Western Tidewater Living - Spring 2014

Western Tidewater

Living

Retirement’s grace

James T. Gray Jr. of Boykins isn’t staying idle now that he’s done working

Cartes de visite

An Isle of Wight county man has a collection of Civil War photographs on display

Catching up with ...

Brittney Cobb

SPRING 2014 • vol. 5, no. 1

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Western Tidewater

Living

Armed with nothing but cellular GPS service, going out into the county and ending up in the right spot are often two very different things, especially as one gets closer to the North Carolina border.

But on a recent reporting trip, there was no doubt that the right spot had found me. To my right, was a familiar smiling face, one that I had previously only seen in photographs. But in person, it was a lot bigger and more magnificent.

Pulling into the driveway, other familiar images presented themselves, and some unfamiliar, such as the mailbox, which was created from old springs and trains from a car, or perhaps a tractor.

In the backyard, the sight of a log cut into a giant spiral was present. Yes, I was in the right place. I had found the home of sculpture artist James Gray Jr. The enthusiasm he had for his art, and also things he didn’t call art, did give me some energy and a positive vibe to help make my day better.

Earlier that Friday morning I had scheduled a meeting at 8 a.m., despite knowing ahead of time that I would likely be working later than 10 p.m. the night before, and Thursdays are never a morning where I can come in late, so I knew the day would be long as well. I also knew Friday would not be any shorter, but at least it was leading into the weekend.

Just before 8 a.m., with a cup of coffee by my side, I ventured again into the unknown, as I had never driven into the neighborhood beyond Southampton Academy. I arrived at a beautiful home surrounded by trees, both tall and

letter from the editor old, and fresh landscaping looking ready to bloom, with a pond wrapping around the neighborhood providing a nice reflective view of the natural scene.

I was at the home of Texie and Leroy Bryant, and their home would be filmed for television later that day. As a photographer, I love early in the morning – the way the early morning light fills the scenery is special. But as someone who often works until very late at night, being awake that early isn’t the easiest thing.

Still, it was lovely and I considered myself fortunate to be invited into their home, where I knew a lot of work had gone into, and I’m sure some of it was done much earlier in the morning than I had been awake.

I also knew I was doing it, as well as the previous story, for the magazine, which is one of my favorite things.

And it is not all about artists and garden clubs, there’s a cooking feature, some information about the history of Boykins and we caught up with a Civil War buff who had an impressive collection of Robert E. Lee memorabilia that he would put up for display.

We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed putting it together, so now that it’s hopefully finally spring, kick back in your favorite outdoor – or indoor – setting, and let us tell you some stories.

Cain Madden Managing Editor Tidewater Publications

western tidewater living

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contents spring 2014

Cover photograph

by Cain Madden ON THE COVER: James T. Gray Jr.

Tony Clark Publisher

INSIDE THIS EDITION

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PARTY PIX

Western Tidewater residents got together for Rawlywood, black history month and other activities.

Cain Madden Managing Editor Stephen Cowles Staff Writer Merle Monahan Contributing Writer Leah Lewis Columnist Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Editorial Assistant Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Ginnie Spivey Advertising Representative

CHAINSAWS & MEDITATION

James. T. Gray Jr. has found a way to enjoy his retirement and indulge his creative side.

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18 western tidewater living

Brittney Cobb T

hough Brittney Cobb lives in Las Vegas, Nev., she always thinks of Windsor, Va., as her home. Her parents, Karla and Timothy Cobb, and sister, Kriston, are still here, along with grandparents, Lou and Bill Blake. Dixie and William Jenkins live up the road in Wakefield.

For the past several months, Cobb has been planning a unique return visit – she’s directing a pageant. The Southeast Miss Cupcake Pageant will take place starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12. The event will be in the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in downtown Suffolk.

This is no flight of fancy for Cobb. If anything, pageants have been –and continue to be – a major part of her life, ever since she was 5 years old.

“My mom saw a news article on an upcoming pageant and decided to give it a shot,” said Cobb. “I’ve always been outgoing and loved to perform or be on stage, so she saw it as another opportunity for me.

“I can’t recall the name of the first pageant, but it was directed by Jeff Bunn, a resident of Chesapeake. I did a lot of his

story by Stephen H. Cowles photos submitted

pageants when I was just starting out.”

Karla Cobb hasn’t been the only champion of her oldest daughter’s dreams.

“Wow, my family has and continues to be my backbone and Number One supporters and fans in life,” Cobb said. “When I get something in my head that I want to do or accomplish, there is no stopping me. I remember the first time I told my parents I wanted to go out of the country on a foreign mission trip with Teen Mania Ministries.

I would fly alone, meet a bunch of strangers, train, then head to Costa Rica.

My mom was pretty set on telling me ‘NO.’ Needless to say, I went that year and then again to Romania the following year.

“My entire family – parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – we grew up close and with a lot of love. We have all supported each other in many avenues. There have always been many family members at any given event I’ve participated in.”

Kriston, who is 2-1/2 years younger, has also done competitions, such as high school and later earned the title of Teen

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COURTLAND FEATURED ON GARDEN CLUB TOUR

Catching up with Brittney Cobb Miss Isle of Wight County Fair. Cobb pointed out that a couple of her sister’s strengths are in gymnastics and cheerleading.

The pageant dreams that Cobb nurtured as a young girl had their origin in – where else? – the annual televised contests.

“As many little girls, I also grew up watching Miss USA and Miss America every year. So my dream to one day be on that stage started very young. Unfortunately, I have “aged” out (That is hard to say...lol), so that dream has since passed. I was bummed at first when I realized I had a goal and a dream that was absolutely not going to happen. However, doors quickly opened for me, and I was able to reroute those dreams and my skills into a business where I am able to encourage and lead other girls with my same dream! That is very self-rewarding.”

That business Cobb founded is Fit for the Crown, in which she coaches, inspires and trains young ladies who also want to participate in pageants or learn the graces necessary for society and the business world.

western tidewater living

where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

For the winter edition, the photo was taken of snowflake lights hanging from the awning of Edwards Hardware located on Main St. in Courtland. Photo by Cain Madden.

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com

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Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win a gift certificate.

Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

The Virginia Garden Club will feature Southampton County homes and history as part of its state-wide tour.

Kate Archer Marketing Consultant Michelle Gray Office Manager Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3187 Advertising rates and information available upon request to ads@tidewaternews.com. Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state, $24 annually out of state and $30 annually overseas.

