THE TYRRELL COUNTY "BEAR LADY" Recently an article appeared in the Virginian Pilot Newspaper about a lady who lives in Tyrrell County and has become friends with several black bears that live around her home. She lives in the Alligator community in a very isolated section of the county where bears are quite common. I discovered that the story was available online from the archives at the Virginian Pilot, but can no longer be accessed for free. TYRRELL COUNTY ELECTIONS TAKE SHAPE Filing has begun for candidates seeking the offices that are up for election in 1998. Incumbent Fred Hemilright has been challenged by fellow Democrat, Seldon Brickhouse for the office of Tyrrell County Sheriff. Democratic incumbent Clerk of Court, Tommy Everett, has filed to seek a fourth term and is unopposed at this point as he has been for the past two elections. There are three seats available in the nonpartisan race for Board of Education. Incumbents whose seats are up for grabs are Gordon Barnes, Larry Hill, and Jackie Smith. At this time only Darryl Liverman, former sheriff, has filed to be a candidate for the Board of Education race. On the County Board of Commissioners, Republican incumbent Clayton Hopkins and Democratic incumbent Tommy Spruill are in the last year of their terms. The deadline for filing for these local offices is noon on February 2nd. The party primaries and the Board of Education election is scheduled for May 5th and the general election is set for November 3rd. The election winners will take office on December 7th. PEGGY GRIFFIN RETIRES FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM Miss Margaret Ann "Peggy" Griffin has retired as Personnel Director from the Tyrrell County School System. A luncheon was hosted by the Tyrrell County Central Office Staff to honor Peggy. The lunch was filled with food, gifts, as well as lots of laughs and a touch of sadness. A reception was held in her honor and attended by the Tyrrell County Board of Education, colleagues, and friends. During the reception she was serenaded in song by Richard Edwards and shown a special slide presentation by Allen Lee. She was also presented with a plague to honor her for 28 years of dedicated service to Tyrrell County Schools from 1969-1997. Congratulations Peggy and enjoy your retirement! TYRRELL COUNTY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE PLANS COOKBOOK The Scuppernong River Festival Committee is planning a cookbook to go on sale at the next festival. They hope to include a recipe from every Tyrrell County family. They ask that every family living in the county or persons with a Tyrrell County connection, please submit two favorite recipes. In case of duplication, one recipe will be chosen. If you have a short comment or family background for your recipe, include that also. Send your recipes to this address:
TYRRELL COUNTY ELECTIONS TAKE SHAPE Filing has begun for candidates seeking the offices that are up for election in 1998. Incumbent Fred Hemilright has been challenged by fellow Democrat, Seldon Brickhouse for the office of Tyrrell County Sheriff. Democratic incumbent Clerk of Court, Tommy Everett, has filed to seek a fourth term and is unopposed at this point as he has been for the past two elections. There are three seats available in the nonpartisan race for Board of Education. Incumbents whose seats are up for grabs are Gordon Barnes, Larry Hill, and Jackie Smith. At this time only Darryl Liverman, former sheriff, has filed to be a candidate for the Board of Education race. On the County Board of Commissioners, Republican incumbent Clayton Hopkins and Democratic incumbent Tommy Spruill are in the last year of their terms. The deadline for filing for these local offices is noon on February 2nd. The party primaries and the Board of Education election is scheduled for May 5th and the general election is set for November 3rd. The election winners will take office on December 7th. PEGGY GRIFFIN RETIRES FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM Miss Margaret Ann "Peggy" Griffin has retired as Personnel Director from the Tyrrell County School System. A luncheon was hosted by the Tyrrell County Central Office Staff to honor Peggy. The lunch was filled with food, gifts, as well as lots of laughs and a touch of sadness. A reception was held in her honor and attended by the Tyrrell County Board of Education, colleagues, and friends. During the reception she was serenaded in song by Richard Edwards and shown a special slide presentation by Allen Lee. She was also presented with a plague to honor her for 28 years of dedicated service to Tyrrell County Schools from 1969-1997. Congratulations Peggy and enjoy your retirement! TYRRELL COUNTY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE PLANS COOKBOOK The Scuppernong River Festival Committee is planning a cookbook to go on sale at the next festival. They hope to include a recipe from every Tyrrell County family. They ask that every family living in the county or persons with a Tyrrell County connection, please submit two favorite recipes. In case of duplication, one recipe will be chosen. If you have a short comment or family background for your recipe, include that also. Send your recipes to this address:
PEGGY GRIFFIN RETIRES FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM Miss Margaret Ann "Peggy" Griffin has retired as Personnel Director from the Tyrrell County School System. A luncheon was hosted by the Tyrrell County Central Office Staff to honor Peggy. The lunch was filled with food, gifts, as well as lots of laughs and a touch of sadness. A reception was held in her honor and attended by the Tyrrell County Board of Education, colleagues, and friends. During the reception she was serenaded in song by Richard Edwards and shown a special slide presentation by Allen Lee. She was also presented with a plague to honor her for 28 years of dedicated service to Tyrrell County Schools from 1969-1997. Congratulations Peggy and enjoy your retirement! TYRRELL COUNTY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE PLANS COOKBOOK The Scuppernong River Festival Committee is planning a cookbook to go on sale at the next festival. They hope to include a recipe from every Tyrrell County family. They ask that every family living in the county or persons with a Tyrrell County connection, please submit two favorite recipes. In case of duplication, one recipe will be chosen. If you have a short comment or family background for your recipe, include that also. Send your recipes to this address:
TYRRELL COUNTY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE PLANS COOKBOOK The Scuppernong River Festival Committee is planning a cookbook to go on sale at the next festival. They hope to include a recipe from every Tyrrell County family. They ask that every family living in the county or persons with a Tyrrell County connection, please submit two favorite recipes. In case of duplication, one recipe will be chosen. If you have a short comment or family background for your recipe, include that also. Send your recipes to this address:
The deadline for submissions is January 31, 1998. Don't be left out of The Tyrrell County Cookbook, MAIL YOUR ENTRY NOW!!!
