Eastern North Carolina Living - March 2021

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2/25/21 10:23 AM

Let’s Explore.

We cover the places you know & love and the places you should go & love!

Be

Gates

6

GREENE

PG. 16

Hyde

on N o rt h a m p t

t aufor

B e rt i e

PG. 8

PG. 48 PG. X

HALIFAX

PG. 34

M a rt i n

PG. 30

Edgecombe

H e rt f o r d

PG.64 PG.X

Nash

PG. 12

PG.20

PG. 38

PG.26

PG. 60

Tyrrell

PG. 42

W

ashington

PG. 54

WILSON

PG. 56

FEATURES

FINDING NORMAL

66. IN NATURE

Sylvan Heights offers safe outdoor experience

ON THE COVER

SECOND PEW

70. SCHOLARSHIP

Chowan University endowment honors Caulkins

Jerome De Perlinghi at the gate of the Eyes on Main Street exhibition in China.

Photo by Peter Fitzpatrick

VOL. 13, NO. 2 MARCH 2021 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

78. ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP

Sanford offers something for everyone

76. VIEWS

See the Pungo National Wildlife Refuge

Publisher

Staff

Kyle Stephens

Gene Metrick

kstephens@ncweeklies.com

gmetrick@rmtelegram.com

Editor Thadd White twhite@ncweeklies.com

Sarah Hodges Stalls shstalls@ncweeklies.com Deborah Griffin dgriffin@ncweeklies.com John H. Walker john.walkernc@yahoo.com

Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester

Editorial Contributors

mleicester@ncweeklies.com

Kim Sherman Bailey Leslie Beachboard

90. GRACE & TRUTH

86.

Pastor Webb Hoggard encourages ‘time with’

The Colliers truly love Northampton County

SIX QUESTIONS

Layout & Design Abby Likens likens.abby@gmail.com

Sandy Carawan Andy Cockrell Sarah Davis Jerome De Perlinghi Peter Fitzpatrick

Photo Editor

Rev. Webb Hoggard

Jim Green

Sylvia Hughes

jgreen@ncweeklies.com

Katie Lubbock Patrick Mason

Advertising Executives Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com

88. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

92. BIOGRAPHY

Oysters were a steady part of the diet

Willis Williams has always worked for right

Jessica Mobley jmobley@ncweeklies.com

Gene Motley Donna Marie Williams Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983

Kelly Ayscue

252-794-3185

kayscue@rmtelegram.com

twhite@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, The Enterprise, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.

7

BEAUFORT COUNTY

Washington is home for Sadler Story & Photos by DEBORAH GRIFFIN For Washington Mayor Donald Sadler, there is no place like home.

He paved his career path upon the stepping stones of helping others, in the town where he was born and reared.

the Sheriff’s Office, where he became sergeant. He then became bailiff, later magistrate, then chief magistrate.

After 32 years of service in law, he retired July 1, 2019.

Whether barbecuing for a fundraiser, or counseling young

Four days later, he filed to run for city council. In

offenders, he is passionate about making all of Washington

November 2019, he was elected and became mayor pro-

great.

tempore.

Since graduating from Washington High School in

Ten months later, in a heartbreaking turn of events,

1984, his life’s mission has been to give back to the place

he became Mayor. His good friend, and then-mayor, Mac

that raised him. His boyhood was spent in the inner-city, a

“Bear” Hodges, died unexpectedly of COVID-19 in August

place he now tirelessly works to improve.

2020. Sadler was asked to step in and serve Hodges

He obtained his Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

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at Beaufort Community College and started his career at

unexpired term.

“He was a dear friend of mine — way before politics,” Sadler said. “Mac’s passing was such a great loss to our citizens.”

It was a hard decision, he said, but he considered it a privilege to follow in his footsteps.

Beaufort County Clerk of Court Marty Paramore attests that, “Sadler and Mac Hodges were great, great friends. I think about the passion Mac had for the city — then I think about his dear friend being called upon to fill that unexpired term.

bathrooms, a paved walking trail and a picnic area.

“Inner-city kids have not had access to a park [like this], without having to walk a long distance,” he added.

The new park sports slides, swing sets, and even a zip-line, along with play equipment suitable for those with special needs.

Sadler said seeing the park nearing completion makes him feel like a kid again.

“He would rather his friend be here and for them to be

Across the street from the new playground is the

working together,” he added. “Donald has completed things

Washington Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal

Mac had put into motion. They shared a lot of the same goals,

Plain, where Sadler has served as board member. The Club

dreams and plans for the future of Washington.”

is housed in an old recreational building where Sadler spent

One of those plans, nearing completion, is the P.S. Jones Memorial Park in Sadler’s childhood neighborhood.

The park sits on the same land where Sadler played middle school football and baseball in the 1970s.

Earlier, (from 1924-69) the site was home to Washington Colored School, (renamed in 1949 to P.S. Jones High School after a beloved principal, at the urging of the graduating class.)

Over the decades, because of consolidation, and new schools being built, the six-acre plot of land eventually became an empty lot where neighborhood children played.

Sadler said through the urging of the P.S. Jones Alumni

much of his youth. A painted message on the outside of the one-story, cement block building declares “great futures start here,” a post-prophetic testament to the life Sadler has lived.

He said one of the greatest rewards of leadership has been “to give back to, and make a difference in, the community I grew up in.”

As a magistrate, Sadler counseled young offenders, encouraging them to turn from crime.

“I would try to be a role model - try and help them avoid coming before me or getting involved in the judicial system.

I believe I was able to keep some people out of jail,” he said.

Association, the city council voted to help turn it into a

Second District Court Judge Regina Parker said, “For as

recreational park - complete with playground equipment,

long as I have known him, about 20 years, his interest has

“I would try to be a role model — try and help them avoid coming before me or getting involved in the judicial system. I believe I was able to keep some people out of jail.”

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been making Beaufort County the best place it could possibly be for all

a difference in your hometown is the greatest contribution small town

people. And I really want to emphasize for all people. He just has the

citizens can make. It lets children know that they can pursue their

best heart. He is so fair. That is just who he is.”

dreams at home.

Paramore agrees.

“Too many of our young folks leave as soon as they are old enough

“He has always worked under the notion that people ought to be

— it’s discouraging. But if enough of us stay — maybe we can change

treated fairly — no matter what. There is no doubt that he has had an

that trend. They will see their small hometown as a place that needs

influence on a lot of young people,” he said. “He is an example of how

them — where they can make a living, and make a huge difference,” he

you can excel when you set your mind to.”

continued.

Sadler and his wife, Alice, who served for a time as Beaufort County’s first minority county commissioner, are heavily involved their church.

Judge Parker said, “His goals are to make sure young people in the community stay out of trouble, stay on track and have a bright future.

Alice, an educator, retired after 32 years with the Beaufort County

“He tries to keep their focus on education and doing positive things

School System, where she also became the first minority assistant

in life,” she added. “He tells them they can do anything they put their

superintendent.

minds to - because he has broken barriers and overcome obstacles.

“She was also the first female principal in her district,” added Sadler.

“With her being servant of the community as a county commissioner, I knew what I was getting into when I decided to run [for city council],” laughed Sadler.

“And he encourages them to come back to Washington, and bring their talents back and help the community,” she added.

Paramore said, “He has a heart toward the people of Washington.

His life is one of service. I think that is what led him to have an interest

They have one son, and a 14-year-old grandson.

in being on city council, and eventually become mayor - because he

Judge Parker said, “The Sadlers are phenomenal. They both have

wanted to address issues that were important to the community.”

that desire to serve and address issues in the community.”

Sadler is a long-time member of the Washington Noon Rotary –

Sadler plans to file this July to run for mayor when Hodges’ unexpired term ends in December.

where he received two Paul Harris Fellow awards for humanitarianism.

“Being a magistrate prepared me for this position, I believe,” Sadler

He currently serves as Chairman of the Beaufort County ABC Board. In

said. “It was rewarding to work closely with people in the community -

the past, he has served on the Washington Housing Authority Board

it didn’t matter about their socio-economic background. I learned a lot

where he worked to provide suitable housing for the less fortunate.

about conflict management also.”

He also serves as a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge #11.

Paramore said as magistrate, Sadler “would listen to all sides

In 2019, Sadler received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award

equally. And it’s the same thing as mayor. I am very confident it doesn’t

from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, which is “reserved for

really matter who you are, or what your status is, or what your walk is in

persons who have made significant contributions to the state and

life - he listens to everybody and puts equal emphasis on what every

their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional

person has to say.”

accomplishments.”

“Life has been very rewarding here,” said Sadler. “I think that making

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Deborah Griffin is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living and The Daily Reflector in Greenville.

11

EDGECOMBE COUNTY

Taylor moves now for Whitakers Nancy Taylor is no fan of procrastinators.

“We can wait on somebody else to do something and it never happens, or we can take the lead and make something happen,” she said. “Imagine everyone waiting for someone else to take the lead — forever. Nope, not me!”

story by JOHN H. WALKER photos by JOHN H. WALKER & CONTRIBUTED

“We can wait on somebody else to do something and it never happens, or we can take the lead and make something happen. Imagine everyone waiting for someone else to take the lead — forever.

Nope, not me!”

Taylor, 68, grew up in Whitakers. Her mother grew up in Whitakers and her father grew up in the Gold Rock community.

Her mother, Melba Gray Jones, was one of the first women in the region to be a business proprietor in the insurance industry, selling general insurance in Whitakers until the late 1960s. After that, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

Her father, who was an auto mechanic by trade, ran the Shell gas station on U.S. 301 in his later years.

And her grandfather, Pete Gray, was a barber for many years and the building where he cut hair still stands today.

And with that knowledge, one has a basis of understanding why Taylor is so passionate about her hometown.

“I’ve played and walked the streets of Whitakers in my younger days and grew up in a community of closeness that you hardly see in towns any more,” she said. “We all knew each other, we stayed in touch with each other, we worked in the local five and dime — and we cared about each other.”

She noted that many of the buildings in downtown Whitakers, even though they are mostly unrecognizable from their past, are in the memories of many and that those memories won’t go away.

It was memories like those that helped lead to the formation of WRAP — Whitakers Revitalize and Preserve.

Taylor, a retired sales consultant in the relocation industry, spent 21 years with Atlas Van Lines and three with United Van Lines before retiring in February 2018.

In March 2018, a group of residents who shared many of the same memories as Taylor gathered to discuss their little community.

“I organized a meeting for the community less than one month after retirement,” she said. “We (wound up) bringing a group of concerned citizens together to discuss the demise of our town and what we might

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be able to do to resurrect and change the narrative of our town.”

That August, Whitakers Revitalize and Preserve was incorporated and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Taylor was elected president.

Taylor is passionate about making a difference in her community and for getting others involved in the process as well.

With little to no funding, WRAP found grants and sponsors and competitions to help provide seed money to fund some smaller projects to get things going and build momentum.

While the Freenotes Harmony Park, dedicated last October, has been the biggest project undertaken to-date, it is far from being the only project.

The organization got a Friday Farmer’s Market started that Taylor

month, except in December, for going on three years and making plans for the betterment of this community and the citizens.”

She said the Music Blooms in Whitakers/Freenotes Harmony Park is complete and the group is now focused on more park improvements.

“With a $5,000 sponsorship from AARP, we are able to purchase a few park benches and some little tikes playground equipment to be placed in the Music Park area,” she said.

Taylor said that addition brings the park to what she said was, “One step closer to a functional, fun, exciting experience for our children, families and neighboring communities.

“Our fundraising at the present time is geared to raise funds for clean out of the Bank of Whitakers building in our downtown,” she said, adding that WRAP was donated and owns three buildings in the downtown area.

expects to resume as spring nears and the weather warms a bit, it

She said all three were completely caved in, but have strong walls.

planted Knock-Out Roses in front of the Post Office and, when Capital

She said the cost to clean out the bank building is a little over

Broadcasting awarded the group 50 Encore azaleas as part of the 33rd Azalea Festival, those were planted as well.

The group also sponsors a Yard of the Month program and on March 20, AARP will join with WRAP to “Celebrate spring with music in schools” month at the Town Park.

$18,000 and the group is approaching the halfway mark.

“To see our lovely Bank of Whitakers building in the condition it is in now is heart wrenching," she said. "We must find a way to salvage our past — for our future.”

Taylor is married to Carl Taylor, who is a lifelong resident of

Members have earned a lot of sweat equity points as well, as yards

Whitakers. They both have children and grandchildren and three dogs

have been cleaned and repairs made for senior citizens unable to tackle

she says “are like children to us.” They are members of the Whitakers

the tasks and a pocket park was established.

United Methodist Church.

Along the way, there has been help from groups of volunteers from Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant and Pfizer, who helped with the pocket park and cleaning the town park for the placement of the Freenotes Harmony Park.

Christmas trees were placed where they were visible to motorists, two families were adopted at Christmas and Christmas toys were

In addition, she is a member of the Whitakers Lions Club and was elected to the town board of commissioners in 2019.

“My life is full of everything I am passionate about — helping others, looking at a bigger picture rather than just what is in front of you and making things happen that help benefit many — church, family, revitalization and preservation,” Taylor said.

purchased, wrapped and donated to My Sister’s House in Rocky Mount.

