WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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. 

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  

It’s been said Amber Hardy is the town’s top volunteer. The words “Need a volunteer, call Amber,” are frequently heard at local non- profit organization meetings. 

“For years I served on the Chamber of Commerce board and acted as President for two years. Currently, I am the Vice-Chair for the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority. It has always been important to me to serve in the community,” said Hardy. “It is also helpful for my job to be "in the know". Folks always know to ask me questions, like when does the Christmas tree get lit and who just rented the empty restaurant space?”

As one of Edenton’s most respected real estate authorities Hardy also serves on Destination Downtown Edenton Promotional Committee. She is also credited for spearheading the famous Edenton Christmas Flotilla boat parade. 

“This year, with my son beginning middle school I decided to add one more thing to my plate, with help from other moms, I have brought back the Chowan Middle School Booster Club that has been obsolete for a few years”, explained Hardy, adding, “I am always active in the community, I am giving a recent push to gear towards recreation and sports in order to give back to my community and directly benefit my growing son.” 

Hardy and her son, Camden are also home hosts for a Edenton Steamer’s player each season. 

Hardy is encouraged by the amount of women owned businesses in town. 

Edenton is a beautiful place. But my favorite part is its people! I have fully embraced Edenton and in turn, Edenton embraced me. I love being a big fish in a little pond and often feeling like a celebrity even at the grocery store. 

“So many businesses in Edenton are women owned, which is super special. This town has always had strong women and I am happy to be amongst them. Working together with all the different women is important, the success of one of us is success for all of us. 

Julia Townsend and Adam Lincoln wrapped up a weekend of festively celebrating figs with a fundraising celebration aboard the Albemarel Queen Tuesday evening. The third annual Fig Festival weekend activities began on Saturday with a 5 K run and continued throughout the weekend with a cooking demonstration Sunday afternoon by renowned Washington , NC  Chef Jamie Davis.

The annual event is held at the Spruill Conservatory Farm in Roper, NC and is one of the projects managed by Townsend and Adams.

The Peanut Factory, Inc. is an artist residency and community arts program located in a 1932 peanut processing mill in Edenton, North Carolina. Founded in 2013, it has since hosted about 20 artists and poets and managed a variety of community events.

It’s Chowan County Fair Time. If you don’’t believe it walk by Byrum’s Hardware.

Taking a evening stroll down South Broad Street, you’ll notice a new window mural on Byrum’s Hardware.  The artists from the Boys and Girls club recently completed a mural promoting the Chowan County Fair.  The colorful painting was developed with assistance from local artist, DeAnna Daniels who has been teaching art in the Chowan School system.  Under her artist name “Art by MeMe” she guides the student artisan creating a fun visually pleasing art project encouraging attendance to the Fair.  MeMe also offers creative classes and events including, Theme Craft Corners, Experimental Art for Events and Custom Art Classes. Her website is: https://www.artbymeme.com/. This is a fun way to promote local artists and at the same time sharing a message about the fair which takes place Tuesday, September 23rd through Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the American Legion Fairgrounds. For more information on the Fair, go to: ChowanFair.com  

If you happen to be walking down Broad St. on Sunday,  and think someone is playing a Jimmy Buffet, you'd be mistaken. Most likely those tunes would be coming from Gerry Maddox a.k.a. Island Gerry, a name synonymous  with acoustic rock and coastal music. 

Maddox is an ENC musical mainstay frequently playing  aboard the Albemarle Queen, and at the Sandtrap Tavern, the Landing at Mackey's  and Edenton Block Parties. 

The block parties have become a monthly anticipated attraction during the less sweltering months. What began as a small gathering has grown to include activities for kids of all ages, vendors, games in the park, food trucks and entertainment. Sponsored by Main Street Edenton, 

Surf, Wind & Fire and Visit Edenton. Plan on bringing the entire family for a day of neighborhood, small town fun.