SENC Magazine - Summer 2020 by APG Eastern NC

SE SUMMER 2020

North Carolina

IN THIS ISSUE: WHITE LAKE - A PLACID PLAYGROUND BLUEBERRIES - SUMMERTIME’S SWEETEST TREAT CELEBRATING FREEDOM WITH JUNETEENTH RAMBLIN’ THE SENC COUNTRYSIDE

Surf’s Up! Endless summers

on Wrightsville beach

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Editor’s Note

Living in our new reality

SE North Carolina www.sencmag.com

Issue No. 23 / Summer 2020 Staff / Credits / Contributions PUBLISHER Jim Sills EDITOR Abby Cavenaugh PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Becky Wetherington CONTENT & PHOTOGRAPHY Abby Cavenaugh Lauren Branch Marc Bratcher Ed Potter CONTRIBUTING WRITER Annesophia Richards ADVERTISING Alan Wells CONTACT sencmagazine.wordpress.com acavenaugh@ncweeklies.com 1.910.296.0239 ON THE COVER Photographer Ed Potter of Wilmington provided this great “action shot” from the 2019 Wahine Classic surfing competition in Wrightsville Beach. This Southeastern N.C. beach town has become something of a mecca for East Coast surfers over the past 100-plus years. The Wahine Classic is just one of several competitions that draw hundreds to the beach each year. SouthEast North Carolina Magazine is a publication of the Duplin Times and APG Media of Eastern NC. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

If the world is anything these days, it’s unpredictable. Who would have thought when we were putting our spring issue together that none of the events we featured— including the Azalea Festival, which was one of our best covers yet, in my opinion — would never come to be? Who would’ve ever thought my mom would become adept at using FaceTime on her iPhone? (see photo at right) Sure, there were murmurs earlier this year that the coronavirus could hit the United States, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for the school and business closures, working from home becoming the norm, wearing masks when you leave your home or oﬃce ... it’s a reality none of us expected to ever see. And this, as you might’ve guessed, is the reason your Summer 2020 issue of Southeastern North Carolina magazine is a bit delayed this year. Better late than never, as they say! Growing up in Southeastern N.C., I was always a beach lover and I always wanted to learn to surf. I think I’m a bit past my prime to try that now, but if I were to ever attempt to catch a wave, I’d definitely try Wrightsville Beach first. Our contributing writer, Annesophia Richards, took a look inside the East Coast surfing culture, which is headquartered at none other than our own Wrightsville Beach. Even though we often think of the Atlantic Coast when it comes summertime, another great beach is located inland, in Bladen County. White Lake is a tourist destination like no other— a seasonal beach town where there are no worries about shark or stingray attacks, no rip currents and no undertow. I don’t know about you, but summertime also makes me think of my favorite sweet fruit — blueberries! My mama makes the best blueberry cobbler known to mankind. There’s a high concentration of blueberry farms in our area (Bladen, Sampson and Pender counties, to be exact), due to the sandy soil in which blueberries thrive, and it was interesting to delve into the business behind the blueberry.

Unfortunately, summertime 2020 isn’t all fun in the sun. We’ve got to address the pandemic’s aﬀect on our local economy, as well as the local repercussions of the global Black Lives Matter movement. After the deaths of George Floyd and Rashard Brooks earlier this summer, and the ongoing controversies surrounding the deaths of countless other African Americans at the hands of law enforcement, a little-known holiday has made its way into the mainstream consciousness. Writer Lauren Branch gives us an inside look at Juneteenth, the annual celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. The final feature for this issue is a photo spread of some of the best shots by Marc Bratcher, aka @RamblingCarolinian on Instagram. Marc takes photographs of long-forgotten buildings throughout Southeastern North Carolina, and we’ve shared a few favorites here. It’s always nice to look back on our history and see how far we’ve come. And how far we’ve yet to go, in some cases. Looking back, looking forward, looking all around us, let’s appreciate all that summer in SENC has to oﬀer!

Abby Cavenaugh, Editor

SINCE A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, HERE ARE SOME SELECTED PHOTOS OF DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA ON INSTAGRAM

#southeasternnorthcarolina #southeasternnc

Surf City I was privileged to witness a “secret release” this morning of 5 Southport Wrote a note, said “be back in a minute,” bought a boat and sailed off in it, don’t think rescued sea turtles by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabil- anybody’s gonna miss me anyway #sailboat #southport #intracoastalwaterway #zacbrownband itation Center. #surfcity #rescue #release #goinghome @cephoto22 @papa.vance

Holden Beach I like long walks on the beach and ice cream shops with seagulls ... seagulling overhead. @themundlife

Guides to the Good Stuff Join us on social media for insider tips from Southeastern North Carolina natives...

Pleasure Island Today (June 8) is World Ocean Day. Of course I had to share one of my favorite places. Here’s me and mahm swimming in the ocean. Do you like to swim? @thelowryder

Wilmington I’ve never seen downtown Wilmington and the Riverwalk so empty. I drove around southeastern North Carolina to see what’s open and closed in the midst of this global pandemic. Hopefully people continue to do what is best for the entire community. #wilmington #riverwalk #southeasternnorthcarolina @danielledesnoyersphotography

SENCMAGAZNE.WORDPRESS.COM Our staff conceived this publication with a very basic idea in mind: to highlight interesting people, places, and events in Southeastern North Carolina in a way that honors the history and idiosyncratic spirit of the region.