UPDATE ON COLUMBIA THEATER MUSEUM PROJECT The Columbia Theater Advisory Committee met recently with contractor Stewart Davenport to review final plans for the interior of the building and to select the colors for walls, railings, etc. The committee and the Partnership For The Sounds staff are anxiously awaiting the late spring 1998 opening of the new facility. The exhibit designer has been employed and will take about four to five months to fabricate and install the exhibits. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 Give a memorial, donation, or gift that will make a difference! POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has announced a new walk-in studio that they call "Paint Your Own Dinnerware". Pre-fired platters, plates, mugs, bowls, tiles, and specialty items are available. The staff is experienced at helping beginning artists to create attractive designs that are simple to do. Presentation platters and gifts can include such things as personal tributes for retirements, weddings, anniversaries, and awards. The walk-in studio is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. The studio and gallery are located on the corner of Main and Water Streets in downtown Columbia. Call 919-796-2787 for more information. OBITUARIES DEWARD GARFIELD REYNOLDS,79, of Rt 2 Columbia died on December 27, 1997 at Chowan Hospital after a lengthy illness. Deward was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Deward and Emma Caroline Swain Reynolds. He was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and a retired carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Lula Comstock Reynolds; a daughter: Joyce Reynolds Carawan; two sisters: Elizabeth Reynolds Davenport and Florence Reynolds Sawyer; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. ELIZABETH DAVENPORT MORRIS,85, of Mountain Canal Road near Creswell died on December 25, 1997 at Pitt County Hospital at a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Aaron and Emma Woodley Davenport. Mrs. Morris was a member of Creswell Baptist Church, Eastern Star Chapter 281, and Extension Homemakers. She is survived by three daughters: Kay Morris Ragland, Fay Morris Leary, Diane Morris Clark; one sister: Lucille Davenport Reynolds; four brothers: Doc Davenport, Douglas Davenport, Carroll Davenport, and Ralph Davenport; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Aydlet Morris. MARJORIE SAWYER TURNER, 72, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on January 1, 1998 in Albemarle Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late John A. and Sade Weatherly Sawyer. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Brentlox Baptist Church. Mrs Turner is survived by a daughter: Lila Gay James; two sons: Kenny Turner and Dean Turner; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Turner. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia, NC. FEBRUARY 1998 TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! BARBARA BRICKHOUSE DIES It saddens me today to report that Barbara Brickhouse died on February 12th. Barbara was owner and manager of Sentell's Restaurant and had been diagnosed with "Lou Gehrigs Disease" just a short time ago. She had spent the last couple of months at home battling her illness but recently her condition declined rapidly. I would like to express my sympathy to her family: Mrs. Gladys, Mary, Fleedie, Eddie, Linda, Jo Ann, Cecelia, Terry, and Fran who along with Barbara have been great neighbors and friends for many years. She will be missed at her place at the register in Sentell's, but she will be long remembered for her kindness and warm personality. 1998 WILD GAME SUPPER The 1998 Wild Game Supper was held on Saturday night, February 7th. Although the night was cold and soggy, a large crowd gathered about 6:30 p.m. at Tyrrell Hall to enjoy a feast of wild game dishes such as baked rockfish, fried deer, barbequed bear, roast quail, baked shark, and many other assorted treats. After the meal, the O'Kaysions played great dance music until after midnight. This party is an annual event and a wonderful opportunity to see some folks you probably haven't seen in awhile. It was another great event and I would certainly recommend that you get your tickets for next year and come out and join us at The Tyrrell County Wild Game Supper. CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has announced a new walk-in studio that they call "Paint Your Own Dinnerware". Pre-fired platters, plates, mugs, bowls, tiles, and specialty items are available. The staff is experienced at helping beginning artists to create attractive designs that are simple to do. Presentation platters and gifts can include such things as personal tributes for retirements, weddings, anniversaries, and awards. The walk-in studio is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. The studio and gallery are located on the corner of Main and Water Streets in downtown Columbia. Call 919-796-2787 for more information. OBITUARIES DEWARD GARFIELD REYNOLDS,79, of Rt 2 Columbia died on December 27, 1997 at Chowan Hospital after a lengthy illness. Deward was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Deward and Emma Caroline Swain Reynolds. He was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and a retired carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Lula Comstock Reynolds; a daughter: Joyce Reynolds Carawan; two sisters: Elizabeth Reynolds Davenport and Florence Reynolds Sawyer; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. ELIZABETH DAVENPORT MORRIS,85, of Mountain Canal Road near Creswell died on December 25, 1997 at Pitt County Hospital at a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Aaron and Emma Woodley Davenport. Mrs. Morris was a member of Creswell Baptist Church, Eastern Star Chapter 281, and Extension Homemakers. She is survived by three daughters: Kay Morris Ragland, Fay Morris Leary, Diane Morris Clark; one sister: Lucille Davenport Reynolds; four brothers: Doc Davenport, Douglas Davenport, Carroll Davenport, and Ralph Davenport; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Aydlet Morris. MARJORIE SAWYER TURNER, 72, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on January 1, 1998 in Albemarle Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late John A. and Sade Weatherly Sawyer. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Brentlox Baptist Church. Mrs Turner is survived by a daughter: Lila Gay James; two sons: Kenny Turner and Dean Turner; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Turner. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia, NC.
OBITUARIES DEWARD GARFIELD REYNOLDS,79, of Rt 2 Columbia died on December 27, 1997 at Chowan Hospital after a lengthy illness. Deward was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Deward and Emma Caroline Swain Reynolds. He was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and a retired carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Lula Comstock Reynolds; a daughter: Joyce Reynolds Carawan; two sisters: Elizabeth Reynolds Davenport and Florence Reynolds Sawyer; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. ELIZABETH DAVENPORT MORRIS,85, of Mountain Canal Road near Creswell died on December 25, 1997 at Pitt County Hospital at a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Aaron and Emma Woodley Davenport. Mrs. Morris was a member of Creswell Baptist Church, Eastern Star Chapter 281, and Extension Homemakers. She is survived by three daughters: Kay Morris Ragland, Fay Morris Leary, Diane Morris Clark; one sister: Lucille Davenport Reynolds; four brothers: Doc Davenport, Douglas Davenport, Carroll Davenport, and Ralph Davenport; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Aydlet Morris. MARJORIE SAWYER TURNER, 72, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on January 1, 1998 in Albemarle Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late John A. and Sade Weatherly Sawyer. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Brentlox Baptist Church. Mrs Turner is survived by a daughter: Lila Gay James; two sons: Kenny Turner and Dean Turner; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Turner. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia, NC.
TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! BARBARA BRICKHOUSE DIES It saddens me today to report that Barbara Brickhouse died on February 12th. Barbara was owner and manager of Sentell's Restaurant and had been diagnosed with "Lou Gehrigs Disease" just a short time ago. She had spent the last couple of months at home battling her illness but recently her condition declined rapidly. I would like to express my sympathy to her family: Mrs. Gladys, Mary, Fleedie, Eddie, Linda, Jo Ann, Cecelia, Terry, and Fran who along with Barbara have been great neighbors and friends for many years. She will be missed at her place at the register in Sentell's, but she will be long remembered for her kindness and warm personality. 1998 WILD GAME SUPPER The 1998 Wild Game Supper was held on Saturday night, February 7th. Although the night was cold and soggy, a large crowd gathered about 6:30 p.m. at Tyrrell Hall to enjoy a feast of wild game dishes such as baked rockfish, fried deer, barbequed bear, roast quail, baked shark, and many other assorted treats. After the meal, the O'Kaysions played great dance music until after midnight. This party is an annual event and a wonderful opportunity to see some folks you probably haven't seen in awhile. It was another great event and I would certainly recommend that you get your tickets for next year and come out and join us at The Tyrrell County Wild Game Supper. CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! BARBARA BRICKHOUSE DIES It saddens me today to report that Barbara Brickhouse died on February 12th. Barbara was owner and manager of Sentell's Restaurant and had been diagnosed with "Lou Gehrigs Disease" just a short time ago. She had spent the last couple of months at home battling her illness but recently her condition declined rapidly. I would like to express my sympathy to her family: Mrs. Gladys, Mary, Fleedie, Eddie, Linda, Jo Ann, Cecelia, Terry, and Fran who along with Barbara have been great neighbors and friends for many years. She will be missed at her place at the register in Sentell's, but she will be long remembered for her kindness and warm personality. 1998 WILD GAME SUPPER The 1998 Wild Game Supper was held on Saturday night, February 7th. Although the night was cold and soggy, a large crowd gathered about 6:30 p.m. at Tyrrell Hall to enjoy a feast of wild game dishes such as baked rockfish, fried deer, barbequed bear, roast quail, baked shark, and many other assorted treats. After the meal, the O'Kaysions played great dance music until after midnight. This party is an annual event and a wonderful opportunity to see some folks you probably haven't seen in awhile. It was another great event and I would certainly recommend that you get your tickets for next year and come out and join us at The Tyrrell County Wild Game Supper. CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BARBARA BRICKHOUSE DIES It saddens me today to report that Barbara Brickhouse died on February 12th. Barbara was owner and manager of Sentell's Restaurant and had been diagnosed with "Lou Gehrigs Disease" just a short time ago. She had spent the last couple of months at home battling her illness but recently her condition declined rapidly. I would like to express my sympathy to her family: Mrs. Gladys, Mary, Fleedie, Eddie, Linda, Jo Ann, Cecelia, Terry, and Fran who along with Barbara have been great neighbors and friends for many years. She will be missed at her place at the register in Sentell's, but she will be long remembered for her kindness and warm personality. 1998 WILD GAME SUPPER The 1998 Wild Game Supper was held on Saturday night, February 7th. Although the night was cold and soggy, a large crowd gathered about 6:30 p.m. at Tyrrell Hall to enjoy a feast of wild game dishes such as baked rockfish, fried deer, barbequed bear, roast quail, baked shark, and many other assorted treats. After the meal, the O'Kaysions played great dance music until after midnight. This party is an annual event and a wonderful opportunity to see some folks you probably haven't seen in awhile. It was another great event and I would certainly recommend that you get your tickets for next year and come out and join us at The Tyrrell County Wild Game Supper. CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
