EASTERN
LIVING N O RT H
Historic Gallery Theatre takes visitors on ‘world tour’
C A R O L I N A
Davenport Homestead offers rich history off the beaten path
N.C. largest veteran mural in Edgecombe County1
Now Open Under New Ownership Matthew Sessoms Owner Denny Moore General Manager
Danny Barrow Sales Consultant
George Rightmyer Sales Manager
Tim Martin Sales Consultant
Julio Zapata Internet Sales Manager
Andre Smallwood Sales Consultant
Tammy Harrell Office Manager
Tim Moore Body Shop Manager
Jerry Knox Sales Consultant
Alex Mobley Parts Manager
ATTHEW
Jason Collier Parts & Service Director Danny Wobbleton Service Advisor Nikki Burroughs Service Advisor Wendy Wobbleton Parts advisor
ESSOMS
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Service & Parts: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm
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3
LET’S EXPLORE.
WE COVER THE PLACES YOU KNOW & LOVE AND THE PLACES YOU SHOULD GO & LOVE!
o rt f u a e B
Gates
Hyde
on N o rt h a m p t 4
PG. 8
B e rt i e
Halifax
PG. 46
H e rt f o r d
PG. 42
M a rt i n
Tyrrell
m Edgeco
PG. 50
PG. 34
Nash
be
0 PG. 3
PG. 24
PG.
14
Washingto
nPG. 18
ON THE C OV E R
FEATURES
6.
THE FAMOUS CORNBREAD SANDWICH
Thank you, Mrs, Nancy!
52. GERMAN CHRISTMAS
Some of NC’s traditions trace back to Europe
Emerson Bullock, 1, is preparing for his second Christmas. The son of Mandy and Kristopher Bullock of Williamston was pleased to see the Christmas tree make its annual appearance. Photo by Jim Green.
VOL. 10, NO. 6 DECEMBER 2018 54. ROCKY MOUNT There’s something for everyone
56. OUT & ABOUT
Events happening in and around the 12 counties
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher Kyle Stephens kstephens@ncweeklies.com
Editor Thadd White twhite@ncweeklies.com
62. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN 64. TIGHT LINES
Sylvia Hughes gives us a peek into Bertie Dameron’s kitchen
Rick Goines prepares us for the 2019 Carolina Outdoor Expo
Staff Gene Metrick gmetrick@rmtelegram.com Jim Green jgreen@ncweeklies.com Leslie Beachboard lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com Deborah Griffin dgriffin@ncweeklies.com Corey Davis
68. BIOGRAPHY
Jeannette Biggers takes up the fight against human trafficking
72. MARK IT!
Edward Warren left a lasting mark in Tyrell County
74. PARTING SHOTS
Reflections from our editor, Thadd White - Wander with us
Editorial Contributors Miles Layton Corrine Luthy Sarah Adkins Rick Goines Sylvia Hughes Jessie Nunnery Hugh Davis Brenda Greene Layout & Design Becky Wetherington Advertising Executives Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com Jessica Mobley jmobley@ncweeklies.com Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester mleicester@ncweeklies.com
cdavis@rmtelegram.com Lindell Jon Kay lkay@rmtelegram.com Amelia Harper lharper@rmtelegram.com
North Carolina’s Eastern Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983 (252) 794-1461 twhite@ncweeklies.com
North Carolina's Eastern Living Magazine is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.
5
The FAMOUS Cornbread Sandwich
T
he cornbread
house on Gatling Street in Windsor by his
She was joined by Lois Sanders, Jane Bowen,
sandwich
wife, Helen.
Boo Beasley and the Peele Twins of Aulander.
at
Bunn’s
J.W. “Russ” Russell, a co-owner of Bunn’s
in
carried the tradition forward, “Miss Grace”
remembered, “Mrs. Nancy, quite a unique
Windsor is one of the
cooked cornbread at the homestead on
character, waited until the other tennis
most
Granville Street in Windsor until the mid
players ordered, then she said to me,
1970s.
‘Lord honey, I’m on a diet and cant gain an
Barbecue
well-known
delicacies in eastern
Modern times hit Bunns’ with a spanking
ounce. How about take a small piece of that
Many don’t know
new oven, replacing gas ovens from the
cornbread and slice it and put a touch of
just how the unusual,
homes. The same recipe was kept, but an
barbecue and slaw on it’.”
but
over that had equal heat from top and
North Carolina.
well-loved
sandwiches
came
Bunn’s
bottom, replaced the old gas stoves. Then, on a spring day in the late 1970s,
into existence. began
the story began…
operation in 1938, and
Mrs. Nancy Rascoe, a Windsor resident,
baked cornbread was
and her group of tennis players came by
cooked at Mr. “Bunn”
for their regular treat after a vigorous tennis
Weather’s
IT WAS A SIMPLE MATTER OF POUNDS
6
In 1967, when Wilbur and Grace Russell
match.
Russell said he knew it had to happen, and while the treat didn’t hit the menu right away, it was there within a year. During the nearly 40 years since, the sandwich has been highlighted by Our State magazine and a host of local publications. Russell
said
his
entire
family
was
appreciative of “Mrs. Nancy’s” contribution.
East Carolina Timber, LLC
Buyers of Standing Hardwood & Pine Timber Vince Taylor
3930 Bear Grass Rd. Williamston, NC 27892
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b e a uf ort
A
LABOR OF
LOVE
The Marketplace at Olive’s is a business built quite literally...
8
AT HOME
Story & Photos by Jim Green
Kay Cox of Bath purchases a pie made by Mary Anne Daniels of Farm Life at The Marketplace at Olive’s in Washington.
It’s a busy afternoon at The Marketplace at Olive’s. Lori Bowen visits the shop, looking for sterling crosses to give as Christmas and birthday presents. After spending several minutes in the warm and inviting childhood home of Janice Chesson, Bowen walks out with much more than she intended to buy. “I spend more money than I should because it’s dangerous for me to come in here,” mused Bowen, a frequent customer and friend of Chesson’s who worked with Chesson’s mother, Olive, for many years. “I would come more often, but I get myself in trouble. But in a good way,” she laughed. A few minutes earlier, Kaye Modlin purchased some yarn for which she will use to make hats. And before that, Kay Cox picked up one of the pies made by one of Chesson’s vendors. And Tiffany Spruill, who needed last-minute monogramming done, also visited. The Marketplace at Olive’s, which opened a little more than two years ago a mile from Beaufort Community College on U.S. 264 East in Washington, is slowly but steadily building a loyal clientele. Many of the customers will sit and talk with Chesson before touring the house, where they can peruse a variety of unique, one-of-a-kind items from a plethora of artisan vendors. The business is a labor of love for Chesson, a retired speech pathologist who bought the 2,000-square-foot house — her childhood home — shortly after her mother passed away in 2015. “I grew up in this house in the 1950s,” said Chesson, the daughter of a World War II Navy
9
“
”
I grew up with this. So when she passed away, I made the decision I wanted to do this (support artisans) as a business. It’s a way to carry on my mom’s legacy and has become a big part of my healing. - Janice Chesson
pilot and whose mother, Olive (for which the
everything from cross-stitch, to needlepoint,
Lawrence (knitting alterations), Sarah Cox
business is named) loved to entertain family
to sewing and painting — all from my watching
(painted tables), Donna Walston (stained
and friends.
my mother and grandmother.”
glass), Diane Lee (known as ‘The Crabby
“This was a fun house to grow up in,” she
Chesson’s love of art came from her
Lady,’ pottery), Ceresy Jenkins (quilting and
said. “Mom was a real social person, and this
mother, who made clothes and collected
sewing), Victoria Fox (jewelry) and Sue and
was the social hub. She had true Southern
antiques, among other things.
Joy Singleton of Winston-Salem, vendors
hospitality.”
“I have always supported artsy people
who sell items created by children from The
Chesson learned how to play musical
because my mom was very artsy,” she said.
instruments as well as canasta, and when she
“I grew up with this. So when she passed
Others who have become vendors in
was young was urged by her mother to attend
away, I made the decision I wanted to do this
recent months include Mary Anne Daniels
college for music.
(support artisans) as a business. It’s a way to
(baked goods), Linda McKinney (wreaths),
carry on my mom’s legacy and has become a
Charity Murillo (monogrammer), Mindy Carr
big part of my healing.”
(upholstery), Paul Morris and Kevin Newnam
“I started piano when I was in fourth grade,” Chesson said. “I have learned how to do
After several months of trial and error,
Shelter of Love Orphanage in Cambodia.
(outdoor
and
Miriam
Roberson (peanuts), Lillie Tyer (baskets), Ann
of what they wanted.
Bell (painter) and Faye Modlin (artist).
A marketing friend of Chesson’s told her,
“All of the artisans’ works are for sale, and
“This was always a home, so treat it like a
they set the price,” Chesson said. “I consider
home. Don’t junk it up, invite people in and
this an artisans’ co-op driven by the vendors.”
they will feel comfortable,” she said. “Once
Word has grown through the vendors, repeat customers and a Facebook page.
around and want to spend money. And she has been right on target.”
“There is a deep sense of nostalgia here,” Bowen said. “It’s like stepping back in time
The Marketplace at Olive’s sits on about
to the old days. There is something here for
three acres of property. In addition to the
everybody. In here, you don’t feel any pressure
main house — built in 1953 — it includes two
and somebody isn’t on your shoulder every
other businesses, “The Shed” (which now
second. Janice is promoting other people’s
houses an upholsterer) and an A-frame house
livelihoods, which I think is significant. She’s
now known as Lady Banks Chapel, which is
encouraging creativity and people to live out
named after a rose bush on the property that
their passions. I admire her because she’s
has withstood everything from cold weather
opening up many opportunities for people.”
to hurricanes and tornadoes. It now serves as an outreach.
10
Clyde
Chesson and her committee developed a plan
they are comfortable, then they will look
Peggy Jones, one of the vendors and artisan committee members for The Marketplace at Olive’s, works on a quilt.
furniture),
For Chesson, she doesn’t mind the work at all.
Shortly after opening the business, it
“I have friends ask me why I am doing this,”
didn’t take long before Chesson found several
she said. “I tell them that this has become my
interested local and regional artisans wishing
passion to share the work of others and give
to showcase and sell their work.
them an opportunity to build their business.
Many of them are retired teachers. Several
“The reward for me is watching people like
have been with Chesson since it opened
Peggy and the other artisans do their work
in May 2016: Peggy Jones (quilter), Melva
and sell it. I just love being around all of them.
I must have gotten that from my mother, who
me stories about this house and the property,”
always had a natural gift for communicating
Chesson said.
with people.”
The vendors also enjoy being there.
Oftentimes people will entertain Chesson
Jones, who is a part of Chesson’s committee,
with memories of her parents as they tour the
visits once a week to help with anything the
property.
owner needs. They met years ago when both
“They are always stopping in and telling
were part of the Belhaven Quilters Guild.
“I enjoy talking with people and this gives me an outlet for selling my work,” Jones said. “But I am also one of Janice’s best customers — a lot of these things go home with me. It means a lot to meet people and show and talk about my stuff.” Chesson invites everyone to visit The Marketplace at Olive’s, located at 6118 U.S. 264 East in Washington. It is open from 10 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Jim Green is Sports Editor for the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Bertie Ledger-Advance and The Standard Laconic.
Janice Chesson with some of the unique items that can be found at The Marketplace at Olive’s.
