EASTERN
LIVING N O RT H
C A R O L I N A
Stories of indelible impressions that will be engraved in our communities forever
ATTHEW Matthew Sessoms Thank You Eastern North Carolina! - Matthew
ESSOMS
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3
LET’S EXPLORE.
WE COVER THE PLACES YOU KNOW & LOVE AND THE PLACES YOU SHOULD GO & LOVE!
o rt f u a e B
Gates
Hyde
Halifax
PG. 12
PG. 10
on N o r t h a m p t PG.38 4
B e rt i e
PG. 30
6 PG. 2
H e rt f o r d
PG. 20
M a rt i n
Tyrrell
Edgecomb
PG. 34
PG. 14
Nash
e PG. 46
PG.16
PG. 42
Washingto
n PG. 6
FEATURES
ON THE C OV E R
EASTERN
LIVING N O RT H
52. LORDS PROPRIETORS
C A R O L I N A
58.NEW HOLLAND,
HIGGINSPORT, & MT. VERNON RAILROAD
Naming the New World
Stories of indelible impressions that will be engraved in our communities forever
62.
66. OUT & ABOUT
JOHN WHEELER HOUSE
A sample of places named for historic figures throughout the 12 county region. Design by Becky Wetherington
Events happening in and around the 12 counties
‘If these walls could talk...’
VOL. 11, NO. 6 NOVEMBER 2019 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
74. VIEWS FROM OUR 12
78. ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP
Battle Park in Rocky Mount, NC
Bacon’s Castle in Surry, VA
Publisher
Staff
Kyle Stephens
Gene Metrick
kstephens@ncweeklies.com
gmetrick@rmtelegram.com
Editor Thadd White twhite@ncweeklies.com
Sarah Hodges Stalls shstalls@ncweeklies.com Leslie Beachboard lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com Amelia Harper lharper@rmtelegram.com
84. SIX QUESTIONS
86. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
Christmas chat with Jada Richardson
It’s all about the sweets!
Creative Services Director
Deborah Griffin
Michelle Leicester
dgriffin@ncweeklies.com
mleicester@ncweeklies.com Editorial Contributors Layout & Design Becky Wetherington beckyweth@gmail.com
#.
Corrine Luthy Sandy Carawan Doward Jones Jr. Sylvia Hughes Sarah Davis
90. BIOGRAPHY
Mitch St. Clair keeps moving forward and giving back
94. REEL STORIES
Mike Sweeney talks kayak fishing in the Albemarle
Copy & Photo Editor
Janice Cole Hopkins
Jim Green
Mike Sweeney
jgreen@ncweeklies.com Advertising Executives
Jessica Mobley jmobley@ncweeklies.com
96.
MARK IT!
Alan Campbell
Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com
The history of William Blount
Sarah Louya Lewis C. Forrest
Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983
Lewis Smith
252-794-3185
lsmith@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, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.
5
WASHINGTON
county
Ralph G. Plumblee Park Fitting tribute to soft-spoken man Story & Photos by Deborah Griffin A peaceful, shaded park at the piney woods entrance of the Riverside Plantations residential area bears the namesake of Ralph Plumblee, who once made his home in this sprawling Washington County neighborhood, not far from the banks of the Roanoke River. The quiet town park is a fitting tribute to the soft-spoken man, who was, at the same time, as tenacious as the deeply rooted pines towering over the playground area and scattered picnic tables. Plumblee, who died in 2011 at the age of 90, spent his life advocating to make his adopted home a better place to live. His legacy of bringing both structural and social changes to Plymouth would touch the lives of every single resident, and generations to come. Originally from Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina, Plumblee was born in 1920. One of seven children, he grew up on a small farm during the Great Depression. “There was always hard work to be done,” his oldest son Steve, remembers his father telling him. “I suspect growing up this way helped make him the successful person he was.” His father once told him, one year the total income from the family farm was only $17. “They had to exist on that through the winter until they could plant the next year’s crop,” he added. “But they always had plenty of food because they ate what they grew on the farm.” Steve was only 6, and his brother Terry, 3, when Ralph moved his family to Plymouth in 1961.
6
Their father had been transferred to Plymouth as manager for Georgia-Pacific sawmill, which Plumblee ran until 1977, upon retirement. (The company has since closed its Plymouth operations.) “He had the idea that he wanted to be one of the best mill managers Georgia-Pacific had ever had,” said Steve. “He was there everyday at 5 a.m. and worked until 6 p.m., and a half day on Saturdays. We seldom took vacations.” According to an old newspaper article, Ralph was successful in making the mill one of the most profitable in Georgia-Pacific's southern division. As his family was settling in, Ralph began to notice gaping needs in the town. He was determined to improve the direction of the town, with changes that would last beyond his lifetime. “My father was a very purpose-driven man and he worked hard at everything he did,” said Steve. First on the agenda was the living conditions of a low rent district directly across from Plymouth High School. Known as “White City” - a group of dilapidated houses, or “tar-paper shacks,” without the convenience of indoor plumbing were lined up right across the street from the town’s high school. Lifelong resident Beth Price, who grew up next door to the Plumblees, remembers the area having multiple “tenement houses” and dirt roads. And it smelled. Not only were they an eyesore, living conditions were deplorable. “Mr. Plumblee knew it was just wrong,” said Price. “He was adamant
about improving low-rent housing. I believe it was because of Christian love for his fellow man.” Steve remembers his father saying, “I’ve either got to get this fixed, or I need to get my family out of here. I can’t raise my family in a place that would allow these kinds of living conditions.” Not the type to simply talk about what he wished somebody else would do, Ralph got busy. He obtained the necessary funding to rebuild over 100 housing units in the development, now named in his honor, Plumblee Court. “That was over 50 years ago,” said Steve. “It is still in good condition.” Price said the project wasn’t easy. They had to repossess the land, among other things. “He was a true humanitarian,” said Price. He next focused on bringing a new hospital to the area. The old one had fallen into disrepair. He helped secure a successful bond referendum that led to the construction of Washington County Hospital, now located on U.S. 64. A great negotiator, Plumblee was articulate and didn’t mince words, Price said. He did whatever it took to get things he envisioned for Plymouth. He rubbed elbows with politicians, spoke to lawmakers on the town’s behalf, and finessed those he butted heads with, Price said. Under his leadership, the city-wide water and sewer system, as well as the countywide water system were
established, a new elementary school was built, the Plymouth Municipal Airport was revamped and Washington County Industrial Park was established. Several retail areas were built along U.S. 64, thanks to his industry recruiting skills. He was also instrumental in the construction of the 120-bed nursing home in town. Now Roanoke Landing and Rehabilitation Center, the home was previously named in his honor. Coincidentally, it was where he spent his last days, leading up to the end of his life. Plumblee also helped established the 40bed assisted living center in Roper. “He worked long and hard to bring business and industry to Washington County,” said Steve. “He saw what was needed and used his time and skills to get things accomplished.” Price said she has fond memories of Plumblee as a “stand up kind of guy,” she said. “He was the epitome of a southern gentleman.” Plumblee was honored with multiple awards – too many to list - for his efforts. A park behind town hall, complete with gazebo, is also named in his honor. Price said Plumblee was like a soft-spoken bulldog. “When saw a problem, he said, ‘Let’s go.
There is always a better way to do things. There is nothing you can’t do if you have the will and the people,’” she said. As a young man, Plumblee was drafted into the United States Army soon after high school graduation, where he served in France, Italy and Germany. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became a technical sergeant. He earned three bronze stars, (given for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement or meritorious service in a combat zone.) Though not a Washington County native, he grew to love the place, said Steve. A Roanoke Beacon newspaper article
[Plumblee’s] legacy of bringing both structural and social changes to Plymouth would touch the lives of every single resident, and generations to come.
quoted him upon his retirement, “I don’t see why everybody in the world doesn’t want to live in Washington County.” Steve said he never heard his father mention moving back to Traveler’s Rest, even though his and his wife’s families lived there. Steve’s mother, Francis, whom Plumblee married in 1949, predeceased Ralph in 1995. Steve said his father was a member of Roper Baptist Church until the day he died. “Going to church was an important part of his life,” he said. In spite of all he accomplished, Plumblee always acknowledged the work never done alone. A 1998 article concerning Roper Baptist Church celebrating “Ralph Plumblee Day,” on August 20, a man named Tim Griffin was quoted. “Ralph doesn’t want any recognition,” he said. “He grew up during the depression and understands tough times and simply wants to give back some of the blessings he has received.” “We need more like him,” added Price. Deborah Griffin is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, and a Staff Photographer for The Daily Reflector in Greenville.
7
S
ince early 2017, Bertie County, the Town of Windsor, and our
partners with NCLOW have been working together to solve the problems facing our local communities that reside near the Cashie River. With initial funding provided by the Golden Leaf Foundation, we took the first steps to do just that. Local leaders have since come together on many occasions to hear the latest findings from Dr. Stanley Riggs, and his team. To find out more information, please visit our website: http://www. co.bertie.nc.us/projects/2019/ tgow/tgow.html. All reports, presentations, and available videos are posted online.
8
Navigating Our World Class Waterways
9
HYDE
county The Irvin Garrish Highway
Photo courtesy of Ocracoke Preservation Society
The Heartbeat of Ocracoke Island N.C. 12 in Ocracoke, with a width varying
Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan
man, Irvin Garrish.
around 16 or 17 years of age) left Ocracoke to
from three miles to less than a half-mile and
Irvin Scott Garrish was born April 20, 1916
work up north on dredges and tugboats on
bound between the Pamlico Sound and the
in Raleigh, the son of Captain Myron Arrington
the Delaware River. Initially, they worked with
Atlantic Ocean, stretches 16 miles from the
Garrish and Agnes Irvin Scott. Irvin’s father was
the American Dredging company of Camden,
sandy northern end of the island where the
born in Ocracoke in 1888, while his mother
New Jersey, but soon they began joining
Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry lands to the southern
was born in Kirkwood, Georgia in 1898.
crews on vessels of the U.S. Army Corps of
end, where the Ocracoke-Cedar Island and
Irvin descended from a line of men whose
Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferries dock and
livelihoods were not only anchored to working
Similarly, Irvin’s father, Myron, served in
depart at Silver Lake.
on the water, but men who also sought work
the U. S. Navy in which he worked as a coal
away from Ocracoke Island.
passer on the USS West Virginia. He also lived
The highway - the Irvin Garrish Highway is the heartbeat of the island where the pulse
According
to
local
Ocracoke
Engineers.”
Island
in Wilmington, Delaware working as a pilot for
of the people beats steady throughout the
historian, Phillip Howard, in his online blog
steam vessels for the Wilson Line at the 4th
seasons.
entry entitled “Philadelphia” from Ocracoke
Street Wharf.
Tourists know the highway for it being
Island Journal written January 24, 2017: “From
Then, while working in Galveston, Texas,
the main line that leads to numerous family-
the late 1800s through the middle of the
in which he commanded a boat for the U. S.
friendly tourist opportunities ranging from
20th century most young men (usually at
government, his wife, Agnes, died in a hospital
entertainment and eateries to offshore fishing and finding seashells, recreation and retail shopping to seafood markets and sightseeing. However, branching from this highway the sandy-paved side streets and lanes lying beneath the shade of cedars, live oaks, and wax myrtles lead to where the island’s lifeblood lives, many whose families have lived on the island since its first inhabitants arrived more than a few hundred years ago and many native islanders who remember the
10
During [Irvin’s] lifetime, he not only led visitors to learn more about Ocracoke Island and its history, but led his community with his work as a commissioner to better improve the quality of life on the island for all.
there in August 1919. Before his death in 1929, Myron worked as a seaman in Norfolk, Virginia. After Irvin’s mother’s death, he went to live with his grandparents, Simon and Sarah E. (Howard) Garrish. Irvin’s grandfather, in his mid-50’s, was employed with the U. S. Coast Guard but as a younger man he had worked as a surfman for the Life Saving Service. As a young man, Irvin broke away from the boundaries of sea and sky to leave behind, for a short while, the isolation of Ocracoke Island,
but continued to work and still be bound by
interests that protected and promoted
end with just landing mats for the first year.
sea and sky in larger cities. At one point he
Ocracoke Island.
It was just one lane of landing mats and then
worked in the large and populous cities of
According to Phillip Howard, “Irvin ran
about every half-mile there was a pull-out,
Wilmington, Delaware as well as Norfolk,
a trolley stop and drove the trolley around
so if two cars were coming from opposite
Virginia, not only for the U. S. Army Corps
telling people about the island’s history.
directions, whoever got to one of those pull-
of Engineers but also the U. S. Coast Guard
Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he
outs would pull off to the side and let the
during different years.
would actually get in the car with people and
other car pass. Then they paved the road the
they would drive around and he’d give them
next year.”
From 1935-1936, Irvin journeyed inland and worked in Raleigh as a gas station
Howard says that Irvin was instrumental
histories of the island.”
attendant and a taxi cab driver. Then, in 1938,
Soon thereafter Irvin became interested
in seeing that N.C. 12 was maintained and
he married Elsie Ballance of Ocracoke, and
in local politics and became Ocracoke’s first
repaired so that its use was safe for all people.
together they would become the parents of
elected commissioner to the Hyde County
daughters Agnes and Martha.
Board of Commissioners.
During his lifetime, he not only led visitors to learn more about Ocracoke Island and its
In 1941, while residing in Nassawadox,
As a commissioner, he was a strong
history, but led his community with his work
Virginia, he was employed by the Virginia
advocate for improving Ocracoke in different
as a commissioner to better improve the
Ferry Corporation.
ways, but especially the island’s roads.
quality of life on the island for all.
But like many men before him, Irvin
According to Howard, the island’s first
Now, the highway bears his name, too,
returned to Ocracoke Island to continue his
paved roads were paved by the U. S. Navy
and carries thousands to and from the island
life.
during World War II. He adds that in the mid-
every week, for a majority of the year, where memories are made in many different ways.
Shortly thereafter, he worked for the North
1950s other roads in the village were being
Carolina Ferry Division as a ferry captain for
paved over and the road leading to Hatteras,
Hyde County from which he retired in the
what is now N.C. 12, was paved in 1957.
1960s. After his retirement, he pursued many
He says, “Most of the road was paved from the village to about three miles at the north
Sandy Carawan is an English Language Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College High School in Swan Quarter and a regular contributor to Eastern Living Magazine.
Photo courtesy of Connie Leinbach / Ocracoke Observer
11
GATES
county
T.S. Cooper
Elementary School Longtime educator left lasting mark in Gates County Story & Photos by Jim Green
T.S. Cooper was an important figure in education in Gates County for more than four decades. His impact and legacy – first as a teacher, then as a principal – on the black community was immeasurable. When Cooper resigned as principal of Gates Training School at the end of the 1947-48 school year after approximately 40 years of service, it was that class who honored him by urging that the school be renamed T.S. Cooper School. The school board agreed, and the school has stood in Sunbury as K-5 elementary school for several decades. Cooper’s son, Russell S. Cooper, succeeded his father as principal until 1951. Liney Briggs, 90, was a student in the midto late 1940s during Cooper’s time as principal. Before her, she had an older brother and sisters who were students there. “Everybody we knew talked about him,” Briggs said. “He was a no-foolishness man. They all thought he was good and super, and he was cordial to all of us.” Briggs described Cooper as a polite but firm disciplinarian. “If children were acting up a bit, once they saw Mr. Cooper, they would straighten up,” she said. “If he saw you doing anything wrong, he
12
would speak to you, wouldn’t hesitate to do so. He was very firm but very nice. You loved him and weren’t afraid of him, but you wouldn’t act up in front of him, that’s for sure.” Cooper had the respect of the parents as well. “My parents were no-nonsense parents, and Mr. Cooper was a no-nonsense man. For them to send their children to someone like him, are you kidding? They were happy,” she said.
His impact and legacy – first as a teacher, then as a principal – on the black community was immeasurable. Briggs continued, “I can’t think of a parent or anyone during my time in high school or later who didn’t respect him and talk about what he did for the black kids in this community.” After Cooper retired, he taught in the Gates County agricultural program for veterans. He was the first African American on the Board of Trustees at Elizabeth City State Teachers College, and he also served as president of the
Elizabeth City State Alumni Association. He passed away on March 25, 1970. Thomas Settle Cooper was born Sept. 23, 1876 in Windsor. He graduated from Elizabeth City State Colored Normal School (later renamed Elizabeth City State University) and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Virginia Union University, a bachelor of science from Hampton Institute and a masters from Columbia University. From 1903-07, Cooper supervised principals of Elizabeth City Colored Schools and was a leader in Local Educational Congress Organization. He sought to keep African American youth in school and away from a life of crime. He married in 1904 and had two sons, Russell and Henry. In 1912, he helped establish an Industrial School in Sunbury. In 1919, Cooper was appointed principal of Gates County Training School. Under his leadership, the school became an accredited high school, and was the first high school for African Americans in Gates County. Cooper, along with the Gates County School Building Committee, worked to raise matching funds to qualify for Rosenwald Funds. Eight years later (1927-28), a new school was built with Rosenwald Funds – the last Rosenwald School built in Gates County.
(Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist, had given an endowment fund through the North Carolina State Board of Education, stipulating black citizens raise their own funds to match the amount given to the endowment fund). Cooper was recommended to the Gates County Board of Education to become principal of the school in 1907. When Cooper came to Gates Institute as a teacher, there were four other black schools in Gates County. He realized the importance of having a better school and requsted the schools be consolidated. The school board granted his request. He served as principal of Gates Institute until he was called to work in a U.S. Governmentrelated service during World War I. His wife, Roberta, served as principal until he returned. When he resumed his role as principal after WW I, Cooper also taught mathematics for a number of years. As the school grew in numbers, his attention became engaged in administrative tasks and he dropped teaching. During his tenure, the name of school was changed three times: from
Gates Institute it became Gates County Training School, then Gates Training School, and then finally to T.S. Cooper upon his retirement. The first brick building was completed in 1928, after Cooper had been instrumental in raising money to match Rosenwald Funds for the construction of a new school building. The building was dedicated on Feb. 5, 1928. In 1930, the school was given an A-2 rating and graduated its first class of five students. The second brick building was constructed in 1935, which gave the school three buildings – one for elementary school, one for high school and one as an agriculture building. The agriculture building was destroyed by fire, but reconstructed in the late 1940s by veterans under the supervision of Cooper and ag teacher Claude M. Sawyer. Since no buses were available to transport black students across the county to Gates Training School in the early 1930s, many students (mainly girls) paid for board and lodging and stayed in private homes in Sunbury. Boys stayed in a dormitory housed in the upstairs of the
Ag building. The first state school buses became available in 1938. In 1956, the original school building was destroyed by fire; however, school continued as usual with the use of community churches and the new section, which did not burn. Central High School (which is now Gates County High School) opened its doors for the first time in August 1958. It was at this time T.S. Cooper High School became an elementary school. Briggs said Cooper’s impact and legacy on the black community in Gates County was palpable. “All of the people I know said he was very well respected and they wanted to send their children to him,” she said. “He was very good with discipline …They knew if their children acted up, he wouldn’t take it, like they wouldn’t take it. I never heard anything bad about him.” [Special thanks to Marva Bond, Cathy Riddick and Linda Hofler who contributed to this story.] Jim Green is Copy Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and serves as Sports Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald,
the
Bertie
Ledger-Advance and The Standard.
13
MARTIN
county
Sheriff Jerry Beach Bridge
Much More Than a Badge Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls
On
Aug.
11,
2010,
Martin
County
"It was awful," his wife explained.
Commissioners adopted a resolution to
The Beach's only child, Jennifer Beach
request the North Carolina Department of
Megill, remembered the day by explaining,
Transportation dedicate the U.S. Highway
"The community mourned with us."
64 Bridge that passes over U.S. Highway 17.
There is so much more to celebrate and
The reason for the request was not about the
remember about the man behind badge
events of one day, but about one man and
No. 528 than a day of tragedy.
his decades of service to the place he called home. October 12, 1992 was a dark day in Martin County. A wife lost her beloved husband, a daughter lost her Daddy and an entire county lost their chief law enforcement officer and friend. Sheriff Jerry Vernon Beach, 57, was attempting to negotiate a hostage situation at a bank in Oak City when he was shot. "I still didn't know how bad it was when I got to the hospital," Sandra Beach said of the day.
"Very
family-oriented
from
the
beginning," explained his daughter. "He loved his siblings very much." Megill shared a story of how he helped his sister win a beauty pageant. "He worked hard to earn money to buy his is sister a beauty mark she wanted," to wear entering the pageant. Thanks to her
[Beach’s] confident persona in the community, according to his loved ones, came from his belief in what he was doing.
big brother, she got it. And she won the pageant. The only thing Durand and Fessie Beach's son ever wanted to be was a law enforcement officer. Without his chosen profession, he may have never met his best girl, Sandra Modlin. "Deputies worked the marches that went on in town during the 1960's," she said. "I was in with a couple of folks and they asked did I know Jerry Beach."
The veteran educator was notified at
Today, his wife and daughter choose
her school and immediately headed to be
to remember the family man, doting Dad
with her husband.
and avid fisherman who loved his chosen
"He's right there," her friend told her.
profession.
The group stopped Beach and asked
Anticipating a substitute teacher would be needed for her students, she sat writing
"Everyone has a story of loss," said
lesson plans on brown paper towels from
Megill. "But not everyone has the story of
the rest room while she waited for news.
a great man that we get to tell."
That news would be their worst fears realized. He would not survive.
14
Born Sept. 21, 1935, Jerry Beach was a native of Everetts in Martin County.
He was working the area as this was asked.
when he was getting off work and his response was, "right now." And that's where the love story began. Months later in 1963, they became Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Beach.
busy in the classroom, so her father handled it. "Daddy sent a squad car to come get me," she laughed. "Put me in the back seat and everything." Sandra Beach smiled when recalling a little-known fact about her late husband. Marrying a law enforcement officer and his unpredictable schedule was not a great shock for Sandra.
Her daughter flipped her head around
The daughter of a police officer said, "You get used to it." the lawman quickly converted to Daddy. And he enjoyed every minute. "He was a very involved Dad," Megill said. "When I was little he would get down in the floor and play like one of the kids." She said he would "import all kinds of children day or night," so she had playmates - and he did not have to play Barbies. "He treated anyone that came in our house like family," she recalled. childhood
memories
outside their home may differ a bit from most children. As a sixth grader, she was sick at school one day and
wanted
come
home.
Mom was a
to
quickly, "Shy?" she asked. Sandra laughed, "By the time you came
When daughter Jennifer came along,
Megill's
"Believe it or not, he was shy," she explained.
along he was getting better."
His happiest place outside the family home may have been wherever fish were
His confident persona in the community,
biting. Beach had an array of fishing
according to his loved ones, came from his
partners who loved the sport equally as
belief in what he was doing.
much.
"It was what he'd always wanted to
Today, there is a hole that can never be
do," Sandra said. "There was never any
filled in the Beach family. However, Sandra
question."
and Jennifer take great comfort from the
Jennifer believes it was harder for her lawman father to have a daughter than it was for her to have a Daddy in the
countless "Jerry Beach stories" people continue to share with them. After years in law enforcement, Beach was elected county coroner on Nov. 4,
profession. "I understand now, he was having
1982 and then again Nov. 6, 1986, serving
to make notifications to parents
two-four year terms. He went on the run
of children my age (as coroner
for sheriff and was elected on Nov. 8, 1990
then sheriff) sometimes. It
and served until his death.
was hard on him, but he
"When he was here, he had on that
wanted to be the one
white T-shirt, them black socks and
that told them,"
checkered pants and he was just Daddy,"
she said.
Megill said. Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for
teacher
Eastern North Carolina Living, the Martin
and
County Enterprise & Weekly Herald and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
15
HERTFORD
county Howard J. Hunter Jr. Highway
State representative fought for his constituency Story & Photos by Thadd White
“He was tired of sh--.”
– in Washington, D.C. where he was born to
As he laughed out loud, Rep. Howard J.
Howard J. Hunter Sr. and Madge Watford
Hunter III used those simple words to explain
Hunter.
entire life.” After growing up in Hertford County, Howard Jr. went to North Carolina Central
why his father – the late Rep. Howard J.
“They were from Hertford County, so I
University where he received a degree in
Hunter Jr. – had decided to seek election to
have no idea why he was born in Washington,
physical education, and earned his license as
the N.C. House of Representatives.
D.C.,” the younger Hunter mused. “He grew
a funeral director.
In truth, it was exactly why the nine-term
up in Winton and Ahoskie and lived here his
Hunter Jr. returned home and took over
member of the state house originally sought
Hunter’s Funeral Home, which was started by
election. He was tired of riding through
his grandfather the same year the former was
eastern North Carolina and seeing people in the 1980s still using outhouses. “When he was elected, the very first bill he introduced was to get rid of outhouses in North Carolina,” Howard III said. From there, Rep. Hunter Jr. went on to serve his constituents in Hertford, Bertie, Gates,
Perquimans
and
Northampton
counties for 18 years. He was elected to a 10th term, but passed away before taking the oath. The story of the future state legislator began – for reasons still unknown to his son
16
The late Hunter left behind a legacy of service and a history of putting others first during his service to the people of his county, his district and his state.
born. When citizens of Hertford County called on Hunter Jr. to seek office, he answered and ran for Hertford County Commissioner and was elected. He spent the next decade serving the citizens of Hertford County, including two years as chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners. It was then he decided to seek the state house seat, and he was elected – defeating an incumbent to become the first black man from Hertford County to serve in the state legislature.
During his 18 years in Raleigh, Hunter Jr.
he kept his word, driving himself to Raleigh
served as Chairman of the Black Legislative
to support the man who became the first
Caucus, and was a member of what was
African American to serve as Speaker of the
known in the legislature as the “Gang of
House in North Carolina.
Eight.”
In 2005, Hunter Jr. was elected to his
“Basically, it was a group of eight people
tenth term in the N.C. House, but was very
in the North Carolina General Assembly who
sick and passed away on Jan. 7, 2006.
got things done,” Howard III said. “If you
“I knew it was coming,” his son
wanted a bill passed and could get those
remembered. “It was hard because they
eight people on your side, it happened.
told us he could have lived, but he wouldn’t
“For him, it wasn’t about Democrat or
stop smoking.
Republican,” he continued. “It was about
“He told me not to put him on life
getting stuff done for the state. I have tried
support, but I did it twice because I couldn’t
very hard to follow in his footsteps in that way particularly.” Looking back on his father’s illustrious career, Howard III said he was proud of his dad’s service, and even happier to know how much Howard Jr. loved his time in the N.C. House. “He loved what he did, there’s no doubt about it,” Howard III said. “He loved helping people. He loved Hertford County, and he loved the Fifth District. “My dad went out of his way to listen to people,” he continued. “It wasn’t about power like it is with some folks now, it was about helping the people he served.” Hunter Jr. was proud of the legislation to end outhouses, but also thankful for helping sponsor legislation for the N.C. Office of Minority Health, and supporting N.C. Governor
Jim Hunt’s Smart Start initiative. Rep. Hunter Jr. was also responsible for helping establish Hertford County QUOLA. Unfortunately, another love of Hunter Jr.’s life was smoking. “He loved to smoke, and he just wouldn’t quit,” Howard III said. “The doctors told us they could keep him here if he would quit, but he just wouldn’t.” The younger Hunter said it was difficult to accept for the longest time, but years after his father’s death he has come to terms with it. “I didn’t understand it at the time, but I do now,” he said. Hunter Jr. was sick when now Sen. Dan Blue sought the office of Speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives. He told Blue he would be there to vote for him “sick, dying or dead.” And
let go,” Hunter III continued. “The third time, it was time to let him go. He was ready, and I respected his wishes.” The late Hunter left behind a legacy of service and a history of putting others first during his service to the people of his county, his district and his state. He also left behind a legacy in his son, who defeated the person appointed to replace his father in 2014. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not compared to him in the hall of the legislature,” Hunter III said. “They say I have his mannerism and his look. Truthfully, there are times when I’m sitting on the floor of the House and I realize I’m sitting the way he used to.” But those memories are only a part of what Hunter remembers about his father. “Daddy was daddy,” he said. “We used
Rep. Howard J. Hunter III holds a replica of the sign made in his father's honor.
17
HERTFORD
county
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to love to go fishing. We would
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legacy is not over. The current
and fish all night and then eat
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the
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He also remembered Kappa Alpha Psi parties, playing Spades together and drinking sweet tea.
provision to open a crime lab on the campus of Elizabeth City State University. If the budget passes, it will
“They were all a part of what
include money to begin the
made him special,” Hunter III said.
process of studying and building
But it was Hunter Jr.’s service that led the Hertford County Board of Commissioners to name a portion of N.C. 158 in his honor. Now-retired Hertford County
to the Rep. Howard J. Hunter Jr. Eastern Crime Lab. “A dozen years after his death, with the opposition party
Ray
in control of the legislature,
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honored,” Hunter III said. “I
Commissioner
Johnnie
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HALIFAX
county
William R. Davie House Prominent Revolutionary War figure made home in Halifax Story & Photos by Jim Green
The William R. Davie House, named for a founding father of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War, is the only house he lived in which still stands today. Around the year 2000, North Carolina Historic Sites purchased the house to be part of the Historic Halifax State Historic Site, according to Historic Halifax site manager Carl Burke. Renovations are underway to preserve the house as part of Historic Halifax, Burke said. “He was a very prominent citizen who lived in Halifax during his most active years of public life. The house he retired to in South Carolina, the house he lived in while in Raleigh and his early childhood home do not stand anymore,” Burke said. “This house is the only one that’s left. His family lived here even
20
when he was in Raleigh.” The renovation work is being done in three phases, Burke said. “The first phase was largely structural and exterior work,” he noted. “Now we are beginning the process of the interior work. There is a great deal of plaster work, painting and drywalling that needs to be done on the interior.” Once the second phase is complete, the house will be furnished with exhibits. “There is a plan for each of the rooms,” Burke said. “Thankfully there has been some money given through a request to do a good portion of that work. We will take it room by room to complete the interior.” Friends of Historic Halifax, a nonprofit group created as a Historic Halifax
Site support group, have undertaken the task of exterior landscaping and bringing (the grounds) back to where it would have been during that time period, Burke said. “They will also create a garden behind the house as well as an event space outside which we hope will generate revenue as well,” he said. William Richardson Davie was born June 20, 1756 in Egremont, England. He immigrated to the American colonies in 1763, when his father, Archibald Davie, brought him to the Waxhaw region near Lancaster, South Carolina. Davie was named after his maternal uncle, William Richardson, a prominent Presbyterian
In 1787, Davie served as one of the state’s five delegates to the Constutional Convention in Philadelphia.
minister in South Carolina, and when Richardson died, Davie inherited 150 acres of his land as well as a large library. Thereafter he always used his full name in honor of his uncle. Davie was educated by Presbyterian teacher Joseph Alexander at Queen’s Museum, later Liberty Hall, in Charlotte, then matriculated to Alexander’s alma mater, the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), where he graduated in 1776. Davie would serve with fellow Carolinian William Churchill Houston, along with his classmate Jonathon Dayton. Davie would serve with Houston as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Two of the other framers were
James Madison and Gunning Bedford Jr. In 1777, Davie studied law under Spruce MaCay in Salisbury and interrupted his training to serve briefly with state militia under General Allen Jones. In 1779, Davie interrupted his law studies again to help lead, as a lieutenant, a calvary troop attached to Pulaski’s Legion and promoted to major. He was seriously wounded on June 20 in battle against British in Stono Ferry, South Carolina, and resumed his studies while convalescing. He earned his North Carolina law license. The next year, Davie raised another troop that operated in Western North Carolina, helping to defend the region against British
21
HALIFAX
county
forces, which included the army of General Charles Cornwallis. He was promoted to colonel in September of 1780. In 1781, he was appointed commissionary general for Carolina campaign, and furnished arms and supplies for General Nathanael Greene’s army. He returned to his law practice in 1784, married Sarah Jones (daughter of General Allen Jones), and settled in Halifax. Two years later (1784), he was elected for the first of 10 times to the House of Commons in North Carolina’s legislature. In 1787, Davie served as one of the state’s five delegates to the Constutional Convention in Philadelphia. In 1789, he strongly promoted North Carolina’s adoption of the United States Constitution; he introduced the bill in the state legislature to establish the University of North Carolina. In 1792, as a university trustee, Davie helped to draft an ordinance for “fixing the seat,” or site for the new school. In 1793, he presided at the laying of the cornerstone for UNC’s first building, and the first state building in the United States. The next year (January 1794), Davie was commissioned a major general in North Carolina’s militia. Three years later, he was appointed commander of the state militia by N.C. Governor Samuel Ashe.
22
In 1798, Davie was offered an appointment as brigadier general in the U.S. Army by President John Adams. That December, he was elected the 10th governor of North Carolina by the state legislature. In 1799, he resigned his gubernatorial term in September and departed two months later for Europe to begin his service as an American minister to France. Davie spent most of the next year helping improve Franco-American relations. In 1803, Davie lost his bid for U.S. Congress against Willis Alston. The following year, he attended board of trustee meetings at UNC in July – the last time he would visit Chapel Hill. In 1805, Davie retired from public office and his law office, left Halifax and
moved to “Tivoli,” his plantation in Chester County, South Carolina. Davie was a staunch proponent of slaveholders’ rights and owned 116 slaves on his plantation in South Carolina at the time of his death. In 1807, he formally ended his 18 years of service as a founding member of the UNC’s board of trustees. Three years later, university trustees cited him as the school’s “founder.” He received an honorary doctorate of law from the university – the first such honorary degree awarded by the school – in 1811, and the next year, he declined offers to serve as a commander of the US forces during the War of 1812. Davie died November 5, 1820 at Tivoli and was buried in Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Churchyard in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Davie County in North Carolina established in 1836, is named in his memory, as are schools in Davie County and Roanoke Rapids, as well as a park in Mecklenburg County. The William R. Davie House in Halifax was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. [Some information used for this story came from the book “William Richardson Davie: Soldier, Statesman and Founder of the University of North Carolina; 1756-2006, Semiquencentennial” and a April 15, 2013 article in The Daily Tar Heel.] Jim Green is Copy Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and serves as Sports Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and The Standard.
Northampton County Christmas 2019 Christmas Events
CONWAY
Christmas Parade Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Craft Show Christmas Caroling
Nov. 30, 10:00am Nov. 30, 9:30am Nov. 30, 7:00pm
GARYSBURG
Christmas Parade
Dec. 14, 10:00am
GASTON
Christmas Parade
Nov. 23, 3:00pm
JACKSON
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6, 6:30pm
RICH SQUARE Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 10:00am
SEABOARD
Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 2:00pm
WOODLAND
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
TBA
LASKER
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 30, 7:00pm Santa Claus and Christmas Caroling Nov. 30 7:15pm (Lasker Baptist Church Fellowship Hall) For more information call Northampton County Visitors Center. 252.534.0331 or 252.534.1383
www.visitnorthamptonnc.com • www.northamptonchamber.org. Chamber & Tourism Offices 127 W. Jefferson Street • Jackson 23
Call or visit us: Greg Shepherd, CIC Teresa Harrison, CIC Williamston 252-792-5125 www.theboydagency.com
Locally owned & operated Edward, Toby & Greg Casper
Open 7am-6pm Mon.-Fri.
24
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25
BERTIE
county
Bob Spivey Prayer Room His legacy lives on in many ways
Story by Leslie Beachboard It is more than just a name. Around the historic town of Windsor, everyone may not have been in a room named in his honor, but most know the name – Robert B. “Bob” Spivey. Spivey, who is known throughout North Carolina as an advocate for the east, also spent over three decades helping make life better for citizens in Windsor and the eastern part of the state. Inside the Windsor Town Hall is the Robert B. “Bob” Spivey Meeting Room; the room in
which he spent many years serving the town’s citizens. The room was named in his honor on Aug. 9, 2012. Spivey served as mayor of the town for 18 years. He spent many hours in this room listening to citizens voice their thoughts and making sure the town ran smoothly. “Bob Spivey was the epitome of a public servant,” Windsor Mayor Jim Hoggard said. “He served on so many boards and committees, and was an excellent contributor for each one. We were so fortunate to have him in our town. “He achieved quite a bit as mayor and personally, I have learned so much from him,” the mayor added. “What will always stick out to me was he always did the right thing.” Spivey was known for his love and devotion to his hometown. “Mayor Spivey was a smart, energetic gentleman who loved his hometown, and
Photo Courtesy of LuAnn Joyner / Vidant Bertie Hospital
26
truly wanted our community a better place,” Windsor Mayor Pro-Tem Cathy Wilson said. Windsor Town Administrator Allen Castelloe agreed. “It was a honor and privilege to know Mayor Spivey both personally and professionally,” Castelloe said. “Every organization he was involved with – the church, the town, the county, the state or the numerous nonprofits – were improved due to his leadership, and the fact he cared for others so greatly. He was a tremendous mentor and friend to many of us, and will be sorely missed.” Windsor Commissioner David Overton worked with Spivey for several years, when the former served as Windsor Town Administrator. “He did a lot of good things for the people and the community,” said Overton. “He didn’t care about the credit, he just wanted to get things done. Mayor Spivey was a statesman who
always looked after the citizens of Windsor.” Windsor Commissioner Randy K. Whitaker said he was cognizant of the name on their meeting room, and believes all of the board members strive to meet Spivey’s examples. “I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Spivey since early childhood,” said Whitaker. “Mr. Spivey, my dad and their friends would always get together and watch the college football games. They would switch houses during the day and I was able to tag along. “Mr. Spivey was a great ambassador for the town of Windsor and Bertie County,” he added. “He did not always get the credit he deserves for accomplishing so much.” Inside Vidant Bertie Hospital, families can look for comfort inside the Bob Spivey Prayer Room. Vidant Bertie Hospital broke ground on Sept. 9, 2015 in preparation of the new chapel. The chapel held its ribbon cutting and official opening in March of the following year.
Spivey was a former member of the Vidant Bertie Hospital Directors and Development Councils. “I cannot think of anybody in this county that deserves it more. He did not give up on Bertie when Bertie needed a hospital,” said former Vidant Bertie Hospital President Jeffrey Dial.
Spivey, who is known throughout North Carolina as an advocate for the east, also spent over three decades
helping
make
life better for citizens in Windsor and the eastern part of the state. Spivey sat on the Director and Development Council when the talks began about the hospital needing a chapel. “There wasn’t place where people could go, meditate and find comfort but, with this chapel, I hope there will be more of that,” said Spivey during the ground-breaking ceremony. Spivey said the chapel offers a lot to the community and completing the hospital. He said he hoped the chapel would be a place where people can go and give thanks for the miracle of healing. “Bob Spivey was an incredible man who cared deeply about his community,” said Vidant Bertie Hospital President Brian Harvill.
“He was the driving force behind Bertie Memorial/Vidant Bertie Hospital joining University Health Systems over 20 years ago. He was keenly aware that the partnership would strengthen the hospital, and allow it to remain viable, and help make it an even greater asset to Windsor, Bertie County and the surrounding area. “He advocated tirelessly for a new hospital to be built, and was very proud of the state of the art facility we have today in Windsor. It is only fitting the chapel that was added to Vidant Bertie Hospital three years ago bears his name. Bob Spivey was a man among men,” Harvill added. The building and property of the Roanoke/ Cashie River Center is also named after Spivey. The property was dedicated in September 1999. Spivey served as Co-Chairman of the Partnership of the Sounds, and worked with the town of Windsor in support of the facility being built. Spivey and his wife, Shirley, were also monetary contributors to the project. The Roanoke/Cashie River Center is located on the banks of the Cashie River. It is known for being a place “where culture meets the environment.” The facility offers hands-on interactive
27
Martin Community College Bertie Campus. In addition to Spivey’s career as mayor,
Leslie Beachboard is a Staff Writer for
Commissioner and on numerous committees
Eastern North Carolina Living and the Martin
throughout the area.
County Enterprise & Weekly Herald and serves
The work Spivey did in the community was
a scenic river walk and amphitheater, a working
“Tarheel of the Week,” given the Baptist Heritage Award by Chowan College and
honey bee hive, black water aquarium, turtle
named “Volunteer of the Year” by the North
tank, artifacts from the North Carolina’s
Carolina Economic Development Association.
Salmon Creek State Park, a meeting center/
Spivey was also awarded the Order of
classroom and Cashie River boat tours. Along with the three places named
the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
after Spivey, Martin Community College
Spivey was a lifelong member of Cashie
established the Robert B. Spivey Humanitarian
Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.
Award in 2000.
In addition to his wife and daughter,
The award was presented to a recipient at
Shirley White Spivey, he was preceded in
graduation that was nominated for their works
death by three brothers – Tech Sgt. Joseph
in the community.
B. White Jr., Ensign James T. Spivey and PFC
Spivey was the recipient of the award the first year. Martin Community College presented the award to Spivey for his effort to establish the
28
Sept. 12.
he served 10 years as a Bertie County
also honored many times as he was named displays, artifacts from life in historic Windsor,
Spivey passed away at the age of 91 on
Lowell B. Spivey – all of who lost their lives in World War II. His sister, Frances S. Hale also preceded him in death. He was a Windsor native.
as News Editor of the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
29
BEAUFORT
county
Dr. Susan Dimock Road
Tribute to a trail blazer Story & Photos by Thadd White
“Susan Dimock was one of a group of women who in the middle 1800s hammered at the male-guarded doors to the medical profession and managed to break through them.” - Willard deLue, Footloose in Eastern Carolina, 1955
It would be difficult to say if it was Dr. Susan Dimock’s life or death that was the most shocking. Born in a time when women were rarely afforded the opportunity to practice medicine, Dr. Dimock defied the odds and became a renowned doctor and surgeon. Then – at the height of her career – she died unexpectedly in a shipwreck at only 28 years of age. “In an era and culture where girls rarely attended grammar school – let alone medical college – Susan was clearly an anomaly from day one,” Susan Wilson wrote in a biography published by the N.C. Medical Society. “She loved to read, study and think which she accomplished under her mom’s private tutelage
30
and in a girl’s school that Mrs. Dimock established to provide her daughter with studious female peers.” Susan was born to Henry and Mary Dimock in Beaufort County in 1847. Her father owned the Lafayette Hotel in Washington. As a child, Susan made friends with Dr. Soloman S. Satchwell, who lived nearby. She read as many books as Dr. Satchwell would allow her to borrow, and even accompanied him on some of his house calls. It is believed by many this was the germ of her love of medicine. Susan spent her early years in Washington with her parents. They were there when soldiers from the north occupied Washington, and were believed by many to be northern sympathizers because her parents came from the north. When the Union soldiers burned much of Washington, the Lafayette was destroyed. Susan and her mother fled to Massachusetts. There Susan met Dr. Marine Zakrzewska and began working at her hospital. This further fueled her desire to become a doctor and she
applied for acceptance in schools in the United States, including Harvard – but was rejected. Eventually she was accepted into the University of Zurich and – with the help of family
and friends – she went on to earn her medical degree. Her professors praised her for her hard work, diligence and intelligence. Already fluent in English and Latin, Dimock learned Italian and German while studying in Zurich. Upon graduation, Dr. Dimock practiced in Vienna and Paris before returning to Massachusetts. Once back in the United States, Dr. Dimock signed a three-year contract with the New England Hospital for Women and Children, earning $300 per year. The contract reunited her with Dr. Zakrzewska, who led the hospital. While working at the hospital, Dr. Dimock was credited with starting the first nursing school in America and graduating the nation’s first “trained nurse.” She also introduced the practice of visiting nurses and the idea of hospital social service.
“In an era and culture where girls rarely attended grammar school – let alone
medical
college
– Susan was clearly an anomaly from day one.” - Susan Wilson Shawn Scott wrote in the Bulletin for the N.C. Medical Society in 1999 that the American Medical Association refused to admit women in 1982, but four medical associations bucked that trend. Massachusetts began admitting women in 1869 and three states – North Carolina, Iowa and Kansas – followed suit in 1872. The first woman presented for membership was Dr. Susan Dimock – and her childhood friend Dr. Satchwell presented her. She was accepted as an honorary member because she wasn’t in attendance. Dr. Dimock did return to Beaufort County, and was heralded for how down-to-earth she had remained. The Washington Echo said, “With all her varied acquirements she, on her return to her
friends, assumed no superiority over them, adopted no foreign airs or accents, but was as natural and simple as a child, lovable as a lamb, and as modest as she was meritorious.” Following three successful years at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, she was asked to extend her stay and agreed to do so on the condition she be given a five-month leave to return to Europe. On April 28, 1875 the Schiller was in an accident near the Scilly Isles and sank in heavy fog after hitting a reef. A total of 311 people died in the accident, including Dr. Dimock – her lifelong companion, Bessie Greene, and another friend, Caroline Crane. Dr. Dimock’s body was recovered and she was confirmed among the deceased at age 28. Crane’s body was also found, but there are conflicting reports about whether or not Greene’s body was lost at sea. While most of those who died were buried on the Isles, Col. W.B. Greene – Bessie’s father – reportedly paid to have the bodies of his daughter and her friends returned to the United States. Dr. Dimock was buried at Forest Hills Cemetery is Boston. Many in the medical profession lamented her death. Dr. Samuel Cabot of Boston said, “In her short life she acquired, in the face of serious obstacles, an amount of medical knowledge and surgical skill such as few possess, and to these qualities she added a maturity of judgment and a power of reasoning which are quite rare…” The 800-pound marker at Dr. Dimock’s grave was replaced in the 1990s and the original
one was moved to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church cemetery in Washington. Upon her death, Coleman Avenue in Boston was renamed Dimock Street. Beaufort County also has a street named in her honor, located in a residential neighborhood in Washington. [Claudia Dahlen of the George H. and Laura E. Brown Library in Washington was instrumental in contributing to this story. The library resources were used as research for this story.] Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.
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TYRRELL
county
Benjamin F. Cox Highway A Man of the Water Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls
of love she and her brother put together in the form of a book, offers an overview of Cox's career. This project began as a gift for Reynold's father, Clarence Flowers Cahoon, who was raised by Cox and for all intents and purposes, considered him his father. "Unfortunately, he did not survive to enjoy this," Reynolds said of the book they compiled. Painting by Barbara Fleming
He passed away before it could be completed. Fortunately, it now provides a chapter in Tyrrell and Hyde county history to an entirely
A man who made his life on the water is
According to materials shared during
remembered for his efforts to establish a
the dedications, Cox was a member of the
public road between the Tyrrell County town
Southern Albemarle Association and an
According to a copy of the original
of Columbia and the outlying Fairfield.
advocate for improved highways between
nomination, "Capt. Cox" was nominated for
county seats of government.
the position of Assistant Light Keeper for Gull
Benjamin Fenner Cox was born in the
new generation.
Hyde County community of Middleton on
Based on the geography of his early years
Shoal Light Station, off Hyde County on the
New Year's Eve of 1861. He was the fourth of
and career with in the lighthouse service, he
west side of the Pamlico Sound, on March
14 children and the eldest son of Jeremiah and
knew the need for such a road quite well.
20, 1896. This position was under the U.S.
Mary White Cox. He married Margarette Williams of Fairfield in 1885.
According to a resolution drafted in March 2010, Cox was the first promoter of a highway
The Gull Shoal Light Station had been
being constructed between Tyrrell and Hyde
established in 1891 by an act of Congress. The project cost $30,000.
On June 21, 2010, the North Carolina
counties, working to get this effort completed
Department of Transportation dedicated a
in a "timely manner when many thought it
portion of N.C. 94 in his name, from the Hyde
impossible."
County line to Kilkenny Landing near the Kilkenny Community.
34
Lighthouse Service.
Columbia resident Fleedie Reynolds made much information on Cox available. A labor
Cox's application noted he had not served in the U.S. military at any point. It is assumed the title of Captain was likely one of respect, not unusual in the South during this time.
Photo courtesy of Lighthouse Digest
According to a resolution drafted in March 2010, Cox was the first promoter of a highway being constructed between Tyrrell and Hyde counties, working
positioned in a way reduce danger to the
to get this effort completed in
lighthouse
a “timely manner when many
to Lighthouse Digest.
thought it impossible.�
during
high tides, according
in 1884" were listed as those who had
His personal information sheet from the U.S. Lighthouse Service was updated upon his Dec. 17, 1908 "recommendation for
In Cox's original application, the following question was posed. "What qualification do you possess for the position you desire?" Cox's response read: "I have been living all my life near the water and have gone by water
reappointment/promotion" to the position of Keeper at Laurel Point Light Station, off Washington County on the Albemarle Sound. Cox listed a brother also working for the department - W.B. Cox - Assistant Keeper of the Roanoke River Lighthouse.
a large portion of my life and think I know
With a primary education, Cox responded
how to manage a boat and have had some
to the request to list special qualifications:
experience on a light house, being employed
"Can do most any kind of mechanical work."
by Capt. J.B. Skinner, the present keeper of Gull Shoal Light House." Cox took the oath of office on April 11, 1896. He spent nearly four years in the
He listed multiple work skills prior to the lighthouse service including, "Farming,
fishing,
recommended Cox for the position, along with, "every good citizen in my neighborhood who have known me all of my life." He began the role at Laurel Point on Jan. 5, 1909 at the pay rate of $50 per month. A story handed down through the decades tells of the blizzard, which struck on a night Cox stood watch alone. According to the story, the sound and the river froze solid. This reportedly stranded Cox for with no way to contact the outside world. After his rations were exhausted and he knew the U.S. Coast Guard would not be able to get to him for some time, Cox set out for home.
carpentry,
principally building or repairing small boats and boring artesian wells."
position. During his tenure there, he saw new
"Col. W.H. Lucas, a former state
model lamps installed and a fuel platform
senator and elector for Mr. Cleveland
35
TYRRELL
county
A written account in the Columbia library explained, "For one full day, a night, and part of another day, without allowing himself the luxury of resting even a little, lest he freeze to death, he continuously trudged on, following the western shore line of the Scuppernong River, until he reached an open space he knew, just across from Columbia." Thankfully, he suffered no injuries during this trek. The veteran light keeper retired from service on Dec. 31, 1926. Ben Cox married his second wife, Mary Swain, in 1919. Margarette, his first wife, had died early that year. He would marry one final time to his
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widow, Winnie. He was the father of four children, all with his first wife. One son died in infancy, according to local accounts. Records show both Gull Shoal and Laurel Point Lighthouses were destroyed in the 1950s. Cox passed away at the age of 84 in June 1945. [Special thanks to Fleedie Reynolds for contributing to this article, as well as Carolyn
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NORTHAMPTON
county The town of Margarettsville Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan
Photo courtesy of Tillman W. Cooley, Jr.
Located just south of the Virginia border, on N.C. 186 in the northeastern corner of Northampton County is the unincorporated community of Margarettsville. One of the earliest settlements in the county, the community was named (as were many others in the area) by an official of the Seaboard Railroad when he came there in 1836 to inspect the newly completed line from Portsmouth, Virginia. Learning that the community had no name, he named it Margaret, for Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan, a 17-year-old. Nearby was the first post office in the county, Diamond Grove, established in 1827 and named for a prominent plantation with oak and elm trees planted in the shape of a diamond. In 1836, its name was changed to Margarettsville, the “tsville” having been added to the name Margaret by local residents, but
38
Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Thadd White
Margaret remains the railroad name. According to the 2010, second edition of The North Carolina Gazetteer, Margarettsville was chartered in 1885 but rechartered as Margaretsville in 1895; however, the town sign still shows the double “t.”
The glory of that past lives on today in the legacy left by Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan Ridley, not just in Margarettsville,
not
just
in Northampton County, not just in North Carolina, but far beyond.
Described as “a belle and beauty of her age in all the bearing of her life [proving] that the homage paid her was the just tribute of her worth,” Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan was a lovely young woman when the railroad official saw fit to name the community for her. The next year, 1837, she married Colonel Thomas Ridley and moved north with him across the Virginia line, reversing what the early settlers in the late 1600s and early 1700s had done when they had come south from Greensville and Southampton counties, to settle in Northampton County, North Carolina. Margaret and Col. Ridley spent their lives on the plantation Bonnie Doon, and, following her 1906 death, she was buried near Courtland in the Ridley Cemetery on the Rock Hill plantation. Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan Ridley was the mother of eight children - Emma Wright,
John William, Nathaniel Thomas, Leonidas, Roberta Mary, Virginia Jordan, Eliza Ann, and Margaret Francis. At least two of the daughters, Eliza Ann and Emma Wright, again reversed the migration policy, both returning to their mother’s native North Carolina after their marriages. Eliza Ann Ridley Urquhart moved to Bertie County, and Emma Wright Ridley Burgwyn moved to Northampton County. Emma Wright Ridley (1846-1893) married George Pollock Burgwyn (1847-1907) of Jackson in 1869. Through their children Henry King, William Hyslop Sumner and Maria Greenough (Long) and their children’s children to the fourth and fifth generations - they have influenced every aspect of life in Northampton County. Predisposed, if not predestined, to a life of service, the Burgwyn name can be found
on the rolls of public and private professions that run the gamut of the alphabet as each of them has prominently assumed a role in the life of his or her community. Most recently, Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan Ridley’s great-great granddaughter, also named Margaret, served as mayor of Woodland from 1995 to 2005. Living through most of the 19th century, Margaret Ridley knew the feast and famine that century produced. Family lore has her helping a young man, born into slavery, in his escape North. With $40 from her (valued at more than $1,000 today) and Quaker assistance, he was able to make his way to Philadelphia and freedom, eventually bringing his family as well. As a tangible testament to her talents, a quilt she made in 1846 for Nathaniel Thomas Ridley now hangs in the Museum of
Nathaniel Thomas Ridley
39
NORTHAMPTON
county
Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) in
resulted from the War Between the States.
States (Benjamin Harrison) stopped and
Margarettsville, the site of Northampton
talked, is now a quiet, rural community. Like
As many others of her time, she
County’s first brick school and the only place
Margaret, it, in the words of William Faulkner,
experienced the economic reversals that
in the county where a President of the United
Winston-Salem.
has not merely endured but prevailed. Like Margaret, the community has had a soul, “a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” Like Margaret, the community has shown “courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of [her] past.” The glory of that past lives on today in the legacy left by Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan Ridley, not just in Margarettsville, not just in Northampton County, not just in North Carolina, but far beyond. [Thanks to great-great granddaughters, Margaret, Anna, and Molly Burgwyn and to Carl Witt’s Footprints in Northampton for information in this article.] Sarah Davis is a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
40
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NASH
county Claude Mayo Jr.
Administration Building & Surgery Pavilion His wisdom & guidance carries on Story by Amelia Harper Two important buildings in Nash County bear the name of Claude Mayo Jr., a longtime chairman of the Nash County Board of Commissioners and one who acted in that capacity during a time of tremendous building and improvement in the region. The Claude Mayo Jr. Administration Building in Nashville (the Nash County seat) and the Claude Mayo Surgical Pavilion on the campus of Nash UNC Health Care both stand as testaments to Mayo’s influence on the growth of Nash County and the legacy that he left behind.
42
He was an active member of multiple boards in Nash County, including the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Health. Mayo died on April 27, 2010, but a resolution passed by Nash County commissioners on March 9, 2009, outlines in broad strokes some of his most notable roles in the county as he ended his term on that board. “During his tenure as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Nash County, Claude Mayo also served as chairman of the Board of Health, chairman of the Nash
Tourism Development Authority, a board member of Nash Health Care Systems and chairman of the Board of Commissioners for over 18 years,” the resolution in his honor said. Mayo was appointed to the Nash County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 3, 1981, but won the seat in his own right during the next election cycle in 1982. He began serving as chairman of the board in December 1990 and remained in that role until he left the board in 2009, roughly a year before his death. During his time as chairman of the board, many positive changes were wrought in Nash County. The Nash County Courthouse underwent renovations and additions were made to the Nash County Detention Center. Nash Community College underwent a major expansion. The new Braswell Memorial Library was built, as was the Gateway Technology Building. And Nash County's Farmer’s Market found a permanent home. The Claude Mayo Jr. Administration Building in Nashville was built in 1999 and still serves as the hub of Nash County government. Mayo was also appointed to the Nash County Board of Health in 1982 and served as chairman of that board until 1991. During his time on that board, the Nash County Board of Health received the State Outstanding Public Health Achievement Award for establishing
“The
presence
and
contributions of Claude Mayo to Nash County and its government will be greatly missed by his fellow commissioners and the county’s citizens.” the Nash Regional Migrant Health Center. Mayo also served on the Board of Commissioners for the former Nash Health Care Systems (now Nash UNC Health Care)
his primary education from the Rocky Mount Public Schools and went on to graduate from Duke University. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and then joined his father in the insurance and real estate business in 1953, when he began to acquire several farming and development interests in Nash County. He was actively involved in his community. In addition to his service on the Nash County Board of Commissioners, the hospital board and the board of health, Mayo also served as a N.C. Wesleyan College trustee for 16 years; as director of Pioneer Savings and Loan for 25 years and three years as chairman of that board and as a corporate board member of First Citizens Bank. The resolution passed by the Nash County Board of Commissioners in March 2009 sums
up the impact he made on his county and his community. “During his tenure as a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Nash County, Claude Mayo worked diligently to represent the needs of all Nash County citizens, and his service, wisdom and guidance to Nash County have contributed greatly to the growth and economic welfare of Nash County. The presence and contributions of Claude Mayo to Nash County and its government will be greatly missed by his fellow commissioners and the county’s citizens,” the resolution states. Amelia Harper is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living and the Rocky Mount Telegram.
for eight years, serving as a officer for the board during his entire tenure. According to a resolution approved by the health care system, “his involvement and insight were instrumental in developing prominent expansion projects during his tenure — most notably, introducing one of the nation’s first freestanding outpatient surgery facilities at Nash Day Hospital.” The J. Claude Mayo Jr. Surgery Pavillion was named in his honor because of “his immeasurable contributions to the state of area health care,” the resolution states. According to his obituary, Mayo received
43
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EDGECOMBE
county
Edgecombe County Lord Edgecumbe never visited new world, but left his mark in North Carolina Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White, Leslie Beachboard & Alan Campbell Edgecombe County is as proud of its bright future as it is of its historic past. The county proudly boasts being “Located on the edge of yesterday and tomorrow.”
Mount Edgecumbe and lived at his Mount
Edgecumbe remained in the same role
Edgecumbe estate in Cornwall, England.
until 1724 when he was appointed to be joint
Although Edgecombe County was named in
vice-treasurer of Ireland.
his honor, he was to never see the land as he
Despite the political fallout between
And, situated nicely between North
died in 1758 never having made the journey
he and Walpole, he sought to have their
Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh and the
to the “New World.” Also, the reason and date
friendship restored and was made 1st Lord
beautiful Atlantic Ocean, the people of
of changing the spelling of Edgecombe is not
Falmouth as chief government manager in
Edgecombe County have much of which to
known.
Cornwall.
be proud.
Lord Edgecumbe was born in 1680, the
Edgecumbe remained a member of the House of Commons until his elevation to the
And it all began nearly three centuries
third son of Sir Richard Edgecombe and Lady
ago when, according Alan D. Watson’s
Ann Montagu. He was a steadfast member of
“Edgecombe County: A Brief History,” the
Parliament for more than 40 years. During
population of what was then western Bertie
his time in the House of Commons, he
County increased – prompting the need for
represented Cornwall, St. Germans, Plymouth,
other counties to be carved out of the large
Plympton Erle and Lostwithiel.
landmass known as Bertie at the time. Royal
Governor
George
Known to be a staunch supporter of Sir
Burrington
Robert Walpole, Edgecumbe was made Lord
originally created the Edgecombe Precinct in
of the Treasury in 1716 by the man generally
May of 1732. He named the new precinct after
regarded as the first Prime Minister of
Lord Richard Edgecumbe, who at the time
England. Edgecumbe relinquished that post in
was Lord of the English Treasury.
1717 when the two were in opposition, but was
Lord Edgecumbe was the first Baron of
46
reappointed in 1720.
The internationally known "It's A Zoo Life' calls Macclesfield home.
Like it’s namesake, Edgecombe County can be proud to be one of the “steadiest” in the world.
Gov. Burrington granted the petition in
Despite the political intrigue at the
1732, the Colonial Assembly refused to accept
beginning of its existence, Edgecombe County
the new governmental unit. It took years of
has become of the most historic in the state,
debate before the new precinct was officially
but also has a bright future.
created in 1741. History does not provide the actual year the County of Edgecombe was created.
Tarboro, the County Seat, is one of the 10 oldest towns in North Carolina. The name comes from the river which flows through the
The county’s current boundaries were
region, according to Monika S. Fleming in her
created when Wilson County was formed
book “Edgecombe County along the Tar River”
in 1855, thus removing a portion of the
which is part of the Making of America Series.
southwest corner of the county, and in 1871
Fleming says the river’s name possibly
when the boundary between Edgecombe and
came from the Tuscaroran word meaning
Nash counties was shifted to coincide with the
health from “Tar” to “Tau.” She also says it is
Wilmington and Weldon Railroad line.
possible it contributed to the various spellings
peerage in 1742, after which he was named Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, posts he held until his death in 1758. Upon his death, Horace Walpole described Lord Edgecumbe as “one of the honestest and steady men in the world.” While the man himself was involved in political intrigue in his home country, so too was the land named in his honor in the United States.
Tarboro High School has delivered six state football championships to Edgecombe County.
47
EDGECOMBE
county
of the town’s name from Tarborough and Tarrburg in the 1760s to Tawborough in the mid19th century to today’s spelling of Tarboro. In addition, Edgecombe County is home to Princeville – which is the oldest African American town in the United States. Rocky Mount, one of the state’s top 20 in population, is located in both Edgecombe and Nash counties. All told there are 10 municipalities that call Edgecombe County home, including Conetoe, Leggett, Macclesfield, Pinetops, Princeville, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg, Speed, Tarboro and Whitakers. Edgecombe County is also home to Edgecombe Community College, which offers a variety of educational and skill-enhancing opportunities. As the county’s website boasts, “Edgecombe County’s location offers a mild year-round climate with four distinct seasons. After a brief winter snowfall or two, we know that it won’t be long until the Dogwoods begin to bloom. “After a few days of hot sunbathing days in summer, we know that the local maple trees will soon begin to show the brilliant colors of fall,” it adds. In addition, there are dozens of historic houses
of
worship
scattered
throughout
Edgecombe County. Like it’s namesake, Edgecombe County can be proud to be one of the “steadiest” in the world. [The Janie F. Allsbrook Local Collection History at the Edgecombe County Memorial Library
and
www.edgecombecountync.com
provided information for this story.] Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.
48
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Bertie Ledger–Advance Community News at your Fingertips
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Thadd White Editor twhite@ncweeklies.com Jim Green Sports Editor jgreen@ncweeklies.com Leslie Beachboard News Editor lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com Michelle Leicester Creative Services Director mleicester@ncweeklies.com Jessica Mobley Advertising Manager jmobley@ncweeklies.com
history meets adventure
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109 S. King St • PO Box 69 Windsor, NC 27983 Phone: 252-794-3185 Fax: 252-794-2835 oss Americ continues annual trad a ition Founder
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51
Named after the
Lords Proprietors Story by Janice Cole Hopkins
Many of the place names in North Carolina stem from the early days of settlement. Do you know how the first settlement took place in North Carolina after it was initially explored and the first attempts at colonization failed? To fully understand what took place, let’s consider some background material. When
the
New
World
was
first
colonialized by the British, the most common way of obtaining land was through a trading company, such as the East India Company. That changed in 1632, however, when King
George Monck, Duke of Albemarle
Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon
Charles I gave George Calvert proprietary rights to a large area of land east of the Potomac River in exchange for a portion of the incomes gained from it. This became the colony of Maryland, and similar grants would follow. These Lords Proprietors were to govern the land and had immense power. The land grant or license normally spelled out their exact responsibilities and powers. In 1629, King Charles I had given Sir Robert Heath the southern half of the English property in the New World between 36 degrees and 31 degrees north latitude from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and it was named Carolina, meaning “land of Charles.” Did you know Carolina once included part of California and everything in between? Yes, it stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific
John Berkeley, Baron Berkeley of Stratton 52
William Craven, Earl of Craven
Ocean.
One need only to look at a map of North Carolina to see how these Lord Proprietors and their heirs influenced names in the state. But Sir Heath didn’t succeed in settling the land, and he fell out of favor during the English Civil War when he was deemed a Royalist supporter. He was therefore stripped of all his holdings, and in 1663, eight English noblemen were granted a charter
Sir George Carteret, 1st Baronet
Sir William Berkeley, Governor of Virginia
Sir John Colleton, 1st Baronet
Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury
from King Charles II to establish the colony of Carolina. The eight Lord Proprietors were: George Monck, the Duke of Albemarle; Baron Berkeley of Stratton; the Earl of Clarendon; Edward Hyde, the Earl of Craven; Anthony Ashley Cooper, the Earl of Shaftesbury; Sir William Berkeley; Sir John Colleton, and Sir George Carteret. Albemarle County became the first government in Carolina in 1664 when William Sayle was appointed governor. The Lords Proprietors saw that their authority was weaker near the Virginia border, so they divided Carolina into North and South. This was completed in 1712. Besides attracting colonists, they were to protect Carolina against the Spanish in Florida. In order to be successful this time, the king and proprietors developed incentives.
The Lords Proprietors were the eight Englishmen to whom King Charles II granted, by the Carolina charters of 1663 and 1665, the joint ownership of a tract of land in the New World called “Carolina.”
53
King Charles I of England
Any religious affiliation was tolerated,
had gone to James Bertie. Joseph Blake had
except for atheists. Each family member was
taken possession of John Berkeley’s. William
granted 150 acres, and a male servant who
Craven had inherited his grandfather’s portion.
worked out his indenture also received one
William Berkeley’s had gone to Henry Bertie
hundred acres from the Lords Proprietors. To
and two widows. Colleton’s had gone to his
attract more investments, property owners
grandson. And Shaftesbury’s was being held
also received 150 acres for each slave he
in trust for John Cotton.
brought into the colony.
Carteret’s interests continued until the
By 1700, Carolina had 6,600 colonists
colonists won the Revolutionary War. At that
compared to only 1,500 in Florida. Mainly the
time, the Crown paid him the compensation
British, French Huguenots and a few planters from the Caribbean came in the first waves of settlers. However, the proprietors failed to protect Carolina during Queen Anne’s War against pirates who raided the coast and
King Charles II of England
against Indian attacks. Colonists petitioned the king to replace the proprietorship with direct royal administration in 1719. Therefore, King George appointed royal governors for both North and South Carolina. England supposedly would be in charge but would allow the people to basically govern themselves. In 1729, the king bought out the New World holdings of seven of
Carolina to see how these Lord Proprietors and their heirs influenced names in the state. Albemarle is the name of a large sound, the county seat of Stanly County, and a former county. The county of Albemarle was done away with in 1739, and other counties emerged from it. Bertie, Carteret, and Hyde are counties, and Clarendon is a town in Columbus County. Shaftesbury County became Chowan County, and Berkeley County became Perquimans. A survey of the state will also reveal these
Granville, refused to sell and kept his property
eight names among communities within
rights in a northern third of North Carolina.
cities, street and road names, precincts, developments and more. Whether the Lords
some
Proprietors were a good or poor beginning
other gentlemen had inherited or come
might be up for debate, but there is no
into possession of the property. In 1729,
denying that they’ve left a lasting legacy.
the
54
One need only to look at a map of North
the Lords Proprietors. John Carteret, Lord
At the time the royal coffers bought
King George of England
for losing his holdings.
Lords
Proprietors’
interests,
Albemarle was being held in trust for Henry
Janice Cole Hopkins is a professional writer
Somerset, the third Duke of Beaufort and his
with numerous published books, and is a regular
brother, Lord Charles Somerset. Clarendon’s
contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
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55
Belhaven
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57
Story by Lewis C. Forrest
The New Holland, Higginsport, and Mt. Vernon Railroad
I
n 1918, the North Carolina
lake, made up almost half of
Farms
owned
the drainage district. The district
Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde
was to remove the water from
County, North Carolina. They
the lake and reclaim its rich bed
bought the lake from New Holland
for development and to relieve
Farms, Inc. who purchased it in
flooding of neighboring farms.
1911 under its former name of
By 1916, the district built the
the Southern Land Reclamation
world’s largest capacity pumping
Company, from the State Board
plant to drain the lake, becoming
of Education.
America’s most famous pump-
Company
The private ownership of the lake coincided with the
58
supported
land
reclamation
project.
formation of the Mattamuskeet
New Holland Farms and the
Drainage District, a 100,000-
North Carolina Farms Company
acre enterprise. Mattamuskeet,
worked to develop a town called
North Carolina’s largest natural
“New Holland” adjacent to the
A railroad was critical to raising the value of the reclaimed lakebed and other acreage within the drainage district.
pumping plant. Both companies
be equivalent to $12,532,874 in
planned to sell lots and farms in
2019.
the reclaimed lakebed for much
The
more than they paid for the
contracted
property.
Company of New York City
farms
company
the
Foundation
New Holland Farms, Inc. had
to build the line, beginning
planned to build a railroad from
construction in August of 1920.
the pumping plant to connect
The contractor employed more
with
Southern
than 600 men to clear rights-of-
Railroad on its run from Norfolk
way, grade the bed, lay crossties,
to Belhaven, but sold out before
install rails, build sidings, sink
following through. A railroad
wells and erect water towers for
was critical to raising the value
steam engines. By November
of the reclaimed lakebed and
of
other acreage within the drainage
completing seven miles of the
district.
line per month.
the
Norfolk
In October of 1920, North
1920,
the
workers
were
Much of the line passed
Carolina chartered development
through
of a 35-mile line called the
timberland. The contractor ran
“New Holland, Higginsport, and
nine miles of the line directly in
Mt. Vernon Railroad Company.�
the reclaimed lakebed, making
The charter stated the North
it essential to keep the water
Carolina Farms Company would
pumped out of the lake for the
build the line from the pumping
trains to operate. This short line
plant at New Holland to Wenona
railroad was one of the biggest
in Washington County for a
engineering projects in North
projected
Carolina.
cost
of
$977,353.
Based on inflation, that would
swamps
and
virgin
Between New Holland and
59
went into bankruptcy. This shut
By
down the railroad. In 1925, August Heckscher, a
Holland
was
farming
bought the bankrupt assets of
wheat, flax and Irish potatoes
North Carolina Farms Company,
and was shipping record yields
including
million-dollar
to market on the railroad. That
railroad, for just $200,000.
fall, Heckscher agreed to sell
Heckscher
New
Lake Mattamuskeet to the U.S.
Holland Corporation for his lake
Government to create a migratory
enterprise, not to be confused
waterfowl refuge.
the
formed
the
This decision to sell led to
new corporation shifted the focus
shutting
from a real estate development
dissolving
venture to a huge commercial
Drainage District, and allowing
farm.
the lake to refill. This also ended
down the
the
pumps,
Mattamuskeet
the operation of the New Holland
into
Railroad. The nine miles of track
bankruptcy in 1923, scheduled
in the lakebed was soon under
passenger service on their railroad
water. A company from Alabama
ended forever. New Holland
salvaged the steel tracks and the rolling stock from the line.
Farms
Company
went
Wenona, there were six stops
Carolina Farms Company bought
Corporation chose not to operate
called
two steam engines, numbers 32
as a public carrier but to only haul
and 100, for the line.
freight for his farming operation.
Higginsport, Wilbanks, Patberry
Corporation
New
13,000 acres of corn, soybeans,
When the North Carolina
Harrison,
1932,
wealthy New York industrialist,
with New Holland Farms, Inc. The
Benhamton,
massive drainage pumps.
The nonprofit Mattamuskeet Foundation is preserving the
and Kirwin. The North Carolina
In October of 1921, the first
The new owners restored the
records of the companies involved
Farms Company named each
passengers took a ride on the
railroad line that had been idle
in draining Lake Mattamuskeet,
stop for an investor in the rail line.
new railroad. They soon added
for two years, replacing 27,000
including the railroad records.
At Wenona, the company built a
freight and mail service.
crossties of red heart Cypress.
These are fading reminders of the
New
only public railroad to ever serve
Holland
Corporation
barn, a small house for the train
In 1922 or 1923, engine
crew, a larger house for other
number 100 jumped the tracks
discontinued use of the steam
railroad personnel and overnight
and went into the marsh near
locomotives and replaced them
guests, and an office for the
Wenona. The owners arranged
with
Norfolk Southern Railroad agent.
for Norfolk Southern Railroad
gasoline-powered
The railroad had standard
to bring in a rail crane mounted
and a 25-ton Plymouth diesel
will speak on the New Holland,
gauge tracks, allowing Norfolk
on a flatcar to lift the steam
electric engine. By the end of
Higginsport,
Southern cars to travel on the
locomotive back onto the tracks.
1927, the small Plymouth engine
Railroad at the 2019 Swan Days
an
eight-ton
Plymouth locomotive
Hyde County. Lewis C. Forrest, Ed.D., is the executive director of the nonprofit Mattamuskeet
Foundation. and
Mt.
He
Vernon
line without transferring cargo
In September of 1923, the
was bringing 200 tons of coal
Festival on Dec. 7, at Mattamuskeet
to narrower cars. In 1921, North
North Carolina Farms Company
per week to New Holland for the
School.
60
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61
If these
WALLS could talk
John Wheeler House is part of Historic Murfreesboro
A
Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Thadd White Murfreesboro
The Wheeler House, located at 407 East
Thought to have been built in 1810 as
(chartered by the General Assembly
Broad Street, is one of the more imposing
a store for William Hardy Murfree (origin
of North Carolina in 1787) in Hertford
sites on the Murfreesboro Historic Tour.
of the name of the town) and his business
County, one observing the architecture of
With 18-inch brick walls and the only brick
partner, George Gordon, the building was
buildings, some pre-dating its beginning,
dependency remaining in Murfreesboro, it
purchased by John Wheeler in 1814 and
must often think beyond the brick and
stands out architecturally, but it also stands
expanded and remodeled as a house.
mortar (Indeed, the oldest commercial brick
out because of its residents and their place
building in North Carolina still stands today
in local, State, and national government.
visitor
to
historic
Wheeler descendant James Elliott Moore, writing for the occasion of the Wheeler
in Murfreesboro and remains in use, now
Additionally, many have been writers,
Reunion in 1980, calls Murfreesboro
as the Rea Museum) to the inhabitants and
leaving a legacy of literature, both fiction
“unique to Southern towns” because it
muse, “If these walls could talk . . . .”
and non-fiction.
was settled primarily by merchants and
In at least one case, maybe they do.
Thanks to the John
Wheeler family, those walls have talked.
mariners from New England. Wheeler, who came to Murfreesboro in 1796, could be numbered among merchants
and
mariners
from
New
England, but his journey to Hertford County and Murfreesboro was a bit more circuitous than most. Born in Essex County, New Jersey, to Dr. John Wheeler, a loyalist sympathizer during the Revolutionary War, young John found himself moving frequently - first to Newark, New Jersey, for protection by the royal army, then to Long Island, New York, and later to St. John’s, New Brunswick, before eventually returning to the United States and New York City. There, in business as a bookseller, he made the acquaintance of Zedekiah Stone from Bertie County.
62
“
Thought to have been built in 1810 as a store for William Hardy Murfree (origin of the name of the town) and his business partner, George Gordon, the building was purchased by
John
Wheeler
in
1814
and
expanded and remodeled as a house. Stone persuaded Wheeler to
behind an infant daughter, Julia, who
come South and to enter into a
would later marry Dr. Godwin Cotton
partnership in a mercantile business
Moore.
in Windsor.
Before his death in 1832, he
Stone was the father of Gov.
would marry again and father nine
David Stone; Wheeler married Maria
more children. Known among his
Elizabeth Jordan whose sister married
descendants as “Prolific John” for the
Gov. Stone.
Following Zedekiah
19 children he sired, he also began a
Stone’s death, Wheeler entered into
legacy of literature. In 1831, himself
a partnership with Walter Hubbell
writing a letter to the editor of the
and moved to Murfreesboro to
Norfolk Herald, providing the public
represent that concern in Hertford
with the first account of Nat Turner’s
County.
Insurrection.
Quickly
establishing
himself
John Hill Wheeler (elected to the
not only as a leading merchant
House of Commons of the North
(with a mercantile business on the
Carolina General Assembly for terms
corner of Main and Williams) and mariner (with ships trading between Murfreesboro and the West Indies) but outstanding citizen as well, he served as postmaster for several years. To John and Elizabeth, eight children were born - three surviving their mother’s death in 1810. One of them was John Hill Wheeler, born in 1806, in a house near where the present Wheeler House, the former Murfree store, stands. By the time the elder John Wheeler moved into that house, probably 1815, he was again a widower, having married another Bertie County resident, Sallie Ford Wood, who died in 1814, leaving
63
unfinished manuscript is housed at Wake Forest University. At least one other member of the Wheeler family was known for literary publications: Junius Brutus Wheeler, son of John Wheeler and his third wife, Sarah Clifton, was distinguished in service in the Mexican War. A professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, he published a series of textbooks used in the curriculum there. And, there is yet another possible manner in which the matter of these walls may speak. Some believe that Hannah Crafts, pseudonym for the author of The Bondwoman’s Narrative, once lived in the Wheeler House when
“
from 1827-1831; first superintendent
In 1970, the house became the property of the Murfreesboro Historical Association, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee Smith, Jr., of Raleigh, in memory of her father, John M. Camp of Franklin, Virginia.
of the U.S. Mint at Charlotte; North Carolina State Treasurer; and first American minister to Nicaragua) wrote the first history of North Carolina by a native. Historical Sketches of North Carolina was published in 1851. The first printing of 10,000 copies sold out within a year. His brother, Dr. Samuel Jordan Wheeler,
also
Murfreesboro,
a
however, is a story for another time and another publication. After John Wheeler’s death in 1832, his son Dr. Samuel Jordan Wheeler came into possession of the house, which may well have also been the dwelling of John Hill Wheeler on his trips back to North Carolina; in 1866, the Samuel Wheeler family left the
scholarly
house, moving to Bertie County. Three
history of Meherrin Baptist Church and founded and edited the Murfreesboro
years later, it was sold. In
1970,
the
house
became
Citizen. In addition to writing for his
the property of the Murfreesboro
own newspaper, he was a frequent
Historical Association, donated by
contributor to other state and local
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee Smith, Jr., of
papers.
Raleigh, in memory of her father, John
John Wheeler Moore, son of Julia
M. Camp of Franklin, Virginia.
Wheeler and Godwin Cotton Moore,
Restored and maintained by the
who was instrumental in the founding
MHA (with the financial assistance
of Chowan Baptist Female Institute
of endowments established by Mr.
in 1848 (now Chowan University),
and Mrs. J. Guy Revelle and Wheeler
wrote the first school history of North
descendant James Elliott Moore), it
Carolina; a two volume history of the
hosts between 500-1,000 visitors
State of North Carolina that began
each year, according to Lamar Van
as Sketches of Hertford County,
Brackle, president of the MHA. His
published
Murfreesboro
wife, Frances, is site manager for the
Inquirer; and the novel The Heirs of
building, and they welcome inquiries
St. Kilda. At the time of his death, he
and visitors.
in
the
was working on a history of Baptists in North Carolina; the unpublished and
64
visit his native North Carolina. That,
of
postmaster
wrote
John Hill Wheeler would return to
Sarah Davis is a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
Past Storms As a teenager, J e a n n i e MacGregor ran away from her brother’s r e m o t e mountain cabin in Wyoming and went back to live with her aunt in Baltimore. She needs some sort of social life to meet her future husband. When the first man she finds interesting rejects her, she turns to the next man who shows her attention. Is Linden Olsen everything he seems to be – suave, gallant, wealthy, and from high society? She never imagined that a series of events would leave her reeling and deciding to return to Wyoming.
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Janice Cole Hopkins is a prolific writer who loves a good story. She has traveled to all fifty states and pulls on this knowledge for her settings. Having a background in history and English also helps. Her characters are friends that come alive, drawing readers to them and their stories. All her profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.
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&
OUT ABOUT! Out & About is a listing of events happening in and
around the 12 counties which make up the coverage region for Eastern North Carolina Living magazine.
Those wishing to have an event listed should sent it to: Eastern Living, Attn: Out & About, P.O. Box 69,
Windsor, NC 27983. Email events to Thadd White at twhite@ncweeklies.com.
Nov. 16 On The Border- Eagles Tribute ROANOKE RAPIDS – The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will host On The Border- Eagles Tribute with lobby doors opening at 5 p.m., theatre doors opening at 6 p.m., opening act at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is located at 500 Carolina Crossroads Parkway in Roanoke Rapids. For more information, call 844-7785483 or visit www.rrlive.com. Intro to Metals COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host Intro to Metals from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. This is a family event and admission is free. The show will be held at the Pocosin Arts Metal Studio, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org. Nov. 17 Tar Kilns and Long Leaf Restoration WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host Tar Kilns and Long Leave Restorations at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Participants will gather in the visitor’s center to learn about the ecological and economical history of the park, and its impact on long leaf pine trees.
66
Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. Nov. 18 Stand Up Comedy WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host a night of stand up comedy Monday, Nov. 18 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is $5. The theatre is located at 150 West Church St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9462504.
Center for Performing Arts, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd. in Rocky Mount. Nov. 22-23 Christmas Craft Show BELHAVEN – The 6th annual Christmas Craft Show will be held from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. The craft show will be held at the Wilkinson Center, 144 East Main St. in Belhaven. For more information, call 252-9438485 or email sfandrews47@yahoo. com.
Nov. 21 Music Variety Show WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will host a variety show at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.
A Tribute to Elvis LITTLETON – The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present Randoll Rivers as ‘A Tribute to Elvis’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23. Tickets are $20 for nonmembers and $16 for members. The show will be held at the Mark Taylor Theater, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-586-3124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.
The Musical ‘Elf Jr.’ ROCKY MOUNT – The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts will host the musical, “Elf Jr.” from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children. The musical will be held at the Dunn
Nov. 22 – 24 “Hansel and Gretel” WASHINGTON – East Carolina University will present “Hansel and Gretel” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.
The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9462504. Nov. 23 Flatty Creek Paddle WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host Flatty Creek Paddle at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Participants will meet at Dinah’s Landing for a kayak trip down Flatty Creek with a park ranger. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington For more information, call 252-9232191. Holiday Shopalooza WILSON – Shiloh Pentecostal Holiness Church will host its 3rd annual Holiday Shopalooza from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. There will be over 20 local vendors. Admission is free. The event will be held at 5843 Shiloh Church Rd. in Wilson. Nov. 24 An Afternoon with Patsy Cline ROCKY MOUNT – The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts will host ‘An Afternoon with Patsy Cline’ from 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Tickets are $25. The event will be held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd. in Rocky Mount.
Nov. 23 An Evening with Joe Newberry • 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. COLUMBIA - Pocosin Arts hosts an evening with Joe Newberry. Listen to Joe’s dynamic bluegrass melodies while enjoying an evening in the historic Riverview House on the Scuppernong River. An oyster roast, appetizers, steamed shrimp and adult beverages will be provided with $75 ticket price. Visit pocosinarts.org/25years for more information. The concert will be held at 107 N. Water Street in Columbia.
Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Worship Service MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host its annual Thanksgiving worship service at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25. The service will be held in Turner Auditorium inside McDowellColumns Hall. The service is free and open to the public. Chowan University is located at 1 University Place in Murfreesboro.
Dec. 1 “Rent” WASHINGTON – The Historic Turnage Theatre will present the musical “Rent” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 in observance of World Aids Day. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is recommended. The event will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.
Nov. 26 “A Christmas Carol” WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will present “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9462504.
Christmas Concert ELIZABETH CITY – The Albemarle Chorale will host its Christmas concert ‘A Glorious Christmas’ at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. The concert will feature sacred music for the Christmas season and new renditions of familiar carols. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. The concert will be held at First United Methodist Church, 201 South Road St. in Elizabeth City.
Nov. 30 Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON – USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a couples and singles dance from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. For more information, call 252-9462504. Mallard Creek Hike WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host a ‘hike the Mallard Creek Loop Trail’ at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Hikers will participate in a 1.5-mile hike on the Mallard Creek Loop Trail. Participants are encouraged to bring water and binoculars, and wear sturdy boots. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. Classic Films Showing WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host classic Christmas films from noon- 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged. The event will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.
Dec. 3 Art Class for Children WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host a children’s art class, “Winter Holiday Village Dioramas” from 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Students will use the fork scraping technique on canvas to create Van Gogh’s painting “A Starry Night.” The class is for ages 6 through 12. The cost of the class is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The Bertie County Arts County Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 801-920-3773 or email rsusie@ aol.com. Dec. 5 Windsor Christmas Parade WINDSOR – The town of Windsor will host its annual Christmas Parade at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. The parade will be held downtown Windsor. Williamston Christmas Parade WILLIAMSTON – The town of Williamston will host its annual Christmas parade at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. The parade will be held downtown Williamston.
Dec. 6 Christmas Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Choral Society will present a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Admission is free. The concert will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Martin County Community Christmas Chorus WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Community Christmas Chorus show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students. The show will be held at the Martin County Auditorium, 1260 Godwin Ave. in Williamston. Advance tickets are available at Mast Pharmacy in Williamston and tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit www. matincountyarts.com. Aulander Christmas Tree Lighting AULANDER- The town of Aulander will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Come join the town of Aulander for fellowship, refreshments, a tree lighting and a mini concert. The event will be held at the Aulander Community Building. Holiday Ornament Make-N-Take COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts will host a community holiday ornament maken-take on Friday, Dec. 6. This is a free event.
The event will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Dec. 6 & 7 ‘Christmas Belles’ Play LITTLETON – The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present the play ‘Christmas Belles’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students. The play will be held at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information or to purchase, 252-586-3124 or visit www. lakelandcac.org. Candlelight Christmas Tour and Southern Dinner MURFREESBORO – The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc. will host its Candlelight Christmas Tour and Southern Dinner from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for ages 11 to 16 and children under the age of 10 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-398-5922. Holiday Artists’ Market COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts will host its Pocosin Arts’ Holiday Artists’ Market Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7. The market will be held at 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Dec. 7 2019 Swan Days Festival SWAN QUARTER – The 2019 Swan Days Festival will be held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
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OUT OUT OUT ABOUT! ABOUT! ABOUT! The festival will have migratory bird tours, educational programs and craft and food vendors. The festival will be held at Mattamuskeet School and the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, visit the Swan Days Facebook page or visit www. swandays.com. Owl Outing WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host owl watching at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Participants will learn facts about owls, which are mostly nocturnal animals. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. Holiday Homes Tour WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host a holiday homes tour from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. This is a self-guided tour through beautifully decorated homes in downtown Washington. Advance tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for students. Tickets the day of the event are $25, and are cash only. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Holiday Christmas Shop WASHINGTON – The Holiday Christmas Shop will be open from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. The shop is located at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Aulander Gymboree Vendor & Craft Show AULANDER – Aulander Ruritan Club will host the Aulander Gymboree Vendor & Craft Show from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The show will be held inside the Aulander Gym on Rice Avenue in Aulander. Jamesville Christmas Parade JAMESVILLE – The town of Jamesville will host its annual Christmas
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parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade will be held downtown Jamesville. Dec. 7 & 8 ‘The Christmas Story’ Drama WILLIAMSTON – ‘The Christmas Story’ drama will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Refreshments will follow. The drama will be held at Macedonia Christian Church Family Life Center, 7640 U.S. 17 South in Williamston. For more information, call 252-7923540. Dec. 8 Christmas Open House WINDSOR – Hope Plantation will host Christmas Open House from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The Hope Mansion and King Bazemore House will be decorated with time period decorations. There will be live holiday music, refreshments, and horse and carriage rides. Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. Hope Plantation is located at 132 Hope House Rd. in Windsor. For more information, call 252-7943140 or visit www.hopeplantation. org. Christmas Concert MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 8. The concert will feature a wide range of modern and classic Christmas favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. Chowan University is located at 1 University Place in Murfreesboro. Tarboro Christmas Parade TARBORO – The town of Tarboro will host its annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The parade will begin at the 200 block of Main Street and ends at the Tarboro Shopping Center/Hope Lodge Street. For more information, contact the Tarboro/Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce at 252-823-7241. Christmas Concert Elizabeth City – The Albemarle
Chorale will host its Christmas concert ‘A Glorious Christmas’ at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The concert will feature sacred music for the Christmas season and new renditions of familiar carols. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. The concert will be held at First United Methodist Church, 201 South Road St. in Elizabeth City. Dec. 10 An Evening With Santa WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host an ‘Evening with Santa’ from 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. The event will be held at the Roanoke Cashie River Center, 112 W. Water St. in Windsor. For more information, contact the Bertie County Arts Council at 252794-9402. Carriage Rides WINDSOR – The Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce and the Bertie County Arts Council will host horse and carriage rides from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through downtown Windsor to see the Christmas decorations. The rides will begin at the Bertie Arts Council’s Gallery, 124 S. King St. in Windsor.
For more information, visit www. tarborochamber.com or call 252823-7241. Dec. 12 Frankie Harrison Bluegrass Band WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host the Frankie Harrison Bluegrass Band Thursday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will be available at the door. The concert will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, visit www. martincountyarts.com. Carriage Rides WINDSOR – The Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce and the Bertie County Arts Council will host horse and carriage rides from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through downtown Windsor to see the Christmas decorations. The rides will begin at the Bertie Arts Council’s Gallery, 124 S. King St. in Windsor.
Dec. 11 Robersonville Christmas Parade ROBERSONVILLE – The town of Robersonville will host its annual Christmas parade at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. The parade will be held downtown Robersonville.
Dec. 13 Christmas Variety Show WASHINGTON – The Art’s of the Pamlico will present a Christmas Variety Show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.
Farm-City Breakfast ROCKY MOUNT – The North Carolina Cooperative Extension of Edgecombe County, the Edgecombe Martin County Electric Membership Cooperation, the Edgecombe County Farm Bureau and the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce will host the 42nd Annual Farm-City Breakfast at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. The breakfast will be held at the East Carolina Agriculture and Education Center, 1175 Kingsboro Rd. in Rocky Mount.
Dec. 13 & 14 ‘Christmas Belles’ Play LITTLETON – The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present the play ‘Christmas Belles’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students. The play will be held at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-586-3124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.
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OUT OUT OUT ABOUT! ABOUT! ABOUT! Dec. 14 “The Polar Express” WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host the movie “The Polar Express” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Activities will include hot chocolate and bells for everyone. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. The movies will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Aulander Christmas Parade AULANDER – The Aulander Christmas parade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Following the parade, light refreshments and Santa will be available at the Aulander Community Building. Bear Grass Christmas Parade BEAR GRASS – The town of Bear Grass will host its annual Christmas parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The parade will be held downtown Bear Grass. Oak City Christmas Parade OAK CITY – The town of Oak City will host its annual Christmas parade at noon Saturday, Dec. 14. The parade will be held downtown Oak City. Until Dec. 14 Members Only Art Show and Sale WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host a Members Only Art Show and Sale during regular business hours from noon -4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturdays. This show highlights the Martin County Arts Council members. The show will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, visit www. martincountyarts.com. Dec. 15 ‘Christmas Belles’ Play LITTLETON – The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will host the play ‘Christmas Belles’ at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students. The play will be held at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-586-3124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org. Welcome to Goose Creek WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host ‘Welcome to Goose Creek’ at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The presentation will introduce all of the recreational activities throughout the park. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. Christmas Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Community Orchestra will host a Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The concert will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Dec. 20 Christmas Concert WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will present The Embers featuring Craig Woolard performing a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $25 for adults and $25 for students. The concert will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Children’s Christmas $5 and Under Shopping Market WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host a Children’s Christmas $5 and Under Shopping Market from 3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Children ages 11 and younger are invited to come shop for family and friends. An adult must accompany children.
The market will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, visit www. martincountyarts.com. Dec. 21 All About Bears WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host ‘All About Bears’ at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Participants will learn about the life history of North Carolina’s black bears and examine mounts, skulls and furs. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. “The Elf 2” WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will present the movie “The
Elf 2” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. The movie will be shown in the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Through Dec. 21 6th Annual Christmas Market WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host its 6th Annual Christmas Market during regular business hours, noon -4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. -2 p.m. on Saturdays through Saturday, Dec. 21. Unique gifts are available from a wide array of handcrafted items created by local artists and craftsmen. The market will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston.
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OUT OUT OUT ABOUT! ABOUT! ABOUT! The Hamilton Christmas parade will be Thursday, Dec. 12.
The class will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Jan. 9 Painting Class COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Arts will host a painting class from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Thursday, Jan. 9 through Thursday, Feb. 6. The class is for ages 18 and older. The classes will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787.
Dec. 22 Broadway on the Big Screen WASHINGTON – Broadway on the Big Screen will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is greatly appreciated. The event will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Dec. 28 ‘Paint in the Park’ WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host ‘Paint in the Park’ at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Participants will create nature-based artwork down by the Pamlico River swim beach tables. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. For more information or to register, call 252-923-2191. New Year’s Eve Show WASHINGTON – IC Improv will present a New Year’s Eve Show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlicon.org. Jan. 1 First Day Hike WASHINGTON – Goose Creek State Park will host a First Day Hike at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan 1.
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Start the new year with a hike down the Pamlico River. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach /in Washington. For more information, call 252-9232191. Jan. 7 Pottery Class COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Art will host a pottery class from 9:30 a.m.- noon and 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Feb. 4. The classes will be held at the Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Jan. 7-Feb. 4 Art After School COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host Art After School from 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Tuesday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Feb. 4. The classes are for ages 6 through 9 and10 through 18. The classes will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Jan. 8 Metals Class COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Arts will host a metals class from 2:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 8 through Wednesday, Feb. 5. The class is for ages 18 and older.
Jan. 9 - March 26 Children’s Creative Movement Dance Class WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host a children’s creative movement dance class at a time to be announced beginning Thursday, Jan. 9 through Thursday, March 26. The class is for children 4 through 10. Children will learn basic dance concepts. The class is $125 for members and $135 for nonmembers. The classes will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, visit www. martincountyarts.com. Jan. 6-10 Community Yoga COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Art will host free community yoga Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10. The class will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Jan. 11 Guitar Fest WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will host its annual Guitar Fest from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 Admission is free. The fest will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org.
Jan. 11-16 Community Yoga COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Art will host free community yoga Saturday, Jan. 11 through Thursday, Jan. 16. The class will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-7962787. Jan. 12 Holiday Social WILLIAMSTON – Roanoke River Partners will host its annual Holiday Social from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan 12. Current and Prospective members will get an update on current Roanoke River activities. The event will be held at the Haughton Hall Bed and Breakfast, 203 N. Haughton St. in Williamston. For more information, call 252-7920700. Broadway on the Big Screen WASHINGTON – Broadway on the Big Screen will present “Street Scene” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated. The showing will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Jan. 14 & 15 Auditions WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico Players will host auditions for Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 and Wednesday, Jan 15. There are six roles for this comedythree male and three female. Auditions will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. artsofthepamlico.org. Jan. 16 African American Artist Show and Sale Opening Reception WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host an opening reception for the African American Artist Show and Sale from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Admission is free.
The reception will be held at the Martin County Arts Council’s Flat Iron Building, 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, visit www.martincountyarts. com. Jan. 17 Broadway on the Big Screen WASHINGTON – Broadway on the Big Screen will present “Kiss Me Kate” on Friday, Jan. 17. The showing will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, visit www. historicturnagetheatre.org. Jan. 18 Annual Gala WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host its annual gala Saturday, Jan. 18. This event will include casino tables, dinner and music. The event will be held at the Washington Yacht and Country Club. For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico. org. Saturday Crafts COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Arts will host ‘Learn How to Make a Clay Whistle’ from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. This is a free event for all ages. The class will be held at Pocosin Arts, 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-796-2787.
NOW OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION
Drs. Mills & Matthews Eye Clinic
Jan. 27 Hiking Trip WASHINGTON – A hike through Mallard Creek is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan 27. Join a ranger for a half-mile hike through the pine woods forest and ending at Mallard Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Participants will meet in the parking lot of the site park, 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington.
Dr. Robert C. Mills, OD Dr. Scott Matthews, OD
316 S. McCaskey Road-Williamston (formerly Dr. Skahill’s office)
252-792-2250
Give us a call for your complete family eye care • Glasses • Contact Lenses • Management and treatment of eye disease The Aulander Christmas Tree Lighting will be Friday, Dec. 6.
HOURS: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM 71
Plymouth “A Place To Call Home”
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Visit Historic
Plymouth, NC
Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA
Shop & Dine at the Stores & Restaurants in downtown
Ivy Garden Florist Designs by Donna Full Service Florist Donna Shaw Owner, Designer
105 W. Water Street Downtown Plymouth, NC 27962 (252) 793-5789
Fresh Made Peanut Butter, Homemade Peanut Brittle Snack Nuts and Chocolates, Boiled Peanuts, Fine Gifts Custom Gift Baskets, Gourmet Foods and so much more!
30871 US Hwy 64 E • Jamesville, NC 27846 ph 252.793.2993 • fx 252.791.0065 Toll-free: 888-637-6887 “We Ship for Christmas or Anytime!” Order online!
www.mfpnuts.com
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12 Views From Our
Battle Park
A scenic drive to Battle Park will take you through the area from which Rocky Mount got its name. The park, which offers picnic facilities, scenic overlooks and walks along the Tar River, is the site of the original village of Rocky Mount and its first post office circa 1816. Photos by Alan Campbell and & Sarah Louya 74
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ALL IN A
Day’s Trip
Bacon’s Castle
The ARTHUR ALLEN HOUSE
Surry, Virginia
Story and Photos by Leslie Beachboard Contributions by Michelle Leicester
F
or those looking for
was occupied as a fort or castle
brick house near the James
retained control of the house
a day trip filled with
by the followers of Nathaniel
River, where he lived with his
for over three months while
history and unique
Bacon during Bacon’s Rebellion
wife, Alice Allen.
their caused declined.
architecture,
Bacon’s
Castle,
also known as the Arthur Allen
Bacon’s Rebellion was an
House, is place to add to the list.
armed rebellion by Virginia
Allen
was
a
wealthy
The death of Bacon in
merchant and a Justice of the
October of the same year left
Peace for Surry County.
his forces under the leadership
Bacon’s Castle, located in
settlers led by Bacon against
When Allen died in 1669 his
of Joseph Ingram, who proved
Surry, Virginia, is known as
the rule of Governor William
son, Authur Allen II inherited
unsuited for the command.
the oldest documented brick
Berkley.
the house and property.
Ingram dispersed the army to
dwelling in the United States. Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is recognized as an extremely rare
example
of
Jacobean
Contrary to popular folklore,
Around
mid-September
Bacon never lived at nor visited
1676, a group of Bacon’s rebel
Bacon Castle.
followers seized the property.
other locations. By the Civil War, Bacon’s Castle was owned by the
Soon after Surry County was
The home was commanded
formed in the Royal Colony of
at various times by William
James Hankins was a law
The house became known
Virginia in 1652, Arthur Allen
Rookings, Authur Long, Joseph
student at the University of
as Bacon’s Castle because it
built the high-styled Jacobean
Rogers and John Clements,
Virginia at the outbreak of the
architecture of the new world.
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in 1676.
Hankins family.
“
Bacon’s Castle, located in Surry, Virginia, is known as the oldest documented brick dwelling in the United States. Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is recognized as an extremely rare example of Jacobean architecture of the new world.
Civil War. He was a member of
Plantations, Bacon’s Castle faced
the Jefferson Society (a literary
the problems of manpower
society) and was commissioned
due to the emancipation of
June 22, 1861 as first lieutenant
slave and insurmountable debt
of artillery, Fourth Regiment,
following the Civil War.
Virginia Militia. Later,
he
John Hankins had mortgaged became
the
the property prior to his death
Captain of the Surry Light
in 1870. Unable to raise the
Artillery.
money to pay the mortgage, his
William Underwood killed
daughter-Virginia Hankins-sold
Hankins in a duel at Isle of
the 1,200-acre estate in 1872
Wight Courthouse.
to the mortgage holder to pay
Like
other
James
River
off the debt and provide for her brothers’ and sisters’ education. Virginia Hawkins moved to Richmond, Virginia to become a teacher. William
Allen
Warren
purchased the estate in 1880, and sold it to his son Charles Allen Warren in 1909. When Allen died in 1931, the
estate
passed
through
inheritance to his son, Walker Pegram Warren, who was born in the mansion. Warren and his wife used Bacon’s Castle as their second home until their deaths in a car accident in 1973. The Warrens’ had no children, so the mansion, outbuildings
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ALL IN A
Day’s Trip
and 40 acres of the plantation
Bacon’s Castle now operates
was acquired by the Association
as a house museum and historic
for the Preservation of Virginia
site with 40-acres of outbuildings
Antiquities.
remaining
including barns, slave and tenant
1,130-acres of the plantation
quarters, smokehouses and a
was acquired by Virginia Senator
17-century English formal garden.
Garland Gray and was later
In 2015, the Virginia Outdoors
passed to his son, Elmon T. Gray.
Foundation received a $257,996
It is still devoted to agriculture.
grant from the Virginia Land
After
80
The
the
Preservation
Conservation
Foundation
to
Society acquired the house,
help the group purchase a
it
conservation
underwent
restoration.
easement
on
Preservation activities continue
1,260 acres of privately-owned
while guests visit the site.
farmland surround Bacon’s Castle.
The
easement
ensures
notable architectural features
the land will be permanently
include
protected from residential and
chimneys,
commercial development.
gables and carved compass
Guests may tour Bacon’s
roses
triple-stacked shaped
decorating
Flemish the
cross
Castle from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on
beams in many of the public
Fridays and Saturdays and noon
rooms, along with time-era
– 4 p.m. on Sundays between
correct furnishings and clothing.
March and November.
the tour is preserved writings
an inside look at the rare
on the wall in the children’s
example of American Jacobean
bedroom on the fourth floor
architecture,
and signatures and a love letter
the
only
high-style house from the 17th Century.
including barns, slave and tenant quarters, smokehouses and a
It is only one of three
late
19th
the Century,
17-century English formal garden. An original one-story service
The downtown area is filled
wing was replaced with a taller
with a variety of antique stores,
to
Greek Revival wing. Around this
a bakery, an ice cream shop and
Bacon’s
time, the entrance was moved
restaurants.
etched in window panes. Between
a house museum and historic site with 40-acres of outbuildings
One of the highlights of
These guided tours give
and
“
Bacon’s Castle now operates as
mid
A
lunch
or
dinner
surviving Jacobean great houses
Castle
several
from the center of the main
west of the Atlantic Ocean.
modifications, which can still be
block house and diamond-
recommendation
seen today.
pane casement windows were
the iconic Taste of Smithfield
exchanged
Restaurant.
Visitors
will
see
many
underwent
for
double-hung
The
dash windows.
flagship
would
be
restaurant
Moving the door left a
and store of Smithfield Foods
scar in the location of the
features the best hams from
original pediment surround. All
all over the world, over 240
changes were maintained in the
different flavors of peanuts
restoration.
and memorabilia of the historic
Visitors may also self-tour
town.
the grounds, outbuildings and
The menu includes half-
gardens throughout the year.
pound 100 percent Certified
Group tours are available, and
Angus beef burgers, signature
there is a gift shop.
sandwiches,
salads,
homemade
desserts
The house is listed on the National Register of Historic
soups, and
signature cocktails.
Places and was designated a
This trip can be made easily
National Historic Landmark in
in one day and promises to be
1960.
interesting to guests of all ages.
Before or after a trip to
Leslie Beachboard is the News
are
Editor for the Bertie Ledger-
travel
Advance and a Staff Writer for
approximately 10 miles down
the Martin County Enterprise &
the road to historic downtown
Weekly Herald and Eastern North
Smithfield, Virginia.
Carolina Living.
Bacon’s
Castle,
recommended
visitors to
81
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MATTRESS SALE IMP E BED RIAL PR DING
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We are proud to wish you a Merry Christmas! Get into the spirit with Christmas Music November 25th to 29th brought to you by Bertie County Peanuts. For the tastiest Christmas treats go to www.pnuts.net or call 1-800-457-0005
Our Christmas tradition continues with the Feyer Ford Special Christmas programming December 16-27. Enjoy the best Christmas Music and Specialty Shows. Check out “Your Friends in the Car Business� at www.feyerford.com www.magic959online.com
(252)793-9995 83
6
Qwithuestions
Jada Richardson
1
S econd G rader
What is your favorite part of Christmas?
My favorite part of Christmas is that I get to open gifts with my baby sister, Alivia, my mom and my dad.
2
How do you know Santa Claus is real?
I know Santa is real because of the joy in my heart.
3
How does your family celebrate?
We go to my grandma’s house to eat and play games with my cousins, aunts and uncles.
84
at
W est B ertie E lementary S chool
4
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means a lot to me because I get lots of presents. I get to celebrate for my family and friends.
5
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is celebrating with my family and friends, and going to my favorite restaurant, Red Lobster.
6
Do you get up early to open presents?
I get up really early. I will hop out of my bed and sneak to open a few presents before my mom and dad get up.
85
Grandma’s
Kitchen Christmas truly is “the most wonderful
ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator
time of the year.” Family get togethers
so it is ready when they arrive. We roll them
with love, laughter and, of course – food.
out and they cut out the cookies in Santas,
Decorations all around the home. Children
snowmen or whatever shape they like.
anxious to open presents.
Once baked, they decorate the way the
What could be better?
mood strikes them. We use the occasion to
My family gathers late in the day on
indulge ourselves as we bake. After all, it is
Christmas Eve so each family has their own
a grandmother’s right to spoil grandchildren
family time together Christmas morning.
(while also ensuring they behave).
Our
big
Thanksgiving.
traditional For
meal
Christmas
is
on
we
do
finger foods, dips and sweets. Everyone contributes to the meals. On Thanksgiving we gather around the table and give thanks for all our blessings. On Christmas Eve we fix plates and gather in the living room near the tree. After food and fellowship, we open presents. I feel certain the grandchildren would prefer to open presents first, but it
My family’s favorite sweet for this time of the year is peanut butter balls closely followed by peanut butter fudge. There’s a joke about nuts in that statement, but I will skip it. You get it anyway, right? My favorite of all the decorations is the tree. The tree to me represents freshness, a newness of life. That’s what Jesus brought to mankind on the day He entered this earth. The lights that twinkle speak to me
is good to wait because their anticipation
of the light He brought into a dark world.
builds.
I wish everyone could have the joy and
My family loves homemade bread and I make bread loaves for Thanksgiving
peace that knowledge brings. Whatever
your
traditions
are
and Christmas. Before Christmas the grandchildren and I make sugar cookies
very best Christmas you’ve ever and may
together and each carries some home with
there be peace among men.
them. We make sugar cookies because that’s what all of them like. I make the dough
The recipes are so old I do not remember where I got them. Enjoy!
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.
86
for
Christmas, I wish you and your family the
ookies Buttery SugaCormbC king ine flour, baking soda, ba
2 cups of butter, softened 2 cups sugar 3 large eggs 5 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS tter and In a large bowl, cream bu . Add eggs sugar until light and fluffy after each ll one at a time, beating we d vanilla. addition. Beat in milk an
add to powder and salt; gradually well. Cover creamed mixture and mix and refrigerate for one hour, roll out On a lightly floured surface, h cookie to ¼ inch thickness. Cut wit on greased cutters. Place 1 inch apart baking sheets. 8-10 Bake at 350 degrees for ed. wn bro minutes or until lightly ar and cool Sprinkle with sparkling sug d then ice on racks, or cool on racks an sugar icing. with colored confectioners s Makes about 11 dozen cookie
Peanut Butter Balls
½ cup butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 cups creamy peanut butter 2 cups confectioners sugar 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons oil ½ bar wax
Stir in 2 cups confectioners sug ar and all but ½ cup graham cracke r crumbs. Add additional ½ cup only if needed to hold firm. Form into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Melt chocolate chips, oil and wax. With two forks, dip, remove and place on wax paper until chocolate DIRECTIONS is set. Keep in air tight contain er. Cream butter, vanilla, salt and Ref rigerate if desired. Makes about 6 peanut butter. dozen.
e Peanut Butter Fitucodmges to a full, rolling
heat until boil is when it boil. (Full, rolling down) Boil to soft cannot be stirred 6 minutes) ball stage (about er and vanilla. Add peanut butt in y. I usually take Beat until cream to beat it because outside if it is cold . it will set up faster . Cut buttered 8X8 dish to in DIRECTIONS ur Po evaporated milk entirely. Mix sugar, salt, after it has cooled m iu ed m er ov ok and margarine. Co ut butter 1 cup creamy pean 3 cups sugar Dash of salt ed milk 1 ½ cups evaporat ¼ cup margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla
87
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biography •
Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls
Mitch St. Clair Mov ing Forward Never Stopped Him From Giv ing Back 90
L
ooking back at the life and career of Beaufort County native Mitch St. Clair, one pattern becomes clear. He values the community he has called home all his life.
Born and raised in Chocowinity, St. Clair is a 1968
graduate of Chocowinity High School, where he played football. He made a trip to Fayetteville State University with his uncle. After a closer look at the cost of college, St. Clair made the decision not to pursue higher education. "I said I am going back to Little Washington and get me a job," he explained. Soon St. Clair was employed at National Spinning, then a large employer in the county. His sister had also returned to their hometown. She was looking for a job and one day her brother, Mitch, drove her to an interview with Winn-Dixie, when the company was preparing to move into Washington. As he waited in the lobby for his sister, a man came out and asked, "who's next?" motioning to him. St. Clair told the man, “No, I have a job. I'm waiting for someone.� After being asked repeatedly, St. Clair gave in and went back for an interview. On the way home, his sister was surprised, to say the least, Mitch had been hired and she had not. "That ride back to Chocowinity wasn't so good," he recalled. The unexpected offer from Winn-Dixie led to a 15year career that St. Clair never expected. After moving his way up the ranks from the beginning role of bag boy to assistant store manager, St. Clair was told the company wanted to move him to Virginia. "I did not want to go to Virginia," said St. Clair.
91
biography • Having worked hard to take his departments to be recognized by the company, he made a deal to stay and move into the meat department at his store. Later, an ankle injury would put him on the sidelines. At first, all St. Clair could think was, "Now what am I going to do?" And with a plan, and the money he had built up in his profit sharing - St. Clair Trucking would be what he was going to do. "I had always liked trucks and took to driving them pretty well," said St. Clair Trucking's original driver. That was 1982. St. Clair drove one truck and hired a driver for the other. If one broke down, he worked on them and the other driver kept things moving. Early on, St. Clair Trucking was able to get in on work on U.S. 264 as a contract hauler. "That opened a lot of doors for the company," said St. Clair. Growth led to attaining their own contracts and led to an increase up to 21 trucks. St. Clair said he has always tried to limit the geographical range the company will work, keeping people closer to home and spending more money at home instead of abroad. After many years of running hard on the job, St. Clair decided it was time to scale back a bit. "We merged from trucking more to demolition," he explained. He believes when people did not see the amount of trucks on the road to which they had become accustomed, some assumed he was done. "I've cut back tremendously," he said of present day St. Clair Trucking. "I am 69 years old," St. Clair laughed. A true believer in giving back to his community, St. Clair has served on numerous boards and for causes close to his heart. His service includes time with Beaufort County Crimestoppers, the local Boys and Girls Club, WashingtonBeaufort Chamber of Commerce (serving two years as chairman), Beaufort County Health Department Board and the Noon Rotary Club. Current endeavors include service to the Beaufort County Developmental Center Board, Beaufort County Community College - who nominated St. Clair for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award - and Vidant Beaufort Hospital's Advocacy Committee. Today, St. Clair serves on the North Carolina Outdoor
92
Heritage Advisory Council, which was an appointment by the governor. His first stop at state level service proved to be a "real adventure." After being approached multiple times, St. Clair made a requested visit to Raleigh, where he was offered a seat on the state Community College Board. He turned that down since he was already serving at Beaufort Community College and preferred to stay there. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, St. Clair began his service as a Commissioner on Aug. 24, 2007. He would serve until June 30, 2013. St. Clair remembered that first meeting well. "I went to Asheville," he explained. "I remember standing in that door way thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into’?" he said. It quickly became apparent, St. Clair was the only person of color in the meeting. A little research revealed, according to St. Clair, he was the first person of color to serve in this position. "At first I was a bit overwhelmed," he recalled. This was a leap from the little boy in Chocowinity who would check his father's rabbit boxes for him. "All I knew was the game warden side of it, and suddenly I am telling them the rules," he laughed. He quickly took to the role and was welcomed into the fold equally as rapidly. "At that first meeting, a man came up to me, shook my hand and said ‘come on, you are going fly fishing with me,’"
“
Family and faith are t wo of the passions he shares his t ime with outside of work.
”
explained St. Clair. "From that day forward, I was welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed it." After much fishing, turkey and bear hunting, he hung up his hunting license. When there is time for unwinding these days, St. Clair is more likely to be found on his motorcycle, a love he developed as soon as he was old enough to go to work and buy his own machine. Family and faith are two of the passions he shares his time with outside of work. A trustee at Mt. Hebron Church, St. Clair may be found in a business meeting or cutting the grass, whichever is needed. "It has been a blessing to go about this business and my life as I have," said St. Clair. "I am grateful." Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
93
Kayak Fishing in the
Albemarle
H
ere in the Albemarle
load up the kayak and go fishing.
region we are surrounded
With today’s technology and anglers
Kayak anglers are known to share
by water with our rivers,
like myself and others pushing for new
information on where and when the fish
creeks, ponds and the sound. We have
ideas, we have brought the industry up
are biting and what they are hitting on. If
more access to fishing than just about any other area in the state. In our rivers we can catch largemouth
to what is needed for anglers with rod holders, anchors, electronics and new
bass on one cast, then catch a puppy drum on the next. It makes for a great place to fish but a lot of us have no way to fish but from the bank until now.
you don’t want to bass fish there is always crappie, perch and even fishing from the beach for drum and blues. Kayak fishing has some very distinct advantages over
The great thing about kayak fishing is once you have
owning a boat besides the overhead. You can sneak into shallow water and fish where nobody has, before including
Kayak fishing has exploded over the
made the initial investment,
some of the creeks we have which are
past few years and with a kayak you can
there is almost no overhead
blocked off by low water bridges.
fish almost any body of water we have to choose from. The great thing about kayak fishing is once you have made the initial investment, there is almost no overhead after that. What that means is there is no gas, oil, tags or insurance. You simply
94
gadgets being invented every day.
Stealth is also key with a kayak
after that. What that means
because it makes very little noise and
is there is no gas, oil, tags
has almost no water line for the fish to
or insurance. You simply load up the kayak and go fishing.
see. I have gone into ponds and literally caught fish right under my boat in less that three feet of crystal clear water. I have also been in the Chesapeake
Bay and had the striper pin the
me up current almost three miles until I
There are a million different gadgets
menhaden under my kayak with the fish
finally turned her and got her in the boat.
you can put on your kayak to make it
There are a few things to consider
yours, and if you wait another day it will
busting all around the boat.
be a million and one.
It is a totally different way to fish and
before buying your first kayak. There is a
you don’t know how much fun it can be
sit on top (SOT) kayak which is open on
There are also different drive systems
until you try.
top. This type of kayak is what you use
for kayaks, which means some you have
When you fish from a kayak you are
in big water because the water will break
to paddle while others have pedal drive
closer to nature with a quiet approach
over the bow and go out the scupper
systems which push the boat from the
that will bring out the wildlife on the
holes in the bottom.
bottom.
banks and in the water. It is nothing to
The other type is the standard or
Others have electric trolling motors
have deer come to the banks to drink
sit in (SI) kayak. This type has a hole in
attached to them while some have jet
and not even know you are there. All the
the middle that you climb in and sit on
drives.
while the fish are following the bait right
the bottom. You can use this in ponds,
These are all things you have to
up to the kayak and hitting the bait right
creeks and other calm water, but if you
consider before purchasing your first
at the end of the line.
take a wave over the bow, it will sit in
kayak, but rest assured once you get
your kayak till you tip it over and drain
started kayak fishing, you will be hooked
the water out.
just like me.
With the right preparation you can go offshore or in the sound and fish for stripers, blues and Spanish mackerel
Next, you want to look at accessories
all in your kayak. I have caught a striper
which could be rod holders, depth
columnist for The Daily Advance in
over 30 pounds in the Chesapeake Bay
finders, dry bags and tackle storage
Elizabeth City and a new contributor
on light line and bass tackle. It dragged
systems.
to Eastern North Carolina Living.
Mike
Sweeney
is
a
regular
95
MARKER TEXT
Bertie County Marker ID: A-41 Original Date Cast: 1951-P
WILLIAM BLOUNT Member of Continental Congress, signer of the Federal Constitution, governor S.W. Territory, Senator from Tennessee. Birthplace 1/5 mi. S.W.
MARK IT! Title To Begin Here
Rabore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam Information courtesy of the voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no
W
illiam Blount, United States senator and Governor of the Southwest Territory, was born on March 26, 1749 in Bertie County, son
of Jacob and Barbara Blount and brother of John Gray Blount. As a member of one of the wealthiest, most respected families in North Carolina, Blount received an education at private academies in both North Carolina and Virginia. The family resided at Blount Hall. During the American Revolution, Blount served briefly as the paymaster of the 3rd North Carolina Continental regiment before resigning in 1778. He served six terms as a state representative and senator, before accepting a position with the Continental Congress, and later served both state conventions concerning adoption of the United States Constitution. Blount also supported the cession of the state’s western lands to the United States government, and became Governor of the “territory of the United States south of the Ohio River.” From 1790 to 1796, Blount served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs and was instrumental in forging the 1791 Treaty of Holston with the Cherokee. The agreement provided the United States legal right to a large amount of land, some of which whites already had occupied. Blount helped found the state of Tennessee and chaired the convention that drafted the state’s first constitution in 1796. Blount College, the forerunner of the University of Tennessee, was named in his honor. Upon admission of Tennessee into the Union, Blount was elected to the United States Senate. In 1797 he was found guilty of “a high misdemeanor, entirely inconsistent with his public trust and duty as Senator,” and was expelled from the Senate for having been involved in a scheme to incite the Creek
REFERENCES William H. Masterson, William Blount (1954) Buckner Melton, The First Impeachment: The Constitution’s Framers and the Case of Senator William Blount (1998) William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, I, 182-183—sketch by Stanley J. Folmsbee Samuel A. Ashe, ed., Biographical History of North Carolina (1905) Biographical Dictionary of the American Congress (1928) M. J. Wright, Some Account of the Life and Services of William Blount (1884) William Blount Papers, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville
96
and Cherokees to aid the British in conquering Spanish-held West Florida. An impeachment trial began in the House of Representatives, but Blount was acquitted before the Senate. Blount was elected a state senator in Tennessee and chosen as president at its first session in December 1797. The charges were subsequently dismissed. Blount died in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 21, 1800, and is buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery. He left a widow, Mary Moseley Grainger, and seven children.
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PARTING SHOTS Thadd White on the banks of the Cashie River
The idea for this issue came when I was
What you have read in these pages are our
driving across the J.J. “Monk” Harrington
attempts to tell the stories of the real people
Bridge on N.C. 11 late last year.
whose lives so touched others they have had
I am fortunate enough – and indeed old
places named in their honor.
highway sign despite the tragedy Hurricane Dorian visited upon the island. Sarah Davis takes us on a trip through history as she gives the background of where
enough – to have known Monk Harrington
When we began, I chose to delay the
when he was still the President Pro-Tempore
story about Monk Harrington (we plan to do
of the N.C. Senate, and in his retirement.
this theme again in a year or so) with one on
One of Gates County’s most renowned
Many times he would come to Pittman’s
Robert B. “Bob” Spivey. Our hope was to get
educators – Mr. T.S. Cooper – has a school
Richfood in Lewiston where I worked as a
it accomplished while he lived, but alas, that
named in his honor. Jim Green was able to
was not to be as he
locate a former student – now aged 90 – to
What you have read in these pages
died in September.
recall the excellent educational leader.
You’ll read a story
There are many more stories within – one
are our attempts to tell the stories
by Leslie Beachboard
in each of our 12 counties, plus a look at the
about Bob’s life and
John Wheeler House in Historic Murfreesboro.
of the real people whose lives so
the many people he
We welcome your feedback on places
touched others they have had
touched and learn
you’d like to know more about when we tackle
at least some of the
this issue next time. Just drop me an email.
places named in their honor.
Margarettsville got its name - Margaret Ann Bynum Jordan.
things, which have
We’ll be back in January 2020 with an
been named, in his
issued titled Heroes Among Us, where we
honor.
look at some of the people doing heroic work
teenager and hang out with my boss – William
Our choice in Martin County never wavered.
Pittman – and a group of older men, all of
I remember Sheriff Jerry Beach as well, though
Until next time, remember… all who
whom have since passed away.
I only met him once or twice in person. Sarah
wander are not lost. Continue joining us
As I remembered that time, it struck
Hodges Stalls does a remarkable job in her
as we meander through Beaufort, Bertie,
me there were many such places in our 12
story about his life – telling about the life he
Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde,
counties – bridges, highways, rooms and even
lived and not just the heroic way he died.
Martin, Nash, Northampton, Tyrrell and
buildings – who were named for people some
Sandy Carawan put together an excellent
in our communities.
Washington counties.
story on Irvin Garrish and the Irvin Garrish
Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North
I shared it with our staff, and we quickly
Highway on Ocracoke Island. And, thanks to
Carolina Living Magazine, the Bertie Ledger-
began the process of rectifying at least a few
Connie Leinbach of the Ocracoke Observer,
Advance and the Martin County Enterprise &
of those.
we have a photo of Mr. Garrish and the
Weekly Herald.
didn’t know.
98
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