Want your photo featured? Simply post photos of what you love about Southeastern North Carolina on Instagram and use the hashtags at the top of the page! Follow us, too! 5

SE Contents Features 10

White Lake

Though Southeastern North Carolina is well known for its beautiful coastal beaches, Bladen County has its own get-away-fromit-all spot that you may not be aware of.

ON THE COVER

Surfing Mecca

Wrightsville Beach is the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Find out how and why this sweet surfing spot has drawn so many folks to ride its waves.

SUMMER 2020

EXTRAS 24

Blueberries

Summertime is a great time to indulge in one of the area’s sweetest crops: blueberries. Farms in Bladen, Sampson and Pender counties are plentiful, and there’s a good reason for that.

Juneteeth

With the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement over the summer, many are becoming more aware of a little-known holiday: Juneteenth. So, what is it and what does it mean to you?

Ramblin’ through SENC

Time has taken its toll on many of the region’s historic structures. The era of general stores and small farmhouses may be gone, but they’ll live on forever through the camera lens of one Beulaville native.

SnapshotsKeeping Beaches Clean

The Southeastern N.C. region is home to some beautiful beaches and fragile sea life. That’s why some locals are passionate about leaving only footprints in the sand.

SnapshotsLongtime businesses close due to COVID-19

From longtime downtown department stores to sporting goods mainstays, COVID-19 has taken its toll on mom and pop businesses that had previously survived wars, hurricanes and more.

Play Dates

The pandemic has canceled many events, but there are still a few things you can mark your calendar for!

Folk- Lessons from the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic The current coronavirus pandemic may feel all new to us, but folks a century ago experienced much the same thing, and reacted much the same way....

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42 7

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White Lake a placid & peaceful playground S TORY & PH OTO S B Y A B BY C AVE N AU G H 10

Though Southeastern North Carolina’s Atlantic coast beaches

get a lot of traﬃc and attention this time of year, there is another vacation hotspot in our area — and you won’t have to worry about rip currents, getting stung by a jellyfish or getting attacked by a shark. You might end up with a good sunburn if you’re not careful, though.

ust a couple miles east of Elizabethtown in Bladen County is a family getaway that’s been drawing thousands to its sandy yet shady beaches each year for over a hundred years — White Lake. Touted as “The World’s Safest Beach,” White Lake opened in 1901, and oﬀers boating, fishing, water sports like skiing and jet skiing, camping, miniature golf and much more. One of the Carolina Bay Lakes, White Lake is spring- and rainfall-fed, says Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce president Terri Dennison. White Lake is 1,100 acres, connected by two main highways— White Lake Drive and N.C. Highway 53, which circle the lake. Most visitors come to Goldston’s Beach, which has a pier, beach, restaurant, gift shops, campgrounds and even an amusement park, or Camp Clearwater, which is just down the road with many of the same amenities. Both areas have gift shops where visitors can purchase all kinds of floats and beach chairs to help complement their stay. Goldston’s has a few motels and RV parks, while Camp Clearwater has tiny homes and mobile homes, as well as RVs and cottages that can be rented for short-term stays. “There is always a lot of boating and fishing here,” Dennison says. “It’s clear water with a sandy bottom, which is very pretty. It’s a very Mom and Pop place, too. It’s not very commercial; it’s just kind of good, old-fashioned family fun.” The water itself is a state park, with private property surrounding it.

Goldston’s Beach The Goldston/Womble family owns Goldston’s Beach and the surrounding businesses, all with the Goldston’s name. “It was developed it in 1918 and it was under a different name,” says Jake Womble, one of the current owners and part of the family dynasty. “Granddaddy’s brother, H.P. Goldston, bought it and changed the name to Goldston. Harry Womble was my granddad, and we’ve owned it ever since.” The lake is stocked with large-mouth bass, redfin perch and brim. “We see a fair amount of people fishing yearround,” Womble says. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everyone does business, Womble says plenty of folks are still coming to the lake to go fishing, boating and swimming. “It’s been steady, but definitely a little slower,” he says. “We haven’t been able to open up all of our departments this year. The amusement park is closed, and the arcade is closed. It’s just not worth it for some of them to try to open this year.” Social distancing is encouraged, and most families are able to distance themselves from other vacationers on the beaches. Swimming areas are roped off with buoys. The depth of the lake at the end of the swimming area is about 6-7 feet, depending on rainfall, Womble says. Back in its beginnings, Goldston’s Beach included a pavilion over the water, where people could dance and have parties, Womble recalls. “They used to rent bathing suits by the day, which definitely wouldn’t be good now,” he says with a laugh. The FFA also has a complex at White Lake, which is used yearly for annual camps. With everything one could need on a vacation within the White Lake area, Womble says, “Most families come and don’t leave for the entire week. This place is all geared toward kids. There’s no danger here, other than if they go out in the water over their heads.” In recent years, the area around White Lake has become more developed, with upscale beach-style homes alongside RV and mobile home communities. A complete listing of accommodations and other activities can be found online at http://www.whitelakenc.com/. Motel rooms are available for $54-89 per night, while efficiency rooms or apartments run from $67-125 per night. Trailers can be rented for $100 per night or $550 a week. Cottage prices are determined by sleeping accommodations and size, but prices run from about $375-900 a week. Camping spaces are $25-35 per night. 13

