TownTalk: Around Old Granville – 250th Anniversary of the USA in Old Granville County Part 2

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With the nation’s approaching 250th birthday as a backdrop, WIZS’s Bill Harris and local historian Mark Pace continue their conversation about people, places and events from right here in the four-county area, “Old Granville County.”

Franklin County’s Regiment of Militia was officially formed in January 1779, in the middle of the Revolutionary War. This group of men, along with the Granville County militia, fought the British troops in battles across the Carolinas in the early 1780’s, including the Siege of Charleston, Camden and Charlotte before giving the Brits a fit at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Gen. Charles Cornwallis led his troops to major victories, but they met their match at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Local historian Mark Pace said the British technically won the battle, but suffered such heavy casualties at the hands of the Patriots – led by Gen. Nathaniel Greene – that it was a hollow victory.

Just a year earlier, Cornwallis had spent 16 days in Charlotte trying to suppress the Patriots in that area, Pace said. Most likely members of the local militia were there as well and contributed to Cornwallis’s description of the then-small town as a “hornet’s nest.”

(A couple of hundred years later, the NBA team that called Charlotte home took note of the description and now the Charlotte Hornets play in an arena called The Hive.)

The Granville County militia performed well at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Pace said on Thursday’s Part 2 of Around Old Granville on TownTalk.

The Continental Line, akin to a national Army, of sorts, Pace explained, got much-needed assistance from states’ militias. North Carolina furnished about 4,000 or so men to the militia, each county calling up recruits or volunteers to join the effort.

Why did the states feel the need to call up militias in the first place?

Well, it’s probably not the only reason, but back in the mid-1750’s, the Colonists were being required to pay all kinds of taxes to the British Crown. But they didn’t have anyone in England to speak on their behalf, which was how the phrase “no taxation without representation” came about.

Two big taxes “that irritated Americans to no end,” Pace said, were the Stamp Act and the Sugar Tax. The Stamp Act taxed printed materials, from wills and deeds to newspapers and playing cards. The Sugar Act is self-explanatory, but it became a thorn in the side of Americans because of what was the most popular drink at the time – rum, which is derived from molasses. And molasses is made from sugarcane juice.

The Granville militia, in the mid-1770’s was under the leadership of Micajah Bullock, who is buried near Bullock’s Church located along U.S. Hwy 15 South near Creedmoor and Col. John Taylor of the Williamsboro vicinity.  Another prominent Granville County resident was Thomas Person, who was a general in the militia. At the time, he was the wealthiest person in the county and he opened up his estate for training purposes during the Revolution.

Pace called Person “the heart and soul of the Revolution in this area.”

During previous “Around Old Granville” segments, Pace and Harris have talked about the significance of Williamsboro, once a prospering center of commerce that today is merely a crossroads that people pass through as they travel N.C. Hwy 39.

The community was named for John Williams, Pace said, whose name can be found among a list of Founding Fathers for this nation.

Williams, along with Robert Burton, John Penn and Benjamin Hawkins, all hailed from the Williamsboro area and were elected to the Continental Congress. Penn signed the Declaration of Independence, but Williams signed the Articles of Confederation. He also became speaker of the N.C. House, and was one of the first N.C. Supreme Court judges.

Sadly, Williams’s home, Montpelier, no longer stands. But it was a hub of activity back then, Pace said.

Montpelier was where N.C. Gov. Burke went when it became  clear he needed to evacuate Hillsborough (then the capital) in advance of Cornwallis’s arrival.

Montpelier is also where Leonard Henderson, for whom Henderson is named, is buried.

In fact, Williamsboro had been considered as the state’s capital, but leaders ultimately chose the more centrally located Raleigh.

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Convicted Drug Dealer Gets 21-Year Federal Prison Term In Connection With 2024 Overdose Death In Franklin County

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— from the office of U.S. Attorney Eastern District N.C. Ellis Boyle

A federal judge sentenced Cordell Antonio Mendoza to 21 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl that caused an individual in Franklin County, North Carolina to overdose and die. On February 17, 2026, Inmate Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, and selling of fentanyl resulting in death.