Enjoy savings this New Year with our Wi-Fi enabled thermostat! Heating and cooling your home is often a significant portion of your monthly household budget. As a result, Roanoke would like to help you reduce that challenge by lowering your monthly electric bill. Your cooperative recognizes that the primary way to lower your electric bill is for member-owners to use less energy. But why would an electric cooperative want you to use less energy and pay them less money? As your not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are more than just your electric service provider. A major part of our mission is to improve the quality of life in the diverse communities we serve for member-owners like you. And part of improving your quality of life is ensuring that you have the necessary resources you need to live each day — even in your monthly budget. That’s why member-owners now have the option to improve their homes efficiency while reducing their electric bill without sacrificing comfort. How? Member-owners can purchase Ecobee3 Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats at a discounted price. How will these devices help you save money on your electric bill? They have the potential to provide both energy efficiency and wholesale power cost savings that the cooperative could pass on to member-owners. Program offer details:
• Member-owners must have a Wi-Fi connection. • Your cooperative will adjust your thermostat to reduce usage during peak periods. • Adjustments may happen up to 8 times per month during the winter/ summer months when peak usage is highest. • $4 monthly credit to your electric bill. • FREE installation of the thermostat from an energy advisor of REC.
Janice Chesson, owner, with some of the artisancrafted quilts.
Thermostats will cost:
• $50 for Electric Heating and A/C Users • $100 for A/C Users Only If you’re interested in purchasing an Ecobee Wi-Fi Thermostat, please visit www.roanokeelectric.com/thermostat or call our office at 252.209.2236.
Eliminate those late fees with e-bill and bank draft (and get a $1.50 monthly bill credit)
Has your bill ever gotten lost in the mail? Have you ever been so busy that you forgot to pay your bill on time? Let us make your life a little easier with e-bill and bank draft. With e-bill, member-owners have the advantage of immediately receiving notice of your bill via e-mail and accessing the new bill online. This applies to delinquent notices as well! The sooner you receive this information, the sooner you’ll be able to not only pay your bill but reach out to local help agencies to be enrolled in any relevant programs for financial assistance. Did we mention that when you sign-up up for e-bill you receive a $0.50 monthly bill credit? That’s right! Allow us to enroll you in e-bill to receive your electric bill directly to your account and we’ll give you $0.50 per month. Want to pay your electric bill automatically email each month? We have that option for you as well. If you have a checking account, member- owners can enroll in automatic bank drafts. Choose your own bank draft date from four dates (3rd, 10th, 18th, and 25th of each month) and never have to worry about late fees again. There’s a bonus incentive with this option as well! You can receive an additional $1.00 monthly bill credit when you enroll in bank draft. That means your cooperative will give you $1.50 monthly towards your electric bill when you enroll in e-bill and bank draft!
Ongoing benefits of bank draft and e-bill: • They are simple and convenient! • You’ll avoid late fees. • You won’t ever have to worry about receiving important bill information late again. Sign up to receive your $1.50 monthly bill Credit today by calling 252.209.2236.
Make managing your bill easier with REC’s mobile app Other than your wallet or purse, your cell phone is often one thing that you rarely leave home without. As your electric cooperative, Roanoke wants to ensure that you have control of your account no matter where you are. That’s why your account is now always at your fingertips with your Roanoke EC mobile app. What this mobile app affords member-owners is access to your user profile, payments and payment history, daily usage graphs, high usage alerts, and other valuable resources concerning your account. The app is now available for download in Google Play and the Apple App Store. Simply text “Roanoke” to 797979 to download the app today.
11
Visit Historic
Plymouth, NC
Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA
Ivy Garden Florist Designs by Donna Full Service Florist Donna Shaw Owner, Designer
105 W. Water Street Downtown Plymouth, NC 27962 (252) 793-5789
THE JEWEL SHOPPE
In House Jewelry Repair
12
110 W. Water Street, Plymouth, NC 27962 252.793.4515
Fresh Made Peanut Butter, Homemade Peanut Brittle Snack Nuts and Chocolates, Boiled Peanuts, Fine Gifts Custom Gift Baskets, Gourmet Foods and so much more!
30871 US Hwy 64 E • Jamesville, NC 27846 ph 252.793.2993 • fx 252.791.0065 Toll-free: 888-637-6887 “We Ship for Christmas or Anytime!” Order online!
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Historic Plymouth Shop & Dine at the Stores & Restaurants in Beautiful Historic
Plymouth
Maitland Funeral Homes
306 Latham Avenue • PO Box 536 Plymouth, NC
252-793-4137
204 E. Main Street • PO Box 145 Creswell, NC
252-797-3735
Sharon & Billy Maitland
www.maitlandfuneralhome.com 13
na sh
Eric Ghiloni, right, co-owner of Koi Pond Brewing Company, performs with Monkeyfoot guitarist Monte Tippette for a song during the band’s set at Pondapalooza at the brewery at Rocky Mount Mills. Photo by Alan Campbell.
(Above) Amanda Wood, back right, and Jordan Lancaster, front right, share a laugh at the Tap @ 1918 at the Rocky Mount Mills. Photo by Sarah Louya. (Left) Eric Ghiloni, co-owner of Koi Pond Brewing Company, pours a glass of Gateway Dubbel in preparation of opening their first location at the Brewmill. Photo by Adam Jennings.
Something for Everyone The Mills will be a home to a wide array of venues
14
L
BY COREY DAVIS ocal companies and more living options
main campus, while construction is underway
“We want to be part of the community,”
are part of the continued growth of the
on 49 luxury loft apartments that are scheduled
Chavez said. “That's the great thing about the
150-acre mixed-use development on
for occupancy later this fall and another 20
5K runs. Some people that live in the area have
apartments that will open in February.
never been to Battle Park. On the run, they go
the Tar River known as the Rocky Mount Mills. The first corporate tenant to sign a sign
Also under development is River & Twine, a
a long-term lease at the Rocky Mount Mills
tiny-home hotel. The 20-unit hotel will feature
became
operational
in
August.
through the park. Hopefully, they'll see how nice it is and return for another visit.”
Envolve
full-size glass door showers, microwaves,
The Mills sponsors Beans and Brews for
Vision is up and running in its more than
refrigerators, coffee makers, heating and air
Rocky Mount Meals on Wheels. The event hosts
23,000-square-foot space on the upper floor
conditioning,
teams cooking chili paired with unique craft
of the main mill building.
Internet and smart TVs in each unit.
complimentary
high-speed
beers. Participants also get a chance to chat
Envolve Vision CEO David Lavely said the
“At the Rocky Mount Mills, we think outside
with the brewers to learn more about their craft
space will assist the company in workforce
the box about place-making experiences,” said
beers. The event raises money to help Meals on
recruiting. The company’s modern space
Matt Honeycutt, development manager at the
Wheels feed the city's homebound seniors.
includes original wood floors, high ceilings,
Mills. “Transforming a historic cotton mill into
The Mills also hosts Sunday Supper, an
exposed brick walls, large windows, large glass
a mixed-use destination requires imagination,
annual event where hundreds of residents
conference rooms, Wi-Fi and a contemporary
and the allure of tiny homes fits perfectly with
come out to eat at long communal tables with
break room for employees. The space will
that creative approach.”
the purpose of getting to know each other and
oversee the scenic view overlooking the Tar River.
Evan
Covington
Chavez,
real
estate
raise money for United Way.
development manager for Rocky Mount Mills
Ginny Mohrbutter, executive director of the
“Envolve Vision was founded more than
and Capitol Broadcasting Co., said the River
United Way Tar River Region, said the event is
30 years ago in Rocky Mount, and we are
& Twine name comes from the project being
about uniting the community by breaking bread
delighted to be able to relocate and remain
near the Tar River and tobacco twine being a
together and sharing conversations with people
in our hometown,” Lavely said. “This will be a
product made at the Mills. She said Mills officials
from across the area.
world-class environment that will enhance our
considered several options for providing short-
The proceeds from Sunday Supper at the
service to our customers.”
term stay opportunities at the Mills and believe
Mills supports the work of United Way and its
the tiny-home hotel concept provides a unique
community partners in the areas of education,
and fun option for people.
health, income and independence, Mohrbutter
Envolve Vision earlier this year opened Envolve Optical, a stand-alone optical retail store in a 1,320-square-foot remodeled mill
“Given that it’s the largest tiny-home hotel
house located across the street from the Mills
in the state and the interest in different vacation
The breweries often get in on the action as
campus.
experiences, we know this will attract people
well. Koi Pond Brewing Co. and On the Square
from a wide area to the community,” Chavez
held a fundraiser for the Friends of the Braswell
said.
Memorial Library earlier this year at the Mills.
Joining Envolve Vision in the Rocky Mount Mills is the area’s longtime daily newspaper,
said.
the Rocky Mount Telegram, which relocated its
Rocky Mount Mills also sponsors several
editorial and business staff earlier this month
fundraising events throughout the year. An
to the second floor of the main mill building.
annual event that's proven popular is a 5K run
“We're happy to be able to give back,” he said.
that takes participants through neighboring
Corey Davis is a Staff Writer for the Rocky
“It’s in a perfect location for us,” Telegram Publisher Kyle Stephens said, “close to
Battle Park.
Koi Pond Manager Josh Parvin said it's all about community.
Mount Telegram.
downtown and right off (U.S.) 64.” Nash County Travel & Tourism also announced plans to move its offices into a location on the Mills campus later this year. The agency will occupy a 1,800-square-foot historic home just across the street from the main entrance to the Mills. In addition to restaurants, brew pubs, a bottle shop and a brewery incubator operated in conjunction with Nash Community College, the Mills campus also includes residential features. The Mill Village consists of 50 renovated historic mill houses across the street from the
Gov. Roy Cooper signs a proclamation naming April as Beer Month at the Rocky Mount Mills. Photo by Sarah Louya
15
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17
w a sh ington
DAVENPORT HOMESTEAD IS HISTORY TUCKED IN A CORNER OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
OFF THE BEATEN PATH Story & Photos by Thadd White
The main house of the Davenport Homestead is less than 600 square feet, and was built on cypress blocks which were a cheaper, but lasting alternative to brick.
18
Taking a drive through scenic and historic Washington County can make any day seem just a bit better.
expensive, and the cypress was a longlasting alternative. Each room of the house displays
In western Washington County, it is
artifacts of daily life. A crude ladder leads
easy to drive by farmlands, homes and
to a loft where children slept on rope beds.
forestland and simply stumble upon one of the county’s unique treasurers.
An open hearth offers a swinging iron crane ready for an iron pot. Bowls made of
There at the corner of Mt. Tabor Road
gourds await hot porridge from the hearth.
is the Davenport Homestead, the near-
A sedge broom stands ready to sweep
perfectly maintained home of the late
the house.
state Sen. Daniel Davenport, along with
Since chickens ran free and ate the
other buildings moved to the site to
grass, a reed broom came in handy for
demonstrate life as it would have been in
keeping the yard neat.
the 1700s.
The week’s wash was boiled in big
“The history behind the house is
black pots, scrubbed on washboards
fascinating, and what gets me the most is
with lye soap and hung on bushes to dry.
people who are alive today know people
(Landscaping, like everything else then,
who still lived in the house without any
had a practical use.)
upgrades,” said Elizabeth Freier of Port
“The most unique thing about visiting
‘O Plymouth Museum. “It has not been
the Davenport Homestead is the feeling
upgraded, only preserved since the late
you step back in time when you are on
1700s and it is one of the only houses in
the property,” Freier said. “It has been
eastern North Carolina from that time
maintained on donations from very
period left today.
generous people since the last occupants
“It is in excellent condition and you
passed away in the 1970s.
can see the outbuildings, including the
“For a small community, it is a pretty big
kitchen, smokehouse and even the still
feat to be able to maintain such a historic
which would have all been used after the
property,” she said.
American Revolution.”
Davenport and his family were the
The main house is less than 600 square
first occupants of the home, and he was
feet, which is not much larger than the
Washington County’s first representative in
family living area in many homes today.
the state Senate beginning in 1799 when
The house was built on cypress blocks because new brick footings were
Washington County was created from Tyrrell County.
