Washington the Magazine March/April 2021

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MARITIME HISTORY

How boat building began and continues in Washington

SAVORY SPRING SNACKS

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In this issue

FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS MARITIME HISTORY BOAT BUILDING: 18 Discover the boat building industry in Washington.

18 WOMEN OF WASHINGTON 24

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 12 50 54 56 60 62 66

Publisher’s Note What's in Store What’s to Eat Dining Guide Wine Column Cast a Line Travel & Leisure Why I Love Washington

PAST ACTIONS IMPACTING THE FUTURE: Historical women who made and impact that is still represented today.

24 ART OF ANTIQUING 32

LOCAL FINDS: Unique finds from history that can be showcased in the home.

32 WELCOME TO THE GLOOM FAITH, 38

FELLOWSHIP, & FITNESS: Early risers come together to follow Christ.

ON THE COVER

The Bluewater 38 Tournament Edition is an example of the many types of watercraft Fountain Powerboats manufactures in Beaufort County. (Mark Spencer / Iconic Marine) see page 18 for Maritime History.

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A NOTE FROM ASHLEY

SPRINGING FORWARD WITH A LOOK AT THE PAST

I

n the wee hours of most days, before many are even awake, a group of Washington men gather around a flag-topped shovel planted on a grassy lawn near a waterfront park. They meet rain or shine, hot or cold, forgoing a few extra hours of sleep.

They give up the comfort of pillows and blankets and heat and air conditioning for the discomfort of pushups and burpees and crunches and squats. They do it all in an effort to push themselves.

Iron sharpens iron. It’s a biblical principle [Proverbs] that sums up well Washington’s F3 chapter. Through Fitness, Fellowship and Faith, those who participate in local F3 workouts, bible studies and gatherings enjoy the pursuit of becoming better men, better leaders.

Join them in the gloom, even if you aren’t interested in pre-5 a.m. wake up calls, on page 38.

Women have shaped Washington since its earliest days. Many never received appropriate recognition during their lifetimes and others still remain under-appreciated today. Their stories could fill more magazines than we could print, but in honor of Women’s History Month, we highlight three special women from Washington’s past on page 24.

In a community shaped—both literally and figuratively—by the Pamlico River, it’s no surprise boat building is a key part of Beaufort County’s history. Since its early days as a settlement, Washington has nurtured a boating industry that thrives even in today’s challenging times. Climb aboard for a journey hundreds of years in the making on page 18.

An appreciation for the old, the odd, the rare and the nostalgic drives an industry measured annually in the billions of dollars.

Eastern North Carolina has no shortage of antique dealers or collectors. There are plenty of treasures to be found if you’re willing to look for them. Discover the art of antiquing on page 32.

I hope you enjoy this spring issue of Washington the Magazine and offer warm wishes to you, your family and friends.

Ashley Vansant, Publisher We would love to hear what you think about Washington the Magazine. Email us at news@

Write thewashingtondailynews.com or write to P.O. Box 1788, Washington, NC 27889. Letters chosen for publication to us may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Washington the Magazine.

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Publisher Ashley Vansant Editorial Steve Barnes Chelsea Hofmann Brandon Tester Contributors Brown Library Richard Andrews Iconic Marine N.C. Archives Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge Advertising Director David Singleton Marketing & Sales Scott Williamson Kristen Smith Distribution Kim Riggs Art Direction Elizabeth Reed Contact information Washington the Magazine P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889 Advertising inquiries 252-946-2144 Ext. 221 Subscriptions & change of address 252-946-2144 Washington the Magazine is published six times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC. Copyright 2021, Washington Newsmedia, LLC.

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WHAT'S IN STORE

A piece of

Washington WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELIZABETH REED

a.

Chirp, chirp Spring has sprung, with chicks and bunnies hopping around Washington. Find fun, seasonal decor at NautiLife in downtown Washington. Bunny and chick figurines bring warmth and new beginnings to your home (a.) $4.95 – 6.95.

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Fruitful beginnings The perfect topping to biscuits or pie, especially during the summer — Mrs. Bridges curds and preserves (b.), $7.95, find your topping at Wine and Words... and Gourmet in downtown Washington.

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Nutritional snack c.

In a pinch for a nutritional snack? Find organic superfood bars (d.), $3.95, at Wine and Words... and Gourmet.

Patterned Peter Set up a scene this Spring with patterned bunnies (c.),$18, that will create a homemade rustic addition to any home. Find your unique bunny from the Wander Co.

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Bread & Beer Try your hand in artisan beer bread (e.), $8.95, that will add something special to any meal. Find the Soberdough Brew Bread at Wine and Words... and Gourmet.

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Piece of home Handmade in the home adds charm and interest.

Find unique bead designs (f.), $14, to drape along decor. Add beach decorations with ambient lighting with a shell candle holder (g.), $50. Showcase the Pamlico sunset with a wooden frame (h.), $25. All handmade goods can be found at the Wander Co. in downtown Washington.

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Pocket full of hope Happy message Greet guests on the bench with cheerful sayings on comfy pillows (i.), $13, find the perfect pillow at the Wander Co. in downtown Washington.

Place a pocket stone (j.), $3.95, where cheer is needed as a reminder to believe, trust and hope during the Spring season.

Perfect to place in the garden or on display in the home. Find pocket stones at NautiLife in downtown Washington.

Easy like Sunday mornings There is nothing like a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning on the river. “Easy like a Sunday morning” mug (j.), $14.95, pairs perfectly with ceramic roosters (k.), 9.95, to greet you in the kitchen. Find these kitchen essentials at NautiLife in downtown Washington.

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River love

Hope and blessings Share blessings with the family using a special jar (m.), $15.95, perfect to write notes or memories. Carry around a pocket Bible as a daily devotional for men (n.), $14.99. Hang a reminder of hope and faith with a rustic cross (o.), $10.95. Keep track of your daily reading with a joyful bookmark (p.) $1.95. All items can be found at NautiLife.

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Carry the love for the river with oyster shell earrings (q.), $18. Select a nice Spring scent of the home with handmade candles (r.), $12. Both unique goods can be found at the Wander Co. in downtown Washington.

