MARTINIQUE HOUSE, PRESERVATION WITH A PURPOSE
HERRINGBONE SPELLING BEE FUNDRAISER FILLS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB'S BONNET
GOVERNOR STEIN OFFERS HIGH PRAISE FOR EDENTON
SELDOM THIS MUCH FUN AT A SPELLING BEE...
"I can spell ancient in my sleep, but up there, with a mic..."
Those are the words of one contestant — and likely the feelings of many of the spelling bee’ers who took part in last Thursday’s Edenton Boys and Girls Club Adult Spelling Bee at Herringbone.
What began as a fun community fundraiser quickly turned into one of the most talked-about evenings in town, drawing an overflow crowd of supporters who packed the restaurant and raised more than a few glasses cheering on the eight four-member teams competing for spelling supremacy.
“The guest bartender nights were fun, but it was time to think of another entertaining event,” said Herringbone owner Stephanie Wach, who, along with husband Joe helped create the spirited evening benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle.
As word spread about the event, enthusiasm soared. The Wach family, longtime supporters of the Boys & Girls Club and its mission, regularly host fundraising events for the organization, but this latest effort may have taken community excitement to a new level.
Joe served as emcee for the evening, guiding contestants and spectators alike through three lively rounds of competition — plus several dramatic tie-breaker moments leading up to the finals — as teams battled for a trophy and, perhaps more importantly, local bragging rights.
Contestants wrestled with deceptively difficult words and phrases, debating everything from how many “N’s” belong in mayonnaise to the proper spelling of lightning and whether an extra “S” was necessary.
The competition itself proved surprisingly intense. Some participants were seasoned veterans of Edenton Bay Trading Wednesday night trivia competitions, while others reportedly spent the evening before the event studying and practicing in preparation for the bee.
No matter the outcome, each contestant was enthusiastically cheered on by the packed audience. The atmosphere throughout the evening blended humor, community spirit and a shared desire to support local youth programs.
"The Herringbone staff had so much fun putting this event together! Huge thanks to all the teams for being such great sports and to our amazing community for cheering on the spellers. Everyone had a blast, and the energy was contagious," said Stephanie.
Most importantly, organizers say the event was a major success for the Boys & Girls Club, raising $7460.00 for the club. Overall, the evening generated strong community participation and meaningful support for the organization’s ongoing efforts to serve local children and families.
For those who missed the championship rounds, organizers encourage residents to watch the finals online. As one attendee joked afterward, “It’s worthy of Netflix.”
Coming Thursday, read how the dedicated volunteer tutors help students each afternoon at the Edenton Boys & Girls Club — another reminder that behind the fun and competition lies a mission centered on helping local children succeed.
THE 'BONE WAS ABUZZ
Stephanie and Joe Wach and the entire Herringbone team, especially the bartenders who must have been dreaming about 'Smartie Pants" the drink of the night, deserve a round of applause for a terrific evening. Also, being voted captains of the Edenton Spelling Bee Team is quite an honor for Joe and Stephanie.
HISTORIC MARTINIQUE HOUSE TO BEGIN NEW LIFE IN EDENTON
Historic Homes, Cupola, Barker House have a new neighbor adding to Edenton's Story
One thing that can save the deterioration of history is preservation. Case in point is the Martinique house, believed to be the oldest remaining home in northern Chowan County. While that may not seem monumental to some, the future of the home is monumental to many.
The town of Edenton, along with a growing group of preservation advocates, is quickly becoming recognized on the national preservation stage for its efforts to save historic homes, buildings and cultural landmarks. Protecting significant properties has become a major part of the town’s long and impressive history.
For more than seventeen years, the Martinique farmhouse has sat empty in northern Chowan County, slowly deteriorating while preservationists searched for a way to save it. The centuries-old structure had reached a point where action was necessary before the building was potentially lost forever.
The Edenton Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the proposed relocation of the historic Martinique house from rural Chowan County to Edenton’s waterfront following an extensive public meeting that included both strong support and concerns from residents, preservationists, and community leaders.
Town officials presented the proposal as part of a larger waterfront improvement effort tied to the Harbor Towns project and a partnership involving the Town of Edenton, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation, and other preservation organizations. The plan would relocate the centuries-old structure to the waterfront near the Penelope Barker House, where it would serve multiple public purposes, including a dock master office, sailing classroom space, visitor gathering area, and maritime education center.
