruce was

store into a massive winter wonderland,” he

“In November and December, we change it to holiday candy. We transform the entire

entrance of the store, he said. Smith’s offers cuts of meat not found in most stores. “We cut meat every day - whatever people want,” said Coggin. They also offer old-fashioned cuts of

hog, such as knuckles. They even sell souse

grill. They use Smith’s meat products, which

and chitterlings, or “chitlins.” (Ask a Southern

include tenderloin, country ham and bacon,

grandma about these.)

along with homemade cheese- and sausage-

Smith’s Red & White also grinds their own hamburger beef; a practice, according to Smith, that truly sets them apart – and was critical throughout the early days of the pandemic.

biscuits. They are open 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and do a hearty business. “On Fridays and Saturdays, it is just a zoo,” Smith said. Back inside the store, the Deli, which is

“I remember when everything shut down,

answerable for the store’s savory smells, daily

nobody had hamburger. But we did. We would

churns out old-fashioned flavors of what were

grind hamburger all day, one batch behind

once staples of country kitchens.

another. People couldn’t get it anywhere else,” he said.

Chicken pastry, Brunswick stew, barbecue, chicken salad, pimento cheese, and green

“I think ours is a whole lot better than pre-

beans taste just like Grandma’s. They use a

ground. You always hear about E. coli recalls.

two-day process to cook their collard greens.

That comes from pre-ground meat,” he added.

And every night they roast 30 pork shoulders

Adjacent to the store, Smith’s Red & White

for barbeque. Most days they sell out of these

Restaurant, established in 2010, serves everything you would expect from a country

Southern specialties.

We use the same recipe we’ve used for 60 years. Bruce Smith

Coggin said the grocery store also

emphasizes fresh produce. “Any time it is available, we buy it,” he said. “It is all seasonal-dependent. Right now, we are waiting on local strawberries.” Rows of kitchen gadgets and knives line the shelves of one aisle. “You don’t go to many grocery stores and find quality stainless steel,” he said. The store has hoop cheese, once a country store standard. “You can pretty much find anything here you could have in a country store, unless it has gone by the wayside,” Coggin said. Smith’s also offers an array of North Carolina

products,

including

peanuts

by various vendors, and a multitude of homegrown jams, jellies, sauces and honey. Both Coggin and Smith believe diversity and quality are two characteristics that has helped Smith’s Red & White endure. People know when they see the Smith’s label it has quality, Smith said. “It just amazes me how much we sell because of our label. That is one reason we don’t buy pre-ground hamburger meat. I just can’t stand the thought of it,” he added.

community center, which blossomed into a much larger structure, complete with a fullkitchen, bar, reception hall and outdoor patio. A bride and groom suite is in the works, he said. “They were planning to tear down the old community clubhouse, where everyone

involved in the business. He and his wife have two sons, 16 and 18.

They said I’d be surprised how often I would rent it out,” he said. Just recently completed, it has already begun to book up. The outside patio, complete with a fireplace and firepit, is over 2,000 square

“Maybe my grandboys will be interested in

feet. Three acres of open space are available

it,” he said. “There is plenty to do here that is

for outdoor events. Inside, there is a 2,800

for sure.

square-foot reception area.

“I’ve got to start stepping back a little bit,” he added. That might prove to be difficult, as their latest initiative of diversification opened in March. “Smith’s Pavilion of Dortches,” located on Smith’s property behind the store, is a venue

The pavilion is an example of the Smiths’ commitment to the area. The restored old center is a link to the community’s past – as well as an investment in its future. Smith said he remembers when, “We were just a little country crossroads in Dortches.” He always knew he wanted “to come back

“to celebrate life’s greatest events,” such

here work, get married and have kids,” he said.

as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and

“I married the preacher’s daughter [Janice

reunions.

Dickens], and it’s been good ever since.”

It began as a remodel of a century-old

There is no sign at Exit 141 off Interstate-95, less than five minutes from the store’s parking lot entrance. “People from up North come here and

was constructed from old knotty pine.” “People kept encouraging me to fix it up.

His son Derrick, 46, is becoming more

the best kept secrets along the East Coast.

But people find them.

diversity and value to keep Smith’s a family

generation after generation,” he said.

Smith’s Red & White seems to be one of

functions,” said Smith. “I hated to see that - it He bought it and moved it to his property.

“It is hard for families to stay in business

grade,” he added.

- since the early forties - had community

But he realizes it will take more than business.

“We started courting each other in 8th

They have been married 51 years.

buy all that sausage and carry it back to their friends,” he added. “On Saturdays you see a lot of out-of-state people here.” Smith said they employ about 80 people in the restaurant and grocery store, and another 20 at the new Pavilion. Smith’s Red & White has embraced another old-fashioned tradition, which for many has gone by the wayside. They choose to be closed on Sundays. “It’s the way it’s always been,” he said. “We stay busy enough, I don’t see the need. I think it makes our employees happy.” The store is also closed July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Smith’s Red & White is located at 3635 N. Halifax Rd., Rocky Mount. For

information,

visit

smithsredandwhite.com. Deborah Griffin is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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email: nancywinslow@kw.com website: www.nancywinslowhomes.com

EDGECOMBE

Browning finds a better way for his family

Story & Photo by John H. Walker

addy, there’s got to be a better way.” Rex Browning, now 88, was

recalling his youth in Plymouth and the time a mule’s tail, filled with cockleburs, slapped him on the side of his face and prompted his statement to his father. “We lived on a farm,” he recalled. “We had a mule cart and no electricity.” He recalled that he found what he called “a dollar pocket watch.” “I don’t remember where or how I found it, but I did. We had a jeweler in town, Edgar Bateman, and I went to his store,” Browning recalled. Browning said he asked Bateman if the jeweler had a little screwdriver he could purchase and was asked why. “I told him I wanted to fix my watch,” Browning said. “He told me that when my daddy was done with me (working), I could come to him and he would teach me how to repair watches like he did.” Browning said that he took the jeweler up on his offer in the tenth grade and when

storefronts up the street and then settled in

he graduated, he was fixing all of Bateman’s

at his current location.

watches. He had figured out that better way he had suggested to his father. To this day, Browning has Bateman’s photo on the counter located next to his workbench.