This house was built ca. 1778 Daniel (1755-1807) and Sarah Nichols (1756-?) were the first Davenports to occupy this home. They were wed in 1786. And from this union came Elizabeth Warrington, Eunice Arnold, Priscilla Long, Nancy Bateman, and Asenath Davenport. The last Davenports to reside in this house were John Armsstead (1865-1928) and Susan Ann Silfy (18531937) and their daughter Harriet Ann (1890-1975)
The view of the entire Davenport Homestead with the home (left) and several buildings moved to the home place to simulate what life was like in the late 1700s. 19
He was listed as a farmer and owned 1,211 acres of land, part of which came from grants. He owned 996 acres in the Davenport community (now known locally as Mt. Tabor). In addition to growing cotton, wheat, flax and tobacco, he had livestock that included oxen, mules, horses, hogs, chicken, geese, cattle, goats and sheep. Wildlife was also plentiful and animals were hunted and trapped for both food and hides. In addition to serving the people of the newly created Washington County, Davenport actually helped survey the lines that drew the county out of Tyrrell County. His years of service were in 1800 and 18031807. He died in 1808 before taking the oath of office again. While in office, Davenport was instrumental in getting many bills passed concerning Washington County. Most noteworthy was a bill to authorize Ebenezer Pettigrew to erect a drawbridge across the Scuppernong River at the landing of Dempsey Spruill. The bridge replaced the wooden bridge on the road leading to the mill on Lake Phelps. A drawbridge was necessary so that vessels could travel up the river to Cherry Landing laden with goods. Upon his death, the Davenport Homestead was divided among his five daughters, and the family lived on the property for more than 200 years. The home’s final residents were Harriet and Jerd Davenport, who lived in the home without electricity or running water. The homestead now includes a chicken coop, loom house, hog pen, corncrib, salting house and smokehouse. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. People wishing to take a tour through beautiful Washington County and to the Davenport Homestead can do so by exiting U.S. 64 at Creswell and meandering to Mt. Tabor Road. The outside of the home is open for visitors anytime, but tours of the inside are available by Above: The old smokehouse has simulated meat hanging in the rafters to let visitors know what it would have been like when Sen. Daniel Davenport lived there in the late 1700s. Middle: The sign at the roadway turning pointing out the Davenport Homestead gives a brief bit of history. Bottom: Laundry hangs where the wash would have been kept in an outdoor building.
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calling the Port O’ Plymouth Museum at 252-7931377. Thadd White is Editor of North Carolina’s Eastern Living Magazine, the Bertie Ledger-Advance in Windsor and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald in Williamston.
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h e r tf ord
Colleen Curley (as Abigail Williams) in The Crucible, performed at The Gallery Theatre in Spring 2018. She was joined by Rick Snyder (as Giles Corey) and Kailey Lassiter (as Mercy Lewis).
TRAVEL NEAR AND FAR
Eventful worlds on the Gallery stage
Colleen Curley takes direction from Jordan Martin in Mary Poppins during the Summer Youth Theatre Workshop at The Gallery.
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The cast of Bagdad Café – The Musical from the fall production at The Gallery Theatre. The cast included: Off Stage, in Shadows, L to R: DeJuan Lee & Joshua Bryant Front Row - lying down, posing- (from left) Lucye Kunstler and Autumn Olson. Second Row (from left): Rick Snyder, Gilbert Stephen, Marlon Kuenstler, Angel Sease, Lisa Lowry, Maddy Powell, Lauryn Tann, Jean Haddock, Sarah Howard, Brianna Howard, Tony Correa, Tim Flanagan (being held by T. Correa). Third Row (from left) Pete Pellegrin and Jochen Kunstler.
Davis Hugh H. Story by calfe Will Met y b s o t pho
I
Photo by
hite Thadd W
n his short memoir piece “A Christmas Memory,” Truman Capote writes about how he and his friend collected letters, postcards and sundry communications that showed to them “eventful worlds beyond the kitchen with its view of a sky that stops.” Throughout northeastern North Carolina, there are many views of skies which seem to stop, but throughout these small towns, there are also many ways to reach eventful worlds. These small towns are filled with traditions and history while serving their modern populations. There are certainly times that life in the rural South can feel confined and limiting, but there are ways to escape, with many ways to move beyond (Middle photo) The spring 2018 production of The Crucible featured (from left): Cyvanah Byrd-Eley (as Tituba), Erin Messer (as Goody Putnam), Rusty Boyd (as Thomas Putnam), and Colleen Curley (as Abigail Williams). (Bottom) Emily Jernigan (left) and Taylor Ward on the set of Lord, I’m Coming Home before the turn of the century at The Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie.
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these local limitations sitting right here in the region itself. One of the most successful and longstanding options to find eventful worlds is the Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie. Sitting in the heart of downtown Ahoskie, the Gallery Theatre Inc. is a portal to times both past and future and a gateway to new locations and adventures. In the past year, it took its cast, crew and faithful attendees to Africa (“The Lion King Experience”), early 20th century Germany (“The Underpants”), Colonial Salem, Massachusetts (“The Crucible”) and to a modern high school gymnasium (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”). The journeys continue this year, in the Gallery’s 53rd season. After a summer jaunt to Edwardian England (“Mary Poppins”), this season already has taken a trip to a small desert town in California (“Bagdad Cafe— The Musical”) and is preparing in November to journey to a hunting lodge in rural Georgia (“The Foreigner”). The road will travel far beyond Hertford County’s border in 2019, with a February production that spans from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to the hopeful bounty of California (“The Grapes of Wrath”) and a May musical venture through an enchanted land of the imagination (“Into the Woods”). With each production, the Gallery helps connect the folks in Ahoskie and surrounding towns with eventful worlds. The Gallery has served the RoanokeChowan region as a center for the living arts for over half a century, fulfilling its mission to promote and advance cultural interest in living theatre, art, music and crafts. It provides the area with quality performing arts and offers chances for both its performers and its audience to encounter new worlds that are brought to life through the dedication of its cast and production teams. That legacy of entertainment and joy actually predates the Gallery itself. The building began life as the Richard Theatre in 1922, serving as a vaudeville hall and entertainment mecca for performers travelling through the South. After vaudeville’s popularity faded, the Richard transformed into a movie theater, offering
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local residents the chance to see films on the silver screen along with short subjects, cartoons and chapters of the latest serial adventures. After the Richard closed, the Women’s Division of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce transformed the building again, this time rechristening it The Gallery Theatre and making it the center of live theatre for the region. Initially, members of the Gallery bought $25 “stocks,” and those stockholders then took on the challenge of renovating the space into a vibrant center for the arts. The Gallery has continued and been supported through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council and the
In the summer, Jordan Martin, who started in the worskhop as a child actor, returned and directed the show. Several other children in recent years have made the leap from appearing in the summer to taking part in “main season” shows. These children have taken their talents to the stage in such multi-generational shows as “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Crucible,” “Putnam County” and “Bagdad Cafe.” “Bagdad Cafe” was a first for the Gallery, Ahoskie and American stages in general, for it marked the United States premiere of this musical, which was based on the cult independent film. Just as the Richard used to bring performing acts to Ahoskie that would otherwise not have been seen, the Gallery Theatre offered “Bagdad Cafe” as a gift to the area, bringing area audiences a show that they otherwise would not see. In fact, this story of friendship and
Sitting in the heart of downtown Ahoskie, the Gallery Theatre Inc. is a portal to times both past and future and a gateway to new locations and adventures.
women’s empowerment is a live theatre experience now seen only in parts of Europe and on a stage in the heart of rural northeastern North Carolina. The Gallery Theatre continues to offer those gifts to the region. Its next show, “The Foreigner,” is a community theatre staple set in the Deep South, while the winter production, “The Grapes of Wrath,” will feature some familiar Okie and literary figures. These familiar character types will still help the audience learn lessons and about themselves before the spring musical, Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” causes all to reconsider the fairy tales that all know so well.
annual “Friends of the Gallery” fund drive. Today, the Gallery Theatre is run by Executive Director Ralph Hewitt and its Board of Directors. They look to continue its legacy of producing high quality theatrical performances for the area. Each summer, they offer the Summer Youth Theatre Workshop, a five-decade tradition to introduce youth ages 7-17 to the basics of acting and production. The children take part in all aspects of the production over the summer, and the goal is to inspire them to get excited about theatre and continue acting in future productions.
When the lights go up on the Gallery stage, everyone in that historic building — actors, directors, stagehands and audience members — are transported to exciting, adventurous and dramatic places. The sky does not stop in Ahoskie, thanks to the Gallery taking its friends to new and eventful worlds. For more information about the Gallery and its upcoming productions, call 252-3322976 or visit www.gallerytheatreahoskie. com. Hugh H. Davis is a teacher and librarian at C.S. Brown High School.
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B
oasting the largest military mural in North Carolina and a collection of memorabilia second to none, the Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum remains a hidden gem. The museum receives excellent support from area veterans — but outside those circles, few folks realize the bevy of historical artifacts waiting to be discovered in downtown Tarboro. “We currently have more than 30,000 military artifacts as part of the museum,” said Donny Hale, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees. “No one really realizes what a treasure this museum is.” Those artifacts range from diaries to eating utensils to service ribbons to medals awarded to military personnel. Samurai swords carried by Japanese soldiers, Nazi helmets and firearms from Communist China also can be viewed at the museum. Exhibits include hundreds of weapons 30
and pieces of equipment, such as bayonets, bullets and battle flags, donated by Edgecombe County residents from the Civil War, World War I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as well as recent gear used today. Also on display is a World War II Jeep restored by students at Edgecombe Community College and a fully-restored Harley Davidson motorcycle that saw action in Europe during World War II. “There’s nothing like this around,” said Chris Larsen, vice chairman of the board of directors. “If we forget our history, where are we?” From the Revolutionary War up to recent engagements in the Middle East, it’s all on display at the museum.
“Sometimes grandchildren clean out the attic and find incredible memorabilia,” Larsen said. “Instead of tossing it out, they donated it.” The museum began in the mind of Joel Bourne, a retired Tarboro attorney and World War II veteran. The former Marine wanted to create a veterans museum to honor and pay tribute to the veterans of Edgecombe County, living or deceased.
E
Y
OMBE COU C N GE T D
U
T
R
AN
S
E
VE
E
M
A HIDDEN GEM ’S M
ILITA R Y
M
U
A COLLECTION SECOND TO NONE
BY LINDELL JOHN KAY
Sandy Seibert looks at the names of Veterans on bricks Saturday at the Brick Laying Ceremony at Edgecombe County Veteran's Brick Yard at The Colonial Theater. Photo by Sarah Louya. 31
The museum opened its doors July 2004 and grew over the next two and a half years, expanding while accumulating memorabilia and artifacts. In April 2007, the museum moved into a building at 106 W. Church St. but is currently housed at 509 Trade St. while renovations are being made to the Church Street location, which is expected to re-open in January, Included in the collection are more than 1,000 photographs of veterans from Edgecombe County who have served their country going back to the Civil War. The museum also has 400 uniforms from all branches of the armed forces and other militaries including an Iraqi officer’s jacket. Dozens of the uniforms are on display at any giving time on a rotating basis. Special sections highlight the careers of well-known Edgecombe County veterans including Adolphus Staton and Hugh Shelton. Staton was a 1914 Medal of Honor recipient for heroism at the Battle of Veracruz aboard the USS South Carolina and the Navy Cross for actions after his ship was torpedoed in 1918. Shelton, honorary museum board chairman for life, is a retired general who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001. The museum has a research library filled with books on America’s military history, including a collection 32
of maps, source material documents, magazines and music. Several hundred movies and documentaries are available for viewing. “We have over 2,000 volumes of military strategy and intelligence,” said Martin Fleming, a member of the museum’s board of trustees. Across the parking lot from the museum building, an extensive mural on the side of the Colonial Theater depicts America’s wars from the Revolution through today’s conflicts in the Middle East. At the base of the mural, the museum installed more than 300 bricks with the names of veterans. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission is free; donations are accepted. Curator Kelsi Dew and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and show visitors around the museum. Group tours, especially for schools, are available outside of normal visiting hours by appointment. Individuals and businesses can support the museum by becoming members. Memberships range from $25 to $1,000 annually. Families of veterans can honor their loved ones by purchasing a memorial brick for $100 and by arranging to have their veteran recognized at flag raising ceremonies at 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Veterans Memorial on the Tarboro Town Common. Anyone with items to donate should contact Hale at 252-823-7508. Lindell John Kay is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram.