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HOMETOWN HISTORIES: BOYKINS

The series features Boykins, a small town with a long past and deep roots in the community.

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The Grip of Beauty

I

t’s everywhere. While stretching beyond the clouds and layering deep below dirt, it runs left and right through woods and in the cityscape. Spanning vertical and horizontal, it pulsates in the miniscule – a multitude of tiny bits. Likewise, its echo reverberates in colossal things.

It is beauty and her fingers that wrap endlessly around our universe with a grip so tight you wouldn’t believe. Her hold is unwavering, like the jaws of a crocodile.

Yet the captives of beauty willingly surrender as if they wait in anticipation. As if they need her embrace. See the trees?

They are begging to don garments of green – lush ones. And the soil, thick with seeds, is bursting. At this very moment those kernels are racing toward the surface, crying to erupt with growth and blooms. And over there? Buildings yearn for longer days and continuous hours of light to reflect and throw back.

Those structures were built to handle a broad spectrum. Yes, even the brick and steel beside concrete slabs – they too are

desperate to absorb more sun.

Roads, fields, rivers; things of plastic, wood, and elastic; moss and fabric coverings tangled with fragile threads and webs; sprouts and splinters – all things dense and transparent, flat and angular, bent, concave and bowed and hollow – nothing is outside her grasp. Beauty itself can touch all. And her power – it lies in her beckoning. She calls and when those who hear give consent – what strength she has! With a death grip she resolutely holds fast.

Yet there is more: her true potency is in the ability to wrap around us as well. To enfold our senses tight like a straitjacket – you can’t move. She can invoke a silence on your lips so still that words simply become a mess of letters, and her rhythm is all we hear. This is beauty and it can fill us to the brim, and sometimes, I can

column and photo

by Leah Lewis

hardly draw a breath. Sometimes she hits me hard in the gut, only to come back and sway me with her charms. It is intoxicating. The more I am bound by her clasp the greater I crave its enchantment. That persistent clutching can fasten us with such awe and wonder and turn worlds upside down in seconds. Some moments she is fast, all the time it is deep, and every bit she is good.

But understand that beauty will seize us only if we allow it. Such is her nature – she will not enclasp those who resist. Her embrace is reserved solely for that which is welcoming. And now with Spring all around, an abundance of life surrenders to the beauty that unveils a vibrant and bold display. It’s hard to miss. And it’s bursting to swallow us as well. From shoots of color to multiplying creatures, we too are summoned with an invitation to be enchanted, to hope for that embrace, and to surrender. And there is a promise: if we loosen our knuckles, she will tighten hers.

Columnist Leah Lewis suggests to both admire and respect natural beauty. ©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO

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party pix

6 western tidewater living

Rawlywood Top left, With drink in hand, Terri-Lynn Hedgepeth walks the red carpet at Rawlywood, a fundraiser that took place this past winter for the Rawls Museum Arts in Courtland. Top right, Leigh Anne Chambers, left, Rawls Museum director, with her sister, Shelly Chambers. Bottom left, Rawls Museum Arts Board of Directors President Lynette Allston and Allard Allston. Bottom right, Frank Perna, left, Brenda Wright, Sue Perna, Nancy Kinzinger, Jill Tiderman and Les Johnson PHOTOS COURTESY OF TWYLA DUKE

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Rawlywood continued Top, Evan Tiderman served as a bartender for the occasion. Bottom left, Harold and Nancy Blythe. Bottom center, Jason Fowler and fundraiser chairwoman Holly Fowler.

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Seniors’ Day in Ivor Top, Ann Cross, left and Judy Radford. Middle, Margaret Felts, left, Louise Felts and Edith Barnes, all of Ivor. Bottom, Huntus and Lemuel Duke of Dinwiddie and Eunice Britt of Wakefield.

PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN

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Seniors’ Day in Ivor continued Top, Alma Britt, left and Alice Oaks, both of Ivor.

Middle, Melissa Ross, left and Judy Carr, both of Ivor. Bottom, Alcyone and Donald Babb of Ivor.

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Black History Month Top, William “Breeze” Barnes during a fashion show during Black History month at the King Center. Bottom, onlookers at the fashion show enjoying the event.

PHOTOS BY FRANK DAVIS

western tidewater living

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what to do CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Renaissance Night A sneak peek of the annual Renaissance Faire will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Cecil Rawls Library in Courtland.

Blood drive Southampton Academy, 26495 Old Plank Rd., Courtland, will host the event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is sponsored by Upper School Student Government.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Keeping Warriors Outdoors Keeping Warriors Outdoors Spring Benefit will be from 4 to 10 p.m. at Jalapeno’s Restaurant, 13432 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield. The cost is $10 at the door.

Safe boating class The Nansemond River Power Squadron will be providing a Safe Boating Class on April 5 and April 12 (2-day class), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Suffolk Fire

Station No. 9, 300 Kings Hwy in the Chuckatuck area of Suffolk. A passing grade will accredit the participant for the required Virginia Boat Operator Certification. Cost for materials is $30 per person, with a discount for additional family members (contact instructor for specifics). Contact Lt . Frank Brown, 472-4178 to register.

Steak dinner The Black Creek Hunt Club will be selling steak dinners at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds. Social hour is from 4:30 to 5:30 and dinners will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Takeouts are available. The silent auction will end at 7:15 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Wayne Cook. Tickets are $25. For tickets or more information call David “Buck” Worsham at 647-9259.

Benefit Dinners A a sale of Brunswick stew and barbecue is planned for 1 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion on Armory Drive in Franklin.

Tickets are $7 each for either a quart of stew or a pound of barbecue. Brooks Johnson and his family of Sedley will benefit. For tickets, call Carroll Cannon at 653-8714, or Jean Stephenson at

641-9323.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

Healthy Lifestyle The Walter Cecil Rawls Library in Courtland will host a program about healthy lifestyles from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Bingo night The Boykins Ladies Auxiliary will have bingo at the firehouse at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

Bingo night Bingo Night hosted by the Bronco FCU Greenbacks Relay for Life Team will be at the Courtland Ruritan Club. Games begin at 7 p.m. and doors will open at 6.p.m. There will be 12 games for $10 donation along with fantastic raffles, door prizes, and delicious refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Franklin/Southampton County Relay for Life. For more information contact 569-3762.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

4-H Spring Fling The Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield will host a 4-H Spring Teen Weekend event titled, “Life Balance” Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13 for youth ages 14-19. The cost for the weekend is $86 per participant which includes meals, lodging and program activities.