“We bought this building (401 Main St.) in 1979 and have been here since,” he explained. Back before that final move, in 1964, Browning had a bit of a health scare. “They sent me to the sanitarium in

Browning recalled that he went off

Wilson. Said I had TB (tuberculosis). I was

to “State College” (N.C. State) and fixed

there six months, five days and four hours,”

watches while he was there.

he explained. “My wife would bring watches

“Then, I went to Campbell and I fixed watches while I was there. When I graduated, I came here.” Browning opened Rex Jewelers on March 1, 1957. “I’ve been here since then,” he said. “I’ve been in three locations in this same block.” He explained that he first opened under

over to me and I would repair them and she would pick them up and take them back.” Browning said that one day a nurse told him that he didn’t have TB. “I went and found the doctor and told him what she said and they sent me home,”

I just can’t say enough about what this community means to us. The people have been so supportive over the years.

he recalled. “They made me go… said if I had TB, I wasn’t sick enough to hurt anybody.”

a stairwell in the former W.S. Clark Building,

His daughter, Lynn Browning Taylor, who

then moved to a location about three

joined him in 1981, went to watchmaking

Lynn Browning Taylor

“Dad was in his chair and didn’t even know the man was in the store until the man went behind the counter and tried to take things,” Taylor said. “That’s when the fight started. Dad had the man in a headlock until his chair flipped over.” In a later story, her father recounted the well-wishes and prayers he had received from the community. Two men were later arrested in Norfolk, Va., and charged with the crime. Father and daughter may be in the jewelry business, but they are also in the people business — often greeting customers by name and asking how a spouse or child is doing, also school at Wayne Community College. “There were probably five people in that class and three of them were on VA (the VA bill),” she recalled. She said her intent was to do the same work as her father as a watchmaker.

While there may be some difficulty in finding parts for some old timepieces, Browning stays busy. “Every day,” he said. “I fix watches every day.” He explained that he recently had

“When we started looking at everything

customers who lived in Burlington, Raleigh

and setting things up, there was only room

and Virginia drop off watches for him to repair.

for one watchmaker’s bench … and he was already here,” she said. But she got busy with other things. “I do engraving and buying … stringing pearls … whatever else is needed,” she explained. She said that over the years, the people of Tarboro and Edgecombe County had been supportive of the business. Her father said that there had been good times and bad times, but that through it all, he repaired watches and clocks and did whatever their customers needed. Some of those tough times came in 1999 when Hurricane Floyd hit and filled the store with four-and-a-half feet of floodwater. “It ruined everything,” he said. “We lost everything. My tools, my workbench, our merchandise. Everything.”

“Just nobody does it anymore,” he said. Watch repairs are just a part of the services provided by Rex Jewelers. “We’re a traditional jewelry store,” Lynn said. “We do the engraving and restringing pearls. We’ve got gifts (and gift wrapping) and all the jewelry … rings, bracelets, earrings, wallets, necklaces … everything.” Lynn also has a deft hand at ear piercing and has sent more than one young lady on her way with her first set of “real” earrings. “I just can’t say enough about what this community means to us,” she said. “The people have been so supportive over the years.” Support was strong back in November 2018, when an armed robber struck. A story published in The Rocky Mount Telegram on Nov. 29 recounted the incident:

calling them by name. And when the customers are absent, the store is empty in more ways than could be imagined. During the 40-day shutdown brought about by the pandemic, persons passing by Rex’s windows saw a hand-lettered sign that read, “We miss you!” As reopening day neared, Lynn did a countdown on the store’s social media. A visit to Rex Jewelers is good for conversation, as well. Not to mention a look at Rex’s little minimuseum on the front shelf of his counter. There’s a baseball autographed by the legendary Connie Mack during a visit to Tarboro on April 11, 1939, and there are children’s wristwatches that feature Hopalong Cassidy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. There is also a hummingbird nest and old coins and other collectibles. And behind the counter, Rex has an oyster shell with a pearl attached that’s about the size of three peas. “If that pearl was formed properly,” he said, “it would probably be worth $3,000 or so.” Rex Jewelers is located at 401 Main Street

“Taylor described a harrowing ordeal

in Tarboro, on the corner of Main and St.

Browning said other merchants who had

during which a gunman entered the store

James. The phone number is (252) 823-4700

flooded property just tore out walls to the

and ordered her to lay on the floor. Browning,

and the store is open from 9 a.m. until 5:30

level reached by the floodwater, but ran into

84, is well-known for sitting in a rolling office

p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Thursday

problems.

chair behind the store counter, wearing his

through Saturday and from 9 a.m. until 12:30

“They wound up with mold,” he said. “We

magnifying glasses and using special tools to

p.m. on Wednesday.

tore out everything. We put plastic over the

work on watches and other intricate jewelry.

John H. Walker is a Staff Writer for the Rocky

brick walls, then put new paneling all the way

He didn’t know at first that he was being

Mount Telegram and Eastern North Carolina

around.”

robbed.

Living.

East Carolina Timber, LLC

Buyers of Standing Hardwood & Pine Timber Vince Taylor

3930 Bear Grass Rd. Williamston, NC 27892

Mobile/Office: 252-799-7857 Fax: 252-792-6717 eastcarolinatimberco@embarqmail.com

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109 S King St., Windsor, NC 252-329-9505 57

WILSON

Providing for Wilson

for over a century

Story by Nancy West-Brake Photos Contributed

usinesses come and businesses go, but one establishment in Wilson sank down farm and garden roots in 1898 and is still growing.