In a press statement issued Thursday, May 7, U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle stated, “Selling poison that you know kills people goes far beyond just run-of-the-mill dealing. The defendant accepted death as the cost of doing business, and went right back to the street to find his next victim after he knew of at least one dead customer. 21 years in federal prison protects the residents of the EDNC for decaes and punishes this murderous scofflaw for his heinous crimes. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”

In October 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) found an individual at his home in Franklin County who died from a drug overdose. FCSO found fentanyl in the victim’s pocket with the label “Try This” and empty fentanyl bindles in the trash can eponymously labeled “Dead on Arrival.” FCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case and determined that Inmate Mendoza sold the victim the deadly fentanyl just over an hour before the victim was found dead. Two days later, Inmate Mendoza spoke on a recorded telephone call describing how one of his customers had died from an overdose from using his product, before immediately pivoting to say he would keep selling drugs. In November 2024, law enforcement searched Inmate Mendoza’s house and found 102 bindles of a fentanyl and heroin mixture.

“This sentence underscores the relentless efforts of federal and local law enforcement to deliver justice when drug trafficking leads to a tragic loss of life,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “The combined dedication of the FCSO, HSI, and the EDNC United States Attorney’s Office demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the community. HSI will continue to pursue and hold accountable those dealers who knowingly distribute deadly fentanyl, recognizing the devastating impact these actions have on families and neighborhoods.”

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has made addressing drug trafficking in our county a priority and this case and the results of it are proof that we can and will hold those individuals accountable for the tragedies they cause when dealing drugs that kill. I am grateful for our investigators and the relationships we have with HSI and the EDNC United States Attorney’s Office to partner together to enhance our efforts.” said Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White.

Boyle made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II.  HSI and the FCSO investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

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The texted above was originally posted May 8, 2026.

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VGCC Schedules 2 Commencement Ceremonies At McGregor Hall May 14, 15 At 7 P.M.

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Vance-Granville Community College spring 2026 commencement exercises will take place at McGregor Hall on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15.

Because of the growing number of graduates, school leaders decided to split the graduation ceremonies. Graduates are assigned a date based on their program of study:

Thursday, May 14:

  • College and Career Readiness Programs
  • School of Business, Applied Technology and Public Safety
  • School of Health Sciences

Friday, May 15:

  • School of Arts and Sciences

McGregor Hall, located at 201 Breckenridge St., is wheelchair accessible and equipped with accessible seating.

Each graduate is guaranteed four guest tickets for their assigned ceremony, which must be claimed in advance. Tickets are scheduled to be electronically distributed to graduates on Wednesday, May 6. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests.

Unclaimed tickets will be released, and graduates will have an opportunity to claim additional tickets.

An important reminder for those who plan to attend either of the graduation ceremonies: Each guest must present a ticket with a unique, scannable QR code to enter McGregor Hall. Guests without a scannable ticket will not be admitted. All attendees aged three (3) and older must have a ticket to enter the ceremony, including current VGCC students who plan to attend as guests. Children under the age of three do not need a ticket if they will sit on a guest’s lap during the ceremony. Graduates do not require a ticket.

Those unable to attend in person may join the event livestream on the official VGCC YouTube channel.

Visit vgcc.edu/student-portal/graduation-information for developing event information.

Statement From Dist. 7 Rep. Winslow On Senate Bill 214, Future Water Needs And Future Negotiations

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Editor’s note: WIZS News received the following press statement Monday afternoon at 4:58 p.m. from the office of Rep. Matthew Winslow. The statement appears below, in its entirety:

Regarding Part V, Section 5 of SB 214 Proposed Conference Committee Substitute, Representative Matthew Winslow (R-Franklin and Vance Counties) shares the following statement:

“Franklin County faces a growing water supply challenge that threatens both residential growth and economic development. Our county has carefully reserved limited allocations for future homes and job-creating projects. Once those reserves are exhausted, the primary alternative is Kerr Lake. However, current arrangements with the City of Henderson have proven difficult.