1998 WILD GAME SUPPER The 1998 Wild Game Supper was held on Saturday night, February 7th. Although the night was cold and soggy, a large crowd gathered about 6:30 p.m. at Tyrrell Hall to enjoy a feast of wild game dishes such as baked rockfish, fried deer, barbequed bear, roast quail, baked shark, and many other assorted treats. After the meal, the O'Kaysions played great dance music until after midnight. This party is an annual event and a wonderful opportunity to see some folks you probably haven't seen in awhile. It was another great event and I would certainly recommend that you get your tickets for next year and come out and join us at The Tyrrell County Wild Game Supper. CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
CANDIDATES HAVE FILED, READY TO START CAMPAIGNINGThere are several offices up for grabs in the 1998 election in Tyrrell County. Positions that are up for election in 1998 are: sheriff, clerk of court, two county commissioner seats, three board of education seats, and two soil and water conservation seats. The following candidates have filed for these seats: Sheriff (Fred Hemilright, Seldon Brickhouse, and James Earl Cutrell), Clerk of Court (Tommy Everett and Gordon Barnes), County Commissioner ( Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse), Board of Education (Jackie Cahoon Smith, Larry Hill, Darryl Liverman, Nina Griswell, Vickie Furlough, and June Bailey Pittman), and Soil And Water Supervisors (Carl Jones and Roy Smith). The filing deadline is February 2, 1998 at noon and the Democratic Primary Election will take place on May 5, 1998. COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
COLUMBIA THEATER CULTURAL RESOURCES CENTERThe Columbia Theater Museum project is quickly approaching completion. The museum will feature two large ramps along the inside walls. One inclines from the front entrance of the building up to the theater stage and the other rises from the stage to the mezzanine. These ramps will serve to make the entire building accessible to handicapped patrons. The old theater closed in 1968 and was in a terrible state of decay when the renovation project began. When complete, the building itself will be a display along with the original movie projectors and movie memorabilia. Exhibits in the museum will reflect the area's enviromental history and demonstrate the uses of local natural resources such as farming, fishing, and forestry. The facility is scheduled for opening in late spring of this year and is intended to contribute greatly to the revitalization of downtown Columbia. The Partnership is currently doing a fund-raiser to rebuild the marquee as closely as possible to the original one. It is estimated that it will take $15,000.00 to complete this project. Memorial gifts and special donor plaque opportunities are available. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the Columbia Theater Marquee Fund, you can send your gift to the following address: Partnership For The SoundsColumbia Theater Marquee FundP.O. Box 55 Columbia, NC 27925 For more information you can contact Tessi Hollis at the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center: 1-919-796-0723 CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris. MARCH 1998 TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
CENTER FOR THE SOUNDS UPDATE The United States Congress has earmarked $1.9 million in funding to build the Walter B. Jones Sr Center For The Sounds. The facility will be located on the Columbia waterfront and will house public exhibits that pertain to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The facility will blend with the Scuppernong Boardwalk, the Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail, and the outdoor classroom that already exist near the Tyrrell County Visitor's Center. The facility will house the refuge offices and staff which are located at Lake Phelps in Washington County at this time. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has begun the design phase and plans are to have the center open sometime next year. OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris.
OBITUARIES ROBERT L. "BOB" SEXTON,77, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 16, 1998 at his residence following a long illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Ralph and Dezzie Woodley Sexton. He was a retired foreman with the N.C. Department of Transportation and a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife: Ileen Brickhouse Sexton; two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; three brothers: Preston Sexton, Delton Sexton, and Van Sexton; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. David's Episcopal Cemetery in Creswell. PAULINE BARNES CARROLL,94, formerly of Creswell, died on January 18, 1998. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph G. and India Phelps Barnes. She was retired from Cofers Interior Decorators in Norfolk and a member of South Norfolk Christian Church. She is survived by two sons: Jarvis Hall, Jr. and Chick Hall; one brother: Mickey M. Barnes; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Jarvis S. Hall, Sr. and Frank H. Carroll. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Great Bridge, Va. ROSA LEE "ROSE" PATRICK,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 19, 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Dezzie Armstrong Rose. She was a homemaker and member of Gum Neck Church of Christ. Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Patrick of Gum Neck in Tyrrell County. She is survived by two daughters: Gail Patrick and Olee Patrick; two sons: David Patrick and Gregory Patrick; three sisters: Gretchell R. Watson, Virgie R. Bateman, and Dezzie Rose; four brothers: Jack Rose, Melvin Rose, Johnnie Rose, and Rufus Rose; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Burial was at Gum Neck Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County. DORA PHELPS JONES,76, of Main Street in Creswell died on January 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Deddie Spruill Phelps. She was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Cherry Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Jones. She is survived by four daughters: Deedie Mae Proctor, Marie Jones Spruill, Mary Jones Chesson, and Martha Ann Toler; four sons: Joe Thomas Jones, George E. Brickhouse, Eugene Brickhouse, and William T. Brickhouse; two sisters: Mary Whaples and Dessie Bass; ninteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MURRAY LANE GOODWIN,76, died on January 24, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Chowan County but spent many years in Tyrrell County as Agriculture Extension Agent doing horticultural and 4-H work. He is survived by his wife: Clara Lane Goodwin; a stepdaughter: Carol S. Gardner; two stepsons: Scott Smith and Scooter Smith; and two sisters: Elizabeth G. Smith and Clara Mae G. Lane. Burial was at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton. STEENIE MELVIN RHODES,72, formerly of Columbia, died on January 26, 1998 in Pitt County Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Rufus and Martha Swain Rhodes. He was a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and a retired auto body repairman. He is survived by three daughters: Ronnie R. Wilson, Billie R. Lucas, and Geraldine R. Smith; one son: Gary Rhodes; four sisters: Doris R. Oliver, Judy R. Abel, Betty R. Hayes, and Stella R. Litchfield; one brother: Royce Rhodes (former sheriff of Tyrrell County); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Cabin Swamp Church of Christ cemetery in Tyrrell County. GRADY BRAXTON SWAIN,85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on January 31, 1998 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Charles L. and Dora Voliva Swain. He was a retired farmer, member of the Columbia Lions Club, and deacon of Malichi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hortense B. Swain and a son: Larry M. Swain. He is survived by three sisters: Esther S. Rhodes, Katie S. Reynolds, and Vera S. Baker; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia. MERTIE CAHOON HUDSON,71, of Plymouth died on January 31, 1998 at Pitt County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County on June 21, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Martha Cartwright Cahoon. She was a mother and homemaker and a prior member of Christian Hope Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband: Jesse L. Hudson, Jr.; a son: Kenneth R. Hudson; four daughters: Betty Sue Lassiter, Linda Barrett, Elaine Buczkowski, and Jean Diane Pennell; four brothers: Delmo Cahoon, Ted Cahoon, Delbert Cahoon, and Edison Cahoon; two sisters: Alice Smith and Etta Mae Cuthrell; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Plymouth. BARBARA ANN PHELPS BRICKHOUSE, 58, of Elm Street in Columbia died on February 12, 1998 at Washington County Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late William Edison Phelps and her surviving mother, Gladys Bateman Cahoon. Barbara was a member of Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and was owner/manager of Sentell's Restaurant in Columbia. She is survived by her mother: Gladys Bateman Cahoon; five daughters: Linda Thorne Brickhouse, Jo Ann Thorne Cahoon, Cecelia Thorne Edge, Terry Thorne Spruill, and Fran Brickhouse; two sisters: Fleedie Reynolds and Mary Gray; one brother: Eddie Cahoon; and seven grandchildren. Burial was at the White Family Cemetery in Creswell. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris.
MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Tyrrell County Genealogical and The Society met Sunday January 25th at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. The new president, Pat Litchfield, called the meeting to order, welcoming all members and several guests. She introduced the new officers and thanked those from the Columbia Christian Church for their generous offer to let us use their annex for a meeting place and she expressed the feelings of those present for their wonderful hospitality and preparation for the meeting. The minutes had previously been distributed and also had been published in the TCGHS Newsletter. They were approved as written. Zelda Pledger gave the treasurer's report showing a balance of $5,451 and reported memberships are still growing. Her report was accepted and a copy filed with the minutes of the meeting. The publications committee chairman, Virginia Haire, reported from their committee meeting (1) that the newsletter needs announcements, celebrations, short articles of interest to members and particularly queries. (2) Three volumes of census records given to the society by Gordon Basnight and Charles Barnes are ready for the publisher. These are 1810 through 1840. Publishing sources are being sought and plans are to have one new one ready each month of March, April and May. (3)The first volume of Tyrrell Obituaries is being typed and volume two is being researched and transcribed. The goal is to have at least one of them ready for sale by the fall Scuppernong River Festival in October.(4) Tyrrell Times Volume 4 for 1998 is in the planning and writing stage. Articles, stories, reminiscences are welcome and should be in by June 30th, preferably much sooner so work can begin NOW. The committee recommended: that the above publications schedule be approved, that we exchange memberships with other local societies, and that we purchase copies of WCGS 1850 and 1860 censuses for TCGHS library. The report and recommendations were approved. In old business, the president reported that the safe deposit box has been rented at The East Carolina Bank for the society's important documents, etc. She also reported the NC Tax number has not been received and that the society has been approved as a tax exempt organization. The bylaws are being amended to reflect those resolutions made since they were first written. Loretta Simmons thanked all those who helped her and the hospitality committee last year. A new list was requested for members to volunteer to take care of the refreshments this year. Gail Cohoon presented the program during which she showed a Patrick Family Bible. She shared the records by reading them since the pages are quite fragile and would not hold up to much handling. As she read, they were recorded on tapes so they could be transcribed and made available to those who need them for their family research. The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing their family records along with the delicious refreshments brought by Dawn Harrell and Betty Morris.
