Tyrrell County’s Country Magazine Published Quarterly Fall/Winter 2012-2013
‘this Oyster Season Fa la la la la la . . . Recipe on the back cover
Cover Photo by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
River Town Christmas ~ December 06-09, 2012 Celebrating this 13th annual event, River Town Christmas will take place in and around Columbia, NC from Thursday, December 6th to Sunday, December 9th. The weekend will be filled with tree lightings, baking contests, one-of-a-kind shopping with downtown merchants, holiday open houses and a bazaar in Columbia Theater. Plan your weekend with this old-fashioned holiday event. And don't forget, Santa will be arriving on Friday evening at the lighted boat parade and visiting in town on Saturday at the parade and for personal visits after the parade at the Columbia Theater! Kids of all ages, get your lists ready and Parents - Bring Your Camera for the Visits with Santa!
Photos are from the Town of Columbia website www.townofcolumbianc.com
Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
W
the
I
N
T
E
R
2
0
1
2
-
2
0
1
3
SCUPPERNONG gazette PUBLISHERS: INGRID AND NELI LEMME
z
Quote of the Month
z
“A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!” ~ Charles Dickens
DEAR READER
Oysters
On the way to the beach for the holidays? Pick up the finest Oysters you have ever tasted on the way to the Outer Banks! Willie sells Swan Quarter Oysters at Full Circle Crab Company 1366 US Highway 64 East, Columbia, NC (252) 796-9696
www.fullcircleseafood.com
nnn
Swan Quarter Castle house in Hyde County, NC is listed PRICED TO SELL! Minutes from the Ocracoke Ferry and just an hour from the Outer Banks this Victorian home is a must see in order to fully appreciate the word “restored to mint
Winter Issue 2012-2013
It is amazing how time is flying and soon we will be celebrating Christmas. Let’s hope that we’ll have a white one this year. But first of all we are looking forward to our 13th annual River Town Christmas home town event! Congratulations to the ‘Man of the Quarter’ our neighbor Dr. Allan Brickhouse, who was, to his surprise, presented with the ‘Distinguished Service Award’ at condition”. The detailed work and added features illustrate the planning that went into restoring this home inside and outside. This unique Victorian home features 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. Hardwood oak floors showcase the entrance way, living room, dining room and downstairs bedroom. New appliances have been installed in the kitchen,
the Scuppernong River Festival this year. Another surprise that I would like to share with you, something that my husband and I are happy about is, that my mother-in-law and co-publisher Ingrid Lemme decided recently to sell her house in Hyde County and move closer to us when she retires. Ya’ll find the listing of ‘The Castle’ in the back of this issue. Merry Christmas! ~ Love, Neli along with new cabinets, granite countertops and tile flooring. To incorporate the original motif of the home, exposed beams .... Please look for the extended listing in the back of this issue.
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
KID OF THE QUARTER KOLBIE SPRUILL
Kolbie's parents are David and Tiffany Spruill and she has a big brother named Jarrett. She was born on 10/26/2010 and had her first seizure on 11/23/2010. Kolbie was diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia, which is a condition where neurons do not fully develop in the brain and causes seizures. Kolbie is followed by Duke University for all of her neurological care and on March 16, 2012 she underwent a left hemispherectomy and craniotomy... and to this day we have NOT seen any Winter Issue 2012-2013
seizures, praise the Lord! ( Hemispherectomy is a very rare surgical procedure where one cerebral hemisphere (half of the brain) is removed or disabled. A craniotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain. Editor’s note - source Wikipedia)
Kolbie is definitely coming out of her shell...she loves to be the center of attention and if she sees anyone she loves to yell "hey" at them! She is doing great and we all look forward to the progress that she is going to make in the future! - by Tiffany Spruill
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
...On the Board Walk... Kid of the Quarter
Miss Kolbie Spruill, her parents are David and Tiffany Spruill and she has a big brother named Jarrett.
Couple of the Quarter
Delton and Gentry Roughton of Columbia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 6, 2012
Book of the Quarter
Hannah McGowan & David Cahoon, 9th grade Homecoming Court
Author Carole Rummage
visits Columbia Dec. 8th
Organization of the Quarter
Never Forgotten
Ms. Alma Edith Dillon Ralph. Ms. Alma passed away on March 9, 2012; two days after her 91st birthday.
Winter Issue 2012-2013
Teens of the Quarter
Dr. Allan Brickhouse Scuppernong River Festival Distinguished Service Award
“Refuge�
Lady of the Quarter
Ms. Marie Cutrell, please say hello to her at the Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center For The Sounds
Man of the Quarter
NC Big Sweep! Want to donate your car, boat, or other vehicle to NC Big Sweep?
