New Berne is a historic, revolutionary war town. The town was returned to its roots in the mid 1900’s through the efforts of several dedicated women who worked tirelessly with public and private organizations to achieve their goal. The area was successfully reclaimed and the Tryon Palace area returned to its former glory.

And what a job they did. See the gardens below.

The back of the Palace overlooks the Neuse River.

The Palace was home to two British governors, Governor William Tryon and Governor Josiah Martin. While considered a government building in British standards citizens of the area deemed it a Palace. Here the governors lived and conducted British colony business. In May 1775 the then Governor Morris fled when he received news of colonists organizing locally to form a new government.

Restored at a cost of $8 million dollars in 1950, and opened in 1959, the structure rests on its original foundation. Palace furnishing while not authentic are indicative of the era. A fascinating and well maintained structure it is a must see when visiting the area.

Docents are dressed in maid garb and give interesting highlights regarding the daily Palace operations. What I particularly enjoyed was learning about the clothing and dressing of these individuals in this time period. So many hoops and wigs…

Then off to the kitchen to see Palace food preparation. Staff were making casseroles and breads on the hearth during the visit.

The second floor was where servants lived. The Governor had both black and British servants.

The Stanly House was the next home available for tour. Built and owned by John Stanly, this man had a checkered history. John began his life in Williamsburg, where he was jailed on forgery charges. He then moved to Nova Scotia and became involved in shipping. He later moved to Jamaica where he made his mark, however once again legalities presented themselves. His partner claimed he embezzled funds. He was jailed for a year but later exonerated.

It was on to Charleston after suing his partner and recovering financially, however, the ship stopped in New Berne. A fellow passenger invited him to a party where he met, fell in love, and later married a young wealthy woman at the party. They had 9 children, 6 of which survived to adulthood.

John became a wealthy businessman paying 14% of the town taxes. He was involved in sugar cane, molasses, distillery, and, as mentioned earlier, shipping. During the Revolutionary War he became a pirate for the government, and though he lost 14 ships in this venture he managed to stay afloat financially.

Sadly, in 1789 he contracted and died from yellow fever with his wife dying the following month. As the children were young the house was boarded till his youngest son, John, Jr., reached adulthood. John also had a similar intriguing history becoming a lawyer, later a politician, fighting duels, and eventually dying penniless.

Whew! What a life they lived.

Not far from the historic area is the North Carolina History Center. Informative guides are here to assist you with your visit, and while there take in the movie and exhibits. The Palace collection piece exhibit described how the women who started the project acquired its furnishings.

For boat enthusiasts there also is an exhibit on Barbour Boats. These boats were created from 1930 to 1970 and the museum currently resides on the former Barbour property. Shown here is the Barbour Rocket.

Now, on to downtown New Berne, the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.

Here much memorabilia is on display for all those Pepsi lovers. Stop in and check it out.

Besides the famous Pepsi landmark there are also restaurants, high end consignment shops, and all types of retail venues for your spending pleasure. My favorite was Mitchell Hardware. This is a hardware store of a bygone era. Look for this bear to find the place. All ages would enjoy.

The City of New Berne is a haven for bears in all shapes, sizes and versions. Legend states the founder of the City was from Switzerland and named the City for the word Bear. The name stuck and it became their symbol.

Hope you enjoyed the visit.

Decided to visit The Country Doctor Museum in Bailey, North Carolina, after a late start to the day, and was glad I did. According to the tour guide there are only two country doctor museums in the country and this was a cutie.

Started in 1967 by Dr. Josephine Newell who practiced in the 1950’s, it is a tribute to a bygone era. The old apothecary shelving, display of nurses caps, items from the Civil War, and even live leeches are on display here. Fun Fact: Leeches have anticoagulant properties, and when applied to the body they aren’t felt. Well, maybe this isn’t a “fun fact,” but interesting.

Here’s a few pics from the place. Docs made house calls in these Model T’s. And take a guess at what was used to hang plants in the herb garden? You got it – an antique IV pole..

Next stop, a quick visit to Selma.

