FARMERS MARKET SUMMER FESTIVAL SATURDAY JULY 18
FARMERS MARKET SUMMER FESTIVAL
Brennan offers a historic view of Hayes Farm at CAC
FIVE YEARS, SIMPLY STATED
Looking through a lens of Hayes Farm History
Brennan Captures Edenton's 'Little Miracle'
The Chowan Arts Council hosted a packed gallery of friends, followers and supporters of Edenton photographer Tom Brennan Thursday evening as he unveiled a three year project documenting the in- place history of Hayes Farm before it was packed for storage.
Hayes Farm is currently undergoing a restoration project which in itself is historic. Brennan has been looking through the lens for the past three years documenting the past and present for the future.
Brennan began his career when the cost of a some cameras were less expensive than a tank of gas. He shot his first show in 1978 with a $1.50 plastic drug store camera. Back then he had no idea he would one day be recording history and the former lifestyle of Hayes Farm.
It was a move to an old home in Virginia opening Brennan’s lens to capture historic artistry while making the same.
“In the early 1990s, we lived in Sunbeam, Virginia, where we bought a historic home built in the early 1800s by Clement Rochelle, Sheriff of Southampton County during Nat Turner’s 1831 rebellion. Turner was held in the county jail Rochelle had built around 1824, then tried, convicted, and executed while Rochelle was sheriff,” adventurously explained Brennan. “Living in that house sparked my fascination with its history. I photographed everything—from etched windowpanes and doodles on the old kitchen door to the hand-hewn beams beneath the house and the outbuildings, including a one-room schoolhouse. I was captivated by the stories these old homes could tell. That interest led me across Southampton County, photographing historic churches, courthouses, homes, and other landmarks. The project became a calendar I produced for the Southampton County Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the county’s architectural heritage”
Brennan reached out to Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation Executive Director Sambo Dixon and asked if it were possible to photograph Haye’s still-in-place history.
“I was really sick when putting this whole deal together to preserve Hayes. Then Tom called and said he wanted to take some photos, really before the restoration even began. I think his work captures the real spirit of Hayes. My favorite is the photograph of the library. When we got there, it was filled with you 300 years of Edenton history. That's all packed up right now in storage, but to be brought back soon,” said Dixon.
Brennan explained photographing Hayes was an amazing experience he was honored to have the opportunity to have captured. He explained another room sits above the library, where the baby carriage, captured in a Brennan image, was found.
Hayes is managed by the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation and Sambo went on to summarize in short, the projects’ massive scope and what it will mean for the entire community.
“Ms. Moore put together this foundation with ten Edontonians that she wanted to help preserve Edenton’s world history. We had no idea that something this astounding would happen, that the Hayes property would become available, and that we would actually be able to preserve it. And we have preserved the content, and we think it's probably the most original fabric than almost any other house museum in the country. It has every time of history,” explained Dixon. “One of my favorite quotes in 1850, a historian came to town and said that ‘the pedigree of Hayes gallops off in all directions’. It really has every type of history. It's got horse history. It's got Revolutionary history with Samuel Johnson and James Iredell, along with Joseph Hewes’ and Samuel Johnson's copy of the Constitution, and the Declaration of the Independence, found in the library, is temporarily in Chapel Hill.”
Dixon said that while Brennan magnificently captured the past, Hayes’ future look will remain the same, but it’s prominence will offer a wider, community scope.
Hayes will become a place where locals can gather and use the property.
“One example is our goal with the horse stables, if you go out there now, they're jacked up,. However, we want to have a horse therapy program with the boys and girls club. So we're trying to take a look at everything and ask how can this be used by local people? I mean, we want tourists, that's fine. But we are really trying to make a place that people here feel like it's a second home. And I think that's the most important thing,” said Dixon.“It’s a miracle it all happened. These photographs capture it. This is kind of Edenton’s small little miracle.”
For Brennan, documenting the history of Hayes was an amazing three year experience that began in 2023. His most favorite spaces and artifacts discovered include the library, featuring a unique octagonal Gothic style design, the Martin Guitar, made during Martin’s New York years (1833–1839), and the original antique carriages used by the Johnston family.
Brennan has published a book of selections of his historic photographs available at the Chowan Arts Council.
The current show will be on display at the CAC until August 13, 2025.
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Edenton Farmers Market Summer Festival Saturday
Edenton Farmers Market President Mary Wolfe has done it again. This Saturday the Edenton Farmers Market will be packjed with festival goers.
