Eastern Living - November 2023

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

!"!#$%!#&'&(

NO WORRY

ONE STOP

NO WAIT

The Pharmacy will resolve insurance issues and call your doctor for refills in advance...

Your prescription refills will be synchronized to be refilled the same time each month...

Your refilled prescriptions will be complete and ready for pick-up the same time each month...

We’ll Make All the Calls.

Reduce Visits to the Pharmacy.

Convenient & Customer Friendly.

SyncRx Program Open Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5pm

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

VISIT US AT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH AHOSKIE

JACKSON

RED OAK

506 E. MAIN ST.

208 WEST JEFFERSON ST.

8315 RED OAK BLVD.

AURORA

KILL DEVIL HILLS

ROANOKE RAPIDS

298 N. FIFTH ST.

202 S. CROATAN HWY.

1580 E. 10TH ST.

AYDEN

KITTY HAWK

ROBERSONVILLE

236 3RD ST.

4804 N. CROATAN HWY.

111 N. MAIN ST.

BELHAVEN

LEWISTON

ROCKY MOUNT

148 E. MAIN ST.

127 MAIN ST.

BETHEL

MANTEO

7458 MAIN ST.

704 S. HIGHWAY 64\264.

107 S. FAIRVIEW RD. 3690 SUNSET AVENUE 230 SUNSET AVENUE 1405 BENVENUE ROAD

EDENTON

MIDDLESEX

101 W. QUEEN ST.

11438 EAST FINCH AVE.

SCOTLAND NECK

ELIZABETH CITY

MURFREESBORO

1875 WEST CITY DR.

336 E. MAIN ST.

FARMVILLE

NASHVILLE

4217 E. CHURCH ST.

209 S. BARNES ST.

GATESVILLE

PINETOPS

203 MAIN ST.

102 E. HAMLET ST.

GREENVILLE

PLYMOUTH

2310 S. CHARLES BLVD. 2275 STANTONSBURG RD.

612 WASHINGTON ST.

810 S. MAIN ST.

SHARPSBURG 3938 S. HATHAWAY BLVD.

TARBORO 422 MAIN ST.

WINDSOR 101 N. KING ST.

WINTERVILLE 4259 WINTERVILLE PKWY.

www.southernbank.com

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!

Shaw’s Bar-B-Que

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES

HAMS, TURKEYS, ETC. COOKED

GIFT BASKET GOODIES

HOLIDAY TAKE HOME MEALS

GMANS HOMEMADE SAUSAGE & MORE!

BISCUITS FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING

Have Eastern North Carolina Living Delivered To Your Mailbox!

202 West Boulevard • Williamston, NC • 252-792-5339

EAS LIV TERN N O

ING Maadned

adadnneedd M M y h bby ha

by h FINE

N ESIG OF D LITY SNI G N QUA FE SDI EG THE T YF OD D BY I AT YL I O FINE EU AQ LU T DE Y ET HQ DY BT H N AR FEIDN EB IS A TE FDI EN HIP NR TA RD ANS AI SN AA FTSM ISPH I SP CRA N SAHN M FINE ASFMT AS T R F C A R I NC E F I NFE

CRAF

aded M by han FINE

C: 252.717.5671 O: 252-753-2021 F: 252-753-8674

email: jmizell@superiorpropane.com website: www.superiorpluspropane.com

CRA

FTSM

ANS

HIP

IS A

N AR

T

NED DEFI

IP IS

AN A

CA

RT D

RO

EFIN

L I

ED B

N A

Y TH

E QU

ALIT

Y OF

DESI

GN

SO

14.

GA APPLIASN SALES &CE SERVICE

NSH

H

OALTEMN H

3138 NC 121 N - Farmville, NC 27828

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TSMA

Wor ds do

$

RT

BY T

HE Q

UALI

TY O

have

mea

ning

95

F DE

SIGN

plus tax

6 Issues Call 252-329-9505 to subscribe!

15

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

The care you trust has a new name Kindred at Home is now CenterWell Home Health At CenterWell™ Home Health, you can expect the same personalized, in-home care dedicated to helping you maintain your independence. From our hearts to your home, we’re grateful to be walking alongside you towards your best health.

For more information: Call 252-946-7145 Visit CenterWellHomeHealth.com

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

• No one beats our prices!

Y E S T E R DAY ’ S G R E AT E S T T R E A S U R E S - - TO DAY

• We carry and service all makes and models • We accept all insurance • We accept Medicare • In-house financing is Available • VA for FREE • We service all OTC

No one beats our Prices or Customer Service

Jay Nichols Owner/HIS-BC

A1 Affordable Hearing, LLC 3722 Main St. Farmville NC Farmville, NC • (252) 347-2495 OPEN: Wed-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Greenville: 232 Greenville Blvd SE

Ph: (252) 999-4994

Washington: 2013 W. 15th St., Ste 105 Williamston: 237 Green St.

www.a1affordablehearingnc.com

Bertie AmBulAnce Service, inc.

AlSo DBA eAStern meDicAl trAnSport AnD AmericAn lifeline

Compassion • pride • respeCt Proudly serving Northeastern NC since 1996!

CORPORATE OFFICE Bertie, Martin..............................252-794-9141 Bertie,Hertford, Hertford,Chowan, Martin, Chowan, Pasquotank, Dare..................252-794-9141 CORPORATE OFFICE Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Edgecombe..................252-535-3713 Halifax, Nash, Northampton............................................................252-535-3713 BERTIE CO. Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrell, Washington, Dare.................252-943-3775 BERTIE CO. King St. Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington..............................................252-794-9141 606 South Vance, Warren, Franklin..............................................877-757-1121 NC 27983 606 SOUTH KING ST., Warren, Person, Vance, Franklin, Granville..................................252-879-0015Windsor, Virginia Operators 252-794-9141 WINDSOR, OR NC 27983 Tidewater Area.............................................................757-638-7091 Virginia Operators 252-794-9141 OR TOLL FREE 877-757-1121 Old Dominion...............................................................434-447-2213 TOLL FREE 877-757-1121

Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk.....................................757-938-9797

26

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

• 2 Pools • Tennis

• Boating • Fishing

FAMILY CAMPGROUND

• Par 3 & Mini-Golf • Entertainment • Camp Store

• Cabin Rentals

• Climate-controlled Clubhouse • Propane Refills

• Planned Activities

252-792-3939

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 888-792-3939

1679 Green Acres Rd. Williamston, NC 27892

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.greenacresnc.com

Family Memberships are available for day use of the Green Acres Facilities

Nancy Winslow REALTOR

252.813.1096

nancywinslowhomes.com Email: nancywinslow@kw.com

1708 E. Arlington Blvd.

Greenville, NC 27858 EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

NOW OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION

Drs. Mills & Matthews Eye Clinic

Dr. Robert C. Mills, OD Dr. Scott Matthews, OD

316 S. McCaskey Road-Williamston (formerly Dr. Skahill’s office)

252-792-2250

Give us a call for your complete family eye care • Glasses • Contact Lenses • Management and treatment of eye disease

HOURS: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM 32

East Carolina Timber, LLC

Buyers of Standing Hardwood & Pine Timber Vince Taylor

3930 Bear Grass Rd. Williamston, NC 27892

Mobile/Office: 252-799-7857 Fax: 252-792-6717 eastcarolinatimberco@embarqmail.com

Georgia Deans restaurant & bar Williamston, NC 27892 (252) 789-1188 georgiadeans27892@gmail.com Full Service Catering & Onsite Wedding Venue at The Roanoke Country Club, located behind the restaurant Open all day Wednesday-Saturday at 11am

Town of Ahoskie “The Only One” Serving great food since 1973

Located behind Walgreens

Formally Catherine’s Restaurant

Private Party/Banquet Space Available

Golden Skillet 706 Catherine Creek Rd. S. Ahoskie, NC 27910 (252) 332-5111

CSIC is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational body of believers whose vision is to love all people, win them to Christ, build them in discipleship, and send them out to fulfill their divine destiny!

903 S. Catherine Creek Rd • Ahoskie, NC (252) 332-6113 www.csicministries.com

33

Belhaven Birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

We know that you have dreams— large or small—for yourself, for your family, and for your community. We’d be honored to help you achieve them.

Meet Your Local Dream Maker BRIDGET JEFFERSON BRANCH MANAGER NMLS 1073147 bjefferson@localfirstbank.com Belhaven 770 West Main Street Phone 252-943-2149 ext 11202

LOCALFIRSTBANK.COM Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

Get to fast, reliable internet!

Experience lightning-fast speeds with little to no interruptions, no matter how many devices are connected.

844.238.0131 | myriverstreet.net

34

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.

COASTAL MEDICAL TRANSPORT

4 Locations To Serve You!

Whitford & Associates, Inc.

“We Treat Your Family Like They Are Our Family” 308 S. Pearl Street, WILLIAMSTON, NC 101 S. Granville Street, WINDSOR, NC 122 West 5th Street, WASHINGTON, NC 1834 Progress Road, GREENVILLE, NC

Explore Washington Treat yourself to world class restaurants, eclectic shops and one of a kind boutiques

(252) 792-8929 (252) 794-4149 (252) 946-1449 (252) 329-1222

Great Rates & Service Since 1950 4 Home 4 Flood 4 Life 4 Auto 4 Business 4 Boat 245 W. Main St., Washington, NC

252-946-6114 www.sloanagency.com

39

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

Visit Historic

Plymouth, NC Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA

“Best eggs, grits and sausage in the world,” he said.

and Sports Director and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

Shop & Dine at the Stores & Restaurants in downtown

Fresh Made Peanut Butter, Homemade Peanut Brittle Snack Nuts and Chocolates, Boiled Peanuts, Fine Gifts Custom Gift Baskets, Gourmet Foods and so much more!