Business of the Quarter
The Hair Dock! Owner & Hairstylist Cindee Weatherly. Walk-ins welcome!
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
HIDDEN TREASURES IN TYRRELL COUNTY BY JUDITH NELLIGAR Childhood memories stir my soul as did the sweet aroma of my grandmother’s freshly made apple turnovers frying in her cast iron skillet. Summers spent in Tyrrell County with my grandparents, Mountewell and Edith Twiddy Dillon, continue to incite my emotions and bring joy to my days. I can still feel the anticipation of my arrival as we drove from Norfolk County, Virginia down the Canal bank towards “Down Home”, Columbia, NC. It didn’t matter that I would be staying in a one room, clapboard house with no air conditioner and no indoor plumbing, and that my bed would be a mattress placed on the worn and sandy linoleum floor beside my grandparent’s bed. All seven of their children were born at home on that wrought bed which is a Winter Issue 2012-2013
treasured family heirloom. My excitement could hardly be contained. Are we there yet??? Are we there yet??? Granddad only went to town one time each week, so when I would arrive on his scheduled Saturday’s visit, I would jump into his car and together we would make the slow 35 mile
per hour trek. I loved how all of the men would gather at the front of McCleese’s Grocery Store to discuss family, politics, religion and the ups and downs of farming, all the while, challenging one another to a
game of checkers. Granddad would get his supplies and the cost would be placed in the debtor’s journal next to Mountewell’s name to be paid off when his crop was sold. On the way back to the farm, we would stop at the Farmer’s Exchange so I could choose a biddy of my own to play with and nurture during my week’s stay. I couldn’t wait! My week was filled with playing hide and seek in the corn fields with my cousins, constructing speed bumps on the dirt lane and hiding to watch as granddad drove over them, dressing the farm kittens in doll clothes, looking with wonder at the humming birds feeding on grandma’s petunias, being afraid of the bats that came out at dusk, gathering eggs and milking the cow with grandma, listening to Granddad’s, “Soo-ee, soo-ee” to call the hogs to slop, playing with paper dolls that were cut from a Sears catalogue, rummaging through grandma’s www.ScuppernongGazette.com
junk drawer and marveling at all of the treasures found, reading the Farmer’s Almanac, hoeing the peanut crop, watching grandma wring the chicken’s neck so she could make chicken and pie bread, and I could go on and on and on......
feat. I remember thinking it was a miracle for that to happen. I learned many things about plants, nature, people and
Granddad had a farmhand named Mills who taught me how to drive the mule cart. It was so fascinating that a “Gee” and a “Haw” would cause the mule to go left or right. I couldn’t wait to accompany grandma on her walk to Hilda and James Davenport’s home to get a jar of fresh honey with the honeycomb included. My how she loved honey on her steaming hot homemade buttermilk biscuits. When we returned, I would help grandma skim the cream off of the cow’s milk and churn it into butter. What an amazing Winter Issue 2012-2013
animals and most importantly, the love of a grandma and granddad. Towards the end of the day, Grandma and I would walk to Leroy’s beach on the Albemarle Sound to crab and swim. Of course, we couldn’t forget the Ivory soap so I could bathe in
the warm waters of the sound before we came home. When the sun began to set, it was time to eat the leftovers from our big noon feast, clean up in the wash basin filled with heated water from the outdoor pump, which of course, I loved to prime, and sleepily fall onto the makeshift bed to be soothed to sleep by the sound of Great grandma’s pendulum clock. Tick-tock, ticktock, tick tock ........ Darkness fell around us. The last thing I would remember before falling asleep was the sound of granddad removing his shoes and socks, kneeling down in front of his wooden chair and softly saying, “Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven..............” Amen
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
A good place to begin your adventure is the
Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center For The Sounds
which is right off the highway in Columbia, NC. The center is named for a North Carolina congressman who was instrumental in helping protect the area. The visitorfriendly center does an excellent job of putting the refuge into perspective before you venture forth, and one of the best ways to do that is down the Scuppernong River boardwalk that winds its way along the river.