For nearly 20 years, good-faith negotiations between Franklin County and Henderson have yielded little progress on securing adequate additional water at reasonable rates. Henderson has sought to restrict allocation volumes— requiring repeated future negotiations—and to charge Franklin County citizens rates nearly four times higher than those paid by other users. Passing exorbitant costs directly to our residents would be the easy choice, but it would not serve the long-term interests of our community.

Henderson’s position stems from geography, not ownership. The water in Kerr Lake, which is one of the largest in the state, belongs to the people of North Carolina. Franklin County needs reliable access to support responsible growth, while Henderson requires support for system upgrades. This mutual dependence has created a prolonged standoff and missed opportunity.

SB 214 provides a targeted, common-sense solution. It authorizes Franklin County to draw raw water directly from Kerr Lake and treat it locally. This would eliminate the need to pay inflated rates compared to our neighbors and give Franklin County greater control over its water future. Importantly, the bill is narrowly tailored: it limits these authorities to counties adjacent to the lake, unlike 12 other North Carolina counties that currently have  broader, unrestricted annexation or condemnation powers across the state.

To address concerns circulating in the community:

  • This is not a data center project.
  • It does not authorize Franklin County to condemn or seize Henderson’s existing water treatment plant.
  • The provision is strictly for constructing a direct raw water line from Kerr Lake to a future Franklin County treatment facility. The 10 million gallons per day that Franklin County has requested from the Army Corps by comparison is extremely minor compared to the 10 billion gallons a day that cross over the dam.

As the elected Representative for Franklin and Vance Counties (and previously Nash and Granville Counties as well), I evaluate issues through a regional lens focused on what best serves all our citizens. When Franklin County leaders approached me about this language, I did not take the request lightly and I asked for a meeting to discuss.  They explained this was their last resort after exhausting all other avenues and negotiations. This closed session meeting was attended by all seven Franklin County Commissioners. Prior to this meeting, they had all been informed and updated long before we met, but I wanted the attorney to go through everything one more time so there would be no miscommunications. After the attorney revisited the strategy, I asked each member if they agreed.  They all said yes, then I asked again if anyone was against this and no one spoke up.

I continue to pray for a successful regional solution. A cooperative water system across our communities would equitably share costs, maintain affordable rates, create jobs, and drive economic growth for everyone involved. SB  214 is not intended to replace partnership—it serves as a necessary backstop if negotiations continue to stall.”

Statement On ‘Long-Term Water Statement’ From Franklin County Manager’s Office

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WIZS received the following statement late Friday afternoon from Michelle Kenny, research assistant in the office of Rep. Matthew Winslow, Dist. 7.

It appears below, in its entirety:

Franklin County has been working to secure a long-term water supply for its residents and businesses for more than twenty years. This legislation is one step in a long process, and it is not our first step.

For years, Franklin County pursued every available regional option. We have purchased water from multiple sources, including the City of Henderson through the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, the Town of Louisburg, and the City of Raleigh. Franklin County requested expanded capacity through existing regional arrangements repeatedly and has been unable to secure a long-term solution. Expanding the existing regional infrastructure to meet Franklin County’s projected demand would require a construction investment of more than $78 million, and even that investment would not provide sufficient capacity to meet Franklin County’s long-term needs. Obtaining water from multiple sources at the scale Franklin County requires is simply not cost-effective or sustainable.

The Army Corps of Engineers reallocation process at Kerr Lake is the right path forward. It is a formal, federally managed process which requires strict public notice and meaningful opportunities for input from all affected jurisdictions. The Army Corps of Engineers requires transparency. Franklin County did not bypass any process; we initiated the process that exists specifically to evaluate requests like this one.

On the legislation specifically, this bill gives Franklin County a legal tool it may need to position water infrastructure as the Army Corps process moves forward. The condemnation authority exists as a last resort if good-faith negotiation fails, but negotiation in good faith is absolutely Franklin County’s plan and our preference.

Franklin County’s growth benefits the entire region. The employers, families, and businesses choosing Franklin County create jobs and economic activity that extend well beyond our borders. Securing reliable, affordable water supply is how Franklin County continues to support that growth, for our residents and for the region. Franklin County growth is likely the best opportunity for economic growth for Granville, Vance and Warren Counties.

