in Martin Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program!
100% of MCC’s 2023 PTA graduates passed the national licensure exam and have jobs! According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting annual salary for a PTA is $45,000 to $60,000.
Learn more!
Visit our website at www.martincc.edu or call 252-792-1521 to get started! Need help? Call 252-789–0268 or email admissions@martincc.edu Martin Community College is committed to an environment that embraces diversity, respects the rights of all individuals, is open and accessible, and is free of harassment and discrimination.
2
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3
Bertie County Exploring Our Backyard
4
Early detection can be life changing. Schedule a 3-D mammogram with ECU Health and we will give you the results in as little as 1-2 days. These breast screenings detect issues early, when they’re easiest to treat. And if we find something that needs attention, ECU Health’s nationally accredited breast cancer physicians and support teams will help you understand your results, make decisions with you, and give you peace of mind. ECU Health offers 3-D mammography at 10 convenient locations throughout eastern North Carolina. Find a location near you at ECUHealth.org/3DScreening.
If you have signs and symptoms talk with your doctor right away. Starting at age 40 begin talking with your doctor about the need to receive regular mammograms. Women at higher risk may need to start screening earlier. Discuss your risks with your doctor.
28
22
We cover the PEOPLE you know & love and the PLACES you should go & love!
40
Bertie
36
Beaufort
LET’S EXPLORE.
Chowan
Nash
Northampton
Pasquotank
Perquimans
Pitt
Tyrrell
8
46
Edgecombe
Hertford
16
Halifax
Greene
12
Gates
Washington Hyde 6
Martin
Wilson
F E AT U R E S
ON T HE COVER
HISTORY
Green gold rush shaped the Albemarle logging industry
56
Lawson Perry at Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts & Gifts. Photo by Deborah Griffin.
ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP Take a trip to Wilmington
VOL. 15, NO. 6 NOVEMBER 2023
58
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Publisher
Kyle Stephens
kstephens@apgenc.com
GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
Chicken & Dumplings and Pumpkin Bread
62
Editor
Thadd White
twhite@apgenc.com Layout & Design Thadd White
twhite@apgenc.com Michelle Leicester
PARTING SHOTS Words from our editor
66
bertienews@ncweeklies.com Advertising Executives
Lou Ann Van Landingham
Photo Editor Jim Green
jgreen@rmtelegram.com Staff
John Foley
jfoley@apgenc.com Brandice Hoggard
bhoggard@ncweeklies.com Editorial Contributors Sandy Carawan Sarah Davis
Sylvia Hughes
Lewis Hoggard Gene Motley Kelly Grady
John H. Walker
Deborah Griffin
lvanlandingham@apgenc.com
The Rev. Webb Hoggard
bhoggard@apgenc.com
Eastern North Carolina Living
Brandice Hoggard Kelly Ayscue
kayscue@rmtelegram.com Chris Taylor
ctaylor@rmtelegram.com
Magazine
109 South King St.,
Windsor, NC 27983 252-794-3185
twhite@apgenc.com
Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, The Enterprise, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.
7
Story by Gene Motley u Photos by Gene Motley, Charles Revelle & Contributed
8
Helping Hand
GATES COUNTY who’s going to show up so you’ve got to be able to do a little bit of everything,” he noted. Since he also was available after regular school hours with his main duties, one day he wandered over to the football field and offered his services for a different kind of
Gates County High School Custodian dedicated to students, staff L
venture.
ook up ‘custodian’ in the dictionary and you’ll find it defined as ‘keeper,’
“I had to do something with myself,” he
mused. “Retirement is overrated.”
“I started when Coach Clark Harrell was here (before current Red Barons coach Matt Biggy) and I would attend the phone lines,” he recounts. This
was
before
modern
remote
headsets and was used back then, as now, for communication between the coaches gathered above in the press box and their counterparts down on the sidelines. From there he segued to duties as the home team’s ball-boy and carried that chore over to where he now serves even for the away games. “He’s just so invaluable,”admits GCHS principal
and
former
baseball
coach
Originally from West Carrollton, Ohio
Jonathan Hayes. “He donates to athletics and
And that’s a pretty good way to
and stationed in Norfolk, Va. during his
goes above and beyond for all the students
sum up Gates County High School’s Edward
military days, when his hitch in the Navy
here at the high school. There was the time
Geis.
ended, he hopped across the state line
the teams needed new towels and he went to
The retired Navy veteran has proven to be
settling in as not only a janitor at the school,
the local Walmart and bought them for the
an invaluable part of a wealth of activities at
but also nearly 40 years as a local early non-
team and donated them. He does this every
the school; not only with his janitorial duties,
charter volunteer fireman. He’s lost count of
year.
but also in the myriad of ways his helping
the number of fire calls he’s been on.
‘guardian,’ ‘one who maintains.’
hands enrich the lives of students and staff.
“In a volunteer unit you never know
“He’ll clock out early on Friday to do football, then after the games he’ll clock back
9
in and finish his custodial duties; and if he
kids,” the principal recalled.
Year’s Day I do the ‘Penguin Swim’ in Ocean
can’t get them done, he’ll come back and
Geis also was a participant in the Gates
City, Maryland, which is held for a local
finish cleaning his rooms on either Saturdays
County Polar Plunge, the annual early
hospital,” Geis said. “The day after Virginia
or Sundays,” Hayes added.
January dip into the cold winter waters and
Beach I go up to Rehoboth, Delaware and to
locally was held yearly at Beaver Lake where
their plunge. I usually do three, and probably
Even with the volunteer work in athletics, along the way he added another challenge.
it raised monies for Special Olympics so
more now since they’ve become so popular.”
“I drove a bus for three years, up until
that the athletes could attend the regional
When school closes and prep athletics
2007 when I had to stop for medical reasons,
and state Games. Several years ago he
ends, he can usually be found at Edenton
and that’s a chore that will keep you busy,” he
participated in a “special” challenge.
Steamers baseball games.
said. “I usually drove the band bus to all the
“I told the kids that if they were able to
band competitions, and they would usually
raise $200 that I would do the plunge in a
have four or five a year,” Geis added. “The
lady’s bathing suit,” he observed. “I actually
“I’m like that old beer commercial where
kids enjoyed someone else being there to
did it twice: first, in a green one-piece and
they tell you to grab for all the gusto you can
encourage them other than their parents.
then, most recently, in a leopard skin bikini.
get because you only go around once in life,”
Even though I don’t drive anymore I will
“The first one I did I said ‘I kinda like
still attend the (band) competitions and root
that,’ because I always thought those people
our kids on. In fact, they have three of them
were crazy jumping into the frigid water; but
coming up this semester.”
after that first one I realized that I’m just as
“There was a time not too long ago when
crazy as they are,” he mused.
some students were late and missed the band
From Gates County, he graduated on to
bus and, since he was going, Mr. Geis gave
other plunges up and down the East Coast.
Geis is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
he chirped. Among those who is pleased Geis isn’t going anywhere is his principal. “He may be a full-time custodian out here,” concluded Hayes. “But he’s very involved and I wish we had more like him.”
them a lift to the competition. Once I had to
“I did a bunch of them in Edenton until
Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and
take some things to Pasquotank and there he
the lady who organized them moved away. I
Sports Director and a regular contributor to
was, on his way to an event to support the
do that big one in Virginia Beach, and on New
Eastern North Carolina Living.
10
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11
Story & Photos by Tom Harrison
12
Light it Up!
Christmas Laser Light Show is quickly becoming a must-see for the holidays I magine
holiday
Christmas
Many folks enjoy sitting on the roof of the car or the back of their pickup truck. If there is rain, the laser show is magical because it looks like glitter falling from the sky. Tickets are $25 per car, pickup or SUV with no limit on the number of people within the vehicle. Buses are welcome for an additional fee but space is limited and requires reservations (call 252-7936627). Tickets can be purchased online at plymouthnc-events.com. The shows typically sells out in advance, so guests are encouraged to select their preferred showing as soon as possible. In addition to the light show, Santa and Mrs. Claus with be there visiting with families and posing for pictures. There will also be light-up toys for the children being
the
a night for four nights. It will take place on
sold along with hot chocolate, baked goods
synchronized
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Saturday, Dec. 23.
and popcorn.
songs
Season
WASHINGTON COUNTY
of
with laser lights dancing across the
Each show lasts about 40 minutes.