Fresh produce, local artisans, great food, and community fellowship will all come together Saturday, July 18, as the Edenton Farmers Market hosts its annual Summer Festival from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The festival invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate the height of North Carolina's growing season while supporting local farmers, food producers, artists, and small businesses.
More than 30 local vendors and artisans are expected to participate, offering a wide variety of products produced throughout North Carolina. Visitors will find everything from fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits to homemade jams, local honey, baked goods, seafood, handcrafted items, and specialty foods.
One of this week's featured harvests includes cantaloupes and watermelons, giving shoppers a chance to enjoy some of summer's sweetest flavors.
Adding to the festival atmosphere, the Edenton Hot Dog Company will be serving what many locals consider some of the best hot dogs in town, making it easy for visitors to enjoy lunch while browsing the market.
Organizers say the Summer Festival is more than a shopping event—it's an opportunity to meet local growers and makers, learn about their products, and celebrate the community spirit that has made the Edenton Farmers Market a popular Saturday destination.
Whether you're looking for fresh produce for the weekend, handcrafted gifts, or simply an enjoyable morning downtown, the Summer Festival offers something for every member of the family.
The Edenton Farmers Market Summer Festival takes place Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edenton Farmers Market. Admission is free.
For additional information and market updates, follow the Edenton Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram.
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Five Years, Simply Stated
Fashionable milestone celebrated with flowers, friendship and logo-ized cookies...
Five years after launching her dream of owning a boutique, Simply Stated owner Hanna Davey is celebrating a milestone that reflects not only her passion for fashion, but also the relationships that have helped her build a thriving business.
The celebration, held Saturday, July 11, at Simply Stated, 318 S. Broad St., welcomed shoppers throughout the day with anniversary specials, refreshments and a special Flower Bar where guests created custom bouquets while browsing the boutique's latest summer fashions.
Located in the former Byrum's Craft Store building, Simply Stated has become a destination for contemporary women's fashion in downtown Edenton. The boutique's inviting atmosphere, carefully curated collections and ever-changing window displays reflect Davey's personal style and commitment to timeless fashion.
"My first criteria is that if I would not personally have the item in my own wardrobe, I won't have it in the store," Davey said. "That way I keep the store vibe and style consistent."
"I like to have a style that caters to a wide age range of customers. I like to offer style that is classic and will age well in your wardrobe throughout years and seasons."
That philosophy has guided Simply Stated from the beginning.
After earning a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies with a minor in Entrepreneurship from East Carolina University, Davey interned with Candace Thompson at Downtown Diva in Edenton.
"She was a great mentor," Davey said. "It was pretty clear to me this is what I was meant to do once I got out of school."
Before opening her storefront, Davey launched Simply Stated as an online boutique in Wrightsville Beach. She then spent several years taking the business on the road, participating in more than 100 pop-up shops across North Carolina while building a loyal customer following.
Helping make every event possible was Hanna's mother, Karen Davey, who has earned the title of the boutique's unofficial "Momager."
"My mom has helped me since my first day in business," Hanna said. "Almost five years ago when I started as an online shop in Wrightsville Beach, she has been at my side."
Together, mother and daughter traveled throughout the state, setting up pop-up shops before ultimately achieving their shared goal of opening a permanent storefront in downtown Edenton.
"I couldn't do it without her," Hanna said. "She is the best employee I could ever have."
Karen, who spent more than 20 years teaching preschool and also coached college basketball, now works alongside her daughter at Simply Stated. She accompanies Hanna to the Atlanta Apparel Market to help select merchandise while keeping the business organized and on track.
"Our end goal was to open a storefront in Edenton, and we now are on South Broad Street," Karen said.
Asked what advice she would offer another mother considering joining her daughter's retail business, Karen laughed before answering, "Get on your daughter's payroll ASAP."
Today, Simply Stated offers contemporary clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories selected personally by Davey for women of all ages. Customers can shop in the boutique or online, with nationwide shipping and local pickup available.
Saturday's fifth anniversary celebration reflected more than a business milestone. Friends, longtime customers and first-time visitors gathered to congratulate Davey while enjoying refreshments, shopping the boutique's newest arrivals and creating colorful bouquets at the Flower Bar.
For Hanna and Karen Davey, the celebration marked five successful years of business built on family, friendship and a shared love of helping women feel confident in what they wear.
Simply Stated is located at 318 S. Broad St. in downtown Edenton. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Sundays.
