The Henderson cotton mill strike of 1958 began as a relatively peaceful protest when workers and company leaders couldn’t agree about how to settle disagreements – for years, both sides had agreed to use arbitration as a way to settle disputes about a variety of grievances, said local historian Mark Pace.
And, Pace said, it seemed to work out that, over those years, about half the judgments were found in favor of the workers, and half in favor of the company.
The strike made headlines across the country and beyond, Pace noted in Thursday’s Around Old Granville segment of TownTalk with WIZS’s Bill Harris. And in February 1959, after months of being shut down, the mill management decided to take action.
“The Coopers put out a call for strike breakers,” Pace said. “they wanted to run one shift and crank up production.” The inventory of yarns and cotton that had been stockpiled was running low, and so the mill needed to be running again.
“Until that point, the strike had been relatively peaceful,” Pace said. But when strikebreakers were brought in, that’s when things turned violent.
There were at least 16 cases of bombings between February and May 1959. Warehouses were bombed, homes were bombed, windows shot out. About 150 people were arrested, but Pace said local law enforcement was stretched beyond its limits.
The mills in North Henderson and South Henderson both were outside the city limits, so it was up to the sheriff’s office to keep things calm near the mills as best they could.
Gov. Luther Hodges, himself once a textile mill vice president, Pace explained, called the State Highway Patrol into action to help keep the peace in Henderson. Eventually, however, the National Guard got involved.
A man making a cotton delivery to one of the mills was attacked by a mob of protesters,prompting a judge to rule that a maximum of eight strikers could be at the mill gate at any one time.
“At this point the textile workers were desperate,” Pace said. “They had tried going on strike, but that had not worked.” Although the union gave them stipends, it wasn’t enough.
And the longer the strike lasted, the less money the union had available.
In May 1961, there was a call to end the strike.
By then, however, the mills were back to running three full shifts – this time with non-union workers. Pace said 90 percent of the people who went on strike never went back to work at the cotton mills.
Harriet-Henderson was Vance County’s largest employer from 1895 to 2003 and had a footprint of close to half a million square feet at the height of its success.
The strike was significant, “not just for Henderson but for the South,” Pace said. The textile workers’ strike in Henderson was the last major attempt by unions to build effective unions in the southern United States in the textile industry, which was the largest industry in the South at that time, he said.
“By and large, they failed,” he said.
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Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Start Early
/by WIZS StaffJamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
We talk about when raising your children, and being there for your child can make all the difference in your child’s life.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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The Local Skinny! ‘Shaping The Future’ Recap With Jayden Watkins
/by WIZS StaffLocal minister, author, nonprofit CEO and youth leader Jayden Watkins woke up last Saturday at 4:30 a.m. to drive to the Raleigh area to pick up a generator that was rented for the festival he had organized, set to start at later that morning at 10 a.m.
Watkins, a senior at Henderson Collegiate, had organized the event, titled “Shaping the Future: A Community Empowerment Extravaganza” that included a bookbag giveaway, health screening and talent show.
Watkins arrived at the location to pick up generator, only to be told that he was too young to pick it up. Company policy apparently states that renters must be 18 or over. Watkins just turned 17.
Undeterred, Watkins said he carried on with his day, preparing for the event – sans generator.
“It was an amazing day,” he told WIZS’s Scout Hughes Thursday on The Local Skinny! “I’m grateful that everything came together so beautifully.”
The 500 bookbags were given out before the event ended, but Watkins said he’d follow up with more bookbags for those who didn’t get one on Saturday.
He estimated that about 800 people were in attendance, noting the diversity among participants. “How powerful we are if we come together,” he said.
Watkins embraces the “glass half full” philosophy and finds the good in everything.
“I still am passionate about the work God calls me to do,” he said.
The youth who took the stage beginning at noon did a great job, and there were plenty of local vendors on hand for people to shop with.
“Everyone was having fun. It was hot, but we were having fun!” he said.
As he begins his final year of high school, Watkins said no matter where he ends up in college, he’ll always support Henderson and work to make it better.
“I discovered my purpose in Henderson. I see the potential in Henderson…there are so many amazing people in Henderson, but they just need that little push to shape the future and live on purpose,” he said.
Follow Jayden Watkins on social media platforms or visit his website at www.jaydenwatkins.com to learn about ways to volunteer with or donate to his nonprofit Higher is Waiting.
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Franklin County Reports 10th Animal Rabies Case
/by Laura Gabel– information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III
Franklin County recorded its 10th confirmed animal rabies case of the year on Wednesday.
Franklin County Animal Services staff continue to work to make sure infected animals and any animals that may have had contact with an infected animal are managed safely. Staff have been working to distribute printed materials in areas surrounding positive cases and working closely with the Franklin County Health Department to make sure rules for quarantining and isolation of animals are being closely followed.
“We’ve already doubled the number of confirmed rabies cases in Franklin County this year, more than all of 2024, and this season is not even close to being over,” said Franklin County Health Director Scott LaVigne.