An online survey was conducted after last
The viewing opportunity is quite unique.
year’s show with over 50 percent of attendees
The Christmas Laser Light Show in
The airport is closed to air traffic each of the
responding. Amazingly, 97 percent indicated
Plymouth is the Aurora Borealis come south,
four nights and cars park in four rows on the
they were Very Pleased or Extremely Pleased
filled with Christmas Spirit. The wildly
tarmac. Guests can either sit in the comfort
with the event and 96 percent said they
successful Bear Festival has been hosting this
of their car and watch the laser show while
would like for it to be an annual event.
sold-out event at Christmas for the last two
listening live to the music on a designated FM
There was also an opportunity for
years at the Plymouth Airport.
radio feed - or they can bring folding chairs
comments. Here is a sample of the positive
This year it will include some new
and tailgate in front of their vehicle and hear
feedback:
surprises, as well. There will be three shows
the synchronized music on loudspeakers.
sky.
• Just an overall great experience for all
13
ages, well put together, and very easy to get
• The family atmosphere! Our 9-year-
were alive with the light formations and the
in and out!! Beautiful display of lights/lasers
old grandson was in awe of the whole event
smoke/fog effect was even more effective!
and wonderful music!!! Windsor
& even ran up to get his picture with Santa!
We actually saw the rocket launch and that
Chesapeake, VA
in itself was very magical, the whole night
• We had two family vehicles there. I
was! Loved the festive music, it set the season
loved how we could get out of our cars and
• The show was amazing! Ordering the
off for me! Loved loved loved this night from
enjoy it together. The show was beautiful and
ticket was simple and easy! Everything was
start to finish! I’m still talking about it today!
would love to see it again. Thanks for all your
very organized. The show was absolutely
A huge thank you to everyone who helps
hard work to put this on. We will be telling
beautiful! Amazing job!! Well done! Creswell
with this production, it’s the crown jewel for this area! Bless you one and all. Roper
others about it so they can go next year. Merry Christmas! Belhaven
• To see the kids dancing, laughter and corporation songs, the lights it was all
• I absolutely love how welcoming and
magical. Williamston
heartwarming holiday event. Grab your
kind everyone was, including the parking staff! The food was amazing and the hot
Don’t miss out on this unique and tickets, gather your loved ones, and make
the
lasting memories at the Christmas Laser
chocolate set the perfect mood. It was so
refreshments were really yummy and my two
•
The
music
was
amazing,
Light Show in Plymouth. It’s the perfect
warm on a cold night my toddler loved it!
boys just loved it so much they asked could
way to get into the holiday spirit and create
Even my six month old sat and watched the
we go back again next year. I said yes without
cherished memories with your family and
whole time! The finale was the absolute best
a doubt so thank you for hosting and we will
friends. See you there!
and by far my favorite light show I have seen
see you next year. Williamston
we will make this a tradition for both of our girls! Thank you so much! Bertie County
14
Tom Harrison is a regular contributor to • The light show was amazing! The skies
Eastern North Carolina Living.
Thanks Yall!
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Story by Deborah Griffin u Photos by Deborah Griffin & Contributed
16
Family Focus
Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts has new owners who want to keep the ‘family tradition’ M ackey’s Ferry Peanuts and Gifts, a
not-to-be-missed
Earlier this year, when owners Chris and
roadside
Sharon Smith decided to sell Mackey’s, they
stop along U.S. 64 in Jamesville,
hoped to find a buyer who would continue in
is as much a part of eastern North Carolina
as the farm fields patchworked across the
the tradition of it being family-owned.
MARTIN COUNTY with the help of their two children Coleman, 32, and Lawson, 27. “Buying a business in our hometown made the deal even sweeter,” said Lawson, who graduated in 2018 from East Carolina University with a degree in communications and a minor in business marketing. “We are so excited. We love serving our community,” she added. As Chief Executive Officer, Lawson said her main goal “is to continue to run an already successful and reputable business. I also want to make sure we keep producing the same quality products that our customers know and love.” Confirmation of that love came recently as Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts and Gifts was named “Best Peanut Company” for the Best of the Pamlico 2023 in the Washington Daily News. “Everything, outside of our jams and jellies, is made right here by hand in our
Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts and Gifts was
kitchen. I think that is what makes us
founded by Linda and Merlin Chesson in
special,” she added. “Our chocolates are
For many traveling to and from the coast,
1983. The Smith’s purchased the business
literally hand-dipped. It’s amazing how much
Mackey’s has become a sweet tradition: a
in 2003. Each couple owned the store for 20
product the kitchen staff produces in a day.”
place to stock up on gourmet peanuts and
years.
region.
snacks, along with other small-batch edibles,
On Aug. 30, Jamesville residents Kevin
such as home-made fudge and Muscadine
and Rene Perry bought the mom-and-pop
grape slushes.
shop and plan to keep Mackey’s family-run,
Other
hand-made
offerings
include
several varieties of peanuts - spicy, peppered, sugared, boiled, fried and blistered. They also make their own peanut butter,
17
peanut brittle, molasses cookies and peanut butter cookies. “A lot of the recipes we use to this day are from the original owner – Mrs. Linda Chesson,” Lawson said. Orders are hand-packed and shipped right from the store. Lawson ultimately plans to use social media and on-line sales to cultivate the business beyond the farmland borders of Martin County. “My dream is for Mackey’s to not only be a local company, but I want people in Alabama and Texas to buy our products,” she said. In the past, Mackey’s had only a small online presence. “The Smith’s had an amazing 20 years with pretty much only foot-traffic,” she said. Lawson also wants to keep the “family-oriented”
atmosphere
employees and customers have enjoyed over the years. The legacy left to the Perry’s includes more than just quality products. “We
have
such
good
employees here,” Lawson said. “We want to take good care of them.” Kevin,
Lawson’s
father,
agrees. “We have a good crew here. That is the only reason we even entertained the idea of buying the business in the first place. I told Chris and Sharon [Smith] I didn’t want the business if the employees weren’t going to stay,” he said. Lawson said the crew is like a well-oiled machine. “There are so many moving parts, but each one has their
18
specialty. I couldn’t do it without them. They
breath from taking the reins from the Smiths
have been my saving grace,” she added.
on Aug. 30.
Most of the staff is local and some have been with the company 10 years or longer. Lawson said that longevity helps the business feel more “down-home.” “When you call us, you can have a
because I’m usually talking non-stop. I enjoy
staying super-busy. There are still a lot of
getting to know folks. I like finding out where
things I am learning,” she added. “I’ve got so
they are coming from, what made them stop
many ideas - my parents keep telling me to
in, and where they heard about us,” she said.
slow down a little.”
“It is very, very rewarding.”
Lawson recently returned from having a
you want to send to your grandmother in
Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts booth at the Down
Ohio,” she added. “We are all personable
East Holiday Show in Greenville.
Lawson said she is excited about selling a locally grown crop since farming has always been a big part of her family.
My dad says I must breathe out of my ears
“We’ve been super-blessed with business
conversation with someone about the gift
people, good-ol’ country folks.”
“I love interacting with customers.
Lawson anticipates the business will be in the Perry family for generations. “I plan to work extremely hard to keep this
“Going to the shows is exhilarating - I
family-owned business rolling. Hopefully, I
love it; but at the same time, it’s exhausting,”
will pass it down to my future children one
she said.
day - because it really is a special place.”
After the first of the year, she hopes to
Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts and Gifts, LLC is
Her father, Kevin, is a fifth-generation
give Mackey’s hand-painted storefront a
located at 30871 U.S. Hwy 64 East, Jamesville.
farmer (Perry Family Farms) who traces his
“face-lift,” and promote Mackey’s more using
For more information, call 252-793-2993; or
farming roots to before the Civil War; her
her advertising and marketing skills.
go to https://mfpnuts.com/; https://www.
mother, Rene, has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 20 years; and her brother, Coleman, helps run the family farm and regularly picks up supplies of peanuts for the store. Lawson feels as if she is still catching her
The Perrys eventually plan to expand the showroom and increase the storage area.
facebook.com/GoNuts4MFP;
or
https://
www.instagram.com/gonuts4mfp/.
“There is so much opportunity here it’s crazy,” Lawson said. One aspect of the business for her comes naturally.
Deborah Griffin is a freelance journalist and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
19
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20
Christmas Parades Northampton 2023 Conway
November 25th • 10:00 a.m.
Rich Square
December 2nd • 10:00 a.m.
Seaboard
December 2nd • 1:00 p.m.
Garysburg
December 9th • 10:00 a.m.
Jackson
December 9th • 1:00 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lightings Northampton 2023 Lasker
November 25th 7:00 p.m.
