EHC News *

2011-02-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

The first phase of the water-side porch restoration project has been completed. The columns, and balusters were rebuilt, the railings were restored and the work was completed with a fresh coat of paint. The porch ceilings and deck were pressure washed by some very dedicated volunteers and the porch is now open to once again enjoy the beautiful views of Edenton Bay...just in time for spring!

The second phase of the water-side porch restoration, to replace the decking, has been put on hold. THe Commission has been forced to change its focus to a more pressing concern. The street-side porch has shown considerable deterioration and needs to be rebuilt. The columns are rotting, the structure is quickly becoming insecure, and the deck is worn causing water to sit. For the safety of visitors, this work must be completed as soon as funds are raised.

Donations to help fund the restoration are still needed and can be sent to The Edenton Historical Commission, 505 South Broad Street, Edenton, NC 27932. The Commission is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. The Commission does not receive routine funds from state or federal governments. Initial grants from the Ann Sams Fund and the Edenton Woman's Club, plus a successful solicitation program that raised needed funds from throughout the community, gave the Commission the confidence to launch the restoration project.

An April 9th, 2010
wind event knocked
one of the chimneys
off the Barker House.
It has been rebuilt.

Happily, the picture of the missing chimney is now of historical value only. The chimney has been rebuilt and an insurance claim has been filed.

-- The Cupola House, c 1758, is featured in a very well done piece by WRAL TV. The house is owned, restored and protected by the Cupola House Association, the oldest preservation group in North carolina, and while it is not a Edenton Historical Commission project, everyone in Edenton is proud of its restoration. Take a look.

-- The restoration of the exterior of the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is completed, for all practical purposes. Permits to allow the Lighthouse to be permanently relocated, on the water and within the Town's breakwater, have been obtained. The search is on to find funding for the relocation.

The Commission is responsible for furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. To review the furnishing plan for the Lighthouse, as drafted by Carol Chamberlain, Curator for NC State Historic Sites and Properties, download and print a copy. Look to see if you have access to any of the items we will need as soon as the Lighthouse's restoration is completed. Call Gregg Nathan with any suggestions about obtaining some of these needed furnishings (252) 482-7800. Donations to help us acquire these furnishing are needed. The Edenton Woman's Club's donation of $5,000 toward this effort was greatly appreciated and will speed acquisition of the furnishings.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse at Edenton's waterfront. The Lighthouse is the last existing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the Albemarle region until the early 20th century. The Commission's Executive Committee named Simon Rich III of Edenton to chair the Lighthouse Committee in December '09.

-- The Commission's project to save Martinique, one of the oldest houses of the region, is making progress. The house stood on a land grant conveyed to John Wallace by Lord Granville in 1752. In a remarkable story of continuity, Martinique was handed down through the same family for seven generations. It has now been moved and stabilized so it is out of harm's way. The home is for sale but must be restored following prescribed renovation covenants. Speaking of Martinique, North Carolina historic property expert Reid Thomas said:

"Early features include double-shoulder chimneys, beaded weatherboards, and some Georgian woodwork including doors and raised-panel wainscoting. The chimneys were probably built by the same mason as those of the Cupola House," noting that they will be moved with the house. He continued, "When homes of this vantage were built, there were not such things as a construction loan or a mortgage. So, people built what they could afford at the time. This house, after being framed, had the studs and the inside of the exterior walls whitewashed. Later, as money allowed, plaster interior walls were added, at significant expense. That original whitewash is still visible on the studs, and there is some evidence of fabric used to insulate some of the walls."

-- Make the Barker House your Edenton living room and walk where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked. Visit the many restorations, not reproductions, of those early homes and public buildings.

-- Unlike other areas where historic homes have been replicated, Edenton's historic homes are the real thing. Over 22 homes in Chowan County date to the 18th century and most are lived in every day. You can stay in one of our delightful bed and breakfast inns right in the middle of the historic area or at traditional hotels near the historic area.

-- Annual Report and 990:

Our 2009 Annual Report and a copy of our IRS 990 are available as a PDF.

2010-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

-- A small tornado, wind sheer or whatever it's called struck Edenton around 4 am, April 9th as the Cycle NC group camped near the Barker House. One of our chimneys was blown down. Happily and thankfully, no one was physically injured.