Here I found a train station with a small museum. Selma is where Vick’s Vapor Rub was invented.

Couldn’t resist adding this gas station picture. Does anyone remember these?

Then.. Hinnant Family Vineyards

The tours at this winery occur Thursday through Sunday, but, tastings are daily and for a $10 fee much is offered. Sweet wines are this vineyard’s specialty and their most popular selling brands. While that is not my palate I did find a peppery red wine which I enjoyed and purchased, Norton. I’m told it is good with steaks, so when someone invites me over for a cookout I have a bottle to bring.

The friendly server at the winery clued me in to my next stop and who would think??

Whirligigs

This park is the largest collection in the world of Vollis Simpson’s work. Vollis constructed, welded, and painted the whirligigs. They appear everywhere from LA to Russia, and have been featured in many publications including the New York Times. Here’s a few more and my favorite.

On to the Wilson Rose Garden..

Here are a few pictures of the roses and sculptures in this lovely garden. It also has a whirligig and can be rented for events. What a beautiful scent walking through these roses. Fantastic job ladies of Wilson, North Carolina.

What a great way to end the day.

This North Carolina State Park holds the highest cliffs in the state at over 90 feet, with its origins over 180 million years ago. During this time period most of North America was covered by an ancient sea and the cliffs developed as a collection of sediment left from the ocean floor. Fossils, which are preserved animals and plants stuck in sediment, are found throughout the park and date back over 75 million years.

The cliffs are multicolored, however, the orange sediment is the most striking. Iron reacts with oxygen to make this orange color. The Neuse River developed from a fault line in the Earth and along with it many springs.

Three Indian tribes, the Tuscarora, Woccon, and Saponi Tribe, lived in this area for over 1000 years. The Tuscarora were originally from the New York State and Pennsylvania area and returned after the 1713 War becoming The Iroquois Nation.

From 1881-1945 The Seven Springs Hotel was a popular tourist spot in the park area. People came from all locales to drink the water for almost every ailment. However, in 1999 the hotel was closed due to Hurricane Floyd damage.

The idea to make this area a state park came from Lionel Weil, a local businessman. He spear headed a group which donated their lands for this purpose. The plaque seen here located at the cliff site honors his actions.

Currently the park has many trails, an amphitheater, bathhouse, boat rentals, fishing and swimming facilities. While it also has camping and cabins this year they are closed for renovation.

I took the Lake Trail, a 1.9 mile path of sand from the Visitor Center Museum area to the lake. It was a beautiful, shady, and cool walk, but long. Remember to bring water. The swimming area held very few patrons on this mid week 5 pm evening. It proved to be a serene experience swimming and diving from the lake dock.

After this came the Cliff visit. There is little Cliff visibility from the top due to plant and tree overgrowth so I ventured the long path to the cliff base. This journey is made for the physically fit with many stairs to the base and once arriving slippery mud. Also, beware of the bugs and snakes. Thankfully no snakes crossed my path. Worth the hike to base and here are a few pictures.

This is a phenomenal park for families. The museum at the Visitor Center is kid friendly and the lake holds many activities. Here are some interesting tips to curb water pollution according to one of the museum exhibits:

• Keep sediment from washing into streams.
• Prevent oil leaks from cars.
• Don’t over fertilize lawns, clean up fertilizer spills
• Water car on the lawn so water doesn’t go into the storm drain.
• Dispose of pet waste properly.

Enjoy your visit.

On the pamphlet for Governor Aycock’s home it states, “Get Your Hands on History,” and this man certainly did. Charles B. Aycock was the son of a Baptist farmer, and the youngest of 10 children. On the family farm of over 1000 acres corn, peas, beans, and sweet potatoes were raised. There were also sheep, milking cows, and oxen. Here he learned the value of hard work. Besides farming his father was active in politics. Many guests visited the home and the young Aycock listened ardently to the the talks, even participating in rallies. This led to his passionate career.

While not a wealthy family funds were raise to send Charles to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of 125 students he was thought a country bumpkin, and did not fit in. Charles changed all that joining the literary society and debate club. He became a campus leader. Graduating in 3 instead of 4 years, he then began a career in the law. Later he was appointed in the United States District Court for Eastern North Carolina, after which he transitioned into politics.