“WRAP is moving forward, gaining momentum the best we can in this uncertain time," Taylor said. "We are fundraising, meeting every

14

John H. Walker is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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GATES COUNTY

Familar more than a resource for Gates County story by GENE MOTLEY photos CONTRIBUTED A pundit once remarked that saying you don’t need a librarian because you have internet is like saying you don’t need a math teacher because you have a computer.

There’s no doubt Pat Familar, branch manager at the Gates County Library, part of the four-county Albemarle Regional Library system, does much more than check books in and out.

In 36 years at “the desk,” she’s been someone who advocates changing lives through the power of reading.

“It’s been a good run,” she says with a warm laugh. “And unless they pull me out of here by my heels and drag me out of the library, I’ll stay here as long as they’ll let me.”

Reared in Gates County before heading off to college in nearby Greenville, the ink on Familar’s degree from East Carolina University (nee, College) was hardly dry before she was off to Hawaii for training as part of the Peace Corps - the independent agency and volunteer program run by the United States Government that provides international social and economic development assistance abroad.

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What followed was a two-year stint teaching English in the Philippines.

“One of the joys was getting to travel,” Familar relates. “I visited Hong Kong when I was there and, after my Peace Corps tour was over, I came home by way of Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Jordan, Israel, Rome, France, England, and finally New York.

“Then it was back to Gates County,” she continued. “The Philippines was half the world, so I wanted to see life from the other direction. It was a wonderful experience. I recommend if you have a chance to travel, try to soak up the culture, the language, the food – anything but just the tourist hotel.”

Familar feels her foreign service allowed her to be a “citizen of the world.”

“The world has changed, and I’m sure the Peace Corps has changed as well,” she said.

home mother to what would grow to be four children for the next eight years.

Gates County High School, again on U.S. 258.

In addition, Familar is active in her local

“Volunteers do a lot of things from teaching

“I wasn’t exactly a stay-at-home because

United Methodist Church, she is active with the

to agriculture, to engineering. The object is to

I supported what my children were doing in

United Methodist Women, the Administrative

help, whether in a classroom or a rice field.”

school; there were gymnastics, music lessons,

Council, children’s programs, and as a Sunday

and a lot of stuff,” she said.

School teacher.

By the mid-Sixties when her Peace Corps service was completed, she was back stateside

In 1983 she was hired by the Gates County

“I’ve taught them from the infants up to

teaching elementary and high school in

Public Library, located at that time on U.S.

the ones who are my age for one level or

Elizabeth City.

258 north of Gatesville in what used to be the

another for 40 years,” she acknowledges.

Health Department, and is now a Department

“But we haven’t had Sunday School in a while

of Transportation center.

because of the pandemic.”

However, during her first time overseas in the Philippines she met the man who would become her future husband and following

A dozen years later the Historical Society

That brought up adjustments the county

a “courtship from afar,” she returned to Asia

wanted to begin the first of several renovations

library has had to make in the age of COVID-19.

where they were married.

on the original Gates County Courthouse on

Returning to the states as a couple when

Court Street in downtown Gatesville.

“We all (ARLS) closed on March 17 and reopened on May 13,” she said. “We welcome

her husband accepted a university scholarship

“They needed a live body to keep the

anybody, but we do request the wearing

in the Midwest, it was there that she had her

building alive, so the library went in there,”

of masks. We do extra cleaning, keeping

first foray as a librarian, getting her license at

Familar noted. “I was the singular librarian

distance, and we adhere to the number of

Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

for a long time before we hired someone

people we allow in. We try to be as safe as we

Her husband’s study finished, the couple

part-time. Then I had some Green Thumb

can.”

returned to the Philippines where he

volunteers (senior citizens, paid through a

taught and she did library work. Seemingly

federal program). I also had some volunteers

they might have stayed forever, but for an

sometimes, but it was mostly just me.

One adjustment was the Summer Reading Program for children.

“Our numbers are down and we can’t have

“Being in the vicinity (of county services)

regular StoryTime. We had packets we gave

allowed us to get more people coming into

out last summer and we sponsored a theme

“I couldn’t get mail (from home) as usual,

the library,” she said. “It was really convenient

of the week, but our regular daily attendance

we couldn’t travel just anywhere, and there

for seniors who could walk to downtown as

is down, as it is most everywhere else.

were curfews and other stuff,” she recalls.

opposed to having to drive out of town.”

unstable political situation in the country at the time.

“Martial law (declared in 1972 by Pres.

The library was located in the old

Ferdinand Marcos) made things very difficult.”

Courthouse for more than 20 years. During

“We miss a lot of the folks that used to come in,” she said. “But I’m not worried. I’m sure they’ll be back.”

The uncertainty caused the Familars to

that time, the Gates County Commissioners

leave for the USA permanently in 1973,

were able to secure funds to purchase land

Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and

returning to Gates County. This allowed Pat to

and build a brand new library out at its present

Sports Director and regular contributor to

resume teaching before becoming a stay-at-

location on Cypress Creek Drive across from

Eastern North Carolina Living.

18

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HERTFORD COUNTY

Jones holds Winton together Visit Winton, and you are liable to see a white-haired lady of a certain age riding her Huffy bike - the one Santa brought when she was 10 years old - or picking up trash or talking up Winton, whether officially as President of the Winton Historical Association, (Past) Volunteer Coordinator of the Winton Farmers’ Market, Treasurer of Winton on the Chowan, LLC, or just chatting as a private citizen, maybe while eating at the Corner Cafe.

That constant championer of All Things Winton is Libby Jones.

Spending the first years of her life in Winton, where the Jones family traces its roots to the 1800s, Libby left in 1967 and didn’t return as a citizen until 2012, though she and her children often vacationed in Winton.

Libby’s parents, Fred and Lib Jones, are remembered by many. Lib was a long time seventh-grade teacher at R.L. Vann in Ahoskie, and Fred, the owner of Jones Milling Company, served as a county commissioner for the better part of four decades.

Her return to the area reunited her with cousins, physician Dr. Colin Jones, attorney Hugh (Bud) Jones, and

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cousin-by-marriage Joan Downs.

Ask Libby about Winton - or one often doesn’t even have to ask - to get her “singing its praises.” From the

knows that the people - though not the same ones - still have the same qualities.

Winton of her childhood to the present, she loved and

Asked to describe Winton, she offers a “Chamber of

loves it still, in large part because of the people. She

Commerce” definition of “a small town with an historic

emphasizes the friendliness of the people - then and now.

past.”

Interestingly enough, the population has remained

Then, after talking about the people, she mentions it

almost the same through the years. In the 1950 census,

is in a beautiful location on the Chowan River, rural and

the population was listed as 834; in 1960, 835; in 2010, it

quiet, but with easy access to major metropolitan areas,

had dropped to 769 from a record high of 956 in 2000. By

noting that the drive from Winton to Norfolk, Richmond,

2019, the number was listed as 832, very close to the 1950

Greenville or Raleigh can take less time than a trip to the

and 1960 numbers.

grocery store or work for her Los Angeles based daughter.

That, of course, is not to say the people have remained

In these “virtual” days, one can live in Winton and be

the same; some die; others are born; some move out;

anywhere, thanks to its high speed internet service. Living

others move in, and some - such as Libby - move back.

in Winton one has all the positives of small-town living;

What has remained the same is the friendliness

any negatives are just a matter of perspective.

(characterized by a caring attitude, a willingness to help

Begun in 2012, just before Libby moved back to

each other, an openness of the people) that produces a

Winton from Greensboro, the Winton Farmers’ Market is

special quality of life in Winton, and that is the quality

an integral part of Winton on Friday afternoons 3-6 p.m. in

Libby so fervently champions.

May-November. Started with a grant from the Community

She knows that Winton and times have changed, that

22

what can be now is not necessarily what was then, but she

Transformation Program, which “endorses active living,

tobacco-free areas and healthy eating,” the

nor speedy, but it has been accomplished, and

Market is now located beside the town of Winton’s

it is hoped that this recognition “will encourage

maintenance facility at 205 South Main Street,

property owners and citizens to renew and

having moved from its initial location on the corner

develop businesses, residences, and community

of Tryon and King streets.

resources through access to grants, federal funding,

The committee that oversees it is made up of

and state funding.” Libby credits Sue Woodward

representatives from Hertford County Cooperative

and Michele Felton with much of the work for

Extension, the town of Winton, and local food

attaining this recognition. The two of them first

producers. The organizing manager was Jerry

started the process about 2013 that resulted in

Storey; Libby became volunteer manager in 2013

the organization and official recognition. The next

and served until 2016; since then Tony Sessoms

project is to establish a museum for Winton. Libby

has been manager as well as a vendor.

chairs the nine-member Board of Directors.

From its beginning, the Market has operated

In 2018, Winton on the Chowan, Inc., was

under the strictest of guidelines with vendors

established. Just as is the case with WHA, the

raising what they sell and baked goods only

membership is diverse with private citizens,

coming from USDA-inspected kitchens. Once the

businesspersons, church leaders and politicians

pandemic hit, extra precautions were put in place

all involved. Its mission is “to identify resources

as is evidenced in the picture of vendors wearing

to improve the lives of our children and citizens,

masks.

promote housing growth and improvement to build

In addition to the masks for both sellers and

a stronger community, enhance opportunities for

buyers, the customers have to maintain social

our businesses and encourage new businesses to

distance while there and only one person or one

come here, improve our recreational opportunities

family can be at any vendor’s stand at a time.

and identify ways our citizens can participate in

The Winton Historical Association, chartered

The most obvious example of Libby’s championing Winton is the fact that she moved back, that she and her husband, Steve Kelly, now occupy the house built by her parents in 1953.

this process.”

in 2015, is another organization that demands

According to Winton Town Clerk Amanda

much of Libby’s time. Fulfilling its mission “to

Henderson, “She (Libby) works tirelessly to help

preserve and share the history of Winton through

keep our community a clean and beautiful place.

newsletters, educational programs and special

She volunteers her hours to plant flowers, pick up

events,” it is a very active, diverse group.

trash and other ways that beautify Winton.”

The 80-plus members are not limited to

Walk the streets of Winton with her, and she

citizens of Winton but to anyone with an interest

will tell you who lives in every house - then and

in preserving Winton’s history. Members are both

now.

individual and corporate. In December 2020, the

When asked to do this interview, Libby

organization reached a milestone when it gained

immediately replied in the affirmative, saying

recognition for a national registered historic district.

she would do it to promote Winton. During the

Attaining this distinction was neither easy

course of the interview, she repeatedly stressed

23

that she was uncomfortable being called a “Champion,” that Winton has many champions, that no one can do things alone, that it takes everyone working together, and that Winton is filled with people ready and willing to move forward.

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Libby may downplay her role, but Amanda calls her “a bit of glue that keeps our town together.”

Noting Libby’s great ideas and her friendliness and kindness, Amanda says, “We are very thankful for her.”

Winton Mayor Evans Heath echoes the glue description, saying that Libby is the type of person who attracts others to work as she does. Calling her “tenacious,” he explains that some people have an idea but don’t necessarily follow through, but not Libby. She works; she works tirelessly; and her dedication prompts others to do the same. The Mayor particularly noted Libby’s love for all of Winton and her insistence that all of Winton be included in all its projects and activities.

Having known Libby since both were

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teenagers, Mayor Heath knows that she loved Winton then, but she also loves it now.

He notes that she recognizes the difference seventy years have made. So, she is not trying to recreate a 1950s Winton but to make a 2020s Winton as inviting as the 1950s one had been. She knows that can be done because the people now are still the same caring, friendly folks they were then.

Blake Blythe, President of Winton on the Chowan says of Libby, “She has taken it upon herself to revitalize Winton.”

Ultimately, Libby champions Winton by championing its citizens.

The most obvious example of Libby’s championing Winton is the fact that she moved back, that she and her husband, Steve Kelly, now occupy the house built by her parents in 1953. When the idea of the move was being considered, it was Steve – an Erie, PA born, citizen of Baltimore, MD, and Chicago, IL, before Greensboro - who insisted on the move. She had obviously championed Winton in the right place.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

24

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HYDE COUNTY

Spencer gives all for Hyde County story & photos by SANDY CARAWAN Sirens blaring and lights blazing, she is the driver behind the wheel of Tanker 57, driving en route to a fire. She is the firefighter behind the hose, spraying water to extinguish a blaze.

She is the First Responder aside the jump bag, rushing to save a life.

26

behind the flowers, meticulously arranging floral pieces for someone’s surprise.

She is the knock behind the door, delivering a hot meal to a neighbor in need.

Behind her smile is the heart of Jo Ann (Jo) Spencer, who not only shares her talent

She is the friendly face behind the counter,

and love, but also cares for and voices her

ready to help a customer. She is the florist

concerns for the betterment of Engelhard and

Hyde County.

Jo has spent most of her life in Carteret County.

In 1982, she graduated from West Carteret High

“We also prepared emergency plans, hurricane evacuations and assessed damages done by hurricanes,” she said.

School and shortly thereafter earned her Business

In 2013, she married Tony Spencer (1967-2018).

Administration degree from Carteret Community

In 2014, they returned to Engelhard to make it their

College.

home.

“I have always been community-oriented,” she said.

