Eastern Living July 2020

EASTERN

LIVING N O RT H

C A R O L I N A

Welcome to

Our

Town

Tarboro Our History is Just the beginning

Columbia Honoring Our Past Designing Our Future

Littleton Gateway to Beautiful Lake Gaston

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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

PG. 30

Halifax

PG. 14

PG. 46

PG. 50

Tyrrell

Edgecombe

H e rt f o r d

M a rt i n

on N o r t h a m p t PG. 6 4

B e rt i e

PG. 10

PG. 34

Nash

PG.42

PG. 38

Washingto PG. 22

PG. 18

nPG. 26

FEATURES

54. NC DESTINATIONS NC Native Meghan Grant shares her top-rated towns

ON THE C OV E R

58. JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Nash Central’s Norris hasn’t stopped working

The Little Sammie heading out to the Pamlico Sound after sunset.

Photo by Sandy Carawan

VOL. 12, NO. 4 JULY 2020 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

61. OUT & ABOUT

Events happening in and around the 12 counties

64.

Publisher

A look at beautiful Belhaven

Staff

Kyle Stephens

Gene Metrick

kstephens@ncweeklies.com

gmetrick@rmtelegram.com Sarah Hodges Stalls

Editor

shstalls@ncweeklies.com

Thadd White

Miles Layton

twhite@ncweeklies.com

mlayton@ncweeklies.com

Creative Services Director

dgriffin@ncweeklies.com

Deborah Griffin Michelle Leicester mleicester@ncweeklies.com

70.

GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

Sweet treats from NC & beyond

72.

Editorial Contributors Sandy Carawan

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Chris Cordon, serving God & Bertie County

Layout & Design

Sarah Davis

Becky Wetherington

Tom Harrison

beckyweth@gmail.com

Sylvia Hughes Gene Motley

Photo Editor

John Walker

Jim Green

Meghan Grant

jgreen@ncweeklies.com

Amelia Harper Patrick Mason

Advertising Executives Lou Ann Van Landingham

76. MARK IT!

78. PARTING SHOTS

Aquascogoc Tribe at their tragic history in Belhaven.

Thadd White shares the history within our 12 counties

lavan@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living

Jessica Mobley

Magazine

jmobley@ncweeklies.com

P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983

Kelly Ayscue

252-794-3185

kayscue@rmtelegram.com

twhite@ncweeklies.com

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

5

Northampton County

Conway

Just ‘Country Folks’

E

Story & Photos by Gene Motley

ven if you’re just passing through this quiet little central Northampton County hamlet, you’re family.

While Conway can’t boast it’s the largest town in the county

(that honor belongs to Gaston, including its famous Lake), nor the county seat (that’s Jackson), it does boast a hometown quality the likes of which few can compare.

“I think the people are what make Conway special,” says Town Administrator Nancy Jenkins, seated behind her desk at Town Hall, and who, along with Town Clerk Robin Maitland, is happy to brag on their little town.

“It’s a small community where everyone looks out for everyone,” she added. “We’ve had folks move in who just want that small-

6

town, quiet atmosphere, and they can do that

the faith-based community here is very

in honor of her mother,” said Maitland. “We

here.”

strong; it holds the town together,” Jenkins

have it here in our (Town Hall) parking lot by

acknowledged.

the Police Department, and people stop by to

While Georgia-Pacific Chemical is one of the town’s largest employers, Conway boasts

One of Conway’s biggest contributions

fill it up with condiments. It can be scarves, it

34 businesses as of Spring ‘20, and are still

to the Northampton economy is the area’s

can be snacks; anything non-perishable they

growing.

thriving farm community. There is also

want to leave for people to pick up. People

On the Northampton County web page

statewide recognized Veteran’s Memorial

take some things out, then come around

one can find photos of ribbon-cuttings for

Park, one of the few towns that have a large

and fill it back up again. And right beside it is

the enterprises that dot the town’s main

park that salutes the American military

our ‘free library’ with children’s books on one

thoroughfares.

with recognition services on Memorial Day,

side and adult books on the other; you can get a book, or leave a book. We are a giving

“We have many small businesses like

Veteran’s Day and the National Day of Prayer.

the Track-Side Restaurant, and our grocery

“We’ll have anywhere from 75 to 100

store (Conway Food and Deli) that has now

people attending those services,” Jenkins

expanded its fare to include pizza and wings.

noted.

Flythe Brothers Service Station has been here forever, and they celebrated 60 years

Right outside of the neatly polished Town Hall are two special drop-off bins.

in business just three years ago. We have

“We established a ‘Blessings Box’ courtesy

churches of many denominations because

of a daughter with the Purple Angel Foundation

community.”

The free library was started by Flythe Brothers, probably one of the easiest businesses to find in Conway thanks to the name of the establishment emblazoned on their huge gas-pumps canopy sign at the corner of U.S. 158 and N.C.35.

7

“

It’s a small community where everyone looks out for everyone.

We’ve had folks move in who just want that small-town, quiet atmosphere, and they can do that here.

”

- Robin Maitland, Town Clerk Begun in 1957, and in business

the old Food Center grocery on

now for over 63 years, when

East Main Street. They are most

brothers Travis and Leon Flythe

grateful for the steady flow of

took over, Leon’s son, Blake

customers who have helped the

Flythe, runs it now. He practically

town keep and maintain a local

grew up in the business from

supermarket in these times.

when he was 10 years old.

“I love the area since I’ve

“I learned how to sweep the

been here,” noted Tracy Laws,

floors and empty the trash cans,

who, along with her husband,

ride with (Uncle) Travis on the

Corey, opened Track-Side Tavern

oil truck and ride with Daddy on

and Grill nearby on Main Street

the wrecker,” Blake remembers.

in October 2019. The Laws

“I guess you could say I’ve been

to the older businesses in the

declared. “It’s your average small

here ever since, and now it’s over

commute to their business daily

town, some of the newer, younger

town where everybody knows

20 years that I’ve owned it.”

ones also add to its richness.

everybody, you know, everybody

from their home in Murfreesboro.

“Tires are our biggest business,”

“We’re right ‘in the cut’,”

chimes in Rachel Flythe Capel, the

declares barber Arthur Dukes,

co-proprietor, and Blake’s cousin.

who owns and operates N-Da-

“You can ride somewhere else

“We sell a lot of farm tires, we do

Cut Barber Shop. “That means

if you want to spread out and

state inspections, we sell fishing

we’re in the middle. Sort of the

that’s what you want to do. I can’t

bait, a little bit of everything.”

middle between Murfreesboro,

say anything negative about it,”

Boykins

he continued. “Everybody goes

“Our biggest asset is that we try to be fair with our customers,”

(Virginia),

Jackson/

Roanoke Rapids and Woodland.”

shops at the same store. It’s all about what you get out of it.

about their lives because families

added Blake. “We’ve got regular

Dukes boasts having the first

know each other whether it’s

customers who come up here

black-owned barber shop ever in

the grandparents or the little

and get Nabs and drinks; even

the town located near the corner

kids. I can’t complain because

one man 86 years old who used

of Main and Hundley. He even

I’ve enjoyed it; everything is

to come up here twice a day, but

cuts hair on select Sundays.

everything.”

“I had been noticing this (location) for a while, and it just sort of happened,” she said. “I love the residents and I’ve met a lot of interesting people here and the whole community has just been great, business has been wonderful here and with those from surrounding towns. I really have no complaints. Happy is just the word.”

And that’s a good way to describe Conway.

now I take him a little snack, sit

“I think the business climate

Kamini Ajitkumar Patel, and

Gene Motley is a retired Sports

and talk with him a little bit, and

here is going to grow somewhat,

partner Harry Nijah, are originally

Editor and Sports Director and

just make him feel comfortable.”

but it’s not going to get much

from Asia, but now operate the

a regular contributor to Eastern

bigger because of what it is,” he

Conway Food & Deli, located in

North Carolina Living.

While there’s a ‘folksy’ quality

8

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BERTIE COUNTY 9

Beaufort County

Washington

‘The Original’ continues to grow & develop

Story & Photos by Deborah Griffin

T

he Pamlico River’s surf pounds the sidewalk-lined shore, as the sounds of progress pound downtown Main Street, one street over.

Sea gulls fly overhead, their cries drowned out by the jackhammers of development. The birds are evidence of the river’s tie to the Atlantic Ocean - the gateway which positioned this waterfront town as a vital global seaport during the nation’s early history.

Washington, at times prefaced with “Little” or “Original,” was formed from a 1770’s settlement called Forks of the Tar - renamed in honor of George Washington in 1776, some 14 years ahead of our nation’s capitol.

The Tar and the Pamlico rivers meet here, forming the brackish waters the town grew up on - and became inseparable from.

The rivers remain largely unchanged, but the waterfront has transformed over the past 250 years, from industrial port to commerce center, and is currently undergoing further change – in an effort to preserve the past.

10

Main Street, in an upheaval, has been gouged to replace aging infrastructure.

waterfront, but Washington is still renowned for boat crafting. Singer song-writer Jimmy

According to Mayor Mac “Bear” Hodges,

Buffett recently commissioned a $3 million

who grew up here, “The waterlines have

48-foot sailboat, built by Washington’s

been in there since 1908. This was mostly

Pacific Seacraft.

started as an infrastructure project –

In the 1800s, the Port of Washington

replacing stormwater [drains], electric [lines]

was as far inland ocean vessels could travel

and water [pipes]. When we build it back,

before the river narrowed. Then, goods (and

we are making the sidewalks wider using

people) had to be transferred onto smaller

brick pavers, and adding new lights and

boats to access towns upriver like Tarboro

new benches to make it really pretty and

and Greenville.

historical.”

In turn, plantation owners and farmers

Main Street, which runs parallel to the

along the river would load their wares onto

river, is normally a serene, eclectic mix of

boats to be taken to Washington, which

culture, shops, businesses and eateries.

would then be loaded onto sea-going

But revival is never quiet. In the name

vessels and sold up and down the eastern

of reformation, the town is undergoing

seaboard - and as far away as the West

restoration to many of its remaining, historic

Indies, said Midgett.

edifices, which bear witness to the former glory of the town.

“Merchants would buy products produced up river and sell them as far north as New

According to local historian Ray Midgett,

England. They also did a lot of trading with

around the 20th century, the Washington

the West Indies, as far down as Barbados,”

waterfront was a major ship building arena

Midgett added.

and a center for commerce because of its location on the river.

Although not native, Midgett has lived

The ships would bring back merchandise

“

Merchants would buy products produced up river and sell them as far north as New England. They also did a lot of trading with the West Indies, as far down as Barbados.

”

- Ray Midgett, local historian

in Washington 15 years, and has immersed himself in historic preservation. He is president of the Harbor Port of Washington Project, a group of volunteers working to promote and preserve Washington’s maritime heritage and history.

“During the Revolutionary War there were several vessels built here,” he said. “It probably reached its peak early 1850s. At that time there were more ship builders here than any other place in North Carolina.”

Because of its location, wharfs and warehouses started springing up even before it was a town, said Midgett. By 1918, records show the waterfront had over 50 wharves.

Ship

builders

no

longer

line

the

11

from New York and Baltimore for local

caused the decline of the river as a means to

merchants to sell, and vessels that took locally

transport goods and people, said Midgett.

produced items to Barbados, came back with

added,

“As

motor

“Washington

has

evolved

from

a

vehicles

commercial port in its early days, to more of

things like sugar and molasses and bananas,

replaced commercial vessels and railroads,

a hospitality destination now,” Rumley added.

he said.

the Washington waterfront was greatly

Moss Landing, one block from the

Blount Rumley, 78, grew up on the shores

Rumley

have replaced the wharves of old.

abandoned as a connection to the river.”

of the Pamlico. He lives three blocks from his

According to the two historians, for about

boyhood home, on the river in Washington

a decade, Washington seemed to turn its back

Park.

on the Pamlico.

“My earliest memories were of the waning commercial port,” he said. “I remember long rafts of logs being towed by tug to Eureka Mill [which was] on the waterfront.”

“It did not appear to be the great asset it once was,” said Rumley.

But the 1960s brought a revelation of new uses for the river, most specifically tourism, he

He remember hearing stories told about

said.

downtown area, has multiple $450,000$750,000 waterfront homes being built on prized land, once dominated by oyster canneries, lumber mills, fertilizer plants and shipyards.

Further out from the watery heart of the city, real estate is also booming, according to Hodges.

An agent turned appraiser, Hodges said

how the “sugar boat” would come in from the

In 1969, Washington undertook a major

West Indies, loaded with tons of bulk sugar

urban renewal project, building a road and

- consigned to local grocers and soft drink

park paralleling the waterfront area. The

bottlers in Washington and Greenville.

project included the construction of a 1,500

As this picturesque, waterfront town of

“Lots of times farmers would back up to

foot long walkway and bulkhead along

nearly 10,000 citizens continues to grow,

the docks and purchase entire truckloads of

the Pamlico, designed for both pedestrian

it forges on the foundations of the old –

the sugar to feed their liquor stills,” Rumley

and boat traffic. Many decaying waterfront

adhering to the town’s adopted motto of

said, who also is a member of the Historic Port

warehouses were removed, replaced by what

“Pride in the past, faith in the future.”

of Washington Project.

is now called Stewart Parkway.