Jackson
December 1st 6:30 p.m.
Northampton County Visitors’ Center
127 East Jefferson Street, Jackson, NC www.northamptonchamber.org • www.visitnorthamptonnc.com
21
Story & Photos by Kelly Grady
22
Historic home
Palmer-Marsh House has a long and storied history and is one of state’s oldest L ocated
in
Bath,
the
BEAUFORT COUNTY The first floor welcomed visitors in a spacious entryway on both the northern and southern sides of the house with approximately four-foot wide doors aiding in breezes to keep the house cool, double ninepaned windows on both floors, a large westfacing room Mr. Coutanch most likely used as a storefront, a parlor and another smaller room. The wide wooden staircase led upstairs, which was supported by a solid 50 foot in length square summer beam to another spacious landing, a master bedroom and three smaller bedrooms. It was here he continued to not only conduct his business, but also host meetings of the N.C. General Assembly representing Bath. Sadly, Michael Coutanch only lived in
oldest
Shortly after his arrival, he married Sarah
the house for 10 years before passing away in
established shipping port on the
Pilkington, the daughter of another well-to-
1761. He is buried in the family cemetery in
east coast in North Carolina, it
do merchant, and together they had three
the back gardens. His wife, Sarah, remarried
is no surprise the Palmer-Marsh
children.
and the house was left to his daughter and
House would be listed as the oldest of 27
In 1751, Mr. Coutanch had an impressive
son-in-law, who sold the house and property
historic homes in the North Carolina State
home built, now recognized as the Palmer-
to two brothers, Lillington and James
Historic Sites.
Marsh House.
Lockhart.
Moving from New England to Bath in
This two-story house was built upon
Meanwhile, Colonel Robert Palmer, his
1739, Michael Coutanch, a colonial official,
a cellar constructed with ballast stones
wife, Margaret, and their two sons had also
bought lots 24 and 25 in town, presumably
(housing an enormous cooking fireplace)
been living in Bath. Appointed as customs
to expand in the naval store and mercantile
and two impressive chimneys encompassing
collector and general surveyor, he earned an
business.
seven hearths.
annual salary of €900 (an equivalent of about
23
$246,083.83 today). After
Michael
Coutanch’s
death,
customs officer calculating duties from the
his new position, Palmer decided to move
West Indies and New England.
to New Bern leaving the homestead and
Palmer was elected to replace him in the
As a member of the Royal Council, the
business to his second born son, William,
representation of Bath in the General
Palmer household excitedly awaited a visit
and his family, as his first-born son, Robert,
Assembly. With this new prominent position
from the Royal Governor of North Carolina,
had joined the British army.
and the weariness of traveling five miles to
William Tryon, and his family. Gov. Tryon
Having largely grown up in Bath,
and from his family home to the port each
was very pleased with his visit stating, “a
William, unlike his father and older brother,
day, Mr. Palmer purchased the house from
very excellent house… at Bath which I often
didn’t share in their allegiance to England as
the Lockhart Brothers in 1763.
resided in with my family, being Hospitably
the American Revolution was approaching.
entertained.”
Conflicted with his feelings, many reports
Adding to his resume, Mr. Palmer had also been appointed as a member of the
Their friendship flourished and Palmer,
claim he began to drink heavily hoping to
royal council making the boastful house the
once again, gained a new title as Secretary
ease his confusion as news of the war reached
perfect house for hosting political meetings,
and Clerk to the Crown, taking his oath in
Bath.
entertaining and the ideal location for a
1770 at Tryon’s Palace in New Bern. With
24
Sadly, as William’s drinking continued
to increase and become unmanageable, he fell into debt losing the homestead, as well as his father’s business to the state. William was forced to return to England. Upon Robert’s retirement, he and his family returned to Bath and made the request to the state to return the house and property back to him. At this time in 1786, he was not in good health so sought treatment in New York, however he died within the year. William’s wife, Mary, and their children sold their shares in 1802 to newly relocated merchants and brothers, Jonathan and Daniel Marsh, having been described as “the most gracious and cultivated home in town.” The brothers lived in the house until 1915 when it was purchased by Henry Ormond and transformed into a hotel. Although the beautifully constructed house was admired by many, one famous hotel occupant was not impressed. Edna Ferber, author of the novel and play Show Boat, journeyed to Bath in the mid 1920’s to capture life on a showboat and checked into the hotel. Her four-day stay reported a far different opinion than that of Gov. Tryon, stating her visit was to a “decaying little hamlet” and had nothing good to say about her accommodations. After years of ownership, the house was eventually sold to the Beaufort County Historical Society to restore and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. During renovations in 1989, a fire caused by HVAC destroyed the attic and roof. Although the original section of that house was gone, it allowed dendrochronology studies to be done on the building’s
NOW OPEN!
construction dating the house construction to have been built in 1751. None of the home’s furnishings are original, however, the historic site has done an amazing job of recreating the decorations and ambiance of this elegant house. Kelly Grady is a retired educator and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
25
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27
Story & Photos by Lewis Hoggard
28
Spectacular
Bertie County’s 5K is more than just another race as it raises funds for food pantry T here are lots of 5Ks or similar
eight second time – which was the fastest in
running
the state the year, was run for a road race as
events
in
eastern
North Carolina, but the Bertie
this type of event.
Spectacular 5K is not just one of these events.
However, what really makes this race
Run the East, which is the timing agency
special is the work of the community and
for the Bertie Spectacular 5K, operates
volunteers to put this race together and how
twenty-five races in the month of October
two communities working together made
alone. So, what makes the Bertie Spectacular
this race successful.
5K special?
The Bertie Spectacular 5K is the largest
One could argue that the impressive
fundraiser for the Good Shepard Food
times that have been posted over the last
Pantry. Each year, over $10,000 has been
15 years – including a fourteen minute and
raised to feed those in need.
BERTIE COUNTY This event was started by a combination of groups and individuals from the area, with some help from our close neighbors in Dare County. The food pantry was identified as a need by the Glenmary Home Missioners in the mid 2000’s. The Glenmary Home Missioners are a Catholic order that strives to serve rural poor souls, particularly in Appalachia and the South where there is not a strong Catholic presence. Brothers Jack Henn and Curt Medley from Glenmary decided that a food pantry would serve the needs of Bertie County, so they worked with local churches to establish an interfaith food pantry. To support the food pantry, a signature event was created, which was the 5K. The Outer Banks Relief Foundation through its Inner Banks projects was willing to help the 5K get started and off the ground by supplying volunteers and funds and involving local people who could take it over. John B. Gillam III, one of the founders of Outer Banks Relief Foundation, had helped raise over $1 million for worthy causes at the beach. According to Gillam, a former North Carolina Representative, they adopted an outreach program to help the citizens of the Inner Banks – the Inner Banks being the
29
counties that are adjacent to the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds. John, a Windsor native, had many
existing
relationships
including family members and friends in Windsor and Bertie County. Particularly, Windsor Mayor Jimmy Hoggard was a close friend. This provided an excellent starting group to launch the 5K. Some have credited Joan Daniels with being the first to say “let’s have a road race” as our fundraiser or signature event. For a few years volunteers from the Outer Banks would come down the Friday before race day and spend the night in Windsor and help with the preparation and provided the experience to execute the race on Saturday morning. They were joined by local volunteers in Windsor. Of course, the town of Windsor
and
all
of
their
employees have played a large role in making the event a success. The police force must shut down the roads in Windsor during the event so that the more than 100 runners and walkers are safe. And the Windsor Police Department has helped out thanks in part to the three men who have served as its chief in that time – Rodney Hoggard, Todd Lane and, currently, Justin Jackson. Joan and Carol Daniels, Elizabeth and Joe Huff, Alice and Bill Pittman, Verna Perry, Michelle
Leicester,
Heidi
Bonislawski, and many more conceived, contributed and led this event to become the success that it is today. Eventually the
30
local group took the responsibility of running
to over 150 families. The importance of this
aforementioned storms before – and one
the event. Sponsors like Perdue, ECU Health
group cannot be overestimated as it provides
year during - the race.
and also many more make this event a
not just a safety net to those in need, but
The Bertie Spectacular 5K has some
monetary success, as well as a smoothly run
provides necessary support to those families
amazing times mainly from Shadrack Keeter
event with the help of the Windsor/Bertie
in real need.
and Sarah Naibei the last few years even
Chamber of Commerce and the town of
Their site allows for further expansion,
though were not able to attend this year. These
Windsor. In fact, Windsor Commissioners
including plans for a large walk-in cooler
two former champions are internationally
Camille Rascoe, Cathy Wilson and Randy
and freezer. This site allows for other future
ranked competitors who compete for their
Whitaker all serve on the race committee.
growth as well, and shows that after fifteen
native country Kenya. They are trained by
The Good Shepherd Food Pantry is
years this pantry is vibrant and still growing.
