TownTalk: New Corbitt Book – ‘Tar Heel Treasures’

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A new book is out that captures, in words and photographs, some of the most admired and loved products ever to be made in Henderson – the Corbitt truck.

Tar Heel Treasures: Richard J. Corbitt and the Corbitt Motor Co. is available for purchase now, and Corbitt truck enthusiast Kenneth Stegall said the book is the result of several years’ work by its author, Richard Gabrick.

Stegall is archivist, treasurer and webmaster for the Corbitt Preservation Association. He was a guest on Monday’s TownTalk and had nothing but praise for the book, which contains several hundred photographs of the buggies, automobiles and trucks that rolled off the production lines at the factory just off Dabney Drive. He called it “the most complete edition that you’ll be able to get your hands on” about the different types of vehicles that rolled off the production lines in Henderson for more than 50 years.

“It’s amazing to have it in your hand after about 5 or 6 years of preparing for it,” Stegall said. His role was to send photographs and to make sure the photos were properly credited, he said.

“We’re proud now that it’s done,” he said, adding that the author also is pleased with the result.

At one time, Corbitt was the largest truck builder in the South, and cranked out those behemoth workhorses used in World War II.

But when the war ended, so did the government contract. And $12 million was a lot of money to leave on the table in the 1940’s. That, along with the fact that other truck manufacturers were moving to diesel engines, stalled the meteoric ascent that Corbitt had enjoyed during its heyday.

“When the war ended, we were still in the gas truck business,” Stegall explained. “Nobody really wanted a gas truck any more…we just couldn’t get the diesel engines that others were able to get.” And with nobody left in the Corbitt family to carry on the brand, the choices were slim: either shut it down or try to sell, he said.

The company halted production in 1955, and only one other truck was completed – using leftover parts – and was titled in 1960. That vehicle is still in existence, Stegall said.

The factory that began producing horse-drawn carriages in 1899 also went on to produce a variety of vehicles that include trucks, horseless buggies, automobiles and tractors.

“Between 1899 and 1917, we were building buggies, cars AND trucks in Henderson,” Stegall said.

A self-proclaimed Corbitt enthusiast since the age of 13, Stegall said he’s learned a lot as he contributed to the book project. “We continue to learn so much,” he added. The internet has helped others who live far away from the Corbitt “epicenter” of Henderson and it’s helped immensely to gather more information about vehicles that still exist – some tractors are still being used in Brazil, he said.

And Stegall has a hunch that the company produced more automobiles than what is known about. “I think 100 automobiles is a rally low number,” he said.

He’d love to get his hands on production documents, but none have surfaced so far. Stegall remains optimistic, however.

Take the fairly recent attic discovery of a trove of photographs headed for the trash. The photos were rescued and donated to the Corbitt Preservation Association, and more than a few ended up in Gabrick’s book – with proper credit.

“It’s amazing that people kept them and I’m so glad that they did,” he said.

“I look forward every day to find that picture that I’ve never seen.”

To request a copy of Tar Heel Treasures, call Stegall at 252.432.6476 or email him at gjammer35@aol.com. The book costs $42.95.

If you need it shipped, the total price is $48.33. Visit https://corbitttrucks.com/bulletin-board/ to learn more.

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Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Project Roll On

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The staff at Rebuilding Hope, Inc. has announced that its application office will be closed from Wednesday through Friday of this week so the driveway and parking lot can be repaved.

This is a project that has been needed for some time, according to Randolph Wilson. The nonprofit organization’s Project Roll On fundraiser has been going on for several months now, culminating in the paving project that will take place later this week.

Visit www.rebuildinghopeinc.org to learn about the programs and services offered at the 414 Raleigh Rd. location or to make an online donation.

SportsTalk: Kerr-Vance State Champion Volleyball; Vance County vs. Carrboro Friday Night Football

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Congratulations to Kerr-Vance Academy on winning the 1A Volleyball State Championship this past weekend.

FINAL SCORE 

Kerr-Vance 3 

Lee Christian 1

Also, Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue recap the weekend that was in high school football by recapping the Vance County vs. Carrboro football game last Friday Night.

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The Local Skinny! Friday Night Live – “November Noel Edition” Nov. 1

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Usher in November with a trip to downtown Henderson Friday evening to join in the fun of Friday Night Live’s “November Noel Edition.”

Things get underway Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. and Tracy Mosley, executive director of Helping All People Excel, said the evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

But in those three hours, folks will be able to enjoy food trucks and other vendors to kick off the holiday shopping season. Jim Quick and Coastline is the headliner band, performing favorite Carolina beach music to the stage on Breckenridge Street, and Mosley said “It’s sure to be a night to remember.”

The Vance County Arts Council will host a kids’ craft station onsite, ensuring fun for all ages. Mosley reminds those planning to attend to bring your lawn chairs – and your dancin’ shoes!

Food vendors include Not ‘Cho Waffle, Bun on the Run and The Jones BBQ. A beer bar also will be on site. Bring cash for purchases.