The registration deadline has been extended to March 28. For more information call 899-4901 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny The Woman’s Club of Windsor will sponsor a breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Windsor Community House. The cost is $5 per person. An Easter egg hunt will begin at 9:35 a.m.

RENAISSANCE FAIRE

The Southampton Renaissance Faire At the Southampton Renaissance Faire guests are invited to ravel far into the past and experience a long forgotten age of adventure and mystery. Guests can enjoy living history demos, liveaction sword and steel tournaments, merchants, games, crafts, food and live entertainment. Admission is free and

western tidewater living the Faire will take place at the Southampton County Fairgrounds on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Downtown Franklin Association Easter Egg Hunt Colorful Easter Eggs cover a grassy area divided into three age-appropriate sections for: two- to four-year olds, fiveto seven-year olds, and eight- to ten year olds. At 11am the race begins for children to scoop up as many eggs as they can!!! The Easter Bunny is on hand to make sure all goes well and to take pictures with the children. a Admission is free & open to the public!

Down Home Day Down Home Day will be Wednesday, April 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for school aged children.

WE BE JAMMIN’ ject of discussion when the Isle of Wight Citizens Association and the Carrollton Civic League meet April 14 at 6 p.m. in the Smithfield Center. Del. Rick Morris will be our guest along with other storm water representatives. Public is invited to attend and participate. For further information call 357-5352 or 613-6183

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Easter Egg Hunt The Walter Cecil Rawls Library will have an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Preschoolers will enjoy stories, a craft and an egg hunt.

WARRIOR COUNTRY 5K/FUN RUN Tidewater Academy will be hosting the inaugural event. This 5K run/walk travels through Wakefield and out through the surrounding countryside. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m., and the Fun Run kicks off at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10 a.m. Visit the website, www.tawarriors.org, for more information or to register to run in advance.

Fun Night Grazn’ Acres Therapeutic Riding Center will host Fun Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Dairy Queen, 27490 Southampton Pkwy., Courtland.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

MONDAY, MAY 5

Spring Fling Three –Beach Music Festival Hosted by the Downtown Franklin Association and Jay Jenkins of Shaggin on the Beach. Join us for an afternoon of Beach Music performed by: Band of Oz; Hardway Connection; Steve Owens & Summertime; and Jim Quick & Coastline. Refreshments and food items can be purchased at concession stand. Dance or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere! Tickets- $20 in Advance.

MONDAY, APRIL 14

IOW Citizens Association Storm Water Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed will be the sub-

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Triad Conference The 15th annual event is for all Isle of Wight County seniors ages 55 and older. “Seniors: Prime Timers, not Prime Targets” is the theme. They’ll learn how to protect themselves from fraud, scams and identity theft.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church Street, Smithfield. Tickets cost $5 per person. Doors open at 8 a.m. for a continental breakfast. Tickets available at Windsor True Value, 5 Joyner Ave., Windsor, 242-6123 or Home Sweet Home care, 346 Main St., Smithfield, 356-0342. For more information, call 357-9122.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Healthy Woman program The Precious Metal Clay: Silver class will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for age 14 to adult. Tuition is $60 for members and $65 for non-members.

THURSDAY, MAY 29 - AUG. 28

We Be Jammin’ summer concert series Join the Downtown Franklin Association every Thursday at Barrett’s Landing to enjoy live music from local and regional bands. Refreshments and food items can be purchased at concession stands. Dance or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere! Admission is free & open to the public!

MONDAY, JUNE 16

Grace’s Little Angels summer camp Grace’s Little Angels will have summer camp Monday through Friday beginning June 16 through Aug. 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration is $25 and the cost is $21 a day. For more information call 562-5464.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Patriotism in the Park The U.S. Fleet Forces Band will play a medley of tunes in this special tribute to all branches of the Armed Forces.

Active and retired military members will be asked to stand in recognition and appreciation for their service to our nation. Refreshments, concession stands, and patriotic entertainment from some of our Country’s finest! Admission is free & open to the public!

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Brittney Cobb T

hough Brittney Cobb lives in Las Vegas, Nev., she always thinks of Windsor, Va., as her home. Her parents, Karla and Timothy Cobb, and sister, Kriston, are still here, along with grandparents, Lou and Bill Blake. Dixie and William Jenkins live up the road in Wakefield.

For the past several months, Cobb has been planning a unique return visit – she’s directing a pageant. The Southeast Miss Cupcake Pageant will take place starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12. The event will be in the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in downtown Suffolk.

This is no flight of fancy for Cobb. If anything, pageants have been – and continue to be – a major part of her life, ever since she was 5 years old.

“My mom saw a news article on an upcoming pageant and decided to give it a shot,” said Cobb. “I’ve always been outgoing and loved to perform or be on stage, so she saw it as another opportunity for me.

“I can’t recall the name of the first pageant, but it was directed by Jeff Bunn, a resident of Chesapeake. I did a lot of his

story by Stephen H. Cowles photos submitted

pageants when I was just starting out.”

Karla Cobb hasn’t been the only champion of her oldest daughter’s dreams.

“Wow, my family has and continues to be my backbone and Number One supporters and fans in life,” Cobb said. “When I get something in my head that I want to do or accomplish, there is no stopping me. I remember the first time I told my parents I wanted to go out of the country on a foreign mission trip with Teen Mania Ministries.

“I would fly alone, meet a bunch of strangers, train, then head to Costa Rica.

My mom was pretty set on telling me ‘NO.’ Needless to say, I went that year and then again to Romania the following year.

“My entire family – parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – we grew up close and with a lot of love. We have all supported each other in many avenues. There have always been many family members at any given event I’ve participated in.”

Kriston, who is 2-1/2 years younger, has also done competitions, such as high school and later earned the title of Teen

Miss Isle of Wight County Fair. Cobb pointed out that a couple of her sister’s strengths are in gymnastics and cheerleading.

The pageant dreams that Cobb nurtured as a young girl had their origin in – where else? – the annual televised contests.

“As many little girls, I also grew up watching Miss USA and Miss America every year. So my dream to one day be on that stage started very young. Unfortunately, I have “aged” out (That is hard to say...lol), so that dream has since passed. I was bummed at first when I realized I had a goal and a dream that was absolutely not going to happen. However, doors quickly opened for me, and I was able to reroute those dreams and my skills into a business where I am able to encourage and lead other girls with my same dream! That is very self-rewarding.”