Ben Kurgat of Global Mbio Racing, who
headed by Deborah Freeman, who has been
The Good Shepherd Food Pantry works
has been bringing elite runners to this event
executive director since 2015. Freeman
with the Food Bank of the Albemarle, which
since its inception.
has overseen the move from the King
serves fifteen counties in northeast North
Street location in Windsor out to the old
Carolina.
Southwestern Middle School (or Bertie Early College) site on Governors Road.
The
This race combines several factors that truly makes it special to include runners
the
coming back year after year to compete in
Spectacular 5K have started to “age out”
original
volunteers
for
the same race. The race provides actual cash prizes to winners in a variety of categories.
Their space has more than quadrupled
and more volunteers are always needed. In
with an all-weather garage that keeps
the past, the local 4-H group, the JROTC
The community works together to
volunteers and clients dry during bad
group and Bertie High School students have
highlight the town, feed the needy and
weather.
volunteered to make sure water stations are
encourage healthy activities. It is the
They are now serving over 700 families a
in place and that the runners stay on course.
combination of all these factors mentioned
month with food needs in Bertie County. This
With the October date right before
above that make this event much more than
is accomplished with only two employees.
Halloween has led to costume contests
just another 5K.
They do have a robust volunteer force of
with the runners and a separate children
Lewis Hoggard is the Executive Director
thirty-one individuals who help each month.
costume contest on site. That date has also
of the Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce
They also administer a government program
led to dealing with tropical storms and
and a regular contributor to Eastern North
that provides healthy food boxes each week
hurricanes and flooding issues relating the
Carolina Living.
31
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35
Story & Photos by John H. Walker
36
These boots..
EDGECOMBE COUNTY On Halloween morning, Cruz was busy cutting cowhide that would wind up being the rounded heel that rests against the heel of the foot at the back of the boot. “I just went to Acuña to get supplies,” he
Edgecombe Co. man crafts boots from his own hands, like his father & grandfather T
explained. “I ordered from Leon and had
said. “My grandfather taught my father who
them sent to Acuña and I went to pick them up.” Leon, located in the State of Guanajuato, is considered the shoe capital of the world. Over the years, Cruz has rubbed shoulders with some notable people. While living in Midland, Texas, he was the bootmaker for a well-known family. “I was the official bootmaker for the president’s family,” he said proudly. “I made boots for the President (Bush) and for Miss Laura. I made all of their footwear.”
here is an ever-present smile on
Musquiz, located in the northwestern part
Cruz has also made boots for many
Oscar Cruz’s face as he talked
of the State of Coahuila almost 70 years ago
Hollywood actors while working as a
about his profession.
(Dec. 18), but at age eight, his father moved
bootmaker for Trujillo Boots in Bosque
“I am a third generation bootmaker, and
the family to the border town of Ciudad
County, Texas, as well as for the staff at Dolly
the fourth generation is getting ready,” he
Acuna, located across the Rio Grande River
Parton’s Dixie Stampede, the CEO of Shell
from Del Rio, Texas.
Oil and the owner of the King Ranch, the
taught me and my grandson will follow me.”
Ciudad Acuña, then known as Villa
Cruz owns and operates Oscar’s Custom
Acuña, is where Cruz grew up and learned
Boots and Shoe Repair at the intersection
his profession, as both his grandfather and
of Colonial Road and U.S. 258 South in
father were bootmakers.
Tarboro. He was born in the town of Melchor
“I learned from my father, who learned from his father,” he explained.
world’s largest working ranch at six million acres. Cruz guarantees all of his work and notes that his boots and shoes are “made to fit and made to last.” Cruz said his craft is a lost art and points
37
out that in today’s world, people would rather buy multiple pairs of cheap shoes instead of paying for a quality pair that would outlast all of the cheap ones together. In addition to boots, shoes and belts, Cruz works on saddles as well and, not long ago, restored a 1940 black leather saddle. “A lady customer told me she was gonna throw it out and that if I wanted it, I could have it for parts,” he explained. “It was a beautiful saddle.” Cruz explained that the saddle
had
real
sheepskin
padding underneath — not the man-made substitute that comes from China these days. But footwear is his specialty. He said people who have trouble finding a shoe or boot that fits their foot won’t have that problem with his footwear. “Every pair is custom made to fit that particular customer,” he said. “They aren’t just a size 12… they are that customer’s size 12 that’s made for his foot… not on a machine someplace.” He said that every pair of custom
footwear
he
makes
is made to fit the customer’s measurements,
unlike
store-
bought off-the-shelf footwear that is no more customer-specific than by size and a generalized width. “They are made to fit your feet and only your feet,” he said. Cruz, who has been a boot and shoemaker for 60 of his nearly 70 years, has been in the Tarboro area for 26 years and at his current location for the past 14. Oscar’s Custom Boots is
38
open Monday through Friday
Colonial Road splits off from
from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and
U.S. 258 — and his telephone
Saturday from 9 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m.
number is (252) 382-4316.
needs. John H. Walker is a freelance
The address is 62 Colonial Road
Oscar and his wife, Bellma,
journalist and regular contributor
and U.S. 258 South — where
look forward to serving your
to Eastern North Carolina Living.
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Story& Photos by Gene Motley
40
The Greatest
At 101 years old, J.D. Carver has served his country, raised his family and lived life well H e lives his days quietly now.
Jim “Catfish” Hunter back in Hertford.
John Daniel Carver, known
“We called him Jimmy back then,” Carver
around Northampton County as
says of the Oakland and Yankees legend. “I’ve
‘J.D.,’ still stands over six-feet tall
been to his house before and I’ve even got a
despite a slightly drooping gait from 101
cousin who’s buried right next to him (near
years of living.
Perquimans High School) in the cemetery by
“One-hundred-and-one, and a half,” he’s quick to point out. Born
and
raised
the school.” While still in Perquimans, the younger
in
Perquimans
Carver developed a love for all sports, but
County near Winfall, Carver moved to the
preferred football to baseball where he
Northampton County hamlet of Jackson at
played right tackle on the gridiron.
the age of 15. Carver’s father was a logger who
“One day they took us over to practice
had earlier played baseball with the father of
against the players at (then-segregated)
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY Winfall High School, and they like to killed us,” he noted with a laugh. “The principal told the coach, ‘Don’t you take them boys over there no more’.” With the move east to Northampton County, Carver’s football career ended since Jackson did not field a team. In Jackson, Carver worked for the Morris Lumber Company and at the sawmill in Weldon. Because of his youth, his father preferred he work in the mill rather than the more dangerous work as a logger. His father was part of the crew that built the early Northampton County railroad that ran from Jackson to Rich Square. Carver seemed destined to the quiet life in rural northeastern North Carolina and that may have happened had fate not intervened on a date few will forget: Dec. 7, 1941. It was that ‘date which will live in infamy’ when Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor, and days later he and two friends found themselves in Raleigh, waiting to enlist. “Actually, we were going to join the Marines, and if we hadn’t gone up there we would have been drafted into the Army anyway,” he recounts. “But they told us the Marines weren’t taking anybody that day, but the Coast Guard was. So we went down there and they took two of us while the other one
41
ended up in the Army.” After training in Maryland in 1942, Carver was stationed at the USCG facility in New London, Connecticut aboard an escort ship. The Coast Guard discharged its most important role during the war in getting the men to both the European and Pacific theaters and providing support. The largest Coast Guard-manned ships were the transports, and they played a vital role in landing operations. Just as vital was the absolutely critical small-craft operations that carried assault troops to and from the offshore transports and brought in reinforcements and supplies. “We escorted them out to the three-mile limit (off Block Island Sound) and we could hear the guns going off,” he said. “I had some sea duty, but not a whole lot.” His wartime military obligations didn’t prevent Carver from making other changes in his life, as he returned home and got married to his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth, one year later. “I went to the Captain and made a request,” he described. “I told him I wanted to go home and get married and he asked, ‘Aren’t you happy enough single?’; we laughed about that and I told him I was afraid somebody else was going to get her. So I got an eight-day leave, came home, got married and went back.” Carver started his family shortly after, where he was blessed with a daughter and a son. Their union lasted 68 years. Following his military duties, Carver returned to Jackson and back to his job at the sawmill where he remained for 50 years. “Until they closed it down, and
42
then I went to selling lumber on the road,”
Legion Post 111, serving also with the Lions
dogs continues as the family currently owns
he said. “I traveled all over two or three
Club, the Fire Department and as a member
two Pit Bulls - Mildred and Shirley Mae -
states selling lumber to furniture companies,
of Jackson Baptist Church – where his name
who have the run of Carver’s Northampton
buying from the mill and selling to the user.
is inscribed on a bronze plaque the church
County home.