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Perfect pasta Make tonight a date night with a special homemade dinner with Mama’s Pasta (s.), $5.95, and Dell ‘Amore marinara sauce (t.), $6.50–$9.99. Find a variety of pasta and sauce at Wine and Words... and Gourmet in downtown Washington.

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MARITIME HISTORY IN

WASHINGTON

From revenue cutters to yachts, city boasts rich heritage WRITTEN BY BRANDON TESTER | PHOTOS BY BRANDON TESTER AND N.C. ARCHIVES

The Tarboro was a boat built in Washington in 1885 by the firm John Myers and Sons. This photo shows the boat when it was being built. (N.C. Archives)

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hrough peaks and valleys marked by wars, recessions and technological breakthroughs, the watercraft manufacturing industry has remained an integral part of Beaufort County’s economic infrastructure.

Today, the industry employs approximately 330 people in Beaufort County and accounts for a large portion of the county’s tax base. The county’s position on the Pamlico River, which provide easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of the East Coast, makes it an enticing location for watercraft manufacturers seeking locations where they can test and ship out their creations.

The local boatbuilding industry has grown considerably within the past decade, due in part to acquisitions and subsequent expansions by Iconic Marine Group, as well as the arrival of other manufacturers such as Pamlico Yachtworks. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped that growth; it’s actually done the opposite in terms of production numbers.

Some customers who order boats from Beaufort County manufacturers are very particular about their watercrafts, requesting specific paintjobs, engines, propellers and other parts. A worker is shown putting the lettering on a Fountain speedboat at the Iconic Marine Group facility in Chocowinity.

This photo shows the completed Tarboro, a boat built in Washington by the firm John Myers and Sons in 1885. (N.C. Archives)

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In an economic anomaly, local boat manufacturers have seen their demand boom since the pandemic started. Some have orders backlogged by at least one year.

That surge in business may be unexpected given the dire circumstances, but Washington in particular is no stranger to boasting a thriving boat manufacturing industry. From the city’s settlement in the 1770s to the early 20th century, the shipbuilding industry blossomed in Washington — so much so that maritime historian William N. Still called the city one of North Carolina’s important shipbuilding locations.

THE HISTORY “I think a lot of people don’t realize the nautical history here, the heritage here,” said Ray Midgett, president of the Historic Port of Washington Project.

Washington was founded in 1776.

The city’s location on the Pamlico River quickly made it an ideal spot for boatbuilding, something Still noted in “Of Tar Heel Towns, Shipbuilders, Reconstructionists, and Alliancemen: Papers in North Carolina History.”

“More than likely shipbuilding was carried on at this location (Washington) before the settlement was established,” Still wrote. “As early as the first decade of the eighteenth century some shipbuilding activities were carried on at Bath, a few miles down the Pamlico from the Washington site.”

Near the end of the 18th century, Washington became a popular trading center, according to Still, with transportation of goods on the Pamlico playing a major role in that success.

The United States Revenue Cutter Service, an armed customs enforcement

service that would eventually merge with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form what is now the Coast Guard, was formed in 1790 by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. One of the first 10 boats constructed for the Revenue Cutter Service was constructed in Washington, marking one of the first major milestones for the city’s shipbuilding industry.

“It was named The Diligence, and the Coast Guard has a tradition of naming new cutters The Diligence,” Midgett said.

“So, there have been about five or six of those that have been named to honor that first cutter.”

Washington’s shipbuilding industry continued to blossom in the early 1800s.

But the outbreak of the War of 1812 changed things significantly.

“The outbreak of the war, followed by the British naval blockade of the coast, seriously affected North Carolina’s

An Iconic Marine Group worker constructs the interior of a speedboat. Boat manufacturers throughout Beaufort County have compiled backlogs of orders over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a result of people looking for outdoor activities that can be done safely.

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John Myers and Sons constructed this ship, R.L. Myers II, in 1885 in Washington.

(N.C. Archives)

Washington was founded in 1776. The city’s location on the Pamlico River quickly made it an ideal spot for boatbuilding...

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Boats manufactured by Iconic Marine, such as the Performance 34SC, are tested manufactured and tested locally. (Mark Spencer / Iconic Marine)

oceangoing shipping,” Still wrote.

As privateering grew in popularity, Washington’s shipbuilding slowed down.

It remained that way for some time, even after the war ended in 1815.

In 1835, the Tannahill and Lavender Firm constructed the Edmund D. McNair, the first steamboat built in Washington.

Still noted that by 1850, Washington had become “the most important shipbuilder in the state,” with 23 ship carpenters working in the county. Most of the ships built in Washington around that time were for local merchants and ship owners.

Washington’s shipbuilding industry experienced significant success around 1855, at which time several large vessels were constructed. But the local industry took another hit with the outbreak of the Civil War in the 1860s.

Following the Civil War, the shipbuilding industry remained sluggish until the late 19th century when Washington, again benefitting from its location on the river, thrived as a trade hub.

The local shipbuilding industry started to decline in the early 20th century. Still listed technological changes, declining trade, the development of the Norfolk and Southern railroad and advancements in automotive transportation as some of the major reasons for the industry’s lapse.

The railroad actually complimented the boatbuilding industry at first, but that eventually changed.

“Eventually it became cheaper to ship things by rail than by boat, and that started the decline of the waterfront,” Midgett said.

THE INDUSTRY TODAY The watercrafts constructed in Beaufort County today are much different than the ships that graced the Pamlico River centuries ago. Using state-ofthe-art technology, manufacturers can build boats to customers’ specifications, incorporating specifications for speed, luxury, maneuverability and longevity.

Whether it’s a yacht, a speedboat or something in between, Beaufort County’s

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12 boat manufacturers seem to have something for everybody.

Just like the shipbuilders of long ago, those manufacturers benefit from being near bodies of water. But local support is just as important.

“This area has always been really friendly to boat manufacturing,” said Jeff Harris, CEO of Iconic Marine. “It’s been a plus.

“There’s a lot of good things — the climate’s good,” he added. “You can test year-round. If you’re any further north of here, you really can’t. The water gets hard a lot of times.”

