photos
Town Tuesday: The Colonial Inn
1867
Image Credit: Rootsweb
The structure known today as the Colonial Inn was built on Lot 15 in 1838 as a hotel and was locally called Spencer’s Tavern […] but, was advertised as the Orange Hotel (a name which lasted into the 1880s). The structure was built for Isaac (Isaiah) Spencer (from Hyde County) who had purchased the property in late 1837. In 1841, Richardson Nichols purchased the property from Spencer and expanded the main structure. In 1856, Nichols sold the structure to the “Hillsborough Improvement Company” which consisted of Alfred, Henry and Cave Stroud.
Stroud family history has it that Henry’s wife (Sarah) saved the Inn from looting by Union troops by displaying her husband’s Masonic apron. Upon seeing the apron, a sympathetic Union officer, [whom] was a fellow Mason, protected the site from destruction.
1870
Image Credit: Rootsweb
William F. Strayhorn may have purchased or, at least, managed the business beginning in 1868 and, the property was purchased by local businessmen Henry N. Brown and Charles M. Latimer (who was also the county treasurer) in 1870. Brown and Latimer apparently lost the property through bankruptcy in 1872, with Strayhorn managing or operating the hotel until at least then. Perhaps related is that Strayhorn had been living in Twin Chimneys across the street from the hotel but, lost it due to financial problems in January 1869. [It] was purchased by David C. Parks in December 1872. In 1885, Parks sold the property to neighboring property owner Emily Pogue, who sold it back to Parks in 1888. [At] this time, it became known as the Occoneechee Hotel.
1890s
Image Credit: Rootsweb
In 1908, Thomas A. Corbin purchased the property and renamed the complex the Corbinton Inn. In 1921, W. L. Foushee […] purchased the property from a H. L. Akers and by 1924, renamed the hotel the Colonial Inn. In 1946, Paul Henderson purchased the property from Foushee […].
1915
Image Credit: Open Orange
During Henderson’s ownership, a “fine-dining” restaurant was added within the hotel structure. In December 1952, Charles and Ann Crawford purchased the property and business and, expanded the structure. They operated the business successfully until they, in turn, sold it to James and Maxine Freeland in 1969. The Freelands also expanded the structure and, continued the hotel and restaurant business at the location.
1960s
Photo Credit: Open Orange
It fell into disrepair for many years. When I moved to this town in 2011, it looked bad.
The good news is, new owners are re-building. ~Vic
Additional Information:
The Colonial Inn Hillsborough (Facebook)
Old Town Cemetery (Hillsborough Government Site PDF)
Colonial Inn (Open Orange)
The Colonial Inn 1838-1969 (Rootsweb)
The Colonial Inn: It’s History & Significance (World Now PDF)
Foto Friday: Virus Humor
We have a few comedians in town. I can appreciate. These are cute and clever. That being said, I am getting tired of the TV telling me to social distance, stay at home and wash my hands. I heard you the first fifty times. Enough already. All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
The homeowners are known for wiring things
to the railing.
04-15-2020
is short for jackass. He is well known
around town. The green critter on his
back is a Disney character, I guess.
04-16-2020
Shutterbug Sunday: Person County History Museum 2.0
Continuing yesterday’s post…
All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
Woodsdale, NC
Notice the cat bed on the porch to the left
and kitty on the steps.
03-19-2020
for passing traffic or planes flying overhead.
Shutterbug Saturday: Person County History Museum
I intended to start posting these pictures yesterday but, I was just too busy. And, I’m nearly out of time for today but, more will be posted tomorrow.
We did not tour the museum as everything seems to be closed and everyone is virus-risk averse. The grounds were open, so we just enjoyed the outdoors. I hope we can return and tour the old home.
All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
was converted into a history museum.
03-19-2020
Surrounded by military veteran bricks.
Shutterbug Sunday: Buddy 2.0
Buddy came to me (and an ex) as a little thing. He had been born under a home 75 miles east and his mother had to leave him behind. The guy living there heard the crying mews and went to investigate. He found tiny Buddy in an upright cinder block, pulled him out and realized he was a newborn with his eyes still closed. He sought help from a veterinarian and began to feed him. Fast forward five weeks and the guy contacts my ex. “You want a kitten? I can’t handle him, anymore.” He shows up with this gi-normous litter box with a cover, that little Buddy could barely jump in and out of, a box of various toys and a gallon container of kitten food. The guy lived alone and traveled a lot so, he felt Buddy would be better off with us. I had lost my very first cat six months prior so, Buddy’s arrival was cause for celebration. He was my baby for nine years. (1997-2006). All photos are my personal collection. ~Vic
See also: Love Your Pet Day and Buddy
09-06-2004
09-06-2004
05-17-2005
I had no choice.
09-13-2004
This was his last Christmas.
12-18-2005.
Shutterbug Saturday: Sky Gazing 3.0
More submissions of the beauty of our sun and sky. All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
10-20-2017
04-15-2019
09-12-2019
09-12-2019
Shutterbug Saturday: Rogue Artistes 5.0
It’s been nearly a year since I made my first post on our local artwork. Here are parts two, three and four. I’ve gathered up some more, below. All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
06-23-2019
What the critter is, I don’t know.