Since this transition, she has continued in community service, accepting the responsibility

At 18 years old, she enrolled in her first

of making Hyde County a better place not only

Emergency Medical Services course and became

through the business for which she works, but

a volunteer with her local Emergency Medical

through a variety of community organizations to

Services Department.

which she belongs, each designed to strengthen the

In 1989, she became an Administrative Assistant

community and advocate for positive change.

for the Carteret County Emergency Management

“I just think the Lord put me here for a reason,”

Services (EMS). Over the years, she worked her way

Spencer said. “I have always been one who cares.

up to the Director of Emergency Services prior to her

If I see something that isn’t right or could be done

retirement in 2014. Before her retirement, she also

differently, then I’m one who says, ‘Why can’t we do

served as the Emergency Management Director.

this? Why can’t we do that?’ And when I hear people

“Under my title, I was responsible for 9-1-1 Emergency Communications, the fire marshal,

ask for help, I do my best to give them that help if I can.”

county paramedics, the EMS director, the EMS

“This community has a family-feeling,” she said.

agencies, and the fire departments who contracted

“I want to do everything for Hyde that I can do to

with the county.”

make it a better place for everybody.”

In 2014, she said there were 18 EMS agencies and 23 fire departments.

Jo is the store manager for Spencer Home Center – Do It Best in Engelhard, a business built strong by

“This community has a familyfeeling. I want to do everything for Hyde that I can do to make it a better place for everybody,” she said.

27

“Love your community and do what God has put you here to do and that is to be all that you can be and to make it a better world — not just the community — make it a better world.” her father-in-law, R. S. Spencer Jr., and the same business created by his father, R. S. (Tony) Spencer, in 1900.

As the store manager, she knows the community well and the store offers a competitive line of products to serve its customers’ needs.

In addition to assisting customers, she puts up stock and compiles the store order. She also operates the Engelhard

dozen residents throughout Engelhard.

“I volunteer one day a week to take meals to individuals who are homebound. I give them a hot meal for Friday,” she said.

She also takes the time to talk with each person, checking to see how they are doing or if they need any assistance.

Florist shop where she creates floral arrangements for all

Jo admits that she doesn’t have much free time.

occasions.

But, she says, “I like to work on puzzles, which keeps

In addition to serving local and Hyde County customers, the store serves regular customers all the way from Belhaven to the Outer Banks and all points beyond — farmers, fishermen, hunters, families and tourists.

Through her collaboration with others, she not only helps to make decisions to improve Engelhard, but she also creates opportunities that offer interest, entertainment and enjoyment to others.

In the past, Jo has served with the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce and the Engelhard Seafood Festival.

Presently, she serves with the Engelhard Sanitary District, the Hyde County Airport Advisory Committee and the Engelhard Development Corporation (EDC).

my mind occupied. I like to play with flowers when I’m not overly busy.

“I love to go to Ocracoke and sit and do nothing. That’s my favorite thing to do,” she adds. “And I like to take my dog T.J. and walk on the beach.”

Jo has two children, Richard and Kimberly, as well as four grandchildren.

“I love visiting with them and I love for them to come and be here,” she said.

Whether it is through advocacy or volunteerism, Jo Spencer is an everyday hero making a difference in the lives of others as well as making a positive impact in her community.

“Volunteering is not only good for the community, but

With the EDC, she and other members organize

it is good for you,” Jo adds. “It makes you feel so good to

different events throughout the year such as the Old

do something for somebody and to know you made that

Fashioned Engelhard Christmas with the Annual Christmas

person so happy.”

Parade and Blessing of the Tree, an annual community yard sale, festivals, and a variety of fundraising meals.

Currently, she is serving as the Interim Fire Chief for the Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to being a firefighter, she is a First Responder and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

She and the other members not only sponsor American Red Cross blood drives, but they organize fundraisers

Her inspiration comes from her heart and understanding that serving Hyde County is her calling.

“I love the people. We are all family. And we can all count on each other,” says Jo. “They are the biggest asset.”

Her message to all: “Love your community and do what God has put you here to do and that is to be all that you can be and to make it a better world — not just the community — make it a better world.”

throughout the year that include fun and great food: skeet and turkey shoots; the haunted house; oyster roasts; fried shrimp and barbecue dinners.

Additionally, Jo delivers Meals on Wheels to a couple

28

Sandy Carawan is an English Language Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College High School in Swan Quarter and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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MARTIN COUNTY

Conway believes in Martin County

story & photos by JIM GREEN Barney Conway is of the belief there is no place like home. And his job is to “sell” the advantages of Martin County.

“I became totally into music and recording,” he said.

Conway, 76, is the Director of the Martin

From there, Conway went into engineering,

County Tourism Development Authority located

and by the age of 19 in 1964, he had returned

at 132 West Main St.

to the region and become the chief engineer of

“Our job here is to sell the product to people

WITN Radio, WEEW Radio and WIAM Radio.

who don’t know about it,” Conway said. “When

During that same time, Conway also built

I came back here about 16 years ago, this was

CDMP Studios in Chocowinity. From that studio,

everything I wanted – I didn’t need the big city.

there were four records that wound up being on

I can do anything I want to here just like I did

the top 400 most collectable in the world.

before.”

In 1971, Conway moved to Atlanta and joined

After more than four decades away from

WGST Radio, where the nighttime program

Martin County, Conway had planned to retire

became Atlanta’s No. 1 nighttime program within

when he returned in 2004. A few people urged

six months. He then became a TV anchor in the

him to apply for the TDA opening.

early beginnings of CNN (Turner News Network).

“Everything I did is the same thing I do in this job,” he said. “I don’t have to learn new skills.”

Conway switched over to full-time record production in the late 1970s and had 29 top 100

Conway grew up in Martin County and was

charted singles and several albums in Billboard

born in Williamston in what is now known as

magazine. He received five Grammy nominations

Big Mill Bed and Breakfast. He graduated from

and four Dove (Christian music) nominations and,

Williamston High School in 1963 and went to

at one point, had four records on the Billboard

Memphis, Tennessee to learn television repair.

Top 100 at the same time.

He had to walk by Sun Records every day on his way to class. One day, Conway went into Sun

30

Records and made his first recording.

“This was a dream come true,” he said.

Through

his

recording

period,

Conway

spent time in Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Hollywood and Florida and worked with artists such as Little Richard, Al Green, Three Dog Night, Curtis Mayfield and many others in the music business that he admired.

In late 2004, Conway returned to Martin County originally just to spend time with his mother for Christmas.

“I didn’t intend to stay, but I ran into an old high school sweetheart,” he said.

Though that didn’t work out, Conway stayed and saw the county had many desirable qualities.

“Looking around, I went to sleep at night and didn’t hear all the gunshots and sirens like I did in Atlanta,” he said. “I was told I might have to get used to a quieter lifestyle after living in the big city so long. It’s been anything but difficult – it’s been a blessing.”

Conway sees several assets from within Martin County.

“When I came back, I saw a town (Williamston) with half the population it was than when I left but it has agriculture and the equine industry as assets,” he said. “I had a choice – this (TDA) or government. In government, no matter what you do, you will make 50 percent of the population mad at you. With this job, I am helping promote the county.”

Conway briefly served as interim director of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce after the death of his good friend David Whitley.

Conway sees the chamber, now led by Chase Conner, and TDA as partners in their promotion of Martin County.

“The chamber spends its time and effort promoting business in and around the county, and the TDA spends its time promoting the assets of the county, such as the chamber, the (Sen. Bob Martin Eastern) Agricultural Center and the many trails we have,” he said.

Conway also wanted to clear up a misconception

among

many

that

the

residents’ tax dollars fund his organization and its efforts.

“We are funded by the hotel occupancy tax – which is a tax on the rental of rooms that a city, county, state or country may require,” he said. “They pay that (tax) and that’s how we pay our staff. I have met opposition where

32

people say ‘you’re wasting our tax dollars’ but

The Martin Minute (Or So), a weekly streaming

it’s not your tax dollars, they don’t realize that.”

program on Facebook which promotes new

Conway believes repeating the past is not

businesses, social events, or fundraisers,

the best way in order to make something

what’s upcoming in the local newspaper (The

successful.

Enterprise) and the weekend weather report,

“Visibility is the main thing,” he said. “I think

among other things.

as a county we had become complacent. You

“The thing about that (Martin Minute) is we

shouldn’t always look back and repeat what

go to all ends of the county to promote what’s

you did before.”

going on,” he said.

Conway believes the county, despite its

Conway believes that a county is only as

Tier-One (low economic opportunities) status,

good as the people in it allow it to be, and that

has some incredible assets.

the county has a multitude of good ones.

“We have some of the best food around,”

“We don’t have a lot of people here (the

he said. “I’ve been from here to Hollywood

county has approximately 25,000 residents),

and back again and the barbecue doesn’t taste

but we do have clout,” he said. “The stuff we

as it does here in Martin County. When I was in

do makes sense.”

Atlanta we had barbecue shipped from Shaw’s all the time.”

He continued, “What we would like to have is our young people return, particularly in

Continuing, Conway said, “A lot of people

government. The young people are our biggest

in our county have never been to our Ag

export that we shouldn’t be exporting. We can

Center before. The people there do what they

build all the brick and mortar structures but it

do very well.”

boils down to having the right people and if

He also mentioned the Roanoke River, the

you don’t, then it doesn’t matter. I think of our

church and quilt trails and the various stores

county as neighbors helping neighbors – it’s

that make up Oak City to Jamesville and all

not a hard sell.”

points in between.

“It takes a lot of little things to keep someone’s interest up when you don’t have the big things,” he said.

Conway said the main goal of the TDA is fairly simple.

“Tourism is a sales job and you have to have something to believe in if you want to try

In addition to attending strategic planning

and sell it,” he said. “Our main goal is to help

meets, helping provide financial support for

Martin County become what it can be – it can’t

numerous events throughout the county,

necessarily to be solved by the government; it

Conway has served as emcee for the Jamesville

has to solved by individuals.”

Herring Festival, videotaped all of the county’s Christmas parades and other noteworthy

Jim Green is Photo Editor of Eastern North

events, reached out to civic groups to lend

Carolina Living and Interim Editor of The

support and partnered with the Chamber for

Enterprise.

33

GREENE COUNTY

Barfield praised as Greene County icon story & photos by DONNA WILLIAMS The Greene County Board of Education recently honored 42 years of service from Jasper Barfield Jr.

returned to Greene County.

Barfield was honored and received the Order of the Long

“When you came back, not only did you come back, but

Leaf Pine for his trail-blazing services as the board’s first

you brought back a lot of those lessons, those life stories,”

black member.

Davis said, adding Barfield was also generous enough to

State Sen. Don Davis praised Barfield as an icon and legend to many in the county before presenting the Longleaf Pine Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.

“You have been doing this for some time. You have truly made a world of difference to this community,” Davis said.

A Greene County native, Barfield graduated from the Greene County Training School. After school, he was drafted

34

into the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his service, he

share those lessons with others and offer advice.

Barfield served as president of the East Greene Parents Teacher Association. It was during this time he helped raise funding for curtains and playground equipment for the school. This included pulling money from his own pocket, Davis said.

“That shows the heart and character of this individual.

That started before his service and before he became a member of this Board,” Davis said.

With some encouragement from friends and family, Barfield decided to run for the Greene County Board of Education. He was elected in 1978 as the first African American man to serve in the county. Since then he has attended more than 700 meetings.

This paved the way for other African Americans, Davis said.

“Being an African-American male and having grown up in Greene County to see how you carried yourself and the example you set and provided to the rest of us, to even thinking about you joining the board in 1978, that paved the way for people like me inspired to run for office one day and to serve,” Davis

“Anything I have ever done I didn’t do it for

said. “I can’t say thank you enough for all that

praise or for recognition. I just did it because

“We are sad to see you leave the board.

you have done and the example you have set.”

that’s just the way I was. I want to thank you

You have served faithfully and your thoughts

Barfield also inspired Greene County Board

all for the respect you have shown to me,”

and input will be missed by far. Thank you for

of Education Vice Chairman Joe Smith to

Barfield said. “I thank you for acts of kindness.”

your dedication to the children and citizens

He also encouraged members to remain

of Greene County,” Smith said on behalf of

serve on the board.

“You have always been someone I have

kind to each other.

looked up to and admired,” Smith said. “You

“If we as a people of this country can forget

are one of the reasons why I ran for the Board

about race and creed and all this other stuff

of Education. You always inspired me in ways

and put God first in our lives, the world will be

a better place,” Barfield said.

Chairman Pat Adams.

Donna Marie Williams is a Staff Writer for The Standard.

you’ll never know.”

Barfield set an example for students who saw his kindness and generous heart often, Davis said. Barfield would often help cover students’ lunches using his own money or give students a quarter if he saw them drinking their milk. This was all done out of the kindness of his heart, Davis said.

“People give their lives and they serve not looking for recognition. You didn’t show up to the schools just to see what was going on looking for recognition ... You didn’t come out of your pocket because you were looking for recognition. You did it because you cared,” Davis said.

“We can’t say thank you enough. There are not enough words to express how we really feel and what you mean to the people in this county,” he added.

Davis also presented Barfield with a quarter, just as the latter had presented many Greene County students with over the years.

Board members also thanked Barfield for his years of dedication and service and presented Barfield with a plaque.

35

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NASH COUNTY

Deloach gives back to Rocky Mount story by PATRICK MASON photos by ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM STAFF Moe Deloach doesn’t like to be away from Rocky Mount for too long.

When the 2005 Northern Nash graduate wasn’t overseas playing basketball, Deloach was often busy in Rocky Mount finding a way to help.