Harris said his company is currently building approximately 10 boats per month and is constantly looking for ways to increase its production.

As production increases, more employees will be needed. Soon, manufacturers will be able to look locally for those workers.

LEARNING THE CRAFT Beaufort County Schools has started offering boatbuilding classes, and

News...

that’s to the point THEW ASHIN GTONDAILYNEWS. COM

Beaufort County Community College is a establishing a boat manufacturing program.

“That’s an important move,” Beaufort County Economic Development Director Martyn Johnson said, “because as industry grows, you need to grow your skilled workforce. Those two will attract people into the industry, and also provide them with the necessary skills to get jobs in the industry.”

BCCC will begin offering boatbuilding classes in fall 2021. The program will offer two diplomas — one in boat manufacturing and service, and the other in boatbuilding.

The college is hopeful that the new program will provide a pipeline employee ready to join local companies.

“Cape Fear Community College is the only place that offers both of the programs we’re going to offer,” said Attila Nemecz, BCCC’s public relations and marketing coordinator. “So, for someone to grow up in Beaufort County and get trained (in boatbuilding), they’d have to leave the area in order to make that happen.

“So, these companies don’t have a great source of local talent for this. That’s something we’re hoping to improve.”

Lead boatbuilding professor Connor Jones, who has six years of experience in production management at GradyWhite Boats, said the goal is to make the program as comprehensive as possible.

The challenge is going to be setting up the labs effectively, so people get the most out of the program,” Jones said. “We want real world applications, like building small boats start to finish. Real experience, not just parts and pieces of boatbuilding.” ⋇

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WOMEN OF WASHINGTON Past actions impacting the future WRITTEN BY CHELSEA HOFMANN | PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Edna Ferber - Theatre Magazine, July 1928, Nickolas Muray, photographer 24 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

T

he history of Washington is a varied and colorful one. Many people have made their impact on the city throughout its almost 250 years as an established township. The women who have impacted Washington are numerous and their contributions to the town, state, and even nation are remarkable.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, a select few of the many women and their stories who have changed Washington for the better are honored for their lasting impacts and achievements.

...these women are internationally known for their contribution.

Ferber did put this area on the map, and Dimock and Evans both grew up here.

— STEPHEN FARRELL

Sarah Keys Evans - Photo from file, Sarah K. Evans Public Art Project

The James Adams Floating Theatre, the basis for Ferber’s novel Show Boat, is seen docked on the Potomac River in another city called Washington. James Adams Floating Theatre, from the Library of Congress, Harris & Ewing, photographer

EDNA FERBER While writer Edna Ferber may not have called Beaufort County her home, a short trip to the area impacted her life dramatically in 1925.

Ferber was an established writer when she traveled to Bath. Her time spent in Beaufort County had her waiting in Bath for the four days she had planned aboard the James Adams Floating Theatre.

This show boat, as they were called, was built in Washington and hosted vaudevillian shows along waterways like the Pamlico from the early 1900s to 1941 when it was destroyed due to a fire aboard.

Ferber’s novel Show Boat was released in 1926 and received critical acclaim. The novel takes place in a fictional floating theatre called the Cotton Blossom that travels down the Mississippi River and features themes of racial inequality and romance that was praised upon its release.

“Around the turn of the century everyone was fascinated with the Mississippi River and steamboats, her experience going down the Pamlico was transformed and renamed to the Mississippi River because more people nationally have heard of that river,” said Stephen Farrell, a specialist with the Brown Library.

Beaufort County’s influence is still present in the novel. Her time in Bath prior to boarding the James Adams Floating Theatre provided inspiration for specific parts of her novel and helped to establish the southern nostalgia present throughout the story.

“She actually used a lot of names for her characters out of a cemetery in Bath,” Farrell said in reference to Ferber’s characters in Show Boat.

Following the success of Show Boat, it was adapted by Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II and P. G. Wodehouse as a musical. It debuted on Broadway at the Ziegfeld Theatre in 1927. Revivals of the musical have received a Tony Award and a Laurence Olivier Award.

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This postcard features a rendition of the bus station in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, where Evans refused to move to another seat. (State Archives of North Carolina)

SARAH KEYS EVANS In 1952, on a bus ride from New Jersey to her home in Washington, Sarah Keys Evans’ life changed forever.

A true Washingtonian, Evans was born and raised in Beaufort County. After graduating from high school, she moved to New Jersey to pursue a career in nursing and took a job in New York City following her education. It was there that Evans enlisted in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps in 1951.

She ended up on a bus from New Jersey to North Carolina after receiving a furlough from the army in 1952. It was on this bus that Evans refused to give up her seat for a white male Marine. Because of this refusal, Evans was arrested by police in Roanoke Rapids where the bus had stopped. After a night in custody, Evans was fined $25 and allowed to continue her journey home.

Evans fought the charges of disorderly conduct against her and ultimately pursued

justice in the landmark civil rights case Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company in 1955.

“The case relied on the Interstate Commerce Act, which forbade segregation in travel,” Farrell said. Evans’ lawyer, Dovey Johnson Roundtree of Charlotte, took the case before the Supreme Court. Evans’ and Roundtree successfully plead their case to the court and won, ultimately defying the commonplace doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ that defined most of racial opinion at the time.

Despite this landmark ruling occurring only days before Rosa Parks’ defiance of Jim Crow laws in Alabama, Evans’ case has largely faded from public knowledge.

“No one has really heard of her. I didn’t know about her before I moved to Washington but she is such an influential figure in our history,” Farrell said.

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SUSAN DIMOCK Known as the first woman from North Carolina to become a doctor, Susan Dimock’s ties to Washington are deeply rooted in Beaufort County’s history.

Born and raised in Washington, Dimock was born to Henry Dimock and Mary Malvina Dimock.

Her maternal grandfather was the sheriff of Beaufort County and her parents owned and operated the Lafayette Hotel in downtown Washington. She frequently accompanied her neighbor and local physician Dr. Solomon Samson Satchwell on house calls and dedicated herself to becoming a doctor early in life.

Because of her gender, Dimock faced many difficulties on the road to becoming a licensed physician. After facing rejection from Harvard’s medical program, Dimock’s mentor Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, the second female physician in the United States, urged her to travel to Europe to complete her education.