As he traveled through the state he spoke of public education for all. He was elected Governor in 1901 on the Democratic ticket. During his tenure as governor more than 3000 school buildings were constructed and teacher salaries doubled. From his work there was a dramatic increase in literacy and he became known as the “Education Governor.”

After years in the private life others encouraged Charles to run for the senate. Sadly, prior to the actual run he died. One can only wonder what he would have accomplished there.

Following are pictures of the Governor’s farm which the State of North Carolina continues to maintain. Lovely tribute to a man who served so many.

His parents..

The farm home..

The Farm..

And while there is a school on the property, Charles did not attend here.

“..men can never grow higher and better by rising on the weakness and ignorance of their fellows, but only by aiding their fellow men and lifting them to the same high plane of which they themselves occupy.”

from the 1901, inaugural address of Governor Charles B. Aycock

In the Visitor Center at the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in North Carolina there is a movie, small museum as well as the availability of an interesting house tour. The movie gives a thorough explanation of what led to the war, and the plantation house tour shows how the home was used as a hospital during, and after the battle. Start your tour here as this will set the tone for the visit.

The Battle of Bentonville was one of the last Civil War Battles. It was fought between March 19-21, 1865, and claimed 2200 lives. This was the largest battle ever fought on North Carolina soil. The war ended shortly thereafter in April 1865.

The first floor of the Harper Plantation served as a hospital treating 600 Union and 50 Confederate soldiers. Makeshift surgical suites are seen in the pictures below. Treatment during this time was before knowledge of germs, antiseptics, infection, and anesthesia. Casualties were high and many are buried in the nearby Harper family cemetery.

The 10 member family lived upstairs while soldiers were being treated.

The Harper family had slave quarters and an outside kitchen on their property. While the structures are similar kitchen is left, slave quarters right.

Upon leaving the Visitor Center area there is a drive with placards explaining each facet of the battle for that particular site. This is a must see and do for Civil War buffs.

A few interesting facts learned from the visit:

• South Carolina was the first state to secede from the union.
• Abraham Lincoln was elected via the Electoral College. None of the 4 candidates held a plurality.
• Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on the 4th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

From here I left for a more flavorful visit..

Simply Natural Creamery is a great place to bring your family and children. A bit of a drive from Goldsboro, but worth it with delicious homemade ice cream, an interesting farm tour, and fun playground for children. Prices are reasonable and the front porch is breezy to sit on as you eat your ice cream.

Of course you can also sit inside and see the milk production.

For me the best part of the tour was the farm. Here our group was taken via tram to see the pregnant cow pen. Cows in their 7th month of confinement are placed in this pen till birth.

Then we saw the babies which delighted all the young’ins on the tour.

Cows have a gestation period of 9 months like us humans. A calf can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds at birth and occasionally there are twins. Once born the calf is separated from their mother to ensure mastitis does not occur. The boys are sold to others and the girls kept as milkers. At 2 years of age the girl is artificially inseminated and has her first calf. Then she begins to be milked. These are Jersey cows and can be milked for 25 years. Also, those who are lactose intolerant can drink this milk.

We also passed by the cow grocery store where their feed is stored. This is a very important place as cows eat between 80 to 90 pounds of food daily.

What a nice ending for the day. See you tomorrow.

This free, self-guided museum and historical village was a real surprise. Beginning the visit at the museum, reproductions of Confederate and Union uniforms were seen. It certainly must have been hot fighting in wool uniforms.

The first picture is the uniform of a Confederate Lieutenant, the second a Confederate private, and the final a Union officer.

In the gun room there were many, as well as sabers. For those interested in this type of memorabilia the collection is a must see. Items from several eras were located in this room. However, my interest was the organ from the 1900’s in the next room.

Leaving the museum I began to visit the many historical buildings on the property. First was a Grange Hall with many pictures of former area Granger members along with the actual furnishings of the Hall.