Other vendors participating include

  • Door Charms & Things
  • Kings and Queens Enterprises Inc.
  • Triple Rustic Boutique
  • Crafty Currins

Mosley encourages everyone to bring blankets to donate that will be sent to the western part of the state to help those affected by the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene.

“We look forward to an evening of live music, great food and holiday shopping as we kick off the season in style. Let’s celebrate downtown Henderson and support those impacted by the storm,” Mosley said.

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Vance Early College Gets Ninth A In A Row, In Top 5 Percent Of N.C. Schools

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— Press release courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Vance County Early College gets an A – for the 9th year in a row – and is ranked among the top 5 percent of public schools across the state for the 2023-24 school year.

More than 80 percent of VCEC graduates enroll in a four-year college or university after graduating high school, a figure that highlights the way the school prepares its students for higher education and future success, according to a press statement from Vance County Schools Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved—our students who strive for excellence, our teachers and staff who inspire and support them, and our parents who play an essential role in their education,” said Principal Debbie Hite.

Hite said she appreciates the support from the school district and said the school’s culture for success is a collective effort. “It truly takes all of us! From our instructional coaches and child nutrition staff to the dedicated members of the superintendent’s cabinet and our transportation team, every individual plays a crucial role in supporting our students and enriching their educational experiences. I would also like to commend the leadership of our superintendent, whose vision and commitment to academic excellence have been instrumental in guiding our district toward success.”

Of Vance-Granville Community College, VCEC’s educational partner, Hite said, “We want to extend our gratitude to Vance-Granville Community College. Their support and resources have been essential in enhancing our students’ learning experiences and paving the way for their future success.”

VCEC offers an innovative educational model in partnership with VGCC. The school is located on VGCC’s main campus, giving students a unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree simultaneously. This blend of high school and college courses equips students with a head start on their higher education journey and helps them develop the skills and knowledge to excel in college and beyond.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett praised Hite and the school’s commitment to teaching and learning. “The collaborative approach to teaching and learning, a focus on personalized learning pathways, and the commitment to an environment where students and staff are supported, challenged, and constantly learning and evolving is truly a model for success,” Bennett stated.

‘Shop With A Cop And Friends’ Envelope Raffle Fundraiser Underway

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Tickets are available now to participate in the annual “Shop with a Cop and Friends” envelope raffle, and if you’re new to the process, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson explained how it works.

There are 180 tickets for sale, and each ticket number is the price you pay for the ticket. That part’s easy to understand – but there’s an extra layer that creates a little buzz and excitement for those who purchase tickets.

The ticket number, Wilkerson said, will determine one of four drawings and the chance to win some cash. Contributors that purchase tickets for $1 through $40 will be entered to win $200. Those that get tickets $41 through $80 will be entered to win $1,000, and ticketholders of the $121 through $180 tickets will have a shot at the grand prize of $2,000.

But that’s not all!

Everyone who purchases a ticket for $100 or more will also receive a ticket to attend the “Shop with a Cop Celebratory Reception” that will be held at the Henderson Country Club on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Additional tickets will also be sold for $20 each. Appetizers, tea and lemonade will be available and there will be a cash bar.  Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and Sheriff Curtis Brame will lead the celebration, drawing the winners for the cash prizes, selling 50/50 tickets (an additional fundraising effort) and announcing the total amount of the fundraising The proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward a Christmas shopping spree at the Henderson Walmart that pairs local law enforcement officers and other public safety personnel with disadvantaged youth for a special holiday experience.

The goal is to be able to give at least $7,000 for the shopping spree, Wilkerson said. The fundraiser also supports other member programs during the year.

The Local Skinny! Positive Parenting Program

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Parents everywhere can probably remember a time or two when their children created a stressful situation – maybe it was a tantrum on the toy aisle or the nightly shriek of “NO!” at the mention of bedtime or bathtime.

What’s a parent to do?

Kimiko Williams is the coordinator of Postive Parenting Program – Triple P, for short – for Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties and she said it’s a program worth checking out.

The program helps parents reduce stress. “Parenting can be very, very stressful,” Williams said, whether you’re a new parent or a parent with vast experience.

“You want to enjoy raising your children,” she said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

But stressing out over bad behavior and power struggles does not bring much pleasure, she said.

Triple P is an evidence-based program that helps parents identify their strengths and then come up with strategies that build on those strengths – it’s not a one-size-fits-all program. And there’s no cost involved.

“Every parent has strengths to bring to the table,” Williams said.

“Children feed off of what we are giving out,” she continued, adding that the more tools and strategies in a parent’s tool belt can serve to lessen those power struggles and lower incidents of misbehavior.

Confident parenting skills create more confident, self-sufficient children.

“It’s all in how you interact with the child,” she said. Fussing and yelling detracts from the bonding that takes place between a parent and child.

“We all need help when it comes to parenting,” Williams said. Finding strategies that promote kindness in the way parents interact with their children helps reduce stress levels of the adult and of the child.

Call Williams at 919.496.2533 (ext. 2335) to learn more about Triple P and to find a practitioner near you.

 

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