Following her return from Europe, the North Carolina Medical Society inducted Dimock in 1872 as an honorary member after the American Medical Association refused to. She worked as a physician at the Boston hospital for three years before dying in a shipwreck on a visit to Europe.

Dimock was only 28 at the time of her death and was honored by the Boston hospital she worked.

“They actually named a hospital after her. the New England Hospital for Women and Children where Susan Dimock trained now bears the name of the Dimock Center,” said Farrell. “It features the Dimock Community Health Center, behavioral health, residential programs and child and family services,” The Dimock Center is located in Boston, Massachusetts and was opened under the name of The New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1872. It was renamed The Dimock Center in 1969.

Pieces of Dimock’s influence are present in downtown Washington where she once lived. A historical marker on East Main Street commemorates her legacy as the first female physician in North Carolina, and her marble headstone can be found in the graveyard of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Bonner Street. ⋇

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THE ART OF ANTIQUING Finding your niche in history WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHELSEA HOFMANN

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ou kinda have it in your blood or you don’t, I think,” Pat Lewis says while admiring some of her collection currently for sale at South Market Antiques.

Walk into any one of the stores in downtown Washington that fly an antique flag out front and you’ll never know what you’ll find. The antiques for sale all have their own individual story and impact the tapestry that is Washington’s history.

Stores like South Market Antiques and The Southern Nest, which are both located along Main Street in downtown Washington, feature a variety of items found across the state of North Carolina.

Owners of both stores have a deep-seeded love for the art of antiquing and their experiences collecting lead them toward opening shops that deal in antique and vintage items.

“It’s why I’m in this business,” Southern Nest owner Laura Miller said of her love of collecting antiques. “I’m more of the furniture person. Walnut is my favorite wood so anything unusual in walnut, I tend to be drawn to. I like the

Candace Dail, owner of South Market Antiques, has always had an affinity for linens and has devoted a section of her stall in the store to feature these textiles.

older stuff from the 1700s and 1800s. I’m not really into Victorian so I don’t like the ornate stuff.”

Like Miller, many who antique have their own specific items or styles they tend to gravitate toward. Pat Lewis and Candace Dail of South Market Antiques both have their own niche when it comes to their personal collection.

“I started out collecting animal

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figurines and figural planters. I love cookie jars and pottery,” Lewis said.

Her collection also includes face jugs, advertisements, primitive furniture, china, glassware and globes. A section of her stall in South Market Antiques is dedicated to pieces of her personal collection that she is ready to part with so it can join another’s collection. “That’s a good thing about me collecting. When

Pat Lewis frequently brings pieces of her own personal collection to sell in her stall at South Market Antiques. Some of her favorite things to collect include animal figurines, face jugs, cookie jars and glassware.

A box of bank checks from Washington is one of many pieces of Washington’s history now available for purchase.

Books from years past can add intrigue to a bookshelf populated with more current titles.

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I find something I, if I need to move something out I have an outlet to get rid of it.”

“I would always go through my grandmother’s cedar chest and as a child I would get up in there and go through all the pretty lines but we never used them,” Dail said while perusing the linens for sale in her stall of the store. “When she passed away a lot of them were dry rotted and I was broken-hearted.

Over the years, I’ve found a lot of lacy things and tablecloths and other linens because I love them.”

One of the many joys of antiquing for the owners of South Market Antiques and The Southern Nest comes from the variance of customers and what their interest might be.

“People collect weird things. The weirder it is, the better I like it,” Lewis said regarding patrons that come into South Market Antiques with a specific item or category in mind.

Specifically in this area, Lewis noticed that items like railroad memorabilia, Pepsi advertisements and old glassware are especially popular.

Items like a payphone from 1901 with the original mechanisms and wiring are pieces that Miller with The Southern Nest gravitate towards when looking for items to stock her shop.

“The hunt is always the best thing,” Miller said. “We never get the same piece twice. We may get something that’s similar but they’re never identical.”

Her interest in furniture stems from learning how to recondition old furniture when she was 18 years old. Her

Old bottles and funnels are very popular items

Telegrams like this from Washington’s past give a glimpse of how business

among antique collectors.

was done long before cell phones were the norm.

Lewis loves her face jugs. These are two from her personal collection that she is looking to part with.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 35

This phone is an original piece from 1901. It contains all of the original wiring and was actually used by people during the early 20th century. The phone is completely intact and features carved wood and brass features.

appreciation for pieces of furniture with a history grew throughout the years and serves her well when selling their pieces, some of which date back to the 1700s.

“You spend a lot of money on new stuff and in a couple years you’re going to have to replace it. If you bought something in a place like this, it’s already been around for 100 years and it’ll be around another 100 years.

“You can buy a dresser or a chest new and it’ll be $700 but it’ll last you 10 years if that. If you come in here and buy a dresser or a chest from the 1800s that’s already been moved how many times and it’s still going to last. It might be the same price but the quality is 10 times better,” Miller said of one specific wooden chest that was handcrafted in the 1700s.

From experience, Lewis notes that many who enter South Market Antiques buy items that resonate with their past. Whether it be a piece of glassware or a specific kitchen utensil, memories are intrinsically valuable to those who frequent antique stores in search of something specific.

“If I had $5 for every time I heard this since I had my shop, I wouldn’t be working anymore, but people always say that their grandmother had something just like that,” Lewis said. “That’s one that about antiquing, it brings back sentimental memories from your childhood. If their grandmother had one then they want to get it or if they broke their grandmother’s then they want to get it to replace it.” ⋇

This pair of chairs dates back to the 1800s and features intricate carvings and well-maintained fabric.

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Beerstens are a popular decorative item that feature depictions of life from another time.

Some glass pieces from the 1920s and 1930s were made using excess uranium. This provides a brilliant shine when examined under a blacklight.

This cabinet from the 1920s features decorative embellishments and plenty of space to hold your treasures.

Wooden barrels are increasingly popular among antique dealers and are used in a variety of different ways like storage or decoration.

Ceramic figurines come in all shapes and sizes and provide easily solutions to decorating a space to your taste.