P.L. Woodard’s at 108 Barnes Street, also known

as Womble Tackle & Hardware, is a family business owned by a mother, Penny Womble, her daughter, Allison Moye, and son, Jimmy Miller, who is the General Manager of P.L.Woodard’s. The two-story brick building is the original structure at the site, once attracting farmers who would leave their mules and wagons at a nearby Blacksmith’s shop

We sell most seeds by the scoop, and put it in snuff cans. Jimmy Miller

and come in to buy seed and other supplies. The store even had its own currency in the form of credit coins, used to replace paper credit vouchers during the Great Depression. Some of those coins, bearing the stamp of “P.L. Woodard’s & Co General Merchandise and Fertilizers, Wilson NC,” and “Good for 5.00 Merchandise” can be seen at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly. Farmers still come in, Miller said, to buy seed, fertilizer and animal feed for horses,

cows, chickens, dogs and cats - but so do

the exotic birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in

property owners needing advice on lawn care

Scotland Neck.

or looking to buy mowers or power equipment.

“We’re the closest Purina dealer who can

And so does pretty much everybody in

get the specialized Mazuri food for flamingos,

Wilson, especially when it’s garden time.

parrots and toucans,” Miller said.

“We sell most seeds by the scoop, and put

Miller and his family have owned P.L.

it in snuff cans,” said Miller, who said people

Woodard’s for seventeen years, having

buy okra, watermelon, squash, zucchini,

bought it from Carolina Agribusiness in

cabbage, collards and kale.

Greenville, who purchased it earlier from

The snuff cans, Miller said, “have been here forever” but work out just right for the seed.

five owner/stockholders. Miller’s family had been the proprietors of Womble Tackle

Shelves of healthy early season plants were

& Hardware and Moye Real Estate at 230

outside the store by March 3, strawberries

Tarboro Street, but a fire five years ago at

and buttercrunch lettuce vying for space

the Tarboro Street location caused a merger

with herbs like sage, chives and spearmint.

of sorts, and the businesses joined in name

Just above them, reaching for the sun, were

and location at Barnes Street. Their website,

packs of pansies, violas and French marigolds

www.womblehardwareplwoodard.com, also

among others.

reflects the union.

Horse feed and dog food are the two

The Womble Tackle store, Miller said,

hottest sellers, Miller said, among the animal

operated for fifty years, starting with his great

feed, although P.L. Woodard’s also caters to

grandfather under the name W.W. Furniture

and Appliance Center. His grandfather, J.M.

“When we first got the place, we didn’t

Womble Jr., was the first Mercury Motor

have zero turn mowers, but now we’ve got

Dealer in the state. P.L. Woodard’s doesn’t

those and mowers of every size, even up to

sell fishing tackle, but does sell fishing and

the big commercial units,” Miller said.

hunting licenses.

Mowers,

along

with

blowers,

string

“I just don’t have the room for fishing rods,”

trimmers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers top

said Miller, who makes it an art form to stock

the list, Miller said, for what gets brought into

as many items on the shelves that he does,

the repair shop.

using a freight elevator from the 1930s to shuttle overstock upstairs. Once buyers with planting on their minds

“People use bad gas,” Miller explained about why machines go awry. “Ethanol is terrible for small engines.”

pick up a hoe and shovel and navigate

He and his crew clean out and repair

through displays of garden flags, garden hats,

engines, replace air and fuel filters, sharpen

gloves, sacks of grass feed, fertilizer and lawn

blades and sell a lot of parts for the brands

chemicals, they inevitably find their way into

they sell along with others they don’t, like

any quantity and was an all-around store for

the adjacent and connected building that

Husqvarna, AYP and NTD.

P.L. Woodard’s

lamps, cast iron frying pans to safety matches.

is home to the modern powerhouse of P.L.

services other brands, but customers who

Even to this day when you go in, you feel just

Woodard’s: its lawn equipment department

bring in machines bought at the store “get to

as welcome as you did 60 years ago, and it’s

and Miller’s personal nest, the repair shop.

go to the front of the line.”

still the best farm supply and feed store. I will

“We are one of the major sellers in North

P.L. Woodard’s keeps true to its old-

Carolina,” Miller said proudly of Z-Spray

fashioned heritage by also selling delectables

Stand-On Spreader Sprayers, part of Z-Turf

like locally made blackstrap molasses, pickled

Equipment.

eggs, jalapeno peppers, Dutch Kettle brand

It’s used, Miller said, to apply seed, insecticides or herbicides to large areas with

jams and jellies and honey, some from local bees and some from Yadkinville.

continue to shop there until they close, or I die - whichever comes first.” Miller said out of everything at the store, what he liked best was the customers. “Everyone has a different attitude,” Miller said, “and we have the chance to put a smile on their faces. That makes a difference.”

a lot of ground to cover, like ballfields. P.L.

Retired USDA tobacco grader John L.

Woodard’s is also a dealer for Snapper and

Pippin Jr., of Fremont said he’d been coming to

P.L. Woodard’s is open Monday through

Echo along with eXmark, having recently

P.L. Woodard’s for sixty years, having started

Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.

hosted a day-long eXmark event at the local

his visits with his Granddad and Dad.

until noon. They are closed on Sundays.

Elks Lodge with product demos and a pest management seminar complete with lunch.

“It was the place I thought had it all,” Pippin

Nancy West-Brake is a freelance writer and a

said. “You could get nuts, bolts, any seed in

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MARTIN

Sunset Stables is more than meets the eye

f one ventures off U.S. Route 64 in Robersonville, a few miles to Winslow Road, one’s automobile travels under the ranch sign

“Sunset Stables.” Now, with the fencing all around and horses in the pasture, you realize that you have left the hustle and bustle of the modern world behind. A working stable and farm is located on about two hundred acres. They are also known as a wonderful wedding venue site. Multiple buildings are present on the property, including where the wedding event space is housed. They also offer

Story by Lewis Hoggard Photos by Deborah Griffin

horse boarding, host parties and other events. Sunset Stables has a chapel and two cabins

Sunset Stables is tucked away on a beautiful farm in for bridal preparations, along with the main

you are on a working farm and not a wedding

building which can host the weddings and

venue that has been created to be like a

receptions. The main building is divided up

working farm. This is a real horse farm where

into two large areas which offers plenty of

one can keep and train their horses.

space for large weddings or events including

On the farm, hay is raised, cut and baled.

the Cowboy Cookhouse Party barn which

The hay is used for the horses on the property

includes a kitchen and large fireplace.

and sold for horses and cattle in the area; just

There is plenty of parking on the property. There are picnic tables outside and inside. One

another part of the work that occurs at this property.