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ma r tin
ASA BIGGS
The
The Asa Biggs House received an extensive exterior paint job late this summer courtesy of the Francis Barnes Charitable Trust, Martin County Tourism Development Authority, the town of Williamston and private contributors.
A Christmas must-see in North Carolina’s Albemarle Region Story by Fred W. Harrison Jr. • Photos by Deborah Griffin
34
L
ooking for the best in area
expanded and modified what initially
historic attractions this holiday
started as a two-story, four-room hall
season?
and parlor style home into a refined
Williamston’s Historic Asa Biggs House will
and commodious residence. It is said
celebrate the opening of the 2018 Christmas
he added a room or some significant
season with its customary annual open house
improvement with the birth of each
from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 8. The event is
of his 10 children.
free and handicapped access is available.
The unusually large windows
The 1830s landmark received an extensive
and their associated iron balconies
exterior paint job late this summer courtesy
flanking the front entrance reflect
of the Francis Barnes Charitable Trust, Martin
his architectural interest with homes
County Tourism Development Authority, the
and buildings he admired while on
town of Williamston and private contributors.
tour of the New Orleans region early in
Asa Biggs was born into a Martin County
his career.
family originating from Norfolk, Va. He gained
At the upper northeast section of the
notoriety in statewide and later national
house near a chimney is visible evidence of
politics in the mid-19th century before
the house having been impacted by Union
becoming a U.S. and later Confederate States
gunboats, which fired upon Williamston
judge.
during the Civil War.
For a period of nearly 30 years, he
Contributed photo
At one point a cannon ball was exposed in
Heber Coltrain, Stuart Spruill and Simon Perry provided music for a celebration of what would have been Asa Biggs’ birthday earlier this year at the Asa Biggs House.
35
property — but thanks to a group of concerned citizens, a concerted effort to redeem the Asa Biggs House as a community resource is making much progress. The house is now home to the Francis M. Manning History and Research Room, previously located at Martin Community College, and with the dedicated assistance of the local Grimes Mayo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is open to the public for tours and research Monday through Wednesday of each week. Hours occasionally change, but those wishing to visit can make an appointment via contact information on the Martin County Historical Society website at http://martincountynchistory.com/ Default.aspx . The house contains several artifacts related to Asa Biggs, including an extensive china and glassware collection, an impressive Gothic style wardrobe, washstand and numerous family portraits and photos. Other artifacts are specific to Williamston and Martin County, lathing with removal of plaster from a second story bedroom. It has
including locally made walnut furnishings from the Williamston
since been covered over, but a documentary photo is kept in the
shop of Stacy Cox and Sons, an 1850s era square grand piano,
room as a reminder.
Primitive Baptist materials and a prize attraction, a pristine Civil
With the coming of Union forces from Hatteras up the Roanoke
War era quilt made by a local plantation mistress in the Spring
River early in the war, Biggs was forced to flee his home in February
Green community, 10 miles north of Williamston. Her husband, a
1862 to avoid being captured. He fled to Tarboro and later Warren
Mr. Purvis, served and died in the Civil War.
County but returned for brief visits occasionally, hiding his horse in an enclosed porch to escape attention. Today, the hook on which he tied that horse remains attached to a window frame as it was in the 1860s, a reminder of the perilous times endured by so many who lived during the period.
the Biggs House, note the delicate design of the hand painted quilt block at the southwest corner of the house. Also in 2016, daughters of Mrs. D.G. (Josephine) Manning
Asa Biggs found the radical political environment that ensued
honored their mother’s 90th birthday with a complete renovation
after the war in North Carolina to be more than he could tolerate.
of the two central hallways in the Biggs House. Furnishings, fixtures
Likewise, his business prospects in Williamston were dismal at the
and floor coverings were carefully selected to emulate the 1840s
time as the town had suffered near collapse with pillaging and
time period.
attacks inflicted during the conflict.
Mrs. Manning served previously as a docent for the house,
For a couple of years, he practiced law in Tarboro before finally
longtime supporter of the Martin County Historical Society and
moving to Norfolk, Va. — joining his brother Kader in a commission
highly active member of the Williamston Womans Club. The
business. He died and was buried there in 1878.
gesture of the Manning daughters reflects the continued concern
A daughter, Martha Cotton Biggs Crawford, and her family later purchased the home from heirs, selling it to the Fowden family, who in turn sold it to the Martin County Historical Society in 1978. The house has since been designated on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1991, the Martin County Historical Society leased the structure to Martin County Tourism Authority. When the authority moved out of the house around 2010, it appeared the historical society might be forced to dispose of the
36
The quilt was inspiration for the Martin County Historical Society joining the Tar and Roanoke River Quilt Trail in 2016. When visiting
and optimism expressed by local residents in the value of the Biggs House as a local institution. The Historical Society extends a cordial invitation to visit the Biggs House on Dec. 8 and enjoy a sumptuous display of Christmas finery, old-time refreshments and musical entertainment. Fred Harrison serves on the executive board of the Martin County Historical Society as recording secretary and editor of the Society’s Quarterly Newsletter.
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h a lifax
The White Ash Enfield’s Christmas Homes Tour
A celebration of architecture BY SARAH ANDERSON ADKINS & BRENDA GREEN
W
hat do frogs, electric guitars and
Craftsmen Bungalows and a 1920s warehouse
baseball bats have in common?
converted into living space. This year the tour
Tickets will also be sold the day of the event
will focus on homes built during the 18th and
in downtown Enfield at The Collective Center
19th centuries.
at 131 Whitfield Street. Tickets cost $30, which
The White Ash Tree — also known as
Fraxinus americana. This strong, tall tree,
Street in Enfield.
which can grow up to 100 feet high and 75
“To find historic structures in Enfield
feet wide, provides wood for Louisville Slugger
built during the 1700s is rare,” Enfield Mayor
baseball bats (Babe Ruth, Roger Maris and
Wayne Anderson said. “If you like it old, this
But make plans to enjoy the weekend. On
Hank Aaron used these Ash bats for multiple
year’s Colonial tour has five homes with 1700
Friday night, the Enfield Civic Club is serving
home runs) and electric guitars.
origins, plus the oldest certified White Ash
hot chocolate and cider downtown before
tree in the state sits right here in Enfield at
Santa Claus arrives at 5 p.m. The tree lighting
900 years old.
will follow the dramatic Christmas reading
And as far as the frogs are concerned, the White Ash leaves, which are tannin-free, are also a critical food source for frogs.
includes a reception after the church service at 5:30 p.m.
“Living in an old home myself, I have to
and end the free Friday night event at 6:30
Next question: What does the Fraxinus
say you don’t really own it. Instead, you’re its
p.m. on Nov. 30. Bring the kiddies — and wear
americana have to do with Enfield’s sixth
caretaker. You just hope someone will come
the most outrageous Christmas sweater.
annual Christmas Homes Tour on Dec. 1? Extra
along after you and do the same. This year’s
On Saturday, Dec. 1, the artisan fair starts
points for those who guessed this correctly.
tour is special. I would like to thank all the
at 9 a.m. and will end at noon. The fair will
The oldest and tallest White Ash tree in
owners of these historic homes for letting
feature the work of local craftspeople, cake-
North Carolina sits on the property of Gray
tour participants experience the effort and
makers, beekeepers, potters, wreath-makers
Hall, one of the homes featured on the sixth
craftsmanship of past builders and the
and will be held at The Collective Center at 131
annual Christmas Homes Tour in Enfield.
architecture of earlier days.”
Whitfield St.
Actually, the 900-year-old tree has seen better days, but it still stands.
This year, the recently restored Branch
There will also be a Dr. William Mann Book
Grove, Gray Hall, Shell Castle, Glen Burnie,
Sale at the Lodge throughout the day.Very old
The Downtown Enfield Restoration &
Conoconnara Hall and Bellamy Manor &
books were rescued from a Dr. William Mann
Preservation (DERP) is holding its tour from
Gardens will be featured. Tickets for the 2018
home on Franklin Street, many of them first
noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. The tour
tour may be purchased on DERP’s website
editions.
is designed to showcase the unique array of
at www.derpserves.org (use the Fresh Tix
The Scoopy Dippy Doo old-fashioned ice
architecture in this historic town, which was
link—https://www.freshtix.com/events/
cream truck will begin serving at 9 a.m. at the
founded in 1740.
christmas-homes-tour ) — or pick up advance
Town Square. Christmas crafts for the kids will
tickets at Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts on Franklin
start at 9 a.m.
The 2017 Christmas Homes Tour featured
42
To add to the festive spirit, Christmas carols will be sung and there will be a Tree Festival (vote for the best tree decorated by local businesses) at The Collective Center. A $10 50/50 raffle will be held with proceeds being split between the winner and DERP. After the sixth annual Christmas Homes Tour, all are invited to the Historic Episcopal Church of the Advent’s Evening Prayer Service at 5:30 p.m. Saturday located on Batchelor Street. Hor’d’oeuvres will be served after the service and all are invited to this event as well. Enfield was founded in 1740, making it the oldest town in Halifax County. Once called Huckleberry Swamp, the town played an important role in American Independence. The Enfield Riots encouraged Willie Jones
Glen Burnie abandoned
properties
through
redevelopment, promote Enfield’s natural eco-agricultural tourism opportunities and to develop and publish resources and economic incentives to attract and retain business in Downtown Enfield. DERP supports Enfield, “American Made Since 1740.” For more information about the sixth annual Christmas Homes Tour or the day’s events,
contact
event
organizers:
Terri
Anderson at 252-908-0728, Sarah Adkins at 252-908-0535 or Suzann Anderson at 252445-2234 or Julia Andrus at 252-908-1227. Gray Hall - Photo by Susanna Martin and other leaders of North Carolina to push for independence from England through the Halifax Resolves of April 12, 1776, which was the first formal document in the United States to officially advocate breaking away from England. Celebrating Colonial history is Enfield’s way of recognizing the town’s deep roots to liberty and independence. The
Downtown
Enfield
Restoration
and Preservation Association is a nonprofit membership
organization
comprised
of
business owners and citizens to strengthen and support downtown revitalization. The organization’s primary focus is stabilization of existing infrastructure, revitalization of
Shell Castle
43
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To learn more, visit VidantHealth.com. Or, call toll free 855-MYVIDANT (855-698-4326) for an appointment with a doctor near you.
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b e r tie
Workers have begun constructing the walkway connecting the four tree houses at the Cashie Treehouse Village.
Windsor
building two additional
tree houses
EXPANDING THE
VILLAGE Story by Leslie Beachboard Photos by Jim Green
46
Be a kid again... Sleep in a
TREE The Cashie River Treehouse Village has been off and running since the first guests
remaining
arrived in April 2017, perhaps faster than
25 percent.
those involved in the tree houses’ upbringing would be anticipated. Currently, there are two tree houses
The original two tree houses were
funded
by
located along the banks of the Cashie River
the
near the Cashie River Campground.
