WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
THESE WOMEN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Women have made a difference in Edenton since it’s beginning. Over the last 250 years since that small group of women gathered from near and far to protest the strong arm reach of England, the list has grown exponentially, many of them documented in Edenton’s history.
Today, women are making more of a difference than ever before in areas of volunteerism, the preservation of historic buildings and the continued growth and well being of the future of the community and it’s youth.
The 250 year Celebration of those 51 strong, courageous women is the perfect time to focus on a few more. The Social Light chose to highlight five Edenton women currently shining their light on subjects that matter.
RE ENACTMENT CAPTURES FIRST PLACE AWARD
Matt Lively designed and created Edenton’s first public mural located on the side of the Chowan Arts Council building. The famed tea pot took center stage along with Lively’s personal touch of his renowned Beecycles. Lively then went on to create the interactive Bass catching mural, depicting Edenton’s waterfront on the Surf, Wind and fire building The larger than life mural project was designed to highlight local flora and fauna, and includes an interactive photo for anglers to “catch” a nine foot tall bass.
Max Dowdle was commissioned to create Edenton’s third mural celebrating the historic 250 Year Tea Party Celebration. The mural was created on the side wall of the Creswell Furniture store building on Broad Street.
“The Town of Edenton and Chowan Arts Council is thrilled to have had yet more amazing talent to complete Edenton’s third mural project. Max brought a huge part of Edenton’s history alive through his skill, brilliant colors, and the message of remembering the 51 brave women who signed legislature in 1774, creating the Edenton Tea Party. We are grateful to add him to the public art family here in Edenton,” said Chowan Art Council Director Meredith Timberlake,
Dowdle worked closely with community leaders in interpreting the 250 year Tea Party messaging. The goal of the mural was to remind both locals and visitors of the important significance this historic event created in Edenton 250 years ago.
“I am passionate about creative placemaking, which involves using art and design to revitalize public spaces and create more vibrant and inclusive communities. I believe that public art has the power to transform ordinary spaces into something extraordinary, to spark conversation and encourage reflection, and to bring people together in new and unexpected ways,” said the artist.
For the story on the effort put into winning the award pick up the Summer Issue of Edenton Social Light premiering in mid June.
Make sure to pick up the print edition of Edenton Social Light in June at area retailers...
A NIGHT OF CASUAL ELEGANCE HONORS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Last Wednesday evening the GFWC Edenton's Woman's Club hosted an evening of delightful small plate appetizers, neighborly conversation and substantial grant awards to six local organizations. The event is highly anticipated by local organizations.
For over 80 years the Edenton’s Woman’s Club has supported local non-profits and historic preservation efforts through their grant program. Funds are raised through the bi-annual Pilgrimage. Net proceeds from the event support preservation, restoration, and community educational efforts focused on historical building and artifacts in Edenton and Chowan county. The 2025 grant applications totaled $39,000.. $21,000. was dispersed towards the 2025 Grant requests.
On Wednesday, June 4th the Edenton’s Women’s Club honored the recipients at Edenton’s Historical Courthouse with a social hour and awards ceremony. Members and awardees gathered for a wonderful evening of celebration and friendship.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Boys Scouts of America Troop164 Heating System in Log Cabin
Boy Scout Troop 164 was gifted a log cabin located in the 600 block of Broad Street in 1929. The log cabin has continued to be a focal point for the town of Edenton and is open to use by the community. In 2024, the cabin was moved to Park Avenue to accommodate the construction of the new John A. Holmes High School. It needs many new amenities to make it as close to the level of usefulness as it was previously. The usefulness is not only for the Scouts but also for the community at large.
St. Ann Catholic Church Renovations to Barclay House Barclay House, circa 1890 a one-story Cottage on the Church Campus used for religious instruction and in need of repairs to electric wiring and windows.
Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR Preserve History of the Group, Digitizing Records Edenton Tea Party NSDAR founded in October, 1948 was responsible for the preservation of the James Iredell House that was scheduled for destruction. The events leading up to this preservation, historical grave markings and other events of historical value to the town of Edenton are documented in the binders and scrapbooks maintained by the Chapter and housed at the Visitor Center. A process for preserving the Chapter records and memorabilia has been established. Preserving these images in electronic format will ensure their survival regardless of natural disaster or natural deterioration.
Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation - Hayes Farm Main Entrance Gate Restoration The project includes the replication of two ornamental urns (now missing) based on photographic evidence, as well as repairs to the now damaged and sagging wooden gates themselves, and the addition of a modern security arm for enhanced security. Fully restored, the Hayes front gates will provide a historically accurate entrance to the property. The security arm will provide enhanced security.
Edenton Social Light Print Costs and Expand Reach Created in 2024 for the 250th Anniversary- Tea Party events to educate the community about Edenton's history. The goal of the publication is to keep residents and visitors informed about activities and eventsrelated to historic preservation, and bring the community togetherthrough community profiles. Funds will help with printing costs and expand reach to communities in key eastern N.C. areas. The results will show in the support the paper will give to non-profits to help sustain Edenton as a unique and desired place to visit, live, and thrive.
GFWC Walking Tour Book Printing Costs for the next edition The Walking Tour Book is one of the most popular sold books in EWC's inventory of books. This grant will provide the EWC with enough inventory to last till the next Pilgrimage in 2027 (2 years).
For more information about North Carolina Federation of Woman’s Club and future grant information please visit https://gfwcedentonwomansclub.com