Robersonville.

Definitely a place to visit while in Martin County,” stated Chase Conner, who is the

will not feel crowded at this property, but will

“Sunset Stables is an excellent venue

instead feel at home on the farm with plenty

that draws on our equestrian and agricultural

of space and amenities.

themes throughout the county. Sunset

Tim and Amy Roberson are the owners of

The buildings have a rustic appeal that

Stables is tucked away on a beautiful farm

Sunset Stables. They were the first couple to

certainly authenticates the perception that

in Robersonville, and their food is fantastic.

be married on the property, and that is where

director of the Martin County Tourism Development Authority.

the whole idea of being a wedding venue

are a catering business which for many years

chicken, pork and beef prepared anyway one

started.

provided the food for the Sen. Bob Martin

would like it. They will custom design your

Since that first wedding, many additions

Eastern Agricultural Center, also located in

menu for catering and event needs.

have occurred on the property to improve

Martin County. They also owned the Filling

the experience. It has been many gradual

Station restaurant in Robersonville which has

improvements that has occurred from seeing

transitioned into their catering company.

what was needed and adding those pieces

The Roberson brothers owned the Filling

“The Roberson’s are a hard-working couple

Station restaurant for twenty years or so.

that do things the right way and with pride in

Tim and Amy became the sole owners of

what they do,” said Christi Bryant, who grew

the restaurant in 2005.

up in Martin County and is realtor on the

community for many years and then closed

Outer Banks with Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

the restaurant side of the business in 2012

They served the

The Robersons take satisfaction in the

and concentrated on the catering part of the

experience that they give to visitors to the

business, including the Sundown Café at the

stables and to the food that they provide.

Bob Martin Center.

There is no limit to how far they will travel to cater. Tim Roberson says, “We will go anywhere, so long as they pay us when we get there.” The Roberson are a family that likes to work together and have their work be something that they enjoy doing. Whether it is making the bride have that truly special day or feeding a large crowd really good food or working out the horses on the farm. The Filling Station restaurant is going to reopen on Sunday’s for a lunch buffet from

They will host approximately twelve weddings

The closing of the restaurant was influenced

a year, predominantly in the spring and

by traffic being diverted away from downtown

summer. The catering can also be done with

because of the new U.S. 64 four-lane. While

the same folks as they operate the Filling

the improvements in highways help traveling

open and hopefully draw a large crowd every

Station Catering company.

times it has hurt downtowns across eastern

Sunday. This family certainly stays busy.

A common theme when people talk about Sunset Stables is the quality of the food. They

North Carolina like Robersonville. The food options range from seafood,

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. starting April 10. They are excited to get the restaurant back

Sunset Stables, as a wedding venue, event destination and a working farm with Filling Station Catering are truly family businesses that are reminiscent of bygone era of Mom and Pops type businesses that dominated the local economy. The Robersons have had to diversify what they do to be successful yet not compromise their values in doing what they enjoy to make a living. Call to set up a visit to Sunset Stables, or drop in for Sunday lunch at the Filling Station restaurant and see what they have to offer. More information can be found at their website at sunsetstables.org. Lewis Hoggard is Executive Director of the Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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NORTHAMPTON

“Right around the corner, just across the tracks”

Story by Gene Motley Photos by Gene Motley and Contributed

We’ve gotten so acquainted with people and they’ve gotten used to us that they know us well.

Tracy Laws

here’s a saying that seven percent

That’s exactly what the husband-and-

of the country provides our food,

wife team of Corey and Tracy Laws have

but 100 percent of us eat it. After

done with Trackside Restaurant & Tavern

all, who doesn’t love to cook and eat? Sometimes

cooking

something

mundane that is done at home, but

on U.S. 158 at 137 East Main Street right in the heart of the Northampton County hamlet of Conway.

turning it into a passionate earning career

Tracy, a native of Hertford County,

– especially in these challenging post-

migrated to north Florida, and enrolled in

pandemic times – can be an exciting

nursing school in the late 1990’s. Fifteen

experience. Yes, there’s a lot of work to do,

years later she returned to the region with

however, all that work becomes fun if you

not only her soul-mate, but also with a

give your heart to it.

dream. She says her family kind of ‘hog-

tied’ them together, but it was much more than that.

opened for business.

recalled. “They were probably the biggest

They didn’t come into the food service

influence because they used to cook all the

“I guess it was God,” Tracy Laws recounts

business exactly cold. They had owned a food

time. They cooked a lot of wild game, like deer

reflectively. “My husband had said in 2019 that

truck which they set up on Conway’s Main

and stuff.”

we were going to get a restaurant, and we had

Street across from the Feed Store.

Coming up with a name for the new

passed by this establishment several times,

“We had more than the food truck, we

restaurant took some time and effort. They

and so one day early that year we decided to

also catered for festivals and, at one point,

wanted it to be something completely

stop in and made a call on the owner.”

we ran the food service at Roanoke-Chowan

different from the food truck concept.

The transition didn’t happen immediately. In fact, it took until the fall of that year before

Community College,” Corey Laws said. “We were there for some four years.”

“Our food truck was just called ‘Burgers and Wings’ because that was what we had

she and the owner got back in touch. When

Both Laws worked various local jobs to

specialized in,” Tracy acknowledged. “But

the owner reached out, it didn’t take long for

accumulate the capital they needed helping

I didn’t think that was appropriate for the

Tracy to return a phone call.

familiarize them with the community.

new place because we wanted to have more

“They said you were ready, right and I said,

From his Sunshine State roots, Laws

than just fast-food on the menu. So we were

‘Yeah,’ and that’s how one thing led to another,”

admits he has always had a passion for life in

between ideas since we also wanted to sell

Laws said.

the kitchen.

soul food, comfort food and other menu

Within a few months’ time the Laws had

“It was my Mom, and my uncle,” he

items.”