That business Cobb founded is Fit for the Crown, in which she coaches, inspires and trains young ladies who also want to participate in pageants or learn the graces necessary for society and the business world.

western tidewater living

There is a wide range of emotions that Cobb has experienced in her years of pageants.

“Confident, excited, anxious...in winning, of course, I was ecstatic, happy and proud. In losing, disappointed, sad, mad, but I learned to quickly change any negative emotions into positive ones.”

She continued with advice that can apply to any hopeful contestant: “Pageantry is a sport just like any other in terms of there are there are competitors and unfortunately, only one lucky lady is going home with a crown that given day.

“Like with any experience in life, the growth you obtain in going through it, is what is going to carry you to your next achievement.”

In the past, pageants have been criticized for a variety of reasons. Some people might think they’re sexist or fake.

When Cobb hears people make such criticisms, she said the first thing she wants to know is what first-hand experi-

ence they have had with the competitions.

“Do your research,” she said. “There are several pageants out there and some are very different than others. Some welcome boys to participate. I don’t necessarily agree with the way every pageant is run, but one does not set the bar for all. My best advice to competitors is to first decide why you want to compete, then find the pageant that will best help you accomplish your purpose. Sometimes that takes trial and error, but just stay true to your self.

Pageants should not define a person. They should simply add positive experiences and opportunities and value to the individual.”

For parents and spectators alike, Cobb urges them to attend a pageant, volunteer and even talk to the people involved before making judgments.

“Toddlers and Tiaras is not the only pageant resource out there,” she added.

Nurturing potential competitors is hard work, but Cobb remains inspired.

“Honestly, I’m naturally motivated in all aspects of my life. I want to see and do it all. I’ve been very lucky to experience a lot in my life thus far... the experiences and accomplishments alone leave me craving for more. I have a passion for people.

I’m motivated when I see someone smile, have a cool experience, advance in life, obtain some gain because of a small or large part that I’ve played... That’s what life is about–being kind and giving back.”

“I’ve also gained a few elderly friends that seem to find joy in the things I do in life. In my place of work, they will come to me and want to know what I did the previous weekend or future plans “because I live through you, ya know!?”

“And as I tell them stories, I can see the happiness and excitement they have from experiencing it through me. That makes me happy.”

To learn more about what Cobb is doing, visit her website, www.fitforthecrown. com or call 702-629-6929.

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western tidewater living

Chainsaws and Meditation story and photos by Cain Madden

W

henever something mechanical around the house used to break, the then child version of James T. Gray Jr. would have a new toy.

Growing up, Gray didn’t have much in the way of playthings, but his father – the late James T. Gray Sr. – a farmer, had tools around.

“Toys were anything I could get my hands on,” he said. “If it was a saw, I’d cut wood. If it was a hammer, I’d drive or pull out nails.”

As he got older, the “playing” got more sophisticated.

“If an application would break down, for instance, a fan, I’d tear it down and take it apart,” Gray said. “I’d also put it back together.

“When I grew older, I’d take broken CB radios, take them apart, and try to fix them. I didn’t know it at the time, I was just playing around, but I was developing skills.”

When he went to Virginia State University, Gray already knew he wanted to major in agriculture — the carpentry, plumbing, welding and mechanical skills side of the subject. His grades were higher in the agriculture classes; Gray was raised on a farm and he’d already been experimenting on shop skills since he was a child.

For five years after he graduated, Gray

taught agriculture skills in Suffolk, until an opportunity came to work with the Department of Corrections in Southampton County.

This was a closer commute from Boykins, where he’s lived for all of his life.

At first, Gray taught welding for eight years, and then he taught adult basic education until 2009.

After that, he retired. Though Gray still worked part time with the Department of Corrections, he needed something to do.

That something would begin in the form of a nuisance sweet gum tree in his front yard.

“Every year, a lot of balls would fall off of that tree onto my lawn,” he said. “I

“Jo Jo & the Mushroom”

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“For Crying Out Loud”

James T. Gray and his sculpture work, “The Whole World”

would rake a truck load up every fall. I got tired of raking.”

So down the tree came, but it left a stump in his front lawn. Gray could let it compost, or perhaps there was another option.

“I thought, ‘I could let it decay, or I could do something,’” he said. “I said, ‘I better do something with it.’ I got my chainsaw, and I started cutting.”

At first, he thought he’d carve a couple of mushrooms because it was a simple shape. The first one came out clean, but after making a mistake on the second one, it gave him the opportunity to develop something else, thus was born Jo Jo. Jo Jo was given a cap, made from a trashcan, a hook hand, which can be positioned like he’s working on the mushroom, and another hand, which he uses to wave

at folks driving by.

“I found that I liked what I was doing,” Gray said. “It was a place I could go to and relax. It was exciting, like, ‘Wow, look what I’ve done.’”

Jo Jo has even been known to invite people to come talk to him.

“People will stop and talk to me about my art work,” he said of the sculptures, which are all around his property. “One man even wanted me to come to his house because he had a stump he wanted me to work with. But these pieces can take weeks to do.”

It took him a few weeks to finish “Jo Jo and the Mushroom.” From there, he wanted to do some more, so Gray went to the Internet to see what others were doing, thinking the whole time that he could do that and more.

Another piece, “The Whole World,” sits near the road by Jo Jo — it’s a painted sphere hanging from an encasing with

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An abtract.

hands holding it.

“God’s got the whole world in his hands,” said Gray.

For people passing by, the two pieces can evoke thought. Many pass by on their way to Shiloh Baptist Church, where Gray himself attends.

“What impressed me about his designs and carvings, was that it depicted situations going on in the country,” said Dr. William Scott, the pastor of the church.

“It could really make you think. He was expressing social situations through his woodwork and art.”

One of the pieces that most struck Scott was “For Crying Out Loud.” It’s a piece of sculpture that has one eye, one ear, one hand, one foot, but he has a whole set of teeth with a mouth opened wide, as if in a scream.

“It’s as if he is crying out for his freedom,” said Scott. “He may not even be aware of it, but these pieces can really

“Dancing sticks”

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speak to you.”

“I wasn’t thinking anything in particular,” admitted Gray. “I just create what comes from me, what comes from my heart.”

“I was just carving what I felt,” he continued. “He’s half a man, but he’s got a full mouth, and that allows him to scream out loud. It just happened.”

Not all pieces have to be deep, though, such as “Happy Bear,” which was originally supposed to be a growling grizzly bear.