Singletary Lake

For those who’d prefer a more wilderness-driven vacation, Singletary Lake State Park is just a few miles down Highway 53. It’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s a great spot for fishing, kayaking or canoeing, or just enjoying nature. “Singletary Lake is one of those Carolina Bay Lakes, but the water isn’t as clear because of the sediment,” Dennison explains. “You can hike there and camp there, and kind of get away from it all.” The state park also has information on the hiking trails for kids to help educate them about the lakes, wildlife and much more. “A lot of people want to just sit and do nothing on a vacation,” Dennison says. “Others want to do a lot of outdoor activities. We have the best of both available here. It’s a lot more than just the beach.” SE

SE Snapshot

North Carolina

Leave only footprints on your beach trip

fter every major “beach holiday,” our local beaches are left looking more like a trash dump than pristine vacation spots. It never fails. After Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day, beaches from Ocracoke Island to Sunset Beach are littered with cigarette butts, discarded beach chairs and toys, plastic bags, plastic drinking straws, food containers and so much more. In fact, after July 4, 2020, even the roped-oﬀ sea turtle nests weren’t safe from the human encroachment. Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project president/volunteer coordinator Nancy Fahey shared numerous photos that showed that the nests, protected by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and a team of local volunteers, had all been tampered with during the holiday weekend. It’s not just sea turtle eggs that can be harmed by pollution. Plastic grocery bags floating in the ocean look a lot like sea turtles’ favorite oceanic treat, the jellyfish. Numerous turtles who have mistaken plastic bags for food have ended up at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. Birds — both marine and landbased — can also get tangled up in numerous plastic items, like six-pack rings. The N.C. Coastal Federation states on its website: “Marine debris, or litter that has made its way into and around coastal waterways, is dangerous to fish, birds, wildlife and people. The vast amount of trash results from storms, accidents or simple

carelessness. Debris can result from lost fishing gear, damage to structures caused by storms, abandoned or lost vessels, accidental or intentional spills and from people who toss away or lose their trash in waterways.” Organized beach clean-ups are held throughout the year, but you can also do your own part while on North Carolina’s beaches. The EPA oﬀers the following tips to help curb beach pollution: • Dispose of trash properly in waste and recycling receptacles. • Bring an extra bag with you so that you can bring your trash home if receptacles are not available. • If your children use diapers, be sure to dispose of them properly in a receptacle. • If you are fishing at the beach, be sure to collect and dispose of any broken or used fishing line. • At home, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize wastes and prevent trash and litter from ending up in the ocean. • Reduce, reuse, and recycle the things you take to the beach. Pack food and beverages in reusable containers whenever possible. This helps minimize the amount of trash that is brought to the beach and reduces the potential for it to end up in the ocean. The best way to keep our beaches open for future generations to enjoy is to keep them clean now, so that we don’t have to do massive clean-ups later. The best advice? Leave only your footprints behind when you leave the beach for the day. SE

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: The effects litter can take on a beach; sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their favorite food; a seahorse is shown with a cotton swab in this National Geographic photo. A sculpture on display in the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Surf City was made entirely from litter picked up on Topsail Island beaches.

Wrightsville Beach:

East Coast Surfing Mecca 18

Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association president Laura Shearin catches a wave at one of the beach’s many surf breaks.

B Y A N N E S O PH I A R I C H A RD S PH OTOS BY E D POT T ER, L AU RA S HEAR IN & BIL L CU R RY

ith its warm waters, long surfing season and charming beach town atmosphere, it’s no surprise Wrightsville Beach earned its spot on National Geographic’s list of the “20 Best Surf Towns in the World.” On any given day, surfers can be seen waiting for a wave, making the drop or wiping out along the whitecaps. Some of the greatest surfers in the world have come from the area, including the likes of Ben Bourgeois, Tony Silvagni and Bill Curry. Lesser known, however, is the impact this small beach town with a huge surfing community has had on the history of the sport as a whole. With a rich history spanning over a century, Wrightsville Beach is celebrated by residents and visitors alike as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina. At the corner of the island’s Waynick Boulevard and Bridgers Street stands a historical mile marker recognizing Wrightsville Beach with the distinction of “Pioneer East Coast Surfing.” 19

(Below) A group of WBLA surfers ride a wave together on Wrightsville Beach (photo courtesy of Laura Shearin); (Right) an unnamed surfer catches a sweet ride in this Metro Creative image; Bill Curry is shown as a 13-year-old surfing in Wrightsville Beach in 1965; a 1909 postcard from Wrightsville Beach that features surfers.

