Sounds of Summer Series attracted a crowd despite a warm, humid, gnatty night, filled with tunes, warm breezes and smiles thanks to local sponsors...
FRIDAY THE STEAMERS BECOME THE SLUGGERS FOR THE NIGHT.
YOU TOO COULD BECOME A 'SLUGGER'
On Friday night the Edenton Steamers become the Edenton Sluggers in a tribute to Negro League baseball teams.
The Steamers organization created a commemorative Negro team jersey, using a team name - the Sluggers – and had the jerseys designed with images of former Negro players.
“The Steamer’s are doing this to honor African American heroes and heritage at Historic Hick’s Field and in our community. We are not part of the Juneteenth celebration committee and don’t want anyone to think we are encroaching on this local recognition of the national holiday celebration, but we are honored to further recognize the heritage of our rich community", explained Steamer board member George Lewis.
The Steamers did extensive research in order to create the memorable jersey.
“The “Sluggers” were a local team that may have been a club, semi-pro or minor league negro team. The images on the uniforms are of Negro League players, but not specifically the images of known local players. Our intent is to bring attention to, recognize and honor our community heritage. Regrettably, we’ve not uncovered verifiable records of specific local players. Honoring local heritage, nurturing unity, inviting diverse participation within our community, and supporting teacher recruitment are what we are working to promote Friday evening,” said Lewis.
Fans will be able to watch the jerseys in action.
“The players are going to play in the jersey’s throughout the night and at the end of the night the jersey’s will be auctioned off. How cool is that?", asked Lewis. “The money raised will go to the superintendent’s resource fund to be used where she needs to use it to help recruit teachers or other needs.”
Folks from the NAACP will be cooking on Friday evening outside of the concession stand. The hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and french fries are some of the best in town, according to many folks in the stands.
"The jerseys, a $2,000 value, were donated anonymously. Proceeds from the evening’s auction will seed the establishment of a fund for our public schools to recruit difficult to fill / high demand teachers, including minority teachers.," said Lewis.
Friday evening will be a memorable night, not only for the Edenton Sluggers but also for the lucky bidders going home with sought after memorabilia.
Get to the game early and scope out the numbered jersey you want to wear, hover around the auction clip board so you don’t get out bid and remember, these jerseys are a one of kind work of art...Think Antique Road Show work of art...Enjoy the game...The Social Light will be looking for those jersey’s, Saturday morning, downtown on a few lucky players…
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IF YOU HAVE EVER THOUGHT OF PLAYING RESTAURANT, SIGN UP TO COOK IN THE CONCESSION BOOTH AT A STEAMERS GAME... A FEW HOURS OVER THE GRILL, YOU COULD BE LOOKING FOR A SPACE IN TOWN...
WILLIAMS OFFERS OAKUM OUTLAW OVERVIEW
CUPOLA GARDEN READING A PAGE TURNER
When Jim Williams grew up on Oakum Street in Edenton, his adventures were plentiful. So much so that he is publishing a series of books focusing on Edenton adventures.
Williams introduced young audiences to his new adventure series, Oakum Street Outlaws on Saturday with an exclusive reading in the Cupola House Garden.
During the event, Jim 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 marked the official launch of the new series, which Williams has created for both young readers and listeners. 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 met with Williams asked questions about the writing process and had books signed. The event offered a unique chance for children to interact directly with Williams 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 combined storytelling, history and imagination in a setting that has inspired generations of visitors.
Mystery of the Lady in the Cupola follows Jimmy and his friends as a simple day on Oakum Street turns into the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Drawn by whispers, curiosity, and the sight of an old house watching over the street, the boys become determined to uncover the mystery surrounding the famous cupola high above one of Edenton’s historic homes.
The author’s next book is called the Woodworker’s Coming Home.Williams books are available on Amazon.
Williams Offers Reading & Insight to the Oakum Street Outlaws
TOWN PREPARING FOR PROVALUS ARRIVAL
Provalus Sign Signals Progress as Company Prepares to Open Edenton Office
A visible sign of economic growth has arrived in downtown Edenton.
The newly installed Provalus sign now hangs on the company’s future home at 211 South Broad Street, marking another milestone as the U.S.-based information technology services company moves forward with plans to establish operations in Edenton and create 155 new jobs over the next five years.
The project, first announced through a partnership involving Main Street Edenton, the Town of Edenton, Chowan County, the Edenton Chowan Partnership and Provalus, represents one of the most significant economic development investments in recent years for the community.
Town leaders and residents are looking forward to welcoming Provalus and its future employees as the company prepares to bring new career opportunities to the area. The positions are expected to range from customer support and network operations to cybersecurity, administration and management roles.
Provalus selected Edenton as the site for its 11th location, citing the region’s workforce potential and commitment to community development. Company officials have said the new Center of Excellence will serve as more than just an office location, creating opportunities for residents while strengthening the local economy.
“This new Center of Excellence represents more than just business growth; it’s a testament to our commitment to empowering communities and unlocking potential,” said Mike Keogh, President of Provalus, when the project was announced. “We are proud to bring our mission to Edenton and look forward to creating lasting opportunities for the people and businesses here.”
Mayor Hackney High previously described the project as a major win for the community, noting that the company’s arrival will help diversify the local economy while bringing well-paying technology jobs to the area.
Beyond the direct employment impact, Provalus is expected to generate more than $6.5 million in payroll over the five-year period and contribute to increased economic activity throughout downtown Edenton. The company’s location at 211 South Broad Street also represents the adaptive reuse of a vacant downtown building, breathing new life into a prominent property in the heart of the historic district.
Community leaders have also highlighted Provalus’ track record of partnering with local schools and workforce development programs. In other communities, the company has worked closely with educational institutions to help students develop STEM and technology skills, creating pathways into technology careers.
The project was supported through a collaborative effort among local and state partners, including investment from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Chowan County, the Town of Edenton and the Edenton Chowan Partnership.
With the company’s sign now in place and preparations continuing inside the building, residents are getting their first public glimpse of what many hope will become a long-term economic success story for Edenton and Chowan County.
For community leaders, the sign is more than a marker on a building—it is a symbol of new opportunities, investment and a bright future for downtown Edenton.
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