“One of my goals for retirement was helping a lot of people,” Deloach said.

38

Deloach, a former professional basketball player who last played in Romania, had no doubts of where he was returning once his playing days came to an end.

One thing for sure, Deloach said, was that he was always going to come back to Rocky Mount.

In the summer of 2019, Deloach held his

“I grew up here in Rocky Mount and it means a lot to me to be able to do this. I just love doing it. I want to help kids out and let them know they have a future and dreams. I wish I had some people come back and do this for me when I was young, and that’s what drove me to be a person to do this.” ninth annual youth summer basketball

Center as the camp grows.

camp at the South Rocky Mount

Also, Deloach has started a charity

Community Center. More than 250

organization called ‘Moetivation’ with a

young people showed up for the free

mission to “empower and support the

clinic, and every one got a T-shirt,

young people and the community.

wristband, lunch and a day of fun.

In May 2020, Deloach organized

This past summer, Deloach went

a walk in honor of Ahmaud Arbery, a

back to the South Rocky Mount

Georgia man who was killed by two

Community Center and distributed food

armed white men while out on a jog in

to those in need who were affected by

February.

the pandemic. He was joined by about 25 volunteers to distribute food.

In Rocky Mount, Deloach wanted to bring his hometown community

“I grew up here in Rocky Mount and

together and show support and offer

it means a lot to me to be able to do

solidarity. Photos of Arbery were

this,” he said. “I just love doing it. I want

mounted to poster board and along

to help kids out and let them know they

the outfield fence at the baseball fields

have a future and dreams. I wish I had

behind the YMCA.

some people come back and do this for

“I wanted to support Michael (Moe).

me when I was young, and that’s what

He does a lot of good things for his

drove me to be a person to do this.”

community. He is always talking about

Deloach is rounding into a star off

Rocky Mount. We can’t get him to stop

the court and in his community. He

talking about it,” Deloach’s longtime

began his youth basketball camp in

friend Kalvin Patterson said at the time.

2011 and it has grown ever since. It is

When Deloach isn’t involved in giving

now split across two weekends, with

back, he can be found working in his

sessions geared toward children ages 5

downtown restaurant Moe & D’s, which

through 12 and another for ages 13-17.

serves wings, burgers, sandwiches and

And with close to 300 who

meals.

participate, Deloach is eyeing an even broader reach. The next step is to get the camp into the Rocky Mount Event

Patrick Mason is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram.

39

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42

“Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”

- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Cahoon has a heart for Columbia story & photos by THADD WHITE The path of James Cahoon’s life has led him away from Columbia a few times.

It began with what he called a “nomadic” childhood which featured several stops in the town of Columbia, but also times of living in the communities of Soundside, Gum Neck and Alligator.

Later, it was the United States Army, Mt. Olive College, Atlantic Christian College and a few jobs that took his feet from the fine soils of Tyrrell County.

But, Cahoon – correctly the Honorable Mayor James W. Cahoon – said his heart never left the beauty, history and good people of his hometown of Columbia.

And, since his permanent return some 40-plus years ago he has been one of the town’s most prominent citizens and hardest working leaders.

For Cahoon it all began in the town of Columbia, where he worked in some of the shops, was educated in local schools and came to love the place he and his wife have called home for most of their adult lives.

After graduating from Columbia High School in 1970, Cahoon took what many would have considered an unusual step in his situation – he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. But, he said he couldn’t get past his brother Glynn’s death in the war.

43

“Unfortunately, I would say I had a little chip on my shoulder,” he said.

While he intended to go to Vietnam and look for vengeance, God and the U.S. Army had other plans as he was stationed in Italy and never made the front lines of the war.

Upon his honorable discharge, Cahoon returned home working in a variety of jobs before deciding to go to Mt. Olive College – then a two-year institution – and following that up with a bachelor’s degree from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton) in Wilson.

Upon graduating, Cahoon became a juvenile court counselor and then went to work with the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home as Director of Family Services.

About a year after marrying the former Kathy Joy Brickhouse, also of Columbia, the couple headed home.

“We were both offered jobs with Tyrrell County Schools and we both wanted to get back home,” he said.

What followed was a career of which anyone would be proud. Cahoon served as the first Community Schools Coordinator for TCS before becoming a school counselor, assistant principal, principal, personnel director and Assistant Superintendent before retiring in 2009.

Cahoon said he was proud of his service, and that he reached the highest run of the ladder he aspired to.

“I

never

had

interest

in

being

a

superintendent,” he said. “I didn’t care much for the political aspects of the job. I just enjoyed working with so many people who gave their all every day. I enjoyed my time in Tyrrell County Schools and I value it very much.”

While he was working full-time with Tyrrell County Schools, Cahoon was also volunteering as a member of the town of Columbia’s planning board – a post he held for more than two decades.

“I enjoyed doing that,” he said. “But, then I was asked to fill a position as an Alderman on the town board. I agreed and they appointed me to the seat. After that, I ran and was re-elected.”

After about six years on the board, Cahoon was approached by retiring Columbia Mayor Mike Griffin about seeking the role as mayor.

“He wasn’t going to run again and encouraged me to do that, so I did,” Cahoon

44

said. He was elected and has never looked

There is a laundry list of projects Cahoon

back – guiding the town through sometimes

says he and the people of Columbia have

difficult waters to continue the hard work of

been blessed by, beginning with the work

those who went before him.

on the downtown waterfront which occurred

“It has sometimes been interesting,”

from the 1980s on up thanks to grants.

Cahoon admits. “There are a lot of challenges

“The grants have allowed us to do the

when it comes to small towns and the political

things the plan and vision the people of our

clout you have as mayor is small.

town have,” he said.

“But, I’ve always had an interest in speaking

Cahoon is also immensely proud of

for the people who live here,” he added. “I

Pocosin Arts, the museum located at the

want the people here to have the same quality

Columbia Theater and the Walter B. Jones

of life they do in more urban areas.”

Center for the Sounds. He credits a lot of the

Cahoon said the reason he ran for mayor is

current and former mayors and alderman, as

to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s

well as the work of Jackie Peoples for being

his way of giving back to people because he

instrumental in those projects.

feels so many people have given to him.

He credits people like Shelton Ludford of

“We are a place where arts and EcoBiology are growing and expanding,” he said.

Tyrrell Hardware, Tyrrell County Extension

The next project for Columbia? A hotel

Service Director Frances Voliva, and his

for people to stay as they visit the lovely

English teacher, Madge Van Horn for making

small town or to stay while they visit Dare

investments in his life.

County, just across the Alligator River Bridge.

“Columbia and Tyrrell County are good

The town and county are also pushing for the

places to be,” he said. “There are a lot of

replacement of said bridge in the near future.

people who have made such an incredible

For his own part, the mayor said he is

impact on me. I appreciate them and I want

considering another run for mayor – his term

to try to make a difference the way they did

expires this year – but hasn’t made any firm

for me.”

decisions. As for other political offices? Not

As he reflects on what makes Columbia

even a consideration, he says.

such an excellent place to live, work and raise

“I love Columbia and this is the only political

a family it is the people of the town that strike

role I can see myself in – as an advocate for

Cahoon the most.

this town and these people,” Cahoon closed.

“The people here are just good salt of the earth folks,” he said. “They love God, family and county. It’s a wonderful place to live.”

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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BERTIE COUNTY

46

Peele was ‘divinely guided’ in Powellsville story & photos by GENE MOTLEY If you ask James Peele where his most important life lessons took root he will tell you they came from growing up on a farm.

“It fed us, it clothed us, and it afforded us some happy money,” Peele relates, seated in the conference room of Powellsville Town Hall having just presided over the monthly commissioners’ meeting. “I didn’t exactly farm, but I was a day laborer and got to know it that way and it was our way of life.”

Born and raised in Hertford County near Ahoskie, Peele relocated one county over to Bertie in the 1970s after studying agriculture at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

Dismissing an opportunity in Texas, he tied himself to the Tar Heel state and never left. Other than a short time working for a drug store chain, all of his other work has been in his chosen field, primarily 30 years with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service as a Bertie County Farm Agent, from where he retired in 2003.

47

“Once I came into Extension it was all something I knew,” he said. “I

In 1971 Peele taught for a semester at Roanoke-Chowan Tech (nee

knew plants, I knew animals, I knew bugs and worms, sicknesses and

R-C Community College), but knew he needed something outdoors in

diseases. So I immersed myself into those things that I didn’t know and

the open air.

tried to do the best I could for anybody who had an agriculture-related problem.”

Peele says he was challenged early at R.L.Vann High School by teachers, including instructor J.L. Faulcon.

“I knew I needed to be more than what they saw me as, and seeing

“The confinement of a classroom just didn’t suit me,” he explained.

“In as much as I was agriculturally-inclined, I’d been an outdoors boy all my life.”

In February of ‘72, Peele started with Extension in Bertie County, working with Horticulture, Community Development and 4-H.

my father in his line of work at the box factory,” he recalled. “Another

“Everybody I met with was a professor to me,” he confessed. “I

teacher said I could be anything I wanted to be, but that I was going to

learned something from everybody I met. That came from Dr. Edgar

stay here and waste it. I was determined then to be more than what

Boone at N.C. State, who said challenge yourself to do differently

they saw, so school was my option.”

than you’re doing: every experience should be a learning experience,

48

grow with them. That soon became a high point of my religion, being in Sunday School: a high point for myself and getting the benefit of somebody else’s experience.”

Soon, Peele says his community service expanded to the Atlantic District Fair, the local St. Luke Credit Union, Bertie County Social Services, and the N.C. Rural Fund for Development. It sounds like a full load, but he says he enjoyed it all.

“I had plenty to keep me busy and it grew into other opportunities, some of which drew me back into the agricultural field,” he said.

Politics entered his agenda in 2006 when former Powellsville Mayor Thomas Asbell urged him to seek a seat as a replacement for one of the town’s commissioners.

“I don’t know how they came to me but that’s what happened and so I decided to do it,” he acknowledged. “I came into it knowing I wasn’t a politician. I was the second black councilman behind J.T. Watford and I went on to serve four terms.”

In 2015, Peele served as the town’s Mayor Pro-Tempore. He ascended to the top mayoral post a year later.

“I kind of felt obligated because of the situation and circumstances for which having been on board, I kind of felt responsible,” he said.

“My way to justify was to try to serve in another way.”

In 2017, Peele ran for his own two-year term and following his election he was the town’s first African-American mayor.

“I want the best service for our citizens,” he stated. “I want us to be an affordable community. I think it’s paramount that Powellsville keeps it’s small-town flavor. Someone moving in can’t appreciate how we live. Many of us had an opportunity to move elsewhere, but we chose to live here because it is what it is with its smallness.”

But with that rural homespun feel also comes other 21st century challenges, particularly economic.

“We’d like to have greater commercialism,” he noted. “We want the (aesthetics), the ‘pretty-pretty,’ we want adequate drainage and affordable housing. Meeting the needs of the people is a challenge, and I say that because of serving the people: trying to meet required deadlines, satisfying test requirements for our water system.”

Peele acknowledges Powellsville is a senior community, having saluted a group of as many as nine centenarians during the town’s recent anniversary. The infrastructure of the town is aged as well.

“Because we’re a senior community mobility is limited,” he observed. because it broadens you when you do that.”

“Many of the services that are provided we have to take to them because

Following his 30-year career in Extension, Peele retired in 2003

they’re not able to come out. But we keep them informed and essence the

and, while he assisted with the care of his father, he also served on

calls they make when they come by. We get some new people coming in,

several county boards.

but they may not be as prepared as the people who’ve left.”

During his working years, and on into his retirement, Peele remained a devout family man and increased his outreach with his local church, First Missionary Baptist of Powellsville.

“I had been sitting at home and one day (the senior members) came to me and said I needed to come to church and Sunday School,” he

Peele feels in all he has done he has been ‘divinely guided.’

“They’re going to be some pluses, and they’re going to be some minuses,” he emphasized. “If there’s some good that I can do then I want to do it; but if I’m holding things back I want to move on. There’s too much to be done to do nothing.”

related. “So I started going and it wasn’t long before I was teaching the teenage group, and I grew into it and soon I was in the classroom with the seniors, and they allowed me to grow and promoted me along to

Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and Sports Director and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

49

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Bertie Ledger–Advance Community News at your Fingertips Thadd White Editor twhite@ncweeklies.com

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

history meets adventure

ing

51

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Harrison serves Washington County story by LESLIE BEACHBOARD photos Contributed Washington County Travel and Tourism Director Tom Harrison said serving Jesus Christ is his full-time job, but he also spends a lot of his time promoting his community and looking for ways to bring more economic growth to the area.

Harrison was born and lived most of his childhood in upstate New

the authorities in Merry Hill, and the students were put on buses and drove by to see.

Harrison attended East Carolina University and graduated with a business degree. While at ECU, he met his wife, Rexanne. On May 31, they will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

York. He moved with his family to Plymouth in 1971 when his father

After graduation Harrison began his career in the wood pallet

transferred for work. Harrison’s father worked in the wooden pallet

business working with International Paper in Bastrop, LA. This turned

industry and transferred to the mill in Plymouth.

into a career of 10 corporations in six states.

