OAKUM STREET OUTLAWS, SATURDAY, CUPOLA GARDENS
HOTEL HINTON PLANS SUBMITTED, TYLER OFFERS PROGRESS UPDATE
HERITAGE FESTIVAL ATTRACTS A CROWD
TOWN, TYLER'S GOAL IN SIGHT
PLANS SUBMITTED FOR HOTEL HINTON
It was last May that Down East Preservation opened the doors of the Hotel Hinton to the public. Amidst the representatives from Down East and SAGA Development curious residents enjoyed a tour of the future décor while sipping champagne in celebration of the hotel’s future rebirth.
Often an elaborate celebration of a project’s beginning also starts the ticking of a subliminal clock in the public’s eye.
During Tuesday night’s, June 9, 2026 Edenton Town Council meeting Down East Preservation President Dawson Tyler, took the time to offer an update on the progress his company is making on the restoration of the long closed Hotel Hinton. The report was positive and good news for the town and the long awaited injection of life into the building.
The E. King St. property, just a block down from Broad St., is undergoing a complete renovation and Tyler explained the complexities of such a massive undertaking. The assembling of craftsmen and contractors dealing with plumbing, electrical HVAC and structural engineering behind the walls, while taking the building back to its ultimate historic look could at times be daunting.
Tyler made a presentation to the Edenton Preservation Commission earlier in the week and offered renderings of the hotel’s future interior and facade. However, the notice posting of the public hearing had been removed from the building. Since proper notification had not been given a new meeting notice will be posted for a future hearing.
“The Hotel Hinton’s plans call for restoring the colonnade to it’s original purpose, restoring the rail above the colonnade to the way it was, restoring the windows that are under the balcony to the way they were, and restoring the balcony, so it can be used for a future bridal suite,” explained Tyler. “The other two main changes are the two storefronts that exist on the right and left, the right hand one to be a tavern, the left hand one to be an art gallery/meeting space. So personally I am really buoyed by where we stand.”
While in the public’s eye it may appear there is a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, behind the scenes is where progress is most apparent.
“Two weeks ago, we turned in 100 percent construction drawings to Chowan County Inspections. That's a big, big moment in this process. So Kent and Luke with the county, have started their review of the documents that we now worked on for a bit over a year. Everything from electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety systems, the restoration of the lobby, the kitchen that's going to go in the new tavern, the design of the tavern, the layout of the gallery space and all of the rooms,” explained Tyler, pointing to a slide of complex drawings.
“I personally have not ever been involved in a project that has so many different moving pieces and parts. And, you know, I had some mentors of mine say, ‘It's just like a house, Dawson. It just a bigger box,’ I would say that's not true.”
The Hotel Hinton project follows Down East Preservation’s April completion of the Kadesh Church preservation.
“This project truly is amazing from architects to engineers, to mechanical engineers, plumbers, electricians, to experts on brick, to people that do roofing, bringing all that together has been quite a challenge, but we have gotten there. So now we have the final documents and we are rolling.”
Tyler explained due to the massive complexities of the plans it could take up to two months, possibly longer for plan approval.
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A Young Man Pulling Wire
Beneath the shade of towering trees and against the backdrop of rural Chowan County farmland, visitors stepped back in time during the annual Rocky Hock Summer Heritage Festival, a celebration of the people, traditions and skills that helped shape northeastern North Carolina.
The festival transformed the Heritage Village grounds into a living history experience where generations gathered to explore the tools, crafts and food ways of an earlier era. Throughout the day, artisans demonstrated skills that were once essential to everyday life, offering visitors a hands-on glimpse into the region's agricultural and cultural heritage.
Moriah Markoya and the entire Homestead team created an event drawing a record crowd.
One of the most popular attractions featured traditional tin-smithing demonstrations, where skilled craftsmen shaped and formed metal using period tools and techniques. Festival-goers watched as sheets of metal were carefully hammered and molded into useful household items, much as local craftsmen would have done more than a century ago. Visitors, including children, were invited to try their hand at pulling wire under the guidance of experienced demonstrators.
Nearby, tables lined with antique farm and woodworking tools sparked conversations among longtime residents eager to share memories of how the implements were once used. From hand planes and saws to specialized farming equipment, the collection served as a reminder of the ingenuity and hard work that built the region's farming communities. One display even drew smiles with a humorous sign reading, "Ashes from the man who stole one of my tools."
Food was another highlight of the day. Volunteers prepared traditional favorites over open fires and outdoor cookers, including large kettles filled with homemade fare. The aroma of cooking food drifted through the village as families gathered to enjoy a meal and visit with friends. While the foods of yesterday were simmering, the sizzle of hamburgers and hot dogs drew a lengthy line of burger lovers.
The festival also attracted many young families. Children dressed in period-inspired clothing explored the grounds, watched demonstrations and learned firsthand about the skills and traditions that connected earlier generations to the land.
More than just a festival, the Rocky Hock Heritage Festival continues to serve as a living classroom, preserving local history while creating new memories for those who attend. As visitors wandered through Heritage Village, shared stories and enjoyed the simple pleasures of a summer day, they were reminded that preserving the past is often best accomplished by experiencing it together.
The annual event once again demonstrated why Heritage Village remains one of Chowan County's most treasured links to its rural roots, bringing history to life one demonstration, one story and one shared experience at a time.
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WILLIAMS, FARM FEST, JAH OPEN HOUSE FEATURED
WILLIAMS TO INTRODUCE NEW BOOK SERIES, OAKUM STREET OUTLAWS
Young readers, budding detectives and families looking for a summer adventure are invited to the historic Cupola House Gardens on Saturday, June 13, for a special book reading and author event featuring local author Jim Williams.