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F

WELCOME TO

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F3

O THE GLOOM

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FAITH FELLOWSHIP AND FITNESS

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WRITTEN BY STEVE BARNES | PHOTOS BY ASHLEY VANSANT

ising with the dawn’s early light is too late most times of the year to join Boss Hog, Burt, Cornhole, Deuce, Dirtbag, Enron, Foxy Lady, Largemouth, Kickball and Matlock for a workout down at Mac Hodges Festival Park along the Washington waterfront.

Duct Tape, Double D, Ratchet with a D, Ramses, Thee Wolverine, Tooth Fairy, Woody, Baguette, Columbus and Peg Leg will probably be there also.

Telling them apart when it’s pitch black might be a different story. The group meets at 5:15 a.m.

Tuesday’s and Thursday’s and at 7 on Saturday morning for a different 45-minute workout led by a different person every time.

More than 40 men from all walks of life are part of the group. 15-20 rise early for any given workout.

The offbeat nicknames are usually based on occupation—Tooth Fairy is a dentist, Matlock an attorney, Enron a former accountant—or school affiliation. Ramses is an North Carolina State grad, while Thee Wolverine is a Michigan State alum.

40 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

Gene Fox, aka, Foxy Lady doing a Derkin, more commonly known as a decline pushup. Several reps are required to get the desired effect.

The men of F3 after another 5:15 a.m. workout is in the books.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 41

The Pamlico River provides a dark contrast to the Washington boardwalk lights as the men work out in the gloom.

Workouts are free, no special equipment is necessary, and the group meets rain or shine except during hurricanes and lightening. The early weekday start is necessary so those who are still working can make it on time.

“I heard about it from a couple of guys I worked with, but neither were there when I showed up,” Carl Crozier, aka Dirtbag, said. “It gets a little chilly in the winter, but you dress in layers and don’t feel it once you get started. It’s good to work out early because you beat the heat in the summer. It’s a good group of friendly guys and there’s no pressure to do more than your body can handle.”

Crozier, a 62-year old retired professor of crop and soil Science at N.C. State, derived his F3 name from putting soil samples into bags for lab analysis. It’s

also a contrarian nod to his easy going nature.

“It’s been a great fit for me, especially during COVID-19,” Crozier said. “We are careful and it’s encouraging to see other people during this time. We don’t push each other so hard that somebody gets hurt, but it’s still a good workout.

Our Bible studies have also helped me to commit to learning more about the Bible. We have good spiritual discussions in addition to challenging workouts.”

The local group celebrated its third birthday back in July, while the national movement started in Charlotte on New Year’s Day 2011 and currently has almost 2,500 groups spread across 30 states.

Men from the Greenville group helped start the Washington branch by spreading the word through church and

42 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

civic groups.

Monday is for Bible study, while Wednesday is a not-so-leisurely stroll through town with a weighted backpack, also known as a ruck.

Eight showed up for the first workout and the group has grown from there. The men range from early 20’s to early 70’s with an average age of around 47.

“One of the biggest advantages for me is to be able to learn from the older guys,” David Jackson, aka Rachet with a D, said. “My dad passed away a year ago and we talked every day. I’ve picked up life experiences and how to handle certain situations. These guys are role models for me and make me want to work to be in their position. I lost my motivation until my brother-in-law (Travis DuBois aka Baguette) recruited me.”

Jerry Cornwell, aka, Cornhole plants the American flag

Dixon Davis, aka, Double D looks ready to take flight during the F3

at Mac Hodges Festival Park.

warmup.

It’s Cornhole’s turn to lead the Indian Run along the boardwalk.

The men run in a straight line with the one in back striding toward the front as the line continues to move.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 43

Henry Capogna, aka, Thee Wolverine, leads a run through the deserted streets of downtown Washington.

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The F3’ers twist side to side in an exercise dubbed the American Hammer with the U.S. 17 bridge to Chocowinity in the background.

The 28-year old Jackson is a nurse and enjoys the comradery and male bonding.

“I’m around women a lot, including my mom and my sister, so it’s nice to have some guy time now that my dad is gone,” Jackson said. “At first, I thought I was crazy getting up at 4:30 to drive over here from Greenville, but now it’s like my morning coffee. I’ve changed my diet and lost 45 pounds since I started (in June of 2019). I work 12 hour shifts and can’t exercise at night and going to the gym to lift weights gets repetitive. F3 is a great workout with like-minded people

who push me.”

Workouts usually involve many different body weight exercises with names not heard every day.

Leg lifts are called Weezy Jeffersons because your legs are moving on up.

Pushups morph into Merkins because they are done American style. Side Straddle Hops are what your kids call Jumping Jacks.

Then there are the familiar burpees, lunges, squats, crunches, curls with cinderblocks, overhead presses with various props and others designed to

get the blood pumping early. There’s also a fair amount of running between exercises.

“We’ve grown a lot in a fairly short time and we always welcome new members,” Will Tyson aka Enron said.

“This group has become a big part of my life and I’m a much better person, husband and father because of it.”

April 10 is Friendly New Guy day, where prospective members are encouraged to see what the group is about, but newcomers are always welcome. Just make sure you get there early. ⋇

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 45

46 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

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MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 49

WHAT'S TO EAT

SAVORY SPRING SNACKS

A

STORY, PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOOD PREP BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

s spring approaches, a cold and rainy winter is bound to give way to warm and sunny days ahead.

What’s better than a savory snack to brighten up an already sweet, sunny outlook?

In past issues of Washington the Magazine, this feature has hosted many a great recipe, from delectable desserts and holiday favorites to fare for summertime backyard barbecues and hearty dishes to see you through the long days of winter. Some of the best cooks Beaufort County can claim contributed the recipes here and in every issue — these recipes are drawn from an abundance of culinary triumphs that fill local cookbooks. And sometimes those triumphs are deceptively simple, incredibly tasty and offer up a homemade option for serious snacking.