“I started cutting, and I made a mistake,” Gray said with a laugh. “So I corrected it. But instead of a vicious bear, he ended up being a calm, happy bear. He took about three afternoons, and weighs about 250 pounds.”

And not all of it is art. He’s used his

woodworking and electronic skills to help his daughter with a school project, and he also plays around with magnets to create illusions and toys.

“I just want to be creative,” Gray said. “I enjoy it. It’s relaxing. It is a hobby, but it also helps me get rid of stress.”

In his garage, his living room and all throughout his house, he’s got a plethora of items that he has crafted over the years.

From one piece of wood Gray crafted a ball in a cage, which is able to roll if you move it. There’s an hourglass, dancing sticks and a few pieces of abstract work, crafted from all sorts of recycled materials, including parts from vehicles and machinery, and even magnets. He also designed the toilet paper holder and his key hanger. But his masterpiece was something he had created years earlier, in

“Happy Bear”

the ‘70s.

It’s a version of Pablo Picasso’s “Three Musicians,” which Gray painted from both water and oil paints on a piece of sheetrock. He also carved out the frame and cut the glass.

“I used a metric ruler, and created a ratio to scale up a smaller version of the painting I had,” he said. “I really enjoyed it. It was a challenge to line everything up.

Over the summer, Gray would go to Roses, get little paint kits, and work and work until it looked good.

When it did look good, he had a thought.

“I thought, look what I can do if I don’t give up.”

As far as the future, Gray said, “I love it, I don’t see myself stopping any time soon.”

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Gray poses with “Spiral Log� for scale.

A sphere Gray recently made.

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DOUG YORK CIVIL WAR ENTHUSIAST

T

here’s something for everyone who collects American Civil War memorabilia: guns and bullets, uniforms and swords, songs and musical instruments, photographs and cartes de visite.

The latter are – or were, rather – a popular way of collecting photographs of people or places during the 19th century. Since the 1990s, they have been a source of fascination to Doug York of Isle of Wight. His specific hobby is collecting those cartes de visite of Robert E. Lee, the famed leader of the Confederate armed forces.

Lee gave four war-time and 15 postwar sittings for photographers, said York.

Many of those negatives were then used to create the cards. Albumen prints, as these were also known, used a paper stock that was treated with the albumen of eggs and other chemicals. The nega-

Civil War enthusiast focuses interest into cartes de visite story and photos by Stehen H. Cowles

tives images were exposed to light and image developed as a positive onto the cards. These were both more affordable and convenient; you could put them in your coat pocket or purse and carry them around to show other people.

Long before York’s attention was turned to the cartes de visite, however, he was already interested in the Civil War. The home he grew up in Richmond, Ky., was included in historic tours because it was located on a battlefield during the conflict. Bullets would be plowed up occasionally on the farm.

Perhaps appropriately, the house where he and his wife, Darlene, live now dates to 1860.

She, by the way, has an interest in clothing of Victorian women, and said she has even made some dresses of that era.

Further, the way boys will play cowboys and Indians, growing up he was instead

playing Union and Confederate soldiers.

“These got me started,” York said about the interest in the war.

While living at one time in Memphis, Tenn., he took up metal detecting as a hobby and came across many items dating to that era in American history.

Later stationed in Virginia, he operated a shop in Virginia Beach before retiring from the Navy. The store was dedicated to what he calls “hard artifacts” of the Civil War – guns, bullets and buttons, to name a few.

One day a man called asking for an appraisal of a sword. During the visit, the host opened a cabinet for York to see the weapon. There he also saw an unusually large format of a carte de visite of Lee with his son, J. Custis Lee, and Walter Taylor, an aide-de-camp during the war.

Taylor later wrote about the commander.

That, said York, started a new interest

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for himself. His research and desire to collect the portable cards led to estate sales and antique shows. In the meantime, York sold the hard artifacts and shop to devote his time and resources to the new hobby.

“Most came from this area,” he said about his quest. “It’s taken me to a lot of places, and it’s very fun.”

Today, there are 17 images in York’s collection, and many are on loan for an exhibition at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News (see sidebar).

“Among the photographs I will be displaying one had previously been unknown and unpublished, and my copy is the only one in existence that is known,” he said. “Another noteworthy image is of Lee post-war and only three of these photographs are known to exist.”

Several can also be seen in “Robert E. Lee in War and Peace – Photographs of a Confederate and American Icon” by Donald A. Hopkins of Texas.

York learned through the grapevine, as he put it, that Hopkins was working on the book, which was published last summer.

“I got in contact with him and sent him some images,” said York, who has also shown some of the pictures to the Museum of Confederacy and the Valentine Richmond History Center, both in the state capital. They verified the authenticity, but had no personal record of them.

He continues looking to add to his collection of cartes de

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visite of Lee and other Civil War images, such as outdoor views of battlefields and soldiers. If you have some or know of where he can get them, contact York at liferecovery@cox.net.

After the surrender at Appomattox, Lee went on to become president of Washington College, which was later named Washington and Lee University.

“Lee was a true Southern gentleman and quite a commander,” York said.

“What I find so amazing – so humbling – is that after the war, Lee took a job at the college to help with the reconstruction.

“He was a man of faith.”

You can view several of Doug York’s photographs in the exhibition, “Between the States: Photographs of the American Civil War.” His pictures are located in the George Eastman House images of the show.

This is on display through Sunday, April 27, at Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. For more information, call 1-757-596-2222 or 1-800-581-7245, or visit www.marinersmuseum.org

In your home, in your community and online...

western tidewater living

Tidewater Publications,LLC CMYK

2014 PROGRESS The Tidewater N 2014 ews

109TH YEAR, NO. 50

SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2014

50 CENTS

BY STEPHEN H . COWLES

UNT

CLUB KIDS’ DAY: Sedley Hunt ClubThe have its fourth will annual ids’ Day at 8:30 a.m. oday, March 1, at the edley Hunt Club.

For ore directions or formation call more 56262 or 641-8116.

SUPPER: The Huntdale Volunteer Fire partment will off er als at the firehou the ay, March 1, startinse p.m. Plates and g nds will be sold for piece. For detail s, call tation at 562-7 113.

NIGHT: The Jame er dley Reading dation will have o night from 7 to 11 oday, March 1, at gional Workforce opment Cente r of Camp Communiege, Franklin.