Next door to the Grange Hall was an interesting home of the late 1800’s. Well restored and furnished to the time period.

And what is a village without a Doctor’s Office? Here is Dr. Kennedy’s office. Built in 1905, it housed a waiting room, examination room, and in the final room a bed which may have doubled for a hospital or perhaps a place for the doc to take a quick nap?.

Then we have to keep the village informed with the local newspaper. The 1920 Print Shop.

And did someone say they needed a lawyer? This is a typical 19th century law office. A clerk would stand at an elevated desk to conduct business to give himself some exercise. Another fun fact, in 1827 the French invented and patented the fountain pen, so no qwills here. Want one more? Thomas Jefferson was known to carry one of these “copiers” as seen in the fourth picture. He copied his writings while traveling. Sure must have been a heavy load carrying this copier. It is cast iron.

And then it is off to school for the children.

On Sunday a visit to the Quaker House of Prayer.

Did someone need to make a visit somewhere else during service?

• 

One final stop after services..

Now on to the exercise portion of our visit…

Interesting combination don’t you think?

If you’ve read my former blogs you know I’m a fan of pickles, particularly mustard pickles. To my delight I discovered Mt. Olive Pickles was in close proximity. In visiting 1 Cucumber Lane I was even more pleased to find what a well run company they are. In their Public Relations Manager position they even have a woman. Yes!

Begun in 1926, Mt. Olive has become the most best selling pickle in the country. They acquire cucumbers from 10 states, (1/3rd from North Carolina), and foreign countries. Once the cukes arrive by truck they are processed and fresh packed. Those that are processed are placed in one of 1,100 tanks for fermenting. Total # of cukes in these tanks – 40 million.

While tours aren’t available, which is the case for most plants due to insurance regulations, their movie was quite informative. And the best part, I even got a free jar of pickles.

Next on the agenda was community theater taking place at the Wayne County Museum. Friendly staff allowed me to tour the museum prior to the play.

The small museum has interesting exhibits portraying the area. The current special exhibit honored fireman in the area and their garb through the years.

In the museum medical area, Mary Elizabeth Mahoney, the first black woman who graduated as a nurse in 1879, is honored with her photo and cape. Nice touch. Also honored were two physicians who each gave 50 years plus of service to the community.

Since Goldsboro has a local Air Force Base there was a military display with a focus on females in the service. Their uniforms were on display and my those gals had small waists.

Now, onto the show…

The Odd Couple was the play this evening. A favorite of mine, as is any Neil Simon play, the actors performances were sublime with punch lines on cue and executed with ease. The dinner scene with the English gals was a hoot especially with the giggling. How funny.

The stage is perfect for this type of theater with adequate lighting and space. I look forward to their next performance. Keep up the good work. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Living in North Carolina has been a pleasant adjustment. It is different in this part of the South. I am residing in Joel Osteen country with many Bible belt churches. Here folks have license plates giving scripture verse citations on them.

The dialect is a struggle for this Northerner. And they say New Yorker’s talk fast! Several times a day I ask for a repeat on what was said. Usually the response to these requests is a long, low laugh, or giggle, so I’m happy to amuse.

Speaking of humor, it abounds in the South and is a breath of fresh air. Even with the oppressive heat folks seem to find a joke in it. Either they say they’ve gotten the sauna they always wanted or are glad to finally melt off those last few pounds.

Recently, I hit the tree stump that marks my boarding house parking spot. I had forgotten to go in reverse. Thinking nothing was wrong I trekked to Walmart’s as loud noise started then became horrific as I drove. Once in the Walmart parking lot I checked out the damage.

As I laid under the car I heard a hello. Looking up from under the vehicle a hand was offered and I was raised from the pavement. Next this man got down on all fours, checked under the car telling me nothing was wrong, and snapped the bumper into place. He offered Gorilla glue to better adhere the bumper and gave me the name of a reputable auto body shop in town. The exchange went quickly and he was thanked profusely.

When I later relayed this event to a native I was told, “Oh, sugar, that’s just the Southern way.”

Think we all need more of that Southern way.