Lake Gaston Lake Life October 2020

lakelife FALL 2020

Lake Gaston

CAMP WILLOW RUN

“Everything Train”

THE SPIRITS

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ENCOUNTERS

with Beavers

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inside LakeLife Lake Gaston | Fall 2020

5 Finding something to be thankful for

34 The spirits of Weldon

6 Camp Willow Run “Everything train”

44 Close encounters (of the positive kind) with beavers

12 How to approach hosting Thanksgiving during the pandemic

52 How to create a durable gingerbread house

28 Life on the farm 30 Snapshots by Nancy Clayton Moorefield

LakeLife Lake Gaston is published quarterly

by Womack Publishing Company and Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer.

56 Bracey History Project team refuses to let COVID-19 slow them down

Ad Executive: Heather Abbott ads@lakegastongazette-observer.com 252-213-3520

Photographers: Ivan Richardson, Kellen Holtzman, Nancy Clayton Moorefield, and Lea Beazley Writers: Joanna Buck, Lea Beazley, and Kellen Holtzman

Graphic Design: Amanda Meadows

Cover Photo: Ivan Richardson

LakeLife Design: Hope Callahan LakeGastonGazetteObserver

@lakegastongo

Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer 378 Lizard Creek Road Littleton, NC 27850 252-586-2700 lakegastongazette-observer.com © 2020 Womack Publishing Co.

lakelifelg

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Lake Gaston Triangle Area 1847 Eaton Ferry Road 480 Bobbitt Road Established in May 1971, Overby Marine Sales Service Littleton, NCand 27850 Kittrell,inNC 27544 Established May 1971, Overby Marine Sales and Service offers offers boaters the best name-brand boats, motors, & trailers.

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Established in May 1971, Overby Sales and Service offers Established in MayMarine 1971, Overby Marine Sales and Service offers Lake Gaston Triangle boatersArea the bestboaters in name-brand boats, motors, & trailers. the best in name-brand boats, motors, & trailers.

1847 Lake EatonGaston Ferry Road Triangle Area 480 Bobbitt Road 1 847 Eaton Ferry Road NC 27850 480 Bobbitt Road Kerr Lake Littleton, Raleigh NC 27544 LakeKittrell, Gaston We are family-owner and operated and have grown for over 40 years We are family-owner and operated and have grown for over 40 years Littleton, NC 27850 252-586-3593 Kittrell, NC 27544 704-438-5338 252-586-3593 becuase of our252-438-5338 commitment to commitment satisfied customers. becuase of our to252-438-5338 satisfied customers.

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Lake Gaston Lake Gaston Triangle Area Triangle Area 1 847 Eaton Ferry Road 480 Bobbitt Road 1847 Eaton Ferry Road 480 Bobbitt Road Littleton, NC 27850 Kittrell, NC 27544 Littleton, NC 27850 Kittrell, NC 27544 252-586-3593252-586-3593 704-438-5338704-438-5338

Finding something to be thankful for T

he middle of a global pandemic is a heck of a time to start a job at a newspaper.

When recounting my first three months at the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer, it’s hard not to think about how COVID-19 has impacted lake businesses and life in general, especially during what should have been a busy summer.

The last time the U.S. experienced a public health crisis that was taking tens of thousands of lives, the 1918 flu pandemic, Lake Gaston did not even exist, let alone this newspaper.

Some people may have finally gotten used to life during COVID-19, in some regard, but KELLEN HOLTZMAN we’re still in unReporter precedented territory marked with uncertainty.

That’s clear when thinking about the myriad ways festivities and functions around the lake have been altered. No Lake Gaston Lions Club Seafood Festival. No Littleton-Lake Gaston Festival. No The Crossing. No Ladies of the Lake Holiday Home Tour. To name only a few.

In the story that was written announcing my hire in June, I was quoted as saying, “I’d like to know more about what makes the area so special.”

I said it in reference to local wakesurfers Jay Baker and Christine Vacula raving about Lake Gaston and how they chose to live here, or at least buy a home here in Vacula’s case, when they could have gone so many other places around the country.

Yes, the lake water itself is one of the things that makes the area appealing, especially for watersports, but not what makes it truly inviting or befitting of the word “community.”

So what makes Lake Gaston special? Have I seen enough to know?

Probably not, though I have absorbed enough, even if only from the long list of cancelations, to get some idea of what all the fuss is about.

In July, I watched the annual Fourth of July Boat Parade from the shores of Six Pound Creek. Organizer Charles Ledbetter told me beforehand he expected a big turnout because people were tired of hearing the word “canceled.” He was right.

More than a hundred boats took part.

The same weekend Lake Gaston local Joey Baird, a Brunswick County, Va. native and resident, caught a North Carolina-record blue catfish weighing 121 pounds and 9 ounces. He received $10,000 from a Roxboro, N.C.-based fishing company for the catch, but donated it to the Gasburg, Va. Volunteer Fire Department, of which he is a member, to put towards a rescue boat.

I witnessed congregants at Lakeside Lutheran Church and Kingswood United Methodist Church sit in their cars for drive-in services. Who could have seen that coming a few LakeLife editions ago?

I sat in the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center theatre with Executive Director Peter Holloway, just before a state-of-the-art renovation commenced and not long after the theatre’s old administration building and dressing rooms were demolished.

Holloway didn’t want to get wrapped up in lamenting the old, but rather look forward to the new.

Exciting and transformative ventures are on the horizon for Lakeland, the Town of Littleton and Lake Gaston.

Despite the trying times, there is room for hope and plenty to feel grateful for as the calendar winds down.

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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CAMP

Willow Run “Everything train”

A recent photo of E&A Engine 100 at its current home at Camp Willow Run. The boxcars behind her were donated by Southern Railway and Norfolk and Western.

Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ.

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By LEA BEAZLEY “Everything train” is found at Camp Willow Run. There’s an old locomotive, 22 boxcars that serve as dormitories for campers, two baggage cars and a caboose. In addition, the dining hall is built to replicate an 1890 train depot, and the camp’s red and white sign near the entrance says “CWR, ON THE RIGHT TRACK.” The camp’s marketing literature touts “exciting weeks aboard the good ol’ Gospel train.” Even the meeting facilities, The Crossing and The Junction, have railroad names.

As if having a train-themed Christian camp isn’t unique enough, the locomotive resting at Camp Willow Run is, according to Dr. Bill Blackley, chairman of the Elkin Valley Trails Association, the first engine used by the Elkin & Alleghany (E&A) Railway. Built in 1911, the Elkin & Alleghany Engine 100 is a Baldwin 2-8-0.

According to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American manufacturer of railroad locomotives founded in 1832 that “built more steam locomotives than any other institution in the world by the time construction was phased out in the early 1950s.” The 2-8-0 represents the wheel arrangement: two leading wheels on one axle, eight powered and coupled driving wheels on four axles, and zero trailing wheels.

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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Railroad engineer Dallas McCoin on Elkin & Alleghany Engine 100 in March 1912.

Photo courtesy of James W. Partin.

History of the E&A Railroad Construction on the E&A railroad line began in 1907 in Elkin, N.C. The purpose of the line was to connect the Richmond & Danville Railroad in Elkin, N.C., with the Norfolk & Western line in Jefferson, N.C., 60 miles away.

