Progress The Perquimans Weekly, June 24, 1999 3B 'Perquimans: tfie gem of the SiCSemarte area just waiting to he discovered Cotton was king in the Old South, but tourism is expected to bring in the bacon as Northeastern North Carolina enters the 21st century. In his 1995 book, “Touring the Backroads of North Carolina’s Upper Coast,” Daniel Barefoot stated,” As is evident along much of the tour (of Perquimans County), most of the eleven thousand peo ple who call Perquimans home earn their livelihood from the land. Few counties in North Carolina are more rural and agrarian. Though the county is blessed with three rivers and Albemarle Sound, it has not been able to parlay these resources into tourist revenue. Perquimans rests in relative obscurity, sur rounded by counties that have used their historic pasts to develop tourist industries. However, despite its apparent lack of tourist appeal, Perquimans is an undiscovered gem for coastal visitors who are interested in the history of the Albemarle.” : Those who live in Perquimans County are, for the most part, proud of tfte county’s rich heritage and many are preparing for a: future that will take Perquimans County out of the “relative obscurity” to wliich Barefoot eludes and into a heritage tourism des- thiation in the 21st century. ; There is a base for her itage tourism already established in the county. Entrepreneurs have turned several architectural trea sures into bed and break fast inns, each with a dif ferent look and theme. Ben and Jackie Hobbs have combined their pen chant for historic structure collecting, Ben’s furniture making skills, and a bed and breakfast enterprise which is very unique. The couple, both former teach ers, began collecting and moving historic structures in need of repair to their property years ago. Ben also became very interest ed in handcrafting repro duction furniture. Today, the couple’s restored “village” includes the 1760 Richard Pratt House, the 1837 Bear Swamp House, the 1750 Bennett’s Creek House and the ca. 1710 Flat Branch House. The beautifully restored buildings serve as their home and as Beech Tree, a Bed and Breakfast. In addition, Ben offers fur niture making classes to which students from across the country come. While here, they have the oppor tunity to stay in one of the Beech Tree cottages. Ben’s furniture graces homes across the country. Next to turn an heirloom into a bed and breakfast was Peter and Nancy Rascoe. The Windsor cou ple restored Swampside, a plantation in Nancy’s fami ly, into 1812 on the Perquimans. The spacious center-hall B&B features a second floor porch that overlooks the Perquimans River in the distance. In addition to serving as a place to spend the night, 1812 hosts etiquette parties for children and the front lawn, enclosed by a white picket fence, has been the site of several afternoon wedding receptions and parties. The Eagle and Anchor on JVlarket Street was next to open. Ron Carrier pur chased the home at 215 W. Market Street and, along with his cousin, Sally, oper ate the bed and breakfast, mainly on weekends. Still employed in the Hampton Roads area, Ron plans to retire to Hertford. Jane McMahon was the most recent Perquimans resident to become an innkeeper. After months of restoring a long-empty home at 107 Covent Garden, Jane opened The Covent Garden Inn this spring. With themed rooms and an especially cozy kitchen, the inn features one room with a balcony. In addition, Thomas and Linda Morris have restored the old county home across from the softball fields in Winfall. From its parlor, Linda and Jane McMahon operate the Blue Door Gallery. These are just a few examples of how architec tural treasures which will draw people to the county are being given new life. In addition to this, Perquimans County has some very unique shops. The downtown area has some true treasures, both free-standing and tucked inside Hall of Fame Square. There are also interesting places to browse at Ward Shopping Center. One can find sur prise businesses around many corners and down many rural roads. Add to these gems the Newbold-White House, the state’s oldest standing OFFICES within Municipal Building ►Municipal Building Mayor: John Beers: 426-7805 Town Manager: John Christensen, 426-1969 Collections and Billing : Water, Electric Town Clerk: Cindy Sharber 426-5311 Customer Service :Nancy Chappell DMV License Plate: Judy Bateman 426-1087 Location: 114 West Grubb Street, Hertford Hours: Mon-Fri.; 8:30am-5:00pm • Hertford Police Department Chief: Dale Vanscoy : 426-5587 Location: ' Behind Municipal Building 114 West Grubb Street • Public Works: Water, Sewer, Street, Electric, Yard Waste Director: Parker Newbern - 426-5609 326 West Grubb (Behind Fire Department) • Hertford Volunteer Fire Department Chief: Sid Eley-911 Evening and weekend Emergencies handled by: Perquimans Dispatch 426-5751 brick home, a walking tour in Hertford, a driving tour of the county, friendly peo ple and a variety of eater ies, and Perquimans has what it takes, with some marketing efforts, to become a tourist destina tion. To get the Daily Advance call Teri today! 335-0841 It’s the perfect companion to The Perquimans Weekly • Gift Baskets • Custom Painting • Decor • Soap • Candles YOUR TY BEANIE DEALER ^ The jr^Wishing Well Come See Us! Mary, Donna, Stacey & Bandit! 426-2021 Downtown, Hertford I \ Your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) InteliPort Support Team InteliPort Customers - Who They Are? Well actually, they’re people just like you except they have one thing you don't. InteliPort as their Internet Service Provider (ISP). InteliPort customers are a know-how bunch always looking for a great product or service at a fair price. They expect top notche service for their dollar and we deliver every day. Most of our customers are referrals from current clients. 1998 Small Business of The Year Internet Access * H1.58 per month #J in Customer Service inf o@inteliport. com Seriously Fast Access. V.90/K56flex™ 146 N. Church Street Hertford, NC 27944 426-4600 Prices Siihjeci to Change. ;e Some Have Branches We Have ROOTS » We're now offering t? a nriH ivaa q FOR PURCHASE OR NEW CONSTRUCTION OF HOME (OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY) We have other rates and terms available. Deal with your local people who can help you with your loan. Hertford Savings Bank, SSB Member FDIC 121 N. Church Street (In front of Perquimans County Courthouse) 426-5403 EHUAL HOtfSIW LENDER

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