Historic Murfreesboro Commission - Fall Meeting

An Announcement

 

Please note that the Historic Murfreesboro Commission Fall Meeting
is scheduled for October 3, 2014, 10:00 am at Hertford Academy

 

(Just between us, I've never been clear why the Commission continues to exist.  I understand why it was initially established, but it seems to have outlived that  purpose long ago.  They approved a new set of by-laws in April - so appear to be evolving into something different.  Commission meeting are open to the public, so please try to attend and let me know what the future looks like for this organization.) 


*******

 

New MHA President

Congratulations to Carol Lassiter for being elected the next President of the Murfreesboro Historical Association ! 

I think she is an excellent choice.  Carol has worked tirelessly for the association in the past, and I believe MHA will really benefit from her direction.

Brady C. Jefcoat (1916 - 2013)

It was announced at the Annual Meeting last Friday that Brady C. Jefcoat, founder of the Jefcoat Museum, had died the day before (April 11, 2013).

Although I found Mr. Jefcoat difficult at times, he was an interesting personality and I admired his unbridled passion to collect.

His obit in the NewsObserver described how he came to amass such a huge collection :

Born June 12, 1916, in self described “dirt poor” conditions in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Mr. Jefcoat went on to acquire vast wealth, which in death he has, for the most part, left for the public good. Brady’s family came to North Carolina and settled in Raleigh when he was five years old. Described by many as brilliant throughout his life, Brady early on also showed immense aptitude for creativity and hard work. Beginning in his early 20s, Mr. Jefcoat started buying small, inexpensive lots in the area of Western Boulevard and Gorman Street, and building houses on them. Using, for the most part, discarded construction material, and in many cases second hand items, he built 17 houses at night and on weekends, after running his own plumbing business during the day. He became a landlord of significant note, and saved all of the rent he collected. Mr. Jefcoat would go on to acquire more than 54 acres of land in the Swift Creek area of Wake County, on which he built his final residence in 1970, which he shared with his wife, Lillian, who died of breast cancer in 1972. ....  Mr. Jefcoat may be best remembered for partnering with the Murfreesboro Historical Society in Hertford County, NC to create the largest privately run museum in the state, the result of more than a half century of robust antique collecting described by some as obsessive, if not maniacal. Focusing primarily on old-style, crank phonographs and music boxes, Mr. Jefcoat amassed one of the rarest collections in the world. However, he didn’t stop there. He collected with equal vigor such things as antique bed pans, centuries old rat traps and civil war grave markers, among other things.

Old music box collectors never die .... they just wind down.
Rest in peace, Mr. Jefcoat.

 

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/04/13/2821851/brady-jefcoat.html#storylink=cpy

More Letterhead ... Including a Chewing Gum company

A few more examples of local ephemera.

The first one is for a chewing gum company agent in Scotland Neck !  Anyone have additional information about the Southern Sweet Gum Company ?

 

W.H. White & Co., Sweet Gum and Pepsin

Chewing Gum, The Southern Sweet Gum Co.

Scotland Neck NC 1898

 

 

Williams & Garrett, General Merchandise,

Ahoskie NC 1898

 

 

J.W. Godwin, Horses and Mules,

Kentucky Mules a Specialty, Ahoskie NC 1909

 

 

 

MHA Annual Meeting - April 12, 2013

Mark your calendars: 

• Historic Murfreesboro Commission, Spring Meeting, Friday April 12, 2013
• The 47th Annual Meeting of the Murfreesboro Historical Association will take place at noon on Friday, April 12, at John's Seafood Restaurant, 315 East Main Street, in Murfreesboro.  Speaker will be Reid Thomas, Restoration Specialist, NC State Preservation Office in Greenville.   Elections of MHA Officers and Board Members will be held during the Annual Meeting.  (Personal note - it would be helpful if Annual Meetings were not always held in the middle of a weekday.  It makes it difficult for working members to attend. )  Cost is $15 per person, with a stated deadline of April 5.
• Jefcoat Museum's Annual Pork Fest will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum.  Cost is $10.00 per person.

Murfreesboro Businessmen of Long Ago

 

 

And another piece of local ephemera: 

 

 

 

Murfreesboro Merchants', Business and Professional
Men's Association
Murfreesboro N.C.