07-25-2019
Howie?
Wowie?
10-04-2019
10-10-2019
Captured well after Halloween.
It appears to be prints of a one-legged man?
There’s a foot print and a dot.
What do you think?
11-26-2019
With a “V”?
This one was hard to get.
02-22-2020
Shutterbug Sunday: Snow Pix 2.0
Part two of the Snow Pix from yesterday. ~Vic
Her daughter wanted to dress as Elsa
Shutterbug Saturday: Snow Pix
We’ve had cold temps here and plenty of rain but, the two haven’t combined to give us any frozen precipitation. Don’t me wrong. I’m not complaining. I like a good snow storm, here and there but, I don’t like the mess. That being said, since we haven’t had any of the white stuff, I submit…for your approval…some pix I harvested from a FakeBook group back in 2018, when we had two snow bombs. I posted my own photos on December 9, 2018 and added some of my stuff to the same group. These are really good and photographer credit is listed. I will post the rest, tomorrow. ~Vic
Snow Moon 2020
I did a Snow Moon post last year on February 18. I covered all the unique names and the history. I won’t repeat the information here.
100% illumination occurred at 02:33am EST. Howl for me!
All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
Shutterbug Sunday: Alamance Battleground 2.0
Two months ago, on December 7, 2019, I visited Alamance Battleground with my buddy Ray. I posted the first batch of pictures on December 8, intending to post the rest on December 14. For obvious reasons, that didn’t happen so, here are the rest.
All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
Originally located at Guilford Courthouse Military Park
Moved in 1962, “on indefinite loan.”
It is claimed that the battle was the first of the Revolutionary War.
It was actually the last battle of the War of Regulation,
which lead to the Revolutionary War.
James Hunter
General of the Regulators
North Carolina Timeline
1774 North Carolina Provincial Congress
The Mecklenburg Declaration 1775
Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge 1776
North Carolina is the first to call for independence
with the Halifax Resolves 1776
Six were executed.
“Our blood will be as good seed in good ground,
that will soon produce one hundred fold.”
James Pugh June 19, 1771
Dates reflect the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (disputed but,
possibly Mecklenburg Resolves) and
the Halifax Resolves.
Shutterbug Saturday: Wildlife 2.0
More of our local cutie pies. All photos are my personal collection © ~Vic
07-03-2019
Thanksgiving 2019
As I type this, I am nearly comatose from the tryptophan overload. I’m glad I went for a walk before I ate as I would never have been able to get off the couch. I didn’t prepare a full size turkey as there was only three of us eating. I slow cooked a turkey breast in my crock pot. I did have the usual mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and my lumpy mushroom gravy. With a small gathering, no traditional dressing but, stove top stuffing instead. I’ve struggled for years to make non-lumpy gravy. It just ain’t happening. *sigh*
Many well wishes and, safe travels to family and friends. The weather is a mess in many parts of the US. *yawn* ~Vic
the crescent moon as well.
Just below it, hard to see, is Venus.
It’s a truly slim crescent but, my phone always blurs Moon.
Shutterbug Saturday: Sky Gazing 2.0
Beauty when you look up. All photos are my personal collection © ~Vic
06-22-2018
06-27-2019
10-17-2019
The phone couldn’t capture the deep pinks.
11-12-2019
Foto Friday: Halloween Local 3.0
I was planning to do a Flick Friday for 1954. No such luck. In fact, sticking with Friday and sticking with 1954, there are no releases until well into December. *sigh* So, you gets pix! All photos are my personal collection. ~Vic
Part I/Part II/Old Halloween Stuff
Taken: 10-27-2018
Taken: 10-28-2018
Lovely home built in 1936.
Can you see the barbie doll and the two baby spiders?
Taken: 10-30-2018
Shutterbug Saturday: Halloween Local 2.0
More local images. Part I was last year. All pictures are my personal collection. ~Vic
11-03-2015
10-23-2016
11-05-2017
11-05-2017
10-28-2018
10-28-2018
10-28-2018
10-28-2018
10-28-2018
10-28-2018
FOTD: Yarrow
October blooms in the Gold Park butterfly garden. ~Vic
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Shutterbug Sunday: Red Oak Brew Haus & Bier Garten 2.0
I’ve never done a Shutterbug Sunday before but, it might come in handy in the future. Saturday posting was impossible with all of the reunion festivities. All photos are my personal collection. ~Vic
Foto Friday: Red Oak Brew Haus & Bier Garten
This is my 35th reunion weekend and, a few of my high school compatriots and I gathered at a local brewery & bier garten this evening. Red Oak Brewery is a central NC favorite and is America’s largest Lager Only craft brewery. Construction is ongoing and tours of the brewery are given all the time. They don’t serve food but, a food truck is always handy and you can bring in your own food. Beer is by the pint or half pint and wine is by the half bottle or full bottle. The owner is also the artist of the sculptures. All photos are my personal collection. ~Vic
Robert Frost
More to come…
Shutterbug Saturday: Old Halloween Stuff
It’s finally October, home month of jack-o-lanterns, ghosties, ghoulies, witches (the cartoon type), bats, spiders, skeletons, and the like, for the upcoming Halloween. I love wandering around to get shots of local decorations, much like Christmas. This post, however, covers some of my old stuff…stuff collected over the years (remember email forwards?)…stuff I didn’t take, myself, plus…a really cute video from 2005. I have no idea who took these. ~Vic
Image file reflects 12-05-2000
Image file reflects 09-30-2001
Image file reflects 10-31-2001
Image file reflects 10-19-2002
Image file reflects 08-26-2007
Image file reflects 10-12-2008
Foto Friday: Sky Gazing
Flick Friday is a bust. No releases for today. So, it’s another installment of Foto Friday. Submitted for your approval…my walk this evening. ~Vic
See Sunsets Local as well.