It was mostly hardwood, but we sold pine
dedicated to veterans of both World Wars –
too anywhere folks could use it for building
among many other accomplishments.
houses and the like.”
“I wouldn’t take a million dollars for either one of them,” he noted with a smile.
He also helped with the building of
There’s not much on Carver’s ‘Bucket
Carver also operated the INS Grocery for
Northeast Academy in Lasker where last
List’ after such a well-lived life. But since the
a number of years, but always kept a hand
spring he threw out the ceremonial first
passing of his best friend, Jack Britt, this fall,
in the lumber business. He maintained that
pitch at the start of the 12th annual Sgt. Will
he would love to return to Saturday morning
life until age 80 when heart bypass surgery
McClawhorn Memorial Scholarship Baseball
breakfast at Claudine’s Restaurant in Rich
sidelined him.
Tournament.
Square if he could find a ride.
“I tried working a little more after that on
“He always tried to help everybody, any
the phones, but it didn’t work so I just quit,”
organization,” said housekeeper Virginia
he remarked.
Howell, who has worked for him for the past
Along the way, Carver has served his
three years.
Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor
community: 20 years as a Jackson Town
Carver no longer hunts, but raised duck
Commissioner, 50-year member of and one-
dogs at one time with his son, John, manager
time Commander of Rich Square American
of Riverside Mill in Weldon. The love of
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Story by John Foley u Photos by John Foley & Contributed
46
Belvidere
Perquimans County town is a hidden gem and offers more than most might expect B
PERQUIMANS COUNTY those particular “Charles” operated the shop, is a landmark that continues to make its mark on the dinner tables of the surrounding community. The local culinary institution has served the residents of Perquimans and surrounding counties for over 70 years. Three generations later, Charles Layden sits in the same office his grandfather once did on the other side of the wall from where meat hangs to cure. The country store is a step back in time to when customers were welcomed with the aroma of curing bacon hanging from behind the meat case. Layden’s still offers that welcoming whiff. Known for its sausages – local Cub Scout Pancake breakfasts highlight the craftsmanship of Layden’s butchers – the
elvidere is a hidden Perquimans
stands of cypress, flashing rearview mirror
store sells about 400-500 pounds of sausage
County
glimpses of Hertford’s historic homes along
a week. That count increases during
the shore.
Christmas when the butchers package about
treasure.
Layden’s
Country Store, a croquet match
at Albemarle Croquet Club at
Traveling eight miles north, passing
4,000 pounds of the sought-after products.
Doodle Hill and breakfast at the Nicholson
more homes with historic provenance and
Layden’s is a landmark where locals go to
House
cotton fields that will become future fabric,
visit and visitors go to feel local.
make
Belvidere
a
destination
community.
Layden’s Country Store suddenly appears at a
Annually, in October the town hosts
The new “S” bridge in Perquimans
crossroads in time. Located at the intersection
the Belvidere Days Festival. The festival
County offers drivers a 45 second fantasy
of Belvidere Road and Perry-Bridge Road,
highlights Eastern North Carolina hometown
resembling Monaco and LeMans as the
the clapboard building, boasting the names
traditions, drawing thousands to view the
curves meander over the river through
C.E., C.D. and C.E. Layden and the dates
parade extending for miles. The 50 square
47
mile town with 1,450 residents increases its population to over 2,500 that day. It is Norman Rockwell picture perfect. Much of the festival’s success can be attributed to the “Jacks” local handmade pies – that are sold from a variety of vendors, however, the main attraction are the “Jacks” from Friends of Piney Woods Meeting House. Piney Woods Jacks are highly sought after. They are legendary and highlights the Belvidere Days Festival. The line forms early and long for the landmark hand pies that over the years have become known simply as “Jacks” by the Friends at Piney Woods. Applejacks have long been associated with North Carolina State, regional and church fairs. So it is only appropriate that Piney Woods would adopt the delight as a fund raising vehicle for their outreach missionary programs. In the month of preparation for Belvidere Days, Piney Woods members mix, roll, shape, stuff, fold and hand fry almost 1,000 Jacks to sell at a monumental event. “Jacks have long been a favorite in many of our Quaker
offerings and simply called them “Jacks,” to the benefit of all.
homes. In other places they
Most of the apples, peaches,
are often called ‘hand pies’ or
sweet potatoes and blueberries
‘turnovers’ but to Piney Woods
used in the Jacks are grown
they are just ‘Jacks’,” offered
locally and donated for the
Linda Godfrey, a longtime Jack
filling that adds the perfect
maker.
flavor
and
texture
to
the
While North Carolina has
delightful Jack crust. The filling
adopted the Applejack – an
is made by three or four ladies
apple-filled hand pie – Piney
days or weeks in advance and
Woods simply dropped the
frozen until the need arises.
‘apple’ and added peaches, sweet
“The day before the ‘Jack
potatoes and blueberries to their
making party,’ four or five pre-
48
few in the state.
The
“I knew if we were going
restaurant
we needed to have a court. So
variety of women’s clothing
we decided to build one, add
and accessories along with a
a clubhouse and open it up to
selection of home accessories.
Lassiter.
salt, shortening) so that on the
has become a reality and,
day of Jack making only water
since opening, the trio has
needs to be added to make the
built a clubhouse and hosted
dough,”said Godfrey.
three
Belvidere also has bragging rights
in
professional
Lassiter’s
nationally
dream
recognized
tournaments.
and
Over the past decade, the
amateur croquet circles across
Lassiter’s have risen to North
the country.
Carolina State-renown status
Driving up Perry Bridge Rd.
as tournament croquet players.
from Layden’s Market fields of
The trio has made incredible
cotton, corn and soy disappear.
strides in the sport.
Rounding a bend, over a slight
Rodney’s
cropped Bermuda grass that
After years of practice and
would
weekly
Jack
Nicklaus
tutelage Sunday
in
2013.
afternoon
proud appears. It’s as level as the
matches, Adam grew to Elite
eye can see.
player status, captured the 2021
Belvidere resident Rodney
North Carolina State Croquet
Lassiter is a sportsman. A
Championship and became one
former Perquimans High School
of the top ranked players in the
coach, he took up croquet as a
state.
youngster with two brothers,
“Well, we’ve worked hard
Randy and Russell. It was
to get this to this point,” said
just over a year ago Lassiter
Randy Lassiter, looking out onto
explained he and his brother,
the courts.
Randy, and his nephew, Adam,
Albemarle
Croquet
at
were in the process of building
Doodle Hill, is the areas first
a
professionally
tournament-sized
croquet
center with regulation courts
One of the most prominent – he has 98 of them at last count – C.W. Overton can be
spring.
found eating breakfast at the Nicholson House promptly at 7 a.m. on most Saturdays. If you can’t join him, the
culinary gem is the perfect
Nicholson
example of North Carolina
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.
woodworking
to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. - 2
The a
warm variety
craftsmanship. interior of
boasts
House
is
open
p.m.
architectural
achievements. Aside from the
John Foley is a Staff Writer
atmosphere, the food tops most
for the Bertie Ledger-Advance,
restaurants in the area in both
The Enterprise and Eastern
quality, service and value.
North Carolina Living.