The Barker House sponsored a Yard Sale, tours of a tugboat, provided by Stevens Towing Co., and provide "Tea" luncheons for the bicyclists. Over 1,100 families from all over the country participated in the three day cycling event and enjoyed two beautiful days of fantastic weather, if you ignore that little wind-driven discombobulation.

The metal trim atop the Chowan Herald building was rolled back and the John R. Page Masonic Lodge suffered the most serious damage as it was shifted off it's foundation. Several homes also suffered damage. Although some cyclists were tossed about as their tents blew around, they showed great resilience and enjoyed the weekend in Edenton.

-- The Edenton Historical Commission will meet at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, Edenton, on April 22nd for its semi-annual meeting.

-- Speakers Forum, May 13th, will feature Dr. John Skelton Reed and his wife Dale, authors of Holy Smoke, The Tar Heel Barbecue Tradition, and coincide with the release of their newest book on BBQ. The presentation will be followed with a cookout at the Barker House. Tickets are available at the Barker House.

-- The 3rd annual Taste of Edenton will occur September 10th at the Barker House, Edenton, 6 pm. Regional restaurants share their bounty. Limited tickets.

-- The annual meeting of the Edenton Historical Commission will occur October 21st at Edenton.

-- Speakers Forum, October 21st, featuring Kroghe Andresen, a duck decoy expert, will discuss decoy carving and offer appraisals of your decoy.

-- Thanksgiving Day, November 25th - the Barker House will be closed.

-- Edenton's Candlelight Christmas Tour of private homes decorated for the holidays, December 10th and 11th, Edenton.

-- Christmas Day, December 25th - the Barker House will be closed.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse on Edenton's waterfront. To make it more accessible for visitors, it will be located on land. The Lighthouse is the last existing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the Albemarle region until the early 20th century. The Commission is responsible for furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. Donations to help us acquire these rare furnishing are needed. The Edenton Woman's Club's recent donation of $5,000 toward this effort is greatly appreciated and will speed acquisition of the furnishings. The Commission's Executive Committee named Simon Rich III of Edenton to chair the Lighthouse Committee in December '09.

-- Make the Barker House your Edenton living room and walk where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked.

2010-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

-- The Edenton Historical Commission's Executive Committee will meet at the Barker House, Edenton, NC, February 9, 2010 at 8 am.

-- 2010's first Speakers Forum, March 15th, 6 pm, at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, will feature Dr. James Horn. Horn is Vice President of Research and Historical Interpretation & O’Neill Director of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (one of the longest titles at the Foundation). An internationally recognized authority, Horn has taught at Monticello, William and Mary, and for 20-years at the Univeristy of Brightom, England. He is the author most recently of A Kingdom Strange: The Brief and Tragic History of the Lost Colony of Roanoke which will be published in March. He also wrote A Land As God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America. Copies of his Roanoke book will be available, if the publishing schedule allows. Tickets are available through the Barker House. A reception for Dr. Horn will follow the presentation. The reception will be at the Barker House.

The Barker House will be closed on Easter, April 4th.

-- Edenton will host Cycle NC in April, 2010. In addition to enjoying the scenic Albemarle region, participants will be greeted with a variety of opportunities to learn more about North Carolina's history and the people who made the colony, the state and the nation what it is. They are invited to make the Barker House, adjacent to their registration tent, their living room while in Edenton. Here they will learn about Penelope Barker, the instigator of the first political action by women in the western world and Joseph Hewes, the father of the US Navy. Both were Edentonians and just two of our many critically important leaders of the colony and US political and cultural development.

-- The Edenton Historical Commission will meet at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, Edenton, on April 22nd for its semi-annual meeting.

-- Speakers Forum, May 13th, will feature Dr. John Skelton Reed and his wife Dale, authors of Holy Smoke, The Tar Heel Barbecue Tradition, and coincide with the release of their newest book on BBQ. The presentation will be followed with a cookout at the Barker House. Tickets are available at the Barker House.

-- The 3rd annual Taste of Edenton will be on September 10th at the Barker House, Edenton, 6 pm. Regional restaurants share their bounty. Limited tickets.