Franklin County respects its relationships with neighboring counties. Legislative advocacy is a normal part of local government, and the County pursued this through a process that would provide the best opportunity for success. Franklin County recognizes that affected jurisdictions were not notified in advance of this provision but are committed to ongoing dialogue as this process moves forward. The Legislative process and the Army Corps process provide meaningful opportunities for all affected jurisdictions to be heard, and Franklin County welcomes that engagement.

Democratic Party

STATEMENT FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARK SPEED ON SECTION 5 OF THE CONFERENCE REPORT FOR SENATE BILL 214

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— from Vance County Democratic Party Chair Angie Thornton

Franklin County Commissioner Mark Speed said:

I serve on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and I am speaking out today against Section 5 of the conference committee report on Senate Bill 214.

Section 5 would allow Franklin County to acquire property, including through condemnation, in Halifax County, Vance County, and Warren County without the consent or approval of the boards of commissioners in those counties. I cannot support that, even when the authority is being handed to the county I was elected to serve.

Every county in North Carolina is sovereign over the land within its borders. It is the foundation of local government in this state. When the people of Vance County go to the polls and elect a board of commissioners, they are choosing the officials who answer to them for what happens on their land. Those commissioners are accountable to their neighbors at the grocery store, at church, at the ballpark. That accountability is what makes local government work.

Section 5 cuts that accountability out. It could allow officials elected by the people of Franklin County can reach across a county line and take property from a family in Vance County, or Halifax County, or Warren County, and the elected officials of those counties have no seat at the table. The people losing their property would have no one on the condemning board to hold accountable. They could not vote them out. They could not call them. They would have no representation in the decision being made about their own land.

That is not how co-equal local governments operate. That is one county overriding another, with the General Assembly’s permission, and it sets a precedent that every county in this state should be alarmed by. If it can be done to Vance, Halifax, and Warren today, it can be done to any county tomorrow.

G.S. 153A-15 has required the consent of a county’s board of commissioners before another county acquires property within its borders for a reason. It protects citizens. It mandates cooperation. It ensures that when two counties disagree about a project that crosses a boundary, they work it out as equals, through their elected representatives, on the record. Section 5 throws that process out for a shortcut, and the shortcut runs over the rights of citizens in three counties who had no voice in its drafting.

I took an oath to uphold the law and to serve the people of Franklin County. Part of that oath is recognizing that my authority ends where another county’s authority begins. The commissioners of Vance, Halifax, and Warren Counties were elected by their people the same way I was elected by mine. Their judgment about what happens on their soil deserves the same respect as mine does about what happens on Franklin County’s.

I am calling on the conference committee to strike Section 5. I am calling on my fellow commissioners in Franklin County to join me in rejecting a grant of power that should never have been offered. And I am standing with the elected leaders and the citizens of Halifax, Vance, and Warren Counties, because the principle at stake here is bigger than any one project, any one parcel, or any one county.

Local sovereignty is sacred. It is how the people of this state govern themselves. I will not trade it away, even when the trade is being made in my favor.

TownTalk: Around Old Granville – 250th Anniversary of the USA in Old Granville County

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Mark Pace was a teenager when the United States celebrated its 200th birthday in 1776. He remembers watching CBS’s ‘Bicentennial Minute’ productions, mini history lessons that aired in 60-second episodes, featuring celebrities and other famous people talking about snippets of history from 200 years ago.

In fact, Pace credits the whole Bicentennial celebration as one of the main reasons that he first became interested in history. Pace, North Carolina Room Specialist at Thornton Library in Oxford, and WIZS’s Bill Harris talked about some key people and events from that time when the 13 Colonies were subjected to taxes they considered unfair and laws they considered unjust.

Massachusetts has Boston and the Tea Party; it has Lexington and Concord, the site of the first military conflict in the American Revolution. The city claims Paul Revere and John Hancock, too.

