NOTHING TRIVIAL ABOUT ENZO'S BARK MITZVAH & THIRTEENTH
EDENTON BAY HOSTS PARTY
Many Edentonians are familiar with Enzo Adachi, the stylish canine often seen walking Darryl Adachi, Enzo's driver. Recently Enzo had a surprise Bark Mitzvah at Edenton Bay Trading Company and over 100 residents attended the event some say was merely a night of Trivia.
However, not so for Enzo.
Last Saturday, after the Wednesday night event the Social Light had the opportunity to interview Enzo while Darryl was in deep conversation with Larry Sellers at the Edenton Bay Coffee House.
ESL: Enzo, good morning. We heard you had a wonderful Bark Mitzvah on Wednesday evening. Did you expect any such thing to happen.
Enzo: I was shocked. It was Wednesday night around 5:30 and I was taking Daryll for a walk before we go to Malcolm's for Trivia Night. Darryl was being a little coy, he wasn't practicing calling out the questions as much as last week so I knew something might be up.
ESL: When did you suspect something?
Enzo: I thought I saw the Red Cape – the one in the picture – in the back of the Porsche, but I paid it little mind. When we walked past Downtown Roots I thought the crowd might be big because they were bringing in tables. At my sight level I saw a lot more table legs. On the way back to Malcolm's I had a feeling someone was having a get together. I had no idea the celebration was in my honor.
ESL: Did you ever think a Bark Mitzvah was in your future combined with your thirteenth birthday.
Enzo: Honestly, I had no idea I was of the Jewish Faith. Frankly, I don't feel 13 and I wasn't thinking of a party. We've been tired after the holiday party circuit, too many dog treats and muffin crumbs. But in Edenton they'll use any excuse to have a party. It was a wonderful event and after the packed holiday party season my Bark Mitzvah filled a void of two week without a party.
ESL: Did you see a lot of people you knew.
ENZO: I know a lot of people, by their shoes. I saw many friends, some loafers and an oxford or two. Blue deck shoe guy was there, and the lady with the yellow Espadrilles was also playing Trivia. That was the best, 119 people came to my Bark Mitzvah – a record - and played Trivia in my honor. Actually, they play every Wednesday night at Edenton Bay Trading Company, but I'm taking the guest count as a tribute to my popularity.
ESL: What do you attribute your popularity to?
Enzo: First off, I've got Darryl so well trained. Never a hair out of place - on me - thanks to him. A constant groomer. Look at me, I am a good looking pooch. Secondly, I can't walk Darryl down the street without people stopping, petting me on the head and asking "How you doing Enzo?" Often they talk to Darryl for a few minutes until I tell him we have to go. It's a great feeling everyone in own is friendly.
ESL: Have you been going to Trivia for a long time.
ENZO: As long as I can remember. I really look forward to Trivia night. I love Malcolm and Debbie King, did you know they own Edenton Bay Trading Co.
ESL: Yes everyone in town knows "Malcolm's".
Enzo, Yes, they're popular with the people in town and many of my canine friends also enjoy the place on occasion.
ESL: Darryl, this question is for you. Did you expect this type of turn out for Enzo's Bark Mitzvah?
Darryll: No, I really didn't. It was Enzo's bark mitzvah on Wednesday celebrating his thirteenth birthday. We had 119 people who showed up for Trivia and his bark mitzvah cake. A very spirited competition won by a team with 14 people. Always a fun night," said Darryl.
A Bark Mitzvah is not a formal religious ceremony, but a cultural phenomenon among some pet owners. Bark mitzvahs are a growing trend, especially in parts of the United States like Beverly Hills and the East Coast, but they are not a common, widespread tradition in a religious sense.
While Enzo's celebration came with a "King for a day" ensemble and a beautiful cake, Malcolm and Debbie King have not decided whether to pursue the Bark Mitzvah party business since they already attract a regular crowd.
The King's are area icons, here's why.
Walking down Broad St. on certain Tuesday’s evening’s it’s not uncommon to see a group of men sitting in the front room of Edenton Bay Trading Company. What may seem uncommon to those not used to Edenton’s traditions and stylish eccentricities – it was a men’s bible study group. Trivial as that may seem, the wine store also hosts Trivia nights every Wednesday. Edenton Bay Trading Company, known to many town folk, simply as ‘Malcolm’s’, is the creation of Debbie and Malcolm King and serves the community in number of ways. Edenton Bay’s current 407 South Broad St. location has evolved over time into the area’s premier wine and beer retailer. “Our main purpose in life is beer and wine retail,” said Malcolm. “We are a comfortable place to gather with friends or to meet visitors”. Wine aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts are immediately impressed by the knowledgeable selections. Wines, both international and domestic include varietals from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Hungary. Beer enthusiasts have choices from an impressive domestic offering including North Carolina breweries along with international brewers.