Laws said they also pondered bar and tavern names like ‘The Wild Horse,’ among others, but none ever really hit the mark of what the couple wanted for their place of business. Then one day something came through the air, literally. “I was sitting here one day and I heard that (CSX Rain Line) train go through town going ‘Toot, Toot!,’” she excitedly declared. “They were blowing their (whistle), lights were flashing, cars were backing up trying to come through, and that’s when it hit me: Hmmmm, how about ‘Trackside?’ Because we’re right here beside the tracks.” Corey agreed, and that’s how the name came about. “We named it Trackside Tavern and Grill because we were going to later get a permit to serve alcohol,” she stated. “We wanted something that said Corey and Tracy because we wanted something on our own, and it worked.” While the menu is traditional Southern cooking, the Laws don’t try to pigeon-hole

Trackside is open Tuesday-Friday from 11

“It’s for folks who don’t have a lot of time to

a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9

eat,” she added. “You can sit in and eat, or grab

p.m., with a breakfast buffet. Sunday’s menu

and go. We just guarantee that we will fix it

features a dinner buffet line from 11 a.m. to 3

and have it for you in five minutes. It’s worked

p.m.

and it’s really going great.”

Beginning in January they added something special to the Tuesday-Friday menu.

The Laws say the greatest asset of Trackside are their customers.

“It’s called the ‘Five-Minute Meal’,” said

“Conway has just the greatest people,”

Corey. “We set up what looks like a buffet, but

Tracy declared. “We’ve gotten so acquainted

you don’t return for seconds. You get a meat,

with people and they’ve gotten used to us that

sides, rolls, dessert, mostly ‘to-go.’ It’s actually

they know us well.”

50-50 because we also have Philly Cheese

For now, the Laws are grateful for their

themselves, as they want to also feature

steaks, seafood, different burgers, wingettes,

small business and are keeping any future

‘haute cuisine.’

whatever they want; a combination of fast

plans under wraps, for now.

“We try to do a little bit of it all,” she observed. “We do pig feet, chitterlings, pork

food and a sit-down meal depending on what the customer is in the mood for.” The Laws say the ‘Five-Minute Meal’

“We’re going to take it slow,” she said. “We aren’t doing nothing else without listening to what and where God takes us.”

chops smothered in gravy, turkey wings,

specifically caters to working folks at Georgia-

Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and

collards, chicken and gravy, cabbage; we try to

Pacific, Meherrin and other local businesses

Sports Director and regular contributor to

do it all.”

and farmers.

Eastern North Carolina Living.

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ALL IN A

Day’s Trip

Fearrington Village Story & Photos by Meghan Grant

provides a terrific day away One of my favorite places for a day trip is to Fearrington Village. It is located right outside of Chapel Hill and Pittsboro and the perfect place for a getaway without having to go too far. Fearrington

Village

includes

community of about 2000 residents, an inn, a spa, several restaurants, acres of gardens, an independent bookstore, boutiques and walking trails to name a few. This time of year, there are great outdoor dining options, gardens to explore, and beltie cows and goats to say hello to while visiting. Here is an itinerary for a gorgeous afternoon day trip at Fearrington Village.

Grab a coffee and a pastry from The Belted Goat Start your trip out with a coffee and a chocolate croissant from the Belted Goat. While you are there, browse the market with the variety of prepared foods from Colin Bedford to Thomas Keller chocolates, specialty olive oils, affordable wines and Fearrington’s house ground coffee.

Pick up a new book at McIntyre’s Books This independent bookstore offers a great variety of books, with staff picks, featured authors and recommendations, unique gift ideas, and a sweet kids section of books and gifts. Curl up and start a book while you’re there.

Take a walk over to the see the Belties Fearrington is famous for their Beltie cows and goats, plus the chickens and donkeys. The Beltie cows are a rare Scottish breed and have been a part of Fearrington’s barnyard since 1982. There are also Tennessee fainting goats and a rare breed of chickens, whose eggs are used in the Fearrington House Restaurant’s seasonal menu. And the three donkeys can be found in the pastures with the Beltie cows to protect them from predators.

Shop the Boutiques There are three boutiques on site: Dovecote, Nest and Sprout. Dovecote features statement pieces and luxury basics with thoughtfully-curated apparel and accessory options from designers near and far. Nest is a charming lifestyle boutique focused on

Have a Fearrington happy hour Whether you decide to grab a drink from the Belted Goat to enjoy on the patio or want to head over to the Adirondack chairs again, Fearrington has a great selection of beers and wine to sip on for a happy hour.

home, gifts and celebration located next door to Dovecote. Sprout recently opened after the children’s corner in Dovecote was so popular. This shop features gift ideas for newborns to four years old, natural skincare, unique apparel, books and games.

Grab dinner at the bar at Fearrington House Restaurant Fearrington House Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant and has recently started serving a more casual menu at the bar. While the dining room requires reservations, there are no reservations needed for the bar. The bar menu still features delicious, unique options like the savory cheese doughnuts and scallop toast. Explore the English Gardens The gardens and grounds in front of the Fearrington House Restaurant are some of the most beautiful. I love the English Gardens and I also like to peek in the herb garden for garden inspiration for myself as well. Enjoy lunch al fresco There are two fun dining options for lunch on site at Fearrington Village. Grab lunch from the Belted Goat and have a picnic in the gardens or in the field in front of the Fearrington House Inn. I’d recommend either bringing a blanket or pulling together the Adirondack chairs. During warmer months, Roost is open on Thursdays and Fridays with woodfired pizzas and local beers and wine. Roost has an outdoor patio perfect for relaxing and doing a little people watching while waiting for your pizza.

Other favorites to do while you’re on site are afternoon tea service. This is by reservation and a really lovely experience! Their hot cinnamon tea is a favorite of mine plus their pimento cheese and egg salad are just divine. The Spa at Fearrington is another option if you are looking to relax. Make an appointment online for a signature massage or facial to kick off your day trip. And lastly, if you decide to make your day trip an overnight trip, the Inn at Fearrington is absolutely gorgeous! It is a fabulous experience to stay. Now that spring is here, the grounds are exceptionally beautiful and it is a delightful spot to enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy the day trip and the experience that Fearrington Village offers! Meghan Grant is the author of the blog “I’m Fixin’ To” and is a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

biography •

Story by John h. Walker PhotoS Contributed

Burress gives all to Pinetops For all practical purposes, Steve Burress says he is a lifetime resident of Pinetops.