The advent of the railroad, cars and roads

Tourism, entertainment and real estate

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the annual sales of homes averages about 800, with lot sales averaging about 250.

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

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Bertie County

Windsor

A proud past & a promising future Story by Miles Layton Photos by Miles Layton and Nicole Bowman-Layton

S

un is out and I’ve still got cabin fever, maybe a lot of folks do to the point of rebellion because of the pandemic, but I needed

to break away from the house by exploring eastern North Carolina so as to get to know the people and places better in our backyard.

Windsor came to mind immediately because, while of being through Bertie County on occasion to go fishing or kayaking, I’ve never toured the historic downtown or know much about the people, past or present.

For folks who don’t know, locals pronounce the county’s name as Ber-tee, with an emphasis on the “tee” and Windsor is more or less two syllables – ‘Winser” – where the “d” is silent and the “sor” sounds more like “ser” which is different than the way high-falluting people

14

“

Growing up, everyone came to town to go shopping on Saturdays. You didn’t have to lock your doors. Everybody knew everybody – that’s still pretty much true today

”

pronounce House of “Wind - sor”

many fine examples of 18th

with its emphasis on “d” and the

and 19th Century architecture.

“sor.”

The churchyards of St. Thomas’

The county was formed as

Episcopal

Church,

Cashie

Bertie Precinct in 1722 from

Baptist Church, Windsor United

the part of Chowan Precinct of

Methodist Church and St. Elmo

Albemarle County lying west of

Baptist Church contain the graves

the Chowan River. It was named

of many prominent citizens of

for James Bertie, his brother

the town.

Henry Bertie, or perhaps both,

First, yes, there are nice large

each having been one of the

homes along King Street and

Lords Proprietors of Carolina.

around

the

downtown

core

Established by an act of the

centered a business district and

Colonial Assembly in 1768, on

county courthouse. Those who

the site known as Gray’s Landing,

want to see some really old

Windsor has served as the County

gravestones, should check out

Seat of Bertie County since 1774.

the cemetery by St. Thomas’

Founded as a port on the Cashie

Episcopal Church. The parish was

River, which rises and falls in

established in Merry Hill in 1722

Bertie County, Windsor was the

before it moved to Windsor in

center of a thriving agricultural

1839.

and timber industry.

Entered

in

the

- Joe Cherry

Windsor Mayor Jim Hoggard, National

who is knowledgeable about

Register of Historic Places in 1991,

all things Windsor and Bertie

Windsor encompasses the same

County, is distant kin to the family

100 acres of the original town.

of early settlers from Hoggard’s

King Street is the heart of the Historic District, which includes

Mill, formerly the county seat between 1722 to 1769.

Filled with stories about local

skirmish was intended to disrupt

history, Hoggard related a battle

Confederate recruiting efforts.

between Union and Confederate

When three federal transports

forces that is part of Civil War

with 1,000 men attacked a

Trails that crisscross the region.

Confederate Calvary regiment

Fought Jan. 29-30, 1864, the

with between 200-300 soldiers

15

in Windsor, the rebels had no choice but to

a must because it’s a neat trip paddling down

retreat. Soldiers and prominent Southern

the Cashie River, particularly after a good rain

sympathizers were taken hostage.

when the water gets to flowing pretty good.

Confederate accounts of the battle had a

Worth

noting

for

kayak

or

beach

different point of view of the two-hour battle,

enthusiasts, maybe check out Bertie Beach

with their version of the story reporting how

near the mouth of the Chowan River on the

the Yankees were driven from Windsor.

Albemarle Sound. This isolated sandy beach

Another stop to add to anyone’s bucket

offers a commanding view of the Sound

list traveling through eastern North Carolina

where folks can either swim or kayak up the

is Hope Plantation – the restored home of

“coast” of Bertie County, maybe even paddle

former North Carolina Governor David Stone

across the Sound to Edenton if the water is

(1770-1818).

flat and the wind is favorable.

One of the finest examples of Palladian

While exploring different places and

design built in timber, the manor house is

destinations forms a mission statement for

slightly modified by neo-classical elements.

travelers, the secret to a good trip is meeting

The facade has five bays and a pedimented

new people, maybe hearing new stories.

double portico with the original Chinese

That’s what keeps folks coming back.

Cherry talked about local sports – he was

Chippendale balustrade. Crowning the house

Joe Cherry, 90, grew up in Windsor and

sports editor of the Bertie Ledger-Advance

is a widow’s walk with matching railing. The

knows most everyone in town. His family’s

once upon a time – and he talked about his

interior of the house displays a height and

insurance agency, J.B. Cherry Insurance, was

family. In essence, the conversation with

grandeur rare in the region, and is furnished

founded by his father, Joseph Sr., in 1912.

Cherry was like when you visit folks – stories

with a unique collection of period furniture,

When Cherry was a boy, he sold the

shared over a glass of tea. Oh my, how times

Bertie Ledger-Advance on a street corner –

have changed, but still remain the same in

History aside, Hoggard said there is plenty

sometimes as many as 250 newspapers at a

to do in town or nearby. He touted the tree

time – because downtown was so busy back

some places - special places like Windsor.

houses by the Cashie River – The Cashie

in those days.

art and artifacts.

Treehouse Village. Pre-coronavirus, these tree houses were booked solid most every night.

“Growing up, everyone came to town to go shopping on Saturdays. You didn’t have to

The insides feature a queen size sleeping

lock your doors. Everybody knew everybody –

platform and a sleeping loft. Outside of

that’s still pretty much true today,” said Cherry,

the treehouses is a gathering area in which

who grew up on Granville Street but now lives

there are chairs and benches so guests can

on King Street, two doors up from the Cashie

experience the outdoors together.

River. “I’m a longtime Windsor person. I love

River tours are common and kayak rentals

the town, yes I do.”

Cherry talked about the flooding from when Hurricane Floyd invaded in 1999.

Cherry pointed to the water marks when the floodwaters came into his insurance agency located on South King Street that will amaze.

Cherry said there was so much water in the streets he was able to drive a boat through much of downtown - and joked he gave his wife, Della, a cruise she always wanted; she didn’t think his quip was funny.

He talked about a vibrant arts community and the town’s many museums included one dedicated to farms, which has old farm equipment, and another dedicated to trains, as Windsor was a transportation hub.

Soon by the early 1900’s the railroads became a connecting link between the steamship lines and points north with products including lumber from various mills were brought by rail to Windsor making it

Rod Cant

Financial A .

258 West Washingto ‘Windsor is a good place to raise a family, 252-975-2

somewhat of a port of entry for the area

maybe stay awhile – people have deep roots in our community,” Cherry said.

Miles Layton is Editor of the Perquimans Weekly and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

16

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17

Edgecombe County

Tarboro

‘Our History is Just the Beginning

Story by John H. Walker

T

arboro is the ninth-oldest town in the state of North Carolina and served the area as an important colonial river port and

thriving trade center until the Civil War. Although it is generally agreed that the area around Tarboro was settled by 1733, Edward Mosley's map of that year shows only Tuscarora Indians in the area. In early days, the region was widely known as "Tawboro,” a name attributed to "Taw,” the Indian word for "river of health.”

Tarrburg, as the town was called on maps of 1770-75, was chartered Nov. 30, 1760, as Tarborough by the General Assembly.

In September of the same year, Joseph and Ester Howell deeded 150 acres of their property to the Rev. James Moir, Lawrence Toole, a merchant, Capts. Aquilla Sugg and Elisha Battle and Benjamin Hart for five shillings and one peppercorn.

As commissioners, these men were to lay out a town with lots of not more than one-half acre and streets not wider than 80

18

“

As Mayor Joe Pitt has noted on multiple occasions, the people are what make Tarboro special. They are opening and welcoming.

”

- Credit

feet, with 12 lots and a 50-acre "common"

on his 1791 Southern tour.

set aside for public use. Lots were to be sold

Nowadays, Tarboro has slightly less than

for two pounds, with the proceeds to be

11,000 residents and is governed by a mayor

turned over to the Howells; however, full

and council and a town staff that manages

payment was not received for all of the 109

the day-to-day operations.

lots sold, and some were not sold for the 40 shillings price.

Tarboro officially became the Edgecombe County seat in 1764, and the General

Candace Bailey Owens and her late

others. “But we never left. We knew we could never leave Tarboro ... would never leave Tarboro.”

Then, just as now, Candace says the people make Tarboro a welcoming and warm place.

husband, Ambrose Lloyd Owens Jr., came to

“The old-timers say it’s a welcoming

Tarboro to settle down and raise a family in

community, but the newcomers have a

1968 and never left.

tendency to call it cliquish,” Owens said.

Assembly met there once in 1787 and again

“Oh, we’d talk about some place we

Still, it’s hard for someone to walk

in 1987. President George Washington is

thought we’d want to go,” Candace said,

downtown or along Main Street and not be

known to have slept in Tarboro during a visit

mentioning Edenton and New Bern, among

greeted multiple times.

19

the town of Tarboro to Hassell, and on April 17, 1937, the cooperative threw its first switch to energize the homes of 82 cooperative members.

This historical event made EdgecombeMartin County EMC the oldest rural electric cooperative in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the nation.

Tarboro is home to a 45-square-block historic district and a vibrant downtown historic district with multiple home-owned businesses.

It’s the same story in the cafes and coffee

45,000-square-foot

Biotechnology

and

shops, as people are warm and friendly and

Medical Simulation Center on its Rocky Mount

welcoming.

campus and the 23,000-square-foot Center

As Mayor Joe Pitt has noted on multiple occasions, the people are what make Tarboro special. They are opening and welcoming, whether at one of the community’s many

Today, Tarboro is the home of Edgecombe

for Innovation on the Tarboro campus. In

Community College, which opened as an

2018, Deborah Lamm retired as president of

extension unit of Wilson County Technical

ECC, eventually being replaced by Gregory

Parade, a Tarboro High School Vikings school

Institute in 1967 and in 1968, held its first

McLeod, ECC’s fifth president and its first

activity or the newest activity in town, the

classes. In 1987, the college was renamed

black president.

Tarboro River Bandits collegiate league

Edgecombe Community College and has since expanded its campus size.

In

20

January

2016,

ECC

Back in 1937, another significant occurrence took place when, on Jan. 7, construction

opened

a

commenced on 32 miles of electric lines from

festivals, the July 4 fireworks, the Christmas

baseball team.

John H. Walker is a staff writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram.

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21

Tyrrell Cou nty

Columbia

A place of natural beauty

T

Story & Photos by Thadd White

hose driving through the town of Columbia seem to always remark on the beauty of the small hamlet nestled on U.S. 64

between Plymouth and Manteo.

Tourists aren’t the only ones who find the charming town a draw – it’s lifelong residents say they stayed there because of Columbia’s people, natural resources and beauty.

“Our natural resources are a primary drawing card,” Columbia Mayor Randy Cahoon said. “We have a lot of natural beauty.”

Cahoon pointed out the town’s locale within the Scuppernong River, the Alligator River and the Albemarle Sound.

He said those natural resources were more than a drawing card – they are also a ‘staying card’ as they kept many people in Columbia and Tyrrell County for work.

22

Peniel No. 2. Duck Thru also offers a wide variety of foods, according to White.

Among the town’s many other drawing cards is the Walter B. Jones Center for the Sounds, the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft, the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Tyrrell County Library and the Columbia Theatre.

White said he believes the town is fortunate to be the only municipality in Tyrrell County because it is home to the courthouse, post office, and other hubs of activity in the county.

“The downtown is vibrant comparatively,” he said. “People can walk to the post office or the courthouse.”

“We’ve primarily made a living from fishing,

“It’s hard to go in the super market and not

farming and logging,” the mayor said. “We have

see people from Washington, Hyde and Dare

lived off our natural resources as well. That’s

counties,” White said. “A lot of folks shop here

how we’ve made our living.”

to avoid traffic.”

Cahoon himself was a native of Tyrrell County who left to receive an education and

White said the town has become a “regional hub” for those within 30 miles.

returned to become part of Tyrrell County

He also said there are no gas stations in

Schools. In his career, he was an assistant

Gum Neck or Alligator and all the way back to

principal, principal, personnel director and

Creswell which means many people come to

assistant superintendent.

Columbia for gas and food.

He also became involved in local politics,

In

addition

to

Sandy’s

Place

and

serving as chair of the Columbia Planning

Columbia Crossing, two well-known dining

Board for more than two decades before

establishments, Columbia is home to China

serving five years as an alderman. For the past

King, Highway 55 and Tienda Mexicanca

two and a half years he’s been the mayor – and he said he is proud to serve the good people in town and represent them as an ambassador for Columbia.