at Gold Park
Autumnal Equinox 2019
Now that I have gotten the Billboard nonsense off of my chest, today is the first day of Autumn. The Equinox of 2018 fell on September 22. I wasn’t out and about, today so, no pix but, I do have some from last year.
09-23-2018
The Equinox for our area occurred at 3:50am EDT. ~Vic
Shutterbug Saturday: Training
My paternal grandfather was a firefighter, my brother-in-law is and my dad nearly was. I grew up going with my grandmother to my hometown’s fire department HQ, bringing lunch for my grandfather. When he retired, he worked dispatch.
As a Drivers License Examiner, I got to give road tests in firetrucks.
I was lucky to catch this. I was walking home from the local market. ~Vic
Training The Next Generation
Shutterbug Saturday: Wildlife
The deer in this town are so used to not being hunted, they will come out in broad daylight, eat, play and stare at you. Some are almost tame and you can get rather close to them. They’re cute but, they will mess up a garden if it is not properly secured. I learned the hard way not to plant tulips and I discovered that they like green/white Hosta but, not the green/yellow. They will not touch Narcissus. ~Vic
04-30-2019
05-22-2019
05-22-2019
The fuzziness makes it look like a painting.
05-22-2019
Harvest Moon 2019
I did a Harvest Moon post last year and, once again, I can’t get any pix of tonight’s moon. We have an incredible low ceiling and I haven’t seen the sun all day. On a positive note, a low ceiling makes sound travel farther and I can hear the local high school football game from three miles away. The last time there was a full moon on Friday the 13th, it was January of 2006 and it wasn’t here. Technically, my area won’t be full illumination until 12:33am EDT but, the rest of the country, westward…Jason might turn into a werewolf.
I DO have some shots from September 15, 2016, tho, taken with my, then, Samsung S5.
From Moon Giant:
September’s Full Moon was called the Full Corn Moon or Harvest Moon by the early North American Farmers. The term “Harvest Moon” refers to the Full Moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox. The Full Moon closest to this Equinox rises about 20 minutes later each night as apposed to the rest of the year when the moon rises around 50 minutes later each night. In the northern hemisphere, the Full Harvest Moon rises very soon after sunset, providing plenty of bright light for farmers harvesting their summer crops. September’s full moon is so well-known for its luminosity and brilliance that certain Native American tribes even named it the Big Moon. The Full Harvest Moon holds major cultural significance in many different communities, who spend this full moon not just celebrating the fall harvest but, also, the moon itself.
The most widely known tradition associated with the Full Harvest Moon is the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated by Chinese communities all around the world. It is also known as the Mooncake Festival. On the full moon night of the eighth lunar month, people gather with friends and family to admire the brilliant full moon while eating mooncakes and drinking tea. Mooncakes are a rich pastry traditionally filled with sweet bean paste, or lotus seed paste, and sometimes, even include salted egg yolks. The sweet osmanthus flower also blooms during this time and, is often used in teas and the reunion wine drunk when visiting with family. It is a common tradition to celebrate by carrying brightly colored lanterns. [You] can often enjoy the beautiful sight of lanterns hanging in front of buildings or in parks, or sky lanterns floating towards the full moon.
The Japanese celebrate this full moon with the Tsukimi tradition (which literally means moon-viewing in Japanese), where people prepare offerings to the moon and eat round tsukimi dango, or rice dumplings. In Korea, this full moon is celebrated as Chuseok, which is one of Korea’s most major holidays, similar to Thanksgiving. People travel back to their hometowns for reunions with their family and tend to their ancestors’ graves. Traditional activities include exchanging gifts, playing folk games, drinking rice wine, and eating songpyeon, which is a rice cake shaped like a half-moon.
[The] Full Harvest Moon is called the Nut Moon by the Cherokee tribes, who gather all sorts of nuts to make nut bread, which is eaten during harvest festivals such as the Ripe Corn Festival. During this moon, Native American tribes pay respects to Mother Earth for her generosity in providing food for her children, including corn and other staple foods. Chinese communities, on the other hand, spend the Mid-Autumn Festival worshipping the Moon Goddess, Chang’e.
Just as I was creating this post, our clouds cleared. I got a couple of different shots as I was experimenting with my phone’s camera settings.
Howl for me! ~Vic