 

 



More Ephemera

A few more examples of local ephemera (letterhead).

J. Lawrence Harrington & Co.,
Aulander NC, 1909

 

 

Tyler, Futrell & Co., General Merchandise
Roxobel NC, 1909 

 

 

 People's Bank of Murfreesboro NC
1906

 

 

Historic Murfreesboro NC Ephemera

It was great to see so many friends in Murfreesboro !

Last night I gave a short program for the Friends of Whitaker Library at Chowan University .  The talk was entitled The Stuff of History: Why Research and Academic Institutions Collect Ephemera. Unfortunately, I had a few "technical difficulties" with the PowerPoint, so I thought it might be helpful to add some of the images here to the blog.  Hopefully everyone will enjoy seeing the items in more detail (click on the image to see enlargements).

Most of the ephemera downloaded (over the next few weeks) will be historic letterhead from Murfreesboro and nearby communities. If you have additional information about the businesses or individual owners represented ----  please leave comments.  We would all like to learn more about these former local business leaders.

The letterhead has been found in various collections, and offers a fascinating snapshot of a place or time. Scholars of this subject point out that the rich illustrations and elaborate printing of commercial letterheads, billheads, and envelopes correspond with the dramatic rise in industrialization in America. According to one expert, the period 1860 to 1920 represents the heyday of commercial stationery. As commercial artists influenced the job printing profession, the illustrations became more detailed and creative.

R. Sewell, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Groceries

Murfreesboro NC 1898

D.C. Barnes, Attorney and Councelor at Law

Murfreesboro NC

Fentress Lumber Co. Manufactureres, J.E. Fentress, Manager

Murfreesboro NC 1898

Murfreesboro NC - Wesleyan Female College - 1882-83

Wesleyan Female College, Murfreesboro N.C.
E.E. Parham, A.M. President
Session 1882-83

Board of Corporators

Hon. D.A. Barnes - President
J.N. Lawrence - Secretary
J.N. Harrell
J.W. Hill
Jno. W. Harrell
H.T. Lassiter
G.N. Harrell
Rev. Wm. Grant
T.W. Mason
Jno. C. Lawrence M.D.
L.B. Kilby
L.C. Lawrence
J.T. Lewter, M.D.
E. Jacobs
S.F. Pearce
J.M. Wynns
Hon. J.J. Yeates

Faculty 1882-1883

Literary Department
E.E. Parham, A.M.
Mental and Moral Philosophy

J.T. Littleton. A.M.
Physical Sciences and Higher Mathematics

Miss Lelia Camp
English and Arithmetic

Miss Maggie Parham
English and French

Miss ---------
English Literature and History

Prof. J.T. Littleton
French and German

Prof. E.E. Payham
Latin

Miss Lelia Camp
Calisthenics and Elocution

Music Department

Prof. ----------
Piano and Organ

Mrs. Sue Montgomery Funk
Instrumental Music

Mrs. Blanche C. Myrick
Vocal Music

Art Department
Miss Ella L. Jester

Domestic Department
Mr. and Mrs. Parham


SESSION 1881-82

List of Students

Miss Mattie Ames Nansemond County, Virginia
Miss Lelia Adams Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Pattie Adams Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Natalie Applewhite Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Elma Bryant Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Blannie Britton Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Jimmie Cullens Harrellsville, North Carolina
Miss Linda Carter Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Annie Douglas Norfolk County, Virginia
Miss Minnie Durfey Harrellsville, North Carolina
Miss Mollie Futrell Northampton, North Carolina
Miss Gertrude Harrell Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Mary Lassiter Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Fannie Marks Warrenton, North Carolina
Miss Laura Morrisette Camden, North Carolina
Miss Carrie Moodie Greensville, Virginia
Miss Georgie Pipkin Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Belle Stevenson Northampton, North Carolina
Mis Lillie Vick Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Addie Walker Greensville, Virginia
Miss Ella Williams Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Annie Williams Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Indie Ward Northampton, North Carolina
Miss Lillie Whitehead Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Ella Whitehead Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Mary Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Jennie Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Lucy Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina

German Only:
Miss Sallie Vaughan Murfreesboro, North Carolina

German and Music Only:
Miss Maggie Parham Murfreesboro, North Carolina


Origin and Location

This college had its origin in the desire of certain gentleman of Murfreesboro and the neighboring counties in Virginia and North Carolina, to promote the cause of Female Education, and especially to provide for their own daughters the best collegiate instruction in their midst, in that region of country in which they were born and were likely to live.