“There are good people with solid values here,” Cahoon said. “It’ is a good place to live and raise a family. Our people are our strength.

We are a people of community. When the chips are down, people are there.”

Columbia Town Manager Rhett White has a similar story to the mayor’s – only he was gone most of his adult life. White left Columbia and spent many years working with the North Carolina aquariums.

Eventually he returned home and got to work helping the town of Columbia – and he hasn’t regretted it.

White said while some see Columbia as a way to get to the Outer Banks, there are many who live, shop and eat right there in the Tyrrell County seat.

In addition, the town boasts of Columbia Pharmacy, which is also an easy walk downtown to residents of the town.

“We are fortunate to have so many amenities right here in town,” White said. “All three schools are in the Columbia city limits.”

A second benefit to being the only municipality in the county is the cooperative efforts of the Columbia Board of Aldermen and the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners.

“The town and county working together has been a strength for a number of years,” Mayor Cahoon said. “It would be difficult to accomplish some of the things we have

“

Our people are our strength. We are a people of community. When the chips are down, people are there.

”

- Randy Cahoon, Mayor

23

Other

challenges

for

the

Columbia

leadership include dealing with the shortfall in water revenue caused by the closing of Tyrrell Prison Workfarm and White Cap (an industry that used a large amount of water).

Other challenges include the Alligator River Bridge, which White said desperately needs replacing. He said the bridge is more than 60 years old, and was built for traffic in the 1950s and simply couldn’t handle the traffic that uses it on a daily basis now. The closest way around the bridge would cause a 90-mile detour, he said.

The town has also dealt with flooding issues due to rainwaters. It has been an without working together.”

have purchased older homes and renovated

One of the accomplishments was bringing an assisted living facility – the Tyrrell House – to Columbia. Cahoon said it was much needed

them to a beautiful homes. It’s good for them personally, but its also good for the town.”

Mayor

Cahoon

said

the

cultural

and was a proud accomplishment of the

diversification over the last two decades has

entities working together.

been a real positive for Columbia.

Both Cahoon and White were proud of the rich heritage of Columbia, which was founded in 1793 as Elizabethtown. It was renamed Columbia in 1801, two years after it became the Tyrrell County seat.

Nestled along the eastern shoreline of the Scuppernong River, Columbia developed slowly when settlers from Virginia streamed into the Albemarle Region in the 18th century.

Surrounding

swamp

forests,

vast

peat

wetlands and pocosins restricted penetrations of interior around the town. In fact, the town was the most isolated and sparsely settled parts of North Carolina well into the 20th century.

Before the Civil War, Columbia was primarily a fishing and trading center. By 1908, the Norfolk and Southern Railway extended its track to Columbia, which helped to supplement boat travel between the town and surrounding communities.

While population began to decline postWorld War II, White said there has been recent growth among members of the Latino community who are moving to Tyrrell County, buying old homes and restoring them.

“In many cases, Latino families are familiar with our town because they live or work here and have raised children here,” he said. “Many

24

The mayor said the town was happy to see Latino neighbors become homeowners, and many of the homes had been slipped into disrepair, but now were beautiful homes because of renovations and repairs by the new homeowners.

Cahoon said being a small town presented

increasing problem over the past 10 years.

As they look forward to the future, both Cahoon and White said the town needed to diversify its workforce and both said they believe echo tourism was a part of Columbia’s future. The town already sees a number of leisure fishermen and birdwatchers and they hope to see that grow.

They each said the Pocosin School of Fine Arts would help with that growth.

Another plan for growth is the location of a hotel in the town, a process which will include both the town and county officials.

Whatever the future holds, Mayor Cahoon

budgeting challenges because of trying to

said it would be made brighter by the natural

keep taxes low, and the restored homes

beauty his town already has.

helped increase the tax base.

He said the Columbia Board of Aldermen had been historically conservative budget wise to keep taxes low.

“We’re fortunate to call Columbia home,” he said. “It just has so much natural beauty.”

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

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25

Washington County

Plymouth

Rediscovering a hidden gem

Story by Jim Green Photos by Tom Harrison

T

om Harrison walks along Water Street and looks out onto the Roanoke River. He sees so much potential in the town of

Plymouth, which is why he fell in love with the area many years ago when he moved from upstate New York.

“If you ask me why I love Plymouth, the easy answer is the people – but that’s true anywhere you go in America,” said Harrison, 63, who has lived in the town since 1984. “If you ask people what they like about their town they say the people. But this is where my roots were put down at a very young age and why I fell in love with this area.

“It’s rural, and I created the tagline ‘where traffic ends and adventure begins,’” he added. “That’s what this is – there is no traffic here. There is something to be said for the fact that this (town) is crowd free, traffic free and has so much nature all around you.”

Established in 1787, Plymouth is older than Washington County.

For 70 years prior to Plymouth’s founding, generations of the Rhodes family had been planters in the area. Arthur Rhodes founded what

26

“

This is a wonderful little town steeped in history, strategically located on the banks of the Roanoke River and the Roanoke River Delta.

”

- Tom Harrison

was to become Plymouth from land he

stopped there for cargo – thus the name

acquired through inheritance, gift deeds

Plymouth Landing. Later, the name was

and purchases. This collection of property

shortened to Plymouth.

became his plantation and was called Brick House.

Water has played a major role in the development of the town. Flatboats floated

From that property he sectioned off 100

down the creeks and rivers loaded with goods

acres, subdividing them into 172 lots, which

and produce to be reloaded onto sailing

he would sell. The 16 lots he sold were the

vessels. Early in the 1800s Plymouth was

beginnings of Plymouth.

one of six main ports in North Carolina and

In 1807, Plymouth became the first incorporated town in the newly-formed Washington County.

Several

theories

ranked ninth in population among towns.

In 1790, the United States Congress established Plymouth as a port of delivery,

how

complete with a customs house. Schooners

Plymouth got its name. Early in its history,

exist

about

bound for the West Indies sailed from the

Plymouth was a thriving port. The most

port heavily loaded with hogsheads of

popular theory supposes that sailors on ships

tobacco, barrels of tar, pitch and turpentine,

from Plymouth, Massachusetts, regularly

masts and spars, corn and rice.

27

The town prospered and grew, the first

Weyerhauser in 1957. Weyerhauser sold its

Plymouth on the map,” he said. “We have

public school was formed in 1810 and the

paper interests to Domtar in March 2007.

had estimates of 30,000 attend. Last year,

first two churches were established in 1830

However, when Domtar announced the end

we had people come from 28 states and

(Methodist Church) and 1837 (Episcopal

of paper machine operations in 2009, the

four foreign countries, and the year before,

Church).

workforce was reduced by 33 percent, to

we had people from 18 states attend. We

about 360 employees.

continue to grow.”

By 1840, there were 1,123 inhabitants, but

Over the past few years, the town

Other added attractions during the festival

stopping at the port brought an unknown

has been re-branding itself as a tourist

since its inception have included a 5K race, a

fever to the town, taking the lives of many

destination to offset the reduction in paper-

motorcycle stunt show and a fireworks show

residents and causing others to live in fear.

making employment, by taking advantage of

held on the river.

10 years later, there were only 951, as a ship

A few years later, Plymouth’s location on the Roanoke River, which had been such an

its natural environment being surrounded by tracts of forests and swamplands.

asset, suddenly became a liability. It was one

“We’ve been trying to reinvent ourselves,”

of the ports targeted for blockade by Union

said Harrison, the town’s local historian who

forces during the Civil War. Plymouth has

has also worn many hats as he has served

This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced festival organizers to make it virtual and save the money earmarked for this year to be saved for 2021.

“The branding process (in 2017) prompted us to ask, ‘What do we want to be in our second act?,’” Harrison said. “What do we want to be when we grow up?”

Plymouth adopted the black bear in 2018, just months after the rebranding started.

“One of the criteria was, what do we have that none of the surrounding towns have, something that makes us unique and different? We have the most black bears and arguably the best public black bear viewing in the state if not North America,” Harrison said.

“I’ve done bear tours where we’ve seen 100 bears in three hours.”

With so many resources – the wildlife, the migratory birds and a half a mile of buildable waterfront – what Plymouth is aiming to do is bring more businesses to its downtown area located on Water Street.

the historical distinction of being the site of

in leadership roles with the downtown

“We haven’t done a good job of attracting

the second-largest battle in North Carolina

development association, the downtown

the resources to develop that,” Harrison said.

and its last Confederate victory, the battle of

merchants association, the chamber of

“Our downtown has struggled – we have ebb

Plymouth (1864), during the Civil War.

commerce and the Washington County

and flow like waves crashing on a beach. We’d

travel and tourism authority, among others.

have this crash of momentum and then that

The Port O’Plymouth History Museum, located in the circa-1923 former Atlantic

In 2015, Harrison started the Black Bear

Coast Line Railroad Station in downtown

Festival because he wanted to bring attention

The town is riding a wave right now, as

Plymouth,

nationally-recognized

to a North Carolina superlative that most in

Riverview Café and an artisan’s market in

collection of Civil War artifacts, including one

the area weren’t aware of. With just three

addition to a French café that’s opening,

of the most complete belt buckle and button

months preparation, the festival earned

as is an antique market, a Bears and Birds

collections in the U.S., and a model of the

Best New Festival from the N.C. Association

Shoppery (retail), The Black Bear Discovery

ironclad ram CSS Albemarle.

has

a

wave recedes back into the ocean.”

of Festival and Events. The next year, it was

Center (Bear-ology), pontoon boats for rent

The primary industry for the region

named the best festival in the state, and was

and others are looking to make Plymouth

is Domtar Paper Company, LLC, a paper

third best in the southeast in its third year.

home.

manufacturer. The paper mill and its related

In 2019, it won again for Best Festival in the

“The rebranding is an accelerator. There’s

facilities have been the largest employer

state, and Harrison has received Festival

nothing anyone can really do to stop

since 1937. It was owned by Kieckhefer

Director of the Year honors as well.

Plymouth from being developed because

Container Company, which was merged into

28

“The Black Bear Festival has really put

of its half-mile waterfront,” Harrison said.

ANTIQUES CRAFTS GIFTS and

“Development is coming – I just

businesses and places to explore

want to be a catalyst for it and

and we have new businesses

see it here in my lifetime.”

coming. The town is in the middle

So Much More!

Attention Farmers

The goal, Harrison said, is to

of revitalization and revival, and

make the town a destination –

the Black Bear Festival has been

not just a stop along the way.

a big part of that.”

To that end, the town has hired a code enforcement officer to help facilitate the cleaning up of downtown, according to Joanne Floyd, who serves as the town manager and has been a resident for 21 years.

“There is more to our town than driving on Highway 64 from one end of town to the other,”

Harrison concluded: “This is a wonderful little town steeped in history, strategically located on the banks of the Roanoke River and the Roanoke River Delta.

We encourage people to come and visit us, and do business here because we feel like this is a place of opportunity.”

she said. “We want to present

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29

Gates Cou nty

Gatesville

A town with style

Story & Photos by Gene Motley

O

ne of the first things one notices on a drive along the byways in Gatesville is the architecture of the homes: mostly Antebellum,

with Victorian, and Tudor blended in. Whether it’s Main, Court, Church or High streets, the beauty of the edifices can be breathtaking.

“Gatesville used to be small, but it’s grown quite nicely,” says Kaye Barker, a native daughter of the town who spent years in the state capital city of Raleigh working for one of Gates County’s most legendary residents, former North Carolina Secretary of State Thad Eure. “We have good schools, it’s less expensive than some other locales, and the town is reasonably safe.”

One of the people who have helped keep the town safe for the better part of the past 40 years is its mayor, retired educator Elton

30

“

Winslow. When asked if that’s a record, he jokes at the thought.

“A record for what? Longevity? As long as you take care of what the people in Gatesville want taken care of then I guess they can call it effective,” he says.

A transplant from the Tidewater region of Virginia, Winslow spent his formative years in Gates County, before leaving to pursue his education and a return to the Old Dominion to work in the family business. As a teen he had an option to return to Virginia in 1958 to finish high school but his grandmother enticed him to stay with the offer to buy him a car.

It’s country, but the people are very nice and friendly, and it’s quiet. As a whole, it’s pretty good. Family plays a big part.

”

“It was a ‘51 Studebaker, and my father had said don’t bank on getting one if I came back to Norfolk,” he jokes.

- Shirley Grimes

Returning in 1971, Winslow spent 40 years in education and coaching, both at his alma mater of Gates County High School and Ridgecroft School in neighboring Hertford County. In addition to his term as mayor, Winslow also spent time on the Town Council.

“The county was formed in 1779 and the Chowan River made a natural barrier,” he said.

“In 1780 they built a courthouse and jail on Main Street and called it Gates Courthouse.

In 1804 we were granted a post-office, still

called Gates Courthouse; but in 1831 the name was changed to Gatesville and we were incorporated.”