Adam began playing under
incline, a bucolic field of close make
unique
Plans call for opening the
town’s restaurant. The historic
property.
a
courts to the public in the
past Perry Bridge Road is the
make the dough mix (flour,
offers
citizens and tractor collectors
The Nicholson House, just
on their Perry Bridge Road
House
to compete on a national level,
the community,” said Rodney
party workers get together and
Nicholson
Gift Shop at the rear of the
constructed
Croquet court and one of only a
�e Farmville Community Arts Council Your local home for performing and visual arts since 1977 Visit our Facebook Page and website for details of our receptions and live events Membership has it’s privileges info@farmville-arts.org 3723-25 N Main Street
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49
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51
Story by Sarah Davis u Photos by Sarah Davis & Contributed
52
Unifying
International teachers help provide unique experience for Hertford County students L
HERTFORD COUNTY with sixteen in Hertford County Public Schools. Under the U.S. Department of State, GTP is an authorized J1 Teacher Cultural Exchange Program that offers “extensive academic, cultural and social support to its teachers... assisting them in securing housing, transportation, health care and banking” in the areas to which they are assigned. To be considered for employment within GTP, the candidate must have the equivalent of
a
college/university
undergraduate
degree in the United States, the necessary credentials for licensure, and at least two years experience teaching in the field. The initial employment is for three years; there is then an opportunity to extend the
(or
schools in the HCPS system, they come from
experience two more years. Once the years
any county in the Roanoke-
Jamaica, Ghana, Philippines, Uganda and
teaching in the United States are completed,
Chowan region, or any county in
Zimbabwe.
during which time American students have
ife
in
Hertford
County
northeastern North Carolina) might seem
Six are teaching at Hertford County High
the opportunity to learn about another
– at first experience – a bit parochial, but
School, and four of the six are under the
culture while learning subject matter, the
many students now have the opportunity
umbrella of Global Teaching Partners, an
teachers return to their native countries and
to experience world culture as international
organization headquartered in the Triangle,
share their experiences with their fellow
teachers come to our area.
that places teachers in schools in North and
citizens.
For the 2023-2024 school year, Hertford
South Carolina and Virginia.
Hertford County High School has
County Public Schools employs twenty-
Hundreds of teachers are currently
international teachers in the areas of English,
four international teachers throughout the
teaching in twenty-five school districts in
Spanish, math, science, agriculture and food
system. With teachers in each of the seven
North Carolina through the GTP program
services.
53
Kayon
Samuda-Brown
(teaching
Spanish) and Yasheka Bachus (teaching English) are both from Jamaica and both in their third year teaching at HCHS.
program from a friend who teaches in New Jersey.
He remembers the first teachers coming in the field of foreign language, then math,
No stranger to the international stage,
areas for which the district was having
he spent a semester studying in Belfast,
difficulty recruiting teachers. He describes
Teaching in Jamaica since 2002, Samuda-
Ireland, at Stranmillis University when he
the international teachers as “truly an asset,
Brown first taught both Spanish and English
was completing his undergraduate degree at
most beneficial to the local program,” noting
(2002-2004) and then only Spanish (2008-
Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
that they are “quality teachers who come with
2021). Since 2021, she has been teaching at HCHS.
He also holds a Master’s degree and is
excellent knowledge of their content area.”
qualified to teach both math and chemistry.
J. Wendell Hall, also an elected member
She chose to enter the program in order to
He joined this program for a different
of the Hertford County School Board,
experience a culture outside her own and to
cultural experience for both himself and
former HR Director and three-time interim
share it with others. As is the case with many
his family. His wife, a nurse, and their three
Superintendent for HCPS, remembers the
of the GTP participants (approximately 50
children joined him in Ahoskie this school
earliest employment of international teachers
percent bring family members with them),
year. The children are enrolled at Bearfield
in Hertford County and proudly recalls that
she has also brought her family to this
Primary, Ahoskie Elementary and Hertford
Hertford County was the first district in
country. Her daughter, a graduate of HCHS,
County Middle School.
North Carolina to employ teachers through
is now a student at Meredith College in
He is pleased with the quality education
Raleigh, and her son is a fourth-grader at
they are receiving and says they love their
Noting that the first international teacher
Ahoskie Elementary School.
schools and are making new friends, and all
in Hertford County came from France, he
feel they have new family here.
explains that first the teachers were brought
Yasheka
Bachus
taught
English
in
the then VIF program.
her native Jamaica for six years prior to
Hertford County High School also has
to elementary schools and then to the middle
relocating to Ahoskie. In experiencing a
two other international teachers: Kadian
and high school. He also remembers that
different culture, she says she has found
Coote who teaches agriculture and Annette
initially the teachers were for languages, only
many positives in coming to the area,
Brown-Robinson who teaches food services.
later expanding to the CORE subjects.
working with students who are very talented
Both from Jamaica, neither is currently a
and colleagues who always go “above and
part of the GTP program.
beyond” making her want to come to work each day.
When
discussing
the
influence
of
international teachers in the district, he, as
Coote originally came to this country
others, cites all of them for their excellent
and area with it, teaching five years in
content knowledge. That, coupled with the
Kenas Mukombe, from Zimbabwe, is
Bertie County before Hertford, and Brown-
opportunity for our students to experience
in his second year teaching earth science
Robinson came with her husband, who is
another culture, makes the international
at HCHS. In his native country, he taught
employed in Bertie County Schools through
inclusion a win-win situation.
chemistry seventeen years.
the program. Both teachers have children
Such partnerships are a win-win situation
He talks of his experience at HCHS as a
who are HCPS students, one at Hertford
and for more than just Hertford County
good one and finds he enjoys new challenges.
County Middle School and one at C.S.
students; teacher to student, student to
Brown High School-STEM.
teacher, teacher to teacher, and student to
He specifically cites the technology available here to aid in the classroom. He
In speaking of the international teachers,
student, all have an opportunity to expand
has found good people, but does mention
Wesley Dudley, HCHS Principal, speaks of
their horizons and learn about other cultures.
missing his family (a wife and two children)
their passion for teaching, their knowledge
As teacher education programs in colleges
back in Zimbabwe. He was able to visit
of their subjects and their high expectations
and universities throughout the United States
with them both last Christmas and over the
for their students. He considers the students
produce fewer and fewer teachers, and as
summer and plans to see them again this
fortunate to have the opportunity to learn
teachers leave their classrooms for whatever
December. From Uganda, Stuart Mukiibi is
under such dedicated teachers.
reasons, more and more teachers are needed
in his second year teaching math at HCHS.
Dennis Deloatch, currently an elected
in schools throughout the country. A global
In the 2022-2023 year he taught Math I
member of the Hertford County School
(a freshman course), but this year is teaching
Board and former Superintendent of HCPS,
Math III (a junior course), and he notes the
was principal at Hertford County Middle
Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and
difference in maturity of the students those
School when Hertford County first employed
educator and a regular contributor to Eastern
two years make. He first learned of the GTP
international teachers.
North Carolina Living.
54
response to a local problem unites us all.
55
Story by Vernon Fueston u Photos by Vernon Fueston & Contributed
56
History
B
Green ‘gold rush’ shaped Albemarle logging industry
REGION the movement of 20 million people, mostly Europeans, into the United States. Most came through New York and Boston. Greeks, Irishmen and Italians fanned out across the nation, looking for a place to live, and the country needed construction timber and roofing shingles to build their homes. Wood in New England was no longer plentiful, and transporting lumber from the West was not yet economical. One of the first lumber companies was called Bard and Roper. John Roper left for the gold fields of California in the 1850s, but returned to Pennsylvania, failing to make his fortune. He joined the Union Army at the start of the Civil War and soon rose to sergeant in the 11th Pennsylvania. By the war’s end, he was a Captain
ill Barber is an amateur historian
Barber said that following the devastation
serving as a commissary officer and learning
studying wood and the lumber
from the Civil War, the Albemarle Region’s
administrative skills that would serve
industry’s
plantation economy was ruined, cotton
him well after the war. The town of Roper
exports collapsed and options in the region
is named in gratitude after him for the
were scarce.
prosperity he brought the region.
impact
on
his
northeastern North Carolina home. His three books on logging in the Albemarle Region chronicle what he called
“Veterans were returning from the war,
More businessmen came with money
the “Green Gold Rush.” Back then, lumber
and when they returned, they found the
to invest in logging operations, sawmills
was the dominant - and almost only -
two armies had confiscated everything they
and railroads to move the lumber. At first,
industry following the Civil War and through
could,” he said. “They were in dire straits. It
logs were harvested in the remote wetlands
the 1920s.
was hard times, and there was no industry,
around
factories, or anything here for those people
counties, then transported by barge to mills
to do.
in Elizabeth City and points North.
“What happened was a green gold rush, similar to what happened in actual gold
Dare,
Tyrell
and
Washington
rushes. In California and the Klondike,
“They fell into subsistence farming,” he
In time, sawmills were established in
people just streamed in by the hundreds and
continued. “They were just trying to stay
places like Roper and Buffalo City in Dare
the thousands to try to capture what value
alive.”
County.
they could from the gold fields,” he said.