It’s the natural experience of being in the sea. Being an eyewitness to nature and all the things it presents to you changes your perspective on what’s important. In 1909, beach resident Burke Haywood Bridgers introduced the concept of surfing to the community after discovering an article in Collier’s Weekly featuring people in Hawaii practicing the sport. Fascinated, Bridgers reached out via letter to the author, surfing pioneer Alexander Hume Ford, asking for tips on surfboard design, wave conditions, and how to ride the boards. His letter, found by local surf historian J. Skipper Funderburg, is the first evidence of surfing along the East Coast. From there, Bridgers began building surfboards, organizing surfing events, and introducing others to the sport. Because of his eﬀorts, Bridgers is considered to be

the originator of the earliest documented surfing community in North Carolina. Much about surfing has changed over the past century, from the size, shape, and materials of the boards to the people who ride on top of them. What was once a maledominated sport now includes many female athletes and enthusiasts, and surfers’ ages range all the way from the youngest of “grommets” to the seasoned “dudes.” East Coast Surfing Legends Hall of Famer Bill Curry started surfing at Wrightsville Beach in 1965 at the age of 13 and has witnessed the sport transform and grow over the past 55 years. “It’s definitely more crowded now

in the water, but with a little eﬀort, you can always find some places with fewer people,” says Curry. “As kids, we had to jump on our bikes and pedal to the beach and check the surf, and it was like getting a special gift when you looked over the hill and saw good waves coming in. Now with the internet, cell phones, and sophisticated surf reports, most people know a week in advance when and where the swell is going to Burke hit.” Haywood Bridgers

Photographer Ed Potter captured these images of competitors in the 2019 Wahine Classic, a yearly surfing competition for female surfers (i.e., “wahines”) of all ages. Divisions include shortboard, longboard, SUP surf, tandem, pro shortboard, pro longboard and everyone’s favorite – the Teenie Wahines (for girls 10 and under).

When current president of the Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association (WBLA) Laura Shearin first started surfing in the ’80s, she remembers being one of only a few women out on the water. At the age of 16, Shearin decided to give the sport a try, so she bought a used board, hit the beach, and began the challenging task of trying to teach herself how to surf. With frequent help and guidance from other surfers on the water, Shearin found herself holding her own. “Back then I would often have to compete against the boys,” says Shearin. “Surfing has definitely grown, and women’s surfing has gotten huge. There are probably as

many women out in the water now as men.” In fact, Wrightsville Beach hosts the Wahine Classic surfing competition for female surfers every August. This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 15-16. Another catalyst to the sport’s expansion is the advent of soft-top surfboards. Also known as a “foamie,” these boards are softer, safer, and more durable than hardtops, making them a great option for beginners, especially children. These aﬀordable boards are also readily available at big box stores, making the sport accessible to surfers of all ages. “With the advent of soft tops, more kids are getting into surfing

because it’s a safer option than a fiberglass board,” says Shearin. “Another thing drawing kids to surfing is the recent booming of all the surf camps at Wrightsville and the surrounding beaches – it’s huge. I’ve seen more and more young kids out in the water, which is really cool.” Aussie Island Surf Shop manager Chris Jackson has also witnessed surfing develop in the area over the past few decades. Having worked at the store for the last 20 of its 30 years in business, Jackson feels fortunate to be a part of such a special group of people. “Being in the surf community has truly been a blessing,” says Jackson. “We have a tight-knit group of

A Wahine competitor looks for the perfect set at the 2019 Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach.

Bill Curry of Wrightsville Beach surfing.

surfers here in our area. There were only a few groups out there in the ’80s, so you could surf Masonboro with only a couple of guys. Now, you surf Masonboro with 300 of your closest friends.” Years ago, surfers were known to have a bad rap. Much like skateboarding, surfing was part of the country’s counter culture in the ’60s and ’70s. Any “dude” carrying a surfboard was thought to be a bum and oftentimes associated with drug use. Today, however, the sport has become mainstream and respected, as much for its athleticism as its culture of community service and “Aloha Spirit.” “One thing that hasn’t changed is the surfing attitude,” says Curry. “People that surf are friendly and helpful people. I’ve always said that the ocean humbles you and makes you respect it. This respect carries over to how we as surfers treat others.”

Started in 1999, the WBLA is a nonprofit organization created to promote surfing as a positive way of life and love for the ocean. With an unofficial motto of ‘50% fun, 50% outreach,’ WBLA members work together to help out local surfers and their families in times of need, such as loss of a job, funeral expenses, or holiday meals. The association also offers a scholarship program designed to award college assistance to young surfers in the community who have dedicated many hours to community service and volunteer efforts. WBLA’s largest fundraising event each year is a one-day Pro-Am Surf Contest held each October. “We have lots of divisions, with surfers from the little groms all the way up,” says Shearin. “A lot of families come out, and we raffle off a board and have a lot of fun. It’s really a feel-good event with a great sense of community.” In addition to helping others in the community, Cape Fear area surfers are always ready to lend a hand out in the water. Whether it’s a struggling beginner trying to stand on their board, or a nearby swimmer struggling to stay afloat, Shearin says the surfers she knows spend a lot of their time helping to mentor others as well as providing emergency assistance when needed. “It’s a really caring community out there,” says Shearin. “If we see someone struggling in the water, we’ll help them. We’re sort of the first line of defense, and every surfer I know has pulled at least one or two people out of the water who were caught up in a rip current, which happens quite often.” As for what it is that continues to draw them out day after day in search of the perfect wave, both Curry and Shearin agree there’s nothing that compares to that feeling of peace while out on the water. “I always joke with my family that I’m going to go get my ‘zen’ on, but it’s true,” says Shearin. “It’s such a feel-good sport, and you can make it what you want by either just cruising and having fun or by being competitive and chasing the waves.” “It’s the natural experience of being in the sea,” says Curry. “Being an eyewitness to nature and all the things it presents to you changes your perspective on what’s important.” SE

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The Barnhills use OXBO picking machines to harvest blueberry crops in Ivanhoe.