HS

n Page A3

clair III, 71

A WELCOME VISITOR IN YOUR HOME

Public to schools : Next superinte ndent should be active in community

|

/STAFF WRITER

stephen.cowles@tidewate chelle Belle was rnews.com January that her informed in she said. “I have contract would not be once seen our never FRANKLIN—Inv renewed. super take its time, Supportive. Visib ested. dent at our event inten“I want to see ed finding a super someone but also nots. Very late. Passionate le. Articuand hear they’r saddening. who’s been exper intendent . e ed the memabout at footb out and These are chara turnaround situatienced in a “How hard is all bership has ion and that many peop cteristics ting grass and games, cut- out and suppo it to come has “a proven just le said they rt track 180 days want to see in presence. That’s being a events? Come our Clyde Johnson record.” the next suout and supa starti starti ng ng perintendent point,” said Chris port our child thought the survesaid he of Franklin ren.” from the public schools. of Franklin, who Novakoski clusive while fi y was inJim Rainey starte Eleven peolling time of d to sugple from an audie Lakeland High teaches at gest the board Wednesday night it out Schoo hire Belle’s va. about 50 spoke nce of terim superinten an inJohnson Josette Sthole-Hay l.

“I cannot agree at cancy to hire dent to es, hearing Thursda a public president of the help with the the other speak more with turnaround, y night bePTA at S.P. another ers,” said fore the city schoo Morton Elementar but Edna King, school leader.

Johnson. “The chairwomsuperinteny, also wants an, stopped him With this event l board. dent will have Bob Traynor asked and a sur- the a person involved in to the vey, the membersh plained that wasnand exboard members more and visibl be out three schools. e what ip ’t in the has the they purbegun its searc pose of the heari wanted to see “Our next super community.” h in ng. superintendent. for a new should be active intendent school leader. a new Will Councill Another impo Dr. Mibut King said of rtant feature does come out and who said he’s heard Ward 1 this was a time is they be able to events,” from other for the pubto teach. people asking lic’s input.

“We would like the board to to see the Frank Rabil recom mend- SEE SUPERINTENDENT, A8

Students get glimp se of Southampton’s Bla ck History

Sunday hunting expected to be signed

CMYK

Common Bonds

March 30, 2014

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Edwards believes in hearty meals story and photos

by Merle Monahan

T

Tammara Edwards and her son, Gareth, 8

ammara Edwards’ grandparents, as well as her parents, believed in hearty meals; foods that would “stick to the ribs,” they used to say.

So naturally, Edwards learned to cook this way and continues to do so, she said.

“Old habits are hard to break,” she added with a grin.

The oldest of five children, Edwards learned to cook for her family at a very young age. She uses things like lard, real butter and often seasons her foods with bacon grease. Edwards does this today in moderation, however.

“My husband, Kenneth, and I have a son, Gareth, who is 8, and a daughter, Aislinn, 6. A typical breakfast for the four of us would be eggs, bacon, some kind of potatoes and toast.

“Or pancakes, syrup and bacon, with milk, juice and coffee for the adults.

“Lunch, however, is not a big deal” she continued, “since the kids are usually in school. Dinner time is when we have our biggest meal.”

Edwards said mealtime is a special time at their home on Bell Avenue in Ivor.

“We always eat together. I think it brings us closer and gives us a chance to talk about things that happened during the day.”

The young wife, 31, who admits she

EDWARDS’ RECIPES CHICKEN STEW Ingredients: 2 medium bags of frozen mixed vegetables 1 roasting chicken, giblets removed 2 (24 oz) cans St. Furmanos diced tomatoes 2 (24 oz) cans St. Furmanos crushed tomatoes Salt & pepper to taste.

Directions: Boil chicken in large stockpot until meat falls off bones. Remove all meat from broth and cool, and then shred chicken. Divide broth in half and keep one half for another meal. Add chicken, tomatoes and vegetables to other half of broth and mix well. Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Salt and pepper to taste. Note: If mixed ingredients are more than one pot holds, cook in two containers.

TAMMARA’S MEATLOAF: Ingredients: 1 lg. or two small onions, chopped 2 ½ lbs hamburger, 80/20, salt & pepper seasoned 2 to 3 cups rolled oats 2 lg eggs

Edwards reads a cookbook to her daughter, Aislinn, 6. She hopes to pass on the cooking tradition to her daughter.

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1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/3 cup ketchup Directions: Mix hamburger and onions by hand in large mixing bowl. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and ketchup until mixture smells sweet and tangy. Add two cups rolled oats and eggs. Mix well.

If too wet, add more oats, if too dry, add equal, parts sauce and ketchup. Bake in casserole dish at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour, until top is browned.

Serve topped with ketchup.

AMISH MACARONI SALAD: Ingredients: 2 to 3 freshly shredded carrots 4 to 5 ribs finely-chopped celery 1 regular-sized box elbow macaroni 2 to 3 tsp. mustard 1 to 1 ½ cups Miracle Whip 1/3 cup white vinegar ½ cup sugar Directions: Chop celery and carrots and set aside. Boil macaroni until el dente. Cool immediately by running under cold water and drain. Add Miracle Whip and mustard to celery and carrots and mix well.

Mix sugar and vinegar

until sugar is dissolved and set aside. Fold macaroni gently into carrot mixture until well mixed.

Add sugar and vinegar mix to macaroni mixture. Note: Salad should be wet but not runny. If not wet enough, add Miracle Whip and mustard. If too thick, add more vinegar and sugar.

HOMEMADE PANCAKES: Ingredients: 1 ½ cups milk 4 Tbls white vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 Tbls sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 eggs 4 Tbls soft butter Directions: Mix milk and vinegar and set aside. Mix all dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients except milk and vinegar, in separate bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add milk mixture and whisk together until smooth. Pour on evenly heated skillet. When tops of pancakes begin to skim and bubble, flip over and cook for an equal amount of time. for 45 minutes or until set.

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34 western tidewater living loves to cook, said the first time she can remember cooking was when she was four.

“Our grandparents were our babysitters, and my grandfather allowed me to stand on a stool and turn the bacon he was frying.

“I felt pretty grown up,” she said with a grin, “even though he was holding me all the time so I wouldn’t fall.”

An Ohio native, the active wife and mother has lived in Virginia since she was 3.

“My dad moved the family here in

search of work, which he found in Smithfield. We lived in Windsor, while he commuted back and forth to his job at one of the packing plants.

Edwards said she and her siblings visited with her grandparents often during these days and she began to take an interest in cooking there.

“They would show me how to do certain things and then let me go.

“Once they let me make my own sandwich, Miracle Whip and pickle on white bread.