-- The annual meeting of the Edenton Historical Commission will occur October 21st at Edenton.

-- Speakers Forum, October 21st, featuring Kroghe Andresen, a duck decoy expert, will discuss decoy carving and offer appraisals of your decoy.

-- Thanksgiving Day, November 25th - the Barker House will be closed.

-- Edenton's Candlelight Christmas Tour of private homes decorated for the holidays, December 10th and 11th, Edenton.

-- Christmas Day, December 25th - the Barker House will be closed.

-- The State of North Carolina is spending around $600,000 restoring the exterior of the Roanoke River Lighthouse at Edenton. Contracts for the work have been let. Relocation and renovation work should begin early this year.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which has retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse on Edenton's waterfront. To make it more accessible for visitors, it will be located on land. The Lighthouse is the last existing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the Albemarle region until the early 20th century. The Commission is responsible for furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. Donations to help us acquire these rare furnishing are needed. The Edenton Woman's Club's recent donation of $5,000 toward this effort is greatly appreciated and will speed acquisition of the furnishing. The Commission's Executive Committee named Simon Rich III of Edenton to chair the Lighthouse Committee in December '09.

-- The Commission's project to save Martinique, one of the oldest houses of the region, is making progress. The house stood on a land grant conveyed to John Wallace by Lord Granville in 1752. In a remarkable story of continuity, Martinique was handed down through the same family for seven generations. It has now been moved and stabilized so it is out of harm's way. The home is for sale but must be restored following prescribed renovation covenants. Speaking of Martinique, North Carolina historic property expert Reid Thomas said:

-- Make the Barker House your Edenton living room and walk where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked.

2009-12-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

-- The Edenton Historical Commission elected new officers at the annual meeting, October 22, 2009 at Edenton: Mr. Jerry Climer, chairman, Mrs. Libby Pope, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Frank Palm, Treasurer and Mrs. Anne Rowe, Secretary.

-- Edenton will host Cycle NC in April, 2010. In addition to enjoying the scenic areas of this part of the Albemarle, participants will be greeted with a variety of opportunities to learn more about North Carolina's history and the people who made the colony,the state and the nation what it is. They are invited to make the Barker House, adjacent to the registration tent, their living room while in Edenton. Here they will learn about Penelope Barker, the instigator of he first political action by women in the western world and Joseph Hewes, the father of the US Navy. Both were Edentonians.

-- The State of North Carolina is spending around $1.2 million restoring the Roanoke River Lighthouse at Edenton. Initial contracts for the work have been awarded. Relocation and renovation work should begin in early 2010.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which has retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse on Edenton's waterfront. To make it more accessible for visitors, it will be located on land and not over the water where it would have only been accessible by boat. The Lighthouse is the last standing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the region until the early 20th century. The Commission is responsible for locating and furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. Donations to help us acquire these rare furnishing are needed. The Edenton Women's Club's recent donation of $5,000 toward this effort is greatly appreciated adn will speed acquisition of the furnishing. The Commission's Executive Committee named Simon Rich III of Edenton to chair the Lighthouse Committee in December.

-- The Commission's project to save Martinique, one of the oldest houses of the region, is making great progress. The house stood on a land grant conveyed to John Wallace by Lord Granville in 1752. In a remarkable story of continuity, Martinique was handed down through the same family for seven generations. It has now been moved and stabilized so it is out of harm's way. The home is for sale but must be restored following prescribed renovation covenants.

Speaking of Martinique, North Carolina historic property expert Reid Thomas said:

-- Make the Barker House your Edenton living room and walk where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked.

-- Unlike other areas where historic homes have been replicated, Edenton's historic homes are the real thing. Over 22 homes in Chowan County date to the 18th century and most are lived in every day. You can stay in one of our delightful bed and breakfast inns right in the middle of the historic area or at traditional hotels near the historic area.

2009-12-06T20:28:00.001-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

Ticket now on Sale for the Edenton Christmas Tour -

December 11th and 12th

You are invited to join our traditional, Edenton Candlelight Christmas Tour, December 11-12th. Participants come from all over the region. Each year, Edentonians living in some of the Town's most interesting homes, open their doors to allow residents and visitors to tour their Christmas decorations. Tickets should be purchased in advance to guarantee a chance to visit these historic homes. Each ticket enables visits on both evenings and only cost $ 25.00. Reserve by calling or emailing the Edenton Historical Commission (252) 482-7800.