30871 US Hwy 64 E • Jamesville, NC 27846 ph 252.793.2993 • fx 252.791.0065 Toll-free: 888-637-6887 “We Ship for Christmas or Anytime!” Order online!

www.mfpnuts.com

43

Explore Williamston Locally owned & operated Edward, Toby & Greg Casper

Open Monday thru Friday 7 am to 5:30 pm

44

We just made buying or selling your home simple.

Paul Roberson, Jr.

Ben Turlingtron

Realtor/Broker Associate (Washington Office)

Kendal Edmondson

Broker-in-Charge (Washington Office)

Riverside Realty Group Inc. 2289 W. 5th St. Unit 100 Washington NC 27889

Realtor

Mary Anne Corey Crowe Realtor

2289 W. 5th St. Unit 100 Washington NC 27889

(252) 217-3938 - Mobile

Riverside Realty Group Inc. 2289 W. 5th St. Unit 100 Washington NC 27889

406 Washington St. Williamston, NC 27982

(252) 217-5364 Mobile

MaryAnne@RiversideRealty.Group www.RiversideRealty.Group

Paul@RiversideRealty.Group www.RiversideRealty.Group

(252) 799-6711 Mobile ben@RiversideRealty.Group www.RiversideRealty.Group

(252) 557-2557-Office (252) 217-4629 Mobile Kendal@RiversideRealty.Group www.RiversideRealty.Group

45

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

www.farmville-arts.org

www.facebook.com/farmvillearts

49

MATTRESS SALE RELAX YOUR WAY. IMP E BED RIAL PR DING

I

Hundreds of Recliner options to choose from

50

TO SCED ELL

We Carry 2-Sided Mattresses

ANY PHONE

FREE NEW & CURRENT

CUSTOMERS

GET THE GIFT OF CONNECTION

EZ Page, UScellular® Authorized Agent 507 E. Main St., Ahoskie, (252) 332-7900

Requires smartphone purchase via 36 month installment contract, eligible postpaid service plan, and paperless billing. Paid via 36 monthly bill credits. Credit varies.

Trade-in may be required. Taxes, fees and add. terms apply.

Things we want you to know: Requires credit approval. Purchase a smartphone with an MSRP of up to $200 on an Unlimited Basic, Everyday or Even Better Plan and receive a credit equal to the MSRP. Purchase a smartphone with an MSRP of up to $500 on an Unlimited Everyday or Even Better Plan and receive a credit equal to the MSRP. Purchase a smartphone with an MSRP of up to $830 on an Unlimited Even Better and trade-in a qualified smartphone device and receive a credit equal to the MSRP. Purchase a Smartphone with an MSRP of up to $1,920 on an Unlimited Even Better Plan and trade-in a device =>$200 and receive a credit equal to the MSRP. Additional terms apply. See uscellular.com/terms for details including obligations to serve Kansas customers. Store locations listed are owned and operated by a UScellular Authorized Agent. ©2023 UScellular.

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.

MENTION EASTERN LIVING MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE D I S C O U N T E D P R I C I N G O N O U R E N T I R E S E L E C T I ON OF NEW & USED PIANOS AND ACCESSORIES

A third-generation family-owned business serving the Triangle and beyond since 1958. Offering an educational approach to new & used piano selection, piano service & more!

North Carolina's Most Complete Piano Showroom & Service Center YAMAHA | BÖSENDORFER | ESTONIA | SCHIMMEL | CLAVINOVA

WWW.RUGGEROPIANO.COM | 919.839.2040 | RALEIGH, NC

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,

Inc. Carolina CarolinaPine Pine&&Hardwood, Hardwood,Inc. Inc.

Hardwood Buyers BuyersofofStanding StandingPine Pineand andHardwood Hardwood Pulpwood Sawtimber Sawtimberand andPulpwood Pulpwood PO POBox Box607 607 231 231US US13 13Bypass Bypass Windsor, 27983 Windsor,NC NC27983 27983 www.carolinapinehardwood.com www.carolinapinehardwood.com www.carolinapinehardwood.com Phone: Phone:(252) (252)794-2780 794-2780 794-2780 Mobile:(252) (252)209-5582 209-5582 Mobile: 209-5582

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.

121 Granville Granville Street, Street, Windsor, Windsor, NC 121 NC 27983 27983 windsorbertie.com www.windsorbertiechamber.com (252) 794-4277 794-4277 (252)

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