\Edenton BayTrading sells individual bottles of wine but also has the capabilities to assist with large groups and parties.“We pride ourselves on our stellar collection of fine wine”. Malcolm continues, “From champagnes to a variety of port, sparkling wines and wines made in North Carolina, to selections from around the world. If there is a favorite we don’t yet have, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get it.People ask me all the time to do personal events in the store,” Malcolm said. “Often when there is a wedding in town at the end of the wedding they will have a small reception here.”
EBTC hosts birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, club meetings and has held a number of local weddings. The year-round patio stays cozy in the cooler months with heat lamps and small fire-pits. Inside, large round tables with seating for six is the perfect spot to meet new friends. If cheese is your choice, Edenton Bay Trading Company offers a nice selection of fine cheeses, a line of chocolates and even cigars. Guests are invited to bring lunch or a snack to enjoy with their beverage or bring a book, to enjoy with a glass of wine in a warm spot inside, on the patio or watch passers-by with seating in front of the store. If you have’t had the experience, the any time is the perfect time to stop in for a glass of wine or a bottle of wine from their large selection. You may even make a new friend or two and have the opportunity to pet Enzo.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR, WHAT A YEAR IT WAS
New Year's 2026 quietly arrived in Edenton last evening and although bears were dropped in New Bern, crabs in Washington, the tea pot nor bar glasses dropped at midnight in Edenton.
The reason behind this quiet yearly change was obviously the packed holiday calendar of 2025.
Yes, Wednesday night was quiet. Larry and Mary Jo Sellers closed down The Kraken at around 7:00 p.m. Malcolm shuttered Edenton Bay Trading early for a Wednesday night, but that could be considered trivial considering it was New Year's Eve. Waterman's, Carrozza and the Herringbone hosted small gatherings throughout the night. Again, residents were recovering from a packed calander of activities.
December was one of the most active months of the year, however, in writing the year in review, I realized the entire year was full of more activities than all of the towns surrounding Edenton had combined. For the lengthy year in review – and I didn't add it all – sorry if I left something out – click the link below.
In the meantime I want to thank everyone who contributed to making Edenton such a special place and all of our readers, both in print and online. Here's looking towards a healthy, happy and prosperous 2026.
FOR THE YEAR IN REVIEW
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CANDLELIGHT TOUR DOES IT AGAIN
EDENTON'S HOLIDAY ELEGANCE & STYLE WELCOMED VISITORS
Edenton's elegance in both lavish and casual styles where on display throughout town last weekend as a dozen proud owners opened their homes and lifestyles for over 2000 visitors to experience one step at a time. Whether awed by walls framed in history or styled like Hockney one of the main attractions where the bare walls of the Cupola House and the stories being uncovered like the plaster between the laths. Docents Jonathon Tobias and Russell Corker greeted guests throughout the afternoon sharing bits of knowledge recently discovered within the walls.
Since the restoration of the original woodwork began, the bare bones of the building and dismantling of the plaster covering them was a preservation archeologist's dream, of which Edenton is becoming known.
The Candlelight Tour was a wonderful holiday opportunity to tour some of the most historic homes in town decorated in festive lights and holiday decor. Edenton’s 44 annual Candlelight Tour showcased homes along the Edenton's waterfront on Blount Street, West King and Pembroke Circle on Friday and Saturday December 12 and 13. The Hayes Farm was also on a separate ticketed tour.
Guests were greeted by home owners, family members and friends and shared stories of their homes and unique architectural characteristics. Homes on the tour represented a number of periods in history and offered guests a glimpse into the lives of Edenton residents. Paintings throughout many of the homes included notable Edentonians of the past.
The Edenton Historical Commission worked throughout the year to select and collaborate with homeowners on this wonderful holiday event. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and this year’s theme was “Once Upon a Christmas”.
Marsha Creighton and Carey Stegal worked closely with the homeowners and Bonnie Pierce and Kathleen Towers coordinated the arrangements to bring the theme to life. Walking into some of the homes was a rendition of a a living Christmas Card.
GOODEN OFFERS HIGH PRAISE TO STAFF BECOMING EMS/EMT
Edenton's town meeting got off to a ceremonial beginning Tuesday evening as certifications were awarded to six new town first responders. Edenton Police Chief David LaFon and Edenton Fire Chief Billy Bass proudly awarded staff members with EMS and EMT Certification after Edenton Town Manager Corey Gooden offered high praise to the six new life savers.