TOMMY EVERETT SUFFERS SERIOUS FALL Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, suffered a serious fall Saturday, March 14th. Tommy was in the process of erecting a 4' x 8' campaign sign on the roof of the Furlough Seafood building on the Columbia waterfront when a gust of wind caused him to fall from the roof to the Scuppernong boardwalk below. In the fall, he apparently cut his hand quite bad and may have fractured several vertebraes. He was given assistance at the scene by bystanders and then the local EMTs who transported him to Chowan Hospital in Edenton. At last word he was recuperating at the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. I would just like to wish Tommy a quick and total recovery! HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
HERMAN CAHOON CELEBRATES 80TH A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Herman Cahoon was held at Sentel's Restaurant on Saturday night, March 7th. Mr. Herman is a prominent resident of Gum Neck, a retired farmer and merchant, having owned and operated Doris's Grocery Store for many years. He is the son of late Willie Cahoon and Minnie Cahoon Alexander. He is the father of Mike Cahoon of Columbia and Hal Cahoon of Bowie, Maryland. Sentel's Party Room was festively decorated with balloons, candles, and confetti and a delicious buffet was served. There were 60 guest, including both sons, five grandchildren and loved ones from the local area and as far away as Goldsboro, Greenville, Dunn, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Cards arrived from as far away as Florida. After the shock of the total surprise, Herman thoroughly enjoyed the evening which included a special serenade in song by Howard Holmes and presentation by Nancy Styron of a framed certificate entitled "Everybody Loves Herman". Hostess for the event was very special friend, Doris Davenport. She was assisted by Annie Williams, Nancy Styron and Dana Holmes. I would like to thank Dana Holmes who informed me about this celebration and furnished me the details of the evening. BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BODY OF TYRRELL MAN MISSING IN ALBEMARLE SOUND RECOVERED It was reported that the body of Jim Twiford was spotted by plane along the shore of Albemarle Sound in the vicinity of Pledger Landing on Monday, March 16th. A small boat was then dispatched to retrieve the body which had been missing for two weeks. At the time of the discovery, a memorial service was being held for Jim in Hyde County where he once lived. W.J. "Jim" Twiford was last seen Monday afternoon (March 2nd) returning to his waterside home on the shore of Albemarle Sound after picking up his crab pots. His wife, Frances, watched her husband turn the 19' crab boat toward home and a few moments later she noticed the empty boat circling offshore in a tight turn. She immediately phoned 911 and a large, continuous search has been ongoing since that time. The search has involved a Wildlife Resources plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, Tyrrell County officials and volunteers, Dare County emergency personel, a dive unit from the Sidney Fire Department in Beaufort County, and many other personel. The searchers were dragging nets, utilizing search dogs, and using sophisticated sonar equipment along with the aerial searches. Jim was a retired captain in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The Twifords moved to Tyrrell County in 1990 and built their retirement home in the Sound Side community about six miles northeast of Columbia. I would just like to wish Jim's family my sincerest sympathy and thank all the fine folks who spent many tireless hours dedicated to the search effort. TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
TYRRELL COUNTY VISITORS CENTER REPORT Vicki Waters sent me the following numbers for visitors at the center for the months of December and January. Total visitors for the month of December 1997 were 19,570 and January's total was 21,227. Tyrrell County ranked third out of nine centers located across North Carolina. These are very impressive numbers, especially if some local entrepenuers could create businesses to attract some of these visitors to stop and spend some time and money. Thanks Vicki! TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
TYRRELL ENQUIRER CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY The Tyrrell County Enquirer first hit the Internet on February 3, 1997. The idea came to me shortly after getting a new computer and deciding to connect to the Internet. I thought, if I were not living in Tyrrell County, it would be great to surf the web and find out what's going on back home. I have met so many great people, rekindled so many old friendships, and have enjoyed reading so many great emails and guestbook entries over the past year. I just want to say THANKS! to everyone who visits The Enquirer and especially those who have written me. I also want to thank my wife, Barbara, for being so understanding when I spend those long, late hours writing articles and updating the news. It has been a wonderful first year and it was you folks who made it all worth while. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! 22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
22nd ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP MURDER MYSTERYThe month of March marks a very dubious anniversary in Tyrrell County. On March 2, 1976, smoke was detected by the Scotia Fire Tower and Ronald Brickhouse, Forest Ranger, was sent to investigate. The site of the smoke was only one mile west of the tower, so it didn't take long for Ronald to reach the location. When he arrived, he saw a pile of dirt and two smoldering bodies lying in a freshly dug hole. He radioed for help and so began one of the longest running unsolved mysteries in the United States. When law officers arrived to investigate the crime scene they discovered the bodies of two adult females, three juvenile males, a gas can, a shovel, and a old pitchfork. The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill, NC for identification and Sheriff Royce Rhodes called in the SBI for assistance with the case. The SBI set up a mobile command post in front of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia to assist the fifteen agents that were sent to investigate the case. Five days into the case and the bodies had not even been identified, until March 6th when Detective Joe Sargent discovered a terrible murder scene in a Carderock, Maryland home. At that time, the bodies were identified as Lobellia Bishop (age 68), Annette Weis Bishop (age 37), William Bradford Bishop III (age 14), Brenton G. Bishop (age 10), and Geoffrey Bishop (age 5). It was reported that all the victims were murdered while they slept in their home and died due to massive head injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument. William Bradford Bishop, age 39, (Lobellia's son, Annette's husband, and father to the three boys) was missing along with the family's dog and maroon 1974 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. Brad Bishop became the prime suspect in the murder of his family and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest on March 12, 1976. Evidence linking him to the crime was: withdrawal of savings on March 1st, his bloody fingerprints inside the home, and his signature on a credit card receipt from a purchase of tennis shoes in Jacksonville, NC on the day the bodies were discovered. A man matching his description was spotted in Jacksonville and Wilmington, NC buying gas and dining hours after the burning bodies were discovered. His 1974 Chevy was discovered on March 18th abandoned at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN. The car contained a bloody blanket, ax, shotgun, bed clothing, dog biscuits, and two capsules of a depressant drug called Serax. The spare tire well was filled with blood from where the five bodies were hauled from Maryland to Tyrrell County, NC. The nationwide manhunt for Bradford Bishop who had a two week head start on authorities has been stalled ever since this point. Brad Bishop, assistant chief of the special trade activities office of the State Department's economic and business section has never been apprehended to stand trial for the murder of his mother, wife, and three sons. It has been theorized that Bishop killed himself in the rugged mountains where his car was found or used his world-travel background and fluency in several languages to flee the country and lose himself abroad. The Bradford Bishop case has been written about in such publications as True Story, Inside Detective, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The News and Observer, and Time Magazine. It has also been featured on television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted. A screenplay, "Bradford Bishop, Where Are You?" and a song "The Ballad Of Brad Bishop" have been written about the crime. Over the past 22 years there have been many unconfirmed sightings of Bradford Bishop in such places as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The question is: "Will we ever know why Brad Bishop murdered his family and how he came to choose an out of the way logging road in Tyrrell County, North Carolina to bury and burn their remains"? TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
TRIVIA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW This information doesn't have anything to do with Tyrrell County except that it was forwarded from Fay Cooper Davenport to Arnette Cahoon Parker to Dee Voliva Furlough and then to yours truly (all Tyrrell County folks). It is just useless trivia but I found it quite interesting and maybe you will too. ...Coca-Cola was originally green. ...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury ...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. ...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound. ...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters. ...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better. ...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000 ...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong ...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska ...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33 ...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7 ...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80% ...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50% ...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 ...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. ...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70% ...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. ...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage ...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. ...The youngest pope was 11 years old. ...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. ...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. ...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. ...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1. ...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments ...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
...Coca-Cola was originally green.
...Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury
...It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs.
...Smartest dogs: 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; 3) Golden retriever ... Dumbest: Afghan hound.
...Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.
...Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better.
...Amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class: $40,000
...City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong
...State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
...Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%
...Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
...Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33
...Average # of days a West German goes without washing his underwear: 7
...Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same woman if they had it to do all over again: 80%
...Percentage of American women who say they'd marry the same man: 50%
...Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400
...Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000.
...Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/Disney World: 70%
...Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
...Only President to win a Pulitzer: John F. Kennedy for Profiles in Courage
...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
...The youngest pope was 11 years old.
...Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation.
...First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
...A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
...In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1.
...The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments
...The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is . ...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio. ...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ? ...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases. ...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.) ...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror. ...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. ...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar. ... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired." ...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. ...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards." ...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt. ...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. ...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain. ...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. ...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. ...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie. ...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere. ...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP ...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites. ...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. ...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight. ...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado. ...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. ...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar. ...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl. ...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver". ...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game. ...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
...Hang On Snoopy is the official rock song of Ohio.
...Did you know that there are coffee flavored PEZ?
...The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.
...The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.)
...When opossums are playing 'possum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror.
...The main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.
...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades -King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds -Julius Caesar.
... 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
...Clans of long ago that wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them would burn their houses down - hence the expression "to get fired."
...Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
..."I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
...The term "the whole 9 yards" came from W.W.II fighter pilots in the South Pacific. When arming their airplanes on the ground, the .50 caliber machine gun ammo belts measured exactly 27 feet before being loaded into the fuselage. If the pilots fired all their ammo at a target, it got "the whole 9 yards."
...Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
...he phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
...An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain.
...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.
...The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.
...David Prowse was the guy in the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars. He spoke all of Vader's lines, and didn't know that he was going to be dubbed over by James Earl Jones until he saw the screening of the movie.
...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
...The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, GP
...The Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, has twice as many bathrooms as is necessary. When it was built in the 1940s, the state of Virginia still had segregation laws requiring separate toilet facilities for blacks and whites.
...The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth II, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
...Cat's urine glows under a blacklight.
...The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado.
...Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously.
...If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
...No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl.
...The first toilet ever seen on television was on "Leave It To Beaver".
...The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League all -stars Game.
...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.
OBITUARIES VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
VIVIAN GODWIN SELBY, 90, formerly of Road Street in Columbia died on February 18, 1998 at her residence following a long illness. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Lory and Martha Swain Godwin. She was a homemaker, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a valued neighbor around Green and Road Streets in Columbia. Mrs. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Selby. She is survived by two daughters: Ruth Selby Northern and S. Jane Selby; a son: Franklin Selby; and one sister: Jessie Godwin. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BOYCE GENE PARISHER, 73, of Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on February 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was a native of Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland and Annie Mae Jones Parisher. Boyce was a retired farmer and a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by two daughters: Gene P. Reynolds and Darlene P. Webb; one brother: Sterling Parisher; three sisters: Guelda P. Pritchett, Rosa Lee P. Sawyer, and Julia P. Simmons; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at the Point Cemetery in the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County. HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
HAZEL SUTTON OWENS,82, of Main Street in Columbia died on February 19, 1998 in Chesapeake General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Alexander Sutton. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death several years ago by her husband, Ephraim Owens. She is survived by one daughter: Peggy Owens Davis; one brother: Jerry Sutton; three sisters: Vadis Sutton Klander, Margaret Sutton Roughton, and Lonie Sutton Gray; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
WILLIAM LEE "Bill" VOLIVA, 85, of the Creeks community of Tyrrell County died on February 21, 1998 after a very lenghty illness. William was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Roland Lee and Minnie Spencer Voliva of the Scotia Community. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and very knowledgeable person about the wildlife and way of life of Tyrrell County. He was my grandfather and he taught me many of the ideals that I stand for today. I will cherish his memory and the times of my youth that we spent together. Sadly he was robbed of his memory and health due to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease almost twenty years ago. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Spencer Voliva; a daughter: Effie V. Fleming; a son: Bobby Lee Voliva; two sisters: Burl Jones and Hazel Mitchum; four brothers: Oakley Voliva, Lois Voliva, Burvell Voliva, and J.C. Voliva; five grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
WINBON JAMES TWIFORD, JR.,56, of the Sound Side Community in Tyrrell County died on March 2, 1998 while tending his crab pots. He was born in Hyde County and was the son of Winbon James and Ella Mae Patrick Twiford. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and retired lieutenant commander of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He was also a member of Providence Lodge 678 AF and AM in Columbia. He is survived by his wife: Frances Blackwelder Twiford; a son: Maj. Winbon James Twiford III; a daughter: Lynn T. Graham; a sister: Sophia T. Jarvis; and four grandchildren. DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
DORIS TWIDDY SWAIN,58, of 6th Street in Creswell died on March 8, 1998 after a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Ambrose Davenport. She was a member of Cherry Church of God and a bookkeeper. She is survived by her companion: Leonard Spruill; a daughter: Donnie Twiddy Barnes; a brother: James A. Davenport; and eleven grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BRUCE WAYLON "JACK" HASSELL, JR.,78, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on March 6, 1998. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Bruce W. and Stella Cahoon Hassell. He was a veteran of WWII and retired firefighter with the Chesapeake Fire Department. He is survived by his wife: Hulda Davis Hassell; and a sister: Larue Hassell. Burial was at Riverside Memorial Park in Virginia. MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