County Emergency Services. That wasn’t always the case, Burress noted.

it,” he related. The fact funeral homes also provided

Born in Wilson in November 1954, Burress

He recalled the early days of the rescue

community ambulance services is something

moved to Edgecombe County about 1957,

squad, which began operations in September

many younger folks are unaware of, but it’s

when his father, a Baptist minister, accepted

1972, and the first piece of equipment for the

the way things were — especially in smaller,

the call from a church near Pinetops.

group to purchase.

rural communities until rescue squads started

Burress, who currently serves as fire chief

“It was a 1956 Cadillac,” he recalled. “We

for the town of Pinetops, has also served the

went to Fremont and paid $400 for it and

community on the original rescue squad, as a

were proud to have it.”

town commissioner as well as its mayor.

He said the squad had had numerous

being created. Burress remembers that he was 17 when the rescue squad was created and he was too young to become state-certified.

“It’s just what you do in a small town,”

pieces of equipment donated by Carlisle

But he persevered and earned his

he explained. “You volunteer and you try to

Funeral Home in Tarboro and Shingleton [cq]

certification, continuing to serve until June

serve and make a difference.”

Funeral Home in Wilson, but this was the first

30, 2008, when the Edgecombe County

it had purchased.

Rescue Squad took over. He served as chief

These days, the Pinetops Fire Department is part of the town’s operations, while EMS

“They (funeral homes) had been in the

services are now a function of Edgecombe

ambulance business, but were getting out of

from 1981 until 2008. “We bought our first new truck in 1973,

“

It’s just what you do in a small town. You volunteer and you try to serve and make a

“

difference. - Steve BurreSS

as part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program,” he recalled, adding, “We’ve worked to maintain our equipment and training.” He admitted that there had been struggles at times, but that, “we’ve kept our people trained.” Burress said that in the mid-1970s, when North Carolina required EMT training, “We were one of the first groups in the state to become trained and certified.” Pinetops Rescue functioned independently until 2008, but in 2019, the fire department started handling medical responder calls. “We go and assess and do what we need to do until the County EMS arrives on-scene,” he said. Burress said the EMS is stationed at South Edgecombe Rural Fire Department, located at 6697 US Hwy 258 South, about six miles northeast of downtown Pinetops. As proud as Burress is of the work performed over the years by the Pinetops Rescue, he beams like a proud father when he talks about the Pinetops Fire Department. He is perhaps most proud of his department’s Class 3 fire response ratings from the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal. To put things into perspective, Pinetops has one paid employee, while other Class 3 departments, such as Tarboro, have more than 20 paid firefighters and two stations. At the time State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced the Class 3 rating, Pinetops was the fourth-smallest community in the state to earn it.

Burress explained that while equipment

years as people move, but we try to maintain

and gear are included in consideration for the

people in the department as close to town as

rating, so is the amount of interaction and

possible.”

communications between the department. “We go to the seniors and the churches and talk with people and tell them how they

Burress said he thought that was important because those waiting on a fire department response would know who was responding.

can be safer,” Burress said, pointing out that it’s

“I think it makes a difference, even in a

a neighbor-on-neighbor connection in almost

difficult time if the people who are there

all instances.

helping you are people you know,” he said.

“For the kids, we go to the schools, sponsor bike rodeos and the fire house,” he added. The bloodlines of the community run deep in the department.

Burress is also proud of the department’s equipment, especially the newest addition — a LUCAS 3 chest compression system. “As a fire department, we don’t do

“We’ve had many, many fathers and sons

fundraising, but last year, we raised $18,250

and even grandfathers in the department,”

in about five months to purchase the LUCAS

he said. “Right now, we have three brothers.

unit,” he explained.

My father was in the fire department until he passed on.” Burress said that over the years, many of the town’s commissioners have been firefighters. “It’s (membership) a community thing,” he said. “It’s spread out a bit over the past few

He explained that the county had one unit. “We saw what it could do the first time it was used in our area,” Burress said. “It was used on one of our retired firemen.” With the money raised, the department bought one LUCAS and two mannikins for training.

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Burress explained that the LUCAS performs compressions on the cardiac arrest patient and helps give relief to the resuscitation team. “We’re really proud to have that unit,” he said. “CPR is not anything like it is on television, a lot of times, you get a person back for a little while and then you lose them. “You do the best you can and you keep it

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202 West Boulevard • Williamston, NC • 252-792-5339

going,” he continued. “The act of trying means a lot to the family.” Burress became chief in January 1997, when Chief Robert Varnell retired. In January 1998, the department applied for a state fire grant and has since received over $400,000 from the state. He said it is sometimes a struggle to maintain the department.

2809 NC Highway 903 • Stokes, NC 27884

“Now, you have to have 15 firefighters signed up to qualify as a department. It was 20 and there were times it was a real struggle,” Burress said. But the department delivers. “Our response time will rival that of a lot of paid departments,” he said. “On calls, we average 10 to 12 people during the daytime. It’s better at night when people aren’t working.” Burress said the department, which has three trucks, is working to replace a 40-year-old truck to better serve and protect the residents of Pinetops. “That’s the next goal because the objective is

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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to take care of our neighbors,” he said. John H. Walker is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and Eastern North Carolina Living.

email: jmizell@stokescongleton.net

website: www.stokescongleton.com

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Plymouth, NC PLYMOUTH PAGES

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Grandma’s

Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

We are all feeling the effects of higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump.

and Scott would eat whatever you placed on the table.