To learn more about the homes on tour this year, download this PDF file.

-- The Edenton Historical Commission elected new officers at the annual meeting, October 22, 2009 at Edenton: Mr. Jerry Climer, chairman, Mrs. Libby Pope, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Frank Palm, Treasurer and Mrs. Anne Rowe, Secretary.

-- The State of North Carolina will spend around $1.2 million restoring the Roanoke River Lighthouse at Edenton. It is expected that initial contracts for the work will be awarded by the end of 2009.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which has retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse on Edenton's waterfront. To make it more accessible for visitors, it will be located on land and not over the water where it would have only been accessible by boat. The Lighthouse is the last standing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the region until the early 20th century. The Commission is responsible for locating and furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. Donations to help us acquire these rare furnishing are needed.

-- The Commission's project to save Martinique, one of the oldest houses of the region, is making great progress. The house stood on a land grant conveyed to John Wallace by Lord Granville in 1752. In a remarkable story of continuity, Martinique was handed down through the same family for seven generations. It has now been moved and stabilized so it is out of harm's way. The home is for sale but must be restored following restored covenants.

Speaking of Martinique, North Carolina historic property expert Reid Thomas said:

-- Make the Barker House your Edenton living room and walk where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked.

-- Unlike other areas where historic homes have been reconstructed, Edenton's historic homes are the real thing. Over 22 homes in Chowan County date to the 18th century and most are lived in every day. You can stay in one of our delightful bed and breakfast inns right in the middle of the historic area or a traditional hotel near the historic area.

2009-11-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

NEWS - in and about Edenton

Ticket now on Sale for Edenton's Candlelight Christmas Tour -

December 11th and 12th

You are invited to join our traditional, Edenton Candlelight Christmas Tour, December 11-12th. Participants come from all over the region. Each year, Edentonians living in some of the Town's most interesting homes, open their doors to allow residents and visitors to tour their Christmas decorations. Tickets should be purchased in advance to guarantee a chance to visit these historic homes. Each ticket enables visits on both evenings and only cost $25.00 per person. Reserve by calling or emailing the Edenton Historical Commission (252) 482-7800.

To learn more about the homes on tour this year, download this PDF file.

-- The Edenton Historical Commission elected new officers at the annual meeting, October 22, 2009 at Edenton: Mr. Jerry Climer, chairman, Mrs. Libby Pope, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Frank Palm, Treasurer and Mrs. Anne Rowe, Secretary.

-- The State of North Carolina will spend around $1.2 million restoring the Roanoke River Lighthouse at Edenton. It is expected that initial contracts for the work will be awarded by the end of 2009.

The Edenton Historical Commission rescued the lighthouse and gave it to the State, which has retained an architect to plan and oversee permanently locating the lighthouse on Edenton's waterfront. To make it more accessible for visitors, it will be located on land and not over the water where it would have only been accessible by boat. The Lighthouse is the last standing screw-pile frame lighthouse, the kind that was used throughout the region until the early 20th century. The Commission is responsible for locating and furnishing the interior of the lighthouse, as it would have existed when in use. Donations to help us acquire these rare furnishing are needed.

-- The Commission's project to save Martinique, one of the oldest houses of the region, is making great progress. The house stood on a land grant conveyed to John Wallace by Lord Granville in 1752. In a remarkable story of continuity, Martinique was handed down through the same family for seven generations. It has now been moved and stabilized so it is out of harm's way. The home is for sale but must be restored following restored covenants.

Speaking of Martinique, North Carolina historic property expert Reid Thomas said:

-- Make the Barker House, 505 South Broad, your Edenton living room and walk the streets where historic leaders of the Colony, North Carolina and America walked.

-- Unlike other areas where historic homes have been reconstructed, Edenton's historic homes are the real thing. Over 22 homes in Chowan County date to the 18th century and most are lived in every day. You can stay in one of our delightful Bed and Breakfast inns right in the heart of the historic area or a traditional hotel near the historic area.