n ^ z fH
Celebrating 100 Yeara^Mncf/aiv Education In Robeson f |! 1
Editor's Mist Oar Indian "? *- > * ?
A*P . sance began with passage si 1885 N.C. ^=3. I
/?> DiJ!y*70ar & Lawsj Ch. 51. designating Robeson g-*
IS n?(???/1,2? SI Coanty Indians as "Croafcm " oc _ O
(jp ^VUt o] and providing for an Indian School ) C ?-> f S|
^ System. Road the Carolina Indian Voice ?rT .**
g^SnQj Vj ^tt/r ^a7 PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY weekly as we tell this remarkable story 0 r
nrrkiUv >?/> Lslf w throoghout 1985 In celebration of oar ?_1 ^
^?*7 I \ * CENTENNIAL OF EDUCATION. *
raTHE CAROLINA INDIAN VOK
"BdMigg Ceeenmlcsdve Bridget
PEMBROKE. N.C n AlW-SMtalSenta," ROBESON COUNTY
VOLUME 13 NUMBER 24 23* PER COPY THURSDAY, JUNE 13, IMS
"Strike at the Wind!"
Getting Ready For
'Momentous' 10th Season
CARNELL LOCKLEAR
General Manager
Pembroke-General Manager Carnell
Locklear, who also doubles as the
irrepressible "Boss Strong" in the
outdoor drama, "Strike at the Wind!" l
always begins praying that it won't rain
too much about this time of the year. The
popular outdoor drama that tells the
bitter-sweet saga of Henry Berry Lowrie
and the Lumbee Indians will kick off its i
tenth season this year on July 6 and run I
through September 7. The family- |
orientated show runs each Thursday,
riiuav a..o 5Kaoi7??qpEeeinr*B?3?-'1
p.m.
Locklear considers it a "momentous" I
occasion-the 10th season of a drama that i
was begun as part of America's bi
centennial celebration in 1976. Locklear,
always optimistic where "Strike at the <
Wind" is concerned, says, "We never
know what the weather is going to do but
we are always hopeful that we will have a
season without too many rainouts."
"Strike at the Wind" depends on the
weather and local talent for its success,
and a number of cast members will be
returning for another season. Locklear
exults, "I'm really excited. We have got
a great cast, a lot of the same people that
we had last year...and that makes a
difference." Harvey Godwin returns as
Henry Berry Lowrie and Hope Sheppard
will recreate her role as the head strong
Rhoda Strong Lowrie. They are part of a
65 member ensemble of actors, technici
ans and back stage people who make
"Strike at the Wind!" the unique
success it has been since its beginning 10
years ago.
Back for his second season as director
will be David Oxendine, a native of
Pembroke and a 1982 graduate of
Catawba College. Oxendine has served
previously as assistant director and has
acted in the drama on several occasions.
Oxendine is presently serving as drama
instructor at Lumbee Regional Develop
ment Association's (LRDA) Center for
the Arts in Pembroke.
Oxendine loves drama, and has acted
or directed in four of the last six
productions of the Robeson Little
Theatre. He has also made commercials,
and recently finished up an acting stint
as one of the characters which will be
shown in the Public Television produc
tion of minutes commemorating the
400th Anniversary of the founding of a
colony at Manteo on Croatan Sound.
Oxendine insists on professionalism,
and applauds his mostly amateur cast.
"We are still learning together, and 1
hope my ideas about acting will help
make the production even better this
year than it has been in the past."
Oxendine sincerely believes this will
be the best season of "Strike at the
Wind." He notes, "We have assembled
the best possible cast and crew members
For this season. I believe we have a great
season ahead of us."
Oxendine, who added a hanging scene
last year, is incorporating more action
into the production for this year. "Strike
it the Wind" is a story that needs to be
old, as Oxendine sees it. The drama
points out the "futility of prejudice. It is
a positive saga that will fill the heart with
As always, the drama win be held at
Lakeside Amphitheatre on the grounds
of Riverside Country Club in the Red
Banks area, approximately three miles
west of Pembroke. For more information
call 521-3112.
DAVID OXENDINE
Direaor
LErSSA^^J
THE
PEMBROKE
RAILROAD (
DEPOT!
I\ r i?' wl In
w>. L
PLEASE HELP!
LET'S SAVE
THE PEMBROKE
RAILROAD DEPOT!