Lady of the Quarter Ms. Marie Cutrell Walter B Jones, Sr. Center for The Sounds Winter Hours of Operation Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Through April, 2013 the Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center for the Sounds will be closed on Tuesdays for the fall and winter seasons. (Note: If you are visiting the facility on a Tuesday and would like to see the exhibits, please call 252.796.3008) http://www.partnershipforthesounds.org/WalterBJonesCenterforTheSounds.aspx Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photo by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
A PLACE TO VISIT! POCOSIN LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE A place that is as unique as its name, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge near Columbia, NC, offers visitors a chance to encounter several rare and endangered species. You’re probably asking yourself what is a pocosin? Pocosin is a Native American word that means “swamp on a hill.” Locally, you also may hear it called a dismal. Pocosins, which are unique to eastern North Carolina, are elevated areas formed when a layer of poorly drained organic soil is deposited on top of sandy soil. The increased moisture and nutrient content of the organic soil hosts plants, which in turn provide shelter for animals.
Columbia, NC. The center is named for a North Carolina congressman who was instrumental in helping protect the area. The visitor-friendly center does an excellent job of putting the refuge into perspective before you venture forth, and one of the best ways to do that is down the Scuppernong River boardwalk that winds its way along the river. Birds, animals and fish have long been the main attraction at the 110,000-acre refuge, bringing deer and duck hunters
and anglers for bass, crappie and catfish... “Go and see for yourself ” - NL Text credit VisitNC.com
A good place to begin your adventure is the Walter B. Jones, Sr. Center For The Sounds, which is right off the highway in Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photos by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Remember when You used to look forward all year to Trick or Treating on Halloween night? Strolling the charming streets of a friendly small town with candy galore and enough tasty treats and terrifying tricks to thrill both the young - and the young at heart! Historic Columbia, NC still hosts that unforgettably scary Halloween experience!
Winter Issue 2012-2013 Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photos by Neli Lemme Photo by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Man of the Quarter Dr. Allen Brickhouse Scuppernong River Festival Distinguished Service Award
Presented to Dr. Allen Brickhouse For outstanding leadership in public education, dedicated support of community improvement efforts and exemplary Christian discipleship contributing to the spiritual development of Tyrrell County
Presented October 13, 2012
Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photos by Ingrid Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
OH WOMAN, GREAT IS THY FAITH Alma Edith Twiddy Dillon was born on March 7, 1921 in Tyrrell County, NC. She was one of seven children born to Mountewell Bowen Dillon and Edith Missouri Twiddy Dillon. In a one room house, “Aunt” Victoria Hill, midwife, assisted in her birth.
all currently residing in Tyrrell County and Judith Nelligar, residing in Virginia Beach, VA. Each morning her children would awaken to the smells of fried eggs, bacon, cinnamon toast, coffee and the sounds of the radio broadcasting her favorite preacher giving his daily sermon. She spent her days, cleaning, cooking, praying,
Being the daughter of a farmer, she was expected to work on the farm weeding the crops by hand and also helping with household chores. She attended Columbia High School and graduated, Salutatorian of the class of 1939. After graduating from high school she moved to Elizabeth City, NC to care for her niece while her sister, Thelma Bunch worked. There she met William Clarence Ralph who was getting his shoes shined. He asked permission to walk her home and the rest is history. They married on March 2, 1940 in South Mills, NC and raised 5 children: Bobby Ralph, Wanda Cherry, Nan Hollie, and Steven Ralph, Winter Issue 2012-2013
preaching and mothering. She was self-less, always thinking of others. Attending church was the only activity performed outside the home. Religion and family was the only life she knew. Alma certainly took her, “Til Death Do Us Part” vows seriously. Those who knew and loved “Bud” Ralph, could
understand the difficulty of keeping that promise. Alma persevered, holding to her faith and continuing to make her house a home for her husband and five children. Alma never drove a car, never shopped in a grocery store, wore only clothes that were handed down to her, and spent her life caring for others. Whenever a family member was sick or bed ridden, they knew where to go. Alma cared for her father-in-law, mother-in-law, father, mother, and husband until their passing. All of the relatives for whom Alma provided care were very sick and were lucky to have had all of their needs met by someone as loving and compassionate as Alma Ralph. She began caring for her parents in 1971 and nursed them until their deaths. Additionally, she cared for her husband of 69 years until he passed away on January 12, 2009. For thirtyeight years, she denied self to make the days of others a little more pleasant. Alma consistently wrote cards and letters to everyone she knew, and some she didn’t know, www.ScuppernongGazette.com
including the President of the United States. She never hesitated to share the Gospel. Alma insisted on doing her own yard work and loved to drive her electric-start riding lawn mower. She prided herself in maintaining her independence. People came from far and wide for a piece of her fried chicken and a slice of her devil’s food cake with seven minute frosting. Alma was well-known for sometimes going overboard in
Winter Issue 2012-2013
sharing her religious views and quoting scripture to the point of sometimes offending others. It wasn’t her intent to offend, but to share her beliefs in the scripture and the love for her Christ.