From what I am hearing this week,

We had a small garden that provided

predictions are that prices are going higher

vegetables. One thing we never got from our

still, much of it from the effects of the war

garden was lettuce. We had a rabbit who ate

in Ukraine.

it all. I never tried to stop the loss because

You would think it has nothing to do with us but markets are affected and thus everyone is affected. It could be with us for a while. I surely cannot do anything about prices, but I do have a few recipes that are economical to make. The price of food is especially hard on families. Even without inflation, it is often a struggle to make ends meet and feed the family. Often young married people are buying a home, furnishing it and starting a family. It is a struggle to do all this while trying to clothe and feed everyone. I well remember those days. I had a small amount to feed a husband and two children for a week. Yet, we never went without.

sitting at our large kitchen window watching her eat was such an enjoyable experience. My sons and I both gathered at the window when she came in the morning or late afternoon to eat. We had neighbors who shared the fish they caught and the game they hunted. We had fresh trout, bass and perch often in spring, summer and autumn. Once hunting season started we often had venison roast or the tenderloin from a deer. All in all, we always had good food on the table. Frugality and good neighbors are a blessing not to be overlooked. I have two main dish recipes that are very economical. The Barbecue Treet is much

Thankfully my family was not hard to

better than you can imagine. It is a recipe

please. My husband was happy if he had a

from a friend – Mae Goss. Since strawberries

hot dog and a slice of bread. Thadd Jr. was

will soon be plentiful, a dessert that is from

happy if he had nothing but a pan of biscuits

Shoney’s Restaurant.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

Barbecue Treet very Fry meat in thin slices until r ga su ns oo 4 teasp n. 1 teaspoon mustard brown. Remover from pa er 1/8 teaspoon pepp ts and Add remaining ingredien ¼ cup catchup t. 3 tablespoons vinegar cook until blended and ho ire rsh ste rce Wo n oo 1 teasp Pour over meat. sauce 1 can Treet

Scalloped Hot Dogs and Potatoes 4 ½ cups thinly sliced potatoes 2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons butter or marga rine 7 teaspoons flour 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 cups milk 8 hot dogs, split lengthwise Cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In 1” boiling water, cook pot atoes with 2 teaspoons salt, five minutes. Drain Melt butter in frying pan, stir in flour

1 teaspoon at a time. Add salt, pepper and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until smoot h and thickened. Arrange 1/2 of potatoes in 9X13 dish. Top with half of hot dogs. Add remaining potatoes follow ed by last of hot dogs. Carefully pour sauce over entire dish. Top with enough cheese to cover well. Bake 35 minutes

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

rnstarch. thick: water, sugar and co ter 1 cup wa d3 move from stove and ad Re r ga su p 1 cu jello. tablespoons of strawberry 4 tablespoons cornstarch in pie Put strawberries evenly Strawberry jello 1 pint whole strawberries shell. Pie shell Pour liquid over berries. ol. co d an Bake pie shell Refrigerate until firm. and Mix and boil until clear

Grace & Truth

Moms and Pops… P ASTOR WEBB H OGGARD

nce, there was a time when all of

health and destructive habits.

Bring back actual moms and pops. Let’s

The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians tells us

bring back stories. Mom and Pop stores hear

Revolution

that, even then, there were plenty of teachers,

fishing stories and memories of what life used

brought unparalleled advances into the world,

yet not many fathers. The same people

to be. We don’t look at real life, anymore.

and more and more, we began to move out

needed to keep the industrial machine alive

Instead, our children look at the glossy over-

of our homes to fulfill our duties to the home.

are sick due to the lack of health provided by

edited world of YouTube and TikTok. Bring

intact families.

back people who didn’t chase big-paying jobs,

life centered on the home. The

Industrial

It became simpler to work with large groups, and management of those larger

As we continually attempt to become

groups began to treat people like digits… no

more efficient, each generation waits later

longer humans. It served us well by making

to start families with all its unknowns. We,

goods cheaper and people richer. Everyone

instead, focus on what seems more profitable

now had the place to chase their dreams, and

and essential to life. Careers become the

many chased the entrepreneur’s dream.

focus over the home.

Such people parented me, who dreamed

Providing for the life you want is

a dream and chased it. As they saw some of it

increasingly more important than life itself,

come to pass, the big box world made it more

and as we place home-making on the back

difficult to keep what they desired. Production

burner and out of focus, new problems come

overcame perfection.

to light creating confusion for many. The

Soon, it was about meeting bottom lines and having enough workers to cover, but not too much that people stood around purposeless. The Information Age has taken

longer we wait to begin families, the smaller the impact of grandmas and granddads. As we lose the real Moms and Pops in our lives, a noticeable wholesome factor is gone.

but instead learned how to save a dollar and save everything, for that matter. My grandparents taught me a more earthy living - wisdom that had been tested and not simply downloaded. They fed me rich meals full of love and genuineness. They kept the memories of precious people alive and were not receptacles to which I could get what I wanted and get out like the big box places. Yea, I remember Mr. Bud’s store where I’d get my ten-ounce Pepsi. I also remember Ronald’s, where I could get the best grilled cheese and Sunbeam’s honeybun. Those places seem to be falling away, but those who served me will never be forgotten.

an epic toll on the Industrial, and we are losing

There are existing organizations now

another symbol of a bygone era, hopefully

aimed at destroying the nuclear family. Adult

It’s like Jesus who said, “They will know

not completely.

Christians are deconstructing their faith given

you by how you love.” Make sure your family

Today’s most destructive attack on our

them by generations before. The further from

knows that first.

world is not injustice, pandemics or even

our homes, the worse we are all together. We

Emanuel Webb Hoggard is pastor at

war. The disintegration of the family is taking

attempt to stand on our own and find we

Askewville Assembly of God and a resident

its toll. Fatherlessness in America alone is

don’t stand for anything and can’t stand for

of Edenton. He can be reached via email at

the common denominator in crime, mental

very long.

pastorwebb@hotmail.com.

RELAX YOUR WAY.

HUNDREDS OF RE-CLINGING OPTIONS!

MATTRESS SALE IMP E BED RIAL DIN G PR

I TO SCED ELL

We Carry 2-Sided Mattresses

County: Halifax Marker ID: E-84 Original Date Cast: 1973-P

MARKER TEXT

Conoconnara Chapel Established as Anglican 1747; James Moir first priest. Became Baptist 1783; inactive since 1933. Present building, 1849, moved 1 mi. S.W. in 1878.