“The E&A was very profitable the first 10 years, allowing abundant natural resources to be carried from the mountains to foothills and Piedmont markets. Chestnut tannin and lumber were the primary freight,” said Blackley. “The building of U.S. Hwy. 21 from Elkin to Sparta made the line obsolete, however, and it was never completed. Only 18 miles of track were ever laid, and the railway closed in 1931.”

Elkin Embraces Its History Elkin is located about 200 miles west of Littleton in Surry

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and Wilkes counties along the Yadkin River. The town has embraced it history. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Elkin offers historic walking tours. Six displays along one of the tours are dedicated to the Elkin & Alleghany Railway. The one entitled “Elkin & Alleghany Engine 100” shows engineer Dallas McCoin standing in the cab of Engine 100 after a late winter snow in March 1912 and reads: “This engine survives today at Camp Willow Run in Littleton, N.C.” As revealed by old photos provided on the Facebook page of Youth Camps for Christ, Engine 100 was quite rusty when it first arrived at Camp Willow Run. It received a paint job shortly after, and to this day, looks pretty amazing for a 1911 locomotive!

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E&A Engine 100 was quite rusty upon arrival at Camp Willow Run, but it wasn’t long before she received a proper sandblasting and painting. Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ

A digitized slide photo of the Carolina blue E&A Engine at Camp Willow Run. Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ 10

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Left: The boxcars in the early 70s before they were painted red. Right: Four campers, likely in the 80s, in front of red boxcars. Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ About Camp Willow Run Camp Willow Run is located on Lake Gaston near Littleton, at the mouth of Little Stonehouse Creek. Owned and operated by Youth Camps for Christ, Inc., the nonprofit, interdenominational Christian camp began in 1968 as a day camp and opened as a co-ed residential camp in the summer of 1970. According to its website, “The three-fold purpose of Camp Willow Run is to win youth to Christ, help mature those who are already Christians and demonstrate that you can be a Christian and have fun.” The site continues, “Every effort is made to ensure a safe, actionfilled experience for each camper. The Christian lifestyle is demonstrated by a carefully selected staff and taught through Bible study, devotions, music, and times of personal interaction.”

The camp offers both week-long summer camps and weekend retreats.

Camp Willow Run’s summer program is available June through August to children in grades 6 through 12. From September to May, it hosts retreats for Christian organizations and conducts its own in-house retreats. To learn more about Camp Willow Run, visit campwillowrun.org. A sister camp called Camp Willow Springs is located right next door. Its summer program is available to rising 3rd through 6th grade students. To learn more about this camp, visit campwillowsprings.org.

The Southern Railway caboose on its way to Camp Willow Run likely in the early 1970s. Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ

The “1890 Train Depot” dining hall in the early years. This image can be found with 805 others on the Youth Camps for Christ Facebook page in the “CWR’S Converted Picture Slides” album. Photo courtesy of Youth Camps for Christ Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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uch like the holidays that preceded it in 2020, Thanksgiving figures to be different this year. An ongoing pandemic has changed the way much of the world lives their lives, including how holidays are celebrated.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread across the globe beginning in the winter of 2019-20, the World Health Organization recommended a host of behaviors designed to prevent the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable to it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also noted the importance of keeping distance from others, especially for those who are most likely to get seriously ill if they’re exposed to COVID-19, such as

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the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

The WHO and the CDC continue to recommend social distancing, which means Thanksgiving in 2020 will be unlike any other. Families must make their own decisions about getting together this holiday season, but hosts who intend to welcome guests into their homes this Thanksgiving can take certain steps to keep everyone as safe as possible.

• Scale back the guest list. Families accustomed to large Thanksgiving gatherings can scale the festivities back this year in an effort to keep everyone safe. Consider hosting a meal for immediate family members only, as the Environmental Protection Agency notes that COVID-19 may spread more easily in indoor environments via airborne particles. Extended family members can visit each other over the long holiday weekend to ensure everyone still sees each other, but keep such visits outdoors when possible.

• Consider eating Thanksgiving dinner outside. If the weather permits, consider eating Thanksgiving dinner outside this year. Doing so may limit everyone’s exposure to the respiratory droplets that researchers say can spread the virus when inhaled. If necessary, serve the meal earlier than you normally would so everyone can

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eat in midday when it’s still warm outside. Hosts also can consider serving something more convenient than turkey, which takes a long time to cook, and limiting side dishes to one or two items.

• Assign seats. If the meal will be served indoors, then hosts can assign seats to protect those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19. Instead of cramming everyone in at one table, set up temporary tables and have guests sit in every other seat rather than next to one another. Isolate the vulnerable as much as possible while still ensuring they can engage in conversation.

• Discourage guests from attending if they feel sick. A list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.cdc.gov.

In the days prior to Thanksgiving, hosts can share that list with guests via email or social media and discourage guests who are feeling ill on or around the holiday from attending the festivities. If necessary, make a to-go plate for ill relatives and drop it off at their homes so they can still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

• Stock up on hand soap and hand sanitizer. Hosts should make sure hand soap and sanitizer is readily available throughout their homes. When guests arrive, make sure everyone washes their hands immediately, and encourage guests to continue doing so throughout the day.

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Thanksgiving will be different in 2020. Hosts need to adjust their normal Thanksgiving routines to ensure the safety of their guests.

While there are no laws governing which dishes must appear on Thanksgiving dinner tables, for many the fourth Thursday of November simply would not be complete without turkey. Turkey can be cooked in various ways, but roasting might be the most popular method used by Thanksgiving celebrants.

This recipe for “Herb-Roasted Turkey” from Yolanda Banks’ “Cooking for Your Man” (Broadway Books) produces a mouth-watering bird that’s sure to make a lasting impression this Thanksgiving.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Serves 10

INGREDIENTS 12 tablespoons (11⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1⁄4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, plus 4 whole sprigs 1 large sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, plus 2 whole sprigs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 4 whole sprigs 15 leaves fresh sage, chopped, plus 3 whole leaves 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the turkey 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the turkey 1 15-pound turkey 1 lemon, quartered 8 shallots, peeled and halved 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock 2⁄3 cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

2. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 F. Sprinkle the main cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the whole sprigs of parsley, rosemary and thyme and the sage leaves into the cavity.

Add the lemon, 4 shallot halves and half of the garlic cloves.

3. Starting at the neck end, carefully slide a hand between the skin and the breast meat to loosen the skin. Spread 3 tablespoons of the herb butter over the breast meat under the skin. Tuck the wing tips under the skin, and tie the legs together to hold the shape. Season the turkey generously all over with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey on a wire rack set in a large roasting pan.

Rub 4 tablespoons of the herb butter over the turkey. Roast about 30 minutes, until golden brown, and reduce the heat to 350 F. Baste the turkey with 1⁄2 cup of the broth.

Cover only the breast area with a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Scatter the remaining shallots and garlic cloves in the pan around the turkey.

5. Continue to roast the turkey for about 11⁄2 hours, basting with 1⁄2 cup of broth every 30 minutes.

Remove the foil from the turkey breast. Continue to roast the turkey, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, about 1 hour longer, until it’s golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 F. Transfer the turkey to a platter and brush with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

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6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots and garlic from the roasting pan to a plate. Transfer the pan juices to a medium bowl, then skim off and discard the fat. Set the pan over two burners on medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with the wine and 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until it’s reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large measuring glass. Add the degreased pan juices, and broth, if necessary, to equal 3 cups of liquid.

7. Blend the flour into the remaining herb butter until combined. Pour the broth mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the herb-butter mixture.

Add any accumulated juices from the turkey platter and boil until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon, whisking occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add the remaining shallots and garlic to the gravy and simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Serve the turkey with the gravy.

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Sweet potatoes are a favorite side dish at Thanksgiving dinner tables. Packed with vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and delectable flavor, sweet potatoes have earned their place on holiday dinner tables. While many holiday hosts bake, fry or mash their sweet potatoes, these beloved tubers can be prepared in other ways as well.

If you want to put a new twist on this Thanksgiving staple, whip up this recipe for “Sweet Potato Quiche,” courtesy of the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission. Submitted to the NC State Fair Tailgate Recipe Contest by Kristen Frybort, this recipe marries sweet tubers with decadent cheese, rich cream and savory spices.

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cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes 3⁄4 cup yellow onion, diced 21⁄2 tablespoons olive oil

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1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Black pepper to taste Egg mixture: 4 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced 1⁄2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced 11⁄2 teaspoons salt 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper 3

ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded Pre-baked deep dish pie crust

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix together the first five ingredients and place on baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

While sweet potatoes and onions are roasting, shred cheese and set aside. Whisk the egg mixture and set aside.

Once potatoes and onions have finished roasting, spoon them into the prebaked pie shell. Next, layer the shredded cheese on top of the sweet potatoes.

Reduce oven to 375 F. Pour egg mixture over the cheese and potatoes. Place quiche in the oven on a center rack.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until eggs are set. ­— Besides the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” nothing says “autumn” more than tart cranberries. Cranberries are a major component of Thanksgiving feasts, turning up alongside and atop turkey as well as in quick breads and desserts.

Cranberries are loaded with

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health benefits, which include reducing the risk for ulcers and preventing gum disease. Also, just eight ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains 137 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cranberries can even be used to craft great cocktails.

Move over mulled ciders, this crisp “Cranberry Margarita” from The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association makes a great autumn-inspired beverage.

Cranberry Margarita

Serves 1 11⁄2 shots of tequila 1 shot of cranberry juice cocktail 1⁄4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce 1⁄2 shot of triple sec 10 ice cubes Sweetened dried cranberries, for garnish,Lime, for garnish Combine all ingredients except garnish in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frosty.

Serve in a frosty glass. Garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wheel.

— Certain foods are synonymous with particular holidays or times of year. For example, few people can imagine celebrating Valentine’s Day without ample supplies of chocolate on hand. And what summer barbecue is complete without grilled hot dogs and hamburgers?

Apples, and particularly apple pie, are a staple of many holiday season celebrations. That’s especially true when the apples are fresh.

6

1⁄2 1⁄4 11⁄2 11⁄2 2 1⁄4 1⁄2 1⁄4 1⁄2 11⁄2

t ab l espoons wat er teaspoon lemon juice cup light corn syrup teaspoons all-purpose flour teaspoons sugar apples (preferably a tart variety) cup brown sugar cup sugar teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground nutmeg teaspoons cornstarch

I c ing 1 c up c onf ec t ioners’ sug ar 2 t ab l espoons wat er 1 t ab l espoon b ut t er, sof t ened

F r enc h Appl e P ie Makes one 9 -inc h pie

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recipe Plain Pie Pastry (see below)

Raisin F il l ing 2⁄3 cup raisins

T o m ake t h e raisin f il l ing , c om b ine t h e raisins, wat er and l em on j uic e in a h eav y sauc epan ov er m edium h eat . B ring t o a b oil , t h en l ower t h e h eat t o m edium l ow and c ook, st irring oc c asional l y unt il t h e raisins are pl um p, ab out 15 m inut es.

S eparat el y, c om b ine t h e c orn syrup, f l our and sug ar and m ix wel l , t h en add t o t h e raisins and c ont inue c ooking , st irring oc c asional l y, unt il t h ic k and syrupy, ab out 10 m inut es. Rem ov e f rom t h e h eat and c ool unt il t h e m ix t ure is j ust warm , ab out 10 t o 15 m inut es.

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a 9-inch pie plate wit h 1 rol l ed-out c rust .

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Peel the apples, cut them into thin wedges, and put them in a large bowl. Separately, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, then add to the apples and gently stir until evenly mixed.

Spread the apple mixture in the crust in an even layer, then spread the raisin filling evenly over the apples. Brush the rim of the crust with water, cover with the second rolled-out crust, seal and flute or crimp the edges, and cut a steam vent in the center.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours, until completely cool.

To make the icing, combine the sugar and water and mix well. Add the butter and mix until smooth.

Brush over the top of the cooled pie before serving.

Plain Pie Pastry

Makes two 9-inch pie crusts 2 1

24

cups all-purpose flour teaspoon salt

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2â „3 cup vegetable shortening 5 to 7 tablespoons cold milk Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until it is the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the milk over part of the flour mixture. Gently toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Sprinkle another tablespoon of milk over another dry part, toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Repeat with the remaining milk until all of the flour mixture is moistened.

Press the dough together to form 2 equal balls, then flatten into disks. Roll out the crusts right away, or wrap the dough tightly, smoothing out any little wrinkles or air pockets and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to a thickness of 1â „8 inch. Use a light touch and handle the dough as little as possible.

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Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 27

Life on the farm An unwelcome visitor

By Joanna Buck

28

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

“She waS

evil and uninvited, but She came anyway — and came with a vengeance, Singing an unforgettable, mournful tune...”

H

er name was Hazel. She was evil and uninvited, but she came anyway -- and came with a vengeance, singing an unforgettable, mournful tune in triple forte, her broad skirts whipping all about.

It was October 1954. Daddy was pinhooking tobacco in upstate Virginia. Mama was home. Sonny Boy, Margaret Ann and I were in school, oblivious to Hurricane Hazel’s arrival. No means of communication. Only a battery-operated radio which, up until that day, made no mention of the coming storm.

Near noon we school children were having lunch in the cafeteria when the principal came in and announced we were to get on our buses immediately. “Don’t go back to the main building for books, wraps, nothing. Go home now!”

We had no idea why the rapid departure, but I quickly found bus No.r 31 and boarded and was relieved to see my siblings already on board.

As we rode, the bus was buffeted by increasing winds, and fear grew evermore present within me. Upon finally reaching our stop, the three of us, hand in hand, ran down the path to our house, where we spotted Mama standing at the front door wringing her hands, never a more comforting sight for us or her.

Our chickens, dogs and mules had found their way into their respective nighttime homes, but our cow, Fancy, was still staked out in the pasture. Sonny Boy ran out and led her into the barn. Then we just hunkered down for the unknown to occur. All of a sudden the fierce winds blew open the back door. It took Mama, Sonny Boy and Margaret Ann pushing against it to get it closed. I was of no help.

I ran into Mama’s room and jumped into the bed. My decision was soon followed by the other three. There the four of us lay, finding comfort huddled together, listening to the wind and rain, becoming more frightened, for what seemed to be an eternity. Limbs in our grove of mighty oaks breaking and crashing to the ground, windows of our house belching in and out, tin ripping from the roofs of our outbuildings -- on and on went the

onslaught. Finally it was over, or so we thought.

Sonny Boy and I ventured out to check on the livestock. It was the calmest of calms, and the quietest of quiets. No wind. No rain.

The earth was perfectly still. Not an animal sound. Not a bird in flight or chirping. Not a leaf stirring. The sky an eerie yellow haze. Little did we know Hazel’s evil eye was passing over.

We soon heard the familiar roar of the wind again and saw distant treetops bending. Then came the back end of the storm, and we hurried inside and renewed our commitment to each other in Mama’s bed.

After several more tortuous hours, the storm began to subside, and we began to move about. Bands of wind and rain continued, but allowed us to survey damage and check on the livestock. We could not ignore our blessings. Our house had sustained no major damage, and the massive oaks in the grove around our house were all still standing strong and tall -- just some small limbs and branches had fallen -- an easy cleanup.

Our rope swing, which hung from an oak limb, was knotted up in the tree, later retrieved with the use of a long cane fishing pole.

We had no electricity as we settled in for the evening, so Mama stoked up the wood cook stove. For supper we had country-style steak with brown onion gravy, creamed potatoes and buttermilk biscuits.

I don’t remember what else; I just know that supper was comforting to my body and soul.

Asking the blessing was a rite usually reserved for Daddy, but this night, in his absence, Mama addressed the Almighty. With heads bowed and eyes closed we thanked God for sparing us and our house and asked that Daddy would be safe and sound and home soon.

Two days later prayers were answered. Daddy came home. His homecoming had been delayed by Hazel. No gas available due to power outages. We had many stories to share with him, and he with us.

Hazel had come. Hazel had gone.

We all remained somewhat shaken, but evermore grateful for the safety of home and family.

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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SNAPSHOTS

by Nancy Clayton Moorefield The beauty of the lake was once again capture by the lens of Nancy Clayton Moorefield, of Tanglewood Shores.

As fall and winter approach, we can look back and enjoy a few of her photos from this past summer.

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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B-3 Alma Lynch....................................................... 1 B-2 Americamps ..................................................... 2 B-2 Anchorage ........................................................ 3 B-2 Ancor Cove ...................................................... 4 B-6 Arcadia ............................................................. 5 A-1 Baird-Martin ..................................................... 6 B-5 Bairds Point...................................................... 7 A-3 Barker .............................................................. 8 B-6 Beaver Creek ................................................... 9 B-4 Beach Ridge .................................................. 10 B-3 Beechwood .................................................... 11 A-1 Beechwood Estates ....................................... 12 C-6 Bluebird Point .................................................. 3 B-5 Blue Heron Park............................................. 14 A-2 Boyds Mill....................................................... 15 A-6 Bradley Acres ................................................. 16 A-2 Brandon Grove............................................... 17 A-4 Braswell ......................................................... 18 A-1 Breezy Acres .................................................. 19 B-6 Bridgewater Cove .......................................... 20 B-6 Buccaneer Point............................................. 22 A-2 Buckhead ....................................................... 23

32

C-3 Buck Springs.................................................. 24 B-4 Buggs Point.................................................... 25 B-3 Burwell Acres ................................................. 26 C-4 Canaan Shores .............................................. 27 A-1 Cannons Ferry ............................................... 28 B-5 Carolina Pines................................................ 29 B-5 Cedar Hill ....................................................... 30 B-5 Cedar Point .................................................... 31 A-6 Cedar Ridge ................................................... 32 B-6 Cedar Ridge ................................................... 33 A-2 Champion Forest ........................................... 34 B-5 Chamelon Heights ......................................... 35 B-6 Chestnut Hills ............................................... 36 B-6 Clear Water .................................................... 37 A-1 Cliffs on the Roanoke..................................... 38 A-5 Clyde’s Retreat .............................................. 39 A-1 Cold Spring Shores ........................................ 40 A-3 Colonial Estates ............................................. 41 A-6 Colony Club ................................................... 42 C-4 Cornerstone ................................................... 43 A-5 Country Clue Shores...................................... 44 B-6 Cover Manor .................................................. 45

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

B-3 Coventry......................................................... 46 B-5 Creekside Shore ............................................ 47 B-6 Crescent Beach ............................................. 48 B-6 Cross Creek ................................................... 49 B-6 Cross Cut ....................................................... 50 C-4 Deacon’s Point............................................... 51 C-4 Deercreek ...................................................... 52 B-6 Deer Haven .................................................... 53 A-6 Delbridge Estates........................................... 54 B-6 Dividing Line .................................................. 55 B-5 Dogwood Branch ........................................... 56 B-4 Dorothy Ellis Estates ...................................... 57 B-5 Dove Manor .................................................. 58 B-4 Eagle’s Cove .................................................. 59 B-5 Eagle Point..................................................... 60 C-6 Eastern Shores .............................................. 61 B-4 East Fork Plantation....................................... 62 B-4 Eaton’s Ferry Estates..................................... 63 B-6 Edwards Beach .............................................. 64 B-4 Elams Place ................................................... 65 C-5 Ellis Development .......................................... 66 A-6 Ellis Estates ................................................... 67

A-3 Eugene Clary ................................................. 68 B-5 Evergreen ...................................................... 69 B-6 Faulcon Dev ................................................... 70 B-5 Ferncliff .......................................................... 71 B-4 Fernwood Estates .......................................... 72 C-5 Forest Cove ................................................... 73 B-6 Four Season .................................................. 74 B-6 Fox Hollow ..................................................... 75 B-6 Fox Point ........................................................ 76 B-2 Fox Run ......................................................... 77 A-1 Friendly Acres ................................................ 78 B-3 Gaston Heights .............................................. 79 A-1 Granite Hall .................................................... 80 B-2 Great Creek Landing...................................... 81 B-6 Green Park..................................................... 82 B-2 Grover C. Baird Estates ................................. 83 A-4 Hammack ....................................................... 84 B-4 Happy Valley .................................................. 85 B-3 Harbor Landing .............................................. 86 B-5 Harrison ........................................................ 87 A-1 Hawks Nest Point........................................... 88 B-5 Heather Glen ................................................. 89

B-6 Heritage Pointe .............................................. 90 A-1 Hicks Hill ........................................................ 91 A-6 Hidden Acres.................................................. 92 B-3 Hillcrest Point ................................................. 93 A-1 Hinton Mills .................................................... 94 B-2 Holly Grove Estates ....................................... 95 A-6 Holly Hill Shores............................................. 96 B-3 Holly Trail ...................................................... 97 C-5 Hoot Owl Run ................................................ 98 B-4 Hunter’s Creek ............................................... 99 B-5 Indian Run.................................................... 100 B-4 Jack’s Landing ............................................. 101 A-1 Johnson ....................................................... 102 B-2 Joyceville ..................................................... 103 B-6 King Soloman’s Cove................................... 104 B-6 King’s Estates .............................................. 105 C-3 Lake Gaston Estates ................................... 106 A-6 Lake Gaston Estates.................................... 107 B-5 Lake Shores-N ............................................. 108 B-6 Lake Shores-S ............................................. 109 B-4 Lakeside....................................................... 110 B-3 Lakeview .......................................................111

B-5 Lakeview Estates (old) ........

B-2 Lakewoods ..........................

B-4 Laura Woods.......................

B-3 Lazy Point ...........................

C-6 Lee’s Point ..........................

B-5 Little Emporia ......................

B-2 Little Ponderosa ..................

A-5 Lizard Creek........................

B-2 Long Branch Shores ...........

B-6 Lookout Point ......................

A-6 Lost Cove ............................

A-1 Lucy M. Shaw .....................

B-3 Lyons Creek East ................

B-3 Lyons Creek Estates ...........

B-6 Mallard Bay .........................

C-5 Mallard Point .......................

B-4 Maple Point .........................

A-1 Maratuck .............................

B-3 Mariners Cove.....................

A-1 Martindale ...........................

B-2 Matthews Manorwoods .......

A-1 Merrymount .........................

s (old) ................................. 112 .......................................... 113 .......................................... 115 .......................................... 116 .......................................... 117 .......................................... 117 .......................................... 118 .......................................... 119 ores .................................... 120 .......................................... 121 .......................................... 122 .......................................... 123 t ......................................... 124 ates .................................... 125 .......................................... 126 .......................................... 127 .......................................... 128 .......................................... 129 .......................................... 130 .......................................... 131 woods ................................ 132 .......................................... 133

B-4 Mill Creek Landing ....................................... 134 C-6 Mistipines ..................................................... 135 B-3 Moratuck Manor ........................................... 136 B-2 Morristown ................................................... 137 B-2 Moseley........................................................ 138 B-6 Myrick Estates.............................................. 139 B-2 Nocarva........................................................ 140 B-6 Nollwoods ................................................... 141 B-6 Northampton Heights ................................... 142 B-5 Northern Cove.............................................. 143 B-5 Northern Point .............................................. 144 B-4 North Shore Acres (1) .................................. 145 B-4 North Shore Acres (2) .................................. 146 B-5 Oak Grove.................................................... 147 B-4 Oak Ridge .................................................... 148 B-3 Old Bridge Point ........................................... 149 B-3 Olde Ferry Estates ....................................... 150 B-5 Osprey Point ................................................ 151 A-6 Paradise Point.............................................. 152 B-3 Pasture Gate ................................................ 153 A-6 Pea Hill Estates............................................ 154 A-6 Pea Hill Shores ............................................ 155

B-4 Pigeon Path ................................................. 156 B-4 Pigeon Roost .............................................. 157 B-3 Pine Bluff...................................................... 158 B-5 Pine Ridge Shores ....................................... 159 B-6 Pine View ..................................................... 160 B-6 Pinewood Acres ........................................... 161 B-5 Piney Point ................................................... 162 A-3 Piney Point ................................................... 163 A-3 Poplar Creek Estates ................................... 164 A-1 Portside ........................................................ 165 B-6 Powell’s Mill Point ........................................ 166 A-6 Poythress Estates ........................................ 167 B-5 Quail Ridge .................................................. 168 B-5 Red Bug ....................................................... 169 B-3 River Bend ................................................... 170 B-4 River Forest ................................................. 171 A-1 River Ridge .................................................. 172 B-5 Riverview ..................................................... 173 B-6 Roanoke Shores .......................................... 174 B-4 Roanoke Reserve ........................................ 235 B-3 Robinson Ferry Estates ............................... 175 B-5 Rochelle Cove.............................................. 176

A-6 Rock Island Cove ......................................... 177 B-4 Ross ............................................................ 178 C-4 Salmons Point.............................................. 179 B-5 Sandy Shores .............................................. 180 B-5 Sandy Trace ................................................. 181 C-4 Settlers Cove ............................................... 182 B-4 Shadowbrook Shores................................... 183 A-3 Slouan Shores ............................................. 184 B-2 Six on Sixpound ........................................... 185 B-4 Songbird View .............................................. 186 A-6 Southside Shores......................................... 187 B-6 Speckle Cove ............................................... 188 B-4 Spinnaker Point............................................ 189 B-6 Spring Garden Estates................................. 190 B-5 Springwood .................................................. 191 B-5 Stanleystone Estates ................................... 192 B-5 Starboard Point ............................................ 193 B-4 Sillwater ....................................................... 194 C-4 Stonehouse Acres........................................ 195 A-2 St. Tammy Landing ...................................... 196 B-2 Summer Place ............................................. 197 B-5 Summerwood ............................................... 198

B-5 Sunny Acres ................................................. 199 B-5 Sunset Point................................................. 200 C-5 Tangle Oakes ............................................... 201 A-2 Tanglewood Shores ..................................... 202 C-5 Thomfield Medlin ......................................... 203 B-2 Thornton Place............................................. 204 B-5 Timber Creek ............................................... 205 B-6 Timberline Shores ........................................ 206 B-2 Timbuctu ...................................................... 207 C-5 Triton Point................................................... 208 A-2 Tudor Estates ............................................... 209 B-3 Turkey Run .................................................. 210 B-5 Turtle Point ................................................... 211 B-4 Twin Oak Shores.......................................... 212 B-5 Two Creeks .................................................. 213 B-5 Walker Hill .................................................... 214 B-3 Warren Co. Acres ......................................... 215 B-6 Waterford ..................................................... 216 B-6 Watermans Point.......................................... 217 B-6 Webbs Gate ................................................. 218 B-3 West Winds .................................................. 219 B-6 Whippoorwill Hills ......................................... 220

B-4 Whispering Pines ......................................... 221 B-4 Whitby Cove................................................. 222 C-4 Whit-Locke Point.......................................... 223 B-5 Wildwood Point ............................................ 224 B-6 Wilkins Court ................................................ 225 B-2 Will’s Landing ............................................... 226 B-4 Wilsor Oak ................................................... 227 B-4 Wilsor Pines ................................................. 228 B-6 Windy Pointe ................................................ 229 B-6 Windward Shores......................................... 230 B-3 Woodhaven .................................................. 231 B-6 Woodlake Point ............................................ 232 B-6 Woodlanndhurt............................................. 233 B-4 Woodland Shores ........................................ 234

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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34

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

Kentucky isn’t the only place making high-quality bourbon

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 35

Pictured above is Weldon Mills owner Bruce Tyler.

Pictured below is Mike Norman. Photos by Kellen Holtzman

By KELLEN HOLTZMAN

O

n a visit to the Weldon Mills Distillery in September, a rather innocuous question was posed to Mike Norman, the gray bearded 60-year-old resident master bourbon distiller who provided the most illuminating of answers.

The question went, “How many years do you think you have been doing this?”

Norman, in his Western North Carolina tongue, started to answer by asking, “Legally?”

There is your first clue about the sort of rugged authenticity Weldon Mills owner Bruce Tyler and partner Michael Hinderliter sought when purchasing the buildings last year for the distillery and event center/bar and grill by the Roanoke River in Weldon, N.C. The distillery building, formerly a sewing factory that had been dormant for the last 20 years, is still in the construction process.

But “rough around the edges” is exactly what Tyler, an ex-Army California native, is going for. He wouldn’t dare want the old corn mill building, which houses the event center/bar and grill Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 37

38

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

and traces its origins to 1830, to be “perfect.”

If that was the case, he and Hinderliter might have purchased something new for their operation, which centers on producing bourbon that is already receiving national acclaim.

They want folks to know bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky for it to be the highest of quality.

Big things are coming for Weldon Mills, which is now open for tours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday unless the mill building is rented out for weddings.

When it is finished being refurbished, a trolley will take guests from one building to the other, traversing the expansive riverside public park in between.

Weldon Mills aims for live music every Friday and is set to embark on an ad campaign that will push tour packages and group rates with local hotels.

Billboards alongside I-95 are coming and products are being pushed into bars/restaurants and ABC stores.

“I think for my partner and I,” Tyler said, “the ultimate goal is to have a distillery that’s known on a national level.”

STARTING POINT The initial plans for Weldon Mills started simple enough.

Tyler texted Hinderliter, “Hey man, you wanna make booze?”

Hinderliter did want to make booze.

So they stared working toward it.

“For a long time I wanted to have a distillery,” Tyler said.