In 1870, the Great Migration started,
White cedar and yellow logs were towed
57
in huge batches, connected by chains and
North Carolina Pine would meet stringent
the western states on an ever-expanding
“dogs” driven into each log. Barge captains,
production standards and sales boomed.
network of transcontinental railroad lines,
and sometimes their families, lived a
Steam engines, fired by waste wood,
and a second financial panic nearly killed
nomadic life in small quarters on the barge.
produced electricity in the region for the first
the industry in 1920. The Great Depression
Logging communities like Buffalo City,
time. Railroads came to towns that had only
of 1929 was the death knell, and almost all
named for the city of Buffalo, New York,
experienced dirt roads, and people in the
the mill towns shut down. Today, Roper is a
where bankers provided the company’s
region gained a measure of prosperity.
sleepy small town with hardly a trace of its
funding, sprang up overnight with workmen
Elizabeth City grew into a part and
industrial past. Buffalo City is overgrown and
living in dormitories on the site and going
railroad hub for the lumber industry,
deserted, an excellent place for backwoods
home to their families each weekend.
funneling the lumber and manufactured
explorations for the adventurous hiker.
Factories made shingles, wooden kitchen utensils, and construction timber.
products north to Norfolk, Virginia.
But other towns like Elizabeth City and
By 1917, Norfolk, Virginia, was the major
Plymouth have taken the start that timber
“When the cedar and cypress started
timber exporting port on the east coast, and
gave them and prospered. Today, among
playing out, they looked to the pine forest,
northeastern North Carolina was the source
the residents around the Albemarle Sound,
basically yellow pine,” Barber said. “That was
of most of that commerce.
most have no idea that the roads, rail lines,
longleaf, loblolly, shortleaf, pond pine and
Barber’s interest in the region’s logging
electric power, and water systems of their
all the native pines in this area. Yellow pine
history stems from his experience as a
community got their start from the loggers,
had an abysmal reputation in the Northern
forester for Weyerhaeuser Corporation. He
barge captains, railroad men and sawyers
markets.”
managed some of the company’s extensive
who made those early 19th and 20th-century logging companies work.
Yellow pine had a grain structure that
forest lands in the region. He liked to explore
made it difficult to work. It also tended
the area’s forests and abandoned logging
Bill Barber’s three books: Buffalo City and
to warp and develop unsightly blue stains
camps. He and his wife, Chris, searched for
the Blount Patent, Tyrrell Timber - A History
as it dried. Consumers considered it
old sawmills and long-lost artifacts of the
of the Branning Manufacturing Company
suitable only for rough construction, so the
area’s once-prosperous timber industry. His
and Richmond Cedar Works, and Timber,
Carolina loggers formed the North Carolina
explorations led him to library research,
Land, and Rail Roads - A History of the John
Pine Association and hit on a marketing
which became the material for his three
L. Roper Lumber Company, are available
masterstroke.
books.
at the Maritime Museum in Plymouth and
The association marketed its lumber as
For a while, the sawmills in towns like
Downtown Books in Manteo. His books are
North Carolina Pine, sidestepping yellow
Roper and Buffalo City ran round the clock,
also available from Lulu Publishing online
pine’s less than stellar reputation. The dry
but the Green Gold rush did not last. A
and from Amazon.com.
kiln stabilized the wood and eliminated the
financial panic slowed the construction
oxidation stains and warping, allowing more
industry in 1907, closing many mills.
consistent dimensioning from the sawmills.
By the time the economy recovered,
The association assured customers that
plentiful, high-grade lumber poured in from
58
Vernon Fueston is a Staff Writer for the Chowan Herald and Eastern North Carolina Living.
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59
ALL IN A Day’s Trip
t s i V WILMINGTON, NC
S tory and P hotos B y M eghan Grant
Here are some ideas for your trip.
One of our favorite spots to get away for a day trip or a weekend
getaway is Wilmington and its local beaches. The winter is such a
great time to visit, as it is usually less crowded and there can be some gorgeous days despite the season.
Grab Breakfast at Drift Coffee
There are several locations of Drift Coffee in the area and we stopped by the new location in downtown Wilmington. I had a gingerbread latte and an acai bowl while David had the breakfast burrito. It is definitely worth a stop in for some mid-morning fuel!
Enjoy Airlie Gardens
Stroll the historic Airlie Gardens for a morning adventure. We grabbed a cup of coffee to go and enjoyed a leisurely morning exploring the historic gardens. It is self-guided and has a variety of annual events, such as Enchanted Airlie, art shows, and more!
Visit The Wilmington Railroad Museum
If model trains are of interest, you’ll enjoy the Wilmington Railroad Museum’s model trains. One of their rooms features part of the Atlantic Coastal Line with stops in Wilson and Selma that have the most unique touches, including their farm baseball teams, county fairs, etc.
Check out Local Craft Breweries
We stopped by a couple of breweries in the Brooklyn Arts District, including Flytrap Brewing, which has an expanded beer garden and the nicest bartenders around. We also popped down the street to Edward Teach Brewery, which has ample seating.
60
Stroll the Wilmington Riverwalk, Market and Front Streets
Take a stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk and Market and Front streets. After walking the Riverwalk, head down to Chandler’s Wharf to have lunch at The Pilot House, a Wilmington establishment dating back to 1978. It’s a charming restaurant and I love the outdoor seating options.
Explore Cameron Art Museum
The Cameron Art Museum (CAM) provides a cultural gathering place that enriches the lives of museum visitors and the community through high-quality exhibitions, lifelong learning in the arts, dynamic public programs and stewardship and interpretation of the collection. CAM celebraed 60 years in 2022! 60+ looks forward to a bold future with works featured including art by Mary Cassatt, Minnie Evans, Claude Howell and more. Don’t Miss: CAM’s new USCT Park (opened in Nov. 2022), the only park in the nation created to honor the U.S. Colored Troops. In November 2021, the CAM unveiled “Boundless” a lifesize bronze sculpture by North Carolina artist Stephen Hayes who fashioned sculpture from the cast features of 11 African American men connected to the site and its story – USCT descendants, re-enactors, veterans, and community leaders. The outdoor sculpture and park are connected deeply to the community’s history, its present, and its future.
Grab Dinner Downtown
There is no shortage of delicious restaurants in Wilmington. We are big fans of Seabird, a delicious oyster restaurant; Caprice, a downtown Wilmington French bistro & staple; and PinPoint Restaurant, which features great local seafood surrounded by local artwork. Should you decide to make a weekend out of it, I cannot not recommend Dreamers by Dreamers Welcome, a perfectly located hotel in downtown Wilmington. If you prefer Wrightsville, check out the Blockade Runner Meghan Grant is the author of the blog “I’m Fixin’ To” and is a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
61
Grandma’s
Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.
The seasons come and go. Each brings its
ground makes everything quiet and still. We love
own weather and each is very different from the
to build snowmen, careen down a hill on a sled or
other.
make snow cream.
In spring, everything comes to life again. Flowers bloom and trees sprout out their leaves. The weather grows milder and we wear sweaters instead of heavy coats. Summer brings hot weather and lazy days. Children are out of school and families enjoy time together. Outdoor activities and barbecues are the thing. Vacations and trips to theme parks are part of the fun. Autumn comes and brings beautiful color. People travel long distances to see the beautiful displays. November brings Thanksgiving. We celebrate it with lots of food and all the family gathered in one place. We eat too much, laugh much and are thankful for all the good things with which God has blessed us. Winter brings in cold weather. Flowers die, leaves on the trees are gone and the landscape
the day has passed, you retreat into your home, pull the curtains and leave the world and the cold behind. If you are still raising a family or have a spouse, it is a time for shutting yourselves in with those who love you and have a little peace from the troubles or hard work of the day. It is a time for what we call “comfort food.” It is hardy foods: warm soup, stews, casseroles or one-pot meals. We like chili, chicken and rice, pot roasts with all the trimmings and any other food that fills us, warms us and brings us comfort from the cold of the day. A warm dessert is not amiss. A warm home, a hot meal and family to enjoy it with is hard to beat. One meal that is good in winter takes a
looks very bare. Sometimes the sleet and snow
little time but is easy. If you don’t have enough
make getting anywhere difficult.
time during the week, you could make it on the
Even so, falling snow is something to behold. Something about the blanket of snow on the
62
This is what I have enjoyed in winter. After
weekend and let it cook while you do other things or take a well deserved rest.
umplings C h i c k e n & Dto pot .