The location was fixed at Murfreesboro, Hertford County, N.C., a place of 700 or 800 inhabitants, agreeably situated, and perhaps more healthy than any within the tidewater region, where the Baptist church has already established the Chowan Baptist Collegiate Institute.

The climate during the winter is especially mild. Pulmonary diseases and the typhoid fever, so fatal in the upper country and among the mountains, are of very rare occurrence here. In six years before the war, out of more than 700 students, there were but two deaths, and few cases of real illness; and in eight years since the war, with nearly 1000 pupils, there has been but one death and no very serious sickness. This testimony as to the healthfulness cannot be surpassed in any part of the country.

Within two hundred yards of the building is a valuable mineral spring. The water is cold, pleasant to the taste, and an excellent tonic. Those who have used it regularly have found it to be a specific remedy for dyspepsia and general debility.

The New Building

As us generally known, the first building, with the furniture, was totally destroyed by fire about four years ago. With a spirit most commendable and loyal to the demands of the higher education of young ladies, the Board of Corporators determined to rebuild as soon as practicable.

As the result of their untiring efforts and liberality, an elegant edifice now stands on the site of the old, admirably suited to the purposes for which it was designed. Situated in the middle of its spacious grounds, which are ornaments with shade trees and flowers, it furnishes ample room for out-door exercise and recreation. Containing all under one roof a spacious and beautiful chapel, parlor, dining-room, music rooms, high pitched and well ventilated dormitories, all heated by steam, it prevents exposure and affords all the anxious parents may desire, or that young ladies may need or health, comfort, and convenience.

The old furniture having been destroyed, all the sleeping apartments, as well as the other rooms are supplied with new and tasteful sets, not surpassed, if equalled, by our first-class institutions.

Apparatus

A new Philosophical and Chemical apparatus will be purchased in time for the session, enabling the Professor to explain and illustrate more fully the principles of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry.

College Library

Steps will be inaugurated at an early day to form a library of books on general literature, and efforts used to foster a taste for a careful and discriminating perusal of our best authors.

The young ladies have organized a Literary Society for mutual improvement in Composition and Elocution. They will thank their friends for contributions of money or books.

Board of Instruction

Under the new organization there is ab able and experienced faculty, consisting of eight or nine instructors.

The high grade of scholarship which gave prestige to the College and enhanced the value of its diplomas will be maintained.

Modern methods and appliances, when deemed valuable, will be adopted and used, and constant efforts will be made to add to the well merited reputation of the Institution for the extent and thoroughness of its course of instruction.

(etc etc etc)

Interesting New Book

An interesting new book was just published. Titled "The Nat Turner Insurrection Trials - A Mystic Chord Resonates Today", the work was written by attorney Walter L. Gordon III, and is available from Amazon.com for $13.99.

"Walter L. Gordon's A Mystic Chord Resonates Today: The Nat Turner Insurrection Trials is the first book by a legal scholar to examine the 50 trials of slaves and free blacks charged with insurrection. Of the 45 slaves tried, 15 were acquitted, an acquittal rate in excess of 30%. Of the 30 convicted slaves, nearly half were granted mercy. The Nat Turner insurrection was the crest of a wave of insurrections in Virginia between 1800 and 1831. After the Nat Turner insurrection trials there were no further slave insurrections in Virginia until John Brown's raid in 1859. In addition, it is the first book to compare the aftermath of the Nat Turner insurrection, the largest terrorist attack on American soil at that time, to 9/11, with an effort to draw lessons for today from the past. "

Although the book doesn't appear to mention Murfreesboro's role in the Nat Turner Story, it is an interesting account of the insurrection with special emphasis on the trials. For a detailed account of the events from Murfreesboro's point of view, consult Thomas Parramore's 2004 book "Murfreesboro, North Carolina and the Roots of Nat Turner’s Revolt".

Fannie Southall's Death

Raleigh Biblical Recorder, April 15, 1853:

(From Dr. Samuel J. Wheeler, on a visit to relatives in Mississippi. Samuel Wheeler at the time owned and lived in the Wheeler House.)