50 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

Many might associate sausage balls and Chex mix with the holidays, but easy recipes from Joanna Stox and Nancy Johnston Lilley notch up these snacking favorites from special occasion to everyday fare. Michelle Clancy’s homemade hummus served with pita chips offers a healthy option for afterschool or after-work snacks, and Brenda Lewis’ Bagel Pizzas and Paula Stolz’s Party Ham Rolls make for a tasty snack or a quick lunch on the go. Emily Mayne’s Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Torta is a deliciously festive addition to any occasion, be it a casual, stay-at-home meal or a gathering among friends.

So make your spring more savory with these seven, easy-tomake and easy-to-love recipes — your snackers will definitely thank you! ⋇

FETA AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO TORTA Recipe by Emily Mayne “Plate & Palette,” Arts of the Pamlico, Washington

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 3/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 shallot, minced; 2 to 4 tablespoons dry vermouth (optional); ground white pepper; 1 cup pesto; 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted; 1 (8-ounce) package sun-dried tomatoes, softened in water, drained and minced.

Combine butter, cheeses, garlic, shallots and vermouth in a food processor or mix bowl and blend until smooth. Season with white pepper. Oil a paté terrine, straight-sided mold or bowl. Line with plastic wrap.

Layer ingredients beginning with the feta cheese mixture, pesto, pine nuts and tomatoes. Repeat. End with feta cheese mixture. Fold plastic wrap over the top and press gently to compact. Refrigerate for at least one hour until firm. Invert onto a serving plate and remove plastic. Garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.

Serve with crackers or bagel chips.

(Cook’s note: this recipe is both colorful and delicious and leftovers make for a great sandwich on toasted bread!)

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 51

PARTY HAM ROLLS Recipe by Paula Stoltz “A Taste of Heaven,” Women of Ware’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Washington

2 packages dinner rolls; 8 ounces ham, sliced; 6 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 3 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon onion flakes.

Combine butter, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and onion flakes in a bowl. Slice off the top of unseparated dinner rolls in one piece. Spread both sides of roll slices with poppy seed mixture. Layer ham and cheese on roll bottoms. Cover with top of rolls.

Wrap in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Slice rolls into individual sandwiches.

(Cook’s note: Hawaiian rolls are great for this recipe!)

BAGEL PIZZAS

SAUSAGE BALLS

Recipe by Brenda Lewis

Recipe by Joanna Stox

“Southern Cooking in Historic Bath,” Bath United Methodist Church

“Time for Tea and Our Favorite Recipes,” Ephesus Free Will Baptist

1 package plain bagels; provolone thin cheese slices; 1 tomato, sliced thin; 1 (8-ounce) package Philadelphia cream cheese; pepperoni or Canadian bacon slices; basil, fresh or dried.

Slice bagel and spread with cream cheese. Sprinkle with basil.

Add pepperoni or favorite pizza topping. Add a slice of tomato and place cheese on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees, until the cheese melts.

Church Ladies Auxiliary, Blounts Creek

CHEX PARTY MIX

2 cups Bisquick; 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 pound hot sausage.

Mix all together and form into small balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then bake at 325 degrees for another 15 minutes.

HUMMUS Recipe by Michelle Clancy “Keys to the Kitchen, Gracefully ReKeyed,” St. Peter’s Episcopal Church,

Recipe by Nancy Johnston Lilley

Washington

“Favorite Recipes,” St. Clair’s Church of Christ, Bath

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh or dried; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/3 cup lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; pita chips or crackers. (Optional additions: 2 tablespoons chopped onion; 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes; 2 tablespoons black olives; more garlic to taste.)

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Spread on pita chips or crackers.

(Yield, 2 cups)

6 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 cups Corn Chex cereal; 3 cups Rice Chex cereal; 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal; 1 cup nuts; 1 cup Gold Fish crackers.

Melt butter in a large roasting pan in a 250-degree oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in all the remaining ingredients.

Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in an airtight container.

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JUNQUE Recipe by Carole Ahlman “Our Celebration Cookbook,” First Presbyterian Church, Washington

2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened; 2 pounds bulk sausage (hot or mild); 2 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes with peppers and onions, drained.

Brown sausage. Add softened cream cheese and Ro-Tel tomatoes. Mix until all ingredients are combined and are bubbly. Serve with corn chips or veggies.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 53

DINING GUIDE KNOW WHERE TO GO T

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Discover your next dining experience.

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WORD ON WINE

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WINES FOR SPRING WRITTEN BY MARY MEHLICH | PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH REED

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ather than sticking to our same old favorites, changing the wine we drink with the seasons is an opportunity to experience a wider range of varietals and pairings. As the weather warms and our taste buds start to crave wines that are fresh and clean, it’s time to start picking out wine for its lightness and simplicity.

There are some lovely whites that are perfect for this time of year when you finally put the big heavy jacket in the back of the closet and reach for a lighter one or even a sweater.

Some examples that are well worth tasting are Viognier, Gavi, Verdicchio or Verdejo.

Viognier is a full-bodied white wine that originated in southern France. Most loved for its perfumed aromas of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, Viognier can also be oak-aged to add a rich creamy taste with hints of vanilla.

Gavi DOCG is a white wine produced in the Alto Monferrato, in the southern part of the province of Alessandria, Piedmont, north east of Italy, bordering with Liguria and made exclusively from Cortese grapes cultivated in the town of Gavi and surrounding villages, from which it takes its name.

The Gavi DOCG wine has a light straw color with green hues and a delicate, fruity nose with apple hints. The wine is dry, fresh, full and elegant. In the last few years, wine makers have started to produce more structured and complex wines with very good results, proving that the Cortese grape grown in the Gavi area is suitable for ageing in bottle or barrels and produce long lasting wines.

Verdicchio is the name of a white grape variety. It is also a part of many DOC names from central Italy that are made exclusively from the grape. Verdicchio is grown in Italy’s

Marche region, where it produces two Denominazione di Origine Controllata wines, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica. Two Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita designations were created in 2011, and demonstrate Verdicchio’s capacity for ageing and complexity.

Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG must age a minimum of 18 months prior to release.

Verdicchio produces wines with high acidity and good structure. The wines typically show citrus fruit flavors of mandarin, lemon and grapefruit, and a distinctive almond character. It is dry and refreshing and food friendly.