But North Carolina has the Halifax Resolves, the Battle of Moores Creek and  the area known now as Old Granville County.

No battles were fought in the area that now encompasses present-day Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties, Pace said, but there were many individuals who became quite well known for their roles in the American Revolution.

John Penn, one of the three signers of the Declaration of Independence, made his home in northern Granville County, near what is now Stovall.

But there were other “movers and shakers,” Pace said, who hailed from Granville County.

Take Thomas Person, for example. He was the largest landowner in the county, with about 80,000 acres, Pace said. “But he was a behind-the-scenes guy,” he added. It was Person, he said, who pushed for Penn to be a delegate to the Continental Congress, the group which ultimately produced the Declaration of Independence.

Person was a key player in the creation of the Halifax Resolves, which was drafted in April 1776 calling for independence from Britain – three months before the iconic Declaration of Independence.

That three-month head start is the reason that North Carolina license plates boast “First in Freedom.”

Truth be told, Pace said, in 1775, North Carolina was sitting the proverbial fence about whether to remain loyal to the Crown or to take up the cause for freedom and a new form of government.

The Battle of Moores Creek, which took place near Wilmington, was one example of that divided allegiance.

“It was a significant battle because it was North Carolinians versus North Carolinians,” Pace said. The battle was short, he said, only lasting about 10 minutes. On the Patriot side, there was only one casualty; but on the other side, more than 100 Tory sympathizers were captured.

That short encounter showed the British that they couldn’t count on having support from that part of the American Colonies.

“It was going to be a little bit tougher than they thought to put down this rebellion,” Pace said.

The sentiment around Granville County back then, however, most definitely came down on the side who backed independence from Britain. Pace said residents were an independent-minded group, and support to break from the Crown rule was strong.

One way they pushed back included renaming a part of Granville County that had splintered off in 1764 to form Bute County. By 1779, the area known as Bute County was split again to be known as present-day Franklin and Warren counties.

See, the Lord of Bute was a tutor of the much-maligned King George III, and Pace said the new counties were renamed “specifically for patriotic reasons, in addition to practicality.”

Franklin County is named for Benjamin Franklin; Warren County gets its name from Dr. Joseph Warren, who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Franklin County lays claim to Richard Fenner, who was born in New Bern but who moved to the area after his military service came to an end. Fenner joined the Second Regiment of the Continental Line of the N.C. militia in 1777 and was a lieutenant when taken as a prisoner of war. He was held in Charleston until the war ended.

He came to Franklin County, studied medicine and was elected to be the first president of the N.C. Medical Society in 1799.

As for Warren County, Pace said perhaps its most famous son was Nathaniel Macon.

He became the fifth Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, made him one of the most powerful North Carolinians in the 1810’s and 1820’s.

Before rising to national political prominence, Macon served in the American Revolution as a teenager – probably when he was 16 or 17.

At that time, Warren County was very influential in state and national politics. At one point, the governor, both U.S. senators and a congressman all were from Warren County and in office.

As a private in the American Revolution, Pace said, Macon no doubt developed at an early age a mindset of individualism – and a dislike of the British Empire.

One person from the area – Philemon Hawkins – had been supportive of the British Crown during the Regulator War, which had taken place in North Carolina just a few years prior to the start of the Revolution.

This Philemon Hawkins (there was an original and then many namesakes, Pace and Harris explained), was Philemon Hawkins II, who lived from 1717-1801.

Hawkins was Gov. Tryon’s aide-de-camp during the Regulator War, but then he shifted his allegiance to back the movement for independence.

He is buried in Warren County.

 

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The Local Skinny! The Many Programs of Triple P

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There are parents who may feel like they have all the answers when it comes to raising their children, but parents who turn to Triple P for strategies and suggestions as they navigate child-rearing may find they have an edge, not to mention an ally.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – offers different modules for parents, and Kimiko Williams, the local coordinator for the nationally recognized program, wants parents to know there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’ve got time on a Saturday morning or after supper on a weeknight, the free, online self-paced modules are accessible whenever parents are available.