"My pen is sad to-night; news from Carolina renders me melancholy. A letter just received, contains the following morceau:

'When quiet and composure were brought about, they proceeded from giving away of the power of life. It was the calm preceeding death. As the lamp of life flickered in its socket for the last time, her consciousness returned, and reason reascended her throne; she recognized her father, who had been her constant attendant during the wild delirium that had supplanted her judgement, with her dying breath whisperedin his ear 'though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil' and died quiet and resigned. G.C.M.'

I had left this fair young being blooming in health and beauty but a few short months since, the life of every circle, the cynosure of all eyes;and hoped again to see her, and spend years of pleasure with her; but she is gone. I can only say, farewell, dear cousin. To relieve an aching heart, before closing my eyes in sleep, I penned the following lines:

'In memory of Miss .F. Southall, late of Murfreesboro N.C. ....

(Long poem follows. Dr. Wheeler had heard of Fannie Southall's death from his brother-in-law, Dr. Godwin Cotton Moore. She was the daughter of John W. Southall by his first marriage to Julia Johnson.)

"The Dr. Gary House" or "The Benjamin B. Camp House"

The historic Murfreesboro residence known as the "Dr. Gary House" is currently for sale.

Photographs and a description of the house (list price $399,000) can be viewed on the United Country Realty site.


I recall once having to give a tour of the Dr. Gary house to descendants, and not being able to find much of a written history. However, I recently came across something Thomas Parramore wrote in 1975. His research at the time left some questions unanswered (perhaps they remain unanswered ??) but I thought it might still be interesting to post his research anyway.

"This property was sold by James W. Hill in 1879 to Kader Biggs, a merchant from Martin County. Biggs sold it in 1881 to Cornelia Grimes and Mrs. Grimes, I believe, sold it to Dr. John Turner Eldridge. The 1881 deed states that Hill bought the property from heirs of Benjamin B. Camp (see Deed Book K, p. 228, at the court house).

Benjamin B. Camp was a native of Connecticut who came to Murfreesboro around 1821 and became a business partner of Joseph G. Rea, in "Rea and Camp's" store. They were also ship owners. Camp was colonel of Murfreesboro's militia unit, the "Governor's Guards', which escorted Lafayette in 1825. He died on October 9, 1833, at the age of 39.

Dr. Thomas O'Dwyer's diary for July 29, 1825 records that "Dr. O'Bryan called & says he sold his lot & buildings to J.G. Rea for B. Camp for $950." O'Bryan had offered the place to O'Dwyer on July 7th, "as he declines the Practice of Phisic & wishes to move to the Westn. Country - decline purchasing as I would rather sell." It is not certain that this is the same property that was sold by Camp's estate to Hill, but it could be.

In the 1845 Tax Census of Murfreesboro, James W. Hill is listed as owner of one piece of property valued at $120. He was also co-owner with Lewis T, Spiers, of "Hill & Spiers" general store at the northeast corner of Sycamore and Main, valued at $500.

The brick said to have been found in the main chimney bearing the numbers 1766 should not be taken as evidence of the antiquity of the house. The brick may have come originally from some other structure and the numbers may not refer to a date at all. It may originally have been a one-story, four-room house, as is thought, but there is no house in Murfreesboro that can safely be regarded as having been built before 1810. Earlier dates are claimed for many of the present structures there, but none will stand the test of critical analysis. When Murfreesboro was laid off in 1787, there is reason to believe that there was nothing in the vicinity except the Murfree home, which probably stood near the old landing. William Murfree sold the land to the state, 97 acres, for $1000, a price which suggests that the town-site itself was devoid of any structure. The "Dr. Gary House" stands to the west of this 97 acre tract, on land annexed to Murfreesboro in 1825, and it is conceivable that somebody had a small house on the site before 1787. But conceivable is by no means good enough to satisfy the purposes of historical scholarship.

The likelihood is that Dr. Lawrence O'Bryan built this house around 1822, or acquired it from someone who had built it only a short time earlier. In the light of our present information, the house might appropriately be known as the "Benjamin B. Camp House."

The Camp family seem pretty well to have been wiped out in 1833. Joseph R dying on Oct 2, Leonidas on Dec 25, and Juliet E. on Jan 22. J.R. was aged 5, and Juliet aged 12.