Scad C?Mrlbttl?m ?o:
PEMBROKE HISTORIC
PROPERTIES COMMISSION
P.O. Bai 1075
Pwafcnfc*. N.C. 20372
__i
Happy fttffc'a^Day ^Wa
i JUNI16 (
*
... 5
Coffee Break " I
Planned For
Tom Oxendine
Medical
Expenses
Friends and relatives of the late Tom
Oxendine of Pembroke will sponsor a
Coffee Break on Friday, June 21
beginning at 6 p.m. apd lasting until
midnight Saturday. The purpose of the
Coffee Break is to raise funds to pay for
medical and burial expenses incurred
when Tom was beaten severely in
Pembroke recently in an unsolved crime.
Oxendine died later from the wounds.
The Coffee Break will be held at the
Larry Walters Station which is located at
the Highway 74/710 Junction. C. B.
operators wfll be on hand to talk with
travelers and solicit their support for
these expenses.
Coffee and cake will be served for a
The event la being sponsored by die
following C.?.ets; White Tornado. Bee- .
ver Pfeaser, SMngieinan. Iron Maater,
The Bed Tbyota, BeasbeU Lady, and
other friends and members of the
Tha?JUfc urged ^participate
* ?
i, i
Learning From Each Other
Through Volunteer Program
by Connee Bray boy
The concept of volunteers enhancing
the educational process has proven to be
successful. Especially in the Robeson
County School System the program has
proven over and over to be an asset to the
education program.
Directing the Community Schools
Program since its inception is Archie
Oxendine. He is very enthusiastic and
has a magnetic way about him that
makes people feel honored to be a part of
the program.
"There are many aspects of the
volunteer program," said Oxendine.
"As we help one another, we help
ourselves. It is a learning experience."
Oxendine stated that he had grown as an
individual as he learned something new
from each community person he has
recruited. When asked which volunteer
had taught him the most, without
hesitation, Oxendine, replied, "Carla
Earles."
Oxendine commented further to
explain. "At our appreciation dinner,
recently, we honored all our volunteers.
Carla, who is blind, made two statements
which impressed me deeply," he said.
"First she said, 'I came here tonight to
see...' And, secondly, she said, '1 thank
the Lord that I am blind."
These two statements caused Archie
Oxendine to examine himself closely.
"archffe', if had pushed you
here tonight in a wheel chair, could you
honestly say thank the Lord I'm
crippled? Being hon est, he had to admit
he could not. The conclusion of the
matter was that Oxendine found himself
involved in some serious soul-searching.
"Yes," he said. "I've learned the
most from Carla. She has inspired me to
look within myself and become a better
person. She has taught me not to
complain and to do the best that 1 can
with whatever 1 have available."
Carla doesn't consider herself any
different from anyone else. "I am not
handicapped," she said, "I am just not
sighted." Carla is a junior at Pembroke
State University. She is majoring in
Special Education and plans to teach
children with special problems upon
completion of her degree.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Carla is the
daughter of Mrs. Louise Locklear
Ragsdale and the late Bill Earles. She is
the granddaughter of Mr. Joseph
Locklear and the late Margie Locklear of
the Mt. Airy Community.
Carla Earles has been blind si n^vjro
days before her third birthday/victfim
of glaucoma. She attended/^ piablic
schools of Michigan and jt doated from
East Detroit, Michigay?[\h School in
1982. She attended tV/ vjichigan ^tate,/
School for the Blind forF^ .n<^n?%Tt'aIf
where she learned Braille and other
necessary skills for unsighted people.
She is a very positive individual and
does not think of herself as handicapped.
She recalls moving back to Robeson
County for a year in 1978 when she was
in junior high. She remembers some
frustration because the local junior high
school was not equipped to teach a blind
student. She returned to Michigan in
1979 with a determination to return to
Robeson County because she loved the
area. And upon graduation, she returned
to attend PSU and resided for a while
with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs.
Leo Locklear. She has since moved out on
her own and keep* busy with school and
many other activities, including music.
Carla contributed 187 hours of volun
teer service to Pembroke Elementary
School. She assisted Ms. Sandy Leggett
in the EMH class there. She assisted in
teaching the students tegular math and
reading skills. She also tangbt some art
work and whatever else was needed of
her. She volunteered three days a week
while attending PSU and donated her
spring break to volunteer service.
How did she like volunteer workT 'l
loved it, " she said. One of the special
delights for Carla waa teaching Braille to
Ms. Leggett. She enjoys teaching Braille
and says that it is much easier to teach it
^ 1.A A Jk ? S fL am Sin tk* L, 1! _ J
signiea people man ro uic dodg.
During the spprecistiou dinner for
volunteers, Carls was presented a
certificate hi Braille. She waa thrilled,
ebont k. She taaght his. Leggett te write
In Braille and Ms I eggett used hat new
- a .