Resources in combination with
The combination of a growing demand
Division
of
Water
the state Parks and Recreation
and excitement of tapping into a new market
Trust Fund, the state Division of
exclusive in eastern North Carolina has
Coastal Management and the town of
prompted
Windsor.
the town of Windsor to begin
construction of two additional tree houses.
In spring 2017, Windsor Tourism Director
The two new tree houses, which are in the
Billy Smithwick estimated the amount of
construction stages, are located just a couple
$5,000 as the Cashie River Tree Houses’
hundred feet down the same walkway from
revenue goal for the year. The tree houses
the current two tree houses.
ended up earning nearly $6,000 in revenue
The two new houses will have the same dimensions — a 256-square-foot open floor plan with a square loft. The new tree houses will have several different features compared to the first two tree houses.
for 2017. Earlier this year, with a better grasp of the new found tree house market, Smithwick predicted Windsor would earn approximately $9,000-$10,000 in revenue. As of today, the Cashie River Tree houses
The new features will include a shed-
has earned close to $7,000 this year alone.
type roof, a taller front of the tree house and
At the current rate, the revenue for the tree
plexiglass windows in the top, where guests
houses at the end of 2018 will likely surpass
have safe and easy access to a picturesque
the goal configured at the beginning of the
view of the Cashie River and its tranquil
year.
environment.
The construction of the second phase of the Cashie Treehouse Village is well underway, with hopes of having the third and fourth tree houses open soon.
When asked if the output of the
A majority of the funding for the two new
Cashie River Tree Houses has exceeded
tree houses will come from the state Division
expectations, Smithwick replied, “It exceeded
of Water Resources, which will contribute
my expectations by about 15 percent.”
approximately 75 percent of the funding
Thus, exceeding the expectations of the
with the town of Windsor contributing the
town’s most robust advocate for the Cashie
47
River Tree Houses means going out on a
River Tree Houses all around eastern North
limb was well worth the investment and
Carolina.
complies. “Both tree houses are being built at the
could prove to be one of the most successful
“We’ve appeared on UNC-TV about six
same time, instead of finishing one and then
tourism destinations rural North Carolina has
times with our program, which has been a
completing the second. The construction
to offer.
real help. Also, Eastern Living advertisements
team is bringing both up at the same time,”
serve us well because it covers 12 counties in
Smithwick said.
In terms of the town of Windsor obtaining its portion of the funding for the construction
eastern North Carolina,” Smithwick said.
Additionally, with the opening of the two
of the Cashie River Tree Houses back,
Smithwick also said the town of Windsor
new tree houses will come the availability
Smithwick said the town is within $3,000-
will soon be promoting the Cashie River Tree
of three bicycles for guests to use during
$4,000 from breaking even on construction
Houses to areas near Virginia and South
their stay in order to give them easier access
costs of the first two tree houses.
Carolina, with a focus on areas between
to Windsor businesses and the downtown
Greensboro and Windsor and between
district.
In addition, considering the current rate of reservations, Smithwick expects to break even within the next three years on the construction for the two new tree houses. Businesses in downtown Windsor also are reaping the benefits of the tree houses, with
Richmond and Windsor.
There has also been consideration given
He added that people from 15 states and
to creating a nature walkway from the tree
Canada have stayed in the Cashie River Tree
houses to downtown Windsor in an effort
Houses, but most guests come from the
to further the positive economic impact of
Triangle followed by people from the Triad.
Cashie River Tree House guests on the town
a little over 80 percent of the meals eaten by
“The tree houses are booked on the
people renting the tree houses deriving from
weekends through mid-December, the week
For more information on the Windsor Tree
the town of Windsor.
of Windsor.
of Christmas and even have several bookings
Houses, contact Smithwick at 252-724-0994.
About 70 percent of those meals were
already for next year. Most of the renters are
Tristan Newell, a former intern with the
from the town’s eateries while the other 10
people seeking adventure and families with
Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce,
percent of meals were purchased from Food
children,” Smithwick said.
contributed to the article.
Lion.
People can expect the two new tree houses
Leslie Beachboard is a Staff Writer for the
The town of Windsor has done an
to be completed and ready for reservations
Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Martin County
extraordinary job of marketing the Cashie
in two to three more weeks, if the weather
Enterprise & Weekly Herald.
The Cashie Treehouse Village has been such a success with the two current tree houses rented regularly, the town of Windsor decided to add two more. Construction is under way to get them built.
48
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Great Gifts Any Time! On the Road to Jericho For his last journey before His crucifixion, Jesus traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem through Jericho. From Jericho, Jesus will journey by foot up the steep incline and rough terrain to Jerusalem. He will enter the city amid palm branches and cheers, be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, stand trials, and suffer crucifixion at Golgotha. Knowing that the end of His time on earth is drawing near, Jesus’ teachings along his route are especially poignant and filled with meaning. He wanted His followers to be ready for the tests and trials to come. They would need understanding to carry on the work and proclaim the gospel message across the world. We do too, so let’s travel along on the road to Jericho and study Jesus’ teachings.
1-800 PEANUTS
auntrubyspeanuts.com
Get the book Available on Amazon and other sites and bookstores can order them for you. Or send $9.37 + $.63 tax + $2.99 shipping to Janice Hopkins, 127 Jet Drive, Oakboro, NC 27967 (Direct orders can be signed when requested, and more goes into the scholarship fund.)
Janice Cole Hopkins Janice Cole Hopkins grew up in a Christian home and knew who Jesus was as long as she can remember. She’s done short-term and long-term mission work in Mexico, the Philippines, Guatemala, and the United States. Married to a pastor, she finds joy in God’s call to write for Him. She’s already published twelve inspirational novels and has more on the way. Although On the Road to Jericho is her first nonfiction book, she has others in the works. All her profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.
49
Choos buying
"Where and passio for
Servin Bertie C
Keller Willi
252.813
email: nan website: nan
tyr e ll
The town of Columbia, the Partnership for the Sounds and the Columbia Theater Cultural resources Center jointly celebrated their birthdays recently. The town turned 225, while the Partnership for the Sounds is 25 and the center reached 20 years old.
Happy Birthday, Columbia!
A
Story by Miles Layton trio of birthday celebrations took
a member of the county's Board of Education,
place Oct. 12 at the Columbia
12 years as a county commissioner and he runs
Theater Cultural Resources Center. Celebrating the birthdays are David Clegg, Chairman of the PfS Board of Directors, Jackie Woolard, PfS Executive Director, and JD Brickhouse, Former PfS Board Chair and Founding Member. The celebration was held October 13, 2018 at the ColumbiaTheater in downtown Columbia.
County Manager and Attorney David Clegg
while it was also the 25th anniversary of the
described Cooper as a “revered” member of
Partnership for the Sounds and the 20th
the community.
anniversary of the Columbia Theater Cultural Resources Center.
“He has been the employer and mentor to hundreds of Tyrrell County residents and has
Also, Durwood Cooper was named the
been a successful businessman and public
Distinguished Citizen of Tyrrell County for
servant while reflecting sincere concern for
2018.
those around him,” he said.
A native son, Cooper has served 12 years as
50
a large and innovative farmer in Gum Neck.
The town celebrated its 225th anniversary,
Columbia was established on the banks of
ANTIQUES • CRAFTS • GIFTS and
Durwood Cooper, who was named Distinguished Citizen of Tyrrell County, inspects the birthday cake selection.
So Much More!
Antique Mall, Art & Craft Gallery, Designer Outlet, & Furniture
Attention Farmers Spacious Antique Mall - Over 50 Dealers the Scuppernong River in 1793
once home to the most elite
and became the Tyrrell County
movie palace in the region.
seat in 1799.
The original Columbia Theater,
Tyrrell County was named for
built by German immigrant Fred
Sir John Tyrrell, one of the Lords
Schlez in 1938, was a movie
Proprietors of the Carolina colony.
palace that attracted patrons
Its original boundaries originally
from all over the coastal region.
stretched
westward
from
Roanoke Island to near present-
But as development spread in neighboring areas, the theater
Furniture, Rugs & Accessories
Parker Fittings:
day Tarboro. In 1870, the territory
was divided, resulting in what
was closed in the late 1960s, and
the building remained vacant for 2 wire, 4 wire & 6 wire hose assembly nearly 30 years. Washington and Dare counties. 1/4” up to 1 In1/4” 1995,hose the Partnership for People can't help but marvel The Sounds, an organization BoltsTheater - 1/4” to 1” & metric sizes at the Columbia Cultural dedicated to education about the Resources Center, which an - Grade 8 5 tois 16 unique Inner Banks ecosystems are now known as Tyrrell, Martin,
environmental
and
cultural
history museum focusing on
that are a hallmark of Columbia,
an interest in the property Opentook Monday-Friday and began extensive renovations 8AM-5PM everyday life in Tyrrell County. fishing, farming, forestry and
Renovated and managed by
inside
and
out,
culminating
the Partnership for the Sounds,
with the grand opening of the
the center is the first stop for
Columbia
Authorized Dealer
Theater
Cultural
1294 Greenville Williamston Resources Center in 1998. education groups visiting the area. Avenue,
Miles Layton is Editor of the 252-789-1150 Chowan Herald in Edenton.
The center is housed in a brick
Local & Regional Artists
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building downtown, which was
51
An Early German
Christmas Story by Janice Hopkins
Most of the early immigrants coming to North
For example, the Brethren, the Mennonites,
Scotland, Ireland and Wales. However, Germans
and the Amish didn't celebrate at all. Lutheran,
made up the next sizable group.
Reformed, and Moravians looked forward to the
Although the German immigrants spread across
holiday and loved to decorate and celebrate.
the state and certainly came into the coastal area,
The Christmas tree was one of these traditions.
the largest number settled in the western part of
Early German colonists likely brought the idea
the state because they came in a later wave, taking
of having a Christmas tree with them but no one
the Great Wagon Road from Pennsylvania and
knows exactly when this happened.
traveling south.
Some scholars think that the first one may have
By 1700, thousands of Germans, mostly from
been later with the German Hessian soldiers at
the Rhine provinces, poured into the colonies,
Trenton in 1776. Some of these mercenary Hessian
especially to the Pennsylvania area. Finding the
soldiers stayed after the war. John Reed, the man
best land there already taken or expensive to
whose son found the first gold in North Carolina
buy, they followed rumors of land to be had in
on his farm in Cabarrus County in 1799, had been
western Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
a Hessian soldier during the Revolutionary War
and Georgia. Daniel Boone and his family came to
and decided to stay in the new country. Others
North Carolina from Pennsylvania this way.
collected their money and returned to Germany
These Germans brought several traditions of celebrating Christmas with them from their homeland, and the colonists adopted many of
after the war. The Christmas tree certainly stayed and became part of American culture. Moravians
settled
mainly
in
North
them, although they sometimes changed them
Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. They believed
to suit their families better, or else the traditions
in a strict interpretation of the Scripture and
evolved over time.
considered food and music a good way to worship.
Of course, Christmas celebrations varied among
52
the Germans, depending on the group studied.
Carolina came from the British Isles – England,
For Christmas, they held a love feast with Bible
Some of North Carolina’s tradition trace back to Europe readings, singing, lighting candles and food. The
The colonists and then Americans also liked
congregation gathered together and shared a
the Moravian putz. Although most families didn’t
holiday meal.
display it in stages the way the Moravians did, they
Lebkuchen, a cookie made with honey, orange
still began to put out a nativity scene to decorate
peels and almonds was a traditional Christmas
for Christmas. It became an accepted Christmas
favorite. The Moravians also brought the putz, an
tradition, as well.
elaborate nativity scene placed under the Christmas tree or somewhere in the home. The putz was really a series of scenes depicting different parts of the events leading up to and after the Christ Child's birth. Old Salem in Winston-Salem is a good place to learn of some of these traditions. The Germans also helped make candles a symbol of Christmas. The Moravians included the lighting of candles as part of their celebrations. In addition, candles eventually became part of lighting Christmas trees. Other ethnic groups either brought their own
Of all the mother countries represented in the forming of America, a case could be made the Germans influenced our Christmas traditions more than any other country. Just look at some of the main ones – the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Christmas candles, and nativity scenes. The baking special goodies and fellowship are another. There are plenty of Lebkuchen recipes online for the German Christmas for those who would like to try them, or there may be one at the local library.
traditions of using candles at Christmas or they
If you do anything special for Christmas,
adopted the custom from their German neighbors.
however, most likely some of it can be traced back
Many churches in the region today hold candle-
to a traditional German Christmas.
lighting ceremonies as part of their special
Janice Cole Hopkins is a professional writer with
Christmas services, so this is definitely one tradition
numerous published books and a regular contributor
that has evolved.
to Eastern Living Magazine.