Town Manager Corey Gooden outlined the conceptual site plan, explaining that the proposal would also improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the existing waterfront parking area. The redesign would convert the current two-way traffic pattern into a one-way circulation system while adding ADA-accessible crossings and reorganized parking spaces. Officials said the project would ultimately increase parking efficiency while maintaining access to the playground and surrounding public spaces.
Supporters emphasized that the Martinique house represents an important part of Chowan County’s architectural and cultural history. Several speakers noted the home’s connection to maritime history and the story of enslaved Alan Parker who escaped to freedom on the Chowan River. . Preservation advocates argued the structure offers an opportunity to expand how African American history is interpreted along Edenton’s waterfront.
Former Sheriff and current Clerk of Court Dwayne Goodwin spoke about the home’s historic ties to the Winborne family and former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John Wallace Winborne, who grew up at Martinique. He also expressed support for preserving the structure before further deterioration makes restoration impossible.
Residents questioning the proposal raised concerns about traffic flow, parking loss, tree removal, waterfront views, long-term maintenance costs, and whether the site could physically support the structure. Others questioned whether sufficient funding existed to fully restore the building once relocated and whether the project was moving too quickly. Several speakers also voiced concerns about potential structural impacts on neighboring properties during construction and foundation work.
Town officials and project consultants responded throughout the meeting, explaining that engineering studies, feasibility reviews, and environmental evaluations had already been conducted. Preservation consultant Andrew Ownbey told commissioners the structure had previously been moved and currently sits on beams designed for relocation, adding that professional house movers had determined the building remains structurally capable of being transported again. Officials also stated that commercial-grade foundation engineering and soil evaluations would address concerns about stability at the waterfront location.
Many supporters framed the project as both a preservation effort and an investment in Edenton’s future waterfront use. Sailing advocates, preservation leaders, and tourism representatives described the proposed building as an opportunity to create educational space for youth sailing, public programs, and transient boaters while preserving a historically significant structure that might otherwise be lost.
Edenton Mayor Hackney High addressed the commission near the conclusion of the meeting, encouraging members to focus on the narrow question before them — whether relocating Martinique to the site was historically appropriate. High emphasized that future design details, landscaping, exterior materials, and restoration plans would all return for additional public review before final approval stages.
Following the Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of the COA, the proposal moved to the Edenton Town Council for additional discussion during its May 12 meeting. Council members heard further comments from residents, preservation advocates, and organizations involved in the project before unanimously voting to move forward with the relocation plan.
The unanimous vote marked another significant step in what supporters describe as one of the town’s most ambitious preservation projects in recent years. Additional engineering, restoration, and design review phases are expected as planning for the Martinique relocation continues.
PRESERVATION WITH A PURPOSE...
"Saving Martinique is so important. This 18th century structure will provide a place to teach our youth to sail, give the people that care-for our waterfront a nice office and provide storage for sailboats and equipment. Parking will be improved and the history of Martinique will teach us about our shared past. This is a win/win for Edenton since the move and restoration will be fully-funded by a state grant," said Edenton Town Councilman Sam Dixon.
EDENTON'S VIBRANCY EXCITES GOVERNOR STEIN and TEAM
EDENTON A BLUEPRINT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Edenton’s inclusion on Governor Stein’s America 250 tour reflects the town’s growing reputation as a community balancing historic preservation with economic innovation — an approach state leaders say could serve as a blueprint for other rural towns across North Carolina.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the members of the NC Council of State visited Edenton earlier in the week as part of the Governor’s America 250 Tour. Stein held a cabinet styled meeting in the historic Chowan County Courthouse in front of a courtroom packed with Edenton and Chowan County official, residents and volunteers.
The tour was multi-facetted. Aside from the council of state meeting where each of the Governor’s cabinet members offered a historical fact originating in Edenton, high praise for the town’s growth and accomplishments. Edenton Mayor Hackney High along with Town Manager Corey Gooden, Main Street Edenton Director Ches Chesson other town officials and Chowan County Commissioner Vice Chair Larry McLaughlin offered the Governor's team a walking tour to view not only Edenton’s past but its future.
The Governor was especially impressed with the Cupola House project and spent time, with interest viewing the project first hand.
Joined by Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight, Stein toured several local businesses and grant supported projects officials say are positioning Edenton as a model for revitalization.
“To ensure small town North Carolina thrives, we need to invest in downtowns and local economies,” Stein said during the visit. “Grants from the Rural Infrastructure Authority are helping towns like Edenton repurpose aging buildings to attract new companies, strengthen utilities, and keep Main Streets buzzing.”