Three generations of blueberry farmers, from left, Bryan, Forris and Chris Barnhill of Ivanhoe

he South is blessed with a number of summertime sweet treats grown right here — strawberries, peaches, watermelons, and of course, blueberries. However, there are a lot of factors that go into growing a successful blueberry crop. If anyone knows what those factors are, it’s fourth-generation blueberry farmer Chris Barnhill of Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe, Harrells and White Lake are the hotbeds for blueberry growers in North Carolina. The reason for that is the acidic soil,

Barnhill explained. “Blueberries like this pH level. Frederick Coville, kind of the founder of blueberry farming, his fascination with blueberries was that soils that will kill other plants, that’s where blueberries thrive.” Coville was a botanist who worked to create a better blueberry with farming methods that are still used today. Coville cultivated the first successful blueberry crop in 1916, in New Jersey, which remains one of the top blueberry producers in the United States, along with North Carolina and Michigan. 25

“Blueberry farming quickly spread to other areas where growing conditions were right,” reads “The Blueberry Story” on www.nj.gov. “Blueberries need an acidic soil, an abundant supply of soil moisture, and good drainage, so the roots can get air during the growing season.” “They’re really grown all over the world now,” Barnhill said, “but the problem is that [other areas] have to amend soils. In North Carolina, longevity is key. Most of our bushes will last about 40 years. Cultivated bushes can last 100 years or more.” In North Carolina, 90 percent of the blueberry production is within three counties: Bladen, Sampson and Pender, due to the soils. Just like animals, blueberry bushes are bred to get the best quality results. “It’s the same thing as with people — the berry will be combination of the mama and daddy,” Barnhill said.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture says that there are two main families of blueberries, each with three diﬀerent types of berries. The first is Major Highbush. Its varieties are Croatan, Jersey and Murphy. This type is ready to be harvested early in the season and can withstand cooler weather than others. Major Highbush is used mostly when sold fresh and not frozen. The other type of blueberry is Rabbiteye. These varieties include Premier, Tifblue and Powderblue. These blueberries are ready later in the season and can’t take as cold a chill as the Major Highbush variety. “There are about 30 variations of other breeds,” Barnhill said. “Your preference really depends on each person. Just like some people like Chevrolet, some like Ford, people like diﬀerent types of blueberries.” As far as exports, Barnhill said most North Carolina blueberries

“

Research has concluded that blueberries have many health benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that along with powerful antioxidants that enhance immune defenses, blueberries are beneficial to the nervous system. - N.C. Blueberry Council

remain within the U.S., while New Jersey ships to other countries, and Michigan blueberries are mostly shipped to Canada and a few European countries. Most blueberry farmers in the state are part of the North Carolina Blueberry Council, a nonprofit corporation that was created to “promote eﬃcient production, packing, handling, storing, processing, and marketing of blueberries and to secure and distribute to its members information and trends relative to the operation and management of the blueberry business,” according to the website, ncblueberrycouncil.org. Barnhill has served on the council and has represented North Carolina on the national level. “I was actually the first chair of the national council from North Carolina,” he said, “so I was able to bring a lot of that influence back to North Carolina, and share it with other farmers in our area.” Blueberries are highly regarded as one of nature’s “super foods.” They are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, iron, potassium and magnesium, as well as providing a healthy dose of carbs and fiber. They’re also fat-free and low calorie, at about 45 calories per one cup serving. According to the N.C. Blueberry Council, “Research has concluded that blueberries have many health benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that along with powerful antioxidants that enhance immune defenses, blueberries are beneficial to the nervous system. Other studies show that blueberries help maintain cognitive function, especially in older women.” The Blueberry Council also provides the following information for choosing the best and tastiest blueberries. Ripe blueberries are plump and deep blue with a dusting of gray on the surface.

Opposite page: Most blueberry bushes can survive a cold snap. In fact, the blueberry bushes on the Barnhill farm in Ivanhoe have survived at least 40 years, through hurricanes, ice storms and more.

A blueberry that is firm or shows any hint of red isn’t fully ripened and will likely be tart. White and green colored blueberries are not ripe; leave them on the bush or in the store as they will not ripen. Blueberries that have turned purple, red or bluish may ripen after they are picked. Do not expose picked blueberries to sun or heat in closed bags or containers. Blueberries are fragile and heating them up will shorten how long they can be stored without freezing or cooking. You will note that in the store the containers have lots of holes. That is so they can breathe! When inspecting packed blueberries, look for smooth, blue skin. If you see wrinkled blueberries, fuzzy white mold or leakage, the blueberries are in the

process of spoiling! When you get your blueberries home, do not wash them before freezing, or until you are ready to eat or cook with them. Washing blueberries prematurely makes them mushy. Sort through your blueberries, removing any with mold. Removing the moldy blueberries will keep one from spoiling the whole bunch. Refrigerate your blueberries as soon as possible. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep up to two weeks in ideal conditions. Best to eat them within a week for best taste and texture. For more information about blueberries, including tips for growing them, recipes and more, visit northcarolinablueberries.com. SE