Thomas Parramore
9/18/75

Upon Her Pure and Gentle Dreaming ...The Shadow of Death Was Stealing

From " Memories over the Water, or Stray Thoughts on a Long Stroll" by Henry Maney. Nashville, Tenn: Toon, Nelson & Co. 1854

(This is about a trip to Europe in 1852 by the author, a son of Judge Thomas Maney, formerly a Murfreesboro attorney, who moved to Tennessee. The dedication of the book is to "Miss F.W.S. of Murfreesborough, N.C." and it is followed by a poem on her death.)

"On the morning of the 2nd of May we took the steamer down the broad-flowing Potomac .... Passed through Richmond and Petersburg, Va., and reached Weldon N.C. that night.

Here we got out, and in the old village of Murfreesboro', and on the banks of the Megerrin and the Chowan, we learned the hospitality of the old North State. Many were our evening rides on horseback, and many a cozy hour, with our lady friends and favorite poets, went magically by. But among those bright-eyed ones there was a being of youth and beauty, from out whose wild blue orbs broke a wild and spiritual light. Into the fair paradise of that young heart no thought of evil passes - over the glad canopy of her life no storm-cloud sent its frown. From out of the sweet, unbroken dream of youth she had ne'er awakened. She

Dream'd that earth was bright with beauty
Dream'd that hearts grew never cold,
Dream'd that all were true and worthy,
And dreaming sought the spirit-fold.

Upon her pure and gentle dreaming, and all unknown to the loved and loving ones about her, the shadow of death was stealing. We have stood by her side, at evening's blushing sunset, and by the grave of those who had gone before her to the spiritland; and we heard, as though it were the voice of an angel, her thoughts of the life that was, and of the life that is. At that lone spot, where weeps the willow, she slumbers now. She bloomed awhile, like some fair lily by the shore of death's dark stream. The envious current saw and bore away the flower. But the kind mariner looked upon the lily, tossed upon the turbid tide, and taking it up transplanted it to smile forever in his garden home."

Schooner "Two Brothers"

Edenton N.C. Oct. 1

The schr Two Brothers, of this port, Thos. Dough, master, from New-York, with dry-goods &c. for Danl. Southall, and others, Murfreesboro’, was cast away on the 30th ult. On cape Hatteras Shoals, in a heavy blow, after carrying away her foremast. Crew and cargo all saved. The vessel lies on the beach, but will probably be got off without much damage.

(Christian Secretary, October 18, 1823)

MHA - 43rd Annual Meeting

The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Murfreesboro Historical Association will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009. The lunch meeting will take place at John's Seafood and Steaks at 315 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, at 12 noon.

The theme of the day will be a look into the future of the Association. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Vann Rogerson, President and CEO of the Northeastern North Carolina Regional Economic Development Commission.

The cost of the lunch is $15.00 per person.

Attractive Young Miss Wahab and the Mystery of the Missing Piece Goods

I came across an interesting letter in the files of B.B. Winborne.

It was written almost exactly a hundred years ago, and I thought you might enjoy reading it:

Small, MacLean & McMullan
Attorneys at Law
Washington North
Carolina

March 9, 1909

Hon. B.B. Winborne,
Murfreesboro NC

Dear Sir ---

We are in receipt of your favor of the 7th, in which you state that you will be glad to represent Miss Hattie Wahab in the event she is arrested upon the warrant sworn out against her by the Pittman's. Since we wrote you our last letter, we have heard nothing further as to an arrest being made, but do not think that the warrant has yet been sent to Hyde County or if this has been done, we have heard nothing of it, although we instructed our client to advise us by telephone as soon as he ascertained that the warrant had in fact been issued. For this reason, it is possible that the prosecution will not be started, and that there will be nothing for us to do in the
matter in such an event. However, we desire to give you a somewhat detailed statement of the matter so that you may be fully informed beforehand, and as you suggest, use your influence towards having the matter ended before the prosecution is begun.