C ?? j / -^fn'- ?, aPaLf ? . BiaL
knowledge fck prepare curia's certificate
of appreciation.
Carta is one of the rare people we meet
who doesn't discourage easily. She finds
life exciting and enjoys being just what
she is. Being deeply religious. Carta
places her trust in God and has no
bitterness or questions about being
unsighted. At one point in our conversa
tion, Carla stated: "No, 1 don't have any
desire to be sighted. There is too much
ftiat is badatid ugly. If I were sighted, 1
might try something 1 have no business
in."
Carla is a gifted pianist and vocalist.
She attends the Rowland Church of God
where she is very much at home. She
speaks glowingly of the pastor, Mrs.
Margaret Faye Demery. "She is like a
second mother to me," Carla said. "She
is a real blessing to me." Carla utilizes
her talents at the Rowland Church of God
where she enjoys singing with the young
people's choir.
As a small token of his appreciation
Archie Oendinc has recruited community
persons to pay for a summer course at
PSU for carla and to buy the book she
needed. This was a class that her grant
and the Commission for the Blind would
not pay for. Oxendine also recruited
Sandra Woriax to transport Carla to and
from the University each day.
"Carla does so much for other people,
aways willing, always with a smile and a
great deal of enthusiasm," said Oxen
dine. "With those thoughts in mind, one
can't help wanting to do something for
her."
"Our efforts to recurit monies and
Sandra Woriax to transport Carla to
school," Oxendine continued, "was by
po means anx effort to repay her for all
that she has contributed to the Robeson
County School System. It was justa small
token of our esteem and appreciation for
the opportunity to meet and get to know
such a special person."
Carla exudes positive vibrations and
much vitality. Her genuine love of people
is contagious and there is indeed much to
be learned from her unselfishness.
??** WHHM M
Car la Earles
Local School Vohiiiteer
DINNER HONORS MAGNOLIA'S
RETIRING TEACHERS
A dinner honored retiring teachers at
Magnolia School May 31, 1985. Retirees
honored were Adeline Maynor, Curency
Locklear and Hazel McPhatter.
The program consisted of the welcome
by Noah Woods, principal of Magnolia
School, invocation by Rev. Jerry Lowry;
dinner was enjoyed. Shellena Locklear
rendered a song and remarks were made
by Noah Woods, principa^and Ruth Dial
Woods and Donald A. Bonner, Assist.
Supetintendents of Robeson County
School System. Douglas Hunt offered the
closing prayer.
ADELINE MAYNOR
She is the daughter of the late Ralph
Lowry and Katie Deese Lowry. She is
from a family of 17 children. She married
James Warford Maynor and has two
children, Kayron Kate and Granual, and
one grandchild, Desmond.
Ms. Maynor attended the Pembroke
Schools, graduated from Pembroke State
University in 1954, attended the
University of Tennessee for a Degree in
Business and the University of North
Carolina in Chapel.
Ms. Maynor came to Magnolia in the
sail of 1954 while Frank Epps was
principal. She worked at Magnolia for 30
years, one month and one week. Her
principals have been Frank Epps, Robert
Hunt, John Mark Brooks and Noah
Woods. She owns and operates A and A
Insurance and Real Estate in Pembroke.
CURENCY LOCKLEAR ~
Mr. Locklear is the son of the late
Junie and Catherine Ann Locklear. He is
the father of three sons and two
daughters, Peggy Jean Thomas, Bobby
Dean Locklear, Ralph Locklear, Dexter
Dwight Locklear and Lillie Annette
Locklear.
Mr. Locklear spent two and one half
years in military service, from November
1943 to February 1946. He served
inEngland, France, Belgium and Ger
many.
Mr. Locklear attended Prospect School
and graduated from Pembroke State
College with a B.S. degree in Elementary
education.
He has served with the following
principals and schools: Mr. Otis BurneOe
at Sampson County (1954-55); Mr.
Adolph Dial, Prospect School (1955-56);
Rev. Percelle Locklear, Sampson County
(1958-59).
Her served Mangolia School from 1959
to 1985 under Mr. Frank Epps, Mr.
Robert Hunt, Mr. John M. Brooks, and
Noah Woods.
Mr. Locklear is a member of Branch
Street United Methodist Church where
he has served as Church Superintendent
for three years and as chairman of the
administrative board. He is a member of
the West Lumberton Kiwanis Club and
the Pembroke VFW.
HAZEL McPHATTER
Ms. McPhatter is the daughter of
Nettie Huggins and the late Dan
Huggins. She is married to Harold
McPhatter and has four daughters,
Glenda Layel, Sue Nealy, Kay Little,
Mary C. Huggins, and one son, William
McPhatter. She has two grandchildren,
Deryl Little and Jason Huggins.