Six of the ten cases involved skunks — which has been consistent with previous years; however, this year’s cases have also included two raccoons, one fox and a bat.
If you have come into contact with an infected animal and believe that you have been exposed, seek immediate medical attention.
“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal in humans once you show symptoms of infection, so we strictly follow the guidelines,” LaVigne said. “Today, a series of 4-5 shots is sufficient to prevent rabies in people.”
Additionally, the best way to protect your pets is to make sure they are up to date with their rabies vaccine.
“In nearly every rabies case this year, where domestic animals were exposed, some pets had never had a rabies shot,” Interim Animal Services Manager Jerry Jones said. “That’s a conversation no one wants to have with a family.”
If you observe an animal showing rabies symptoms, please call 911 to contact Animal Services immediately. Keep a safe distance from the animal, but monitor where the animal is until an Animal Services Officer arrives.
Below is helpful information to minimize your pet’s exposure to rabies:
All dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination. If your pet is not currently vaccinated or is due for a vaccine, please contact your veterinarian or attend the vaccine event on August 23, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Animal Shelter at 351 T Kemp Road, Louisburg, N.C. 27549. The cost for a rabies vaccine is $15.
If you own livestock or pets of other species, please contact your veterinarian for rabies vaccination information and prevention.
You may see healthy wildlife roaming during daylight hours. This does not necessarily mean they have rabies. For more information about rabies visit:
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/rabies/control.html
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html
TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Henderson Cotton Mill Strike Pt.2
/by Bill HarrisThe Henderson cotton mill strike of 1958 began as a relatively peaceful protest when workers and company leaders couldn’t agree about how to settle disagreements – for years, both sides had agreed to use arbitration as a way to settle disputes about a variety of grievances, said local historian Mark Pace.
And, Pace said, it seemed to work out that, over those years, about half the judgments were found in favor of the workers, and half in favor of the company.
The strike made headlines across the country and beyond, Pace noted in Thursday’s Around Old Granville segment of TownTalk with WIZS’s Bill Harris. And in February 1959, after months of being shut down, the mill management decided to take action.
“The Coopers put out a call for strike breakers,” Pace said. “they wanted to run one shift and crank up production.” The inventory of yarns and cotton that had been stockpiled was running low, and so the mill needed to be running again.
“Until that point, the strike had been relatively peaceful,” Pace said. But when strikebreakers were brought in, that’s when things turned violent.
There were at least 16 cases of bombings between February and May 1959. Warehouses were bombed, homes were bombed, windows shot out. About 150 people were arrested, but Pace said local law enforcement was stretched beyond its limits.
The mills in North Henderson and South Henderson both were outside the city limits, so it was up to the sheriff’s office to keep things calm near the mills as best they could.
Gov. Luther Hodges, himself once a textile mill vice president, Pace explained, called the State Highway Patrol into action to help keep the peace in Henderson. Eventually, however, the National Guard got involved.
A man making a cotton delivery to one of the mills was attacked by a mob of protesters,prompting a judge to rule that a maximum of eight strikers could be at the mill gate at any one time.
“At this point the textile workers were desperate,” Pace said. “They had tried going on strike, but that had not worked.” Although the union gave them stipends, it wasn’t enough.
And the longer the strike lasted, the less money the union had available.
In May 1961, there was a call to end the strike.
By then, however, the mills were back to running three full shifts – this time with non-union workers. Pace said 90 percent of the people who went on strike never went back to work at the cotton mills.
Harriet-Henderson was Vance County’s largest employer from 1895 to 2003 and had a footprint of close to half a million square feet at the height of its success.
The strike was significant, “not just for Henderson but for the South,” Pace said. The textile workers’ strike in Henderson was the last major attempt by unions to build effective unions in the southern United States in the textile industry, which was the largest industry in the South at that time, he said.
“By and large, they failed,” he said.
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N.C. State Fair Offers Online Discount Ticket Purchase Before Gates Open On Oct. 16
/by WIZS StaffIf you’re planning a trip to the N.C. State Fair when the gates open in a couple of months, you’ll save a few bucks by purchasing discount advance tickets online now through Oct. 16.
Tickets can also be purchased daily at the Dorton Arena kiosk beginning Oct. 3 and walk-up tickets will be available at Gate 9 for the fair’s 10-day run,
Find all the latest information at 2025 N.C. State Fair.
“The fair is a great place to make cherished memories with your family and friends,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “These prices are the best ticket offers you’ll see this fair season, so be sure to buy your advance tickets today.”
The advanced ticket prices are as follows:
Adults (ages 13-64) are $10, youth (ages 6-12) and senior adult tickets are $5 and children 5 and under are free. Group tickets are also available for groups of 40 people or more with prices at $8 for adults and $4 for youth.