"These six staff members that you see here today accepted a challenge. They stood up for what teamwork and collaboration means," said Gooden. "These six staff members we have here today stepped up to really serve their community because whether there's a life threatening call for EMS, police or fire, someone needs to be able to be there to save another person's life, it could be a family member, a friend, a child, or a loved one, and these gentlemen were called to recognize that above their normal duties.
Gooden was thankful for the new town responders.
"I really wanted folks to see the level of cooperation that the staff members have presented as well as the support that we've seen from Chowan County EMS to ask for that assistant. So I think these guys need a big round of applause."
Presentation of the certifications and the oath of office followed Gooden's remaks.
NO COPYCATS, HARRY FEST CANCELLED
A SAD DAY FOR DUMBLEDORE
Disappointment spread faster than the magic in Harry's wand when Shepard-Pruden Library announced the sad news. The Social Light only reports Good News, however, we felt this was a must and since the library has many other events planned, there is good news on the horizon.
A programming update included the cancellation of the previously scheduled Harry Potter weekend. The annual extravaganza was a highly anticipated event.
Resemblances of Harry Potter and his friends will not be coming to Edenton or the Shepard Pruden Memorial Library this spring. The Potter -inspired event attracted children, adults, locals and visitors but had to be cancelled under concerns of copyright infringement.
The decision by the Library Board and town leaders was made with the best interests of the town's growing reputation as a historic preservation gem in light of potential legal action by Warner Bros.
Although not confirmed, shouts of "No, this can't be true," could be heard from John Morehead's porch as a Hogwart Head Master Albas Dumblefore
look alike - currently repairing Morehead's porch, heard the news.
Over the past months Warner Bros. has increased copyright enforcement of it Harry Potter intellectual property protecting the character's imagery, logos, and other branding elements. Global wizardry domination appears to be Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. goal.
Harry Potter fans across the country were disappointed according to national reports. Organizations and communities along with book clubs, towns and municipalities have been pressured to scale back these festive activities because of anticipated legal action.
Looking ahead, the library is proud to be focusing programing on America 250, the national commemoration of the 250 th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Additional details about America 250 will be announced soon.
CUPOLA HOUSE ARTIFACTS SHOWCASED
WORN, WEATHERED FINIAL, HOUSE REPLICA, GRACE CASE
The Cupola House restoration is not your neighborhood 'get together' to repair the house down the street. A dedicated group of craftsman who have openly claimed "they are honored" to be working on the project are recreating the town treasure and highlighting its original prominence in national history. Their passion for the project is paramount and cannot be emphasized enough. Craftsmen of their standards and skills are not easy to find in today's world of rapid construction.
Edentonians realize the importance and prestige the architectural treasure contributes to the town and the current progress the team of craftsmen are making on the 'down to the bare wall' restoration is remarkable.
According to Cupola House Association President Vonna O'Neill people are almost more excited to see the bare walls and progress being made on installing the original molding now than when the house was intact. The history uncovered is astounding.
Currently on display at the Shepard-Pruden Library are artifacts from Edenton's earliest architecture as a kickoff to the America 250 celebration
The pieces will be showcased through the first week of February and highlight Edenton's iconic colonial architecture, 18 years before the American Revolution while demonstrating the shift from British Sovereignty to American Freedom.
One of the most interesting presentation of the Cupola House findings to date was Jonathan Tobias' venture into the walls of the home a few months ago. Tobias, in a special presentation to a group of NSDAR members, explained what was discovered in one of North Carolina’s most important early structures. Built in 1785 by Francis Corbin, the dwelling is considered a premier example of Jacobean architecture in the southern United States.
Opening its doors and walls to the members and some of their husbands was a special occasion and Tobias’ presentation focused on rare finds behind the plaster.
As Edenton history would have it, even the town rodents, specifically the rats calling the Cupola House home, were historians and hoarders. The small chips of plaster from the walls, over time, signifying different time periods through examining ‘paint chips’ proved historically important. Treasures of the nest, a rodents’ findings, would make a terrific children’s book.
There is sidewalk chatter about a new upcoming page turner.
Over the past year the Cupola house has been taken down to the framing in preparation of reinstalling the first floor original woodwork which has been returned from the Brooklyn Museum. With the framing exposed, it was apparent the Cupola House made way for ‘empty nesters’ but the treasures left behind intrigued local craftsman, preservationists and historians involved in the historic project.
“Considered by many to be North Carolina’s finest colonial house, this will be a rare opportunity for architectural historians to examine the interior carving and study the elements of this remarkable building, right down to the framing,” said Executive Director of the Edenton Historical Commission Robert Leath.