“I don’t remember if the pickle was

sweet or sour. What I do remember is that the sandwich was inedible!”

Today, she likes to experiment, but inevitably goes back to the basics she learned as a child.

“We found several old cookbooks, which I now have, that belonged to my husband’s grandmother. I was amazed – many of the recipes are just like the ones I learned in my grandparents’ kitchen, and I still use them.”

Edwards said she treasures the books and hopes to save them for her own daughter.

western tidewater living

3D Mammography finds 35% more cancer.

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A whole new dimension in breast cancer screening.

W

hen you switch to a 3D mammogram for your next screening appointment, you’ll hardly notice a difference – but our highly skilled radiologists will see things very differently than ever before.

The advanced technology of 3D mammography is revolutionizing the fight against breast cancer. This groundbreaking new diagnostic tool has been shown to increase the early detection of cancer by 35%.* And it has also been proven to reduce the need to have women

called back by 38%.* That means fewer follow-up exams, fewer biopsies and less worry for you.

In Hampton Roads, only the Sentara Cancer Network provides 3D mammography in several convenient locations. Our physicians follow the American Cancer Society recommendations for all women to have screening mammograms annually, starting at age 40. To schedule your appointment at Sentara BelleHarbour or Sentara Obici Comprehensive Breast Center, please call (757) 736-7496.

Another first from the Sentara Cancer Network *June 2013 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology

sentara.com/3Dmammogram

Your community, not-for-profit health partner

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western tidewater living

Courtland featured on garden club tour story and photos

by Cain Madden

L

eroy Bryant of Courtland was all smiles when he talked about the prospect of inviting hundreds of strangers in his home.

“It was probably a weak moment,” he joked about agreeing to be on the tour.

“No. I think it will be fun. I hope we get a good crowd.”

“It’s a good cause,” said his wife, Texie, who is a member of the local garden club.

“The Garden Club gives back to historic projects around the state.”

Historic Garden Week this year is from Saturday, April 26 to Saturday, May 3. On April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tour will be in Courtland itself.

“The Franklin Garden Club does a tour every other year, and this year is centered on Courtland,” said Franklin Garden Club Chairwoman Judy Livesay. “The topic is past to present, Jerusalem to Courtland.

The garden club has been thrilled at the support and interest of the Courtland and Southampton merchants and citizens, as we have been preparing for this tour.

“We are so appreciative of the home owners, as well as the local businesses

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Leroy and Texie Bryant of Courtland

supporting us.”

One of those homes is the Bryant house, which is on Thomas Circle. The Bryants built it in 1985, and updated it in 2000, which included expanding on the kitchen and building a downstairs bedroom.

Leroy was born in Courtland, but in working for Hercules he ended up all over.

He started out in Franklin, lived in Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, then he came back to Georgia and ultimately, back to Franklin in 1983.

“We moved around a lot, but I was excited to be back,” Leroy said.

The first house they lived in was on Shands Drive, closer to Southampton Academy, but two years later they built the traditional house, rounded by pines, hardwoods and a pond.

The renovation in 2000 also followed the flood, where some of the Nottoway ended up creeping into their home.

“If you pulled up the vent in the sun room, you could see water,” he said.

So amongst other renovations, they im-

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proved the drainage through landscaping.

Gardening is a joint effort.

“We both enjoy it,” Texie said. “Though we do have some help.”

On Main Street is another home on the tour, which was built by Bob and Elizabeth Hancock of Hancock peanuts in 1953. Today the home is occupied by its third set of owners, Pat and Ed Hartman.

The home has sort of come full circle, said Pat Hartman, who has lived in the place for 13 years.

“My dad worked with Hancock Peanuts,” she said. “And today, we came back to Courtland to operate a cotton gin, and many of our farmers grow peanuts, so we work with a lot of the same families that worked with Hancock.”

One of the areas on tour is the pool and pool house. She remembers visiting the pool as a kid.

“It might have been the only pool in the area at one time,” she said. “I can remember visiting with my mom. We’ve got a picture of us all by the pool.”

Hartman, who is not a member of the

Pat Hartman of Courtland

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garden club, said she was looking forward to Historic Garden Week.

“I am happy to do it,” she said. “It is for the community, so it is a good cause.

“And I like to show it, so I don’t mind.

My mother and brother have done it before, so I’ve got some knowledge of how it will go.”

There are two other homes on the tour, one is on Shands Drive, owned by Holly and Jason Fowler. It’s a modern country French home that was built in 2003.

Built in the midst of a forest, the property features a screened-in porch, veranda and many windows to help take in the view.

The other home on the tour is on Indian Town Road, owned by Ann Marie and Greg Bell. It’s a Colonial-style home, which the couple built in 2011. The exterior was modeled after his mother’s family home in the mountains, but the interior is

built to incorporate modern features.

Homes are not the only features of the tour. Historic sites Mahone’s Tavern, Rochelle-Prince House and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church are also included.

The Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum and Heritage Village, which features more than 20 replica historic buildings, is also on the tour.

Rawls Museum Arts is the final property.

Livesay said the garden club is an-

ticipating about 300 guests, and she said they can not only expect beautiful floral arrangements, for which Franklin is known, but more importantly, the beautiful homes.

“People know flower arraignments will be there,” she said. “But this will be the first time on tour for Mahone Tavern and the homes, and people will be excited to see the homes as well.”

For more information, contact Livesay at 562-2600.

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where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

For the winter edition, the photo was taken of snowflake lights hanging from the awning of Edwards Hardware located on Main St. in Courtland. Photo by Cain Madden.

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

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western tidewater living

Boykins

Hometown Histories

story by Stephen Cowles photos by Cain Madden

A

s Kitty Lassiter recently thought back about growing up in Boykins, she occasionally used the phrase, “That house is still living.” Immediately she would correct herself to say that such-and-such a building still exists or is still standing.

One of those places that is “still living” is the home in which she was born. Kitty, 90, can see it every day from the front door of the house where she and her husband, Roy, have lived for 60 years.

Her father, Dr. J.M. Bland, was a physician for 50 years, as well as first president of Ruritan International. (“He never missed a convention,” she said.) Her mother, Grace Knight Bland, was the homemaker.

Though Kitty is an only child, she didn’t lack for companions. The Blands had plenty of room and took in boarders, several of which were teachers.

“It was a very interesting experience,” said Kitty. “My father would challenge me – the teachers included – to learn a new

word. It was a very learning experience.”

