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EDEN’S OW N JOURNAL JOURNAL
Featuring The R O C K I N G H A M Vol. 11, Num. 11
JULY 2010
County
Star
Local Information County Wide
D ISCOVERY O F N O RT H C AROLINA’S FIRST B ATTEAU A RTIFA C T
Have a safe and fun July 4th Celebration As Well as a Rockin’ Summer! City of Eden Puts In New Water Payment Drop Box Page 15
INDEX Local Farewells Events of Interest Jokes Church Events Benefits Classifieds Sports
2 6&7 24 7 27 28 31
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY STAR FEATURES Pages: 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18 20, 21, 22
On May 2, a nice spring Sunday afternoon, Jeff and Jo-Lynn Overby were fishing on the Dan River near the Draper section of Eden. Jeff cast his line and snagged what appeared to be a muddy stick. His wife, JoLynn, noticed that it had a peculiar end and kept it in the boat. That evening, the Overbys removed the mud to reveal a fourfoot-long wooden shaft tipped with a metal point. Suspecting that the artifact might have some relationship to the historic batteaux, Jeff called the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA). Mark Bishopric of Three Rivers Outfitters, which owns and once operated the batteau replica, invited Jeff to bring the artifact to DRBA. At first sight, Mark said, “I think this is part of a batteau pole.” Poles were used by the boatmen to propel the heavy craft on the river. Historian Dr. Lindley Butler, who has been studying batteau navigation for
decades, confirmed the identification. He commented, “The last known batteau on the upper Dan River This rare section of a batteau pole, found near Eden by a local couple, Jeff and Jo-Lynn was around 1900, Overby, will eventually be displayed at the so that pole has Eden Historical Museum. been waiting in the river at least 110 a permanent batteau exhibit and years, and probably longer, for some- Museum Director Melissa Whitten one to find it. The Overbys were the and Curator Julie Ganis are excited lucky ones.” about eventually housing this artifact. Butler further commented, “I have Whitten said, “This important piece been looking for an artifact related to of Eden’s history will help to tell the the batteaux for 35 years. This pole story of the founding of the town of fragment is the first one ever discov- Leaksville in 1797 as a batteau port. ered in North Carolina, and I am Visitors to the museum will gain an delighted that the Overbys found it in enhanced understanding of the batour home town.” teaux trade to the development of our Clearly understanding the historical town.” importance of the pole, Jeff Overby Ganis added, “We are thrilled to be said, “I want it to stay here and be the repository for an artifact with not seen by the people who live here.” only local significance, but regional The timing could not have been better. The Eden Historical Museum has Continued on page 3
TYPE O
N E G ATIVE B L O O D LEVELS D R O P TO CRITICALLY L O W LEVELS Red Cross urging donors to give blood during critical time The supply of type O negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critically low levels. Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Type O negative donors are needed to help prevent the fragile type O negative blood supply from reaching a crisis level. “While all blood types are need-
ed during the critical summer months, we urge those eligible donors with O negative blood type to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer,” says Joyce H. Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “You can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a summer shortage.” Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The
H O L L A N D SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED AT RCC
Retired Rockingham Community College library assistant, Betty Holland of Reidsville, has established the Betty P. and William G. Holland Scholarship through the RCC Foundation. As a library assistant for over 36 years, Holland worked closely with students and saw first-hand what access to education beyond high school could do for an individual. Throughout her 42 years of marriage, she also understood and appreciated her husband’s generous nature. The couple was known to quietly help those who were in financial need. That generosity of spirit and belief in the power of education were cornerstones in the establishment of a scholarship to benefit RCC students. “I see this scholarship as a way to continue my and my late husband’s care and concern for others,” said Holland. The Holland Scholarship will be awarded to students who graduate from a Rockingham County high school, demonstrate financial need, have a 3.0 grade point average, and are enrolled in a health sciences program at RCC. Scholarships are renewable if the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade point average and makes satisfactory academic progress. To apply for the scholarship, contact the RCC Student Financial Aid Office. Gifts made to the scholarship are accepted through the RCC Foundation Office. For more information contact the RCC Foundation at 342-4261, Ext. 2201.
Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate. For more information contact the Rockingham County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 336-3493434 or redcrossnet.org or American Red Cross, Reidsville.
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