The free program will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cupola House Gardens, located at 408 S. Broad Street in Edenton. Children of all ages are welcome.
Williams, who grew up on Oakum Street in Edenton, will introduce young audiences to his new adventure series, Oakum Street Outlaws. During the event, he will read from the first book in the series, The Mystery of the Lady in the Cupola, a story inspired by local history and imagination that promises mystery, excitement and plenty of adventure.
The reading marks the official launch of the new series, which Williams has created for both young readers and listeners. Organizers say the books are designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to explore the joy of reading while connecting with stories rooted in familiar places and characters.
Following the reading, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the author, ask questions about the writing process and have books signed. The event offers a unique chance for children to interact directly with an author while discovering a new literary adventure set against the backdrop of one of Edenton’s most treasured historic sites.
Presented by the Cupola House Association, the program combines storytelling, history and imagination in a setting that has inspired generations of visitors.
Admission is free, and families are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the gardens before the program begins. For young adventurers looking for their next great mystery, June 13 promises to be the start of an exciting journey.
You Are Cordially Invited
John A. Holmes High School Principal Sonya Rinehart is inviting the community to get a first look at the future of education during a special Community Open House on Friday, July 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents, students, alumni and families will have the opportunity to tour the brand new school campus, meet staff members and celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations of students to come.
Organizers say the event is designed to showcase the school’s modern learning spaces while welcoming the community into a new chapter for John A. Holmes High School. Guests are encouraged to explore the campus, connect with educators and experience the vision for the future of education in Chowan County.
School officials say they look forward to welcoming the public for this exciting milestone event.
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
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NEED CASH? HE'S AVAILABLE
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
FEEDING OUR FUTURE CHILDREN'S NUTRITION
CAMP CALE NOW HIRING SUMMER STAFF
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JULY EVENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
FARMERS MARKET SUMMER FESTIVAL
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
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OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
OPTIMIST CLUB NEEDS SUPPORT
ADACHI REVIEWS....THE BREADWINNER
I have not seen The Breadwinner. I was tempted to but decided to use friends as guinea pigs in determining whether the film was good enough to separate me from the $8.00+ screaming to be released from my pocket.
Do you remember seeing Mr Mom when it came out in the 1980’s? It starred a very young Michael Keaton who is fired from his job during the recession. His wife finds a job before he does, so they switch roles, where he is in the unfamiliar position of homemaker and caretaker to their three children. From there, the film depicts in humorous ways how men in general are totally inept when it comes to managing a household. This has been a recurring theme in films over the years.
The Breadwinner could have in fact been titled Mr Mom II, because it is essentially the same story, this time starring stand-up comedian Nate Bergatz in his first movie role. Bergatz is very much a successful PG-13 stand-up comedian, along the lines of Steve Martin and Ellen DeGeneres, that is, one that you could take your family to and not be appalled by what is deemed as comedy today.
We see Bergatz struggling with keeping up with his family’s demands. He serves the kids pizza for almost every meal. He forgets where the kids go to school. He resorts to bribing his kids when they become disrespectful or angry. The usual clueless daddy stuff. So, is The Breadwinner worth seeing, now that you know what it is all about? The film has gotten mixed reviews, and while my guinea pigs did not rave about the film, both described the film simply as “cute”.
And therein lies my conundrum. Should I see a film because it is “cute”? Would you? Should we demand more from the film industry than films that are just “cute”? There is nothing wrong with the genre, of course. We live in a world beset by political, environmental and economic issues. Would it be so bad to slip into the quiet confines of a darkened theater and enjoy a film that doesn’t challenge our sensibilities, even though it is not likely to garner any Best Picture nominations at the Oscars? You choose. For me, perhaps rewatching The Princess Bride streaming on Disney might prove to be a better escape. And I get to keep my eight bucks.
Editor's note: Darryl Adachi and ENZO, are longtime Edenton residents. Adachi blends sharp wit, cinematic insight, and hometown charm into movie reviews that are as entertaining as the films themselves.
Weather Update-June 5 - June 11
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, June 5 — Thursday, June 11, 2026
Friday
☀️ Mostly sunny and warm
High: ~84°F • Low: ~66°F
A beautiful start to the weekend with moderate humidity.
Saturday
🌤️ Partly sunny and warmer
High: ~87°F • Low: ~69°F
Summer warmth continues across the Albemarle.
Sunday
🌦️ Partly sunny with afternoon storm chances
High: ~88°F • Low: ~71°F
Hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms possible.
Monday
⛈️ Warm and humid with scattered thunderstorms
High: ~86°F • Low: ~70°F
Typical early-summer pattern with afternoon storms.
Tuesday
🌤️ Partly sunny and slightly less humid
High: ~84°F • Low: ~67°F
A weak front helps improve conditions.
Wednesday
☀️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: ~85°F • Low: ~66°F
Comfortable summer weather returns.
Thursday
☀️ Sunny and warm
High: ~87°F • Low: ~68°F
A beautiful finish to the period.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
Summer settles firmly into northeastern North Carolina this week as temperatures climb into the mid and upper 80s. Sunshine dominates much of the forecast, although increasing humidity Sunday and Monday could trigger scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
No widespread severe weather is expected, but brief downpours and lightning will remain possible during the warmest part of the day. By Tuesday, slightly drier air filters into the region, bringing a more comfortable stretch of weather through midweek.
Overall, expect classic June conditions with warm afternoons, mild nights, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Edenton's waterfront, parks, and outdoor events.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• ☀️ Summer warmth continues
• 🌡️ Highs near 90° Sunday
• ⛈️ Storm chances Sunday–Monday
• 🌤️ Drier air arrives Tuesday
• ☀️ Beautiful midweek weather