Roy is what Kitty refers to as “an implant,” sometimes also known as a “comehere.” That is, he came from another place: A farm in Bertie County, N.C. His father’s work in lumber required travel.

“We didn’t have the roads to haul the big logs,” said Roy. The Lassiters moved to Capron before coming to Boykins in 1932 when Roy was 13 years old. He turned 95 years old on Christmas Day, 2013.

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The United Methodist church in Boykins, where Kitty Lassiter goes to church.

One of his earliest memories about coming to the town was indoor plumbing in the house they lived in.

“We had inside tubs, hot water – we used to have to fill water tanks – I had never seen anything like it,” said Roy. Though they didn’t meet until high school, as children Kitty and Roy attended what was the second brick school in the county, which was located where the park is now, she said.

Roy can remember when the first one caught fire in 1933. He was hoping then to be out of school for a month. Though Roy and the other students were only out for a week. Churches made space for classrooms. The second school was built a year later and lasted until 1983.

At 22, he volunteered for military service six months before Pearl Harbor Day. After training in Ft. Benning, Ga., Roy went on to become an aviation cadet and flew B24s, B25s and B17s in Europe.

Soon after returning home from the war in 1945, Kitty and Roy married. After a stint working for Western Union in Atlanta, Ga., he came back and became the postmaster of Boykins for 30 years.

“I never had any idea to stay so long,” said Roy. “It suited my lifestyle.”

The Lassiters have three children, Jim, who lives in Richmond; Roy Jr. of Mineral; and a daughter, Kitty Lou Pope of Capron.

Naturally, there are also grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Along the decades, the couple has seen a lot of businesses go by the wayside. But they note the town still has a doctor, who does house calls, a dentist and a druggist.

“There are 600 people in town,” said Kitty. “That says a whole lot.”

They also note how the Main Street Initiative has helped with getting businesses in town – antique stores, a print shop and an ice cream parlor. She pointed out how active Spier Edwards has been as mayor.

“He really works hard to improve Boykins,” said Kitty. “He just goes all the time.”

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Among the many changes the Lassiters have noticed about the town over the years is the increasing number of people who move to town, but only stay a few years. Of the folks they used to know on their street, the Lassiters are the only ones left.

‘I don’t know everybody,” said Kitty.

“And I used to know everybody. There’s a right number of imports, and some have made themselves part of Boykins.”

Another person who’s seen a lot of the town is Rick Francis, who was mayor from 1984 to 2004.

Born and raised outside Boykins, Francis remembers the car dealership and Victory Lunch on Main Street and the Boykins Theater next door. “‘Bonnie and Clyde’ was the last movie I saw there,” said Francis.

A fire started in the auto repair shop and spread into the beams of the movie house, neither of which were rebuilt.

White Way Foods had pre-packaged

sandwiches that used infrared lamps to heat them.

“Early fast food,” he said.

Bobby Pullen owned a drugstore that sold flat sodas.

White’s Hardware was a place to buy Christmas gifts.

“It seemed like we had a lot of contractors back in the day,” said Francis.

There was Aster Nut Products, “a fullfledged nut-processing plant.”

At one time there were three grocery stores on Main Street.

Willie Allgood’s shoe shop was so well known, that people even came from Suffolk to have their shoes repaired, said Francis.

“He was so well loved.”

His father, the late Gilbert Francis, had a law office in town.

Francis credits him for creating his interest in history.

“My dad got me hooked on that. He was

an early president of historical society,” he said. “The house I grew up in still stands.

Dad’s house is across from the Baptist Church.”

His mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Francis, was an “import” from Richmond.

“She was a stay-at-home mom in the early years, but later went on to teach business development at Chowan College after the children had gotten older. She retired to Atlantic Shores Retirement Community in Virginia Beach, and is enjoying life there.

Rick’s grandfather was Albert Sidney Francis was the town’s postmaster.

The firehouse used to host dances, which Rick said were described as “rough and tumble” because “booze and blood” were involved. That apparently didn’t sit well with Rick’s grandmother, Frances S. Francis, who led the temperance movement.

Main Street Boykins, where the new business initiative has helped several businesses open.

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The Grip of Beauty

I

t’s everywhere. While stretching beyond the clouds and layering deep below dirt, it runs left and right through woods and in the cityscape. Spanning vertical and horizontal, it pulsates in the miniscule – a multitude of tiny bits. Likewise, its echo reverberates in colossal things.

It is beauty and her fingers that wrap endlessly around our universe with a grip so tight you wouldn’t believe. Her hold is unwavering, like the jaws of a crocodile.

Yet the captives of beauty willingly surrender as if they wait in anticipation. As if they need her embrace. See the trees?

They are begging to don garments of green – lush ones. And the soil, thick with seeds, is bursting. At this very moment those kernels are racing toward the surface, crying to erupt with growth and blooms. And over there? Buildings yearn for longer days and continuous hours of light to reflect and throw back.

Those structures were built to handle a broad spectrum. Yes, even the brick and steel beside concrete slabs – they too are

desperate to absorb more sun.

Roads, fields, rivers; things of plastic, wood, and elastic; moss and fabric coverings tangled with fragile threads and webs; sprouts and splinters – all things dense and transparent, flat and angular, bent, concave and bowed and hollow – nothing is outside her grasp. Beauty itself can touch all. And her power – it lies in her beckoning. She calls and when those who hear give consent – what strength she has! With a death grip she resolutely holds fast.

Yet there is more: her true potency is in the ability to wrap around us as well. To enfold our senses tight like a straitjacket – you can’t move. She can invoke a silence on your lips so still that words simply become a mess of letters, and her rhythm is all we hear. This is beauty and it can fill us to the brim, and sometimes, I can

column and photo

by Leah Lewis

hardly draw a breath. Sometimes she hits me hard in the gut, only to come back and sway me with her charms. It is intoxicating. The more I am bound by her clasp the greater I crave its enchantment. That persistent clutching can fasten us with such awe and wonder and turn worlds upside down in seconds. Some moments she is fast, all the time it is deep, and every bit she is good.

But understand that beauty will seize us only if we allow it. Such is her nature – she will not enclasp those who resist. Her embrace is reserved solely for that which is welcoming. And now with Spring all around, an abundance of life surrenders to the beauty that unveils a vibrant and bold display. It’s hard to miss. And it’s bursting to swallow us as well. From shoots of color to multiplying creatures, we too are summoned with an invitation to be enchanted, to hope for that embrace, and to surrender. And there is a promise: if we loosen our knuckles, she will tighten hers.

©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO