YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1978 w w w. j a m e s t o w n n e w s . c o m
weekly edition
Dec. 13-19, 2023 Vol 45 No 50 | 1 Section | 6 Pages
Closing the year with appreciation By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com Year’s end — a time for reflecting on the past, celebrating the present and looking toward the future. For Friends of the Jamestown Library it was all that as members gathered at the library Nov. 27 for the last meeting of 2023. Friends of the Jamestown Library is a support group, raising funds for specific needs and advocating for the library’s ongoing wellbeing. Many of the members attended school in the building when it
was part of the Guilford County School District. They have memories of teachers, classrooms and classmates from their days as students. All members appreciate the history of the building from its construction in 1915 to its restoration and birth as a public library in 1988. Having a library in an historic building makes keeping its contents updated and useful to the community even more special. Volunteers play an important part in the library’s everyday workings and sustainability. Over Photos submitted the years, key people have con- Newly elected Friends of the Jamestown Library officers for tributed their time and expertise to 2024 are, left to right, Emily Wagoner, vice president; Jean Regan, president; Barbara Trembley, secretary; and Bobbie see year, page 2 Huggins, treasurer.
Friends of the Jamestown Library recognized Volunteers of the Year for 2023 at their November meeting. Included were Jean Regan and Gary Haynes. Not pictured was Linda Kenner who was unable to attend the meeting.
Compiled By Norma B. Dennis and Carol Brooks
Photos submitted
Members of the Holiday Whobilation committee put much time and The Grinch’s heart continued to effort into making the annual fundraiser a success. grow as he led the silent auction.
Whoville citizens visit Greensboro Walking into the ballroom at the Sedgefield County Club on Dec. 1 was like getting a glimpse of Whoville. Bright colors and appropriately dressed individuals set the scene for a magical Christmas fundraiser for the Sedgefield Woman’s Club. After viewing the sight, the theme, A Holiday Whobilation, was no surprise. Even the menu for the occasion reflected the book by Dr. Seuss that tells how the heart of the Grinch was changed. There was Green Eggs and Ham, Roast Beast and Who Hash and Who Cake for dessert. “I wanted to use a giving theme,” said Donna Church, this year’s fundraising chair. “When I thought of the phase,
“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more,” I knew Whoville was a perfect example. Our hearts grow when we give.” Excitement ran high as club members and guests greeted each other and perused the items lining tables encircling the room, just waiting to go home with the highest bidder in the silent auction. Enthusiasm swelled as a surprise guest, the Grinch himself, (a.k.a. Kevin Church) carrying his heavy pack of confiscated goodies, entered the room. Unfortunately, the commotion was too much for his dog Max (Burt), who one club member noted was only there for 15 seconds. Photo by Norma B. Dennis The Grinch, however, continued his One look and anyone could tell this young women hails from see whoville, page 2 Whoville.
Goals and dreams highlight Historic Society meeting By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com
A Moment In Time The Dec. 19 meeting of A Moment In Time will be a special celebration of Christmas. It will feature music by the Jamestown United Methodist Church Jubilee Handbell Choir, an abbreviated Moravian Lovefeast and an angel craft. Designed for people with dementia and their caregivers, the meetings offer an opportunity to relax, play games, and enjoy music, crafts, snacks and conversation in a friendly atmosphere. They are held every third Tuesday of the month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the JUMC fellowship hall at 403 E. Main St. Park and enter at the front left side of the church. Look for the purple signs. Guests with wheelchairs or walkers may enter from the back under the portico. Someone will be there to greet you. Reservations are requested but not required. For more information or to register, contact Laura see town, page 2
A Jamestown historical treasure now used for education By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com
Members and friends of the Historic Jamestown Society met at Deep River Friends Meeting Dec. 10 for the annual meeting. The 2024 will be memorable for the Historic Jamestown Society because it will be the 50th Photo by Carol Brooks anniversary of the foundHJS outgoing President Julia Ebel, left, recognized ing of the group. Special Shirley Haworth as Board Member Emeritus for her activities are planned years of service to the Society. along with a new threeyear Capital Development Campaign. be available on how interested parties can “This is our greatest leap in 2024,” said select one of several sponsorship levels. Wes Cashwell who is on the campaign Outgoing president Julia Ebel develcommittee. Our goal over the three- oped a theme for HJS: “together we can year campaign is to raise $2 million to accomplish much.” continue repairs, work on infrastructure “We need to protect the property, eduand expand the educational opportuni- cate ourselves, and we need to share that ties by the Society. If we don’t take the with others,” she said. “We’ve set goals. opportunity now to keep those buildings We’ve made progress but this year we operable, they will not be with us in a need to continue to reach toward those few years. goals and make them reality, day by day, “We’re looking for the most exciting year by year, person by person and genyear we’ve had so far.” In upcoming weeks, information will see society, page 6
The white house, built around 1825, sits incongruously in front of the modern buildings of Guilford Technical Community College, on East Main Street, formerly High Point Road. The college is a large part of the education system in the county. But the Mark Iddings house carries a very important history in the Jamestown area. From his Quaker father Joseph, Mark Iddings inherited the property where the house, GTCC, Christine Joyner Greene Education Center, Ragsdale High School and Millis Road Elementary are located. More property may have been involved, 158 acres total. Jonathan Howell, Mark’s grandfather, originally owned the land.
Photos by Carol Brooks
(Above) The Iddings House, built around 1825, sits on East Main Street in front of the modern buildings of GTCC. (At left) The unique lozenge shape appears on two doors. Mark Iddings and his wife Elizabeth built the house on the Salisbury to Hillsborough stagecoach route. There is a rock in the foundation dated 1783. The inscription is still visible, but the rock probably dates from an earlier house on
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By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
Winter WonderPark High Point City Lake Park will be glowing with festive holiday lights and decorations and alive with fun activities for the whole family during Winter WonderPark. Enjoy hot cocoa, train and carousel rides, mini golf and more. WinterWonderPark is free to attend. Unlimited ride passes are available for $5 per person. Passes are available at the park or you may purchase passes in advance at https://bit.ly/46DoCnC. The event takes place Dec. 16-17 and 30-31 from 4-8 p.m. at the park at 602 W. Main St., Jamestown. The High Point Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring Winter WonderPark.
the property, which stood northwest of the current house. Some references call this the Armfield house, but that is a mistake, according to historian Shelly Lutzweiler. see treasure, page 4