“The move was a culture shock. I was used to beautiful mountains

“My father showed me a model where I could live in one local

and pristine lakes in New York. Many didn’t believe me when I would

location and continue to run my businesses in other areas correctly, so

tell them how beautiful the mountains and lakes were where I moved

I decided to move back to Washington County,” said Harrison.

from,” he said.

He moved back in 1984.

Harrison attended the former Bertie Academy, known now as

According to Harrision, he and his wife loved to travel. They have been

Lawrence Academy, and is an alumni of the school’s first graduating

to all 50 states and approximately 52 different countries. He has been to

class.

Africa on seven different occasions.

He says he remembers when there was a large liquor steel bust by

52

Harrison volunteered for the position as Washington County’s

due to COVID-19.

build up the waterfront with boardwalks,

After Harrison was successful in getting the

hotels and restaurants.

town of Plymouth to adopt the black bears

The town of Plymouth built a canoe and

as their marketing identity, he licensed the

kayak launch on East Main Street. The mayor

town of Plymouth to use the logo he created

and town manager asked Harrison for name

to put on the water tower, business cards and

suggestions.

letterhead. The town has also added black bear to the police and town vehicles.

“They chose the name I suggested which was, ‘Bear Track Landing’ to continue to build

The following year he was successful in

in the brand. Then, I asked if I could add a

getting Washington County to adopt the

feature sign and they agreed. So I bought

black bears as its brand. There are now black

a kayak and had our Bear Festival chainsaw

bear on the newest county ambulances. The

carver sculpt a paddling black bear to go inside

county has also asked Harrison to create a

the kayak on the sign. I wager it is the most

logo for the Black Bear Brand.

unique boat launch in the state,” said Harrison.

Harrison was also responsible for creating and

In addition to Travel and Tourism, Harrison

copywriting “Bear-olina” to promote Washington

served on the Washington County Chamber of

County. He created and copyrighted the tagline,

Commerce. He also served on the Washington

“Where traffic ends and adventure begins” for

County Historical Society for 32 years.

the town of Plymouth.

While he was there he had a 63-foot

“I have worked tirelessly to help

floating powered replica of the CSS Albemarle

promote local businesses and community

constructed at his personal expense. Along

improvements. For example, my primary

with a full-scale wooden replica of Cushing’s

Plymouth

Launch that was used to destroy the

Products,

business, donated

Diversified the

materials

Wood and

Confederate Ironclad on Oct. 27, 1864.

60-foot long pergolas for the Bear Town

Both vessels were used in the 2005

Travel and Tourism Director for the first year.

Market. I also designed the logo for the Bear

History Channel documentary, “The Most

After that he took the position full-time, with

Town Market and rack cards for several local

Daring Mission of the Civil War”.

only a part-time salary.

businesses, events and a prospective dog

Harrison said he uses his drive to help other communities using his talent.

park,” said Harrison.

“As a local historian, I was one of the narrators in the film. Incidentally, the CSS

When the North Carolina Department

Albemarle was the most successful ironclad

“Serving Jesus Christ is my full-time job. I

of Transportation refurbished the rest area

of the Civil War defeating the Union Navy

also serve as the chairman for CTO Roanoke

in Plymouth, they allowed Harrison to put a

twice. In 2014, we made a commemorative

River Delta Chapter, and run agriculture

9-foot chainsaw-carved bear out front. He

journey with the replica ironclad from where

businesses in Hyde County and Louisiana,” he

also asked if bear tracks could be used for

it was originally constructed in Scotland

added.

lines of the parking. NCDOT told Harrison if

Neck to Plymouth. It was a 90-mile journey

he provided the stencils they would use them.

to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the

the community and do a lot more marketing.

“I have applied for recognition of the

Albemarle’s debut and the subsequent

Harrison created the North Carolina Black Bear

National Black Bear Day for the first Saturday

Festival which occurs each summer, and draws a

of the month to go along with the weekend of

large crowd of spectators from all around.

the festival. Our application was selected out

outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting, fishing,

“The reason for the North Carolina Black

of the many received each year,” said Harrison.

photography and videography. He also still

Bear Festival is to educate people about

He is working to have the North Carolina

the black bear population in the area. I also

State Mammal changed from from the gray

have the Bearology Exhibit that gives others

squirrel to the black bear.

In 2008 Harrison decided to do more for

information on the black bear population,” he added.

“I hope to get it passed. Squirrels are actually part of the rodent family,” he added.

The festival has won awards five out of

Harrison said he is promoting others to

the 6 years it has been in existence. The

take day trips out to Plymouth and throughout

second year the festival was awarded the

Washington County.

award for Best Festival in the State. The

He is also working with investors to possibly

festival also won Best Virtual Event last year

restore the police station, town hall and to

destruction,” said Harrison.

In

his

spare

time,

Harrison

is

an

enjoys traveling.

Harrison and his wife have three daughters and three grandsons.

In closing Harrison shared his favorite quote from John Maxwell, “When I run into an obstacle, I just try to find a way around it.”

Leslie Beachboard is a former News Editor of the Bertie Ledger-Advance and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living

53

WILSON COUNTY

De Perlinghi brings spotlight to Wilson story by ANDY COCKRELL photos by JEROME DE PERLINGHI & PETER FITZPATRICK Jérôme De Perlinghi is a self-described optimist.

A native of Belgium, he moved his family to Chicago in

Those who meet him soon recognize his ambition and

2000. His business thrived until the “Great Recession” of

forethought. These traits add up to a man who does not

2008-09.

give up when times are hard, who does not shy away from challenges.

De Perlinghi laments, “So many magazines and newspapers were cutting back or even going under.”

And for that the city of Wilson is most fortunate. As

As fewer calls came in, he and his wife, Rosa, knew it

the Artistic Director for the Eyes on Main Street Outdoor

was time to seek a more affordable lifestyle than Chicago

Photo Festival, Jérôme is shining a bright spotlight both on

offered. In 2011, with a daughter studying at Guilford

and from his adopted hometown.

College in Greensboro, the couple began to explore central

An internationally acclaimed photographer, Jérôme

54

his work.

Those who know him attest to his relentless drive.

and eastern North Carolina.

has been commissioned by numerous celebrities to do

They made one connection that led them to a historic

portraits. He has traveled all over the world for magazine

home on the edge of downtown Wilson. Jérôme soon set

and newspaper assignments. He has published books of

out to make more connections in business and arts circles

55

while establishing his own presence.

Still traveling for traditional assignments, he embarked

Speaking of the world class photographers whose

on his first ‘local’ endeavor, “The Wilson Project.” For two

work is annually on display, De Perlinghi asserts, “If this

and a half years, Jérôme would station himself outside

was professional basketball, we are talking about Michael

once a week – usually around downtown – and take

Jordan and Lebron James playing in Wilson.”

portraits of willing passersby. At the end of that project,

De Perlinghi emphatically points out that Eyes on Main

the Arts Council of Wilson did an exhibition of 90 portraits

Street is and always has been a true community endeavor.

from that portfolio. Little did anyone know the massive

In its first year (2014), Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.

and long-lasting impact this showcase would have.

allowed the festival to tap in to the organization so that it

To advertise, seven portraits were placed outside in

could seek donations and other support.

locations near the gallery. That sparked the idea in Jérôme

In 2015-16, Imagination Station – a science and

that “maybe the whole exhibition should be outside.” A

history museum that is also a staple fixture of downtown

conversation with his father inspired him to pursue that

Wilson – took the project under its wing and housed the

idea. He began to reach out to others about the idea of an

administrative aspects.

exhibit featuring oversized photos displayed outside.

While the festival obtained its own status as a non-

“I talked to locals, I talked to other photographers, and

profit organization in 2017, Jérôme credits the hometown

there was a lot of interest. From there we started forming

support that allowed the festival to even make it to that

a team,” he said.

point. It’s difficult enough for any artist or artistic group to

With that, Eyes on Main Street – a display of 100 photographs for 100 days – was born.

generate support, but “it’s always tougher to raise money when you are new and unheard of.”

Many who live or work in Wilson are familiar with Eyes

The names, businesses and organizations who have

on Main Street, from passing the displayed photos to

supported the festival roll off De Perlinghi’s tongue with

reading articles to seeing advertisements. However, most

ease. But one name stands out.

of those people are likely not aware of the artistic coup

56

that has blossomed in their backyard.

“Michael Jones of 3C Store Fixtures heard about our

project. Part of their business is providing graphics and

adding visual appeal and in some cases even covering up

signs for other businesses all over the world,” he said. “He

blight. The local reach does not stop there.

offered to print our photographs, and 3C has done that for every festival. That very first phone call from him is still the most important call over all these years, and from a business two miles away from us.”

Participating in Eyes on Main Street is by invitation only.

“We teach young photographers, ages 9, 10, 11,” he said.

“We do tours for book clubs of senior citizens.”

De Perlinghi notes that the galleries are regularly seeing an increasing number of visitors from an hour or two away, but he still longs to reach the hometown population.

Jérôme is proud that the festival has earned such a strong

“My goal is to get many people in the galleries to enjoy

reputation that elite photographers regularly request an

the art,” De Perlinghi said. “So many people who live three

invite. He is also proud of how the project has grown

or four miles from here still have the same conception of

beyond the original idea.

downtown Wilson that they had years ago. I want them to

The festival’s first (and recently enlarged) gallery space in downtown Wilson is dedicated to featuring the work of guest

come downtown and see that this area is now a safe area with valuable things to offer.”

artists (not just photographers but also painters and sculptors) for a month at a time. The festival recently added a second gallery space dedicated to its resident program.

[Notes: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of Eyes on Main Street was delayed but is now

De Perlinghi shares, “Photographers spend a month at

on display until May 2021. Maps for self-guided tours

a time in residence. They are free to work as they choose

are available at either of the Wilson, galleries, 126-128

but with one stipulation: every photograph they take must

Goldsboro St S or 231 Nash St E. Admission is free. Maps

be in Wilson County.”

and photos of the current and previous festivals can

Jérôme marvels at the scope that Eyes on Main Street has obtained.

“The website is regularly viewed in 175 countries. This

be found online at www.eyesonmainstreetwilson.com . Jérôme De Perlinghi also has his own online presence, jeromedeperlinghi.com ].

year, we have photographers from 38 countries showing photographs taken in 45 countries. Our Facebook page

Andy Cockrell has written dozens of academic papers

is quite lively. We are an ‘around the clock’ experience,

as well as newspaper articles and weekly columns. In 2016,

visually, for sure.”

he wrote and published a novel “A Quarter ‘til Life” which is

Yet, that global acclaim does not weaken the local focus.

The festival itself brings visitors to downtown Wilson while

available on Amazon. Along with his wife and two children, Andy resides in the home in which he grew up in Kenly.

57

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

58

Taylor does what’s right in Northampton County story by THADD WHITE photos CONTRIBUTED He is a man who is simultaneously still struggling to find his footing and a man whose shoes will one day be too big to fill.

Eugene Taylor has been standing up for right and for the people of Northampton County his entire adult life – whether it be as Vice President of the NAACP, Chair of the Department of Social Services Board, leader of the Prince Hall Masons or helping conduct fair and safe elections.

But, much of that time he did it with his brother, Bennett, by his side. And it was due to the latter’s 2015 passing that Taylor almost walked away.

“Because I was so used to us doing everything together, it took me a while to get past his death,” Eugene said of his late brother. “In the end, I knew anything I could have done, but didn’t

59

he would have been disappointed in me.”

Thus, despite some trepidation early on, Eugene Taylor has resumed much of his leadership role in Northampton County – and strives to continue to be a voice for those who need someone to speak on their behalf.

Eugene Taylor grew up in the Seaboard community of Northampton County, went to school there and graduated from Gumberry High School before being drafted to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. “I guess I was lucky,” he said. “Every other class was sent to Vietnam and the classes between stayed to train the next class. I spent my entire service stateside. I was fortunate that I didn’t have to go to Vietnam.”

Upon honorable discharge, Taylor returned to Northampton County and went back to his old job – working at J.P. Stevens in Roanoke Rapids. After a few jobs of that sort, Taylor moved into the financial industry and spent the next 29 years of his life in a firm in Emporia, Virginia.

But, it was something that happened before all of that which may have been one of the most important months of Taylor’s life.

“I think during my early years, I moved to Richmond, Virginia and stayed with my uncle for like a month,” he said. “That wasn’t for me and I came back home and that’s where I’ve been ever since.

“I guess Northampton County was just in my blood,” he said.

It was Bennett Taylor that first became involved in local politics and it was through that

association

Taylor

began

working

throughout the county.

The pair attended nearly every meeting of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners for nearly 20 years. There they would often speak when they felt it was necessary to support or express concern about projects, policies and decisions of the board.

“I got started because of my brother,” Eugene Taylor said. “We were very close and did a lot of things together. Most of the time when you saw one, you saw the other.

“What he was doing was contagious I guess because it rubbed off on me,” he continued. “I still do a lot of the things I do now in his memory.”

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In

addition

to

serving

with

the

Northampton County Chapter of the NAACP,

Despite all his work, Taylor never made the decision to run for public office.

do – some of the places we went together – I haven’t been since he passed,” Taylor said. “I

Taylor was serving on the DSS board for the

“I’ve been approached several times,”

county. In his role there, he and other board

he admitted. “As a matter of fact, I was

But, Eugene Taylor will continue to add to

members backed then DSS Director Dr. Al

approached again not too long ago, but it was

his own legacy as someone who has given his

Wentzy in his vision to build a new home for

never what I wanted to do.

all for Northampton County.

the department.

just don’t have the desire to go without him.”