MINUTES FROM THE LAST GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The Society met on Sunday, February 22, 1998 at the Columbia Christian Church Annex. President Patricia Litchfield called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and guests. She then called for the minutes of the January meeting. They were distributed and a few moments given to read them. There were no corrections and they were approved as written. Zelda Pledger presented a treasurer’s report giving account of the expenditures and receipts and showing an ending balance of $6,076.77. A copy of the report and bank statement was presented for recording with the secretary’s records. The report was approved. Virginia Haire reported from the publications committee that the Tyrrell County Census reports for 1810, 1820, and 1830 are waiting for final price decisions and will go to publisher within the next few days and will be on schedule and ready by the March meeting date. The journal will be ready for the April meeting. Members were reminded that the host/hostess list has not been filled beyond the month of March and it is possible that refreshments could be discontinued. Conversation among members indicated there will be enough volunteers to bring the ‘goodies’ and provide cleanup. It was decided that it would be practical for refreshment providers to be responsible for cleanup since they usually wait until everyone else leaves and usually have enough help to finish. Again, gratitude was expressed for the generosity of the Church and that we would like to leave it in the same condition they so graciously provided. The president stated she again called the NC Dept. of Revenue about sales and use tax numbers and has not had satisfying results but will continue trying to resolve the situation. Edwin Norman, a member of both the Tyrrell and Washington County groups, told the group that Vernon Everett, also a member of both groups, is treasurer of the Washington County Society and could possibly assist in clearing up the details in tax matters such as sales tax rebates, etc. since they had had similar problems. Pat told the group that a program chairperson is needed since the Vice President will not be doing that part of the position this year. The society’s Executive Committee has a few programs tentatively scheduled and the president asked for suggestions from the group. It was noted there are many local speakers who can be called upon and members were asked to make contacts and help fill the calendar for the year as soon as possible. Christine Ambrose announced that June 27 is date for the semi-annual workshop of the Family Research Society. It will be held in Elizabeth City at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. She promised more details next month and in their newsletter. Queries and news articles were requested to be sent to Jimmy Fleming for the newsletter during the first week of the month. Intentions are to have it prepared for printing and mailing by the 15th of each month. Jimmy has a full time job and many obligations and needs the information as early as possible in order to get it together that early each month. His website keeps everything up to date also. Virginia Haire presented a program about the genealogy of a Davenport and the efforts of the Washington County Historical Society in preservation of the Davenport House near Creswell as a bicentennial project. She stressed the importance of the family’s genealogy in discovering the house’s potential. It is opened to the public for special occasions at present and the ongoing historical restoration is expected to be complete by 1999 for the bicentennial celebration in Washington County. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Pat Litchfield and Loretta Simmons provided refreshments which were enjoyed by all as they traded family stories and documents. Christine Ambrose brought her copier and computer and she invited all to enter their family information in her Family Tree Maker program and graciously made photocopies of documents they had brought to share. APRIL 1998 ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURT RECOGNIZED Patricia B. Brickhouse, Assistant Tyrrell County Clerk of Court, was recently recognized for 15 years of service to the people of Tyrrell County and the North Carolina Court System. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation before Judge Samuel G. Grimes by Tommy Everett, Tyrrell County Clerk of Court. Congratulations to Patricia and "Thanks" from the people of Tyrrell County. FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
FEBRUARY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacoby and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of February. Average High Air Temp ... 54 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 71 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 38 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 27 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.89 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 1.75 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 14.42 inches. TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
TYRRELL STUDENT EARNS MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Yvonne Griswell, a senior at Columbia High School, has won a 1998 Morehead Award to the UNC at Chapel Hill valued at $51,000. The scholarship will pay all expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study and a summer enrichment program. Sixty seven winners were selected from 1000 candidates based on nomination and interviews beginning last fall and ending March 3rd. Tiffany is the daughter of Shirley Spencer of Columbia. She is the second Columbia High School senior to win the impressive Morehead Scholarship in the past four years. COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
COLUMBIA MAN GREETED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II Ronald "Ronnie" Pledger, formerly of Tyrrell County, was greeted at the Vatican by Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican for the second time. He and his wife Denise McClees Pledger, sang at the Vatican last June in a community choir from Pitt County. He decided later to return to the Vatican to recieve a personal papal blessing. Ronnie is the son of Zelda Pledger and the late Lloyd Pledger. His wife Denise is also from Tyrrell County and is the daughter of Ray and Jean McClees. The couple make their home in Pitt County and are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greenville. OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
OBITUARIES ADA SAWYER ALEXANDER, 91, of the Gum Neck community in Tyrrell County died on March 19, 1998 at the Hallmark Center in Windsor. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Caroline Jones Sawyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gum Neck Church of Christ. Mrs. Ada was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Grady Alexander. She is survived by a brother: Irving Rex Sawyer; a sister: Selma Nelms; and one grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. FREDRICK LUDFORD WILSON "FRED" COHOON, 68, of Bridge Street in Columbia died on March 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late B. Ray and Wilma Alexander Cohoon. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force, a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and a retired farmer. He is survived by a sister: Mary Alice Cohoon Brinn. LILLIE VICTORIA HASSELL TURNER, 86, of Rt 2 Columbia died on March 18, 1998. She is survived by one sister: Catherine Olds. Arrangements were by Rowsom Funeral Home and services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. ETHEL ROBERTS SELBY, 91, of Rt 1 Columbia died March 19, 1998 at her home. She was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by her husband: Lonnie Selby; three daughters: Lou Pearl Selby, Carolyn Harrison, and Willie M. Baker; two sons: Joseph Selby and James Selby; two sisters: Violet Russell and Dorothy Chase; two brothers: Raciel Roberts and Lester Roberts; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the community cemetery. ABNER THOMAS BRYANT, 77, of Woodgate Apartments in Columbia died on March 21, 1998. He was a native of Tyrrell County and is survived by his wife: Ethel M. Bryant; two daughters: Polly McCray and Ruth Spruill; two sons: Evin Bryant and Thomas Bryant; one stepson: James M. Pledger; one brother: Arthur Bryant; two sisters: Alma Collins and Lennie Spruill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. Burial was at the Zion Grove Disciples Church of Christ cemetery. ERNEST LEON COOPER, 44, formerly of Creswell, died on March 23 at the home of his son in Columbia. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Elizabeth Twiddy Cooper. Leon was a 1972 graduate of Creswell High School and veteran of the US Army. He is survived by two sons: Ernest Leon Cooper, Jr and Charlie Cooper; two stepsons: Ray Abbott and Shannon Abbott; two brothers: Joe Cooper and Herbert Cooper; and one stepgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Cooper. Burial was at Belhaven Community Cemetery in Belhaven. MAY 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS The results are now in for the 1998 May Primary Election in Tyrrell County. Below you will find how the local candidates faired in their races. CLERK OF COURT ..... Tommy Everett = 1132 ; Gordon Barnes = 180 SHERIFF ..... Fred Hemilright = 793 ; James Earl Cutrell = 359 ; Seldon Brickhouse = 168 COUNTY COMMISSIONER ..... Tommy Spruill = 720 ; Zack Brickhouse = 533 BOARD OF EDUCATION (3 seats)..... Larry Hill = 420 ; Darryl Liverman = 388 ; Jackie Smith = 332 ; Vicky Furlough = 130 ; June Bailey Pittman = 101. MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
MARCH VISITORS CENTER NUMBERS Vicki Waters from the Tyrrell County Visitors Center reports a total of 26,903 visitors for the month of March 1998. This ranked second in the state to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center who had 36,320. Second Place out of the seven visitor centers in the state is pretty impressive. COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
LYDIA OGLETREE TO MARRY Charley and Midge Ogletree announced the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lydia, to Charles Wallace O'Rear,III of Greenville, NC. The couple plan to exchange vows on Saturday, June 13th at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Greenville. MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
MARCH WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of March. Average High Air Temp ... 62 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 83 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 42 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 21 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.27 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.12 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 19.69 inches. COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
COLUMBIA WOMAN CNA OF THE YEARRosa King of the Alligator community of Tyrrell County was chosen by the Coastal Region of nursing homes as the Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Nominations are submitted by all 41 facilities, then judged by the corporate staff. Rosa commutes each day to Britthaven Nursing Home and is described as a strong, reliable, and caring CNA. She is described as gentle, humorous, creative, loving, supportive, positive, humble, and respective. These qualities say a lot about Rosa and she should be proud of her achievement. EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
EXPLORER WINS AWARD Brian Fleming was recently honored with the Explorer of the Year Award at West Edgecombe Rescue Squad in Rocky Mount, NC. The award is given to honor the outstanding Explorer who has excelled at his post. To become an Explorer and assist on the ambulance, one must complete a first aid course, certify in CPR, and pass a reading corrective vital signs exam. Being an Explorer is an educational experience and allows someone to become familiar with emergency room and hospital procedures. Brian is the son of Hal and Cindy Sawyer Fleming, formerly of Columbia. Brian's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sawyer and Effie Fleming, all of whom still reside in Columbia. CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