“My wife was doing residency at University of Kentucky and

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 39

we would go visit all the distilleries in Kentucky and I’ve always liked bourbon. I’ve always been a fan of it.”

Tyler has had a home base in the Triangle since the 1990s, having graduated from both Campbell University and law school at North Carolina Central University in addition to serving at Ft. Bragg.

The Los Angeles native and former Judge Advocate General officer has logged 27 years of Army service between active duty, the Reserve and National Guard. His stops have included Korea, Fort Polk in Louisiana and a pair of Afghanistan deployments.

Tyler left active duty in 2014 to join the N.C. National Guard, where he is set to retire as the head defense attorney.

With his wife Linsdey working as a neurosurgeon at Nash General Hospital, Tyler wasn’t going far from Rocky Mount and settled on the perfect space near a bustling I-95 exit, just east of Roanoke Rapids.

“I was looking for an old mill building by the river,” Tyler said. “That’s really what my search focused on.”

Perhaps the most important part was going to a town that was accepting and wanted an ambitious distillery.

He and Hinderliter found that in Weldon, the charming old mill town known as the rockfish capital of the world.

‘BOURBON TAKES TIME’ Weldon Mills also produces flavored and regular vodka and gin in its 34,000 square-foot warehouse that features 40

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

a quaint and modern tasting room.

“First and foremost, we’re a bourbon distillery,” Tyler said. “We have a bunch of other types of spirits. Those are designed to make money so we can make bourbon, put it in the barrels and let it sit, because bourbon takes time.”

The Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey is the reigning gold medalist in the SIP International Spirit Awards and the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards.

The other products in the rotation are the Royal Rhubarb Gin, Weldon Orchards Caramel Green Apple, and Bombardier Cinnamon Vodka.

There are four more products coming down the pike including the aptlynamed Rockfish Whiskey, which will be similar to an Irish whiskey flavor, and one flavor that is still under wraps - its barrels won’t be tapped until January.

“It is something big,” Tyler said. “It’s a game changer for the industry. It’s something that hasn’t been done with bourbons yet. It’s going to be an ultrapremium bourbon. It’s very unique.”

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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ACE IN THE HOLE Just try telling Tyler or Mike Norman it isn’t bourbon if it isn’t made in Kentucky.

Norman started out making moonshine in the woods of Franklin, west of Asheville, for heaven’s sake.

“I don’t care if you tell nobody,” Norman said.

And back to that question about how long he’s actually been in the business.

“Probably 10 years,” Norman said. “Most of it, not legally.”

You can do the math. Remember, Norman was born in the Eisenhower administration.

Norman’s legal work in the distillery business has brought him to Tennessee, Iowa and most recently Georgia.

One of the reason he enjoys what he does is heritage. His grandfather used to be in the distilling game and Norman reckons it must be in his blood.

Tyler called Norman the No. 1 competitive advantage for Weldon Mills when compared to some of the bigger-name bourbon companies.

Norman has some help: The lead distiller is Andrew Daniel,

42

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

who was canoeing the length of the Mississippi River at the time of this interview. Shelley Askew is the assistant distiller and one of the few female distillers in the region, according to Tyler. Manager Pam Elkin and distiller hands Will Parks and Sara Hardy are also key cogs in the operation.

Both Norman and Tyler say the humid, warmer weather in Weldon is one factor that is actually advantageous for Eastern North Carolina over parts of Kentucky.

“Kentucky, yeah that’s where it started and they like to have a claim on it,” Norman said. “And I’ve even had people say, ‘Well it can’t be bourbon if it wasn’t made in Bourbon County, Kentucky.’ No, that ain’t true. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States.”

It can be made right here in Weldon, where even the prevalence of summer storms can affect the aging of barrels through barometric pressure.

“What does all that mean? It just means I feel like we can just age a little more faster here in North Carolina,” Tyler said.

“At the end of the day, if you’re not making good bourbon, it doesn’t matter how much it ages.”

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Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 43

Close Encounters (of the Positive Kind)

with Beavers

Photo courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 44

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

By LEA BEAZLEY

M

any folks don’t like beavers because they cut down trees and create dams that flood properties. On the positive side, though, the ponds they create provide valuable habitat for wildlife and help control erosion and sedimentation.

For this story, I’m focusing on positive encounters people have had with the beaver, Castor canadensis, on Lake Gaston and where to signs of beavers on the lake. I’m also providing some basic information about beaver biology and adaptations and explaining why they stay so busy in the fall.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS ON THE LAKE This past summer, Wyatt and Debbie Andrews, owners of waterfront property in Wildwood Point on the main lake, witnessed something really amazing! On three different occasions, they got to watch a beaver eating the leaves off of water willow stalks.

According to Wyatt, the beaver swam past the water willow growing in the lake on one side of their dock to get to a patch of darker green, apparently better tasting, water willow growing near the shore on the west side of their dock.

“Most of the time, he’d pull a stalk loose, swim out about three feet, eat only the leaves, and toss the stalk,” Wyatt said.

“When the water was low, he would stand on the rocks and

The huge beaver-chewed tree in Poplar Creek.

Photo by Lea Beazley.

Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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Conical beaver lodges, built with sticks and mud in the center of a pond, have openings in the top to allow fresh are to get in. ©Consie Powell

eat it. We were unable to get a photo because we were busy was the sound it staining the dock and couldn’t get to a camera or had sticky made. Talk about a neat experihands.” ence while fishing!

Wyatt had an odd experience with a beaver in 2018, the If you’d like to see a beafirst year the Andrews lived on Lake Gaston. He was cutting ver, I suggest you quigrass and noticed a big limb had broken from a large tree in etly look for them in their yard. The limb had many small branches on it and had the back of woodfallen near the water. “Two or three days later, I went down to ed, heavily vegcut it up and all of the branches were gone,” said Wyatt. “The etated coves beaver had not only nibbled them off, he had rolled the riprap just after over to make a path down to the lake!” sunMy husband Bert and I were fishing from my father-in-law’s dock on Songbird Creek one evening a few years ago when we saw a beaver quietly swim by. At first we thought it was a river otter or muskrat, but then we noticed the flat tail and blocky head and decided it was DEFINITELY a beaver. Perhaps it had been enjoying the water willow that grows near the dock.

Jerry and Janice Thompson of Siouan Shores suspect they had a beaver living under their dock several years ago. “We could never see it, but we always heard the loud, distinctive slap of the tail whenever we went down to the dock,” said Janice.

My dad, Bert, and I were bass fishing in Stillhouse Branch at least 30 years ago when a beaver swam by and slapped its tail on the water several times.

“WHAP! …

When cutting a tree, beavers repeatedly make five or six cuts WHAP! … with their incisors, then rip away the resulting chunk of wood.

WHAP!” 46

n FALL 2020 LAKELIFE

When enough chunks have been removed, the tree falls. ©Consie Powell

set as they are most active between dusk and dawn.

WHERE CAN I SEE SIGNS OF BEAVERS ON THE LAKE (CHEWS, DAMS AND LODGES)?

Chewed beaver trees can be seen along the shores of multiple coves in the lake. Look for stumps about knee high, usually 2 to 6 inches in diameter, with chew marks and distinctive points at the ends. Beavers typically chew on trees until they fell them, but not always.

There is a REALLY BIG (at least 16 inches in diameter), unfelled, white oak tree in Bracey, Virginia, near the end of Poplar Creek. To find it by water, go under the bridge just before the Shady Shack Grill & Flip Flops Bar. Continue toward Tanglewood Shores but take the branch to the right before you reach the swimming area.