During last fall Mrs. Pittman employed Miss Wahab to work with her as a milliner. At the time of making the contact of employment, Miss Wahab was working for a firm in Baltimore, who make it their business to train young ladies for positions as milliners and get them a job after they have been instructed. The contract of employment was made by Miss Wahab, Mrs. Pittman and the Manager of this institution. Miss Wahab went to Aulander and worked with Mrs. Pittman for two or three months, or until a few weeks before the time she contracted to work would expire. About this time the relation between Mrs. Pittman and Miss Wahab became unpleasant on account of some accusations made by Mrs. Pittman against Miss Wahab in connection with some young men of the town. Thereafter she accused Miss Wahab of taking from her store certain pieces of goods or remnants, about five or six pieces. Miss Wahab states that Miss Pittman locked her in her house and held her there for some time after this accusation was made, and demanded that she pack her trunk and leave town without letting the people of the town know what had become of her. This Miss Wahab refused to do and was held in confinement in Mrs. Pittman's house until she was taken away through the efforts of Dr. Harrell and Mr. Dunning . These two gentlemen were very kind to Miss Wahab and interested themselves in her protection. They seem to think that she was unjustly accused and that the accusations were made against her for some sinister purpose. Miss Wahab went to Dr. Harrell's house and stayed there for a few days, having in the meanwhile wired to her father in Hyde County to come to her rescue. The writer went with Mr. Wahab to Aulander in response to this telegram and when we arrived there, found that Miss Wahab was staying at Dr. Harrell's and that her trunk was held by Mrs. Pittman, who refused to give the same up after being demanded by right.

After Mr. Wahab had brought his daughter back, suit was instituted in the Superior Court of Hyde County by Mr. Wahab and his daughter against Mr. and Mrs. Pittman for false imprisonment, slander, etc. and in this suit arrest and bail proceedings were issued and served on the male defendant. Bond was given by him and the proceedings now stand in that shape. After that time, claim and delivery was taken out in this action pending in Hyde County for the recovery of the trunk. After considerable correspondence with the Sheriff of Bertie County, and some confusion in regard thereto, the trunk finally turned up here in Washington, being sent by express in care of us. When the trunk was opened in Hyde County, it appeared that the goods claimed by defendants had been taken out, and that the trunk had been inspected by someone unknown to us.

Miss Wahab states that the goods claimed by Mrs. Pittman were given to her by certain friends who worked with her in the store in Baltimore, whose names she gives and states that she can prove this fact by them. She is about twenty years old and quite an attractive young lady.

We did not know her personally before this occurrence but her people are of the highest standing and regarded in their County as having the highest sense of honor. Mr. Wahab was at one time Clerk of the Superior Court of Hyde County and a very good old man. However, they are people of very moderate means. The purpose of the suit brought in Hyde County was merely to vindicate Miss Wahab from the accusations made against her. At any time Mr. Wahab would have been willing to settle this suit upon a full and fair retraction being made by the defendant and his actual loss compensated. Messrs. Mann & Jones, of Swan Quarter, appear with us, representing the plaintiffs in this case. When the writer was at Aulander, he found that the sympathies of the people generally were altogether with Miss Wahab and most people seems unwilling to place any credit in the charges made by Mrs. Pittman and freely stated that they regarded her as unworthy of belief. We sincerely hope that the prosecution will not be undertaken, but in the event it is, we are glad that you will co--operate with us, as we are particularly desirous of doing all in our power to vindicate Miss Wahab. We will advise you as soon as we hear anything further about the warrant. In the meanwhile, we will be glad to hear from you.

Yours very truly,
Small, MacLean
& McMullan

I wonder what happened to the "attractive and young" Miss Wahab? Or Mrs. Pittman ?

Tune in next time and I'll try to have some of the answers for you.

2009 ... HAPPY NEW YEAR .... !!!!

Happy New Year !

I'm afraid we may be in for a bumpy ride in 2009, but as these historic manuscripts show - "the more things change, the more they seem to stay the same".

Littleton Mission School
Littleton NC
3/17 1897

Mr. Winbourne,
Please don't take any steps yet. I can not get all the money together until Sat. the 20th and will forward at once.

Yours, Virgil N. Bond

North Carolina Insane Asylum
Geo L. Kirby M.D.
Superintendent

Raleigh NC ..... 189 ...

R.W. Winbourne Esq.
Murfreesboro NC

Dear Sir:

Kindly advise me if Murfreesboro is a good location for a physician and if not can you tell me where to find one. I expect to lose my place here in next few days whether by legislative action or by action of incoming Board of Directors to be appointed by the Gov. Kindly advise me at once as my days here are numbered
and oblige.