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SE Snapshot

North Carolina

Longtime, small-town businesses: a casualty of COVID-19

usinesses that have stood for decades — even more than a century, in some cases — have become some of the casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also taken hundreds of thousands of lives. One of those casualties is Harrell’s Department Store in downtown Burgaw, which is closing after 117 years in operation. “I sincerely regret to report that Harrell’s Department Store can be added to the list of pandemic casualties and is going out of business,” owner Vernon Harrell wrote on the store’s website. “These are the hardest words I have ever written. With 117 years of family history and tradition going away, I feel an incredible loss. Harrell’s Department Store has been very blessed by the support of the people in our town and in the larger community of southeastern North Carolina. To express our appreciation of this support, we contributed to generations of community groups and organizations, including youth sports, school drama and band programs, social programs, church functions, festivals and more.” “My greatest hope is that this will open a space and an opportunity for energetic and creative young people to bring new life and business to our town, continuing this legacy of mutual benefit to all of us,” he added. “Generations of the Harrell family would like to humbly thank the people of Burgaw, southeastern North Carolina and beyond. Thank you for 117 years of trust and good will.” Founded by Chauncey Harrell as C. Harrell and Sons in 1903, the business remains family owned and operated into the 21st century. Vernon and Herb Harrell are fourth generation proprietors. Harrell’s is just one of countless businesses throughout the United States and the entire world that have been devastated by the pandemic. USA Today stated, “Many of the casualties of this unprecedented disruption are famous and beloved companies that are closely associated with the communities they serve.” The newspaper went on to list such iconic companies as Apple, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble and other nationally-known corporations that have had to permanently close some locations due to the pandemic. With no end in sight to the COVID-19 crisis, it’s impossible to speculate how many more businesses may fade into history due to the virus. SE

Harrell’s Department Store in downtown Burgaw opened in 1903. It will close this year, due to COVID-19.

Harrell’s Department Store was a rarity in modern times — a small town, locally owned department store. These images are from the store’s website. 33

Juneteenth 34

A celebration of

freedom

Clinton celebration organizers, let by Victoria Marble, introduce themselves to event attendees. Pictured (L to R): Dempris Gasque, Deana Smith, Felishia McPhereson, Sasha Underwood, Monique Smith, Victoria Marable, Tiffany Williams, Dorothy Barksdale, Vincent Barksdale.

Syrara Kornegay, Founder and CEO of a non-profit called Houzz Gang Academy in Warsaw, along with her organization hosted a Juneteenth Celebration in Warsaw.

STORY & PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRANCH

very year we look forward to the annual holidays that are recognized by our federal government. We get days oﬀ, go on vacation, host parties and celebrations, and the stores are full of decorations and emblems that symbolize the holiday and what it stands for. Everyone looks forward to days like The Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas because they know it is going to be a cheerful time. One holiday, Juneteenth, on the other hand, is not as popular, although advocates have been fighting year after year to try to make it a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth is the celebration of freedom from slavery. In 1776, there were 13 American colonies. They, of course, gained their freedom from the monarch of Britain under King George III — but not everyone gained independence. African Americans, who had been enslaved since at least 1619, were among those who did not receive their freedom that year. People were brought over on boats from Africa, predominately the western side of Africa, to be slaves to the British colonists in the newly formed America. They remained legally enslaved until January 1, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the 35

Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the legal status from slave to free for more than 3.5 million people. It was mainly the Confederate states that participated in the harshest forms of mistreatment during slavery. There were 11 states in the Confederacy: North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. Decisions being made by Lincoln caused frustrations in the Southern states who were the primary slave-owners causing these states to secede from the Union around 1860. Later, in 1861, the Civil War began. At the end of the war, after the Union victory, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, forcing those Confederate states to free their slaves. Texas was the last of the states to implement the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863, almost two and a half years after it was signed. Union troops under General Gordon Granger advanced into Galveston, Texas, announcing federal orders to end slavery. Ever since that day — June 19, 1865 — people of African descent have celebrated that day, calling it Juneteenth, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day. The most popular moniker is Juneteenth.

There are currently 47 states that recognize the holiday, but not to the extent that other holidays are celebrated. It is also not a federal holiday so things like time oﬀ from work and bank closings do not take place. Over the years, many activists have fought for Juneteenth to be nationally recognized. They feel that it was a significant time in America’s history, so it should be recognized in a more substantial way. Although not federally recognized, African Americans celebrate in their own ways by partaking in public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and other popular African American written pieces, by singing traditional songs and hosting celebrations such as block parties, cookouts and reunions. There were at least two local celebrations in Eastern N.C. this year, one in Duplin County and another in Sampson County. Both were held on June 20, and brought the community together for a time of celebration and reflection. Syara Kornegay and her nonprofit, Houzz Gang Academy, hosted the Warsaw celebration. Houzz Gang Academy is a mentorship group for young girls ages 5-17. Kornegay said that she thought it was good to invest in the black community and she felt

Ever since that day — June 19, 1865 — people of African descent have celebrated that day, calling it Juneteenth, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day.