53
FEATURING: ROCKYMOUNT
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
G
Story by Jessie H. Nunnery • Photos by Alan Campbell recently
residents like the Turrentines, who are natives
includes its Juneteenth festival, Downtown
moved from Rocky Mount to Tarboro with
eorgettae
Turrentine
of Maryland and remained in the area after
Live, Lawn Chair Theatre, Summer Night
her husband, Preston, and three children.
graduating from N.C. Wesleyan College.
Lights events and more.
The Turrentines always are looking for
“It was well worth it,” Turrentine said. “You
Downtown Live! takes place every other
activities to keep three girls ages 3-9 active
want your kids to have safe and affordable
Thursday evening beginning and May and
and engaged.
fun. It was local, and we didn’t have to go to
ending in September. It’s a free event and
Raleigh or anywhere to get it. It was a nice
gives the chance for adults to gather on
change of scenery.”
the lawn of the Imperial Centre for the Arts
It only took a few steps for them to achieve that goal on a June weekend when the family walked down the street from their
Events such as Happening on the
& Sciences and listen to a variety of live
home and enjoyed the 2018 Happening on
Common, which featured rides for children,
musicians who play everything from beach
the Common event in downtown Tarboro.
music and vendors, are not limited to yearly
music to R&B and oldies.
Happening on the Common is one of
spots on the calendar.
Yearly events in Rocky Mount include
just many family-oriented festivals and
The city of Rocky Mount offers its
its Juneteenth Festival, which in recent
events that Nash and Edgecombe counties
residents some weekly series during the
years has featured nationally acclaimed
have to offer, and it is a welcome feeling for
Discover Downtown event series, which
recording acts, and the Eastern Carolina BBQ
54
(Left) Justin Poland, 3, receives assistance from his father Stuart Poland while decorating a pumpkin at the 47th annual National Pumpkin Festival in Spring Hope. (Above) Mike Hill, left, talks with Ed Whitehead while preparing pulled pork barbecue for the People’s Choice competition Saturday during the annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down in downtown Rocky Mount. Hill and Whitehead are part of the 4 Men and a Pig team from Hillsborough. (Right) Lara Sigers, 12, laughs while riding a mechanical bull on Friday at the 22nd annual Nashville Blooming Festival.
Throwdown each October, which welcomes
southern Nash County town for an annual
music acts and more. The popular festival
residents from across the state to take part
celebration of all thing pumpkin, which was
is in its 22nd year, and those who decide to
in a professional cooking competition that
extended back to its usual two-day event this
spend the day at the Nash County seat have a
includes chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef &
year after being condensed into a Saturday-
wide variety of options to choose from.
brisket as well as a car show, live music and
only affair in 2017.
other activities.
Founded in 1971 by community leader
“These are opportunities to provide
Ralph Bass and farmer Elmo Tant, the event
family-friendly events to citizens of Rocky
was envisioned as a way to promote local
Mount and visitors to our area while
business and celebrate the harvest. It features
showcasing downtown Rocky Mount,” said
a parade, food booths, arts and crafs vendors
Tameka Kenan-Norman, the city’s chief
and live music
communications and marketing officer.
Nashville
For the adventurous types, carnival rides and games beckon. Just up the street, a city block of shops, stands and food trucks can be found. Face painting, fresh-squeezed lemonade, unique trinkets and T-shirts are all within steps of each other. Live music is
also
sponsors
its
yearly
The Spring Hope National Pumpkin
Blooming Festival in May that features a
Festival attracts huge crowds to the small
weekend of amusement rides, vendors, live
performed on stage throughout the festival. Jessie H. Nunnery is a Media Relations Specialist for the city of Rocky Mount.
55
&
OUT ABOUT! Out & About is a listing of events happening in
and around the 12 counties which make up the coverage region for North Carolina’s Eastern Living Magazine. Those wishing to have an event listed
should sent it to: Eastern Living, Attn: Out & About,
P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983. Email events to Leslie Beachboard at lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com.
November 15 Annual Christmas Market Opening Reception The Martin County Arts Council will host an opening reception for their annual Christmas Market from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Martin County Arts Council, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. The annual Christmas Market will remain open during regular gallery hours through December. November 16-17 “Come Alive With Christmas” The Town of Belhaven will host “Come Alive With Christmas” on the evenings of Friday, Nov. 16, and Saturday, Nov. 17. There will be shopping dining, singing and a live nativity. Christmas Craft Show The Fifth Annual Christmas Craft Show 56
will be held from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Wilkinson Center. For more information, call 252-943-1384 or email richdaph@gotricounty.com. November 17 A Night of Comedy A Night of Comedy featuring Mark Matusof will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For tickets, call the box office at 252-586-3124, ext. 3 or order online at https://www.etix.com/ ticket/v/4382/lakeland-theatre. November 17-18 Horse Show The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agriculture Center in Williamston will host the EHA & NCHJA “C” Horse Show. For more information, visit www.NCEHA. com or call Emily Bates at 252-3784474.
November 23-25 NBHA Coastal Run Horse Show The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston is hosting the NBHA Coastal Run Super Show. Admission is free to spectators. For more information, visit www.NBHA. com or call Van Manley at 410-6932767. November 30 - December 9 It’s A Wonderful Life “It’s A Wonderful Life” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, Saturday, Dec. 1, Friday, Dec. 7, Saturday, Dec. 8, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For tickets, call the box office at 252-586-3124, ext. 3 or order online at https://www.etix. com/ticket/v/4382/lakeland-theatre.
The Hope Plantation Christmas Open House will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 in Windsor.
December 1 Breakfast With Santa Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.shwpark.com, email info@shwpark.com or call 252862-3186.
Annual Children’s Holiday Shop The Turnage Theatre will host its 3rd annual Children’s Holiday Shop at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 252-946-2504. Community Messiah The Turnage Theatre will present “Community Messiah” at noon Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 252-946-2504.
Holiday Tour of Homes The Turnage Theatre will host a holiday tour of homes at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 252946-2504.
Washington Christmas Parade The town of Washington will host its Christmas parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 252974-2114 or 252-945-7253.
Christmas Open House & Candlelight tours The town of Bath will host Christmas Open House and Candlelight tours from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, call 252-9233971.
December 1-2 The Christmas Story The drama “The Christmas Story” will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, at Macedonia Christian Church’s Family Life Center, 7640 U.S. 17 S. in Williamston. For more information, call 252-792-350.
December 2 Hope Plantation Christmas Open House Historic Hope Plantation will host Christmas Open House from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The Hope Mansion and King-Bazemore House will be decorated with time period decorations. There will be live music, refreshments and carriage rides. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Hope House is located at 132 Hope House Road in Windsor. For more information, call 252-794-3140 or visit www. hohpeplantation.org. Somerset Place Christmas Open House Somerset Place will host its 29th annual Christmas Open House from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 2-4 p.m. in the Collins House. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 252-797-4560 or email somerset@ncdcr.gov. 57
Christmas Parade The town of Bath will host its Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. December 2 & 9 Christmas Concert The Albemarle Chorale will host a Christmas concert “Hark and Rejoice” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Edenton United Methodist Church in Edenton and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Road St. in Elizabeth City. Admission is free. December 5 Concert The annual North Carolina’s Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Edgecombe Community College’s Kehein Auditorium, 2009 W. Wilson St. in Tarboro. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased by mail or in person at the ECC Box Office or through www.etix.com. For more information, contact Eric Greene at 252-823-5166, ext. 187 or email greenee@edgecombe.edu. December 5-9 Tar River Christmas The town of Tarboro will host its fifth five-day celebration of A Tar River Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 9. For more information about the events, contact Tina Parker at 252-641-4242 or by email at tinaparker@tarboro-nc.com or visit the Tar River Christmas or Discover Edgecombe Facebook pages for event updates. December 6-9 Holiday Classic Horse Show The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston will host the Triangle East Holiday Classic “A” Horse Show. Admission is free for spectators. For more information, visit www.trianglefarms.com or call Joan Perry at 919-669-9877.
58
December 7
December 9
Christmas Concert The Turnage Theatre will host the Beaufort County Choral Society’s Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 252946-2504.
Christmas Open House Hyde County’s Octagon House, ca. 1857, will host its annual Christmas Open House from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at 30868 U.S. 264 near Engelhard. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/octagonhouse.nc.
Christmas Parade The 55th annual Tarboro Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. It will start on the 200 block of Main St. For more information, call the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce at 252-563-6522. December 7-8 Kris Kringle Craft Show The Blind Center will host their annual Kris Kringle Craft Show from noon6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Blind Center, 221 N. Harvey St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946-6208. Candlelight Christmas Tour and Dinner The Murfreesboro Historical Association will host its 33rd annual Candlelight Christmas Tour from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8. Dinner will be served in the Murfree Center. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call 252-398-5922 or email mha@ murfreesboronc.org. December 8 2018 Swan Days Festival The 2018 Swan Days Festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The educational events and vendors will be located at Mattamuskeet School and on the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge near Swan Quarter. For more information, visit Swan Days on Facebook or the Swan Days website at www.swandays.com. “Polar Express” Event The Turnage Theatre will host a “Polar Express” event at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Admission is $5. For more information, call 252-946-2504.
December 11 Christmas Bazaar The Bertie County Arts Council will host a Christmas Bazaar from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Gallery, 124 S. King St. in Windsor. December 12- January 16 Special Exhibit A special exhibit titled “The World of Hobson Pittman” will be on display from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday beginning Wednesday, Dec. 12, through Wednesday, Jan. 16 on the second floor of the Blount-Bridgers House in Tarboro. For more information, call 252-8231459 or visit www.edgecombearts.org. December 13 Senior Dance The Washington Civic Center will host a senior dance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. Single and couples over age 50 are welcome. Admission is $8. December 14 Swim With Santa The Moore Aquatic Center will host Swim with Santa at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 252-975-9644. A Christmas Story The Turnage Theatre will present ‘A Christmas Story’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. Admission is $5. Concessions will be available. For more information, call 252-946-2504. December 15 Christmas Concert The Lakeland Singers will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For tickets, call the box office at 252-586-3124, ext. 3 or order online at https://www.etix.com/ ticket/v/4382/lakeland-theatre. December 16 Broadway on the Big Screen The Turnage Theatre will present Broadway on the Big Screen “Holiday Inn” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. For more information, call 252-946-2504. December 20 Special Blue Grass Music The Frank Harrison Band will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Martin County Arts Council Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. December 21 The Embers Christmas Concert The Turnage Theatre will hose The
Embers Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. Tickets are $21 in person or $25 by credit card or PayPal. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org or call 252-9462504. December 22 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Turnage Theatre will present a liveaction performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. Admission is $5. Concessions will be available. For more information, call 252-946-2504. December 29 The Turnage Theatre will host IC Improve Comedy at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29. For more information, call 252-946-2504. December 31
Year’s Eve Celebration at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at Tarboro Brewing Company, 526 N. Main St. in Tarboro. For more information, call 252-5636522. The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will be held at midnight at the Courthouse Square. For more information, contact the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce at 252-641-4242 or email tinaparker@tarboro-nc.com. January 5 Guitarfest The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will present the 6th annual Guitarfest from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Turnage Theatre. January 9 Candlewicking Workshop Historic Bath will host a candlewicking workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9. The cost of the workshop is $5 and there is a limit of 12 participants. For more information, call 252-923-3971.