There are four different modules, three of which are targeted at certain age groups of children. There’s the basic Triple P 0-12 years module, a Triple P Baby and a Triple P Teen for those 10-16.

A fourth module, Triple P Fearless, deals with issues surrounding children who may be dealing with anxiety issues.

“We’re seeing that a lot of children are developing anxiety around certain situations,
Williams said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

This particular module has suggestions for helping children from 6 years and up cope and overcome anxiety – and the strategies are useful for adults, too, she said.

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and one size does not fit all when it comes to handling the important job of raising healthy, happy children.

Triple P is for not only for parents, but also for caregivers, Williams said. “Anybody who has a direct impact on raising a child, this course is very helpful. We want our children to grow up to be healthy, well rounded productive citizens.”

The modules include fun, interactive videos that touch on a variety of topics, from understanding why your baby is crying – usually he’s either sleepy, hungry or needs changing. But how do you tell the difference, and how do you know that there’s not something else going on?

Even if you’re not a new parent,” Williams said, each child is different and so what worked for Baby #1 may not do the trick with Baby #2.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a fifth-time parent, Triple P can be a much-needed resource, she said. “If nothing else, it will make you feel a little more comfortable as a parent.”

The program for ages 0-12 includes 17 proven strategies that can be used in any combination as parents go about their daily interactions with their children. It’s important to be consistent, however. Don’t try something once and discard it if it doesn’t work right away.

Oftentimes, children will pick up behaviors from the adults in their lives, too. Whatever the family dynamic is, she said, there are tools and strategies that can be effective for creating a positive home environment where children thrive.

As children grow into their teens, when they’re on the cusp of being neither children nor adults, Triple P offers parents a glimpse about what it’s like to be a teen today.

Children are facing different things than their parents did when they were teens, but they’re still trying to figure out how to fit in.

“We can’t parent our teenagers the same way we did when they were in elementary school,” Williams said. Triple P Teen provides support to help parents manage their reactions to teens’ meltdowns, outbursts and other behaviors and help their young people better understand tand manage heir feelings.

Accessing Triple P is a simple process, Williams said. Visit triplep-parenting.com and create an account, provide a few bits of information such as the number of children in the household, their ages and the county you live in, and you’ll be ready to go!

And, Williams said, parents are always welcome to be in touch with her if they have questions or want more information.

Her office is located within the Franklin County Health Department, 107 Industrial Dr. Her phone number is 919.496.2533 extension 2335 and her email is klwilliams@franklincountync.gov.

(The text above and the audio embedded below are part of a paid advertising message.)

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VGCC Drama Presents ‘God Of Carnage,’ Award-Winning Comedy About Parenthood, For 4-Day Run April 9-12

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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

VGCC Drama is back on stage this spring with Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” winner of three 2009 Tony Awards (including Best Play) and the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

This internationally acclaimed comedy takes you deep into the most dangerous place on Earth: parenthood. What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behavior of their children? A calm and rational debate between grown-ups about the need to teach kids how to behave properly, or a hysterical night of name-calling, tantrums, and tears before bedtime? Boys will be boys, but the adults are worse…much worse. “God of Carnage” is a comedy of manners, without the manners.

The student cast includes Annie Walker as Veronica, Jordon Medlin as Michael, Sophie Blair as Annette, and Elijah Moss as Alan. Riley Stone is the stage manager, Isabela De La Joya is assistant stage manager, and Joshua Ramsey serves on the crew. Department Chair Betsy Henderson acts as the play’s director.

The students’ hard work will culminate in four performances:

  • Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m.

All shows will take place in the Small Auditorium on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus  in Henderson. The venue is located on the lower level of Building 2, which is accessible from the campus courtyard.

Following the Thursday night performance, a special talk-back discussion will be moderated by VGCC sociology professor Leslie Hurt. The conversation will explore the play’s central themes, including conflict, civility, and the complexities of human behavior. Hurt will be joined by members of the cast and crew, who will share insights into their creative process, character development, and the challenges of bringing the production to life. This engaging discussion will offer audience members a deeper understanding of the show while creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between performers and the community.