Various groups of local residents show pride at the Clinton Juneteenth celebration on June 20th. At the Clinton event, two organizers spoke to the crowd. Vincent Barksdale (top left) talks about his experience growing up in Eastern NC during the civil rights movement, and Felishia McPhereson (top right) entertains the crowd with a humorous introduction.

it was really important to celebrate her ancestors and everything that they went through. Blackowned business owners from all over N.C. came to support the event and promote their businesses. There were many diﬀerent kinds of vendors from food, arts, and jewelry, to black hair and skin care products, and music. The Clinton celebration had more of a relaxed vibe. People were mainly just hanging out with family and friends, as well as getting to know new people in their community. You could tell some people had not seen each other in a while from the joy you saw on their faces when they made eye contact and went to greet each other. Victoria Marble, along with a team of volunteers, was the head organizer for the Clinton celebration. One team member, Deana Smith of Beulaville, spoke about her experience organizing the event. “I got involved when Victoria expressed her want for a Juneteenth Celebration via a post on Facebook,” Smith said. “It was a positive event for the community, it encouraged pride and unity for us, so naturally, I wanted to help.” Smith said that they planned the event in only two weeks and that everybody on the team came together, wearing many hats to ensure they put on a great event for the community. Local speakers talked about their experience growing up during the Civil Rights movement and how

they have combated racism locally. There was a sign-in table where people could also register to vote, they had free T-shirts, music, spoken word, and free food provided by a local family from Faison. “We wanted to host this event because we felt it was necessary,” Smith said. “With everything happening in the world now, negativity is the norm. Killings are unjust, every day there's a reason to be upset or angry. It’s time to celebrate us, to acknowledge and respect our past, and to uplift each other into our futures.” She added that the group received lots of community support. “We received donations from area grocery stores and businesses,” Smith said. “Not only did we have support from Sampson and Duplin counties, but we also had people coming from Onslow and Lenoir. Everyone was excited about the fellowship, the learning from the community elders, and mostly the love and support for one another. We were pressed for time, but we got it done! Our committee is amazing.” Although it is not a widely known holiday, it is not too late for people to take the initiative to understand Juneteenth a little better, and maybe even show support or join in with African Americans as they celebrate. SE

Both Juneteenth celebrations were full of vendors, food, and entertainment. The celebration held in Clinton even had a voter registration table, and organizers stressed the importance of voting and making your voice heard through your vote.

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Michael Edwards, Owner 40

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Ramblin’ Carolinian S tory

A quick drive through any rural area of Southeastern North Carolina will bring you a treasure trove of architecture that in too many cases, is almost lost to nature. The counties of this region still hold decaying pieces of history—homes, general stores, barns and other structures long-since abandoned. Marc Bratcher, a hobby photographer and historian based out of Duplin County, has made it his mission to capture these relics before they’re gone forever. He said that his passion to capture decaying structures and rural settings is “rooted in a desire to preserve knowledge of

A bby C AvenAugh | P hotoS

Hallsville, Duplin County

M ArC b rAtCher

local history for future generations.” Decades before he was born, his hometown of Beulaville was subject to the widening of Highway 24. Many of the town’s historic structures were either completely demolished or significantly reduced in size. While the economic impact of having Highway 24 remain running through downtown Beulaville (instead of a proposed bypass) was undeniable, the character of the town was forever changed. “By not being able to see and accurately contextualize the world of our forefathers, I believe a sense of longing is created,” Bratcher

said. “While we can no longer ask the dead about their lives, we can infer many things from the ways in which they lived. Structures serve as primary sources in this regard, as their designs and features highlight things that were valued during their respective periods. An in-depth knowledge of history, especially as it pertains to the places we live and visit regularly, is paramount in instilling a sense of pride in the places that we call home.” Following is a selection of some of his favorite photos from around the area. For more, follow him on Instagram @rambling. carolinian.

Store in Pollocksville (No longer standing)

Cypress Knees (Near Sarecta)

In Beulaville (No longer standing)

Old Schoolhouse in Currie, Pender County

Quewhiffle Plantation, c.a. 1837. Sampon County

The Croom House. Near the Black River.

Sholar Farmhouse in Chinquapin, Duplin County

Duplin County Farmhouse

Downtown Willard, Duplin County

Ruins in Chinquapin. Lot has now been cleared.

The Kilpatrick House outside of Kenansville

Boney’s Mill Pond, Wallace

Decaying Plantation Near Wyse Fork

The Brown Home Near Fountaintown

Scott’s Store, Duplin County

The Jackson Farmhouse at Billy Goat Curve outside of Beulaville

Noble’s Mill

Farmhouse by the Trent River in Jones County

The Barnett-Carr House, c.a. 1830, Outside of Wallace

Old Barn at the Back of Soybean Field. Sarecta, Duplin County.

Farmhouse near the Northeast community in Duplin County

Hargett’s Crossroads

SE 47

P l ay Date s IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS:

Many festivals, concerts and other events have been canceled for the forseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines f rom North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. All of the events listed here were still on schedule as of press time, but it’s best to check with each venue to ensure that the event is still going on as planned. As we learned through Hurricane Florence and now this pandemic, nothing’s ever for certain and unforeseen events can upend our entire lives, as well as our plans for leisure and play. Stay safe and don’t forget to set aside some time for summer fun!