Mom, we love you and know that you will keep the home fire burning until we meet again.
Alma resided in Tyrrell County, NC until she passed away on March 9, 2012; two days after her 91st birthday.
Photo below, left to right:
BY JUDITH NELLIGAR
Judy Nelligar, Alma Ralph, Steven Ralph, Nan Hollie, Bobby Ralph, Wanda Cherry
All of her children thank her for the gift of life and for the valuable lessons she taught.
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
COUPLE OF THE QUARTER DELTON AND GENTRY ROUGHTON Delton and Gentry Roughton of Columbia, NC celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 6, 2012 with their extended family and close friends sharing in the renewal of their wedding vows at the Soundside Community Building. Married October 6, 1962 Delton Roughton and Gentry (Copeland) Roughton made a commitment to love one another through good times and bad. Their love for one another withstood many hardships and much joy throughout their fifty years together, and this special bond grew. Their love grew stronger with each passing day, and soon they filled their home with four children: Melody, Joseph, Tabitha, and Isreal. Delton and Gentry established a close bond with their children, and taught them that the love and closeness of a family was important. Winter Issue 2012-2013
As their children grew up, they were blessed with six grandchildren: Lauren Beth, Isreal “Eric”, Jessica, Olivia, Dylan, and Samuel. Throughout the years, life had been going well for them until Delton became ill. Putting their strength and love for one another to the test, Delton became hospitalized with his heart in 2010. As he lay in the hospital, Gentry was right by his side day and night, never once leaving him. It is with this deep love and understanding of one another, that their marriage has been 50 years strong. If you ask them what is the “key” to a successful marriage, they will tell you it is allowing the love for
one another to grow as they grow, build on each other’s strengths, and work through the weaknesses together as one. Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary! Text and photos submitted by Tabitha Davenport
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Scuppernong River Festival October 2012 ~
Photos by Christy Maready Please click for more photos
Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Business of the Quarter
Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photo by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Organization of the Quarter
Sherry Robinson of Pocosin Lakes NWR, Columbia organized NC’s Big Sweep for Tyrrell County last October. After the ‘Big Sweep’, the team lead by Karen Estey, did an inventory of the trash they had collected. The form was then sent to the Ocean Conservancy. “Plastic bottles topped our list. We recycled all the metal and plastic items.” said Ms. Karen. Photo left to tight Ruthie Fauth, Jacob Fauth, Karen Estey and Layah Fauth www.ncbigsweep.org Winter Issue 2012-2013
Photo by Neli Lemme
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
BOOK OF THE QUARTER: “REFUGE” BY CAROLE RUMMAGE
“Hello lovely people of Columbia: I will be in Columbia on December 8th to sign copies of REFUGE, the book I wrote that takes place in your town. I would love to meet as many of you as possible, so come by Southern Dreams Art Gallery after the Christmas Parade! The book is written for young adults, but many of my more "mature" friends have enjoyed it as well. Here's the blurb from Amazon.com:
"Laney Lowell moved across the country to escape her past, not to fall in love. But when she becomes friends with Gabe, a handsome artist plagued by a mysterious disease, she'll have to decide between facing his dark truth or walking away from him forever. This thrilling romance is full of twists that
will keep you guessing to the last page." I look forward to seeing many of you in December.” Carole Rummage Order on Amazon
Swan Quarter Castle For Sale! Minutes from the Ocracoke Ferry and just an hour from NC’s Outer Banks, this Victorian home is a must see in order to fully appreciate the word “restored to mint condition”. The detailed work and added features illustrate the planning that went
$179,000
MLS# 76879 NEW LISTING
PRICED TO SELL
MUST SEE
installed in the kitchen, along with new cabinets, granite countertops and tile flooring. To incorporate the original motif of the home, exposed beams
into restoring this home inside and outside. This unique Victorian home features 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. Hardwood oak floors showcase the entrance way, living room, dining room and downstairs bedroom. New appliances have been
over a new ceiling were used as part of the interior design in the dining area, as well as beaded board in the bedrooms.
Quarter - Ocracoke Ferry. In addition, the Outer Banks is only a little more than an hour away. Excellent workmanship, beautiful views of the Swan Quarter Bay and sunsets, make this Victorian Home a unique find.