Verdejo Is almost exclusively grown In Spain, Rueda to be precise. It is a little known jewel that you should definitely explore. Verdejo makes subtle-yet-stunning white wines with flavors of lime, Meyer lemon, grapefruit, grass, fennel, and citrus blossom. It’s often likened to Sauvignon Blanc but really, it deserves its own category. Unlike most whites, Verdejo continues to improve over several years of bottleaging, where it gains a rich texture and flavors of toasted Marcona almonds, supported by sparkly acidity. The bitter flavors of grass and fennel come in on the finish and almost make the wine taste crunchy. are delicately floral, with classico biodynamic wines of Gavi, fermented with ambient yeasts can be the most expressive.

It is also a matter of personal preference. Some of us drink white wine primarily and there are those who are die hard red wine drinkers. In the Spring Roses begin to hit the shelves and are a fantastic in between . For white wine drinkers Provence offers a lighter bodied Rose. Rose made in the Saignee Method will appeal to red wine drinkers .

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 57

PROVENCIAL STYLE ROSE If you’ve sipped a glass of rosé, you’ve probably tasted one from Provence.

Denizens in the South of France view rosé as not just a beverage, but a way of life. Stylistically, Provençal rosé is quite distinct.

Typically, these rosés are made intentionally, picked for citrus and tart red fruit flavors with limited skin contact for lighter hues and delicateness. They’re not big, brash, fruity wines, but meant to be crisp and versatile. They can be enjoyed with vegetables, seafood and even meat.

The classic Provençal rosé grapes are Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre.

Wines from the Bandol region of Provence have a large presence in the U.S., primarily high-quality, pricier rosés made from predominantly Mourvèdre.

These wines are savory, mineral-driven and structured, rather than simple and fruit-forward. Bandol is a rosé that can age.

helps increase concentration of the remaining juice in the same way you’d reduce a sauce to intensify flavors. Once the juice is separated, the winemaker has a few options. They can simply pour it down the drain, use it to top off barrels of wine (ullage) – or make a Rosé.

Rosé made this way tends to have deeper, more vibrant pink color and darker flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and berry jam. While some think of this technique as an afterthought of red wine production, supporters of the Saignée method insist their wines are purposeful, and argue it produces the riper flavors and greater expression of the varietal.

Lighter bodied reds are also great for Spring. They are versatile and very food friendly.

Some examples are Gamay & Frappato.

Gamay is a lighter-bodied, fruitforward grape variety used to make red wine. Gamay originated in Burgundy, but was outlawed in the late fourteenth century by a duke who preferred the pinot noir in the region. Growers in Beaujolais, a wine region in the south of Burgundy, defied the duke’s orders and continued to quietly grow Gamay for generations. In 1937, the Beaujolais region became a Protected Designation of Origin, resulting in a rise in popularity for Gamay wine. Wines produced from Gamay are fruity and light-bodied with relatively high acidity. They tend to have flavors of cherry, cranberry and a hint of spice. The purple grape variety has a thin

SIAGNEE METHOD From the French word for “bleeding”, the saignée method is a by-product of making red wine where a small amount of juice is bled off early in fermentation. This

58 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

skin that is low in tannins—a substance that creates a drying, rubbing sensation on your tongue—making it less dry than tannic red wines like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is my favorite red for Spring.

In recent years, Sicily’s winemakers have started to embrace Frappato’s unique characteristics to make a lightbodied varietal wine that partners well with the local cuisine. When served with a slight chill, Frappato’s low tannin, low alcohol, delicate fruitiness makes it partner well with swordfish, as well as tomato-centric pasta dishes.

Sipping Frappato for the first time can feel like a spin on the roulette wheel of the world’s wines. My first taste reminded me of the strawberry notes of a Grenache. Yet another bottle brought to mind the game-like flavors of Barbera d’Asti. And my most recent taste recalled an oaky Sangiovese. What remains consistent, however, is a fruit-profile that resembles strawberries, as well as an energetic acidity that gives these wines a great deal of versatility with food.

Whatever your preference, these wines are versatile and food friendly. Take a gander and color outside of the lines.

Try something new this Spring. It may become your new favorite. ⋇

CAST A LINE

THE

H

“FOUNDING FISH” STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY CAPT. RICHARD ANDREWS

ickory and American (locally called “White”) Shad are among the most fascinating fish species that occupy our estuaries and rivers. Their annual spawning migration into our Eastern North Carolina rivers such as the Tar, Roanoke, Neuse, Cape Fear, and others is an amazing natural migration occurring from February through May which is deeply intertwined with American History, more modern Eastern NC culture, and most recently, a wider interest among anglers previously unfamiliar with the fishery. Shad fishing today is as popular as it’s ever been not only among locals who anxiously anticipate the first arrival of the fish in late January and early February but also conventional and fly fishermen from areas outside of shad alley looking for a sporty fish to catch on light tackle.

One of the best books I’ve ever read was written by John McPhee, a Princeton professor who wrote the modern day shad bible entitled, “The Founding Fish”. His work is a 370 page dissertation on the history, biology, geography, and fisheries surrounding these interesting creatures. The title came from a series of events occurring during the Revolutionary War when George Washington’s Army at Valley Forge was entrenched and on the brink on starvation on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Southern Pennsylvania during the winter and spring of 1778.

Just as they were all about to starve to death, the annual shad migration arrived just in time for them to gorge themselves back to health and give them the strength to press onward, fight, and become victorious in their subsequent battles. Some argue that the result of the Revolutionary War would have been quite different if not for the shad.

To many “generational” sportsmen in Eastern North Carolina who hunt and fish throughout the year and whose lifestyle is mostly defined by those activities or hobbies, the shad migration is a much heralded event that comes just after the close of waterfowl season and provides them a direction during a time of year when nothing else is really happening. February and March are transitional months after hunting season closes and before most of the spring fishing begins as water temperature start to rise in April and May. Until recently, shad fishing in Eastern North Carolina has remained mostly a local activity attracting little attention from outside this area.