Gates County’s majestic ‘old’ courthouse was built in 1836 and after restoration, still stands today. It currently houses several county offices.

“It has survived a lot over the years,” Winslow noted. “The Historical Society and the County have done a lot over the years to

renovate it and with the offices moved there, it’s partially open.”

The Historical Society is working to put together three museums in the Courthouse, including one to Secretary Eure. The jail in the back has not been used for years.

“I remember when I was a teenager, it did house prisoners there; anybody in Gates County who was arrested was housed there,” added Winslow. “It’s a pretty old jail, but the cells are still there, but it hasn’t been used in years and years. Like everything else as time goes on small communities can’t do all the things they used to be able to do.”

Gatesville has a limited budget ($160,000 for the entire fiscal year), which means some municipal services - like a police or parks and recreation department - don’t exist. Added to that are the circumstances produced by the pandemic.

“We will have a sales tax shortfall,” the mayor acknowledged. “But most of the businesses in Gatesville (the Duck-Thru convenience store, Dollar General, Southern Bank, Todd’s Pharmacy, and two mortuaries, among others) didn’t close because of a consolidation of services. Because it is the county seat, Gatesville is a hub of commerce

31

13 and N.C. 32) away from the

returned. She’s even been elected

Schools – pillars of education

county seat. So while it was small

to the Town Council.

for African-Americans from the

and people started to travel more

“I always intended to come

they started to shop outside the

back to Gatesville, and while I

county, usually where they work.”

loved my time in Raleigh and

Winslow says its not unfair

later in Edenton, I always knew

to call Gatesville a ‘bedroom

this is where I wanted to be,”

community’:

Barker

a

place

where

When I was a teenager, there were five grocery stores – little mom-and-pop operations – a dry goods business, two trucking lines, and a theater,” Winslow

“Even

Shirley Grimes didn’t attend a Rosenwald School – in fact, she’s originally from Bertie County – but she acknowledges their

though I’m retired I devote time

commercial undertaking is done

to the high school and the Gates

significance, and all things Gates

elsewhere.

County Historical Society.”

County. old

“I’ve lived and worked here for

here,” he proudly declares. “We

Courthouse, Barker points to a

over 40 years before retirement,”

try to keep the town neat and

painting above the Judge’s bench

Grimes said. “It’s country, but the

we have a lot of retirees seeking

by John Turnbull of the British

people are very nice and friendly,

a quieter type of life. I tell people

surrender in defeat at Saratoga,

I can be in the state capital of

NY to General Horatio Gates.

On

a

tour

of

the

Virginia quicker than I can be in

“It was a turning point of the

Raleigh. I think it’s a good place

American Revolution, and it was

to be.”

shortly afterward that Gates

related “But working against us

Barker

was being a bit off the beaten

spending

path with no railroad and north-

amount of her life away from

Gatesville also houses one

south highway corridors (U.S.

Gatesville, she is proud to have

of North Carolina’s Rosenwald

32

1950’s.

people live, but most of their

“It’s different, but we’re still for the county.

acknowledged.

end of the 19th century up to the

says a

that

despite

representative

County was formed and named for the General,” Barker relates.’

and it’s quiet. As a whole, it’s pretty good. Family plays a big part and I’ve been here longer than I’ve lived anywhere else.”

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

33

Martin Cou nty

Williamston

Learning from Yesterday and Ready for Tomorrow

Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

P

erched on the banks of the Roanoke River, the town of Williamston is steeped in history, but aimed towards the future.

No definitive date has been discovered for the first settlement of

what would become Williamston; however, it is known there was a village in the same general area as early as 1730. This information comes according to the writings of the late Francis Manning, Williamston newspaperman and local historian.

34

The first settlers were said to have moved

The second version honors Col. William

to the area from Bertie County to the south

Williams, first generation descendant of a

side of the river, then called the Moratock

wealthy family from the northwest section of

(now known as the Roanoke) and located near

the county, who owned large plantations prior

the ruins of what was once a Tuscarora Indian

to the Revolution.

village.

Col. Williams father, also named William

The area became known as a shipping

Williams, migrated to this country in the early

point for tar, pitch, turpentine and other forest

1700’s and settled on the south bank of the

products. Meat produced in the area was also a

Roanoke River in the upper edge of the county,

popular item shipped elsewhere.

which was in Edgecombe and later Halifax

This settlement was designated the seat of government when the county was chartered in March 1774.

counties before becoming part of Martin County.

Williams was elected colonel of the

During the Revolutionary War, about five

county’s militia when organized and stayed

years later, it became the first incorporated

until elected the county’s first state senator in

town in the county and was given the name

1777.

Williamston in the charter granted at a session

The Roanoke River, called a “navigable

of the General Assembly held in Halifax during

river,” played a large part of the town’s growth

October and November 1779.

from the beginning. Its public landing made

How the name Williamston came about

Williamston an important shipping point

remains up for debate. According to local

for both incoming and outgoing river freight

history, there are two schools of thought on

traffic.

how this occurred.

Being the county seat brought traffic into

One story, which was reportedly originated

the town for legal proceedings, recording

in “hearsay evidence and legend,” was the

of legal documents, elections and military

choice of name was to honor a poor Irish

musters.

weaver named Dick Williams.

Williams supposedly settled in the area around the middle portion of the 18th century

Williamston’s

history

unfortunately

includes “several devastating fires during the course of its history,” Manning wrote.

“with 75 cents in his pocket.” Legend has it

What has been called the greatest of those

Williams life of hard work propelled him to

occurred on Dec. 8, 1883 when a large portion

attain a substantial fortune and great influence

of the business district was destroyed.

in the colony.

The fire was such a big news item of the day,

“

Williamston is such a beautiful, quaint and quiet town where everybody is friendly and seems to exhibit much love and respect for one another.

”

- Joyce Whichard-Brown, Mayor

35

a railroad company ran a special excursion

that if you want to have a nice, sit-down meal

from Tarboro to Williamston the following

you are directly supporting a local business

Sunday to see the destruction.

and not just a nation-wide chain.”

Little more than a year later, a fire of

The river and its boardwalk with the nearby

greater historical significance hit the town. The

Skewarkee Trail Greenway are just two of the

second courthouse was destroyed, and the

scenic attractions to the town.

fire claimed much of the town’s records from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

With

much

history

to

The Martin County Arts Council is a hub of culture and promotion of local artist. It’s

celebrate,

Williamston officials are making strides to ensure the towns future.

renovated home in the Flat Iron Building is a nod the town’s historic architecture.

Miller’s Sporting Goods, open since 1937,

“Williamston is making large investments

is the longest serving business in Williamston.

to expand our fire and police facilities as well

In their current building at the corner of

as major upgrades at Gaylord Perry Park,”

Washington and Main streets since 1954,

explained Williamston Town Administrator

Miller’s is a go-to for everything from sporting

John O’Daniel.

equipment to plaques.

to know the community.

“You become part of it, and it becomes part of you,” was how Moore explained his barber shop. “It is one of the small ingredients of Williamston.”

Moore said he still believes the same thing that led him to relocate his busines to town years ago, “There’s opportunity in Williamston.”

Mayor Joyce Whichard-Brown, who was born and raised in Williamston, has seen her hometown evolve greatly since her childhood and the days of segregation.

“Williamston is such a beautiful, quaint and quiet town where everybody is friendly

“Several businesses have chosen to

But for Johnny Miller, part of the store’s

and seems to exhibit much love and respect

relocate downtown, and we are excited to

third generation, it is about much more than

for one another,” Whichard-Brown explained.

have a couple of new businesses opening

business.

“I’m proud to have been blessed with five

shortly,” he added. “I believe this momentum

“This is our home,” he said speaking of

great commissioners who serve with me and

will continue to build over the next year and

Williamston. “We’ve made a living with our

help guide me when needed,” she said. “I am

we are excited to see downtown moving

community.”

also proud of the cooperation, support and

forward.”

Ordinances were recently passed to allow micro-breweries and micro-distilleries in the downtown district. Williamston now has its first micro-brewery downtown.

Growing up here himself, Miller takes great pride in equipping youth for everything from recreation league to high school sports.

“Everyone knows everyone and it’s a safe place to raise a family,” Miller explained.

respect I receive from my department heads (police and fire departments, etc.).”

Whether its pride in the local businesses which team up to benefit the community at times like Thanksgiving or excitement

Zach Dickerson, Williamston’s Downtown

Lon Moore, a resident of the Bell Town area

Marketing Coordinator, believes the there is

of Martin County, left the area as a young man

something special about the town’s dining

in search of work to support his family. In 1974,

options.

he returned to Martin County and began work

Bypass, Whichard-Brown says she could “go

as a barber, opening his Williamston shop in

on and on about the things that make me

1991.

proud to serve as mayor of my hometown.”

“All of our sit-down restaurants are locally owned and operated,” Dickerson pointed out.

regarding projects – completed and to come – such as N.C. 125’s bypass and the future I-87

While the town has fast food options

Now retired himself, his shop is still open.

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for

for highway traffic and local convenience,

His goal was always to please the customer,

Eastern North Carolina Living and the Martin

Dickerson believes, “it is a huge plus to know

Moore explained. And part of that was getting

County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

36

Visit Historic

Plymouth, NC Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA

“A Place To Call Home” 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 37

Nash Cou nty

Nashville

A family-oriented town with high expectations

Story by Amelia Harper Photos by Amelia Harper, Sarah Louya & Alan Campbell

Y

ears before Nashville, Tennessee emerged, the town of Nashville, North Carolina claimed the name and took its place as the county

seat of the newly-formed Nash County.

Construction began on the new county’s first courthouse in 1777 and the town of Nashville grew up around it. By 1780, the town was named Nashville to honor General Francis Nash, who was killed during the Revolutionary War. Eventually, 12 other towns in the United States would be named Nashville, but Nashville Mayor Brenda Brown said her town earned the title most honestly.

“Nash County and Nashville are the only one of his namesakes that General Nash ever actually visited,” Brown said.

Since those early years, the town, rooted in such a rich past, has emerged as a traditional community with strong family values and an eye toward progress.

Now billed as the “original Nashville,” the town features a rare collection of Queen Anne and Victorian style homes, a quaint and thriving downtown and multiple amenities that lie within walking distance. It is also known as

38

one of the safest municipalities in the region.

building supply company since the early days,

Though the town limits only encompass

it now is also the home of Braswell Family

about 4.14 square miles and the town’s

Farms, which is the second-largest franchisee

population is roughly 5,600, the town

of Eggland’s Best Eggs in the United States. It

of Nashville offers its own police force,

is actively recruiting other industries in its own

fire station, library and active cultural and

business park.

recreational programs in additional to all the

The town has also gained other businesses

county offices and resources that are located

over the past 20 years or so while its growth

within the town.

rate has been 130 percent.

Brown is enthusiastic about the town, even though she only became mayor in December

“When I was a child, we didn’t have any fast food restaurants,” Brown said.

2019. She grew up just outside the town limits

Now, multiple restaurant chains have

and many of her early memories are tied to

invested in the small town because of its

the place where she worked and played in her

prime location. But most of these new

youth.

businesses have sprung up on either side of

“Nashville was a great town to grow up

the traditional downtown tract, leaving that

in,” Brown said. “It is so family-oriented and

area with its small-town charm and easy

has high expectations of its citizens. Almost

walkability. The traditional downtown area is

everyone knew one another when I grew up,

quickly attracting niche eateries and stores

so we couldn’t get away with anything.”

that offer their own personal appeal.

Brown said Nashville still has that same

Though the latest census showed that

vibe. She has been a resident of the town for

the town of Nashville is the fastest growing

20 years and ran for mayor because of her

town in Nash County this century, Brown said

love for Nashville, she said.

town leaders are committed to balancing

“When you drive through Nashville, it still has great appeal,” she said. “It still has that

that small-town charm with progressive innovation.

same family-friendly feeling. When I get up

The town’s website proclaims, “It is our

early in the morning to walk my dog, there are

desire to make sure Nashville remains ‘A Great

other people up walking the streets at 5:30

Place to Live, Work, and Play.’”

a.m. People feel safe here.”

The town’s active Chamber of Commerce

But poised on the edge of U.S. 64 and

supports this notion with activities and events

within an easy commute to Raleigh, the town

typically held throughout non-COVID-19

was, and still is, poised for growth. Though

years. The town is well-known for its annual

it has featured a railway and sawmill and

Blooming Festival traditionally held on

“

When you drive through Nashville, it still has great appeal.

It still has that same familyfriendly feeling

”

- Brenda Brown, Mayor Mother’s Day weekend. The event, which has spanned two decades, features vendors, live music in the street, parades, carnival rides and the ‘Mother of the Year Award.’

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce also traditionally sponsors a Children’s Christmas Parade in downtown Nashville each year.

Brown said the town welcomes visitors and new residents.

“I think people will feel at home here,” she said. “Our citizens embrace newcomers. You would feel like you belong.”

Amelia Harper is a Staff Writer at the Rocky Mount Telegram.

39

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Pick a copy up at 109 S. King St, Windsor, NC 27983 Eastern Living Magazine

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Bertie County 40

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Bertie Community News at your Fingertips Michelle Leicester Creative Services Director mleicester@ncweeklies.com Jessica Mobley Advertising Manager jmobley@ncweeklies.com

• Roxobel • Windsor Hill • Powellsville Woodville • Merry • Kelford • Lewiston Colerainlle • Askewvi 980 S. Academy St. • Aulande r • Colerain Aske Ahoskie, NC 27910 wville • Kelford • Lewiston • Aula Woodville • Merry Hill nde r • Cole • Powellsv ille • Roxobel rain • Windsor • Kelf ord • Lew iston Heating & 980 S. Academy Woo St. dvill Ahoskie, NC e • Mer Air Conditioning 27910 C 252.209.0223 ry Hill • Pow ellsv 3 ille • P APRIL 9, 2020 Roxobe

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‘We will make it.’

RCCHC garners grant

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history meets adventure

41

Hertford County

Murfreesboro

A Community of Active & Interesting People

Story & Photos by Sarah Davis

“M

urfreesboro’s reputation as a beautiful town of active and interesting people gives the community its... glory....”

So wrote Thomas Parramore (The Ancient Maritime History of

Murfreesborough) of the community in the 1820s, but it is just as appropriate a description for Murfreesboro two hundred years later.

One need only ask Murfreesboro native and Chamber of Commerce vice-president Cliff Forbes, or Murfreesboro transplant and town council member Craig Dennis, to hear of past glory and future promise or meet some of the active and interesting people who call this historic town home.

Chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in January 1787, Murfreesboro houses the oldest commercial brick building in North Carolina (now Rea Museum) which houses the original Gatling Gun, invented by Richard Gatling who worked in Murfreesboro.

Other prominent citizens/historical figures include William and Hardy Murfree, John Hill Wheeler, Samuel Borland, Dr. Walter Reed and the Yellow Rose of Texas.

42

“

Whatever circumstances have rendered them

”

Murfreesboro is home to natives who

he quickly became a part of the town, as

for Raleigh. After the death of her husband,

never leave, natives who leave but return,

well as the college. Twenty-one years ago,

James Pearce, she returned to Murfreesboro in

transplants who come and never leave, and

following graduation and working at Lowe’s

2008, marrying long-time friend and World

transplants who leave, but return. Whatever

Home Improvement (Murfreesboro) and ACE

War II veteran Joe Dickerson in 2009.

circumstances have rendered them Murfites,

(Ahoskie), he began teaching art at Riverview

Since his death, she has again left

all agree it is home; all talk of the close-knit

Elementary School. Now in his fourth term

Murfreesboro physically, but Murfreesboro is

community, emphasizing the active and

as a member of the Town Council, he speaks

still home, where she recalls walking to school

interesting people.

excitedly about the past, present, and future

with a group that began on Spring Avenue

of Murfreesboro.

and picked up students all down High Street,

Chowan University President Dr. Kirk Peterson (founded 1848), first came in 2004,

As a part of the past, Dennis lives in “The

going to work with her father when she

left in 2010 and returned in 2018. He said

Oaks” on Spring Avenue, built in 1795. He

was only twelve years old, and hanging out

that as he drove back onto the campus, he

is only the fourth owner of the current day

uptown on Saturday nights.

said to his wife, Rachel, “This is home.”

B-and-B. His area for the town is the Fire

One of those students walking to the

Calling Murfreesboro a great place to rear

Department, and he sings the praises of the

school on High Street was Elizabeth Warren.

children, he says what is distinctive about the

volunteers. He mentions a new Director

A native herself, she married a transplant who

town is its people: their genuineness, their

of Public Works and the good things she is

came and never left, Dewey Phillips. Their

trustworthiness, their sincerity, their lack of

initiating. The Council would love to see more

daughter, Geri Phillips Bradshaw, is another

facade. Noting the good relationship between

businesses, and he particularly cites the need

native who left and returned. Leaving in 1969

Chowan and Murfreesboro, he is excited about

for another grocery store.

for the North Carolina School of the Arts, she

the future of the university and the town.

As transplants learn to call Murfreesboro

returned in 2005 after living in Winston-

Also coming to Murfreesboro via Chowan

home, natives often find themselves returning

Salem, Chapel Hill, Richmond, the Outer

is Craig Dennis, Riverview Elementary School

to the quiet, close-knit community where

Banks, Franklin and Suffolk.

art teacher, B and B proprietor, and part-time

everyone knows everyone and everyone

Coming back to Murfreesboro, she and

florist. Dennis enrolled at Chowan College

helps everyone. They tell a similar story,

husband, Keith, bought the Brown Home on

in August 1990; as he was completing his

whether recalling Murfreesboro of the 30s

High Street which she remembered visiting

Associate’s degree, the college transitioned

and 40s or 50s and 60s. It was a great place

in early childhood.

to four-year status, thus positioning him to

to be a child.

a B-and-B (The English Inn), she has also

receive his B.A. in the first graduating class.

Transforming it into

Born January 17, 1929, Rebecca Parker

brought her interior design business (Southern

Working at Subway from its opening and

Pearce Dickerson spent the first twenty-

Interiors) to Main Street, and, along with her

volunteering with the Historical Association,

one years of her life here, leaving in 1950

husband, opened Tavern 125 on Main.

43

around the country at 3:00 p.m. to answer the call to sound “Taps.”

He plays for church and has joined with Chowan students to play at King’s Coffee.

With the Capitol Police, he met interesting people, such as Presidents and even the Queen of England, but he is now back, one of the interesting people in Murfreesboro. He fondly remembers the earlier days and the quiet he now enjoys back home.

Born in 1990, Cliff Forbes is a native who never left. Even when work took him to Franklin or Ahoskie, home remained Murfreesboro.

A Hertford County High

School and Chowan University graduate, Forbes served as Director of Golf at Cypress Cove Country Club in Franklin and Marketing Representative

for

Roanoke-Chowan

Publications, before becoming the third generation to serve Murfreesboro as a Nationwide Insurance agent.

Remembering

businesses

in

both

He talks of Murfreesboro as a tight-knit

of the close-knit community.

locations in her youth, she speaks fondly of

Larry Gaines lived in Ahoskie until 1962

community where “people have your back,

those days and growing up in Murfreesboro.

when his family moved to Murfreesboro,

where someone is always willing to help

Returning was coming home to deep roots.

which enabled him to attend C.S. Brown High

someone who’s down.” He says he cannot

She enjoys life in Murfreesboro, the type

School in Winton. There, under the tutelage

imagine living or working anywhere else.

place where she can mention the artist for

of Band Director Frank Cason, he learned to

whom she was named - Geri Parker - which

play almost every instrument in the band.

desk his father, Tommy, and grandfather, Ed,

immediately triggers a memory of that Geri,

Following high school graduation, he

her husband, and his grocery store (home

entered the military (1966), making sergeant

today to the Murfreesboro Public Library).

in only nineteen months, serving at Ft. Bragg;

Another native-returnee who remembers the Brown Home on High Street and being allowed to play tennis there in her youth is

Ft. Dix, New Jersey; Ft. Lee, Virginia; Ft. Lewis, Washington; and even in Turkey.

After

leaving

the

military,

he

was

Jayne Hill Wolfskill, daughter of long-time

approached to become a part of the FBI.

Mayor Billy Hill and Margaret (Parker) Hill.

Following his work as a fingerprint technician,

Margaret came to Murfreesboro as an adult,

he became a member of the U.S. Capitol

but Billy had come as a six-year-old when

Police Force until mandatory retirement sent

his father established a GM car dealership on

him back into investigation work.

Main Street.

Looking to the past, sitting at the same

At a C.S. Brown reunion, he reconnected

did as they helped people navigate insurance matters, he appreciates the history of the town and its importance in the present. As vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, Forbes is excited about the future of Murfreesboro and hopes for new business for the area.

As Parramore wrote, Murfreesboro is a

“memorial to past achievements,” but

it is also “an inspiration to future efforts.”

“Sharing in the memory of ancient deeds

Leaving Murfreesboro in 1969 to attend

with Riverview Elementary Teacher Margaret

and the anticipation of progress yet to come

Guildford College, she returned in 1982 after

Hampton, and they were married in 2010,

. . . ‘the genial, kindly, hospitable and friendly

teaching in Virginia Beach for several years.

thus marking his return to Murfreesboro.

dispositions of the inhabitants’ “ continue to

Describing Murfreesboro as a wonderful place

An active participant in the community

to grow up and make life-long friends, she

and church, he is known for his musical ability,

speaks of the reassuring memories of family

especially playing “Taps” for Murfreesboro’s

time, evening walks around Chowan, bike rides all over town, and the comforting feeling

44

Memorial Day tributes.

On May 25, 2020, he joined musicians

make Murfreesboro the distinctive place to call home.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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45

2/28/20 10:08 AM

Halifax Cou nty

Littleton

More than neighbors... Friends

Story and Photos by Thadd White

E

very small town is proud of its people.

While Littleton is no exception, Mayor Owen Scott says its

more than just that everyone in the small Halifax-County town knows one another.

“The best thing about Littleton is absolutely the people,” Scott said. “I know all towns say everyone knows each other, but its more than that here.

“It’s not just that we know each other – it’s we are involved in each others’ lives,” he continued. “We all go to the same functions, all volunteer together, all work together to provide things for our community. It’s way more than just we all know each other.”

Scott says Littleton is the type of place where you not only see your neighbors, but you talk to them and are friends.

Always a person who has loved his town, three years ago Scott took the step of running for mayor and was elected by the people in Littleton. He, like most people in their first term, took

46

time to learn the intricacies of

of the arts center for many years.

government. And while it has

The foundation will renovate

been different than he imagined,

much of the original structure

its also been a wonderful journey.

and add a large glass atrium to

One of the projects under way

the front of the building. Once

when he became mayor was the

completed, the facility will not

building of a multi-million dollar

only house the programming of

assisted living facility by Affinity

the cultural arts center, but offer

Living. He said the project is one

classes on pottery, art, acting and

which has been under way for

the like.

five-plus years.

He also said the town had

“We needed an assisted living

benefited from the opening of

facility here and were fortunate

Little Food and Spirits, which was

enough to have Affinity Living

a $1.3 million renovation of the

choose

former Tommy’s Place.

Littleton,

along

with

Scotland Neck, to spend grant

Those businesses not only

funding to build the facility,” Scott

include the new ones that are

said.

opening but staples like Littleton

He said the facility could be

Hardware,

Grandpa’s

Kitchen,

open as soon as the end of this

Robinson Funeral Home and

year or the beginning of 2021.

Shawn Lea Funeral Home along

And that is just one of the

with A.M. Newsome Agency, Law

many partnerships that is working

Offices of Thomas J. Skinner IV

to make the town of Littleton

and Brown’s Flower Shop.

even better than it already is, according to the mayor.

The town has also greatly benefited from their partnership

Two such partnerships are with

with

the

Greater

Littleton

the Ed Fitts Foundation and the

Development Partnership. The

Greater Littleton Development

partnership has raised well over

Partnership.

$100,000 in financing and labor

The

Fitts

Foundation

has

provided grant funding for the in town which are exciting for

grant to pave the parking lot, but

the mayor and others in town.

the GLDP raised money to add a

They include the Blue Jay Bistro,

stage, clean up the area around

Daphne’s Coffee Shop and Main

the lot and landscape the area. It

Street Wine.

has become a beautiful drawing

goals has been to not only bring industry, but small businesses.

People

want

to

visit

small

businesses when they visit small towns. We all love mom and pop shops.”

not about who has what, its about all of us working together.

”

- Buddy Isles

card for the town.

“The are a powerhouse group,” the mayor said of the GLDP. The

town’s

biggest

draw

is certainly its location as the gateway to Lake Gaston.

“Certainly

the

town

has

survived because of Lake Gaston,”

The Fitts Foundation is also

Scott said. “Tourism has kept us

the agency behind the renovation

going. We are certainly thankful

of the Lakeland Cultural Arts

for the lake and what it has meant

Center, a former high school and

to our town.”

college which has been the home

here is treated as an equal. It’s

parking lot.

The town received a $33,000

Scott said. “One of our biggest

great is its people. Everyone

for the development of the town’s

opening of three new businesses

“These are much-needed,”

“

The reason I think the town is

While thankful for the lake,

47

Scott said the town’s leaders were doing all

standing in its original location on Warren

they could to bring in more business and make

Street, was known as “Person’s Ordinary.”

it a destination all year. That work includes all of the partnerships and revitalization.