“It should be noted that (as far as we know), this re-installation project is the first of its kind in American history. Never before has a historic house been able to rehabilitate its original woodwork after an absence of over one hundred years,” said Jonathan. ”The other historic homes which had been featured in the Brooklyn Art Museum are no longer standing. The Cupola House is the only one of the historic homes represented in the period room display of the fifth floor at the Brooklyn Museum to remain.”
Everyone in Edenton and surrounding areas are encouraged to visit this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the "bare bones" of the Cupola House interior infrastructure. After the original woodwork is in place, this opportunity will never again be available.
“The mission of the Cupola House Association as a non-profit organization, exists to preserve the past, live in the present, and ensure the future,” said Cupola House Association President Vonna O’Neill.“The 1758 Cupola House and its heritage gardens exist as a living house museum, thus enhancing an appreciation of our country’s mid-Colonial era to our visitors and local community as well as future generations.”
The evening progressed to the Edenton Bay Trading Company where the members enjoyed an
For membership information: https://cupolahouse.org/association-membership/
“The original interior woodwork, which we knew from a 1993 dendrochronology study, is the same age as the exterior woodwork from trees felled in 1756-1757, was a masterpiece of Georgian Neo-Classical carved woodwork in according to the Palladian pattern book published in London in 1748.” CUPOLA HOUSE DOCENT JONATHAN TOBIAS
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WINNING TEAM OF SNOWMAN PROFESSIONALS
BREAKFAST AT THE BROAD ST. DINER...
Mother Nature brought her daughter Gianna to Edenton for the weekend and although they blew into town late Saturday afternoon they were’nt offered an Edenton welcome and left as quickly as they came, sucking the life out of Edenton retail and restaurants and the water from the bay.
A blow tide, often associated with a Nor’easter pulls the water with it. Low tide in Edenton Bay was shallow enough to walk away from the shore. Some boats were reported to have keels touching bottom in more than one Albemarle Sound location.
While the day wasn’t meant for cross country skiing or sledding, the elements did not deter the Miller family from entering their snowman creation in the Edenton Social Light Barker House Snowman Contest. The accompanying pictures were send immediatley upojn completion of the creation.
The Miller’s had a plan for winning the contest. Dad Trayvien Miller was the snowman designer, builder and decorator. Mom April Miller was the construction team photographer. Daughter London Miller was responsible for building the bottom and you could say son Quartez Miller was the brains of the operation - he was responsible for making the head.
The Millers captured the prize - a complimentary breakfast at the Broad St. Diner.
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THE CAROLINA COTTAGE OPENS
Sellers Purchases Amish Bird House
NEWS ALERT UPDATE- The Carolina Cottage opened on Friday to rave reviews. It only took moments for Mary Jo And Larry Sellers to offer their support to the new business. The lovely hand crated Amish artisan bird house the Carolina Cottage displayed on a lovely table in their front lawn flew the coup by 1 p.m. Larry swooped in as soon as he noticed the piece and it now sits on Blount St. WHAT A GREAT TOWN.
Aside from the Sellers support a hand full of other merchants and shoppers visited the new store throughout the day.
Edenton as a town and community obviously has a gravitational pull for many, however creative individuals who are in love with small towns are especially attracted to the historic prestige the town offers.
So is the case with Don Vaughan and William Payton who've been working diligently on rehabbing a cottage on Carteret Street, coming down from Delaware on the weekends, to address the task. While researching Don’s family history, they discovered Edenton. The family, Don found, has ties in Beaufort, New Bern as well as Washington.
For those driving down Queen St. past the Bridge Exxon a new sign sprouted last week, signifying a new business. Don and William's new business.
Spending more time in Edenton, they decided to open a similar business at 104 West Queen Street, to the one they own in Delaware.
The Carolina Cottage will be a mix of repurposed/up-cycled furniture, home decor and gift items and other found objects.
According to Don they plan on offering a selection of 'must have' items that are 'friendly to the wallet. William has been a small business owner and floral designer for over 30 years and has been honored a number of times as winning ‘Best of Delaware'. Don also has over 25 years of retail and business development experience.
“We are community minded and see the importance of supporting small and local business,” said Don. “We understand the value of supporting local businesses so that the money stays within our local community.”
The duo also own a business in Delaware and are in the process of selling the business to an employee. The look towards a March closing date, however, they plan on opening sooner in downtown soon.
"We hope for a soft opening on January 30,” said William, “We look forward to meeting the community. After that weekend, we will be open a few weekends a month as we navigate selling our current business in Delaware and establishing our full-time residence in Edenton.”