Advance tickets for ride ticket cards, ride wristbands, the State Fair Flyer and the State Fair SkyGazer are available through Oct. 16. These purchases do not include admission to the fair. The prices are $11 for 18 ride tickets, $31 per unlimited ride wristband, $6 one-way or $9 round-trip for the State Fair Flyer, and $6 for the State Fair SkyGazer.
It is important to note that each ride wristband will be valid for one day only during the duration of the fair. Ride ticket cards and wristbands are not valid for the State Fair Flyer or the State Fair SkyGazer.
Additionally, the State Fair offers online-only, special-themed ticket packages, including two new packages:
This year the prices the consumer sees when they access the online purchase website will reflect an all-in price, which is the price with taxes and fees included. For more information on tickets, check out the “Important Information for Carnival Ticketing” section under the “Buy Tickets Now” tab on the State Fair website.
SportsTalk: Minor League Update and Schools in our Area
/by Scout HughesScout Hughes and George Hoyle give an update on Minor League Baseball going on in North Carolina. The guys also touch on a few athletic events for high schools in our area as the fall sports season is underway.
Friday MiLB Scores:
Saturday MiLB Scores:
Sunday MiLB Scores:
Tuesday MiLB Scores:
Wednesday MiLB Games:
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The Local Skinny! Henderson Downtown Status Upgraded to a Full-Fledged Community Program
/by WIZS StaffDowntown Development Coordinator Tracy Madigan brought news to the Henderson City Council Monday that the city’s Main Street status has officially been upgraded from an affiliate program to a full-fledged community program.
Madigan explained that administration of the Main Street program is one of the major roles of the position she holds, and she will be meeting with the newly established Downtown Advisory Board to develop a plan for training and coming up with a meeting schedule going forward.
Having its own board was one of the criteria the Main Street program had to satisfy, and last year, the city approved moving ahead with that plan. Madigan said, however, that the new board would continue to work in partnership with the Downtown Development Corporation for continued success in the future.
“I see a lot of potential with our downtown,” Madigan said. Whether through beautification projects or other initiatives, she said she hopes others will see past the boarded-up windows across the 20-plus square block area to what the downtown can become.
One goal of the advisory board, in addition to supporting economic development, is for the downtown to be “the cultural, dining and entertainment hub for Vance County and surrounding counties by attracting investors and businesses to downtown Henderson,” Madigan said.
The official downtown area is made up of Garnett, William and Chestnut streets from Andrews Avenue to Spring Street – it’s basically a big rectangle. A really big rectangle.
In fact, Madigan said it’s one of the larger footprints of cities and towns that participate in the Main Street program.
There are 233 commercial spaces within the area, with 29 vacant buildings and upwards of 1.9 million square feet of commercial space. Madigan keeps a downtown building inventory that she hopes to have available on the city’s website in the near future.
She acknowledges that this is a “fluid” document, with information changing as buildings are bought and sold, occupied and vacated.
Madigan said she attended the recent N.C. Main Street directors’ conference and expects to get guidance from that group, as well as the N.C. Department of Commerce as the program moves forward.
The DDC has the downtown domain for web addresses, so Madigan said the Main Street program information and the Downtown Development will have a presence within the City of Henderson website. Stay up to date on current information at https://henderson.nc.gov/
The hope is to develop a vacant building policy, Madigan said, and indicated that she and city staff are discussing and reviewing existing policies in other municipalities as the local policy is developed.
With regard to the city initiative of affordable housing, Madigan said there are 72 apartment units located within the footprint of the downtown area – 30+ at the former Senior Center property at the corner of Garnett and Breckenridge streets and others at the former Maria Parham Hospital on Chestnut Street.
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TownTalk: Business Spotlight – Ballet Arts
/by WIZS StaffSince 1991, Ballet Arts has provided instruction to thousands of young people to learn about different genres of dance and experience the beauty of an art form that teaches life lessons in addition to dance moves.
In Wednesday’s Business Spotlight, Phil LaKernick said registration is now underway for the upcoming season of dance, which includes everything from traditional ballet and pointe to tap, hiphop, floor gymnastics and more.
Ballet Arts more or less follows the school year, offering in excess of 100 classes each week to children as young as 2 1/2, LaKernick said.
“Right now is crunch time,” LaKernick said, referring to registration in advance of a Sept. 2 start date.
Find details about class schedules, pricing and more at https://www.balletartsnc.com/.
LaKernick said that students learn so much more than just dance steps when they take classes – they also learn about dedication, precision, friendship and the responsibility of being part of a team.
Another component of Ballet Arts involves competitions – The Ballet Arts “All Stars” Company is a group of dancers between the ages of 7 and 18 who audition for a spot in the coveted group.
In more than 30 years of offering dance classes, LaKernick said Ballet Arts now has children and grandchildren of those original students back in the early 1990’s.
“It’s really good, because the people that have come to us have stuck with us,” he said.
“I wish more people would come out and do it,” he added. “It’s a learning experience…the dedication and camaraderie that is part of the whole package.”
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 08-13-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
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