“Being in office does give you a vote, but I

“With me now, I know a lot of people

“We got behind his vision – myself,

adopted the same philosophy Bennett had –

in Northampton County,” he said. “I know

Robert Carter and (now retired) County

that I could do more advocating for individuals

how to reach out and touch a lot of people.

Manager Wayne Jenkins,” Taylor recalled.

than I could do with just one vote,” he added.

I’ve tried to live in a manner that people will

“We went to Wilson and met with

Taylor has been married to his bridge,

respect what I have tried to do and the things

Congressman G.K. Butterfield and were

Brenda, for 19 years following the death of his

I’ve stood for – and what Bennett stood for all

able to secure some extra funds – enough

first wife, LaDale, whom he was married to for

those years before I came on the scene.

to get it started. We cut the ribbon and the

20 years. He has two children.

rest is history.”

“I'm proud to have been able to help people

As Taylor continues his work, he admits

and stand in the gap for them when I’ve been

Taylor said the building was sorely needed

some of it will never be the same. For example,

needed,” he added. “I have tried to stand up for

in Northampton County and he was proud to

he hasn’t attended a national NAACP meeting

what is right – even if I had to stand alone.”

have been a part of it.

since his brother died, and has given up a lot

After 13 years of serving with DSS, Taylor

of the travel as he heads into his senior years.

left the board – but soon found himself right

“I admit some of the things we used to

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

back working with the county.

“When I left the DSS board, I was approached

about

serving

on

the

Northampton County Board of Elections,” he said. “I thought about it and decided to do it and I’ve been there ever since.”

Taylor said he and his fellow board members – both Democrats and Republicans – work together to secure fair and free elections and he was glad to work with a group that was largely bipartisan in their thought process.

While he was serving in those appointed capacities, Taylor was also working diligently for his fellow man – service as District Deputy Grand Master for the Prince Hall Masonry and as a deacon at Roanoke Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

“I am a Prince Hall Mason and have been for about 48 years,” Taylor said.

While serving the Masons as Deputy Grand Master for the 11th Masonic District – which he did for 22 years – Taylor was recognized nine times as deputy of the year. It’s an honor that goes to the deputies whose district were able to accomplish the most.

“We gave away thousands of dollars in scholarships in Northampton, Halifax, Edgecombe and Nash counties,” he said. “We did a lot of work in those four counties. We just believe in doing what is right.”

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HALIFAX COUNTY

Medlin believes in Halifax ‘home’ story by LESLIE BEACHBOARD photos CONTRIBUTED For Lori Medlin, serving as the President/CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau was a way to make an economic impact to the county she called home.

Medlin was born and raised in the town of Roanoke Rapids. The town sits right off of Interstate 95 in Halifax County.

“I had a great childhood here. I had a great home, but I always knew the world was a much bigger place,” said Medlin.

After graduating high school, Medlin moved to Raleigh and attended Meredith College.

Once she graduated college, she moved to New York City. She took a job in marketing high-end resorts. Most of the resorts were in tropical island destinations.

62

“I was able to travel the world. Through my travels and work, I could see the power of tourism,” said Medlin.

But, she said, she slowly began to miss home.

“After 10 years I could see the beauty and quality of life back home,” Medlin added.

According to Medlin, she would frequently travel

through

the

Raleigh-Durham

International Airport for her travels. While passing through on one trip, she saw an advertisement for the position in the Sunday newspaper. She applied for the position and was selected.

“I came back to Roanoke Rapids in 1995 with the thought I would do this for a few years, and show them the benefits of what was here,” she added.

After

returning

Medlin

married

her

husband, Gary, and started a family. She decided to stay, and has been helping increase economic and tourism growth in Halifax County for over two decades.

“Through amazing support of the Halifax County Commissioners and many others, this area has become a destination and not just a pass by off of the interstate,” she continued.

Medlin supported the development of Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, which at the time she arrived was a bird breeding facility that was closed to the public.

Currently Sylvan Heights Bird Park houses more than 3,000 birds representing 140 species. It also plays a key role in maintaining the captive populations of several endangered waterfowl species.

Since opening to the public in 2006, Sylvan Heights Bird Park attracts more than 55,000 visitors each year.

Another highlight of Medlin’s career has been the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail in Roanoke Rapids. The museum uses both traditional and interactive exhibits to explain how the canal was built and turned the Roanoke River into a superhighway of commerce during the 19th century. The trail tells the history of transportation on the Roanoke River from the 1800’s until now while enjoying nature and a variety of wildlife.

“We created a 7-mile greenway connecting two places,” said Medlin.

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Another achievement has been receiving three designations from

“We are a very large county, and part of Lake Gaston. All of the

the National Park Service for the National Underground Railroad to

county is growing. I think people want to get back to small town life,”

Freedom Sites. The sites in Halifax County are located near the Roanoke

said Medlin.

River, which were used by many freedom seekers as an escape route.

“I am a big supporter of our historic sites,” she said.

One of the biggest attractions to bring tourists off of interstate has been the new Halifax County Visitors Center and Dog Run. The center

She is also excited about several upcoming projects.

“We are working to bring a super exit connecting Exit 173 and 171 called the Premiere Blvd. Exit towards the end of 2021. I am excited with the possibility of the influx of visitors,” she added.

offers travel information and wireless internet. It is the only pet friendly

There is also the quadrant interchange project at Exit 173 in Weldon.

visitor center and dog run on the east coast.

Other future projects include restaurants, a brewery, connecting

The Dog Run offers fresh water, clean bowls, and fenced areas for

Weldon to the waterfront and making the Roanoke River Blueway Trail.

both small and large dogs. Dogs can run off their leash while in the run,

According to Medlin, she has been working to recruit Amtrac to put

but the handlers must stay in the park with their dogs.

“Halifax County is growing tremendously. We have seen an increase in economic impact. It brought in a revenue of $106.52 million in 2019.

The revenue in 1994 was only $49 million. We have welcomed several new hotel properties,” said Medlin.

The visitor center has 54,000 visitors during the 2018-2019 year.

The Dog Run was visited by 32,501 of those who stopped.

In 2020, COVID-19 slowed many things down in Halifax County, including special events.

“It was a difficult year, but we weathered the storm,” Medlin said.

“Fall is always an amazing time for festivals and events.”

Some of the largest events are the Halifax County Harvest Days and Halifax Day. There are also several other festivals held in the smaller towns.

a station in Weldon. This project has been put on the schedule, and she is excited to see what happens.

“I work with all of the small towns. I want to get the tourists off of the exit ramps and into our smaller towns,” Medlin said.

She said she is proud that the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau received the 2019 Marketing Achievement Award.

“This is the highest honor of marketing. It really meant a lot to receive this award over other larger cities. I am also very proud that no local tax dollars have been used. Halifax County was the first county to initiate the use of an occupancy tax,” she said.

In closing, Medlin wanted to thank the Halifax County Commissioners for their forward thinking and willingness to pursue future economic growth opportunities for the community.

The county also participates in the Highway 301 Endless Yardsale.

The yardsale stretches for over 100 miles from Weldon to Dunn on the third weekend of June each year.

64

Leslie Beachboard is a former News Editor of the Bertie Ledger-Advance and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

65

FINDING NORMAL IN NATURE

66

Sylvan Heights Bird Park offers safe outdoor experience for families amid pandemic story & photos by KATIE LUBBOCK s humanity entered the uncharted territory of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions last spring, a global shift in priorities took place.

Largely confined to our homes and backyards, the distractions of daily social obligations faded away and the world immediately around us suddenly came into focus. Some took up new home-based hobbies, like baking or knitting. Others binge-watched TV shows or started home improvement projects.

But inevitably, many started looking out the window and heard themselves wondering, “What is that bird in my tree?” or, “I’ve never noticed that plant before.”

It’s no surprise that humans are drawn to nature during a major upheaval of normal routines. Numerous studies have shown that being outdoors offers a host of physical and psychological benefits, like reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mental focus, energy, and strengthening the immune system.

But it wasn’t just the scientific benefits we were seeking.

Many people found comfort in the normal cycles of life that continued uninterrupted amid the chaos of the human pandemic.

Flowers bloomed, birds returned on their northbound migration, rabbits emerged with their young.

Nature provided a much-needed reminder: despite our immediate predicaments, life goes on.

Our craving for the outdoors manifested as recordsmashing visitation at state parks and national parks across the U.S. in 2020, as well as a sudden surge of popularity for bird-watching, an activity that can be practiced almost anywhere by anyone.

In Scotland Neck in Halifax County, Sylvan Heights Bird Park entered 2020 with unprecedented momentum. The 20-acre avian conservation center,

67

home to rare and endangered birds from around the world, had seen

incubators quickly filled with eggs, a pair of critically endangered

strong visitor numbers in 2019, so park staff were gearing up for a year

Hawaiian Ducks successfully raised a brood of ducklings, and the

of record-breaking attendance.

incredibly rare Green Pygmy Goose was bred for the first time in North

By March, the park’s popular spring fundraising event had sold out at a higher capacity than ever before. Spring field trip reservations

America. From a bird's perspective, one of the most extraordinary years in human history was just business as usual.

from local K-12th grade schools were rolling in at a brisk pace, while

Sylvan Heights Bird Park gradually re-opened its doors to visitors

university students from around the country were already lining up

over the summer of 2020 with new COVID safety protocols in place.

summer internship positions. The park's largest aviary construction

Slowly but surely, the sound of bird song once again mixed with shrieks

project to date was well underway and slated to open in early summer.

of excitement as children saw a flamingo for the first time, and laughter

Within the span of one week, everything changed.

Sylvan

Heights

Bird

Park

had

been

closely

as a parakeet landed on someone’s head. Even with restrictions and monitoring

precautions in place, it soon became evident that the nature trails and

recommendations from health authorities as COVID-19 crept closer to

aviaries at Sylvan Heights Bird Park were fulfilling that pandemic-fueled

eastern North Carolina. Staff scrambled to implement safety protocols

desire for families to safely spend time together outdoors, immersed

for park visitors, install hand sanitizing stations, and encourage social

in nature’s normal.

distancing measures. The extra effort lasted six days before a statewide stay-at-home order closed the park to the public on March 18, 2020.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Face coverings are required in the park, and guests

During the closure, the dedicated aviculture teams at the park and

are asked to kindly practice social distancing around other visitors

adjacent Avian Breeding Center continued to provide the birds with

outside their group. As COVID-related guidelines are subject to

expert care. And although the world around the birds had shifted

change frequently, guests are encouraged to check for the latest

drastically, they showed few signs of noticing. Without the usual bustle

updates at www.shwpark.com before visiting.

of school children, families, and photographers nearby, the birds carried

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at:

on with the breeding season as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

500 Sylvan Heights Park Way

Hawaiian Geese raised goslings in the North America aviary, flamingos built their nests in the mud, and elaborate courtship displays were performed enthusiastically. At the Avian Breeding Center, the

68

Scotland Neck, NC 27874 For more information, please visit the park’s website at www. shwpark.com or call 252-826-3186.

69

Ann Baird Caulkins honored through new

‘SECOND PEW SCHOLARSHIP’

story by KIM SHERMAN BAILEY photos CONTRIBUTED

T

he Ann Baird Caulkins Second Pew Scholarship has been established by retired Murfreesboro Baptist Church Pastor, the Rev. Tom Caulkins, to honor his wife’s legacy as a faithful, selfless cornerstone of the community.

This scholarship will aid deserving students pursuing a degree in

areas of preparation for a career in social work, or similar fields such as counseling or behavioral studies, which align with Ann Caulkins’ determination to complete her education, devotion to the Lord and His calling for her life, and her passion for social work and mental health awareness.

The couple has been partners in love and life since June 8, 1949.

Ann dropped out of Westhampton College, a division of the University of Richmond, to get married and support Tom while he completed a Master’s of Social Work from Richmond Professional Institute, a division of William and Mary, and then a Bachelor of Divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary.

While doing so, she never lost her passion for learning and maintained an unquenchable desire to complete her degree while raising two daughters, Charlene and Bonnie. Nineteen years later, she graduated from the then Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) with a BS in Sociology while being a full-time mother and pastor’s wife.

71

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

EPHESIANS 4:32 Although there was self-gratification in achieving her academic goals, Ann’s primary fulfillment came from knowing that she could better serve her family with a completed degree.

Her daily mantra was especially evident in her occupation as a social worker.

Ann recalls, “I always enjoyed going to work and meeting people.

“So much of my work history I did to educate Tom and then

I worked at mental health, and I felt like I made a difference and

Charlene and Bonnie,” shared Ann. “It was a joy to know that my

could be a good help. So many people had such difficult problems,

work was being beneficial to my family’s education. I think education

and I could listen and help them work through their problems. I

is so important. Anybody should get as much education as they can.”

always tried to treat everyone with kindness and include everyone.”

Tom Caulkins served as the pastor of four churches, including Murfreesboro Baptist Church from 1968-1993. In the early 1960s he served as a Chowan Trustee, and in the 1970’s he taught as an adjunct professor in the Religion Department.

The stories of Tom’s devotion to Christ and His people can be heard throughout congregations in Northeastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia, including the 11 churches where he served as interim pastor.

T

om was very much aware of the influence Ann had in the community.

He remembers, “When I’d go out and see people in the grocery store or on the street, any number of people

would ask me, ‘You’re Mr. Caulkins, aren’t you?’ and when I’d answer yes, they would tell me how nice and kind Ann had been to them.”

Ann’s gracious demeanor and sincere concern for others brightened

But when the Lord called Tom Caulkins to ministry, he called Ann

everyone around her. Even if she were physically absent, Ann made

as well. Through the years, Ann became wholly invested in serving

sure her comforting presence was felt through handwritten notes to

their congregations with ceaseless, daily kindnesses.

members of the church and community who were in the hospital,

Though Tom served God with a quiet, confident reverence, Ann

shut-in, bedridden, grieving or simply in need of encouragement.

appeared as a complementary foil to her husband’s demeanor as an

Charlene and Bonnie fondly recall their mother writing these notes of

energetic, charismatic soul who exuded positivity and radiated God’s

encouragement every Sunday afternoon after waking up from her brief

goodness. Ann was present at every church service, sitting faithfully

Sunday afternoon nap. They also remember sounds of their mother in

in the second pew so as not to miss a word of Tom’s sermon.

the kitchen fixing meals and baking goodies to take to various people.

Charlene and Bonnie vividly recall their mother’s attentiveness on

In every aspect of her life, Ann has made it her mission to

Sunday mornings, her concentrated brow and affirming nods silently

consistently serve her family, church, community and her Lord and

encouraging their pastor father. The sisters also fondly remember how her

Savior, Jesus Christ. Her admirable perseverance to complete her

playful, assertive nature made an appearance at Sunday lunch where she

degree in higher education for the simple desire to learn and grow

would give her candid review of the morning’s sermon and not hesitate to

is the essence Chowan hopes to capture in this new scholarship

point out any stray grammatical errors. Tom shared that Ann’s unwavering

established in Ann’s honor.

support from the second pew always made him preach better.

About Chowan University

As involved as Ann was with the church and tending to the

Chowan University, grounded in its Christian faith, has been

congregation, she seldom missed an event hosted by Chowan

transforming the lives of students of promise for over 170 years.

University. From academic lectures and conferences to plays and

A Christian liberal arts university founded in 1848, Chowan is

musical performances, the family calendar held them all. Ann saw

located in the Historic Inner Banks community of Murfreesboro in

Chowan as an extension of their ministry work at Murfreesboro

northeastern North Carolina. The university is in close proximity to

Baptist. Many Sundays, Ann invited students who attended the

the Outer Banks and Hampton Roads, Virginia. Chowan’s park-like

morning service to the family’s home for dinner. Ann was always

campus features more than 400 acres, including Lake Vann, the

delighted to have guests in her home.

beloved “Squirrel Park,” and the original McDowell Columns Hall,

I

erected in 1851 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

72

n every aspect of her life, Ann was dedicated to living out one of her most cherished Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32, which reads,

Kim Sherman Bailey is Assistant Vice President for Advancement

“32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each

and Director of University Relations and Communications, Chowan

other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

University.

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77

Sanford

ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP story by THADD WHITE

photos by THADD WHITE & SANFORD TDA Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church was the beginning

than I can remember – and my “brother from another

of my love for Sanford. It was the first place I visited,

mother” – Jimmy Solomon – showed me all the local

home to the first people I called friends and one of my

haunts.

very favorite places to be in Lee County.

In the 30-plus years since I first ventured from my college dorm room on the campus of Campbell University, Sanford has become a favorite place to visit – not only because of adopted family there, but because of the town itself.

My college mother – the late Joyce Cagle – and her beautiful family took me to more places for lunch

SAN-LEE PARK

Wherever you start your day, a good place to head

after breakfast is San-Lee Park, which is a 177-plus acre park located at 572 Pumping Station Road.

There are beautiful walking and hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, playground, picnic facilities and a chapel area.

The two stocked lakes offer good fishing for those interested in spending a quiet morning battling wits with fish and there are paddle boats available for rent on a seasonal basis.

The Nature Center is a particularly beautiful attraction and features forms of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds of prey. There is also information about the park available in the center.

78

Last week, I returned to Sanford on a “day trip” so I could share with you – our readers – some of the best places to visit while you’re in town.

For me, I have a tough time passing by Biscuitville if I’m in town, even though its a small chain restaurant.

Jimmy says local favorites include Mrs. Wengers, Angie’s Breakfast barn and Tramway Diner.

SHOPPING GEMS

Once you’ve spent an hour – or a few hours – working off some calories at

San-Lee Park there are a host of interesting places to purchase some unique items.

Our first stop was Vineland and Hickory, a unique place for someone looking for design ideas, handmade candles and interesting one-of-a-kind pieces.

Ivy and Todd Childers are the husband-and-wife team behind the beautifully crafted furniture and other items found at Vineland & Hickory. The couple is welcoming and allow customers to take time to really look around their store, which is located at 103 Carboton Road.

“With living in the beautiful state of North Carolina and being inspired by the community and craftsmanship in our area, we do what we love every single day,” the couple said. “We hope to share our passion for woodworking with you through our furniture and decor to help turn your house into a home you love.”

Those looking for a unique piece of furniture or décor shouldn’t skip Vineland & Hickory.

In addition to the lovely place on Carboton Road, there are a handful of places downtown one should take time to see including: ReDoux Home (200 South Steele Street), Southern Charm (218 Wicker Street), With Love Boutique (148 South Steele Street) and Sandra’s Bakery (225 Wicker Street).

BUBBA’S Once you’ve built up a good appetite from shopping the morning away, it would be a good time to stop off at Bubba’s – a locally owned pizza and sub shop located at 1932 South Horner Boulevard.

On my trip, I enjoyed a chicken parmesan sub with onion rings and some sweet tea that will make the most eastern of our readers feel at home. I’ve had the pizza before too and it’s a good as well. Bubba’s is a laid-back place to have a good lunch where service is quick and the food is excellent.

If you’re more in the mood for hot dogs, hamburgers and the like, I’d suggest a quick trip to Fairview Dairy Bar (in the same shopping center as Vineland & Hickory) where their specialities include corndog bites, breaded chicken fingers and a shrimp basket. You can’t go wrong at the Dairy Bar.

YARBOROUGH’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

Once you’ve had lunch you don’t want to skip Yarborough’s – although it is

also a good place to grab a quick bite. The homemade ice cream is second to none and the atmosphere is one you’ll enjoy and want to visit again and again.

This is one of those “must stops” on your trip to Sanford.

79

J.R. MOORE & SONS Once you’ve had a good lunch and some ice cream, you’ll need to stretch your legs and there’s an excellent place to do that just a stone throw from Sanford in nearby Gulf.

at J.R. Moore – and that covers only about a quarter of the store.

The friendly staff will be glad to show you around – whether you need to find a new Carhartt coat, some

There you’ll find J.R. Moore & Sons – a country store with a little bit of everything.

good hunting boots or a nice outfit for a newborn. I couldn’t resist and left with a nice J.R. Moore hat and an

As Jimmy and the friendly staff of the store let me

old glass bottle Pepsi.

know – if they don’t have it, you don’t need it. There

You might want to make some time for this stop,

are rows of hardware items, knives, t-shirts, hats, some

because if you have less than half an hour, you’ll never

yard sale type items and locally sourced meats for sale

see it all.

HUGGER MUGGER

Once you’re done in Gulf, it will be time to head back to Sanford

for a nice afternoon beer – and there are few places comparable to Hugger Mugger Brewing Company, which is on Wicker Street.

On the afternoon we went, we took a sample of a few different beers we might like. Jimmy and I both settled on “Hey, Buddy” and enjoyed the beer very much, but there should be something on the extensive menu for just about every taste.

All the beer is brewed on site, and the tap room is a former A&P Grocery Store which gives it a unique shape and tin ceiling that you won’t find many places.

Tim Emmert, one of the owners of Hugger Mugger, said the site includes the full brewery, the tap room and outdoor area complete with food trucks for those who want a good meal with their beer.

The trip to Hugger Mugger was a good one, and it’s a place that I’ll be heading back to visit on my next trip to Sanford.

Those who want to hit more than one brewing company can also drive over to Camelback Brewing on Spring Lane. We didn’t have time to head there on this trip, but plan to check it out next time we’re in town.

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DINNER & DINING While we were tired from a busy day and didn’t grab dinner, there are literally dozens of good options in town – whether someone prefers local fare or a national chain restaurant.

The Flame Steakhouse would be one of the places I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for a filling and good meal. Smoke and Barrel, Davison’s Steaks and San Felipe are also popular choices.

All-in-all, there is probably more to do in Sanford than you’ll accomplish in a day, but the good news is its close by and you can easily make it a day trip on several occasions.

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

81

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84

6 questions with

1 2

DICK & JUDY COLLIER

What is it about Northampton County that makes you want to

visitnorthamptonnc.com, the shooting complex located on Odom

work to promote it?

Road outside of Jackson in 2020, the boat ramp located on the

Natural resources and history which includes Lake Gaston,

Roanoke River, businesses and citizens.

Roanoke River is under construction.

5

What are some of the most beautiful natural features of

How long have you lived and worked in the county?

Northampton County?

Dick and Judy Collier moved to Northampton County from Glen Allen, Virginia upon retirement from Bell Atlantic

Northampton County is a beautiful county. Within our

county we have Lake Gaston, the Roanoke River with fresh water

(presently Verizon) in January, 1992. In 1995 they were instrumental in

fishing, which includes Rock fishing. In addition Northampton County

the organization of the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce.

is known for the beautiful farm land.

3

Center. This was accomplished in 2014 and is presently located

6

in downtown Jackson. In addition, we have a website, www.

Conway

What are some of the things the Chamber has accomplished of which you are most proud?

If a visitor comes to Northampton County what are three "can't miss" items for them?

One of the goals of the Chamber was to have a Visitor's

northamptonchamber .org.

There are several items within our Municipalities:

• Pocket Parks in Woodland and Jackson, Veterans Memorial in • Murals Located in Conway, Garysburg, Seaboard, Jackson, Rich

In 2007, the Chamber organized Cultural Arts Committee and

Square, Woodland

Tourism Development Authority in 2009 to bring Arts and Tourism to

• Roanoke River

our county.

• Boones Mill

We support all businesses in our county and surrounding counties.

• Northampton County Museum located in Jackson

We have a July 4th Celebration at the Cultural and Wellness Center that

• Visitors Center Located in Jackson

is supported by all of our municipalities, our county government and

• Lake Gaston

Tourism Development.

4

The shooting complex is a hugh addition to our county. It is visited not only by the citizens within our county but surrounding counties as

What are some of the things the TDA has accomplished of which you are most proud?

Development

of

the

well.

It is very hard to limit to 3 items because Northampton County has

TDA

website,

www.

a lot offer.

87

Grandma’s

Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

W

hen I was a young woman, I had

The fish were fried if they were smaller and

family who lived in Gloucester,

baked if they were large. Both were delicious

Virginia. They farmed in the warm

when taken from the water and cooked as soon

months. They kept crab pots and took them up every day.

as they were cleaned.

I loved farm living and spent as much time

In winter months they harvested from their

as I could there. Very little food was bought. A

oyster bed and fishing nets. I used to love to go

home garden provided vegetables and fruit for

when they did both. I loved watching as they

canning. Potatoes were dug and stored. Corn

took the oysters from the beds, which were in

was taken off the cob after it dried and carried

a creek.

to a mill for grinding. Pigs, ducks and chickens

I also loved going out on the fishing boat and

were grown for meat. Chickens also provided

help pull in the nets. We wore suits and boots

eggs. My family members hunted deer, squirrels

like the Gordon Fisherman only in a black suit.

and rabbits. Some were eaten and some frozen.

The rougher the weather, the better I enjoyed it.

Apple, peach and cherry trees provided more

The oysters were only taken when they were

fruit for canning.

going to be eaten immediately. It is surprising

The only money brought in came from crops

how much better the taste is when an oyster has

in the summer and most of the fish caught in

just been taken from the water.

the nets. Crab pots brought in more food and

There were several ways we ate them. Some

money. Oysters were never sold. They were

were eaten raw (not by me). Some were roasted

a luxury for family to enjoy and share. It was a

on top of tin (my favorite) and some were fried

peaceful, stress-free lifestyle.

or made into oyster stew.

I helped can, dig potatoes and crank the gizmo

Oysters were only harvested in months that

that took the corn off the cob. I walked the woods

contain an R. They were always a part of Christmas.

when they hunted, enjoying the peace and beauty

Mama made oyster stew for Christmas Eve. My

of the woods, but never carrying a gun. Being on

family in Gloucester had them as part of their

the farm has given me some of the best memories

Christmas Dinner, fried and raw.

of my life.

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

88

Oyster roast

et of t wood fire in it. Put a big she Dig a shallow pit. Make a ho ce shel of oysters on the tin. Pla tin over the fire and put a bu en. ters. They will steam and op damp burlap bags over the oys in as the shell pops open. Dip Remove from heat as soon te sauce. melted butter and your favori

Oyster Stew

• 1 quart of oysters in juice • 1 quart milk

• ¼ pound of butter or more (do not

substitute the butter) • 1 tb. Salt • Black pepper • oyster crackers

Melt butter in pot. Add milk and oysters.

Cook only until the edges of the oysters

Add salt and pepper

start to curl.