MARK IT!

Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

n August 18, 1747, Stephen

be used by any congregation that needed

Cade deeded three acres of

it. It was, however, used exclusively by

land in Edgecombe County

Baptists and in 1783 it was the meeting

to churchwardens Col. John Haywood and

place for the Kehukee Baptist Association.

William Kitchen for the use of the local parish of the Church of England.

The Primitive Baptist congregation at

In 1749 the Rev. James Moire reported to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts that a church was “almost finished” on the property. The small Anglican Church that Moire led there took its name from the Conoconnara Swamp that lay nearby. As the area grew, new parishes and counties were established and Rev. Moire chose to serve a newer parish in 1759. At that time the Conoconnara

Conoconnara became inactive around 1815, and the second church building that had been constructed in 1810 eventually came to be used as a school. In 1833 the Conoconnara Baptist Church was reconstituted as Missionary Baptist, and was admitted to the Chowan Association the following year. A third chapel was erected at the original site near Tillery in 1849, and that building was

Rev.

moved to the Crowell community in 1878

Thomas Burges, who remained rector

to “better serve the convenience of the

until the American Revolution. Following

members thereof the congregation and

the Revolution, the Anglican Church lost

the general public.” Conocannara Baptist

its leaders and most of its followers, and

Church remained active in various eastern

the Conoconnara chapel building could

North Carolina associations until 1933.

churchwardens

employed

the

N.C. 481 southwest of Tillery REFERENCES George Washington Paschal, History of the North Carolina Baptists, I (1930) Stuart Hall Smith and Claiborne T. Smith Jr., The History of Trinity Parish, Scotland Neck, and Edgecombe Parish, Halifax County (1955) Halifax County Deed Books, North Carolina State Archives Cushing Biggs Hassell, History of the Kehukee Primitive Baptist Association (1886) James A. Delke, History of the Chowan Baptist Association, 1806-1881 (1882)

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106 W. Main St. Williamston, NC 27892 252-792-1181

PARTING SHOTS By Thadd White

I grew up in Askewville. Well, technically a mile outside of Askewville, but you get the

baseball cards that I then used to trade with

stores similar to the ones I’ve been telling you

Tracy Byrum, Stacy Mizelle or Lee Byrum.

about.

point.

While I was buying baseball cards, I was

We hope that not only will you learn

Anyone roughly my age from our part of

also getting a drink and a candy bar. During

about some of the local businesses in our 18

Bertie County knew there were two options

the summer, we may get a few extra bucks

counties, but maybe stop by and say hello

when you went to “town.” You could visit

from the parents to have a sandwich for lunch.

when you get a chance. It’s a wonderful thing

Phillips or Macks. I couldn’t begin to tell you

My parents bought hoop cheese, seasoning

what the real name of either store was, but

meat and a variety of other things from “the

In our next edition, we’ll introduce you to

they were located right across the street from

store.” It was a place we went nearly every day.

some of the educators who make a difference

Askewville folks supported both stores

every day. We will have stories about the

each other. Mostly, I went to Phillips because my

for

many

years

and

frequented

both

grandmother, the late Vivian White, worked

establishments. It was a way of life. We bought

there for most of the years I can remember

food, gas and a sundry of items.

as a child. But, like most people in or around Askewville, we supported both. Most of my money was spent buying

It’s a wonderful thing to support local businesses.

to support local businesses.

many teachers and other educators who have given their all every day. Until next time, remember… all who

While I’m proud to say one of those stores

wander are not lost. Continue joining us

is still alive and well, the other – like many

as we wander through Beaufort, Bertie,

throughout our communities are long since

Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax,

gone.

Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton,

In this edition, we wanted to share stories of some of the local businesses that many

Pasquotank,

Perquimans,

Pitt,

Tyrrell,

Washington and Wilson counties.

of us refer to as “Moms and Pops.” These

Thadd White is a father, a fan of Chelsea

businesses are locally owned and operated

Football Club and a fan of the late Betty

and, in many cases, are the backbone of the

White. He serves as Group Editor of five Adams

community.

Publishing Group publications, including the N.C.

We have stories about florists, gift shops, book stores, peanut businesses and even local

Press Award-winning Eastern North Carolina Living.

VISIT US AT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH AHOSKIE

JACKSON

RED OAK

506 E. MAIN ST.

208 WEST JEFFERSON ST.

8315 RED OAK BLVD.

AURORA

KILL DEVIL HILLS

ROANOKE RAPIDS

298 N. FIFTH ST.

202 S. CROATAN HWY.

1580 E. 10TH ST.

AYDEN

KITTY HAWK

ROBERSONVILLE

236 3RD ST.

4804 N. CROATAN HWY.

111 N. MAIN ST.

BELHAVEN

LEWISTON

ROCKY MOUNT

148 E. MAIN ST.

127 MAIN ST.

BETHEL

MANTEO

7458 MAIN ST.

704 S. HIGHWAY 64\264.

107 S. FAIRVIEW RD. 3690 SUNSET AVENUE 230 SUNSET AVENUE 1405 BENVENUE ROAD

EDENTON

MIDDLESEX

101 W. QUEEN ST.

11438 EAST FINCH AVE.

SCOTLAND NECK

ELIZABETH CITY

MURFREESBORO

1875 WEST CITY DR.

336 E. MAIN ST.

FARMVILLE

NASHVILLE

4217 E. CHURCH ST.

209 S. BARNES ST.

GATESVILLE

PINETOPS

203 MAIN ST.

102 E. HAMLET ST.

GREENVILLE

PLYMOUTH

2310 S. CHARLES BLVD. 2275 STANTONSBURG RD.

612 WASHINGTON ST.

810 S. MAIN ST.

SHARPSBURG 3938 S. HATHAWAY BLVD.

TARBORO 422 MAIN ST.

WINDSOR 101 N. KING ST.

WINTERVILLE 4259 WINTERVILLE PKWY.