Another drawing card is the “Downtown Turnaround” which is Littleton’s annual festival

Greater Littleton Development Partnership,

who invented the four-barrel corroborator

said he is proud of the work the town is doing

and is the winningest engine builder in

together to make a difference. He said there

NASCAR history.

was a time when some seemed complacent

Buddy Isles, who has run a tire and auto

festival, which is sponsored by the local Lions

business in Littleton for nearly five decades,

Club, has music, vendors and a car show that

spent all but three years of his life calling the

has become well-known and popular.

beautiful town home. Despite spending three

Littleton was incorporated in 1877 and has

years at Fort Bragg – as a member of the 82nd

a proud history. It is known by some as the

Airborne Division – Isles always knew what he

“Gateway to Beautiful Lake Gaston” and others

wanted and that was to open a business at

as the “Little Town with the Big Heart.” Tucked

home. He said he is both proud of the town’s

in the northwest corner of Halifax County just

past and hopeful for its future.

of Virginia, the town encompasses roughly

Isles, who also serves as president of the

In addition, the town is the hoe of Jack Tant

which draws thousands to the little town. The

near Warren County and immediately south

ask and he’ll be there to help.”

Isles agreed with Scott on what make’s Littleton so special – its people.

with the downtown not living up to its potential, but that time was past.

Isles said his mantra in life and business – at Buddy Isles Tire and Automotive - was to always try to be better today than yesterday, and he was taking that approach with the GLDP. He said the group has worked together as a unit to raise funds, work hard and make the town grow.

“I believe you can walk into any business in

“The reason I think the town is great is its

Littleton and be greeted with a smile,” he said.

It was named for Sen. Warren Little,

people,” Isles said. “Everyone here is treated as

“It doesn’t matter if you live here or not, you’re

who was the state senator when the town

an equal. It’s not about who has what, its about

always welcome.”

was founded, and was also the town’s first

all of us working together. It’s the type of place

Postmaster. The original post office, still

where if I need help from my neighbor, I can

one square mile.

48

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

RN E T S EA

G N I V I L T H N O R

N A O L I C A R

m: Museu y anch or Fort Br eces of hist pi Unique

eum: th Mus ts Plymou tifac Port O’ al local ar Find re

eum: re Mus ans pl ad Eu The Th makes County Gates 1

EASTERN

LIVING N O RT H

Historic Gallery Theatre takes visit ors on ‘world tour’

C A R O L I N A

Davenport Homeste offers rich history ad off the beaten path

N.C. largest veteran mural in Edgecombe Coun ty

1

49

Hyde Cou nty

Engelhard

One of North Carolina’s Oldest Communities

Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan

F

ree from traffic lights and littered sidewalks, Engelhard offers a charming and unique balance of rural tranquility made strong not

only by its intermingling of the agricultural and seafood industries, but backed by notable local businesses and its people.

The drive to Engelhard along U.S. 264 from one end of town to the other offers a variety of picturesque scenes throughout the seasons: golden wheat glistening with heavy heads dancing in the coastal breeze; stalks of corn standing sturdily in a rolling sea of green shrouding elegant historic homes; popped cotton beaming its brilliancy of white vistas; swans winging across winter’s gray sky for touchdown in a fallow field; and tractors disking the blackland’s browns and grays of winter in preparation for a new harvest.

What seagulls cannot get trailing behind tractors tossing up the fertile dirt, they can get at Far Creek where the harbor opens up beneath a blue-

50

“

skied backdrop of busy fish and crab houses crowded by a flotilla of fishing boats and shrimp trawlers, their outriggers towering above the hardworking people who steadily unload and prepare the supply of seafood ranging from oysters to shrimp and blue crabs to flounder among other fish.

During the area’s colonial era Engelhard was called Fur Creek through the 1700s. In the 1800s the name changed to Far Creek, as early as 1813 according to newspaper accounts, and remained that name until 1874 when Israel Burrus Watson, who served under Major Joseph Adolphus Engelhard during the Civil War, and other Far Creek residents,

Engelhard is a place of serenity, rooted deep in history and tradition, backed by the strength of its people who truly make it a delightful place to live and raise a family.

”

wanted to change the town’s name in order to obtain a post office.

Engelhard was born in 1832 in Monticello, Mississippi. He studied law at Harvard and

practice. Also, in 1865, he became editor of the Wilmington Journal. Shortly thereafter he became Secretary of State for North Carolina and during the era of reconstruction he not only served as a strong advocate for people’s rights, but always supported ways to strengthen North Carolina.

Today Engelhard is the only town with this name in the entire United States.

As the speed limit sign drops to 35 miles per hour at either end of town, one will notice how this rural coastal and farming community falls into focus within the span of a few miles.

There are many historic homes of grand architecture and some are listed with the National Register of Historic Places. One unusual architectural marvel is the eightsided Octagon House built by Dr. William T. Sparrow in 1855.

then the University of North Carolina from

Quartermaster for the 33rd Regiment of North

which he graduated in 1854. He received his

Carolina Troops and assumed battlefield

experiences for the visitor, tourist, or hunting

license to practice law in the County Courts in

command at Gettysburg when other generals

and fishing enthusiast.

1856 and the Superior Court in 1857.

were wounded.

During the Civil War, Engelhard served as

After the war, he continued his law

Also,

there

are

different

lodging

While Engelhard has recently experienced the loss of the Red & White grocery store and

51

Martelle’s Feed House Restaurant and Oyster

R. Gibbs, bought a plug of Mule Chewing

Bar; Sugar N Spice; Hotel Engelhard; and, Big

Tobacco," he said.

Trout Marina Café at Far Creek which offers

His father's store grew and in the early

dock-side dining inside or outside where one

years sold general merchandise, dry goods,

can observe the boats bringing in their bounty,

groceries, produce, clothing, boots, shoes,

seagulls zigzagging the sky, and pelicans

hats, drugs and small notions.

Additionally, says R. S., "Engelhard a

perched on pilings basking in the sun. and

hundred years ago had a bank and probably

Pharmacy is a tremendous asset not only to

five grocery stores. It was incorporated and

Engelhard, but all of Hyde County.

had a mayor, a fire truck and a community

The

Engelhard

Medical

Center

The Ethel F. Whitaker Hyde Head Start children

"After supper at night we all went to the

while the Davis Center provides continuing

store," R. S. recalls. "I remember people would

Center

the First National Bank, formerly the East Carolina Bank, several notable businesses built by Engelhard residents continue to serve the town.

By the Bridge offers grocery shopping and retail as well as Dollar General. There are fish and crab houses offering fresh seafood such as Jennette's Seafood, Williams Seafood, Engelhard Seafood, Engelhard-Mattamuskeet Seafood and Mattamuskeet Seafood at Far Creek.

serves

preschool-age

education classes in conjunction with Beaufort County Community College.

Two of the oldest businesses are Gibbs Hardware established 1895 and R. S. Spencer, Inc. established 1900.

R. S. Spencer, Jr., owner of R. S. Spencer, Inc., the new Do It Best Hardware Store, longtime historian of Hyde County and editor of Hyde County's Historical & Genealogical Society's journal High Tides, has been a resident of Engelhard all his life.

In fact, he has dedicated his life to the

Engelhard offers automotive parts and

betterment of Engelhard and Hyde County

repairs through N&S Motors, NAPA Auto Parts-

through many years of community service

Williford Auto Supply and the Ethco Station

which he still continues to do. At 79, he works

which provides gas and owns the Capt. Suds

at his store some and devotes much time to

Car Wash. Other gas stations include Gibbs

the research of Hyde County's history and its

Enterprises, known as Jesse’s to the locals and

people.

Far Creek Gas & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Additionally,

R. S. says his father, R. S. Spencer (18851973), opened his store at the age of 15 on

others

eateries

offering

building where bazaars were held.

Sept. 15, 1900.

a quick carry-out meal or a family-style

"He worked during the day and opened the

dining experience include: H&L’s Restaurant;

business at night. His first customer, Thomas

bring in big baskets of eggs to trade and Daddy would say, ‘Buddy, count those eggs.’

I’d have to sit there and put them in a carton and I hated it.

"The store stayed open until 11 o’clock at night. The farmers would come in or their wives. Down at our store the women had a side and the men had a side to loaf and talk until bedtime. They didn’t have TV or anything else," he added.

R. S. said Christmas morning, 1970, his father's store burned so they rebuilt it and since then it has expanded through the years.

In addition to being a hardware store, it sells furniture and appliances, ships UPS, and has a DMV office, the smallest in the state.

The Engelhard Florist, located within the store, also provides floral needs.

In reflection, R. S. added, "It’s amazing that the store has been in business for 120 years."

R.S. loves Englehard.

“The way of life here is just so much different and you know most of the people. The advantages people have is the peacefulness, quietness and the lack of being afraid of everything."

He adds, "It's a place where the local people see the opportunity and take the initiative to create something rather than waiting for somebody to come in."

Engelhard is a place of serenity, rooted deep in history and tradition, backed by the strength of its people who truly make it a delightful place to live and raise a family.

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

52

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Story & Photos by Meghan Grant

North CaroliNa

D e s t i N at i o N s

I have long been proud to call North Carolina home, and if one thing came out of this pandemic, it is an even deeper appreciation

Top-rated

towns

for the beauty and culture of our state. One of the main reasons I started writing a blog was to showcase places that y’all should experience across the state. So, with that in mind, here are some of my favorite places to visit near and far around the state!

We s t e r n No r t h C a r o l i n a

BLACK MOUNTAIN

Black Mountain is known as the “Front Porch of Western North Carolina” and it is a

GREENSBORO

stunning place to spend a weekend. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in art and culture, shopping, eating,

There is just so much to do in Greensboro, whether you are a history buff or you’re

or outdoor adventures. I highly recommend

looking for new restaurants and breweries to try, or you enjoy art museums and murals

having brunch on Louise’s front porch and

-The Gate City has it all! If you make an overnight trip of it, I recommend a stay at the

spending the day walking around exploring

beautiful Proximity Hotel, and definitely order the truffle fries at the hotel restaurant, Print

the town. Grab a flight from Pisgah Brewing

Works Bistro. If you’re a beer enthusiast, try the beers at Little Brother Brewing and Preyer

Company and listen to live music. You can

Brewing Co. I’m also partial to the menu at 1618 (ask the server for their recommendation!)

also walk around Warren Wilson College, a

and Crafted If you’re into history, you can’t miss the Civil Rights Museum and Guilford

beautiful campus! Black Mountain is also 20

Courthouse Park. And if you head to UNC-G campus, be sure to stop in the Weatherspoon

minutes from downtown Asheville, if you

Art Museum after grabbing lunch at Boba House!

wanted to venture there for an afternoon!

54

WINSTON SALEM Winston Salem is quite possibly one of my favorite cities in North Carolina. There is so much to do, including exploring the beautiful Reynolda House, checking out the art galleries and local breweries, and the amazing women owned businesses in town.

Grab brunch from Mary’s, take in the RJ Reynolds building that has been repurposed to a spectacular Kimpton Hotel, and have dinner at the Katharine Brasserie. Staying overnight? You can’t beat a stay at the Graylyn! I also recommend exploring Old Salem, including the Moravian Bridge! And get lunch at Mozelle’s for the best tomato pie ever.

YADKIN VALLEY WINE TRAIL The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail is a great spot to taste new beers and the best of North Carolina wines. While North Carolina might be famous for their muscadine wines, the wineries out in western North Carolina put out some award winning wines that you would typically see in Napa Valley.

A lovely starting point is JOLO Vineyards, in Pilot Mountain, where you can have lunch either on the patio of the restaurant, End Posts, or take a picnic into the vines. I also recommend the views at Round Peak Vineyards. Shelton Vineyards is a staple in the area, and has a Hampton Inn right down the street from the property in Dobson. Elkin Creek vineyard has a stunning outdoor space, serves delicious pizzas on Sunday (call to reserve your dough in advance, seriously!), and cabins to rent. Also, I cannot recommend Parkway Vineyard Tours enough to safely get around after sampling wine and beer in the area!

CHAPEL HILL

C e n t r a l No r t h C a r o l i n a

Chapel Hill is hands down one of the most beautiful places in central North Carolina! Depending on your interests, stay at The Siena where you can have a delicious Italian meal on the patio at Il Palio downstairs.

The Siena is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your favorite four-legged friends, too! Another lovely spot is the quintessential Carolina Inn! You can experience some of the best of Chapel HIll without ever leaving the property with gorgeous outdoor spaces. If you venture out, be sure to walk through campus and spend some time in the beautiful arboretum.

Have dinner at Lantern, grab frozen yogurt from YOPO, and spend an afternoon on the patio at He’s Not Here. And whatever you do, get a biscuit from Sunrise Kitchen, either on your way in or out of town!

55

The Bull City is such a shining star in the state from their recent murals product, to their amazing food scene, and their gorgeous downtown. If you decide to stay overnight, I recommend the 21c Museum Hotel with their art gallery to explore with your favorite beverage. Right across the street is the Unscripted Hotel with an amazing rooftop patio/pool/restaurant perfect for warmer days. And the Durham Hotel has stunning rooftop views of the city. I adore the specialty cocktails and mocktails created by my friends at Kingfisher! I could go on and on about the restaurants, but Bull City Burger and any of the M

DURHAM

Restaurants are favorites! If you’re looking for good barbeque, leave downtown and check out Picnic BBQ for delicious sides, pies and eastern NC style BBQ!