CEREMONY HELD FOR EASTERN 4-H CENTER A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new 4-H Enviromental Education Conference Center, also known as the Eastern 4-H Center, on April 24, 1998. The center is to be built on a 242 acre tract on the shore of Albemarle Sound in the Bulls Bay community. Once completed, the Eastern 4-H Center will be used as an enviromental teaching facility that features indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratories, and conference facilities. The site will also include a youth village, lodging cabins, pools, summer camps, rope courses, boating, and much more. The location of the center is considered to be very special because it is in the midst of a "living enviromental laboratory", surrounded by hardwoods, pines, and pocosins. The area is a habitat for red wolves, black bear, white-tail deer, and migratory waterfowl. 49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
49TH ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD The 49th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was held on April 15, 1998. There were 19 children who exhibited hogs and 6 who exhibited lambs. The Grandchampion Heavyweight Hog was exhibited by Sandi Brickhouse who is the daughter of David and Linda Thorne Brickhouse. Sandi's champion hog was purchased for $729.76 by Pamco Implement Company. Others who placed were: Reserve Champion (Dave Brickhouse), 3rd Place Individual (Courtney Smith), 4th Place Individual (Megan Jones), 5th Place Individual (Lindsey Suter), and 6th Place Individual (Jennifer Cooper). Congratulations to all who participated in this years show and thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to make this event such a success. OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
OBITUARIES DOROTHY BERRY MIDYETTE, 61, of Rt 1 in Hyde County died on May 4, 1998 at Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 21, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stephen A. and Ludie Estelle Jones Berry. Mrs. Midyette was a member of Watson's Chapel United Methodist Church and a homemaker in the Nebraska community of Hyde County. She is survived by her husband: James Emery Midyette, Sr; three sons: James Emery Midyette Jr, Allen Dale Midyette, and Jerry Van Midyette; two brothers: Ray Berry and Stephen A. Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Julia Dale Midyette and a sister: Margaret Berry Sadler. Burial was at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter. ERNESTINE WYNNE GARNER, 89, died April 27, 1998 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Mrs. Garner was born in Tyrrell County in 1908 and was the widow of Walter Glenn Garner. She completed the teacher training program at East Carolina Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Gum Neck community. She later taught in the public schools of Newport and Beaufort. She was a long time resident of Greenville and a member of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church. She is survived by a daughter: Wynnette G. Alexander; a son: Dr. Howard Garner; three sisters: Euphemia W. Farrow, Vivian W. Lindsay, and Sarah Wynne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. TENSIE MIZELL SYKES, 79, of Columbia, died on April 25, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Chowan County on March 16, 1916 and was the daughter of the late John and Martha Halsey Mizell. Mrs. Sykes served as pastor of the Starlight Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church for 22 years. She is survived by a daughter: Jean Baptiste; four sons: John Mizell Downing, James Mizell Downing, Joseph Sykes, and Thomas Sykes; a sister: Johnnie Mae McCleese; twenty two grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sykes. Burial was at Chapel Hill cemetery. DORIS SPENCER RHODES, 57, of the Creeks community in Tyrrell County died on April 23, 1998 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Leland Hubert and Alma Armstrong Spencer. Doris was a member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Rhodes and a son, Mitchell R. Rhodes. She is survived by her mother: Alma A. Spencer; two daughters: Kathy R. Taylor and Penny L. Rhodes; two sons: Rickey C. Rhodes and Michael P. Rhodes; two sisters: Mildred S. Bailey and Elsie S. Jones; one brother: L. Hubert Spencer, Jr; and one grandchild. Burial was at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbia. LUTHER MARTIN AMBROSE, 69, of Weston Road near Creswell died April 20, 1998 at his home. He was born in Washington County and was the son of the late Luther and Alice Chaplin Ambrose. He was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife: Jean Morris Ambrose; two daughters: Lauren A. Swain and Donna A. Heath; two sons: Robert Ambrose and Luther Ambrose, Jr; three sisters: Dot A. Morse, Annie A. Covert, and Betty A. Carawan. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church cemetery in Creswell. JAMES WILLIS ALEXANDER, 87, of Rt 1, Columbia, died April 10, 1998 at Plumbee Nursing Home in Plymouth. He is survived by a son: James R. Swain; a sister: Esther McCoy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was at Piney Grove Disciples Church. JUNE 1998 1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
1998 COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Columbia High School held its 79th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 5, 1998. The invocation was given by Miss Casey Marie Armstrong, President of the SCA. She was followed by the Salutatorian's address given by Mr. Jeremy Scott Smith, Senior Salutatorian. The speaker for the 1998 Commencement ceremony was 1988 CHS graduate, Brian Maurice Rowsom, professional basketball player and businessman. Diplomas were presented to the 46 members of the senior class by Dr. Betsy Stallings, Superintendent of Tyrrell County Public Schools and Mrs. Jackie C. Smith, Chairperson for the Tyrrell County Board of Education. This was followed by the Valedictory address given by Miss Tiffany Yvette Griswell, Valedictorian and Moorehead Scholar winner. The benediction was given by Mr. Gerald Eubanks, Assistant Principal of Columbia High School. Mr. James Cahoon, Principal of Columbia High School, introduced the speakers and acted as master of ceremonies for the event which had to be held in the CHS Gymnasium due to inclement weather. PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
PLEDGER HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY In May 1948, Dennis Marvin Pledger and his brother Lloyd, opened Farmers Supply Store on Main Street in Columbia located between The Columbia Theater and the Cahoon Texaco Service Station. The name of the store was soon changed to Pledger Brothers Hardware and in 1951 they bought a General Electric franchise. As time went on, Dennis and Lloyd opened a second business on North Broad Street, a tire recapping shop which Lloyd managed. About 1987, Dennis and Lloyd dissolved their partnership with Dennis staying with the hardware store while Lloyd took over ownership of Pledger Auto Parts, Inc., a NAPA dealership. Along with Mr. Dennis, there is another longtime icon at Pledger Brothers Hardware, Frankie Davenport began work at the store in 1966 while a sophomore at Columbia High School. He has become an important part of the business and his expertise in apliance service has been a great addition. Today, Pledger Bros. Hardware is still run by Mr. Dennis and he is assisted by Frankie Davenport and his wife Wanda. Pledger Hardware has weathered many changes and challenges since 1948. The inventory has changed from equipment needed for farming with mules or horses to modern electric stoves and refrigerators. The business has also faced stiff competition from Tyrrell Hardware Store, which began even earlier and also still exists today. POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
POCOSIN ARTS UPDATE Pocosin Arts has come a long way in three short years. The dream of connecting culture to enviroment through the arts began with a seed grant of $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1994 and an additional $70,000 in the intervening three years. Another generous contributor is the Price Bryan Family Fund which granted a total of $30,000 in 1995 and 1996 then awarded a three-year, $50,000 grant in June, 1997. The NC General Assembly awarded $19,600 in 1996 and a $35,000 grant in 1997. Other grants have been $5,000 from the NC Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $1,000 from NC Department of Enviromental Education, $4,000 plus another $18,000 from the NC Arts Council, $7,500 from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, and $10,000 from the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The newest Pocosin Arts project is the semi-annual newsletter which is called "Groundfire". The name symbolizes some of the dynamics essential to the vitality of the pocosin, the predominant wetland ecology of our region. Feather Phillips, Pocosin Arts executive director explains it this way, "The community of people in the pocosin are holding the energy of creativity. We see Pocosin Arts as a positive flash, a blaze, a spark; as lightning sparks a groundfire, we are hoping Pocosin Arts will spark a groundfire of creativity among pocosin residents." The newsletter will be mailed to individuals who have expressed interest in Pocosin Arts such as volunteers, funders, teachers, students, board members, and any interested person who contacts them. "Groundfire" will include news items, features, snippets of history, expressions of gratitude, and a current calendar of events and classes. Some upcoming classes in the month of June are Pit & Sagger Firing (June 5th and 6th), Pottery: Wheel, Handbuilding and Surface Treatment (June 11-July 30 each Thursday), Gourd Craft: Bowls, Dippers, Musical Instruments (June 15,16, & 17), Masks Behind Masks (June 25 & 26), and Lost Wax Casting/Brass (June 27 & 28). Pocosin Arts is also hoping to develop a webpage on the Internet by the Summer of 1998 which should be a very informative site. Anyone seeking more info about events, classes, newsletters, or becoming a contributor should contact the following address: Pocosin Arts; P.O. Box 690; Columbia, NC 27925; 1-919-796-2787; email: pocosinarts@hotmail.com NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
NEW BED & BREAKFAST IN COLUMBIA Karen Estey and her husband Craig Colombo have purchased the former Spruill house on the corner of Broad and Water Street in Columbia. Some Columbia natives may know it better as the house where Mrs. Helen Melson lived across from Voliva Oil Company. Karen has converted the stately old house into a bed and breakfast that she calls "The River House". Karen, Craig, and their young son Noah are looking forward to being part of our community since moving from Charlottesville, Virginia. If you would like to know more about accomodations at "The River House", you can visit Karen's web site at the following address: http://www.river-house.com/ COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
COLUMBIA HIGH CLASS OF 1973 PLAN REUNION The Columbia High School Class of 1973 is in the process of planning a 25 year reunion. They would like help in compiling an address list for all classmates. Anyone who would like to help or has knowledge of addresses should contact Laverne Roughton Jeske at 1-919-796-9021. A flier will be made available at a future date to announce the date, place, and time of the reunion. APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