The walking tour through downtown Edenton showcased a blend of economic development, historic preservation and outdoor recreation initiatives aimed at creating jobs and attracting long-term investment to the region.
One of the Governor’s first stops was Provalus, the long anticipated IT outsourcing company investing $6.48 million to establish a Center of Excellence in downtown Edenton. The project is expected to create 61 jobs and expand technology-based employment opportunities in northeastern North Carolina.
Stein also visited Kraken Coffeehouse and toured Down East Preservation, an award-winning conservation and design firm focused on expanding historic preservation efforts across eastern North Carolina. The Governor later stopped at Surf, Wind and Fire, a locally owned outdoor lifestyle business, where discussions centered on Edenton’s participation in the state’s Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) initiative.
Town leaders say the CORE initiative is helping communities across the region strengthen tourism and build a more connected outdoor recreation economy while preserving the area’s unique waterfront character and historic identity.
“Rural communities are essential to North Carolina’s continued growth and success,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Through strategic investments in downtown revitalization, infrastructure, workforce development, and broadband access, we are helping communities like Edenton build on their strengths, attract new opportunities, and create a stronger future for residents and businesses alike.”
The Governor’s visit comes shortly after North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority approved 12 grant requests totaling more than $5.8 million statewide. The projects are expected to create 277 jobs and leverage more than $43 million in additional public and private investment.
Among the grant recipients was Edenton, which received an $850,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant to support lighting improvements throughout the town’s historic downtown district. The project is expected to leverage an additional $458,331 in combined public and private investment.
“Programs supported through the Rural Infrastructure Authority are making a meaningful difference in communities across our state,” said Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight. “Edenton’s investments in its historic downtown and outdoor recreation economy demonstrate how rural communities can preserve their unique character while creating new pathways for economic growth, tourism and job creation.”
Stein has placed a strong emphasis on rural development during his first months in office, frequently pointing to the importance of ensuring economic opportunity reaches every part of the state.
“Where you come from should not limit how far you can go,” Stein has said repeatedly while outlining his rural development agenda.
Last month, the Governor unveiled his recommended Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, which includes funding for rural infrastructure projects, workforce training and apprenticeship programs. The proposal would expand support for NC Career Launch, rural apprenticeship initiatives and work-based learning grants designed to help small businesses train employees in high-demand industries.
The administration has also announced major broadband expansion projects expected to connect approximately 93,000 homes, businesses and community institutions to high-speed internet access by 2030 through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
According to state officials, rural communities across North Carolina received more than $136 million in rural grant funding in 2025 through programs focused on infrastructure upgrades, housing and building revitalization, and business development initiatives.
The Governor’s Rural Listening Tour, launched in March, continues to bring Stein and cabinet officials into communities across the state to hear directly from local leaders and residents about the challenges and opportunities facing rural North Carolina.
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
DAR SEARCHING FOR ANCESTORS
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
ROCCO'S LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
BLESSING OF THE FLEET, MAY 30
BLESSING OF THE FLEET, MAY 30
BLESSING OF THE FLEET MAY 30, in the meantime, LIBER-TEA is open for harbor tours...
Weather Update-MAY 15 - 21
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
Friday, May 15 ☀️
Sunny to partly cloudy with comfortable spring temperatures.
High near 73° / Low near 54°
Saturday, May 16 🌞
Warmer with abundant sunshine and light winds.
High near 84° / Low near 65°
Sunday, May 17 🔥
Hot and increasingly humid. Mostly sunny skies.
High near 91° / Low near 65°
Monday, May 18 ☀️
Very warm and humid with a mix of sun and clouds.
High near 92° / Low near 66°
Tuesday, May 19 🌤️
Summer-like conditions continue with plenty of sunshine.
High near 89° / Low near 68°
Wednesday, May 20 ☀️
Hot and humid with mostly sunny skies.
High near 90° / Low near 67°
Thursday, May 21 🌦️
Slightly cooler with increasing humidity and a chance of scattered showers later in the day.
High near 80° / Low near 61°
Weekly Outlook Summary
Edenton heads into a strong early-summer pattern with sunshine dominating much of the week and temperatures climbing well above average by Sunday. Heat and humidity will build steadily through midweek before a modest cooldown and a slight rain chance arrive Thursday. Outdoor events and waterfront activities should enjoy favorable weather conditions for most of the forecast period.