Listing Agent Linda Jones, Broker/Realtor linda@lakelandingrealty.com In proximity to this Hyde County, NC www.lakelandingrealty.com location are: the Pamlico Sound, (252) 925-8200 Intercoastal Waterway, several National Wildlife This house is located in Refuges, and only Swan Quarter, NC a ten minute walk to the Swan
Swan Quarter Castle For Sale!
Please contact the brokers at Lake Landing Realty for more information at (252) 925-8200 or Toll FREE: (866) 380-5253 www.lakelandingrealty.com/ lakelandingrealtylistings.htm linda@lakelandingrealty.com Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
SWAN QUARTER A FISHERMAN’S, HUNTERS, BOATERS AND LANDSCAPE PAINTER’S PARADISE The charming coastal village of Swan Quarter is easy to reach within a 45 minute ride from Columbia and an hour from the Outer Banks and located right on Swan Quarter Bay, an inlet off the Pamlico Sound and minutes from famous one-of-akind National Wildlife Refugees, such as Mattamuskeet and others. Among the many quaint, small, beautiful communities along North Carolina's Inner Banks coast, Swan Quarter (or Swanquarter) is said to be the friendliest. Take a moment to stroll along the village's well taken care of lanes, fields and farms, walk down to Swan Quarter harbor and you will discover that Swan Quarter is a real old-fashioned, maritime fishing village with crab, shrimp and fishing boats, huge piles of oyster shells, and the ever inspiring smell of the ocean. Fishing, oystering, crabbing, farming and arts & crafts have long been the main occupations of the friendly people of Swan Winter Issue 2012-2013
Quarter. Fishing is supplemented by farming the rich land around the town. Today the village sees many more visitors than in times past. Tourists pass through on their way to and from the OcracokeSwan Quarter ferry, located close by. Swan Quarter is a village where life is still the way it used to be, real, simple and at a slower pace. However the new modern Hyde County Court house and the old restored, historic courthouse which is now converted to an art center do bring more traffic and especially artists to the area. The ‘Swan Quarter Castle’ house is located within steps of both, as well as the Swan Quarter Volunteer Firehouse, the NEW Hyde Away Cafe, Pat’s Gas Station and others. For instance, Mark Hierholzer is an impressionist oil painter with studio locations in Richmond, Virginia and Swan Quarter who teaches art at the historic Hyde County art house. His own house is located just steps from
the ‘Swan Quarter Castle’ that is for sale. Mark hosts regular “paint-outs” in Swan Quarter for artists interested in plein air painting experiences. Click here to see what renowned artist Mark Hierholzer sees! A few years ago in 2008, an investor cleared acres of Swan Quarter Landing waterfront land for condominiums. That project didn’t get of the ground because of the real estate crash, but Boomer Advertising created this real estate video <<< to communicate the amenities and lifestyle of Swan Quarter. You may reach Swan Quarter, Hyde County by car within 45 minutes from the town of Columbia, Tyrrell County and within an hour from Manteo. NOTE, though the listing broker is Lake Landing Realty in Engelhard, Hyde County, this is a multiple listing MLS# 76879 and you may contact your own broker.
www.ScuppernongGazette.com
W
I
N
T
E
R
2
0
1
2
-
2
0
1
3
ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH FOR THE HOLIDAYS? Pick up the finest Oysters you have ever tasted on the way to the Outer Banks! WILLIE SELLS THE FAMOUS ‘SWAN QUARTER OYSTERS’ THAT ARE THE BEST! Full Circle Crab Company 1366 US Highway 64 East, Columbia, NC (252) 796-9696 www.fullcircleseafood.com
SCUPPERNONG gazette 437 Bridgepath Road Columbia, NC 27925 252-796-4513 NeliLemme@yahoo.com www.ScuppernongGazette.com
Recipe for the Baked Oysters on the Cover, by Dominic Lemme. Ingredients: 3 dozen freshly shucked Oysters (leave Juice). 1/2 lb. Swiss Cheese, cut into Squares. 1 tub Philadelphia Italian Herb & Cheese Cooking Cream, Garlic Salt, fresh Parsley, grated Parmesan.
To:
Shuck Oysters on the Half Shell and leave the Juice, if possible. Arrange on Cooking Sheet. Sprinkle each Oyster with Garlic Salt to taste. Add 1 teaspoon of Cooking Cream per Oyster. Cover with Swiss Cheese. Bake at 325 degrees until Cheese is bubbling, then broil until slightly brown. Remove from Oven and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese and Parsley. Winter Issue 2012-2013
www.ScuppernongGazette.com