PINEHURST

E a s t e r n No r t h C a r o l i n a

PINE KNOLL SHORES Looking for a warm retreat? Look no further than Pine Knoll Shores on the beautiful Crystal Coast, right outside of Atlantic Beach. The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and great, affordable amenities, including a pool and easy beach access. If you’re just heading down for the day, there are plenty of public beach access areas, as well! And no trip to Pine Knoll Shores is complete without a stop at Big Oak DriveIn where you can get the best shrimp burger!

SOUTHPORT

I fell in love with Southport a couple of years ago while waiting for our ferry over to Bald Head Island. Southport is a slower pace, small town right where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The town is easily

Looking for a good spot to truly

walkable or accessible by bike and there

unwind? Pinehurst is a gorgeous getaway

are great bed and breakfast options and Air

with sprawling front porches, a relaxing

BnBs. Have a meal at Provision Company

spa experience, and some of the best golf

and enjoy views of the Intracoastal from the

courses in the country. Even if you don’t

porch with an ice-cold beverage and a crab

hit the links, there are tennis courts, the

cake sandwich!

pools on site at the Carolina Hotel and the Holly Inn. I spent all morning relaxing by the pool at the spa before strolling through the quaint village visiting shops. We also

WILMINGTON

enjoyed reading in the rocking chairs on

Wilmington is a perfect spot to make an

the porch and our favorite dinner spot was

escape whether you are into gardens, such as

the Pinehurst Brewing Co.

the beautiful Airlie Gardens, beaches, parks, the riverfront, or dining al fresco. If you’re looking for a spot right on the riverwalk, stay at the Hotel

*Please remember to practice social distancing guidelines and wear a facial covering to protect yourself and others during this global pandemic.

Also, some places may be closed because of COVID-19 or have limited seating capacity. We recommend calling ahead for the most up to date information. Travel safely and be kind to one another!

56

Ballast and enjoy the shops and restaurants on one side, and breathtaking tours on the other. If you’re interested in a quieter spot, check out the Front Street Inn for a welcoming spot. Take a riverboat tour while you’re in town to get out on the water and learn a bit more about the area.

If you’re into history, don’t miss the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship! If you go down on the 4th Friday of the month, you can join in the Fourth Friday Gallery Walk. Check out Pilot House Restaurant for lunch and Dram & Morsel for dinner!

&

Jenny Davenport

Mary Braxton Grey Throwing out the 1st Pitch

57

Just keep

swimming Nash Central’s Norris hasn’t stopped working Story by Patrick MaSon contributed PhotoS

58

A

sk Lance Norris to

stopped holding practices. Norris

remember

last

went from swimming an average

time he took a break

of 35,000 yards per week to

the

from swimming and the answer is difficult. He doesn’t know.

zero.

Norris, who won a state

The 16-year-old Nash Central

championship

his

freshman

student began swimming laps at

season with the Bulldogs, didn’t

the Rocky Mount YMCA at age

fare

5, and was competing in meets

stoppage. He needed to swim.

well

with

this

sudden

by age 8. Norris hasn’t stopped

“It was an unwanted break,”

swimming since, finding time to

Norris said. “I was out of the

put in thousands of yards each

water for three days before I

day.

started swimming in the lake.”

Lengthy time away from the

***

pool is rare. When an illness in

Norris waded into the Tar

February forced Norris to miss

River reservoir on March 28.

the high school state meet, he

Wearing a jammer, he soon

worried about how his training

found that he would need more

would be affected. He was back

than a suit that stops at the

in the pool the next week.

knees.

“I always say he’s addicted to

The temperature was in the

being in the water,” Norris’ father

80s, but the water hadn’t yet

Ron said. “And when he doesn’t

warmed up from the winter

get in he gets, like, withdrawal

weather. Walking any deeper

symptoms. It just throws him off.

into the water wasn’t an option.

It’s how he’s always been. When

Expletives

he’s not in water it feels like his

mouth as he raced up the boat

whole day is off.”

ramp and back onto land.

When

the

flew

from

Norris’

COVID-19

“It was so cold I barely made

pandemic response shuttered

it in,” Norris said of that first day.

workout facilities and aquatic

“I had to buy a wetsuit.”

centers in March, Norris didn’t

Norris’ parents bought him a

have a choice but to step away

wetsuit which solved the water

from training.

temperature

Important meets

dot

championship the

spring

and

summer swimming schedule, including several opportunities to

qualify

for

international

competitions in the summer, like the Olympics, where Norris was on his way to securing time cuts for the U.S. Olympic Trials meet.

In the weeks after the closures the Olympics announced a new 2021 start date, championship meets

were

postponed

or

canceled and Norris’ Triangle Aquatic

Center

club

team

problem.

The

dark body-length suit with red

sleeves kept him warm enough

allowed for more mobility. A

to spend an hour or more in the

weekend training session at a

cold water.

lake in Cary snapped his reservoir

He’s been going back ever since.

streak, but Norris swam more than 30 consecutive days in all

On April 22, Norris logged his

sorts of weather.

26th consecutive day swimming

During the chilly days of early

laps in the reservoir. By the 28th

spring Norris would swim during

consecutive day, Norris had

the hottest parts of the day,

switched to a new black TYR

around 3 or 4 p.m. Some days

wetsuit without sleeves which

he had to wait out rain or wind.

As the days passed his window

“

IT WAS AN UNWANTED BREAK. I WAS OUT OF

of warmth grew larger, leading to early afternoon swims and longer yardage.

Norris is never alone in the

THE WATER FOR THREE DAYS BEFORE I STARTED

“

SWIMMING IN THE LAKE.

L ance n orris

1,860 acre reservoir. His dad is always nearby, paddling in a family friend’s kayak alongside his son. Ron and the kayak serve as both a safety precaution and a floating reserve of water bottles and snacks.

“He’s been out there every day with me since I started

59

Nash Central team, Norris won the 1A/2A state title in the 200-

The shift in schedule means

yard freestyle and placed second

he will have more time to mature

in the 500.

and grow as the Trials won’t take

An illness ended the potential

place for another year. But that

for two individual state titles at

also means the time standards

this year’s state meet, but that

will be lowered come 2021,

didn’t stop him from setting

forcing Norris to shave off more

records just a few weeks later

time.

with his TAC club team at the

But he isn’t worried.

2020 Cary Sectionals on March

Norris’

5.

dedication There, Norris and three relay

teammates — Michael Cotter, David

Greeley

and

Braeden

Haughey — set a national age group record (15-16) in the 800yard freestyle relay with a time of 6:36.61, smashing the old swimming here,” Norris said.

pool yardage.

record of 6:38.07 set in 2018.

“Even when he has to work he’ll

Open water swimmers must

be out here. He won’t admit to

contend waves, wind, currents

Swimming named Norris among

me that he likes going out there

and

one

the world’s top 100 swimmers

every single day, but I think he

particular day Norris remembers

under the age of 18 in two

enjoys being in nature. On a nice

the forecast called for winds of

events. SwimSwam listed Norris

day it’s really peaceful.”

17 MPH.

as No. 14 among the top college

low

visibility.

On

200 backstroke cut.

Earlier

this

year,

USA

work to

ethic open

and water

swimming during the time away from the pool has kept him in shape, and perhaps increased his strength in the water. He hopes his continued training of about 35,000 yards per week will give him an advantage over his peers who have largely been staying fit with dry-land activities.

“I am in better shape than I have been in my life,” Norris said.

“Open water swimming really helped me.”

He added that he is pacing for

Ron works the night shift

“I thought I’d be fine but I

swimming prospects in the class

at Nash General Hospital and

didn’t check the gusts,” he said.

of 2022 — Cotter and Haughey

often finds time to sleep in the

“And it was like 45. Going out

are listed as No. 17 and No. 18,

morning before launching the

was fine because the wind was at

respectively.

kayak in hot pursuit of Norris’

my back, but on the way back it

This was supposed to be an

windmilling arms.

was the worst feeling. I couldn’t

important summer for Norris as

“I think I went 26 days straight

get a stroke in without waves

he had his sights on swimming

until he went to Jordan Lake in

pummeling my face. When I’d

at the U.S. Olympic Trials. His

Apex one weekend,” Ron said. “It

look at my dad on the kayak

strengths in the distance events

was: sleep four hours when I get

you could see it bobbing up and

and the individual medley —

back from work, then go out with

down.”

where all four strokes are used —

“It’s all about commitment

earned him a real shot at having

and he just has this drive,” Ron

a strong showing.

said. “He’s that rattlesnake where

him and row. He’s dedicated.”

***

Norris said that a tough

Norris took the swimming

a sub-15:30 in the 1,500, which would be almost 15 seconds faster than his previous best.

Norris is also hopeful that he can return to his club team soon where he will once again train in a pool.

For now, a large body of water will have to do.

the

world by storm when he entered

He was 0.7 seconds away

if he doesn’t get in the water he’s

lake could include more than

his teenage years. At age 14,

from a cut in the 1,500-meter

a grumpy kid. That’s just the way

10,000 yards broken across two

while attending Nash Central

race, which is just a blink in a

it is.”

sessions. Other times he’ll swim

Middle School, Norris laid claim

race that covers 30 lengths of

Patrick Mason is a Sports Writer

anywhere from 5,000-7,000

to the fastest 1,000-yard swim

the pool. He was one second off

for the Rocky Mount Telegram and

yards. And he’s learned that open

nationally in his age group. As

the 400 IM cut, and a little more

a contributor to Eastern North

water yardage is tougher than

a high school freshman on the

than one second away from the

Carolina Living.

weekend

60

workout

on

&

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.

Editor’s Note: Due to concerns about the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic there are few events planned in the coming months. These are the ones that have been shared with us, but we suggest calling ahead before any event. Also, it is recommended that anyone attending be planning to obey mask and social distancing guidelines.

July 26 Respect Car Show TARBORO – The Respect Car Show is planned for Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 on Western Boulevard in Tarboro.

For the past three years, the Respect Car Show has showcased over 200 cars.

There will be club games, a vehicle limbo contest and cash prizes for specialty awards.

Fishing, camping and vendors will be available.

The event will be held at 3202 Western Blvd. in Tarboro.

Dec. 5

On-Going

Christmas Bazaar

Tarboro Market

NASHVILLE – The annual Christmas

Tarboro – The Tarboro Market is open

Bazaar is planned for 9 a.m. until 2

on the first and third Saturdays of

p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Rock Creek

every month on North Main Street.

Baptist Church.

The market features handmade,

Vendors are welcome at the event.

homemade and homegrown goods,

Those wishing to be vendors should

and is open from 8 a.m. until noon.

contact Sue Smith at sue_J_smith@

The market is located at 526 North

live.com and use Christmas Bazaar

Main St. in Tarboro.

in the subject line.

There are usually 45-50 vendors at the event each year.

For more information, call the church office at 252-459-4477 or visit the website at www.rockcreekbaptist. net.

The church is located at 1238 Rock Creek Drive in Nashville.

61

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12 VIEWS FROM OUR

PHOTOS

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64

BY

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65

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EASTERN

LIVING

1

The Enterprise

106 W. Main St. Williamston, NC 27892 252-792-1181 69

Grandma’s

Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

The theme of “Our Town� made me

with pepper. Spoon bread, cornbread and

think about the places I have lived and the

homemade apple butter were staples. There

difference in the recipes of each area. I

was Brunswick Stew but it was made with

have lived in the Piedmont section of North

rabbit, squirrel or whatever hunters brought

Carolina, the Piedmont section of Virginia,

to the stew.

Bertie County and Windsor.

Even in small ways, there were differences in the way things were done.

For instance, most people in Eastern

In the Eastern part of North Carolina, I have enjoyed tomato pudding, salty ham, collards, chicken and pastry, sweet potato biscuits and chocolate gravy.

Carolina put a piece of meat in vegetables to

Is the food better in one place than it is

cook them. In Thomasville, my grandmother

in another? I would say that I have favorites

sliced streak of lean meat very thin, fried it

from all three places.

and used the grease to cook whatever she was preparing that day. The fried meat she put on homemade biscuits for breakfast.

Wonderful cooks abound everywhere I have lived.

But the sugar-cured hams are the best in

In Thomasville, we fixed chicken with

my opinion. My dad never left Thomasville

round, fat biscuit-like dumplings. The ham

when we visited without getting one. The

was sugar cured. We made hot sauerkraut

homemade apple butter in Virginia tops

stuffed green peppers. Gingerbread was

anything you will find in the grocery store

a big thing for dessert as was Persimmon

and collards have to be my favorite in Eastern

Pudding. I have not known those things to be

North Carolina. I have to tell you I had never

in the other places I lived.

seen a collard or even heard of one until I

In Virginia, we had hams heavily cured

moved here.

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.

