BY MILES LAYTON

A round-up of all things from our neck of the woods…

First, Janie Wood’s funeral service was a standing-room-only affair Friday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – that speaks volumes about her character and impact on the community. People from all walks of life attended the service including Chowan County Commissioners, leading businessmen, prominent attorneys, Town Councilmen – past and present, and one journalist.    

Her son Thomas gave the eulogy – his mother loved people, her family and Edenton. As a dog lover myself, Thomas’ story about Mrs. Wood’s love of dogs impressed me — his mother was a dog lover, so much so that after she visited folks, she could tell stories about their dogs – personality traits, how the animals looked and more. The Woods even had a dog that sometimes could walk on two legs.

Rector Melody Perdue gave a great homily based on Scripture passage of John 11:21-27. If I tried to recount Perdue’s sermon in a sentence or two, I probably wouldn’t do it justice. That said, it is important to share that Scripture passage because it underscores Jesus’ mission.     

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

In other news, there’s been more than a few people known and loved in the community who have died in recent days. Click the link to Miller Funeral Home and perhaps remember Jesus’ message of eternal life to these folks who’ve passed away.  RIP

Among the folks listed is Cynthia Louise Cooper “Cindy” Gandee who died Thursday. Tom, your family is in our prayers. Cindy was always kind to me.  

In other matters, we want to thank the good folks who contributed to the Albemarle Observer’s first “pledge drive”  – THANKS. I’ll write another column about this later – but on behalf of my wife Nicole and I, we say thanks.  

Also, if you want to subscribe – free – either go to our website or send us your email to albemarle.observer@gmail.com and we’ll add you to our growing list of subscribers. I’m not prepared yet to tip our hand as to how well we are doing regarding audience reach, but let’s say it’s exponential – never seen metrics grow that fast. 

Other news – Chowan County Commission Chairman Bob Kirby recently started his term as the new chairman of the Albemarle Commission. Perquimans County Commissioner Tim Corprew is the new vice chairman. 

The Commission has been addressing regional needs since its doors opened in 1970 and has been instrumental in the development and/or enhancement of regional infrastructure; industrial recruitment business development, labor force development, travel and tourism, community reinvestment /rehabilitation, and health and human services, according to the Commission’s website.  

Formerly serving as vice chairman last year, Kirby has been leading the charge for good government not only in Chowan County, but regionally. Also, Kirby is an alumnus of Virginia Military Institute, a top-notch university that continues to produce citizen soldiers to serve our communities and nation.  

Edenton Town Councilman Craig Miller is running for re-election. 

“I truly love this town of ours and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve our community,” he wrote in a letter to the Albemarle Observer. “This is why I am formally announcing my run for a third term as one of your Town Councilmen At-Large. I want to continue to work with members of the Town Council and Town Staff on the many projects and issues before us. This includes working with the Town Manager, Mayor and my fellow Council members to promote greater public awareness of critical Town issues and by encouraging citizen participation in local decision making.”

More about Miller’s candidacy will appear in a future news article.  

Speaking of Town Hall, Congressman Don Davis posted a spotlight about Town Manager Corey Gooden to Facebook.  

Corey Gooden, a resident of Edenton, is a true community leader whose influence extends well beyond his responsibilities as the town manager. He demonstrates leadership and compassion through mentoring young people, coaching youth sports, and organizing community events. His active involvement with his church and support for his neighbors underscore his dedication to building a stronger, more connected community.

When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, Corey quickly sprang into action to help restore essential water and sewer services in Old Fort, NC. Deployed twice with NC Emergency Management and NC WaterWARN, he assisted residents without utilities for over nine days. In every joyful or challenging situation, Corey rises to the occasion with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to others. We proudly highlight his service and efforts to go above and beyond.

Corey – congrats on the recognition.    

One last note as to Town Hall – I may have some good news about the development of a certain high profile property downtown. I double and triple confirm my sourcing before publication in contrast to the stories too numerous to mention from the mainstream media these days — Russia hoax/dirty dossier, Biden laptop, etc. As soon as that tip about the property proves iron tight, I’ll share that wonderful news.

This is not new news — but Roland and Peggy Vaughan are moving to Raleigh. Roland was a longtime Mayor of Edenton and Peggy was the First Lady. They’ve done a lot for the community.

One anecdote about them — when I was editor of the Chowan Herald, I had my kids deliver papers to people who didn’t receive their newspaper in the mail. When they delivered that edition of the Chowan Herald to the Vaughans, Peggy gave the boys some cookies. That’s the kind of community we live in.

In other news, there will be a 4-way stop sign at the four-way on Granville and MLK Avenue starting next week. Because of the snow and winter weather, I haven’t walked on Granville this week so erecting the light may be behind because of the weather, but… the stop sign is ahead.  

Speaking of snow and intersections, I talked to Missie Harrell the other day at the corner of Broad and Water. She has a great coat that’s perfect for winter weather we’ve been experiencing. Anyway, she mentioned that there are meetings once a month or so that would bring folks together and there would be a prayer – community watch of sorts. My memory is hazy, but I remember those meetings were important, so the Albemarle Observer will start covering them. 

During my multi-mile walk this past week – I have a 6-mile route that takes me through town, Hayes Plantation and even along Route 32. Larry Sellers, thanks for offering the ride to save me from the cold, but I have a New Year’s resolution to keep. For anyone new to our community, there are a lot of kind folks like Sellers who live here – that’s not always true in other places.   

Per Joy Harvill, a new book that examines the early history of Edenton has recently been published by the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation.  The book, Edenton’s 1718 House, Mr. Ogilby’s Tavern, explores possible original sites of Edenton’s 1718 house, the oldest known house in North Carolina.  

Based on dendrochronology, it was constructed of timbers cut after the growing season of 1718. The authors theorize that considering the proviso that a 20′ by 15′ structure be built on a granted lot within one year to establish ownership of the lot, that they might be able to limit the number of possible construction sites by eliminating those lots that escheated for not fulfilling that requirement.  Co-author Mike Marshall’s extensive research on Edenton’s first deeds, that he shares with the reader in an appendix, allowed the authors to narrow the search to five lots along East Water Street, which lots they explore in detail.  

In the process, they open a window into life along Edenton’s waterfront during the first years of settlement.  They also discuss the structure itself, some of the changes that were made as the house evolved, and how those changes might relate to known activity on what is believed to have been its original site.  

A limited number of these books is available now at the Museum of the Albemarle’s Museum Gift Shop at 501 South Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC.  To purchase this book, visit in person, call 252-331-4026, or email at info@museumgiftshoponline.com Shipping is available. The book will be available on a future date at the Barker House in Edenton.  

If you visit the Museum of the Albemarle, take the opportunity to view the exhibit “Crafted From Wood”.  This three-year exhibit features period furniture and other artifacts from northeastern NC and the surrounding area.  A catalog of the exhibit is expected to be available in late 2025 or early 2026.

Send tips or news items this way — albemarle.oberserver@gmail.com