New Year’s Eve Celebration The town of Tarboro will host a New
The Tarboro Christmas parade is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 and will begin at the 200 block of Main Street.
59
January 10 Senior Dance The Washington Civic Center will host a senior dance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10. Single and couples over age 50 are welcome. Admission is $8. January 11-12 Dirt Kart Championships The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston will host the Indoor Dirt Kart Championships. For more information, call Amy McGraw at 252-207-1754. January 12 Film Festival The Turnage Theatre will host the Marquee on Main Film Festival at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 252-946-2504 or visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Anniversary Celebration The N.C. Estuarium will celebrate its 21st Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. January 13 The Turnage Theatre will present Broadway on the Big Screen ‘She Loves Me’ at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Concessions will be available. For more information, call 252-946-2504.
January 18-19 Truck & Tractor Pull The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston will host the Big Daddy Motorsports Truck & Tractor Pull. For more information, visit www.bigdaddymotorsports.org or call Ken Whitley at 252-207-9098. January 19 Royal Court Gala The Beaufort County Arts Council will host the Royal Court Gala at 7 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre. For more information, call 252-946-2504. January 24-27 Book Sale The Annual Friends of the Brown Library Book Sale will be held Thursday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Washington Civic Center. For more information, call 252-946-4300.
will host the Barter Players “The Scarlet Letter” at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Feb. 1 at the Edgecombe Community College Campus, 2009 W. Wilson St. in Tarboro. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased by mail or in person at the ECC Box Office or through www.etix. com. For more information, contact Eric Greene at 252-823-5166, ext. 187 or by email at greene@edgecombe.edu. February 22-23 Rodeo The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agriculture Center in Williamston will host the Old Ford Volunteer Fire Department’s Survivor Series Rodeo Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23. For more information, visit www. oldfordrodeo.org or call Frankie Buck at 252-946-9780. March 2-3
January 29 N.C. Duck Stamp Competition The North Carolina Duck Stamp Competition will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Washington Civic Center. February 1 The Barter Players Returns The Edgecombe Performance Series
Horse Show The Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston will host the Downunder Horsemanship 2019 Walkabout Tour on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3. For more information, visit downunderhorsemanship.com or call 1-888-287-7432.
January 15 Rock the Pamlico The Turnage Theatre will host “Rock the Pamlico” from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15. For more information, call 252-946-2504. January 18 The Blues Brothers The Turnage Theatre will host ‘The Blues Brothers’ at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. For more information, call 252-946-2504. 60
The beautiful Octagon House in Englehard will be decorated and ready for the Christmas Open House from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.
Northampton County Christmas 2018 Christmas Events
JACKSON
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 6:30pm Dec. 8, 1:00pm
CONWAY
Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Craft Show Christmas Parade Christmas Caroling
Nov. 24, 9:30am Nov. 24, 10:00am Nov. 24, 7:00pm
WOODLAND
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Caroling
Dec. 14, 7:00pm
SEABOARD
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Christmas Parade
Nov. 30, 6:00pm Dec. 1, 2:00pm
LASKER
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 24, 7:00pm
GARYSBURG
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 7:00pm Dec. 8, 10:00am
RICH SQUARE Christmas Parade
Dec. 1, 10:00am
GASTON
Dec. 9, 3:00pm Dec. 16, 3:00pm
Christmas Parade Raindate
For more information call Northampton County Visitors Center. 252.534.0331 or 252.534.1383
www.visitnorthamptonnc.com • www.northamptonchamber.org. Chamber & Tourism Offices 127 W. Jefferson Street • Jackson 61
Grandma’s Kitchen
My grandmother, Bertie Dameron, was a hard working woman.
Make a syrup of two quarts of best
12 small hamburgers.
Cook on one side until browned.
cider vinegar and six pounds granulated
She planted her garden each spring.
Turn it over and add a little catchup and
sugar. Place this in a kettle with a spice
She cooked all summer from its produce
a couple of drops of hot sauce to each
bag containing one tablespoonful of
and canned enough to last all winter.
patty. Turn again when the other side
whole cloves and one-quarter pound
When I was a child, people got a lunch hour and she cooked lunch for
is brown and add the catchup and hot sauce to second side.
the whole family in the summer. She
Add about a cup and a half of water
was good at making the meat she had
and simmer until patties are done and
to buy go a long way. One of the things
water is concentrated to thin gravy.
peaches, leaving in an occasional stone for flavor. Cook the peaches in the syrup until tender, then place in glass jars. Fill jars with the vinegar syrup and
she did was with hamburger and I have
Besides canning the vegetables from
never seen anyone else make this dish.
the garden she bought fruit from trucks
I have used it many times and I think
that came through the neighborhoods
of her every time I make it. It does not
bringing things from their farms to
taste like you would expect. It has a
sell. There would be apples from the
unique taste once it all cooks together.
mountains and peaches from Georgia.
Seen in the photo to the right, is one
I remember sitting on the front porch
just like her old kerosene cooking stove.
1 lb. ground beef
with her when she knew the trucks
You lit the burners and the oven with a
1 small onion, diced
were
because
match. Many good things came from her
1 slice of bread
neighbors called each other to report
old stove. I sat in the kitchen even when
1 egg beaten
their appearing. Four line telephones in
A little milk
those days.
I was small and watched everything she
Catchup Hot sauce
coming.
She
knew
My favorite of the fruits was her pickled peaches. They were a recipe from the old Ball canning book and
Put bread in a medium size mixing bowl.
put up in the old glass jars with a metal clamp to hold the top in place
seal. The peaches may be left whole if preferred. My grandmother always left them whole.
did. When I was a bit older she let me help. I can still duplicate most of her cooking and believe me it is a privilege and it gives me great satisfaction. Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper
Add egg and a small amount of
Vegetables were put in the glass jars
milk to top of bread and let set a few
with a zinc top. The fruit was so much
editor and columnist residing in Windsor.
minutes.
prettier in the glass top jars.
In addition to three sons, she has a
Mix mixture until bread is well incorporated Add meat and onion. Roll into about
62
of stick cinnamon. Pare and halve the
.
gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom
From the old Ball Canning Book I
love cooking in the kitchen with her just
found this recipe.
as she did with her grandmother.
r, Bertie Dameron.
her grandmothe Sylvia Hughes and
63
TIGHT LINES
CAROLINA OUTDOOR EXPO The Carolina Outdoor Expo 2019 is scheduled for the third weekend in January. This third annual expo looks to be bigger and better. The very appropriate ongoing theme is "Everything Outdoors." Congratulations to Joe Albea and crew, as the second event last January was very well received and attended. The outdoor community rated it a tremendous success! Don't miss the next one, as Joe has honed and perfected all aspects of the Expo! Never too early to get this on your personal to-do list and event calendar. This premier fun filled outdoor weekend for the entire family will include educational and instructional seminars, from leading saltwater and freshwater fishing guides from all parts of North Carolina, as well as hunting guides from across the country. The event will also feature over 100 outdoor sports vendors and exhibitors with the latest in hunting and fishing products. In addition to the latest in hunting and fishing gear, check out appropriate displays of trucks, boats and campers. Eastern North Carolina is blessed with many excellent natural resources. Outdoorsmen regale in the abundance of our state’s fish and game. I have fished and hunted in other places, but none better than the woods and waterways from the mountains to the coast. Determined North Carolina fishermen and hunters can usually find something productive to pursue 12 months a year. That is one of the truly beautiful advantages of being an outdoorsman in North Carolina. If a slow time exists in the outdoor
64
recreation world, it would probably be January, and that has more to do with the cold, unpleasant weather than game and fish availability. Subsequently, we see a lot of boat shows, fishing schools, and outdoor exhibitions scheduled this time of year, and other places up and down the east coast. One usually had to travel to Raleigh, Charlotte, or out of state, to find a quality hunting and fishing exposition. Not anymore. Can you conveniently get to the Convention Center in Greenville the third weekend in January? OK, you're in luck! Eastern North Carolina is fortunate to have Carolina Outdoor Expo
RICK GOINES
to kick off our 2019 outdoor season. The venue again this year will be the beautiful Greenville Convention Center, located at 303 SW Greenville Blvd. Ever get frustrated trying to "talk" fishing and hunting or make an important purchase decision in a retail store dealing with someone much less knowledgeable about the outdoors than yourself? A visit to the Expo will solve that problem, featuring vendors that not only talk your talk, but they walk your walk, too. In today's speak, it is said they have been there and done that. They know, they understand and they appreciate your outdoor recreation wants and needs. Are you seeking good, sound outdoor
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advice and information? At the Expo, talk to an expert. Simple as that. If you are an active outdoorsman or just enjoy the news, videos, and excitement of fishing and hunting, read that as an "armchair outdoorsman," this Carolina Outdoor Expo is definitely for you. What's not to like about a Convention Center full of like-minded people that respect and enjoy the great outdoors and all the natural beauty, and bounty of game and fish it offers? Organizers promise that this event will be an exceptional educational outing for outdoor enthusiasts. Expertise-sharing seminars will be featured, headlined by professional outdoor guides offering seminars on saltwater and freshwater fishing. Of special interest to our Tight Lines readers is that Tarboro native, Richard Andrews Jr., is on the seminar schedule for 2 p.m. Saturday, and at 11 a.m. Sunday. Capt. Andrews of Tar-Pam Guide Service will share his experiences and expertise on “Flounder Fishing Inside & Out.” Richard is an entertaining and excellent presenter. Put this on your calendar and support one of Tarboro’s own. Capt. Andrews and his family now call Bath home. These informative seminars are all included in the price of admission, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. This is your opportunity to get first-hand information from people on the frontline of fishing in your outdoor community. Individual seminars are about 45 minutes long, and at the discretion of the presenter, some will have a question and answer period at the end of the presentation. Q & A with experts is a big plus on anybody's learning curve. The seminar presenters' roll call reads like a list of who's who in the fishing world. I do not know them all personally, but I am familiar with their names and
65
accomplishments and respect the fact that all these people are highly qualified, skilled outdoorsmen with pertinent knowledge, experience, and information to share with the Expo attendees. Back for this year is the popular BBgun target range for youngsters, to teach them the proper handling of guns. The state Wildlife Resources Commission also sponsors the duck blind simulator for a laser type hunting experience. Need an outdoor related gift item? Stop by the Outdoor Gift Shop. It is truly a onestop shop. Something there for everyone on your gift list: from art to wine, bait to tackle, great outdoor furniture to clothing. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, and this will entitle you to entry all weekend, January 19 and 20. Children 10 and under are free. A special $25 price Family pass is good for an entire weekend of fun. Hours of operation are Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carolina Outdoor Expo is family entertainment at its finest, and one of those events that makeyou thankful to live in eastern North Carolina. Load up the car with family and friends and head to Greenville for the third annual Carolina Outdoor Expo. You have the makings of a very special event Eastern North Carolina outdoorsmen can be very proud of and certainly don't want to miss. Need more information or, want to view the two-day seminar schedule: day, time, and presenter list? Go to carolinaoutdoorexpo. com - The website is very well designed, and lists presenters and vendors, with an active link to most of their websites. It’s a great feature that can help you with prior planning to help guide you through this outstanding weekend event. See you at Carolina Outdoor Expo. Fishing Success? Good for you! Give us all the nice details at carolinaangler@gmail.com. Large file full-size, high resolution fishy pix make us tap dance. Stay hydrated, be cool, and be careful out there. Autumn weather on the water can be deceiving and unforgiving. Don’t forget the sunscreen. See you on the water, my friend. Rick Goines is a freelance outdoors columnist in eastern North Carolina.