Most recently, the internet and social media have enabled anglers from all over the state and beyond to see the productive

60 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

Richard Andrews holds up an American shad he caught from Pamlico River.

shad fishery in Eastern North Carolina. Today in some of the shad hot spots such as the Tar River at Rocky Mount or the Roanoke River at Weldon, it’s common to see anglers from all over fishing from a boat or from the banks for these hardfighting foes. I’ve conversed with a few dedicated shad anglers at these areas who have traveled great distances to experience our fishery, some of whom travel all over the country to fish the various shad migrations occurring on the eastern seaboard from the St. John’s River in Florida to Newfoundland. Among the many shad migrations on the east and west coasts of the US, eastern North Carolina has some of the best for both hickory and American Shad. I encourage you to explore this unique fishery in Eastern North Carolina. I’m confident that you’ll enjoy catching these unique fish just a few miles upstream in any of our major rivers. For more information on shad fishing in Eastern North Carolina, visit my website at www.tarpamguide. com or reach out via email at richard@tarpamguide.com.

Capt. Richard Andrews is a resident of Washington and the owner of a local year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico and nearby rivers. He can be reached at 252-945-9715 or richard@tarpamguide.com.⋇

TRAVEL & LEISURE

DESTINATION: POCOSIN LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LOCATION: COLUMBIA, N.C. DISTANCE: 64 MILES TIME: 1 HOUR 1 HOUR ADDRESS: 205 SOUTH LUDINGTON DR.

White-tailed deer, Jackie Orsulak (photographer) 62 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

Tundra swan, Beverly Meekins (photographer)

TAKE A WALK

WITH

WILDLIFE

WRITTEN BY CHELSEA HOFMANN | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY POCOSIN LAKES WILDLIFE REFUGE

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armer temperatures are in our future and there is no better time to explore the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to thousands of different species of plants, animals, and insects found throughout the United States.

Pocosin Lakes is located in Columbia, which is just over an hour drive from the heart of downtown Washington.

The refuge has many opportunities for outdoor activities that can be done in small groups or alone, from fishing to biking, hunting to photography, and almost everything in between.

As the seasons shift from winter to spring, the refuge expects much of the park to undergo some changes to adapt to the new temperatures and forecast.

“Grasses and wildflowers green up and trees sprout leaves and begin to bloom during March, April, and May. Early

flowers such as Virginia iris in ditches, red maple in forests, and black-eyed Susan along roadsides color the refuge landscape,” Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge said in a post on their website. “Shorebirds replace waterfowl in drained moist soil management units.

Neotropical songbirds return from the West Indies and Central and South America to breed and nest in forested wetlands.

“Bear sows emerge from the forests and roam the farm fields with their cubs in search of food. Visitors may drive or hike throughout the refuge areas not closed for wintering waterfowl. The refuge’s visitor center and Scuppernong River interpretive Boardwalk provide opportunities for the public to learn about the refuge and its wildlife and habitats.”

While most of the activities and locations within the refuge are operational and open to the public, the

pandemic has still affected some aspects of the park. Make sure to follow social distancing guidelines as set out by the state when visiting, such as wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently and staying home if you or someone in your household feel sick.

The refuge is home to many species of animals, some of which are dangerous. Take extreme caution when visiting the refuge and be on the lookout for animals like black bears and cottonmouth snakes, as encounters with these animals can lead to serious injury or harm.

Because March marks the beginning of spring, some rules and regulations regarding hunting and other activities like horseback riding and fishing may change. Check the rrefuge’s website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Pocosin_Lakes/ for the most up to date information when planning your visit. ⋇

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 63

ADVERTISER INDEX Beaufort County Schools

2

Gail Kenefick - Coastal Rivers Realty

15

Bertie Ambulance Service

30

Jones & McKinney, P.A.

15

Bertie Peanuts

46

Kari Hall, C21

15

Big Bargain Furniture

8, 15

Mauri E. Alligood - State Farm Insurance

23

Bloom Women’s Apparel

15

Nan McClendon - The Rich Co.

31

Carolina Wind Yacht Brokerage

15

O’Neals Drug Store

31

Carryout by Chrislyn

54

Percision Eye Care

6

Century 21 Real Estate

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Ryan Whitford - AssureVest Insurance Group

6

Cindy Twiddy Realty

17

Scott Campbell, Coastal Rivers Realty

5

Coastal Medical Transportation

16

Slade Landscaping

6

Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty

3

Sloan Insurance

15

Country Boys Auction & Realty

17

Scott & Stringfellow BB&T

16

Daughtridge Patio

16

Stewart’s Jewelry Store

7

East Coast Radiator

17

The Rich Company

67

Eastern Dermatology

31

Tideland EMC

61

Eastern Radiology

49

United Country Respess Real Estate

29

Executive Personnel Group

29

Vidant Health Systems

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Feyer Ford

61

Washington Funeral Home

55

First Bank Wealth Management

65

Washington Montessori Public Charter School

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MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 65

WHY I LOVE WASHINGTON

FEELS LIKE HOME AND HAPPINESS

I

WRITTEN BY MAYOR DONALD SADLER | PHOTO BY BRANDON TESTER

n a nutshell, I love Washington because it’s home. I’ve always found happiness here.

Growing up, I envisioned myself fulfilling my dreams right here. all of the people I admired as a child encouraged me to stay at home and be whatever I wanted. It was hard to think that could happen, growing up in public housing, but these were people who had done what they were telling me to do.

I guess it’s because of them, I believed it was possible. As I grew up I appreciated more and more the joy of walking

66 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021

the streets I grew up in and remembering my childhood.

There’s something comforting about walking familiar streets and being able to remember good and bad times that made you who you are at every turn. Washington has always been a good place for me. I love its smallness, its friendliness and the way people in close-knit neighborhoods look out for one another. Now I’m even more amazed that people from all over the world come here and find something that makes them want to call Washington home. That is so odd, yet so cool to me. ⋇

9:41

A friendly reminder from your health care partner.

Tuesday, March 16

Reminder Schedule Your Mammogram Today!

Options

Got it!

It’s time to put your health first and schedule important annual screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies with Vidant Health. With COVID-19 protocols in place, it’s as safe as ever to partner with us to improve your health and well-being.

Learn more at VidantHealth.com/Reminder

68 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2021