AUG

7 FRI

SE PICK

AUG

Wilson Center @ Cape Fear Community College 703 North Third St., Wilmington 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $ 67.97– $122.35

22 SAT

Boz Scaggs’ new album “Out of the Blues” is appropriate, since the blues is what first sparked his 50-year musical career. Known for his hit singles: “It’s Over,” “Lido Shuﬄe” and the Grammy-winning “Lowdown,” “Breakdown Dead Ahead,” “Jo Jo” and “Look What You’ve Done to Me,” Scaggs has found success in the genres of blues, R&B, early rock ‘n’ roll, and jazz. For more information and tickets to this show, visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com/show/?id=15001 or call 910-362-7999.

AUG

SUN

SEPT

19-20

SAT-SUN

Summer Harvest Festival Paramount Movie Night: “The Goonies” 3 p.m. | 139 S. Center St., Goldsboro “The Goonies” is an old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way. Tickets at http://www. goldsboroparamount.com/the-goonies/ or 919-5838432.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington • Tickets $5

Poplar Grove will be celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of fall with heritage arts and crafts vendors from near and far, food trucks, lots of concessions, and even a few farmers. There will be activities for children and adults throughout both days of the festival. For more info: http://poplargrove.org/festivals/summerharvest/.

Blue, Brew & ‘Que Drive-Thru 11 a.m. | Duplin Events Center, Kenansville

The cancellation of this year’s Blue, Brew & ‘Que Festival doesn’t mean you still can’t get some home-cooked barbecue. Plates will be available in a drive-thru format.

Craven Arts Council & Gallery’s Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition Aug. 7 - Sept. 21 317 Middle St., New Bern 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays This signature bi-annual exhibition brings works from artists across the United States to New Bern, showcasing the diversity of techniques, subject, and mediums in the contemporary art world. This year’s Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition features 123 pieces from artists across the United States, from New Bern to Vero Beach, Florida. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, textiles, castings, carvings, printmaking, mixed media, and many more mediums in styles ranging from formalist abstraction to hyperrealism. This year’s exhibition will also include two outdoor sculptures to be displayed in the lot on the corner of Broad and Middle Street. The exhibition will run from Aug. 7 through Sept. 21. All galleries at Bank of the Arts are free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more, call 252-638-2577 or visit www. cravenarts.org.

SE ravel P lanner

North Carolina

LENOIR COUNTY

The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center offers state of the art exhibits that invite visitors to larn about the ironclad gunboat. The Confederate Navy launched the Neuse in al ill-fated attempt to gain control of the lower Neuse River and the occupied city of New Bern.

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3

www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse

LENOIR COUNTY

BEULAVILLE

Kinston-Lenoir County

No matter how you slice it...

Visitor & Information Center

PIZZA VILLAGE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

“Make us your first stop in Lenoir County”

Is Still Beulaville’s Favorite Restaurant!

101 East New Bern Rd., Kinston, NC 252-522-0004

Kinston-Lenoir County See the world’s only full-size replica of a Confederate Ironclad.

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 326 www.cssneuseii.org

Parks & Recreation Department

Daily Lunch Buffet, Monday ~ Saturday

2602 W. Vernon Ave., Kinston, NC

811 W. Main Street 910-298-3346

252-939-3332

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North Carolina

Lessons from the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic Story by Abby Cavenaugh

he coronavrius pandemic may be unprecedented in most of our lifetimes, but the United States has seen a deadly pandemic before — the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, which shut down pubilc gatherings, churches, schools and required those going out in public to wear masks or other face coverings. (I wonder if some folks fought it, the way they do right now.) The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources shares the following: “On September 19, 1918, the contagion known as the ‘Spanish Flu’ appeared in the port city of Wilmington. Within a week the hard-struck city reported some 400 cases of the illness. It was a sign of the devastation yet to be wrought by the pandemic.” The pandemic lasted for many months, reaching its peak during the winter of 1918-1919, when at least 20 percent of North Carolinians were infected by

the disease. The virus developed the nickname, “Spanish Lady,” and killed nearly 14,000 citizens of the state. Hopefully, COVID-19 won’t reach such high numbers, but it’s interesting that some of the same advice from health oﬃcials that was followed in 1918 still rings true today, 102 years later. Newspaper articles and flyers found online from 1918 share pieces of history that will sound familiar: “I order all schools, public and private, churches, theatres, and all other places where there are pulbic congregations closed until Monday, Oct. 14, 1918.” Although another warns, “Do not take any person’s breath,” which is kind of confusing. Was breath stealing a problem in those days? A letter dated Oct. 17, 1918 from the Duplin County Chapter of the American Red Cross was shared by the Cowan Museum in Kenansville earlier this year. “The letter, a message to county residents, comprises a list of practices to follow (including recipes) during the time when the Spanish Flu raged around the globe,” said museum director Robin Grotke. “Out of all our Facebook postings,

this one received the most attention because, I believe, there are parallels to the COVID-19 crisis and it provided people the chance to view their current life experience as a part of history.” So, it might be good to take some 102-year-old advice, although maybe not the eating of egg gruel.

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SENC Magazine - Summer 2020

Articles inside

Juneteeth

Play Dates

Blueberries

Surfng Mecca

Snapshots Keeping Beaches Clean

White Lake

Snapshots Longtime businesses close due to COVID-19