Ms. McPhatter graduated from Orrum
High School and attended one semester
at Pembroke State University.
Mrs. McPhatter was a teachers aide at
Magnolia School for nine years. She
worked with Mr. John Mark Brooks and
f1t*h*Woeds.~*S? ???ad/wig-* - -'
years in the junior high department
with Mrs. Barbara Thompson and one
year with Mrs. Vanessa Jones in second
grade.
She is a member of Chestnut Street
United Methodist Church and is a
volunteer for home delivered meals for*
senior citizens.
Following an evening of fellowship,
the retirees received plaques of appreci
ation and a set of luggage from the
school.
Shown left to right ami Adeline
' Maynor, Careacy Loddear, aad Hazel
McPhatter who wen honored recently
*? v
upon (Mr iiilhiiiMt Cm "-g?
SchooJ. [FImIo ft text by &m W. Hal]
T.J. LOCK LEAR FUND UPDATE
On behalf of T.J. Locklear and family,
the Head Start staff of LRDA would like
to thank the many kind and caring donors
listed below. Thank each of you for
making this fund raising a great success
and ensuring T.J. a better future.
If others would like to contribute to
this fund, please make checks payable to
the T.J. Locklear Fund, P.O. Box 68,
Pembroke, NC 28372. . ,,
Lumbee Regional Development
Association Inc. Board of Directors:
...
Adoiph L. Dial! Mary L. Locklear; Paul
Bracks; D.W. Lowery; Ralph Hunt;
Orover Oaendine; A. Bruce Jonas; Henry
W. Oxendine; Emma L. Locklear;
Roderick G. Locklear; James E. Thomas;
Grady Hunt; GMs Hunt; Harold Deese;
Earl H. Oxendine; James Sampson, Jr.;
Roy Lacy Cammlage.
LRDA Projects; Tribal Earufeneat;
School of the Arts- Adult Education;
Administration. Pood Co-op, Jobs Trai
aiag and Partnership Act; Indian
Education; Alt A; Talent Search and Day
ii
Care.
Robeson Furnitur^ Company Inc.. I
Fairmont; Webster's Pharmacy, Fair
mont; Lillian H. Webster, Fairmont;
Fairmont Drug Company Inc.; Mur-Les
Beauty Salon, Fairmont; Hugh aad
Loretta Lock 1 ear, Baltimore, Md.; Mr.
and Mrs. Heary L. Lock I ear. Lumber
Bridge; Lewis Brady Builders Supply
inc., Fairmont; Luyso Plumbing and
Electric Co., Fairmont; Eastway Christ
ian Church. Charlotte; Aanie M. Charts,
Wakulla; Richard Clothier, Charlotte;
Herman L. Oxen dine, Pembroke; Back
Swamp Full Gospel Holiness Church;
Bayside Freewill Baptist Church; Junior
Taylor, Fairmont; Floyd Ante Parts. Inc.
W.B. Webster, Fairmont; Josephine S.
Locklear, Fairmont; Frank Evans, Fiar
mont, Ben Jacobs, Pembroke; Derek
Locklear, Lumber Bridge; Tahon Lock*
tear, St. Pauls; Shory Locklear, Rennert;
Mr. Allen, Pembroke; James and Mary
Eddy. Mt. Gilead; Loraa Clothier.
^1, ar| t ,. it- J | ,
UlUWW, vWOiyil nOQge, LBinOul,
Mto^Braston. Darlington, SC; Ethel
i
C.G.'s Busy Bee. Pembroke; James R.
Chavis, Pembroke: Benson Chaoel: AH
Thumbs Garden Club, Lumbecton;
Lowery's Country Store, Pembroke;
Joyce Antooe, Lumberton; Fetts Deal
and Family; Bethel Hill Youn? People;'
The Stars from Rowland; Mr. OUve
Pentecostal HoRness Church; Oenastf
Motors Employees, Detroit, Mica.;
Bobby Williami * family, Detroit; Peal's
Place, Dillon, SC; Belinda Harriet
Terry's Superett; Fabric Cera Center;
Theresa L. WUkins, Charlotte; Falnaoot
Dept. Store.
Diaee D. Chaws, Pembroke; Ul|
Wm Earl Aatone, Lumber** W?. A. A
Helen VUe; Linda W. Goidstoa; Pleaaav
View Tonne The "iiaisllwM
Gospel Slaters; Res Reancrt I
Lnmbf rimi+ Msv* ftiiiB BltM Mi
uxsufir; Tilton And Betty uxxwir, Ml
iv ?; mm
i. * . *' in