You’ll see the tree on the left, near the entrance to this branch.

I first noticed this tree a couple of years ago and figured it was only a matter of time before it fell, but it is still standing. I’m not sure why the beaver didn’t finish it off. Maybe he decided he’d bitten off more than he could chew (pun intended) and had simply given up, or maybe the tree’s heartwood was

too hard for Mr. Beaver.

I am aware of at least two beaver dams on the lake: one way up in Pea Hill Creek, and one at the end of Mill Creek

Beavers use their hind feet with its double claw on the second toe to comb their fur. This is called preening. ©Consie Powell

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LakeGaston-RealEstate.com Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

n 47

on the lake that branches off of Songbird Creek. The easiest way to find the one in Pea Hill Creek by water is to go past THE CLUB and the Pea Hill Boat Ramp. Stay in Pea Hill Creek and go under the Lake Gaston Drive (Hwy. 667) bridge and Hammock Road (Hwy. 718) bridge. It is on the right toward the end of Pea Hill Creek. The best way to get the one in Mill Creek is to go under the Songbird Creek culvert, keep right and go into Mill Creek, and go all the way back. It is on the left. WARNING: Both of these creeks are quite shallow where the dams are located and better suited for kayaks.

I haven’t seen any beaver lodges on Lake Gaston. Perhaps none exist here.

You see, beavers either build a lodge of sticks and mud in their ponds, or burrow into the high banks of streams or lakes.

Both burrows and lodges have underwater entrances so beavers can enter and exit underwater without being spotted by predators.

BEAVER BIOLOGY & ADAPTATIONS Beavers are North America’s largest rodent, typically weighing 35 to 50 pounds, but they have been known to

grow to 90 pounds. They are 2 to 3 feet in length, plus an additional 10 to 18 inches for the tail. Males and females are similar in size.

Beavers are slow and clumsy on land, but agile and quick in the water. ©Consie Powell Beavers are aquatic mammals with large, webbed hind feet ideal for swimming and hand-like front paws that allow them to manipulate objects with great dexterity. They have excellent senses of hearing and smell and can stay under water for up to 15 minutes before they need to surface for air.

Beaver offspring are born after a gestation period of about 4 months.

The typical litter contains 2 to 6 kits. At first they drink their mother’s milk, but by 4 or 5 days old, they also eat leaves brought to them. ©Consie Powell 48

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Beavers build dams on flowing water to back it up so it becomes deep enough to swim in. For this reason, they are nicknamed “Nature’s Engineers.” ©Consie Powell

One feature distinctive to beavers is their teeth. Beavers have four orange incisors in the front of their jaws: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. They use their incisors to cut down trees and remove the bark. These incisors never stop growing, but the fact that they are almost constantly chewing wood helps keep them from growing too long. Their incisors are also “self-sharpening” because they have a hard enamel on the front and a softer dentin on the back.

When swimming underwater, a protective transparent membrane covers beavers’ eyes. Flaps also close over their nostrils and ears to keep water out. In addition, behind the incisor teeth, beavers have inner lips that allow them to carry sticks in their mouths while swimming without getting a mouthful of water.

Beavers are herbivores, feeding mainly on the inner bark, leaves, and twigs of many kinds of trees.

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Conical beaver lodges, built with sticks and mud in the center of a pond, have openings in the top to allow fresh are to get in. ©Consie Powell During the summer months, they also eat large amounts of water lilies, reeds, water willow, and other aquatic vegetation. They have also been known to eat corn, alfalfa, and clover.

The beaver’s large, flat, hairless tail serves as a rudder when swimming, a prop when sitting or standing upright, a storehouse of fat for the winter, and a means of communicating warnings. Beavers slap their tails on the surface of the water to warn other beavers of danger or to warn people to stay away. Sometimes they simply slap them in play.

Beaver fur consists of short fine hairs for warmth and longer hairs for waterproofing. They need to groom their fur daily to keep it waterproof, and frequently groom each other’s fur. They have castor glands on the underside of their abdomens from which they excrete an oily substance called castor which they use in grooming and to mark their territory.

Beavers are monogamous. They mate for life and produce one litter per year in the spring. The young, called kits, are born ready to go. Their eyes are open, their teeth are in, their bodies are fully furred, and they can walk and swim soon after birth. They stay with their mother the first year and remain with the colony as yearlings for their second year. They are on their own after that and are sexually mature in 2 to 3 years.

Fall Is a Busy Time for Beavers I’m guessing the expression “Busy as a Beaver” came 50

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about due to the fact that beavers work incredibly hard in the fall to prepare for the upcoming season when food is scarce. This is the time they harvest and stockpile branches and shrubs to use as food during the winter. After they cut the larger branches into lengths suitable for handling, they stash them in a pile close to their lodge.

Autumn is also the time when beavers repair their dams and insulate their lodges with large amounts of mud. They dredge the mud from the bottom of the pond or lake, often from the area directly in front of the underwater entrance to the lodge to create a channel leading away from the lodge.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Muskrat, a River Otter, and a Beaver The muskrat is significantly smaller than the beaver or otter (to the tune of 2 feet in length, including the tail, versus 3 to 5 feet). In addition, it has bare feet and a long, rat-like tail that may curve slightly out of the water when swimming. The beaver, on the other hand, has webbed hind feet and a wide, flat, scaly tail. The river otter is long and slender and looks downright “athletic” compared to the other two. Its athleticism is hard to discern when the animal is swimming, so just look for fur from head to tail, no bare feet, and no scaly tail.

The artwork for this article was generously provided by Consie Powell, wildlife illustrator, visual storyteller, and writer. Consie’s website is: consiepowell.com/index.html

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How to create a durable gingerbread house G

ingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

• Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

• Get the right icing texture. Icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

• Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

• Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry.

Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

• Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

• Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

Step 1

3/4 cup butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 3/4 cup molasses 2 large eggs eggs 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

First cut out in thin cardboard: a side wall, 4 1/2 x 8 inches; an end wall, 4 1/2x5 inches; a triangular gable, 4 1/2x3x3 inches; and a roof rectangle, 4 1/2x9 inches.

Tape the rectangular end wall piece to the triangular gable piece: match the long side of the triangle, 4 1/2 inches, to one of the 4 1/2 inch sides of the end wall.

• • • • •

2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground allspice 6 large egg whites egg whites 4 (16 ounce) packages confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and molasses.

Gradually beat in 2 eggs. Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices together; stir into creamed mixture. Wrap dough in parchment paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

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Step 3

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 portions, 2 slightly larger than the others. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 4 smaller pieces to approximately the size of the side wall and the end wall with gable templates; cut out two of each. Roll out remaining dough, and cut into two rectangular roof pieces. Transfer gingerbread onto greased baking trays.

Step 4

In a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven, bake gingerbread for 10 minutes, or until crisp.

When removing from the oven, leave the gingerbread on the baking trays for a few minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks. Leave out overnight to harden. You can trim pieces after they have cooled to ensure uniformity.

Step 5

In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 egg whites. Gradually beat in approximately 5 cups confectioners’ sugar. The icing should be smooth and stand in firm peaks. Spread or pipe a 9 inch line of icing 54

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onto a cake board, and press in one of the side walls so that it sticks firmly and stands upright. If necessary, spread or pipe a little extra icing along either side to help support it. Take an end wall and ice both the side edges. Spread or pipe a line of icing on the board at a right angle to the first wall, and press the end wall into position. Repeat this process with the other two walls until they are all in position. Leave the walls to harden together for at least two hours before putting on the roof.