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Weather Update-July 18- July 23
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
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Friday, July 17 — Thursday, July 23, 2026
🔥 Friday – July 17
☀️ Increasing clouds, dangerously hot and humid
High: ~95°F • Low: ~77°F
Heat index values may exceed 105°F during the afternoon. Limit strenuous outdoor activity and stay well hydrated. A Heat Advisory is in effect.
🌤️ Saturday – July 18
🌤️ Partly sunny, hot and humid
High: ~91°F • Low: ~76°F
A typical midsummer day with high humidity. Most locations remain dry, though an isolated late-day shower cannot be ruled out.
⛈️ Sunday – July 19
⛈️ Showers and thunderstorms likely
High: ~91°F • Low: ~75°F
Scattered thunderstorms become more widespread during the afternoon and evening. Heavy rain and frequent lightning will be possible.
🌦️ Monday – July 20
🌦️ Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms
High: ~88°F • Low: ~75°F
Unsettled weather lingers with periods of rain and thunderstorms. Some sunshine is expected between storms.
🌤️ Tuesday – July 21
🌤️ Partly sunny with an afternoon thunderstorm possible
High: ~90°F • Low: ~78°F
Warm and humid with a typical summertime chance of a late-day shower or thunderstorm.
⛈️ Wednesday – July 22
⛈️ Partly sunny with scattered thunderstorms
High: ~89°F • Low: ~74°F
Humidity remains elevated as another round of afternoon and evening thunderstorms develops.
🌦️ Thursday – July 23
🌦️ Partly sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms
High: ~85°F • Low: ~72°F
Slightly cooler temperatures arrive, but afternoon thunderstorms remain possible before gradually diminishing toward evening.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
Classic midsummer weather settles over northeastern North Carolina this week. Friday opens with dangerous heat and oppressive humidity before temperatures ease slightly over the weekend. Beginning Sunday, a more unsettled pattern develops as abundant Gulf moisture fuels daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
While no day appears to be a complete washout, residents should anticipate periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and locally gusty winds, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures remain seasonably warm through the week, generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s, with humidity keeping conditions muggy even after sunset.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
🔥 Dangerous heat Friday
🌤️ Hot and humid Saturday
⛈️ Best chance of widespread storms Sunday
🌦️ Daily afternoon thunderstorms Monday through Thursday
💧 Heavy rainfall and lightning possible at times
🌡️ Typical midsummer warmth continues throughout the week
ADACHI PLAYS WITH TOY STORY 5
HIGH - FIVE FOR TOY STORY
Hi everyone. Enzo here. Darryl's in Raleigh this weekend and although he tried to catch Toy Story 5 at a local cinema, they wouldn't allow an adult unaccompanied by a child in to see the film, so he asked me to fill in for him. This is my report.
Maybe the best way to begin a review on this film is with a story. There was a young. girl who was "with child"--two identical twin boys. Knowing that she would not be able to provide her sons with the lives they deserved, she sadly gave them up for adoption--one to an Arab family who named their new son Amahl and the other to a Spanish family who named their son Juan. Eighteen years later, the girl, now happily married with her own family, receives a letter from Juan in which he encloses a photo and tells her how happy and healthy he is, and thanks her for her sacrifice many years earlier. She is thrilled to hear from Juan but appears sad at the same time. When her husband asks her why, she says that she would love to see how Amahl had grown as well. "I don't know why you're so sad", he tells her--"if you've seen Juan, you've seen Amahl".
Sorry. It's a joke that's been making its rounds in my doggy circle, but it acts as a nice segue into my review of Toy Story 5. The franchise's recurring premise, which hasn't really changed since the original came out in 1995, revolves around the meaning of being a toy, the fear of being replaced or outgrown, and the concepts of family and friends. Toy Story 5 explores the existential struggle of toys—specifically Jessie, Buzz, and Woody—trying to remain relevant in a world where children are increasingly drawn to interactive tablets like "Lilypad". Toy Story 5 emphasizes the values of tangible imagination, human connection, and what it means to truly be a "real toy".
This is not to say that if you've seen one Toy Story installment, you've seen them all. Each film has been a critical and box office success as they all reflect deeply emotional and bittersweet experiences, such as when Jessie comes to terms with her past abandonment, while at the same time delivering the franchise's trademark humor and charm.
The film resonated with me. I enjoy Darryl's company and the endless number of toys he's given me, but what I look forward to most are our daily walks when I can re-engage with Baxter, Bear, Bruce and my other canine colleagues in town. No day is complete without a butt sniff that re-establishes the friendship and bond that we share. And that is the enduring message of the Toy Story franchise--that is, love and connection are not finite, but expand when we are willing to share them.
ENZO ADACHI