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Jeannette
Biggers Martin County woman takes up the fight against human trafficking
Story and Photos by Deborah Griffin
Jeanette Biggers is on a mission to pull lives from the muddied, raging rivers of human trafficking. North Carolina is thought to have one of the top rates of human trafficking in the nation. 68
J
eanette Biggers is on a stalwart mission to pull lives from the muddied, raging rivers of human trafficking. She feels passionately that she is led by God to throw a life ring to those drowning in what is essentially modern day slavery. She seeks out churches, pastors and community leaders throughout the eastern regions of North Carolina and beyond to share with them the burgeoning reality of human trafficking in our state — a subject that until recently was rarely spoken about. North Carolina is thought to have one of the top rates of human trafficking in the nation, said Libby Magee Coles, chairwoman of the state Human Trafficking Commission. Human trafficking victims can be sexually exploited or forced to work in seemingly legitimate businesses. The crime is “deeply intertwined with drug and gang activity,” Coles said. “Unlike drugs, people — our neighbors — can be sold again and again and again.” Last year Biggers, 70, attended an antihuman trafficking event, held by AGLOW International. "When I left that meeting, it was as if blinders had been taken off my eyes," she said. "I felt like I must have been an ostrich with my head stuck in the sand. How could I not be aware of this black plague spreading across our nation?" She said a fire started burning in her heart. Humans are being trafficked in a $32 billion-a-year criminal industry, second only to the drug dealing industry, Biggers said. Citizens of northeastern North Carolina are not excluded, she added. "It may be happening within six blocks of your church or home, involving young boys and girls as well as men and women," she said. Williamston Chief of Police Travis Cowan said he sees trafficking as a problem that is not going away. “Although cases here are not as prevalent as in urban areas, we do know that it happens. We owe it the victims to recognize what is going on and to rescue them,” Cowan said. “I think society is realizing more and more that this is a reality. It has been brought to the forefront. “Local law enforcement has been receiving more and more training on what to look for
and officers are seeking to identify cases (involving victims). I encourage any one who has information to please contact their local authorities.” Biggers wants people to consider what they would do if their own son, daughter, grandchild, sister, brother, niece or nephew was a victim of human trafficking. She added children are most often at risk. Traffickers are known to prey on victims as young as 9 years old. Traffickers target minors through social media websites, telephone chat-lines, after-school programs, at shopping malls and bus depots or through friends or acquaintances who recruit students on school campuses. Reports indicate that traffickers often target children and youths with a history of sexual abuse, dating violence, low self-esteem and minimal social support. In her research, Biggers discovered an alarming line of attack used by predators
}
More information can be found online at NCDOJ.GOV. Biggers said a common misconception is human trafficking is just a problem in other countries. "Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. territories," she said. Victims can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, also male or female. Examples of identified child trafficking cases include commercial sex, stripping, pornography, forced begging, restaurant work, hair and nail salons, agricultural work and drug sales and cultivation. Conservative and humble, learning about the world of pornography floored Biggers. She admits as a young girl she was sheltered from the “facts of life” growing up. “I grew up in a different era,” she said. “My parents didn’t even use the word pregnant
“It has been seared upon my soul to set the captives free.” - Jeannette Biggers
on unsuspecting teens. They prey on the vulnerable through an item most teens can’t be without — their telephones. Certain applications (apps) teens use daily put them at risk. According to a report sent out by the state Department of Justice, adults who prey on children use apps such as Snapchat, Kik Messenger, Tinder, Instagram and Omegle. Lonely children or those who are at odds with their parents are especially vulnerable. Many times, predators will pose as teens and try to seduce users of these apps into posing for nude "selfies," use inappropriate profiles and sexual come-ons. Other apps the Justice Department warns about are Ask.fm, Tumblr, Yik Yak and Whisper. They also warn of "deceiving apps" such as Audio Manager, HiCalculator and Vaulty, which can hide apps and information from parents while pretending to be a normal app.
}
before my brother was born. At 9, I didn’t even know a baby was on the way.” She is now inundated with more information about the dark world of human trafficking than she ever would have cared to be. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think God would put me in the middle of all this,” she added. However, Biggers' heart breaks for the victims. She knows first-hand how it feels to be helpless when someone exerts their power and abuses it. When she was 4 years old, a trusted family member violated her. It was secret she hid until she was 13 years old. At 13, she had what she describes as a miraculous encounter with God. It was then she was able to tell her parents of this shameful secret she had been harboring for
69
so many years. She felt she was free for the first time. Biggers and her husband, Curtis, have been married 51 years and have two grown boys and 10 grandchildren. The couple has a ministry they operate out of their home called Ambassadors of Heaven Ministries. The Biggers have a heart for struggling Christians who grapple with issues such as unforgiveness, lust, bitterness and anger. Their ministry has taken Biggers across America and overseas to countries such as Kenya, Turkey, Bulgaria and Israel. "It has been seared upon my soul to set the captives free," she said, referring to a scripture from the Bible. "Captives are the Christians that get broadsided by the enemy by lust, greed, envy — whatever has captured them and beat them up," she said. Curtis and Jeanette minister to those "who have lost their hope and zeal to do what Christ has called them to do," she said. Biggers said she has become especially
focused on the captives of human trafficking. "I recently read that many of the victims who are helped are not helped because a teacher, nurse or policeman called and gave a tip. It is usually just an average person — a friend, neighbor or co-worker," she said. She wants to spread the word around the county of how others can become a lifeline for those entrapped in a life they see no way out of. "One of the best ways to combat human trafficking is to raise awareness of it and learn more about how to identify victims," she said. She has placed placards on bathroom stall doors around Martin County, which lists the Sex and Labor Abuse U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. The non-governmental number is toll free, available 24 hours, seven days a week and is confidential. Over 170 languages are available. The number is 1-888-373-7888. There is also a text where they can be reached: 233733 (BeFree). There is even a "shoe card" Biggers hands out, which victims can hide inside their shoe to keep the trafficker from seeing it. The
card has the hotline on it. If anyone has suspicions of activity linked to human trafficking, they can call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866 347-2423). Biggers is available to speak to pastors, churches and other groups and can be reached at 757-739-1636. Deborah Griffin is a Staff Writer for the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald in Williamston.
(Right) Biggers and her husband Curtis, married 51 years, have a ministry geared toward struggling Christians called Ambassadors of Heaven Ministries.
Biggers, 70, said a fire started burning in her heart after attending an anti-human trafficking event. 70
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MARKER TEXT EDWARD WARREN - Born in Tyrrell County, 1828, Surgeon General of N.C., 1862-65, Professor of Surgery in Maryland, Chief Surgeon of Egypt, Died in Paris.
MARK IT! Title To Begin Here
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Information:
REFERENCES William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, VI, 124-125 Sketch by Dorothy Long Edward Warren, A Doctor’s Experience in Three Continents (1885) Hubert A. Royster, The Adventurous Life of Edward Warren Bey (1937) John Dunn, Khedive Ismail’s Army (2005)
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Edward Warren, surgeon general of North Carolina and senior medical officer to the Egyptian khedive, was born on January 22, 1828 in Tyrrell County, the son of Dr. William C. and Harriet J. Alexander Warren. As the son of an Edenton physician, Warren had the importance of education instilled in him at an early age. After boarding schools in North Carolina and Virginia, he attended the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1850. The following year he received a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. Warren practiced medicine briefly alongside his father before departing for Paris, where he continued his studies at the University of Sorbonne. While there he served as a correspondent for the American Journal of Medical Sciences. Warren returned to Edenton in 1855. Two years later he became editor of the Medical Journal of North Carolina. In 1860 shortly after his wife, Elizabeth Johnston Warren, was diagnosed with malaria, Warren took a position as a professor of medicine specializing in the study of malaria at the University of Maryland. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Warren returned to North Carolina to serve the Confederacy. He held numerous appointments throughout the war years including chief medical officer of Confederate naval forces in North Carolina, medical director of the
Confederate Department of the Cape Fear, and surgeon general of North Carolina. When the war ended, he returned to Maryland where he helped organize the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which absorbed the Washington University School of Medicine. In 1875 Warren accepted the position of chief of medicine for the Egyptian khedive, governor or lord of the province. He was one of a number of former Confederate officers who did so, including North Carolina-born William W. Loring. Given the honorary title of “bey” for his successful removal of a tumor from the chest of Kassim Pasha, the Egyptian minister of war, Warren remained in Egypt for two years before contracting ophthalmia, an inflammation of the eyes. Warren left Africa for Paris in 1877 seeking treatment for his eyes. Advised by his physicians against returning to Egypt, Warren established a practice in France. His wife, who was six months pregnant at the time, joined him, but died shortly thereafter. Warren remained in Paris until his death on September 16, 1893. He was survived by his two daughters. In addition to his many accolades in both North Carolina and Egypt, Warren was also a licentiate of the University of France and was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honor of France. He was also made a Knight of the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Spanish government, and received an honorary LL.D. from the University of North Carolina. An avid writer, Warren left a library of works, ranging from poetry to medical articles concerning the use of hypodermic medication. In 1885 his autobiography, A Doctor’s Experience in Three Continents, was published.
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PARTING SHOTS As you have meandered through the pages
of all types set to call The Mills home.
THADD WHITE, on the banks of the Cashie River in Windsor.
edition with my children’s grandmother, Sylvia
of our final edition for 2018, I hope you have
Hugh Davis, who we welcome as a
noticed updates to our design and coverage
contributor to our publication, takes a look at
region but the same commitment to telling
the history of The Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie as
We also begin a feature we’re calling “Mark
stories about the dozen counties Eastern Living
well as the upcoming shows set for the historic
calls home.
theater.
it!” which will showcase a Historic Marker
This edition may be the first one you’ve
Leslie Beachboard and Tristan Nowell take
picked up if you live in Gates or Nash counties,
readers back to the Cashie Treehouse Village
the two newest in our now 12-county region.
in Windsor where expansion will mean there
We hope you come to love our magazine about
will be four tree houses available for rent in the
living here in eastern North Carolina as much as
coming months.
Hughes, who remembers time cooking with her grandma.
somewhere in our 12 counties along with its background. In addition, you’ll find the return of Biography, a once longstanding tradition in Eastern Living. This month’s writer, Deborah Griffin, introduces readers to Jeanette Biggers, who has taken up the fight against human trafficking. In coming editions, you’ll see the return of our
“This edition of our magazine has stories for just about everyone’s taste.”
Day Trip feature, which gives readers a chance to plan a quick weekend or weekday getaway. There are many more stories in the pages of this edition, and we’ll have plenty to come with our six editions next year. If you have suggestions, please contact me
those in our original 10 counties. This edition of our magazine has stories for just about everyone’s taste.
Lindell Jon Kay takes readers through a tour of a veteran’s museum in Edgecombe County, a hidden gem here in the northeast.
and let me know what they are. You can reach me via email at twhite@ncweeklies.com. Until next time, remember … all who wander are not lost. Continue joining us as we
In our opening story, Jim Green visits The
This edition marks the first time we’ve
Marketplace at Olive’s where artisans are
switched gears to our recipe pages. The new
displaying and selling their crafts in a true home
feature – Grandma’s Kitchen – will be written
Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash,
atmosphere.
by the host of grandmothers in our community
Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe,
as they share recipes and stories of cooking
Thadd White is Editor of Eastern Living
readers to The Mills in Rocky Mount. The old
either with their own grandmother or their
Magazine, Bertie Ledger-Advance and Martin
structures are becoming reborn with businesses
grandchildren. I’m happy to say we begin the
County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.
In addition, Corey Davis introduces our
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