70

Thomasville

Persimmon Pudding

2 cups persimmon pulp 3 eggs 1 ½ cups milk 1 ¾ cups flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla rine 1 stick melted butter or marga

k Mix persimmon, eggs and mil Mix dry ingredients together Add liquid ingredients Stir in butter greased Pour in 11 ½ X 6 inch shallow pan. for 70 Cook at 300 degrees minutes

Apple Butter

virginia, k Ball Canning Boo

to lp; return apple pulp int or 3 (16 of apple pu f-p hal oz) (8 6 t ou ab kes Ma saucepan. stirring until oz) pint Add sugar and spices, 16 to 12 t ou (ab 4 pounds apples . Cook at a gentle boil d mama sugar dissolves an r the mo nd gra My apple mixture medium) over medium heat until ah do an en Sh the m d on a spoon, always got them fro is thick enough to moun vent sticking.

Valley. stirring frequently to pre thick, add a 2 cups water If mixture becomes too ar sug s cup 4 apple juice for small amount of water or n mo na cin s ve from heat.

2 teaspoon desired consistency. Remo o a hot jar ¼ teaspoon cloves Ladle hot apple butter int s into ple ap t Cu s. ple ap el pe d ce. Remove Core an leaving a ¼ inch headspa canner, let jars stand 5 . Center lid on remove lid of quarters. rim jar pe Wi . les bb bu jars and cool 12-24 ter in a large air gertip minutes. Remove fin to t Combine apples and wa jus ad , nd ba ply they should not jar and ap hours. Check lids for seal, r. ne can in ter wa saucepan. g ilin jar in bo d. r until soft. tight. Place flex when center is presse d.

Cook apples at a simme fille are jars all til electric food Repeat un n off heat, Puree mixture using an Process jars 15 minutes. Tur s art qu 2 re asu Me strainer or food mill.

easTern norTh Carolina

Chocolate Gravy

½ cup cocoa 1 cup sugar 1 cup water ½ teaspoon vanilla pinch of salt 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon four, mixed with ½ cup water, stirred until smooth Mix cocoa and sugar

Have water boiling in saucepan.

Add cocoa and sugar mixture and salt. Gradually stir in flour mixture.

Remove from burner and stir in vanilla.

This is used to dip homemade biscuits. It is also good on cake and ice cream.

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biography •

Just as you want others to do for you, DO THE SAME FOR THEM. - Luke 6:31 HoLman CHristian standard BiBLe

Dr. Chris Cordon Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White, Jim Green & Contributed

S

he has spent her life living by the Golden Rule.

service,” she said.

Though it has sometimes been

challenging, she wouldn’t change a thing.

Dr. Chris Cordon has spent most of her life in Bertie County, and has devoted that

Cordon said she enjoyed working with

provide safety for children across the east, Cordon also was working to make her hometown a better place.

childcare providers and helping them go

In 1999, Cordon filed for a seat on the

from having only a General Equivalency

Lewiston Woodville Board of Commissioners.

Diploma (GED) to earning a college degree.

She was elected and sworn in that December

life to protecting children, helping the needy,

“At the same time, I enjoyed serving the

serving her community and dedicating her

children and making sure they were safe,”

life to God.

she added.

and has served the people of the town ever since.

“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I really

Cordon grew up in Bertie County between

Cordon said her goal was never to close

wanted to make a difference, and to see the

Windsor and Lewiston Woodville. She went

a childcare facility, but rather to help them

town improve,” Cordon said. “I wanted to

to school at John B. Bond Elementary,

provide the best care possible for the

bring worth to the town and bring life back

Southwestern and Bertie High School before

children in that center.

into it. All these years later, it is still a work in

moving on to Elizabeth City State University.

Cordon

graduated

Cum

Laude

in

Sociology from ECSU in 1976. In addition, Cordon recently completed work on her Doctorate in Divinity.

“It was a challenge,” she stressed. “Not all the situations were nice. You do go into some unwelcoming situations.”

progress.”

Following her election, Cordon was put in charge of the town’s beautification

“While some of the conditions were not

committee – a charge she relished and took

ideal”, Cordon said, “my knowledge and

on whole heartedly. She led the efforts to

Cordon took a job working with Early

training of the State of NC Building, Fire and

plant flowers, raise a flagpole in town and

Education in the N.C. Division of Child

Health Codes relating to child care along with

generally work to improve the ambiance of

Development Early Education. She spent 30

the NC Division of Child Development Rules

Lewiston Woodville.

years serving as a Child Care Consultant in

and Regulations, I was always able to work

“I enjoyed bringing the ladies together

14 counties in eastern North Carolina. There

with childcare providers to make centers

and working to make the town look better,”

were more than 5,000 children under her

safer for children.”

she said.

care.

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“I enjoyed protecting and providing

During the time she was working to

Cordon said during her time on the board,

I’m not sayIng It has been easy, but god has set us here to mInIster.

We are here for body, soul and spIrIt. - dr. ChrIs Cordon

sons – Gary Jr. and Chad – and a daughter – Chrysti.

“We have one that is a minister, one that works in ministry and one that is a trustee,” Cordon said. “We all work in ministry as a family.”

In ministry, she serves as First Lady of Victory Temple Church of God in Christ/The Evidence Church and as the Dean of students of The Evidence Bible College. Cordon said she

Lewiston Woodville and surrounding areas.

“We all work well together,” she said. “It is a pleasure serving with the other members of the board.”

works with the women of the congregation and with the growing number of students enrolling in the Bible college.

“I encourage them to be all they can be,

As if work and public service were not

be all that God would have them to be,” she

she is also proud of the work done to bring

enough, Cordon also has worked in the

said. “We all work together, and we all love the

grants to help the water and sewer system,

ministry for four decades along with her

fellowship.”

and of providing police protection.

husband of 46 years, Dr. Gary Cordon.

In what spare time she has, Cordon enjoys

She now serves Lewiston Woodville as

“It has been rewarding and challenging,”

Mayor Pro-Tempore and serves as Police

she said. “We are all things to all people. We

“I enjoy raking leaves, planting flowers,

Commissioner. Cordon said she was pleased

are available 24/7. Our door is never close,

even cutting grass,” she mused. “A few years

to have just hired a police officer providing

and we will always be there.

ago, I told my children I wanted a zero-turn

protection and safety for citizens.

The town also has seen the addition of the new Duck Thru, a Dollar General and other stores during the past several years.

In addition, Cordon said the town was pleased to still be one of few small

working in her yard.

“I’m not saying it has been easy, but God

John Deere commercial mower for Mother’s

has set us here to minister,” she added. “We

Day, and was thrilled when they gave me one.”

In addition, Cordon enjoys spending

are here for body, soul and spirit.”

Cordon describes her husband as the love of her life and says the two have enjoyed

time with her husband, children and eight grandchildren.

Among her many accolades, Cordon was

being married and serving together.

communities to have a bank, a Rural Health

“I love being a support to my husband,” she

awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine –

Center and The Hive, which provides services

said. “I love his gift of teaching and preaching.”

the state’s highest civilian honor – by Gov. Pat

for children and families throughout Bertie

She said the two knew each other in high

County.

school, but never connected. It wasn’t until

McCrory.

“I was truly shocked and blessed,” she

Cordon also saluted Perdue Farms as

she was in a choir at what was then Cedar

said. “It makes you feel like you’ve

a great corporate supporter of the work

Fork Church of God in Christ and Gary Cordon

accomplished something.”

done by the town, and said she was pleased

played for the choir they began to have a

to work with the mayor and the Board of

her retirement from every

connection.

Commissioners. Also, in collaboration with

“God

The Town of Lewiston Woodville, The

Cordon said.

stepped

in,”

Chris

Cordon said she was pleased

Community College, we are

to have a family involved

an

Vitality

Center

Educational

provide educational opportunities to the citizens of

to

day work in childcare.

While that career has

Hive and Roanoke Chowan bringing

The award was given during

in ministry as her three children have followed

them

into the field.

They have two

closed, the others keep

her

every she

busy

day

as

continues

to serve the people

of

Bertie County.

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AQUASCOGOC Algonquian village; was in this vicinity. Burned, July 18, 1585, by Roanoke colonists in their first dispute with Indians.

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he Roanoke colonies, altogether three attempts at colonization on the eastern shores of what would become North Carolina, laid the foundation for later English colonization initiatives. In April 1584, explorers Phillip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe set out from England to survey the coast near Cape Hatteras.

In the course of their expedition, they encountered few obstacles and their positive report prompted Sir Walter Ralegh to establish a colony in the New World.

US 264 Bypass (Main Street) at US 264 Business (Pamlico Street) in Belhaven REFERENCES Michael L. Oberg, The Head in Edward Nugent’s Hand (2008) Maurice A. Mook, “Algonkian Ethnohistory of the Carolina Sound,” Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 6 (June 15, 1944) David Beers Quinn, Set Fair for Roanoke (1985) J. Norman Heard, Handbook of the American Frontier: Four Centuries of Indian-White Relationships (1987)

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In 1585 Sir Richard Grenville, Ralegh’s cousin, sent seven ships loaded with colonists and provisions to establish a colony on Roanoke Island. They left England on April 9, 1585. By the end of June they had arrived at Wococon on the Outer Banks. In July a detachment of colonists, with Manteo as interpreter, ventured out to explore the land beyond the sound and visited the native villages of Pomeiok, Aquascogoc, and Secotan.

On July 18 all but one of the boats returned to Wococon. The remaining boat took Amadas, Manteo, and a few other men back to Aquascogoc to “demand a silver cup which one of the Savages had stolen from us.”

It is unclear exactly what transpired at Aquascogoc—whether the Aquascogocs denied having the cup or whether they thought the English were taking back a gift. The weroance (leader) apparently promised the cup’s return as an effort to stall the English long enough to clear the

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women and children out of the village. He may have heard Wanchese’s ominous tales of the untrustworthy Englishmen.

Amadas waited for a while before noticing the people clearing the village and he reacted with unconscionable violence. The chronicler of the trip recorded that the men “burnt, and spoyled their Corne, and Towne, all the people being fledde.”

About three weeks into the attempted colonization of the “New World,” the English committed the first atrocity against the natives at Aquascogoc.

The town and the food supply were destroyed because of a missing silver cup. Word of the violence traveled to the various Algonquian communities and would not have been an encouraging omen for the Indians. The specific location of Aquascogoc has not been determined through archaeological investigation, but it is generally accepted to have been just southeast of modern day Belhaven.

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PARTING SHOTS Thadd White at Boone’s Mill in Northampton County

The worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19

So, we turned to our history for the current

has changed things for all of us. We, here

magazine. We went back to the days when we

Most of us know about the original

at Eastern North Carolina Living, are no

used to do “Our Town,” which basically was a

Washington in Beaufort County, where there is

exception. We had plans for the stories we

feature that told the history and current status

so much history and the beautiful downtown

of towns in our region.

is such a draw. The town isn’t satisfied just

would tell during the course of this year.

This edition was intended to be one where we told you about great places to visit in our 12 counties. The idea was basically “All in a Day’s Trip,” but within our counties. Unfortunately, now is a time when most people can’t or aren’t taking trips. We have decided to revisit that theme at a later time.

The mayors and other town leaders were happy to talk about their hometowns. They wanted to show the good things that they are doing, share their storied past and give their hopes for the future.

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Thankfully, the mayors and other town leaders were happy to talk about their hometowns. They wanted to show the good things that they are doing, share their storied past and give their hopes for the future.

We have enjoyed telling the stories in this magazine.

I chose the two towns I chronicled in this edition – Littleton and Columbia – because I love driving through them and wanted to learn more about them. The mayors – Owen Scott and James Cahoon respectively – were incredible ambassadors for their towns.

Also in this edition, Jim Green paid a visit to Plymouth where he met with town historian Tom Harrison and others to talk about Washington County’s county seat. I think you’ll enjoy reading about the revitalization there.

In addition, John Walker gives us history and future of one of the most historic towns

people.

resting on its laurels, however, as you’ll find out in Deborah Griffin’s story.

Engelhard is a town that will just draw you in. Sandy Carawan’s story tells about how important the town is and what it means to the people who call it home.

Another historic town in our region is Murfreesboro. Sarah Davis takes you through the town’s rich history and tells you why so many people are proud to call the Hertford County town home.

We’ll be back in September, where we’ll share stories with you about businesses who are still operating after being led by multiple generations of the same family. There are some businesses in our region that have been in operation for more than a century and been led by more than three generations. We look forward to sharing those stories with you.

in the 12 counties – Tarboro. The history of the

Until then, remember… all who wander

quaint Edgecombe County town is enough to

are not lost. Continue joining us as we

draw you there.

wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe,

Sarah Hodges Stalls tells us how much

Gates,

Halifax,

Hertford,

Hyde,

Martin,

of Williamston’s history has been destroyed

Nash, Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington

by fire, but why people love living there and

counties.

raising a family in the Martin county town.

There’s a lot to love about Williamston and its

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

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