Baked fish

ually we covered the fish in This is not a set recipe. Us on. Often green and red bacon strips and sliced lem t is optional according to peppers were added but tha . your taste. Some add onion hour • Bake at 400 degrees for 1

89

GRACE AND TRUTH

Time is never wasted “If you don’t need me, I’m just sitting here

to stand when they have taken time with me.

But those sweet baby faces will grow up, and

dying.” I will never forget my grandaddy’s

Time with is never time wasted. People are

the kind wrinkled eyes will be gone before you

words that day. I had asked him to pick me

our greatest assets in this world. Their stories,

know it. There is nothing more important in

up to get my oil changed, and on the way, I

unlike any other thing in our universe, help,

your life than spending time with the people

apologized a dozen times. He said it was okay

heal and hold us.

who matter.

and that he was happy to help. I believe him

I have to remind myself all the time that

Influence in people’s lives will always

because that was the type of man he was. He

people matter more than my schedule or my

require time. Time over time is the only way

was the hardworking big-hearted type.

plans. People are what build you. People are

to make a substantial impact on anyone. I

A few days later, I was at their house eating

the only real thing you can build. If what you

know this to be true. My grandaddy may be

lunch, and I again apologized that I bothered

do doesn’t help people, what good are you

gone from this world, but the time we spent

him when I needed help. He corrected me. I

doing? The people in your life that made time

together will never leave me in who I am. And,

realize, now that he has passed, that I should

for you are the ones that formed your life.

now, I sit and talk about him with my Granny.

have “bothered” him more. I miss his laugh. I

I often have to remind myself to be

Time with her is never time wasted, and I

miss the way his hands spin the steering wheel

available to people because I have many

know that now because of grandaddy, but I

of his truck. I remember his old music that I

objectives I want to finish. Still, I remind

wish I’d learned it while he was here.

enjoyed because I could see the joy it brought

myself each time someone calls or asks for

Bother someone today. Go see them face to

to him. Today, I wish all three of my boys could

my time, “Time with is never time wasted.”

face. Go wave through a window. Make a video

take up his time, but his time is done.

Then I put aside my expectations in order to

phone call with someone you love, or you miss.

really see the person in front of me.

Touching people is never a waste. In fact, if you

As my life continues into middle age, I realize more and more how much time it has

Do you ever look up from your phone? Is

taken to build the person I am today. I am

the only social interaction you have through

so blessed to have had all the time with my

media? Are you ever able to sit and talk to

parents and grandparents that I’ve had.

stay present even when they don’t want you to, they will remember when you are absent.

those you love face to face and have a heart

The Rev. Emanuel Webb Hoggard is Pastor of

Mentors, with years of pain and difficulty,

to heart? I’m telling you there are endless days

Askewville Assembly of God and can be reached

guide me daily. Leaders give me the courage

to work. Work and toil will always be available.

via email at pastorwebb@hotmail.com.

90

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91

BIOGRAPHY

LESSONS LEARNED FROM MAMA & DADDY

92

Williams not one to shy away from working for a cause

story & photos by SARAH HODGES STALLS Willis Williams did not subscribe to Thomas Wolfe’s theory, “You Can’t Go Home Again.”

After life took him all over the country and Williams realized subways and earthquakes were not for him; he brought his family back to Jamesville.

Most of his childhood was spent between the area known as Barber’s Island and residing in the town of Jamesville, where he currently serves as a town commissioner and Mayor Pro-Tempore.

Williams, now 79 years young, was one of 10 siblings. Although their mother, Bernice Brooks Williams, was limited to a seventh grade education and their father, Charlie Frank Williams Sr., was held to a third grade education, it did not hamper

93

them from teaching their own children.

It may have been the life lessons taught through hard work - like setting out tobacco only in new ground - or those lessons which came from reading to the children from the Bible and praying with the family.

“They always taught us to love your neighbor – even your enemy,” Williams explained. “When we were growing up that wasn’t an easy thing to do, but it got through to us.”

The 10 children of sharecroppers learned early to work hard, pray harder and appreciate the rest of Sundays. And by the example of their parents, they learned to do what they believed to be right, even when it was not an easy task.

This would become a recurring theme through Williams’ life, beginning at an early age.

He was only 15 years old when one September day in 1957 changed his life forever.

Williams waited on the front porch of the family home, located in the secluded area of “the Islands,” for a friend of his brother to come by.

Joe Cross, who was also a student at North Carolina A&T, was to pick up one of the older Williams boys and give him a ride back to school. The younger Williams was sent out to hold the family dog.

Williams witnessed a cloud of dust forming as Cross’ car came down the road unusually fast and a car following behind. When Cross pulled into the family’s yard, a Martin County deputy pulled in behind him. Williams watched as Carr tried to head for the house when he was forced into the deputy car which left quickly.

No one in the Williams house knew what had happened until the next day, but Carr was dead.

The stories of what supposedly happened to Carr, as told by law enforcement, differed greatly from what Williams witnessed from the family porch.

His father took him to the district attorney where Williams told what he saw. Threats and intimidation would soon follow.

According to Williams, the minority

94

community even questioned whether or not it was worth it for the

us that the road out of poverty out of where you are, and leads to

young man to stand up.

school,” he said.

“My Dad believed you should do what is right,” Williams told the “Listening to History Project,” “If it’s right to do it, then you need to stand up and do it,” he explained.

The teen testified to the Grand Jury and the deputy involved was indicted. He submitted an affidavit at the trial, but was never called to testify. The deputy was acquitted by an all-white jury.

The death of Joseph Cross is considered one of the sparks that began the Civil Rights movement in Williamston.

From this event forward, Williams has never backed down from a challenge if he believed it was the right thing to do.

Like his nine siblings, Williams went on to college. He graduated from North Carolina A&T in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Then the military came calling.

It would be the education of his own children that called him to be a champion for learning, just as his parents had been.

During his own childhood, Williams had been subjected to the taunts of children buses came to pick up while he and his siblings walked or sometime waded out of the islands to meet their bus.

There would be no place for injustice and barriers to education when it came to his children.

After one of his sons suffered serious kidney problems as a child, Williams and his wife educated themselves.

Although their child had problems from the kidney issues, doctors in Chapel Hill told his parents he “needed to go to public school for socialization.”

“I went out and tried to get an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

“I did not choose the military, they chose me,” said Williams.

so he could go to school, they (Martin County Schools) wanted to send

It was during his Air Force service the became disabled.

him to a special school,” Williams said.

In 1970, Williams returned to Jamesville with wife, Delsey, who was also from Martin County, and their children. A third child would be born after they came home.

Education had always been stressed to the Williams children.

“They (Williams’ parents) were always very instrumental in teaching

His son’s concerns were all physical, nothing which would hinder his ability to learn.

“It took an act of Congress and two more,” he explained.

Williams knew he had developed the knowledge base to understand what his child should be eligible to receive. When there

95

was no response, Williams knew that was not acceptable.

“My Mama and my Daddy’s voice started kicking in ‘well if you can’t do it’,” he smiled.

Like his own father all those years ago,

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without fear or hesitation Williams continued on to do what he believed was right by his child. In the process, he likely helped countless children who would need similar services to remain in public school for years to come.

“We used the laws and got a lot of things changed,” said Williams. “The system got angry, but we had to do what was right.”

Out

of

that

fight,

Williams

later

successfully sued the Board of Education to get seven representatives to provide better representation of the county than the fivemember board of the day.

He also fought for change regarding the representation of county commissioners.

Seeing many local problems were the same at the state level, Williams took his fight outside the Martin County lines as one of the founding board member of the Justice Center in Raleigh.

“You’ve got to make systemic changes.

Reconciliation is hard because you can’t make

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people do. But you have got to have people acknowledge what they are doing is not right so you have to hold people accountable,” he added.

Fair housing, equal access to justice and economic development are just a few of the causes Williams has used his gifts and skills to help improve in North Carolina.

With the fearless nature of his parents, Williams doesn’t back down when he believes a wrongdoing is happening.

“When I see an injustice, I try to look at it and say what can we do to make this better?” he insisted.

Williams’ two runs for Martin County Commissioner were unsuccessful. But he did not let that deter him from serving.

He has made his much loved community of Jamesville a priority where he now serves in his eleventh term as town commissioner.

The Williams’ still reside in Jamesville, right along the Roanoke River.

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for The Enterprise and Eastern North Carolina Living.

96

ncfbins.com Belhaven 906 US Hwy 264E 252-943-6388 Chocowinity 101 Bernard Court 252-974-2440

Washington 601 Hackney Ave. 252-946-0169

MARKER TEXT

County: Hertford Marker ID: A-85 Original Date Cast: 2011-N

MARK IT! Title To Begin Here

ROBERT LEE VANN 1879-1940 African American editor, lawyer, and civil rights advocate. Led Pittsburgh Courier, 1910-1940. He was born 4 miles east.

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

R

obert Lee Vann, for thirty years among the nation’s most

prominent

black

journalists,

was

born

“somewhere on Old Dr. Mitchell’s Farm” outside of

what is now Ahoskie. On his World War I draft registration card, he reported his date of birth as August 29, 1879. Vann’s mother, Lucy, moved with him to Harrellsville when he was six.

Vann eventually was able to save enough money to attend Waters Training School in Winton, from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1901. From there he went to Wayland Academy in Richmond and Virginia Union University. In 1903 he received a scholarship to Western University of Pennsylvania where he completed college and law school and served as the first black editor of the student journal.

In 1910 Vann was counsel to the incorporation of the Pittsburgh Courier and, within a few months, had become the paper’s editor. While continuing his private law practice, he remained the paper’s editor, treasurer, and chief counsel until his death. By 1937 the Courier was the nation’s largest weekly newspaper for African Americans, distinguished by its coverage of Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia, Joe Louis’s boxing career, the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, and columns written by black leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey. Vann used the editorial pages to advocate for various social and political reforms.

Switching parties from Republican to Democratic, Vann briefly served as special assistant to the Attorney General during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. (He supported Wendell Wilkie in 1940.) Vann died at his home in Pittsburgh on Oct. 24, 1940, and is buried at Homewood Cemetery in that city. A Liberty ship, the Robert L. Vann, was launched in 1943.

U.S. 13 (Academy Street) at NC 561 (First Street) in Ahoskie REFERENCES “Robert Lee Vann,” obituary in Journal of Negro History (January 1941) Andrew Buni, Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier: Politics and Black Journalism (1974) Joseph R. Parker, ed., The Ahoskie Era of Hertford County, North Carolina (1939) William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, VI, 90-91—sketch by Charles W. Eagles

97

Parting shots Thadd White

It is an exciting time to be Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living.

who works as hard as anyone to get this

communities. There are tons of them, and

magazine done. Jim Green not only writes

these are only a good sampling.

Our publication – now 13 years into its

stories, but edits every picture you see in

This issue came about largely due to our

existence – is home to 14 eastern North

these pages – a time consuming labor of love.

friend Barney Conway, who is a champion of

Carolina counties, a host of wonderful people

Becky Wetherington did just an amazing

Williamston and Martin County. His efforts

job laying out the magazine, and taking our

led us to look at others who have been the

theme from front cover, to the final page.

same in their own communities.

and a staff that loves what we do.

Our number one reason for publishing this magazine is to share the stories of friends and

I can’t praise our writing team enough, be

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the

neighbors from Hyde County to Nash County

they our staff contributors – Sarah Hodges

wonderful champions who made me love this

and from Northampton County to Greene

Stalls, Deborah Griffin, William West and John

idea who have died and gone on – DuPont Davis

County.

Walker – or our contributing writers – Sandy

in Hertford County, Bob Spivey in Bertie County,

But, I’d be lying if I said we were anything

Carawan, Sarah Davis, Sylvia Hughes, Gene

Billy Hill in Murfreesboro, Elbert Ray Bryant in

less than honored by winning first place in

Motley, Lewis Hoggard, Mike Sweeney and

Askewville and Dow Jones in Washington County.

the N.C. Press Association Awards for niche

Todd Wetherington.

They are men of courage who never stopped

publications. In our Division (B), Eastern North

It goes without saying we couldn’t do this

Carolina Living was judged the best magazine

magazine at all with our advertising staff – Lou

We will be back in May when we take a

in the state. We are truly honored by that

Ann Van Landingham, Jessica Mobley and Kelly

look at sites in each of our 14 counties that are

designation.

Ayscue – or without the advertisers themselves

currently on the National Register of Historic

who invest in us each and every edition.

Places. History buffs will not want to miss it.

For those who are wondering, our

promoting the place they loved to call home.

submission that won was the multi-generation

Last, but certainly not least, we couldn’t

Until then, remember… all who wander

business issue – which still serves as one of

do this magazine without all of the people

are not lost. Continue joining us as we wander

our most sought-after editions. It was a great

who have been a part of it, whether by being

through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe, Gates,

deal of fun.

interviewed for a story, taking photos, giving

Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash,

Our magazine wouldn’t be here without

story ideas or simply picking it up and reading

Northampton, Tyrrell, Washington and Wilson

the steady influence and guidance of our

it six times a year. All of you deserve, and

counties.

publisher, Kyle Stephens. He is the guiding

receive, our humble thanks.

hand behind all we do.

Michelle Leicester is an unstoppable force,

98

In this edition, we hope you have enjoyed meeting just a few champions of our

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern Living Magazine and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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