Very respectfully
J.A. Faison M.D.

Allison & Addison
Manufacturers of Fertilizers
1322 Cary Street
PO Box 365
Richmond VA
April 19, 1897

Dictated by J.H.A.

Mess. Winbourne & Lawrence
Murfreesboro NC

Gentlemen,

Replying to your favor of the 16th inst., we note that you have collected a check from A.B. Adkins, Esq., for $100 on account, and we hope that the check will be paid and that we will soon have the remittance in hand. In regard to granting his request for the extension until next fall we have to say that we are not willing to do so, unless he can give us gilt edge security for the balance due; if he cannot do this we will ask that you push the matter as previously advised and secure a judgement before a magistrate and have the execution issued at once. If, however, he can give you a new note for the balance due with gilt edge security for the payment of the same, interest to be added, we would be willing to extend the time until next fall, otherwise, we wish the matter pushed to a speedy conclusion.

Yours truly,
Allison & Addison

Lafayette's Visit

Typewritten document dated Jan 14, 1962:

C.C.Lawrence says that his grandmother, Miss Mary Pipkin, later Mrs. John W. Southall, told him as a child that she attended Lafayette's address at a house at the head of a gully making up from Broad Street, across and slightly east of the Wheeler House. This house had a brick cellar,bricks rising from the ground about four feet, extending to weatherboarding. One floor after the weatherboard; two floors with cellar. On top of the building there extended from the comb a square hewn timber, approximately 6 x 6 " square, upward approximately 4 or 5 feet high, atop which rested "something similar to a 12 o'clock bell" (farm bell). This house was in use "during my days" as a lodge house for the colored ones. The bell in 1962 is still being in use for the colored ones lodge.

River Town Crossings

Typewritten document dated Jan 14, 1962:

Crossings of Murfreesboro Streets before the paving and when C.C. Lawrence was a child, were of stones. Old folks said they were ballast stones for the sailing ships of olden days. The rocks were placed in the hull of the boats upon return trips from the east Indies to prevent strong winds from capsizing the sailing ships. There were walk crossings to keep folks from the mud.

The stones were laid a little above the surface, and a person could cross without muddying feet.


The one I remember most distinctly was leading from north side of Main Street to the south connecting with College Street.

Another one near present Boyette's Hotel. A big elm tree on the north of the street and there was a big elm tree on the west side of the crossing. Went directly in front of the Boyette Hotel, originally Lassiter Hotel.

In front of Jim Babb store ballast stones (flat sided ones) were used to form a sidewalk. This store was immediately east of the old Methodist Church, now west of the Nicholson Building housing Murfreesboro Pharmacy. West side of the Babb store had a soda fountain.

The Witches of Murfreesboro

Some "how to" advice from Roy Johnson seems appropriate as Halloween nears:

Mrs. Lee Smith of Winton, native of Fort Island in Gates County, says if a screech owl is bothering you, tie a knot in the corner of a sheet and he won't hollar but one time more.

Mrs. Smith says also if your husband forsakes you at night for the opossum hunt you can kill his luck. Take off your shoes and stand then against the side of the house with the soles in the direction of the dogs and they'll catch nothing. She says,"I've worked it many a time on my old man and Albert Liverman."

Mary Ellen Crawford Dilday of Route 3 Ahoskie says, "It was popularly known in Gates COunty that a wooden latch was the only sort that could bar entry of witches."

Mrs. Smith says you could take a fork, "stick it up towards the seat of a bottomed chair and a witch would sit there all day long or until the fork was removed."

and my favorite -

Anyone with a rudimentary acquaintance with witchcraft knows a witch will not step over a broom, and often in the Roanoke-Chowan area people suspected of the Devil-pact have been given the broom test. Mrs. Mary Ellen Crawford Dilday of Route 3 Ahoskie, native of Eure community of Gates County, say a Fort Island witch suspect visited a neighbor and they sat in the house talking. The hostess found occassion to go outside for a few minutes whereupon she placed a broom beneath the door step. The visitor extended her visit hours beyond customary and eventually she asked the broom be removed so she could go home.

That tells how to keep a witch from entering the house.

But what can be done to keep ugly old witches from leaving nasty blog comments calling me "pretentious"???