4 chicken breasts 4 carrots, cut small 4 celery ribs, diced zen 1 1/2 cup peas, canned or fro th bro n 1 container of chicke 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons cornstarch Dumplings
Bring to a simmer while you milk. Add Cut biscuits or mix Bisquick and and simmer to pot by tablespoon, cover about 15 minutes
Directions: h cut in Use 2 cans of biscuits eac quarters or milk Mix 2 cups Bisquick with 2/3 cup ery, cel s, rot Cook chicken breasts, car ut 45 peas and chicken broth abo minutes return Remove chicken and shred, to pot add Mix cornstarch with milk and
r e ahde r e it c a m e f r o m . degrees for B n i w 0 comes umpk e at 35 ’t k n o w
Had t
P o lo n g I d o n
ip e s h is r e c
k Bak toothpic or until r u o h 1 ugar n 3 cups s out clea minutes il o tand 10 p s u t c e 1 L n n ith s) from pa beate dust w in (2 cup 4 eggs, Remove k p d m n u a p m n l a a o C o re . c c z 16 o Let r or rs suga s flour s e p e n u v o c ti lo c c ½ 3 und confe oon gro icing namon ½ teasp in c cheese s n o o p s a te g 2½ ese Icin s water am Che e r cheese 2/3 cup C la m il a n oon va nce cre u p s o a 8 te 1 1 oft s nuts butter, s ns 2/3 cup ½ stick illa n a v s n Directio aspoo nd egg a te il rs sugar ½ o r, fectione se and e suga n ll in o e b c w m p ix o u c m C ee 1 pkin and am ch ix d at cre ntil well blende Add pum redients and m e B u g r d in e n a ll ry th d e e r w g d a at Ad butter to nfectioner sug r and be o c Add wate nd mix d Ad a d Add nuts greased poun well ix m f illa Pour in an use 2 loa tir in van S n (C a p e k ca pans)
Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.
63
County: Pasquotank Marker ID: A-13 Date Cast:1936-P
MARK IT!
MARKER TEXT
FIRST ASSEMBLY
IN 1665 THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY ASSEMBLY, THE
INITIAL LAWMAKING BODY IN CAROLINA, MET IN THIS AREA. CONVENED BY WM. DRUMMOND, GOVERNOR.
Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
T
The first legislative body in Carolina assembled in the Albemarle region, near present day Elizabeth City, in the middle of the seventeenth century. As more settlers established themselves in North Carolina, social, political and social disputes rendered government intervention a necessity. The Lord Proprietors, investors who oversaw all Carolina territories, appointed William Drummond governor of the Albemarle region in early 1665. Soon thereafter, Drummond assembled county representatives in order to create guidelines for future assemblies and address colonists’s complaints. In January of 1665, the Lords Proprietors ratified a provisional constitution for the Carolina colony, tasking Drummond with the appointment of colony officials in Albemarle. Drummond named a surveyor, secretary, several councilors, and asked colonists to elect district representatives. The first assembly elected a president to act in absence of the governor, to carry out mandated from the proprietors in London.
With the task complete, representatives addressed concerns among the colonists. The most common complaint in the colony was the amount of taxes levied on landowners. The proprietors instructed Drummond to issue free settlers ten-acre tracts of land to increase colonization. Drummond, however, chose to issue fifty-acre parcels, the equivalent of one head right. Every acre would accrue a halfpenny quitrent, or taxes owed to the proprietors for use of their land. Many colonists found the tax excessive, and complained to their representatives. In response, the first assembly gathered near present day Elizabeth City in the spring of 1665. The meeting concluded with representatives drafting a letter to proprietors asking an increase in head rights while lowering the quitrent, in effect extending the same terms to settlers in Carolina that settlers in Virginia already received. In 1668, the proprietors responded favorably in a document known as the Great Deed of Grant, validating the efforts of the first legislative assembly in Carolina.
US 17 at SR 1140 (Okisko Road) north of Little River REFERENCES
Lindley S. Butler, “The Governors of Albemarle County,” North Carolina Historical Review (Summer 1969): 280-299 Samuel A. Ashe, History of North Carolina, I (1908) William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, II, 107-108—sketch by Herbert R. Paschal William S. Powell, ed., Ye Countie of Albemarle in Carolina: A Collection of Documents, 1664-1675 (1958)
64
65
PARTING SHOTS By Thadd White
S
Since the current staff became responsible
day trip. You’ll find these and other stories,
has spent years refining his or her craft or a
for publishing Eastern North Carolina
including new recipes from Grandma’s
dad who tends the grill.
Living, we have done our best to mostly stick
Kitchen and a fun day trip to Wilmington
to themes. It’s the best way to make sure the
during the winter.
magazine has a flow and, many times, the theme catches the eyes of a new reader.
Please make sure you pick up a copy of Eastern Living six times a year and share it
Ever so often, however, we have compiled
with your friends and family. We also would
a list of stories that don’t necessarily have a
love it if you stop by our advertisers and tell
rhyme or reason to them. Sometimes they
them you saw them here.
are suggested to us and, at other times, our
I wanted to make sure we did this before
writers have stories they really want to tell.
we headed into 2024 for a particular reason.
When that happens, we publish an edition with the theme “Our Stories” because
We have big plans for the six editions we will put together next year.
they are just that – the stories of this region.
For one, we will be trying something
When you picked up this copy of ENCL, you
we never have in the 16-year history of this
grabbed the third such magazine over the last
publication. Instead of six different themes
four years.
next year, we will have one overlying theme
You’ll find everything in this edition from
broken down into sub-categories.
We will follow that up with a variety of others, including At Home in the Pulpit, At Home behind the whistle and others. It is something we’ve never tried with our magazine, but we are looking forward to carrying the theme throughout the coming year. If it works, we may try it again so keep in mind your thoughts so you can share them with us. And, whenever we do it again, we’ll need stories for the next “Our Stories” edition. Please feel free to email me at twhite@apgenc. com to share any stories you think would be good for our magazine. Until next time, remember… all who wander are not lost. Continue joining us
a place to get your boots custom made in
The overall theme for 2024 will be “At
Edgecombe County to a Halifax County man
Home” and we will begin with the January
as we wander through Beaufort, Bertie,
who was honored by the governor. There’s
edition starting things with “At Home in the
Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax,
new owners of a Martin County business
Kitchen.” We will be telling the stories of those
Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton,
known for its family heritage and Belvidere
who spend time in the kitchen – whether it’s a
Pasquotank,
in Perquimans County could make a nice
grandmother who loves cooking or a chef who
Washington and Wilson counties.
66
Perquimans,
Pitt,
Tyrrell,
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The Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce represents and advocates business interests, promotes economic growth, provides leadership in community affairs, enhances the quality of life for the people of Bertie County and provides services and programs for its members.
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Thankfully Thankfully Serving Serving Bertie County for Bertie County for 50 50Years! Years!
ForReservations: Reservations: For For Reservations: wfd43@embarqmail.com wfd43@embarqmail.com wfd43@embarqmail.com 252-724-0994 oror or252-724-0994 252-724-0994
Be kid again sleep treehouse! Be Beaa akid kidagain again–––sleep sleepinin inaaatreehouse! treehouse! Nestled along the Cashie River the treehouses ar the perfect place to relax
Nestled along thetheCashie River thethe treehouses ar ar thethe perfect place to relax Nestled Cashie River treehouses perfect place to relax and enjoyalong theawesome awesome view andthethe sounds nature. You may also and enjoy the view and sounds of of nature. You may also useuse and enjoy the awesome view and the sounds of nature. You may also use them as a base to explore the river on kayak/canoe, or hunting or fishing. them thethe river onon kayak/canoe, or or hunting or fishing. themasasa base a basetotoexplore explore river kayak/canoe, hunting or fishing.
TownofofWindsor Town Town of Windsor Windsor (252) 794-2331 (252) 794-2331 (252) 794-2331 www.windsornc.com www.windsornc.com www.windsornc.com
Windsorisismore more Windsor Windsor is more than a lifestyle! than thana alifestyle! lifestyle!
In memory of of In In memory memory of Dotsie Dunlow Dotsie Dunlow Dotsie Dunlow
Golden Golden Skillet Skillet 103 W. Granville St., • Windsor, NC 27983 tlee LL Liiitttttlle
103 W. W. Granville 103 Granville St., St., •• Windsor, Windsor, NC NC 27983 27983 (252) 794-3468 (252) 794-3468 (252) 794-3468
where history Bertie Bertie County County where where history meets meets adventure adventure Bertie County 51 67