Spread or pipe a thick layer of icing on top of all the walls, and fix the roof pieces in position; the roof should overlap the walls to make the eaves.

Pipe or spread a little icing along the crest of the roof to hold the two pieces firmly together. Leave overnight to set firmly.

Step 6

When ready to decorate, make the remaining icing. In a large bowl, lightly whisk 4 egg whites, and mix in remaining confectioners’ sugar as before. Use this to make snow on the roof, and to stick various candies for decoration. Finish with a fine dusting of sifted confectioners’ sugar.

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Bracey History Project Team Refuses to let COVID-19 slow them down

By LEA BEAZLEY

L

ast fall in LakeLife magazine, I wrote an article about a nonprofit organization called Bracey Community Connection and their progress on a huge undertaking called the Bracey History Project.

The article stated that the objective of the group is to collect, preserve, and promote the history of Bracey,

Va., and described how volunteers were well on their way to doing just that. It explained how volunteers had spent countless hours interviewing individuals, transcribing audio files, writing stories, and gathering historic photos.

The group took a hiatus over the winter months to

A screen shot of a Zoom meeting in June 2020 after the Bracey History Project group reconvened virtually due to COVID19. Pictured left to right: Top row - Julie Cabitto, Melissa Hartman, Carol Corker; Middle row - Willie Bennett, Sandra Martin, Shaunton Taylor; Bottom row – Charlae Barbosa. Photo by Melissa Hartman

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focus on their families and tory Project, Cabitto has holiday commitments. Acher own blog called cording to Melissa HartJulie’s Mecklenburg, man, project chairperson, Virginia Discoverthey had just started meeties found at https:// ing again in early spring of mecklenburgvagene2020 when the COVID-19 alogy.com/. On the pandemic began to surge. site, Cabitto provides “After a brief break to see more than a dozen how the pandemic would links to various phoimpact the area, the group tos, resources, sites restarted its meetings she recommends, oral via teleconferencing with histories, and more.

Zoom,” said Hartman. “I She also created a think we all realized how map showing where much we missed getting people in Mecklentogether and discussing burg lived before our progress on collecting 1900, and is in the photos and stories about process of completing Bracey history,” she said, a map for Bracey Hisadding “Our group meettory Project that will ings are a fun way to help show the locations of keep some of the Bracey the group’s current history alive and to honor initiatives. those that worked so hard Cabitto explained to build Bracey.” why she maps her geAn unexpected bennealogical research efit of the virtual meetings by saying, “I think was that it enabled some very visually, so when of the group’s more farI hear a name, I want Julie Cabitto, one of the “out-of-townflung members to become to know where they ers” that has contributed significantly to even more engaged with lived, as in ‘where, on the Bracey History Project. Photo providthe effort, explained Harta map’. I want to know ed by Julie Cabitto. man. “The activities of all about how everythe Bracey History Group one in the area lived have caught the attention of a and what life was variety of people, including some like for them. The anthat grew up in Bracey but moved swers I’m given make away, some that have relatives in the area, and even the pictures in my mind sharper, more real, and more our part-time visitors that come through to enjoy the awesome. Preservation of stories is my passion.” lake and all the area has to offer,” said Hartman.

“The group has also been in contact with people in Julie Cabitto, a resident of Fredericksburg, Va., near- many other states,” said Hartman. “Some have been ly 150 miles north of Bracey, is one example. Cabitto interviewed for stories about growing up in the Bracey first visited Mecklenburg County, Virginia in January area, some still own property in Old Town Bracey, and 2003, because she found out her ancestors were from others that have heard about what the group is doing the area and she wanted to learn more about them. and want to be a part of what the group produces.” (One Over the past 17 years, she has accumulated a pleth- of the goals of the group has always been to sell hisora of information and photos of the area. On one of toric Bracey memorabilia to raise funds to support the her recent trips to Bracey, Cabitto met one of Bracey operations of the Bracey Community Center and benefit History Project’s founding members Carol Coker. Ac- the Bracey community.) cording to Hartman, Coker asked Cabitto if she’d be Bracey History Project volunteers met that goal when willing to share some of her pictures and stories with they created and sold their first set of notecards and the group. Cabitto was happy to do so and also asked if envelopes with historic images of the Bracey area at a she could join the Bracey History Project. “Julie is one community yard sale held at Bracey Community Center of the members that has been providing tremendous last Labor Day Weekend. research and genealogical support,” said Hartman.

“The group is also planning to produce a 2021 calenIn addition to contributing photos to the Bracey His- dar with historic Bracey images and is planning a Bracey Fall 2020 LAKELIFE

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History Day event when the pandemic finally lifts and larger group events are again possible,� said Hartman.

Volunteers have recently developed a website that can be found at www.braceyhistoryproject.com. The site offers a place to find information about what the group is working on and to learn about upcoming events. It includes Bracey History Project news, an interactive map of locations of interest, items for sale,

and who to contact to share stories or photos for the project.

A digital version of the Fall 2019 LakeLife Lake Gaston article about the Bracey History Project may be found at: https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10003598 _246067&fbclid=IwAR3iaq_9bTLV6OfiwNdxrqd79yqa8 OyQdiLXfUuvfKmClIEsXO5hoGBiuzM

Some of the historic notecards currently for sale:

Saint Tammany Ferry circa 1900. Mont Bracey is standing at the front of the boat. The ferry began operating in 1762, first as Blanton’s Ferry. It became known as Saint Tammany Ferry when in 1792, as the result of a petition to the Virginia General Assembly, the town of Saint Tammany was laid out on a bluff overlooking the northern ferry landing, becoming the first established town in Mecklenburg County. Photo from the Bracey Family Collection. Used with permission.

The Lambert store was built by Edwin Lambert around 1914. He and his family lived above the store on the second floor. The building is still standing today though it is not in use. Photo by Melissa Hartman.

The Lambert store was built by Edwin Lambert around 1914. He and his family lived above the store on the second floor. The building is still standing today though it is not in use. Photo by Melissa Hartman.

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The old cotton gin in Bracey. The facility was used to process locally grown cotton by separating the cotton fibers from their seeds. Until the cotton gin was invented in 1794 by Eli Whitney, cotton seeds were separated from cotton fiber by hand – a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The invention of the cotton gin revolutionized cotton production by greatly speeding up the process. Photo from the Bracey Family Collection. Used with permission.

Tour North Carolina’s Newest Distillery Go “behind the barrel” at Weldon Mills Distillery and learn about the distilling process.

Enjoy new and creative spirits on the banks of the Roanoke River including bourbon produced with North Carolina grown ingredients and America’s first rhubarb gin.

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www.weldonmills.com Photo Credit: Richard Holm of The Daily Herald

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Summer Flashback Georgia Holder of Henrico submitted this photo of four friends; Carter, Madison, Junior and Katelyn having fun waterskiing this past summer. Holder said there is nothing better than friends getting together while visiting neighboring grandparents. If you have a photo that captures that LakeLife feel or a story idea, send an email to office@lakegastongazette-observer.com.

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Keep in Touch With What’s Happening at lake Gaston Subscribe to the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer today for only $56 per year for Halifax, Warren and Northampton, NC and Brunswick and Mecklenburg, VA. $74 in all other areas.

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