Tickets are on sale now. The cost is $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors/military, and $10 for students and VGCC faculty/staff. Purchase tickets online at www.vgcc.edu/god-of-carnage.

VGCC Drama presents “God of Carnage” by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. Please be advised that this production contains adult and/or offensive language…and vomit.

To learn more about VGCC Drama or Fine Arts at Vance-Granville Community College, contact Betsy Henderson, Department Chair of Fine Arts & Humanities, at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3371.

TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Lost and Forgotten Communities

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People find all kinds of items when they clean out parents’ and grandparents’ attics that can provide insight into bygone times – diaries, vintage clothing and photographs all provide glimpses into the past.

But what about whole communities? Once-vibrant places where folks could go for mail, fabric for new clothes and other provisions?

Communities literally got “on the map” because of post offices, general stores and churches.  But road construction and, more importantly in and around the area known as Old Granville County, railroad construction, are what determined a community’s ultimate rise or decline.

WIZS’s Bill Harris and local historian Mark Pace ran through a list of forgotten and almost-forgotten communities, in Thursday’s Around Old Granville segment of TownTalk. Some of those spots in the road are marked with signs – like Huntsville in Granville County – but places like Monroe in the northeast corner of Warren County live on mostly in historical accounts.

This community, named for President James Monroe, got on the proverbial map when a ferry operator named Robinson offered for sale a hundred or so 1/4 -acre lots in that vicinity. He sold a third of them right quick – for the tidy sum of between $35 and $150, Pace said.

The stagecoach stopped there and numerous notables of their day stopped in for visits. There was U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall, for example, and Vice President Aaron Burr, whose name would become forever remembered for killing his political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

There was only one thing missing from Monroe, however, Pace said.

“The railroad didn’t come through,” Pace said. “And that was the end of Monroe.”

As Monroe, went, so went other small communities that started off in relative prosperity but were doomed because the Raleigh & Gaston didn’t come near.

Take Bunn, for instance, in Franklin County. “Old” Bunn is located a little to the east of present-day Bunn. “When the railroad came through, Bunn moved a mile or so to the east, Pace explained.

And then there’s Lynesville, a precursor to Townsville in Vance County. The railroad moved it a little to the west, drying up Lynesville and giving new life to the unincorporated town that remains today.

And before there was Henderson, there was Chalk Level, which boasted a stagecoach stop, a store and more. It was the mid-1830’s when Lewis Reavis gave land for the right-of-way for the railroad that created a dead end for Chalk Level. The train depot was basically in Reavis’s front yard, Pace said. The advent of the railroad created economic prosperity for what would become Henderson and signal a death knell for Chalk Level.

There are still signs for Tally Ho in Granville County, and there’s a Tally-Ho Road, but when the Stem family gave land for the railroad, Tally Ho died off while the town of Stem gained traction.

Before there was an Oxford, there was a community called Harrisburg, Pace said. Harrisburg played a role during the American Revolution as a gathering point for American supplies.

“As early as 1759 Harrisburg was as large and important as Williamsboro,” Pace said, referring to the once-prominent Vance County community that also fell victim to the placement of the railroad.

In Harrisburg, there was a post office, a dozen or so houses, a community center and the obligatory horse racing track, Pace said. But its exact location wasn’t really clear – until recently. He said thanks to some metal detection work and studied of historical records and deeds, Harrisburg was situated in the general area between the Oxford exits 204 and 206 along I-85.

The community of Letha south of Rocky Ford in Franklin County had a post office from 1890 to 1910. There also was Whitaker’s Mill, as well as a store and perhaps a community cemetery.

“The mill no longer stands,” Harris said, “but you can still see evidence of where the mill was. It’s one of the prettiest areas of Franklin County.”

Most likely it was the mill closing that sent Letha into relative obscurity.

Up in northern Granville County, in the Cornwall community, there was Big Rock. It had a post office from 1885 until the mid-1930’s, Pace said.

When he went off in search of any evidence of the place, Pace said he had to travel several miles through the woods on an ATV.

What did he find? Nothing really was left, he said.

Except, you guessed it – the big rock.

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