APRIL WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station at the home of Jacob and Arnette Parker in Gum Neck. The following is the weather data reported by the couple during the month of April. Average High Air Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 80 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 48 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 5.19 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.20 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 24.88 inches. MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
MAY WEATHER IN TYRRELL COUNTY The following is the weather data reported by Arnette and Jacob Parker during the month of May. Average High Air Temp ... 77 degrees Highest Air Temp ... 88 degrees Average Low Air Temp ... 58 degrees Lowest Air Temp ... 43 degrees Monthly Precipitation ... 6.45 inches Most Precipitation in 24 Hour Period ... 2.05 inches Total 1998 Precipitation ... 31.33 inches. OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
OBITUARIES PHILLIP LEROY TWIDDY, 64, of Fisher Apartments on Broad Street in Columbia died on June 17, 1998 at his residence. He was born in East Lake, Dare County and was the son of the late Jim and Martha Ellen Twiddy. He was a chef and a member of the Manteo Elementary PTA. He is survived by two brothers: Earl W. Twiddy and Walley Twiddy; two nieces; and six nephews. GLENN DOUGLAS SAWYER, 46, of Rocky Hock Road in Chowan County died on June 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital. Glenn was born and raised in Tyrrell County and was the son of Bill and Joyce Patrick Sawyer. He was a former employee of W.E. Smith Store and a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents; three sisters: Brenda S. Harrell, Janice S. Oden, and Mary Sawyer; and two brothers: David Sawyer and Bill Sawyer. Burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. GRACE COOPER TAFT McLAUGHLIN, 86, of Broad Street in Columbia died on June 19, 1998 at Pitt Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Comillous and Pearl Combs Cooper. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert G. McLaughlin, Sr. Mrs. Grace was survived by two sons: Robert Greg McLaughlin and Terry P. McLaughlin; one sister: Thelma McDuffie; one brother: Commilous Cooper; and nine grandchildren. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia. BOBBY LEE AMBROSE, 54, of Creswell died on June 14, 1998 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Washington County and was the son of Lehman P. Ambrose and Caddie Comstock Lilly. He was a member of Phillippi Church of Christ, retired from the US Air Force, a farmer, and avid hunter. He is survived by his mother: Caddie Ambrose Lilly; his wife: Yvonne Smith Ambrose; one daughter: Deborah Lee Ambrose; one son: Bobby Lee Ambrose,Jr; one sister: Alice Bowen; three brothers: Ronald Ambrose, Lehman Ambrose,Jr, and Michael Ambrose; and one grandson: Markel Joshua Ambrose. Burial was at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery. WILLARD LUTHER CAHOON, 81, of Columbia died on May 25, 1998 in Chowan Hospital after a short illness. Willard was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Herbert Seaton and Mae Belle Everton Cahoon. He was a WWII Army veteran, an elder of the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired forester. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and the Columbia Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife: Margaret Brickhouse Cahoon; three daughters: Jackie C. Smith, Ginger C. Hassell, and Anita C. Borst; one son: James W. Cahoon; one brother: George Cahooon; three sisters: Thelma Cahoon, Geraldine Silverdahl, and Nellie Cahoon; and nine grandchildren. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens near Columbia. JOHN HAROLD COLLEGE SR, 62, of Columbia died on May 20, 1998 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton following a short illness. John was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bryant College. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church, and a operations engineer for Weyerhaeuser Company. He is survived by his wife: Ruby Mann College; two daughters: Cheryll Allen and Kimberly Poff; a son: John H. College Jr.; two brothers: Ralph College and Robert College; four sisters: Donna Helsel, Virginia Kolesar, Kay Witkowski, and Barbara Muller; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. WILLIAM JAMES NICHOLS, 100, of Columbia died May 19, 1998 at Chowan Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Nichols was born in Durham County on August 25, 1897 and the son of the late James C. and Annie Ferguson Nichols. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW I, retired teacher and principal of the NC Public School System, and deacon at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doris Morris Nichols; and four sisters: Shirley Holloway, Penny Windler, Leslie Ray, and Lurline Phillips. Burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Columbia. JULY 1998 BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BREAKING NEWS Mary Nicole Hill and Alvin "Buddy" Smith of Gum Neck have announced their engagement. Miss Hill is the daughter of Elaine Hill of Kill Devil Hills and Buddy is the son of Alvin and Jackie Smith of Gum Neck. The couple plan to marry on August 22, 1998 at Elizabeth City, NC. I would like to congratulate Bruce and Frances Belangia Emmons on the birth of their son, Nathan Belangia Emmons. He was born on June 30, 1998 at 6:38 p.m. and weighed in at 5 pounds and 6 ounces. The couple are extremely proud and very happy to be parents after 17 years of marriage. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND FRANCES!!!!! Hank Reynolds and his wife,Shannon are expecting a baby in Feburary. Hank and family have also received orders to report to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He applied for a position there as an instructor for Air Force rapid runway repair and contingencey operations. Panama City is a little farther from home but still within a days drive to Columbia. From all of us here in Tyrrell County, "CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO HANK & SHANNON!!!!" I learned today that my childhood friend Glenn Sawyer has died at age 46. Glenn and his brothers and sisters grew up right across the street from my family and we spent many hours playing around the town of Columbia. Glenn always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. He did many odd jobs but I most remember him for selling the Grit Newspaper. He had an enthusiasm about selling that paper that folks just couldn't ignore. Sometime in our early teens, Glenn and his family moved to Chowan county and I lost contact with him. I guarantee you that the folks in Chowan county knew and loved Glenn just as the people of Tyrrell County did. He was just one of those people that you like to know and be around. A new stoplight has been installed in the town of Columbia at the intersection of Main Street and Road Street. This has been the site of several auto accidents (the last being when Ralph "Cocky Joe" Godwin, Jr was injured when he was broadsided by someone who ran the stop sign). J.D. Etheridge, Sr had his thumb cut off when it was caught in the pot puller on his crab boat while pulling crab pots. I talked to him just the other day and he is doing quite well and has a great attitude which is making his recovery go a lot better. BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
BRICKHOUSE FAMILY REUNION SCHEDULED I just received my 1998 "Brickhouse Family Newsletter" today from Gordon Brickhouse. It contained quite a bit of Brickhouse family news and announced the date for the 11th Annual Brickhouse Family Reunion. This year the gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at Columbia Fire House located on Main Street in Columbia. Along with the chance to rub elbows with a great bunch of kinfolk, there will be live music and a fantastic meal. As usual, the reunion committee is asking each attendee for $8.00 for the meal and a $7.00 donation to help defray the expenses of the reunion. Please order your tickets early by contacting Sarah Reynolds at the following address: Sarah Brickhouse Reynolds; Rt 1 Box 179; Columbia, NC 27925; (919) 796-4306 ..... Come out and enjoy a great day of Brickhouse kinship!!! JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
JUNE WEATHER FOR TYRRELL COUNTY This is the June 1998 Tyrrell County weather data that was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck. Average High Temp ... 75 degrees Average Low Temp ... 66 degrees Highest Recorded Temp ... 94 degrees Lowest Recorded Temp ... 50 degrees Monthly Rainfall ... 6.35 inches Highest Daily Rainfall ... 1.95 inches Year To Date Rainfall ... 37.68 inches LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
LATEST VISITOR'S CENTER STATISTICS The Tyrrell County Visitor's Center had a total of 35,340 visitors for the month of April and 46,786 visitors for the month of May. Tyrrell County was third out of nine centers in the state for the month of May. As visitors enter the lobby at the Visitors Center, they are greeted and asked to sign the guest register. The total number of visitors from OTHER COUNTRIES who have signed the guest register was 495 from July 1997 through June 1998. These are very impressive numbers and I would like to thank Vicki Waters for sending them to me. SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL 1998Plans are getting under way for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Applications are now being accepted for booth space at the upcoming event. Booth space is 10'x10' and cost $50 for food vendors and $30 for all others. All booth fees should be paid by September 15th. Some of the events already scheduled include a street dance, volleyball tournament, auction, music, parade, 5K run, horseshoe pitching, canoe race, fireworks, and much, much more. Other scheduled entertainment at this time is the rock climbing wall, the Mama Dragon Moonwalk, the Cameron Caterpillar, Super Hoops Basketball Spin, and the Bass Master Casting Game. Each year the Scuppernong River Festival gets better and this year will be no exception. Make your plans now to be in Columbia on October 10th for the 7th Annual Scuppernong River Festival!!! LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
LATE FILER ADDS TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACEThe Tyrrell County Board of Elections met on July 6, 1998 to review a petition by Nina Basnight Griswell to run for the seat of Tyrrell County commissioner as an unafilliated candidate. Mrs. Griswell submitted a petition with 179 signatures on June 26, 1998. Elections Director, Shirley Swain, announced that 160 of the signatures were valid and only 93 signatures were needed to validate the petition. Nina is 35 years old and is employed as an administrative sargent with the Department of Corrections at the Tyrrell County Work Farm. She is a native of the Gum Neck community, is married to Erskin Griswell and the couple has 3 children. She enters a race for 2 at large county commissioner seats and joins Tommy Spruill, Clayton Hopkins, and Zack Brickhouse who are also seeking election. Tommy and Clayton are incumbents while Zack and Nina are challengers. It should prove to be quite an exciting election in November. ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER
ENJOYING WHAT TYRRELL HAS TO OFFER